Canon G3 X vs Sony RX10 IV: The Ultimate Large Sensor Superzoom Showdown

If you're in the market for a versatile large sensor superzoom camera, the Canon PowerShot G3 X and Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV are two compelling but distinct choices. Both pack a hefty fixed 24-600mm equivalent zoom lens and 1-inch sensors into DSLR-style bridge bodies, yet they differ considerably in speed, video capability, autofocus, and ergonomics. Having thoroughly tested both cameras over various shooting scenarios - portraits, wildlife, landscapes, sports, travel, and even video work - I’ll walk you through their strengths, weaknesses, and help you decide which suits your style and budget.

Let’s dive in with a look at their physical presence and handling first, because size and control layout can make or break the shooting experience.

Feel in the Hand: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics Matter

Pick up the Canon G3 X and Sony RX10 IV side by side and you instantly notice the RX10 IV feels more substantial - it weighs in at 1095 grams compared to the Canon’s 733 grams. That’s over 350 grams heavier, a difference that really shows after a few hours shooting handheld or trekking.

Physically, the Canon G3 X is more compact (123x77x105mm) and offers a relatively slim grip for a fixed superzoom, which I found comfortable for casual shooting or travel walks. The Sony RX10 IV (133x94x145mm) feels chunkier but the generous grip and robust build give it a reassuring heft and better balance - especially with long telephoto stretches.

Ergonomically, Canon has tilted toward simplicity with fewer physical controls and no top LCD panel, focusing on an intuitive, touch-friendly rear screen interface. Sony, on the other hand, features more dedicated dials and buttons, plus a detailed top screen for quick settings reference, something working pros will appreciate.

If you love a camera that feels like an extension of your hand for long shoots and fast action, I prefer the Sony RX10 IV. But for casual trips or day-long walks, the Canon G3 X’s lighter, more compact design wins.

Control and Interface: Intuitive Touchscreens vs Pro Layout

Both cameras feature tilting LCD screens with touch capabilities but differ in nuances. Canon’s larger 3.2-inch screen at 1620k dots is slightly sharper and more responsive, with a flip-out tilt that works well for video, selfies (yes, it’s selfie-friendly), and awkward angles.

The Sony’s 3-inch screen has 1440k dots, a solid performer, but does not flip fully forward, limiting selfie use. Its touchscreen is responsive, too, primarily for focus point input rather than extensive menu navigation.

Sony offers a built-in, high-resolution EVF (2359k dots) with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - which Canon only supplies optionally as an accessory. For me, having a quality built-in viewfinder is a big plus especially in bright sunlight or when composing fast shots in wildlife or sports scenarios.

Sony’s top plate sports dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, mode selection, and a mode dial lock switch. Canon keeps things simpler but uses a control ring on the lens for quick aperture or zoom adjustment - handy in manual shooting modes.

Bottom line: Sony edges Canon in control sophistication, but if you’re a touchscreen tapper or prefer fewer buttons, Canon’s interface might feel more accessible.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of It All

Both cameras share a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) back-illuminated CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels resolution. This size balances image quality and portability, placing them above typical compact cameras but well below APS-C or full-frame sensors in size.

Canon utilizes the DIGIC 6 processor in the G3 X, while Sony’s RX10 IV leverages the more advanced Bionz X processor. This difference impacts noise reduction algorithm sophistication, autofocus performance, and video processing.

In practical terms, both produce exceptionally sharp images with good color rendition and respectable dynamic range for 1-inch sensors. Canon scores slightly higher for color depth (21.4 bits vs untested but typically strong Sony performance). I noticed Canon images render skin tones warmly and naturally, lending themselves well to portraiture - a testament to Canon’s color science.

Sony pulls ahead for dynamic range and low-light capability, benefitting from newer processing and noiseless ISO handling. This becomes apparent shooting indoor events or twilight landscapes, where detail retention is critical.

Neither camera eschews an optical low-pass filter (“antialias filter”) which generally helps with moiré but can soften images slightly - a compromise both manufacturers accept for a cleaner overall picture.

Both cameras support RAW output for full post-processing control and offer varied aspect ratios from 1:1 to 16:9 easily accessible in menus.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

When it comes to autofocus, especially for dynamic genres like wildlife or sports, the RX10 IV truly shines.

The Canon G3 X employs a 31-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection. While useful for portraits and still subjects, contrast detection is inevitably slower and less reliable for tracking erratic movement.

Sony approaches AF differently with a hybrid system combining 315 focal plane phase-detection points with contrast detection. The result? Blistering autofocus lock speeds and accurate, real-time subject tracking - even locking onto animal eyes thanks to Sony’s unique Eye AF feature. This makes it a dream for fast moving subjects, wildlife, and sports.

Continuous autofocus and tracking (AF-C) at up to 24 frames per second burst speed on the RX10 IV is a major advantage. Canon’s max continuous shooting tops out at 5.9 fps, which is fine for casual bursts but not competitive for sports or birds in flight.

If you’re serious about action photography or need reliable autofocus under challenging conditions, Sony’s RX10 IV autofocus system is a clear winner.

Lens Capability: Versatile 25x Zoom with Optical Stabilization

Both cameras offer a fixed 24-600mm equivalent zoom lens with notable differences.

The Canon G3 X lens features a constant f/2.8 – f/5.6 aperture while zooming; Sony’s lens is slightly faster, starting at f/2.4 and closing to f/4 at the long end. Practically, this wider aperture on the Sony side allows more light in at base focal lengths, better depth of field control, and improved low-light flexibility.

Both lenses incorporate optical image stabilization; Canon calls it OIS, and Sony uses Optical SteadyShot. From my hands-on testing, Sony’s stabilization feels more refined, effectively reducing blur in handheld shots at telephoto extremes and slower shutter speeds.

Macro performance is competent on both: Canon allows focus down to 5cm, Sony down to 3cm, enabling pleasing close-ups with natural bokeh.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Rendering and Bokeh Quality

Portrait shooters will appreciate Canon’s outstanding skin tone rendition, consistently natural and warm - making it a preference for event or lifestyle portraiture straight out of camera. The 1-inch sensor’s focal length multiplier means the 24-600mm is effectively 67-1620mm, so I tend to recommend shooting portraits in the 70-135mm range for flattering perspective and subject isolation.

Sony’s wider aperture and better autofocus Eye AF provide a technical edge, quickly locking focus on eyes for sharp, emotive portraits. Bokeh quality is pleasing on both, with Sony’s lens slightly faster at the wide end contributing to smoother background blur.

If natural, ready-to-share portraits with minimal fuss matter most, Canon is your buddy. But if you want fast focus and artistic control, Sony nudges ahead.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

Landscape enthusiasts should note both cameras offer excellent resolution at 20MP - sufficient for high-quality prints and cropping flexibility.

Dynamic range is critical for capturing subtle shadow and highlight details in expansive outdoor scenes. Sony's superior sensor processing provides better shadow recovery and highlight retention, especially when shooting RAW.

Both bodies feature weather sealing against dust and moisture, but not full waterproofing. Sony’s more robust build including environmental sealing is slightly better suited to rugged outdoor conditions.

The articulated screens on both aid composing tricky low or high-angle shots, but the Canon’s larger tilt screen made composing during extended tripod sessions easier, in my experience.

Overall, for landscape purists who prioritize detail and tonal latitude, Sony’s sensor and weather reliability edge out Canon, provided you’re comfortable with the increased size and weight.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Burst Speed and AF Tracking

Here’s where the RX10 IV unleashes its true potential.

The combination of 24fps burst shooting and a massive 315-point phase-detection AF system enables consistently sharp, dynamic wildlife and sports shots. In field tests, birds in flight were captured with remarkable clarity, and autofocus kept pace with erratic subject movement.

Canon’s 5.9 fps continuous rate and contrast-detection AF are respectable for casual wildlife snaps or slower action but fall short for birding or competitive sports.

The Sony’s extended telephoto zoom range plus superior image stabilization means you get more keepers in critical moments. Canon feels just a little desperate chasing fast critters - a shame given its lens reach.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Size, and Battery Life

Street shooters generally value a small, discreet camera with quick responsiveness and respectable low-light ability.

Canon’s smaller size and weight give it a head start here - it’s less intimidating and easier to carry for a full day on the streets. Canon’s silent shutter mode (electronic shutter not available, but quiet operation) also helps blend in.

Battery life favors Sony with about 400 shots per charge compared to Canon’s 300, a difference worth noting on long trips away from power.

Connectivity-wise, Sony adds Bluetooth alongside Wi-Fi and NFC for faster pairing and image transfer, plus more versatile in-camera file management.

Both have eye-catching focal compression at 600mm for candid captures from distance, but Canon’s lighter build is better suited for travel where every gram counts.

Macro and Close-up Studio Work: Focusing Precision and Magnification

Micro photography benefits from precise manual focus and steady stabilization.

Canon’s 5cm minimum focus distance and touch focus assist with magnification make it quite practical. However, Sony’s slightly closer 3cm focusing combined with faster lens and better stabilization means sharper close-ups with less fuss.

Neither has true focus stacking or bracketed focus options, so for ultra-fine macro work, you’d still want a dedicated macro lens and heavier gear, but these cameras punch above their weight here.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low-light capability on 1” sensors is always limited versus larger sensors, but between these two, Sony’s newer sensor and processing give cleaner images at high ISO (above 1600), retaining more stars and less color noise.

Canon’s maximum ISO tops at 12800 native with 25600 expanded, which can be noisy. Sony’s lower minimum ISO of 64 extends exposure flexibility, great for bright nights and long exposures.

Neither camera has specialized astrophotography modes, but manual exposure and long shutter capabilities (up to 30 seconds) provide basic but workable starscape shooting.

Video Capabilities: 4K, Frame Rates, and Audio Inputs

Canon’s G3 X maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 60fps - solid for casual video but outdated in 2024’s 4K world. Sony RX10 IV supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30p/24p with advanced video codecs (XAVC S), delivering superb detail and color depth.

Both offer microphone and headphone jacks - essential for serious video-shooters. Sony additionally supports slow-motion at 1000 or more fps (in limited HD resolutions), which Canon does not.

While the Canon has a timelapse feature built-in, Sony surprisingly omits this but includes other advanced video enhancements like S-Log profiles for post-production color grading.

For hybrid shooters who want both stills and professional-grade video, Sony RX10 IV is a clear-cut choice.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Little Things That Count

Sony’s battery life of 400 shots per charge beats Canon’s 300, thanks to efficiency gains and bigger battery packs (NP-FW50 vs NB-10L).

Both use a single SD card slot with UHS-I compatibility; Sony additionally supports Memory Stick formats, less relevant today. In terms of connectivity, both cameras have Wi-Fi and NFC, but Sony adds Bluetooth, enabling more versatile remote control and transfers.

Canon’s USB 2.0 limits faster file transfers compared to some modern cameras but matches Sony’s port speed.

Image Samples and Performance Scores Summarized

Canon G3 X front Canon G3 X screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

As you glance through the sample gallery, you’ll notice Canon’s images exhibit warmer color fidelity, excellent detail, and pleasant contrast - especially in portraits and travel shots.

Sony’s photos retain more highlight and shadow details, offer punchier color versatility, and nail sharpness at long telephoto focal lengths. Its autofocus precision means more action shots come out usable.

Performance ratings clearly show Sony RX10 IV leading in autofocus, speed, video, and sports/wildlife suitability, while Canon G3 X scores well in handling, casual portraiture, and travel friendliness.

Pricing and Value: What Are You Willing to Invest?

With an MSRP of roughly $849, the Canon G3 X represents a budget-conscious choice offering solid image quality and versatile zoom capability at a competitive price point.

Sony’s RX10 IV, priced near $1,698, commands a premium justified by its speed, cutting-edge autofocus, 4K video, and build quality.

If money is less of a concern and you prioritize speed, video, and pro-level action photography features, the RX10 IV is the investment.

For amateurs or enthusiasts seeking a high-quality bridge camera that won’t break the bank and suits a wide range of genres, the Canon G3 X delivers excellent bang for your buck.

Wrapping Up: Which Should You Buy?

Choose the Canon PowerShot G3 X if:

• You desire a lighter, more pocketable superzoom with solid image quality
• Warm, natural skin tones and dependable portrait performance are important
• You mainly shoot travel, street, and casual outdoor photography
• Budget is a key factor; you want a capable camera under $900
• Tilting touchscreen and simpler menus appeal to your workflow

Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV if:

• You shoot fast action, wildlife, or sports and need blazing autofocus and burst speeds
• 4K video recording with professional audio control is a priority
• You don’t mind carrying a heavier body for superior build and controls
• Long battery life and advanced connectivity matter on extended shoots
• You want the best image quality and flexibility from a 1” superzoom camera, regardless of cost

Final Thoughts by a Lifelong Camera Tester

In all my years testing cameras, the Sony RX10 IV stands out as one of the most impressive ‘all-in-one’ superzoom bridge cameras ever made - a true workhorse for professionals who need top-tier autofocus, speed, and video ability in a single package.

The Canon G3 X, meanwhile, is a tremendously approachable camera for enthusiasts wanting excellent image quality and versatility at a fair price, packaged in a lighter, easier-to-handle body.

Your choice hinges on which compromises you can live with and where your photography passions lie. Either way, both are capable tools that can accompany you from everyday snapshots to demanding creative projects.

Dear Canon, please consider revisiting the G3 X’s autofocus system in a refreshed model - it deserves an update to match its optical and ergonomic strengths!

I hope this thorough comparison helps clarify these two fantastic cameras’ roles in your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

If you’re curious for more, check out my detailed hands-on video reviews linked above, where you can see real-time camera operation, sample photos, and my full testing methodology explained.