Canon G7 X Mark II vs Sony RX100 III

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2016 and May 2014. Both the G7X Mark II and the RX100 III are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an one-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20 megapixels.

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

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon G7 X Mark II		Sony RX100 III
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8		24-70mm f/1.8-2.8
20 MP, 1" Sensor		20 MP, 1" Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12800 (125-25600)		ISO 100-12800 (80-25600)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1229k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
265 shots per battery charge		320 shots per battery charge
106 x 61 x 42 mm, 319 g		102 x 58 x 41 mm, 290 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 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 G7 X Mark II and the Sony RX100 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 dimensions 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 RX100 III is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Canon G7 X Mark II. Moreover, the RX100 III is markedly lighter (9 percent) than the G7X Mark II. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G7X Mark II nor the RX100 III are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G7X Mark II gets 265 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the RX100 III can take 320 images on a single charge of its NP-BX1 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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 G7 X Mark II»	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Sony RX100 III«	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	290 g	320	n	May 2014	799		Sony RX100 III
	Canon G7 X Mark III« »	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749		Canon G7 X Mark III
	Canon M100« »	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499		Canon M100
	Canon SX730« »	110 mm	64 mm	40 mm	300 g	250	n	Apr 2017	399		Canon SX730
	Canon SX420« »	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299		Canon SX420
	Canon SX720« »	110 mm	64 mm	36 mm	270 g	250	n	Feb 2016	379		Canon SX720
	Canon G5 X« »	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M3« »	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Canon SX410« »	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	185	n	Feb 2015	279		Canon SX410
	Canon SX710« »	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	230	n	Jan 2015	349		Canon SX710
	Canon G7 X« »	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899		Panasonic FZ1000
	Sony RX100 IV« »	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX100 II« »	102 mm	58 mm	38 mm	281 g	350	n	Jun 2013	749		Sony RX100 II
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G7X Mark II was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the RX100 III, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an one-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the G7X Mark II and the RX100 III have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the G7X Mark II is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 9 months) than the RX100 III, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the RX100 III has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G7X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G7 X Mark II, the Sony RX100 III, and comparable cameras.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G7X Mark II has a touchscreen, while the RX100 III has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Canon G7 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 G7X Mark II and the RX100 III have zoom lenses built in. The G7X Mark II has a 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 optic and the RX100 III offers a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 (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 less tele-photo reach at the long end. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

The G7X Mark II writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the RX100 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 G7 X Mark II and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the G7X Mark II and the RX100 III have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The RX100 III was replaced by the Sony RX100 IV, while the G7X Mark II was followed by the Canon G7 X Mark III. 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 how do things add up? Is the Canon G7 X Mark II better than the Sony RX100 III or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II:

• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 9 months after the RX100 III).

Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III:

• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (320 versus 265) out of a single battery charge.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in May 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (5 points each). 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 G7 X Mark II and the Sony RX100 III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G7X Mark II or the RX100 III. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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 G7 X Mark II	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699		Canon G7 X Mark II
	Sony RX100 III	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799		Sony RX100 III
	Canon G7 X Mark III	+ +	81/100	4/5	..	..	Jul 2019	749		Canon G7 X Mark III
	Canon M100	+	..	4/5	..	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499		Canon M100
	Canon SX730	+	..	4/5	..	4/5	Apr 2017	399		Canon SX730
	Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299		Canon SX420
	Canon SX720	+	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Feb 2016	379		Canon SX720
	Canon G5 X	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799		Canon G5 X
	Canon M3	o	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679		Canon M3
	Canon SX410	o	..	..	..	..	Feb 2015	279		Canon SX410
	Canon SX710	+	..	4/5	..	3.5/5	Jan 2015	349		Canon SX710
	Canon G7 X	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699		Canon G7 X
	Panasonic FZ1000	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899		Panasonic FZ1000
	Sony RX100 IV	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX100 II	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	749		Sony RX100 II
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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 use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Canon G7 X Mark II vs Sony RX100 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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