Canon Powershot G1X III: THE alternative to DSLRs and mirrorless?

I wonder just how many people that buy an interchangeable lens camera - be it DSLR or mirrorless - end up buying additional lenses after purchase.

Chances are, many will stick with the kit lens and that will be that. No additional wide aperture fast prime lenses. Nope, just the one lens. 

For such a person (plus those that want a capable yet more compact camera), the Canon Powershot G1X III looks like the perfect alternative to DSLRs and mirrorless. It's the first camera with APS-C size sensor to feature an optical zoom lens.

 It's a much larger sensor than the one used in other Canon Powershot cameras. Therefore, you get the same image quality as most of Canon's DSLRs and mirrorless EOS-M cameras, with the versatility of a 24-72mm zoom lens engineered specifically for the camera.

Yes, the G1X III is the new Powershot flagship model that sets the bar. 

What's really impressive is that Canon has squeezed this larger sensor into an even smaller body than the G1X II, plus crammed it full with the latest and greatest technologies. 

Here's what you get:

• APS-C size sensor with 24.2MP, in a DSLR-styled compact camera
• 24-72mm f/2.8-5.6 lens with up to 4EV image stabilisation
• 5-axis stabilisation for videos
• 398g, including battery and card
• Digic 7 processor
• Vari-angle 1.04-million-dot LCD touchscreen
• 1080p HD videos up to 60fps
• 7fps with full-time AF, 9fps without AF
• Canon’s best-ever’ Dual Pixel AF
• Time-lapse, panning and panoramic shooting modes
• Wi-Fi, NFC enabled and always-on BlueTooth

Unsurprisingly the Canon Powershot G1X III is not cheap. In fact, at £1,149 you might consider it expensive.

Yet, if the zoom lens of the camera can cover your photography needs, then this tiny powerhouse of a camera will not disappoint.

After a hands-on at the UK launch of the G1X III, I have no doubt in the capability of the camera. It's fantastic.

Canon EOS M100 review: Do I really like it? Is it, is it wicked?

It's a question that I still don't know the answer to. Do I really like the Canon EOS M100 or not?

On the one hand yes. It's a tiny point-and-shoot interchangeable lens mashup of a camera. What I like the most is its inconspicuousness.

With the diminutive EF-M 22mm f/2 lens attached, you're seeing what appears to be a compact camera. I could well see myself wandering around the informal settlements of Nairobi with this camera in hand. 

I'd probably get fewer people asking for payment for the images I create with them than I do when making pictures using an impressive looking DSLR. 

All the while knowing that the camera lens combination is capable of making sharp and vibrant images with great control over depth of field.

Really, it's what a mirrorless camera should be, especially the Canon EOS M range. Small, light, subtle. 

Yet for all that promise, the handling of the camera frustrates in parts. Its metering and focusing are a little limited and truly there is not enough direct access to camera controls that I typically use. That said, I am a professional photographer, not the kind that the EOS M100 is aimed at.

Really, the camera is designed to be put in its Scene Intelligent Auto mode and left to get on with the job. It does that very well indeed - you'll get lovely looking images straight out of the camera. 

But if you're new to photography, you won't learn much about it through using the EOS M100. There's very limited in-camera tuition or explanation about what each button or setting does. Plus if you think that the camera looks perfect for vlogging with its flip-up screen, think again because there is no external mic port. 

So really it's a camera that says Leave it to me, I've got this. If you're new to photography and just want great pictures without learning anything along the way, then go for the EOS M100. But if you want to develop your skills and knowledge, extend your search elsewhere. 

Check out the full review over at Pocket Lint.