Asian Diver and Scuba Diver No. 1/2018 Volume 149 | Page 5

During a recent invitation to conduct a workshop, I had
the opportunity to test out the PowerShot G1 X Mark III.
With recent compact cameras closing the gap between
compacts and DSLRs, I was looking forward to finding
out how Canon’s new flagship compact performed when
shooting marine life. Excellent low-light capabilities,
high–speed continuous shooting, and responsive controls
are all vital when capturing images in the ever–changing
conditions underwater.
Upon receiving the PowerShot G1 X Mark III, the first
thing that caught my attention was its sturdy build. As a
person with relatively large hands, I’m often wary when
holding a small camera, constantly afraid that I might
drop it, but the protruding grip, coupled with the textured
coating, provides enough support for the camera to feel
secure in my hand.
My review unit came with the Canon WP-DC56
underwater housing, which is depth-rated to 40 metres.
Most of the compact housings I have encountered don’t
offer access to some critical controls that are needed for
quick adjustments, but the WP-DC56 allowed me to alter
all the necessary settings with the push of a button or the
turn of a knob.
While doing a wall dive, my dive guide led us to a
site with relatively fast currents. Spotting a subject in
the distance, I swam over, struggling to fight the current
while attempting to frame the subject. Though I only
had a few seconds to capture what I was after, the
DIGIC 7 image processor, together with Dual Pixel CMOS
autofocus and Dual Sensing image stabilisation, ensured
that the camera snapped to focus at a blazing fast speed.
Regardless of the conditions, I managed to capture
razor-sharp images every time, and with up to 7fps
burst shooting with continuous autofocus, it was a breeze
to capture fast–moving subjects.
In situations such as diving in strong currents,
I sometimes use continuous shooting mode to increase
my chances of getting a good shot. This isn’t a problem
if I’m diving in shallow water and there’s plenty of
ambient light. But when diving deeper, it’s necessary
to increase ISO to compensate for the reduced available
light, as strobes wouldn’t be able to refresh fast
enough when in continuous shooting mode. With the
PowerShot G1 X Mark III’s 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS
sensor, which is similar to those found in DSLRs, the very
low noise at higher ISOs was really noticeable.
Combined with the WP-DC56 underwater housing, this
easy-to-use but powerful compact camera is ideally suited
to beginners, but more-advanced shooters who want to
travel light will appreciate the impressive image quality and
performance of the PowerShot G1 X Mark III, no matter how
challenging the diving conditions.
Canon Underwater
Housing WP-DC56
(sold separately)
• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 7 processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Up to 9 shots/sec (One-Shot AF), up to
7 shots/sec (Servo AF)
• 24–72mm (35mm film equivalent)
• ISO 100–25600
• 3-inch Vari-angle LCD with touchscreen
• 60p Full HD video
• Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth low energy
h t t p s: // sn a p sh o t.c a n o n -a si a .c o m / e n