A Beginner's Guide to the Canon G7X Settings

Not sure what these three settings refer to? That’s okay! In no time, you’ll be able to transform those cryptic settings into stunning visuals. Understand this trinity and prepare to watch your photos evolve from average snapshots to absolute knockouts.

What is ISO?

ISO refers to the sensitivity of your camera's sensor to light, determining how bright or dark your photos will be. The Canon G7X allows you to adjust ISO settings manually, providing flexibility in different lighting conditions. When you double your ISO speed, you are effectively doubling the brightness of the photo. A photo at ISO 400 will be twice as bright as ISO 200, which will be twice as bright as ISO 100, and so on.

You can find an easy ISO infographic here to help you determine which ISO to use for each lighting condition you find yourself in.

Shutter Speed Explained

Shutter speed controls the duration of time that your camera's shutter is open. It influences how motion is captured in your photos, whether you freeze fast action or introduce a sense of motion blur. Shutter speeds are measured in fractions of a second when they are under a second. For example, 1/4 means the shutter is open for a quarter of a second, while 1/125 means it’s open for one-one-hundred-and-twenty-fifth of a second.

For an easy shutter speed cheat sheet, check our guide on shutter speed and say goodbye to blurry pics (unless that’s the aesthetic you’re going for!)

Aperture and Its Impact

Aperture, which is measured in f-stops, regulates the amount of light entering the camera. The “f” in f-stop stands for the ‘focal length’ of the lens, so it also affects the depth of field, determining how much of your image is in focus. Put simply, a small aperture will let in a small amount of light. It also allows only a small amount of background blur. Large apertures do the opposite. 

But here’s where it gets confusing: small numbers represent large apertures, and large numbers represent small apertures. So, an f-stop like f/16 represents a much smaller aperture opening than f/4. Check out Ted’s easy guide to camera aperture for more information.

The G7X's built-in flash can be a lifesaver in low-light situations. However, using it effectively requires some finesse. Here are some tips:

• Red-eye reduction. Enable red-eye reduction to avoid creepy red dots for eyes.
• Fill flash. In daylight, flash can fill in harsh shadows, adding detail to faces or backlit subjects even on the sunniest days.
• Experiment with flash intensity. The G7X lets you adjust the flash intensity. Play around to find the sweet spot for the desired effect.

While silhouettes can be striking, sometimes you want to capture the details of your subject against a breathtaking sunset backdrop. That's where your Canon G7X and a little flash magic come in. Using a flash in manual mode allows you to balance a stunning sunset background and a well-lit subject perfectly. Here's how:

• ISO. Start with a low ISO setting like 200. You may need to adjust slightly higher or lower depending on the natural light.
• Shutter Speed. Aim for a shutter speed around 1/200 to 1/125. This will freeze any minor subject movement while allowing enough light to capture the details.
• Aperture. An aperture like f/2.8 or f/3.2 will let in more light and blur the background, further isolating your subject.

The Camera Connect app bridges the gap between your camera and smartphone, making capturing and sharing your G7X magic smoother than ever. You can use your phone as a remote shutter release, perfect for super candid selfies or group shots without camera shake. Here's how to use it:

Connect to the App

Follow the app’s connection guide for a smooth setup process, and once paired, your phone will automatically connect to the camera, offering a hassle-free shooting experience.

Wireless Shooting for Selfies and Groups

Take your selfie game to the next level by wirelessly shooting the Canon G7X from your app. Control camera settings, zoom, and set timers directly from your smartphone and achieve creative angles with ease.

Seamlessly Transfer and Share Images

Browse and transfer photos to your phone for instant social media sharing or editing. Whether it's social media updates or sharing memories, the Canon Camera Connect App simplifies the process.

With this beginner's guide to Canon G7X settings, you're ready to start capturing stunning visuals. Experiment with different settings, find your confidence with the manual setting and make the most of the Canon Camera Connect App for a seamless photography experience. 

If you’re still on fence about which Canon G7X camera to get, check out our guide on the differences between the G7X Mark II and Mark III.

Master these basic camera settings and let the Canon G7X become your trusted companion in capturing life's moments. Have fun creating!