Canon G7X Review For Underwater Photography

Lets take a look at the Canon G7X Review, the latest flavor on the menu for underwater photographers. I have to admit, i was skeptical about this camera after the disappointing G1X however let's relax our preconceptions, The G7X is a totally different experience! It's being nearly 3 years since Sony produced the RX-100 series which took the scene by storm, particularly for underwater photography. One question we kept getting asked during the Canon G7X Review, was how it is standing up in reply to the RX-100 III as a potential alternative for underwater photographers. Let's take a look...

For starts, the Canon G7X has a 1-inch sensor, which the Sony RX-100 II & III as have, its also about the same size of those camera also. Comparing to the last Canon we reviewed, the G16, Its smaller 20% lighter. It feels good to use and hold and it features the easy to operate as with all the Canon menu systems which we are particular fond of already, kudos!

Lets Talk Underwater Specs For The Canon G7X

20 Megapixel sensor
24-100mm F1.8-2.8 lens (very bright!)
Full manual controls, shoots in RAW
Aperture range F1.8 – F11
ISO Range ISO 125 – 12,800

Flash power can be set to TTL or manual power level
2 inch min. focal distance at wide focal lengths
Weight with battery, 304 grams
Dimensions 103 x 60 x 40 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.57 inches)
Battery life is CIDA rated 210 shots, 310 shots in “eco” mode

Comparing The Canon G7X For Underwater Photography

To the Canon G16, the G7X offers a just as good macro capability yet in addition offers a larger sensor, more megapixels (20 vs 12), and TTL capability with strobes in manual mode, which was definitely missed by many G-series users. The G7X offers slightly faster shot to shot times when using the flash to trigger the strobes, although i have to mention the general recycle time using the flash felt slow at times. This said, compared to the Sony RX-100 III, it's still slightly faster and for me has better macro capability – while producing the same high-quality images. DxoMark sensor tests give the RX-100 III score or 67, 22.4, 12.3evs, 495 ISO. whereas the Canon G7X scored 71, with color, DR, and low light coming in at 23bits, 12.7evs, and 556 ISO respectively. slightly higher than the RX-100 III score

Canon G7x Review For Underwater Photography - Compare

Canon G7X Macro Capability

The capability for macro in the G7X is almost as good as the Canon G-series cameras, and noticeably better than the Sony RX-100 III, without a macro lens as we shot.
MACRO – with no macro lens, showing the smallest width of a photo, the camera can take. A smaller distance is better. Canon G7x – 1.5 inches (you are getting very close to the subject)

Canon G16 – 1.5 inches (you are getting very close to the subject)

Sony RX-100 III – 3.5 inches

DxoMark sensor tests give the RX-100 III score or 67, 22.4, 12.3evs, 495 ISO. whereas the Canon G7X scored 71, with color, DR, and low light coming in at 23bits, 12.7evs, and 556 ISO respectively. slightly higher than the RX-100 III score

Canon G7x Review For Underwater Photography - Macro

How Did the Canon G7X Review Rate Auto Focus Speed?

IN both macro and low light settings we test shot the G7x auto focus speed. We can report its quite good for a compact camera, at least as good as the Sony RX-100 III, maybe even slightly better. Clickers upgrading from a G-series or S-series Canon compact will definitely notice a difference.

Low Light Performance Canon G7X Review

As I've found to be the case with a lot of Canons in the past, the low light performance was great, in this particular case I would say better than a regular compact and on par with many mirror less cameras. without a doubt a very important factor with underwater photography, check out the pictures at various depths and you’ll see its maintaining it performance well under various ISO and light conditions.

Canon G7X Underwater Housings

This wouldn't be a Canon G7X Review without a look at the Canon WP-DC54 underwater housing that's protects your G7X digital camera from sea water and sand allowing you to get though great underwater clicks! The Canon underwater housing is the most cost-efficient option. It has large easy to use and see buttons and allows for full camera operation underwater, even with diving gloves, it is rated to be waterproof to 40m Depth and you can use your camera’s internal flash for lighting purposes (pop up button on housing) Or, use the internal flash to trigger a external strobe like those made by INON, Sea&Sea or Ikelite. Besides The Canon Housing you will find Ikelite and Recsea out now with Nauticam and Fantasea expected soon. The Recsea CW, Fantasea and Ikelite housings are less expensive, polycarbonate housings, while the Recsea aluminum & Nauticam housings are more expensive, finely crafted aluminum underwater housings with precise controls.

Canon G7x Review For Underwater Photography - Housing

THe G7X Review Round up

To conclude our Canon G7x Review, we will say its is a popular choice for photographers who are fans of the Canon compacts G-series or S-series, but are looking for a little better image quality & focus speed, while maintaining a very small setup underwater. Great white balance and intuitive easy menu and hot keys. Its main “cons” are a shorter battery life than its competitors although to be honest we didn’t find this to be a bad battery life at all, slightly slow recycle speed on the flash and the lack of ability to use a fisheye lens.
The Canon G7X review confirms it will excel in macro, fish and ambient light shots, while also being able to take decent wide-angle underwater photos. Overall, we highly recommend you take a serious look at this newcomer in the underwater photography arena