Canon G1 X Mark II vs Sony RX10 III

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2014 and March 2016. Both the G1X Mark II and the RX10 III are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an 1.5-inch (G1X Mark II) and an one-inch (RX10 III) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 13 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 20 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon G1 X Mark II		Sony RX10 III
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-120mm f/2.0-3.9		24-600mm f/2.4-4.0
13 MP, 1.5" Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12800		ISO 100-12800 (64-25600)
Viewfinder optional		Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1229k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.2 shutter flaps per second		14 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
240 shots per battery charge		420 shots per battery charge
116 x 74 x 66 mm, 553 g		133 x 94 x 127 mm, 1051 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X Mark II and the Sony RX10 III is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony RX10 III is considerably larger (46 percent) than the Canon G1 X Mark II. Moreover, the RX10 III is substantially heavier (90 percent) than the G1X Mark II. It is noteworthy in this context that the RX10 III is splash and dust-proof, while the G1X Mark II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

Concerning battery life, the G1X Mark II gets 240 shots out of its NB-12L battery, while the RX10 III can take 420 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the RX10 III can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark II»	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799		Canon G1 X Mark II
	Sony RX10 III«	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.0 in	37.1 oz	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
	Canon T6i« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	749		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	19.9 oz	440	n	Feb 2015	649		Canon T6s
	Canon XC10« »	4.9 in	4.0 in	4.8 in	36.7 oz	..	n	Apr 2015	2,499		Canon XC10
	Canon SX60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	4.5 in	22.9 oz	340	n	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549		Canon G16
	Canon S120« »	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.1 in	7.7 oz	230	n	Aug 2013	449		Canon S120
	Canon G1 X« »	4.6 in	3.2 in	2.6 in	18.8 oz	250	n	Jan 2012	799		Canon G1 X
	Canon T1i« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.3 oz	400	n	Mar 2009	799		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	2.4 in	18.5 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	799		Canon XSi
	Panasonic LX100« »	4.5 in	2.6 in	2.2 in	13.9 oz	300	n	Sep 2014	899		Panasonic LX100
	Sony RX10 IV« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.7 in	38.6 oz	400	Y	Sep 2017	1,699		Sony RX10 IV
	Sony RX0« »	2.3 in	1.6 in	1.2 in	3.9 oz	240	Y	Aug 2017	699		Sony RX0
	Sony RX100 V« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	220	n	Oct 2016	999		Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX10 II« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	4.0 in	28.7 oz	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299		Sony RX10 II
	Sony RX10« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	4.0 in	28.7 oz	420	Y	Oct 2013	1,299		Sony RX10
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G1X Mark II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 47 percent) than the RX10 III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G1 X Mark II features an 1.5-inch sensor and the Sony RX10 III an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the RX10 III is 56 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.85 and 2.7. The sensor in the G1X Mark II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the RX10 III offers a 3:2 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the RX10 III offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 13 MP of the G1X Mark II. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 4.49μm for the G1X Mark II). However, it should be noted that the RX10 III is much more recent (by 2 years and 1 month) than the G1X Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Sony RX10 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the RX10 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inch or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inch or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inch or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G1 X Mark II are 20.8 x 15.6 inch or 52.8 x 39.6 cm for good quality, 16.6 x 12.5 inch or 42.3 x 31.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.9 x 10.4 inch or 35.2 x 26.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the RX10 III offers substantially better image quality than the G1X Mark II (overall score 12 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 1.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the RX10 III provides a better video resolution than the G1X Mark II. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX10 III has an electronic viewfinder (2359k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G1X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G1X Mark II can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G1 X Mark II and Sony RX10 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G1X Mark II has a touchscreen, while the RX10 III has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the RX10 III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon G1 X Mark II has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the G1X Mark II and the RX10 III have zoom lenses built in. The G1X Mark II has a 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9 optic and the RX10 III offers a 24-600mm f/2.4-4.0 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon and Sony provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Sony has more tele-photo reach at the long end. The G1X Mark II offers the faster maximum aperture.

The G1X Mark II writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX10 III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the RX10 III has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The G1X Mark II does not feature such a mic input.

Both the G1X Mark II and the RX10 III are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The G1X Mark II replaced the earlier Canon G1 X, while the RX10 III followed on from the Sony RX10 II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon G1 X Mark II better than the Sony RX10 III or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II:

• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.4).
• More compact: Is smaller (116x74mm vs 133x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 498g or 47 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (47 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 13MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.8 EV of extra DR).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 5.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (420 versus 240) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the G1X Mark II launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the RX10 III is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G1 X Mark II and the Sony RX10 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G1X Mark II or the RX10 III. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark II	+	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799		Canon G1 X Mark II
	Sony RX10 III	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
	Canon T6i	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749		Canon T6i
	Canon T6s	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649		Canon T6s
	Canon XC10	..	80/100	..	..	..	Apr 2015	2,499		Canon XC10
	Canon SX60	+ +	75/100	4/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549		Canon SX60
	Canon G16	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549		Canon G16
	Canon S120	+ +	..	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449		Canon S120
	Canon G1 X	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799		Canon G1 X
	Canon T1i	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799		Canon T1i
	Canon XSi	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799		Canon XSi
	Panasonic LX100	+ +	85/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2014	899		Panasonic LX100
	Sony RX10 IV	+	84/100	4.5/5	..	5/5	Sep 2017	1,699		Sony RX10 IV
	Sony RX0	..	..	3.5/5	..	4/5	Aug 2017	699		Sony RX0
	Sony RX100 V	+ +	83/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	999		Sony RX100 V
	Sony RX10 II	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299		Sony RX10 II
	Sony RX10	+	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,299		Sony RX10
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Canon G1 X Mark II vs Sony RX10 III

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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