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How many Megapixels does the Canon G3 X have?

The Canon PowerShot G3 X is equipped with a an one-inch sensor that offers an image resolution of 20 megapixels (MP), or 20 million pixels. With its native aspect ratio of 3:2, the sensor has 5 472 horizontal pixels and 3 648 vertical pixels.

A 35mm film slide or negative contains 5-15 MP of useful detail, so that the Canon G3 X can be considered to be a high-resolution camera that outresolves any 35mm film camera.

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A high megapixel count makes it possible to crop any captured image substantially or to make very large prints from the image file. On the downside, large megapixel files are slower to transfer and take up more storage space on the computer harddisk. Also, high-resolution imaging requires sharper, more expensive lenses than low-res picture taking.

How large can I print with 20 MP?

The maximum print size of the Canon G3 X for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. Few people actually print their images that large on a regular basis, but it is nice to have the option to make very large prints of exceptional shots. Also, as mentioned earlier, a key advantage of high-MP cameras is that it is possible to crop an image ex-post and thereby, for example, change the composition of the capture or zoom in on some detail.

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Sensor specs and performance

The table below compares the sensor specs of the Canon G3 X to those of several similar cameras. In addition to sensor class and megapixel count, DXO values are reported as indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). Three aspects are covered: color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape), and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
2.
 
Canon 7D II APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.411.8108270
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
5.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
6.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
8.
 
Sony RX10 II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.012.653170
9.
 
Sony RX10 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p23.112.647270
10.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170
11.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
Further information on the sensor in the Canon G3 X and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.

In the United States, the G3X was initially launched in June 2015 at a price of $999.

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Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon G3 X
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6
    Launch Date June 2015
    Launch Price USD 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5 472 x 3 648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 125 - 25 600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 521
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.9 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-10L power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 123 x 77 x 105 mm
    (4.8 x 3.0 x 4.1 in)
    Camera Weight 733 g (25.9 oz)

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