Canon's latest PowerShot G-Series camera, the PowerShot G3 X, is positioned as an alternative to the flagship PowerShot G1X Mark II and G7X models, with which it shares some features.

A jack of all trades and a master of some, the Canon's limited video options and lack of a viewfinder hold it back from true greatness

Versatile zoom lens; Sharp images; Sturdy; weatherproof build

No electronic viewfinder; No 4K video

Canon's latest point-and-shoot is long on zoom, but can it catch the competition?

Versatile zoom lens; Sharp images; Sturdy, weatherproof build;

No electronic viewfinder; No 4K video;

All tests were taken using a SanDisk Class 10, 16 GB SDHC memory card, Program Mode, Flash off, Review on, ISO Auto and all other settings at the factory defaults unless noted otherwise. Large zoom, fixed lens digital cameras are tempting pieces of equipment.

Outstanding image quality; 25x optical zoom lens; Lens moves fast throughout zoom range; Above average shutter lag and burst performance in JPEG versus other large zoom cameras; High-quality; large LCD screen that's a touch screen and that tilts up to 180 degrees; Mode dial; EV dial; and command...

Expensive starting price; No built-in viewfinder; Problems with camera shake when using maximum telephoto setting and hand holding G3 X; Slow burst mode performance in RAW; Bulky camera that weighs more than 1.5 pounds; On the model I tested; interior components of lens seemed to slide around when...

A while back, camera makers decided that people want to zoom in really, really far. More recently, they also realized people want great image quality and advanced controls. (Who'da thought!?) Here are new two cameras that do both. Let's see which is worth your hard-earned dollars.

With a 1-inch sensor and 24x zoom, the PowerShot G3 X is an excellent mega-zoom camera worthy of enthusiasts.

Tremendous 24-600mm range; Excellent 20.2MP stills; High-quality 60p movies; Responsive at 5.9 fps

Expensive; No viewfinder; Poor ISO sensitivity

The Canon PowerShot G3 X ($999.99) is a fantastic idea for a camera. Its 25-600mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens can cover a very wide range of photographic subjects, from sweeping landscapes to skittish wildlife, and its 20-megapixel 1-inch image sensor puts the smaller imagers found in pocket-friendly...

Long zoom range; 1-inch image sensor; Tilting touch-screen display; Framing assist function; Hot shoe supports add-on EVF and Canon Speedlites; Mic and headphone connections; Built-in ND filter; Sealed against dust and moisture; Wi-Fi

Focus on the sluggish side; Slow burst rate when shooting Raw; Takes a while to turn on; EVF is a pricey accessory

The Canon PowerShot G3 X ($999.99) is a fantastic idea for a camera. Its 25-600mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens can cover a very wide range of photographic subjects, from sweeping landscapes to skittish wildlife, and its 20-megapixel 1-inch image sensor puts the smaller imagers found in pocket-friendly superzooms to shame when pushing the ISO in dim situations. But it has a few issues that keep it from being the perfect travel camera. I found the focus speed to be a little slow, the image quality when zoomed all the way in to be hit or miss, and I really, really would have liked to have seen a built-in EVF. Our Editors' Choice for premium superzooms is still the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 ( at Amazon) . Even though its range is more limited, it's an extremely well-balanced performer. DesignThe G3 X  is the smallest long zoom model with a 1-inch sensor, but it's by no means pocket-friendly. It measures 3 by 4.9 by 4.2 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.6 pounds. Compare that with the Panasonic FZ1000 (...

The Canon PowerShot G3 X couples excellent image quality with a long zoom range, but it really needs a built-in EVF.

Long zoom range; 1-inch image sensor; Tilting touch-screen display; Framing assist function; Hot shoe supports add-on EVF and Canon Speedlites; Mic and headphone connections; Built-in ND filter; Sealed against dust and moisture; Wi-Fi

Focus on the sluggish side; Slow burst rate when shooting Raw; Takes a while to turn on; EVF is a pricey accessory

Another week, another premium compact camera drops onto the desk. This time it's from Canon, whose PowerShot G3 X differentiates itself from a swathe of rivals by virtue of its 25x optical zoom lens, which it teams up with a 1in sensor.