After a long three year wait, the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III was announced in July 2019 and came to market in the US in late August. The Canon G7 X series has been a long favorite for underwater photographers due to its compact size, fast lens, and manual exposure modes.
The third iteration of Canon's G7 X line features a new 1"-type Stacked CMOS sensor capable of 20 megapixel resolution. By necessity it adds the capability to shoot 4K UHD video from a cropped portion of its image sensor, or 1080 video at up to 120p for slow motion video capture. A bright 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens is great for underwater use as it exhibits less vignetting than cameras with longer zoom ranges when using external wide angle lenses. Also very important for underwater, the G7 X Mark III offers manual control of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, and RAW image capture for maximum flexibility in post production.
Camera Specifications
- 20 megapixel 1" Stacked CMOS Sensor
- 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens
- 3" tilting touchscreen display
- RAW image capture at up to 30 fps
- Macro focus to 1.97" (5 cm)
- Manual exposure mode
- Timelapse mode
- Cropped UHD 4K video; Full HD at up to 120 fps
- 235 shots per charge (CIPA battery life)
- 10.7 oz (304 g)
A new underwater housing designed specifically for operation with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III starts shipping in early September 2019.
Underwater Housing for Canon G7 X III
The new Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III # 6146.09 will start shipping in early September 2019. Changes in the physical design of the camera prevent the new camera from being used in or adapted to housings for older Canon G7 X series cameras. Read on for further details.
This housing is designed to use the full capabilities of the camera up to depths of 200 feet (60 meters). A perfectly clear back provides a view of the camera and o-ring seal. The back is removable, not hinged, for extra durability and easier camera access. It attaches quickly and easily with two heavy duty stainless steel locking latches. All important camera controls are accessed via fully serviceable controls with premium soft touch control knobs.
Ikelite housings are manufactured in the USA and come with an unparalleled access to support, photo advice, and service.
Read more: Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Underwater Housing Features
- 200ft (60m) depth rating
- Extendable shutter release lever
- Glass lens port with 67mm threads for direct attachment of wide angle and macro accessories
- ABS-PC construction is corrosion-proof and lighter than aluminum
- Clear view removable back with laser engraved control markings
- Ergonomic, field serviceable direct-drive controls with premium soft-touch knobs
- Dual fiber optic ports for strobe triggering
- 1/2-20 accessory port for optional vacuum valve
- Made in the USA
Seemingly minor differences in the tripod mounting location lead to major interferences in the housing for the Canon G7X Mark II. The tripod location has moved slightly closer to the center of the lens and slightly farther away from the rear LCD screen.
In the Underwater Housing for G7 X II
Differences in the tripod mounting location of the new camera, although very small, create a difference in lens placement that prevents the cameras from being used interchangeably in the same housing.
There will be lens collision with the housing's lens port if the newer G7 X Mark III is installed in the Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II # 6146.08, or if the older G7 X Mark II is installed in the new Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III # 6146.09. Lens collision cannot be resolved by a different camera mount as it would cause the camera controls to be out of alignment.
Additionally, there are physical differences in the corner of the camera near the exposure compensation dial which required redesign of the way that control is accessed through the housing.
(left) The profile of the corner of the camera has changed near the exposure compensation dial. (right) The exposure compensation control came in from the side of the housing for the Canon G7 X Mark II. It comes in from the back of the housing for the Canon G7 X Mark III.
In the Action Housing for Canon G7 X II
A larger inner diameter lens port allows installation without collision. However, the lens is off-center causing slight vignetting on the right hand side of the frame. The vignetting is worst when shooting at or near the camera's minimum focus distance of 1.97" (5 cm).
This difference will also cause external wide angle lenses to be off-center when using the G7 X Mark III in the action housing for the G7 X Mark II. Vignetting will be worse on the right hand side when an external wide angle lens is attached.
New: Action Housing for Canon G7 X Mark III # 6245.11
Using the Canon G7 X Mark III in the Action Housing for Canon G7 X Mark II # 6245.08. (left) Slight vignetting is present on the right hand side of the image in full wide angle when focused at infinity. (right) Vignetting is worse when shooting close to the camera's minimum focus distance of 1.97" (5 cm).
Conclusion
Unfortunately the Canon G7 X Mark III cannot be used with or adapted to other Ikelite Underwater Housing models built for prior model G7 X I or II cameras. It may be used in the Action Housing for the Canon G7 X II with a note that there will be slight vignetting in the right hand corners of the image. Vignetting will appear worst when shooting close to the camera's minimum focus distance and with an external wide angle lens.
The new housing for the Canon G7 X Mark III camera starts shipping in early September 2019.
Additional Reading
Underwater Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III # 6146.09
Action Housing for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III # 6245.11
