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Best Underwater Compact – Canon G7X VS Sony RX100 III
Best Underwater Compact – Canon G7X VS Sony RX100 III
We are all lucky enough to live and dive in an era, where we have so many amazing cameras to choose from for documenting our underwater adventures! This year, two outstanding compact cameras were released, both providing unprecedented value and quality for the average underwater photographer. The Sony RX100 III and it’s arch-nemesis, the Canon G7X.
Just to set things straight and end the war before it started – both are fantastic and capable of producing superb quality in an ultra compact size!
But still, when you go shopping, you have to pick one… So lets go over some of the similarities and differences to help you decide.
The Sony RX100 III, released June 2014, is the oldest brother of a very respectable family, the RX100 I and II before it have been a great hit both underwater and above and quite innovative in the high-end compact class.
The Canon G7X, released Oct 2014, is the new kid on the block, released as a clear rival for the RX100 III, matching most of it’s capabilities and features and adding some of its own.
First of all, the cold specs:
| Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III | Canon Powershot G7X | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | 20 megapixels | 20 megapixels |
| Screen Resolution (Dots) | 1,229K | 1,040k dots |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
| Weight | 10.7 oz (304 g) | 10.1 oz (287 g) |
| ISO | 80-25600 | 125-12800 |
| Focal Length / Aperture | 24-70 mm F1.8-F2.8 | 24-100 mm F1.8-F2.8 |
| Optical Zoom | x2.9 | x4.2 |
| Internal Flash | TTL in All Modes, No Manual Flash Level | TTL in Auto/P/S/A Modes, Manual in M |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec | 1/2000 sec |
| Macro Focus Range | 5 cm (1.97″) | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (120 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps) |
| Dimensions | 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 in. (102 x 58 x 41 mm) |
4.1 x 2.4 x 1.6 in. (103 x 60 x 40 mm) |
| Cool Topside Feature | Pop up EVF | Touch Screen |
As you can see, the RX100 III has the advantage of a better screen and 120fps video while still maintaining HD video.
The G7X has a better focal range, while still keeping the lens bright with a fast aperture.
Pop up EVF or Touch Screen are a matter of preference above water, and both are nice-to-have, but completely irrelevant underwater.
Bottom line, specs are quite similar, but you can generally say that the G7x will be better for macro shots (along with a wet lens) and the RX100 III would be better for videographers.
Moving on to…
Performance
Judging from our test, the image quality is quite similar. Not surprising since the sensor is almost identical. Both cameras produce a sharp, crisp image with great details and colors.
The RX100 III does perform better for Hi ISO, preserving more details and resulting in a cleaner shot, mainly thanks to Sony’s algorithms inside the processor.
As for video, just as we predicted, the RX100 III is a winner here with better detail, precise and consistent WB and better Auto Focus.
Sony RX100 III Sample Video:
Canon G7X Sample Video:
Update June 2015 – Underwater Tests and Samples
We got a chance to take both cameras underwater with Fantasea housings and a complete set of accessories.
Before we proceed to the results, let me just add on a personal note, that as a photographer who is used to shooting with DSLR’s and Mirrorless rigs, I was very impressed with both cameras and their performance. The results were fantastic and the shooting experience was very smooth and enjoyable.
Read our full review on the Canon G7X Underwater and the Sony RX100III Underwater.
Also, checkout this specific post on Shooting Macro with the Sony RX100III.
All shots were taken with 2 strobes – Inon Z-240 and Sea & Sea YS-01.
RX100 III Samples:
G7X Samples:
Video Comparison
Housings
Ikelite was the first to release housings for both the cameras. The Ikelite housing provides good value for money and full control with a wide range of accessories available and easy to install. Both housings are very similar with the same dimensions and features, including the double steel latches.
Sony RX100 III Housings
Ikelite housing for Sony RX100 III
Fantasea Housing for RX100 III
Sea & Sea Housing for RX100 III
Nauticam Housing for RX100 III
Canon G7X Housings
Nauticam housing for Canon G7X
Since the RX100 III has been out in the market longer, there are more housings available for it.
Both the Nauticam housing and the Sea & Sea housing are high-end aluminum housing, designed to be highly durable, compact and ergonomic. The Nauticam housing is depth rated to 100m/330ft while the Sea & Sea goes down to 60m/200ft. The great thing about the Nauticam housing is the sleek ergonomics while Sea & Sea have some great mounting options to fit directly on the housing and a rear dial which is very similar to the original on the camera.
Nauticam have already announced an innovative housing for the G7X which would feature interchangeable ports in a whole new type of housings. Thus allowing a dedicated flat macro port as well as a small dome port which maintains the full focal range of the camera on the wide angle side.
The latest addition to the RX100 III housing line up is Fantasea’s FRX100 III, which is a great value for money, polycarbonate housing. Fantasea are still riding on the huge success of the FG16 housing and the FRX100 III has gained from that experience and is expected to be a very popular housing. The main improvement from the FG16 is the 55mm threaded port which greatly increases the variety of optional accessories, as opposed to the rectangular port on the FG16.
Sony RX100 III + Fantasea Housing Bundle
Fantasea have also announced a housing for the G7X which should be available early 2015, providing an alternative to the Ikelite housing. Update – Fantasea G7X housing available HERE.
Canon G7X + Fantasea Housing Bundle
So how do I choose?
It seems that there is somewhat of a consensus among reviewers, that indeed the RX100 III scores better or at least equal on most tests. Canon have released the G7X as a defense, not offense, and managed to produce a very decent camera which stands up to its rival, but does not surpass it. However, the longer and brighter lens, as well as the touch screen, might be the decisive factor for many customers to choose the G7X over the RX100 III.
Bottom line – if videos are very important to you, go for the RX100 III (Or even the Panasonic LX100, but that’s another blog post…).
If you need the longer zoom, either for portraits or for macro photography, get the G7X.
Whatever you choose to get, don’t forget to learn the basics and get some decent lighting!
Dive safe and mind your fins! 🙂
Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.
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