Canon G7X Mark II & Mark III Settings Guide: Explained for Beginners

The Canon G7X series has taken the internet by storm, gracing countless viral TikToks and YouTube channels with its super compact design and impressive image quality. Whether you're shooting with the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II or Mark III, navigating the various settings to get the perfect shot can feel a bit overwhelming at first. In this guide, we'll break down every key G7X setting — from the basics of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, to step-by-step instructions for changing settings on the camera itself.

Last updated: June 2026

How to Use the Canon G7X Mark III — Getting Started

If you've just unboxed your Canon G7X Mark III (or Mark II), here's a quick orientation before diving into settings.

• Mode dial. The dial on top of the camera selects your shooting mode. Auto is fully automatic. P (Program) lets the camera choose aperture and shutter speed while you control ISO and other settings. Av lets you set the aperture while the camera handles shutter speed. Tv lets you set the shutter speed. M (Manual) gives you full control over everything.
• Control ring. The ring around the lens can be assigned to control aperture, ISO, shutter speed, or zoom depending on your mode and menu settings. This is one of the G7X's most useful features — spin it with your finger while shooting.
• Control dial. The dial on the back of the camera adjusts the second exposure parameter (e.g. in Manual mode, the front ring controls aperture and the back dial controls shutter speed).
• Flip screen. The G7X Mark III has a fully flipping touchscreen — flip it up 180 degrees to face forward for selfies and vlogging. You can tap the screen to set focus and trigger the shutter.
• Video button. Press the dedicated red video button to start recording without changing your mode. The Mark III can live stream directly to YouTube via the Camera Connect app.

Understanding ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture

These three settings form the exposure triangle — the foundation of photography. Master them and your photos will evolve from average snapshots to genuinely compelling images.

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 manually, giving you flexibility across different lighting conditions. When you double your ISO, you effectively double the brightness of the photo — a photo at ISO 400 will be twice as bright as one at ISO 200, which will be twice as bright as ISO 100, and so on.

As a general rule, use a low ISO (100–200) in bright daylight, a mid-range ISO (400–800) in overcast or indoor conditions, and a higher ISO (1600+) in low light — keeping in mind that higher ISO introduces more digital noise.

Shutter Speed Explained

Shutter speed controls how long your camera's shutter stays open. It determines whether fast-moving subjects are frozen sharply or rendered with motion blur. Shutter speeds are measured in fractions of a second — 1/125 means the shutter is open for one one-hundred-and-twenty-fifth of a second, while 1/4 means it's open for a quarter of a second.

Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) to freeze action, and a slower speed (1/30 or below) to introduce intentional blur or capture more light in low-light conditions. For a deeper dive, read our beginner's guide to shutter speed.

Aperture and Its Impact

Aperture, measured in f-stops, controls the size of the lens opening and therefore how much light enters the camera. It also affects depth of field — how much of your image is in sharp focus.

Here's the part that trips up beginners: small f-stop numbers represent large apertures, and large numbers represent small apertures. So f/1.8 lets in significantly more light and produces more background blur than f/11. Use a wide aperture (low f-number) for portraits and low-light shooting, and a narrow aperture (high f-number) for landscapes where you want everything in focus. The G7X Mark III has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 at the wide end — one of its biggest advantages for a compact camera.

How to Change Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO on the Canon G7X

Knowing what these settings do is one thing — knowing exactly how to change them on the G7X is another. Here's how to do it.

How to change aperture on the Canon G7X Mark III

1. Turn the mode dial to Av (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual).
2. In Av mode: rotate the control ring (the ring around the lens) left or right to change the aperture value. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed to match.
3. In M mode: the control ring adjusts aperture by default. You can also press the FUNC/SET button, navigate to the aperture value on screen, and use the control ring to change it.
4. Watch the f-stop value change in the bottom of the screen or in the viewfinder. Lower f-numbers = wider aperture = more light + blurrier background.

How to change shutter speed on the Canon G7X Mark III

1. Turn the mode dial to Tv (Shutter Priority) or M (Manual).
2. In Tv mode: rotate the control ring to change shutter speed. The camera handles aperture automatically.
3. In M mode: rotate the rear control dial (the dial on the back of the camera) to change shutter speed, while the control ring adjusts aperture.
4. Shutter speed appears as a fraction (e.g. 1/250) on the screen. Higher numbers = faster shutter = frozen motion.

How to change ISO on the Canon G7X Mark III

1. Press the FUNC/SET button in the centre of the rear dial.
2. Use the up/down arrows (or scroll the rear dial) to navigate to ISO in the quick menu.
3. Rotate the control ring or use left/right arrows to select your ISO value. Options range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800.
4. Alternatively, in Manual mode, you can assign ISO to the rear control dial via the menu (MENU → Camera settings → ISO speed settings → ISO auto range).

Canon G7X Settings Cheat Sheet

Here's a quick reference for the most common shooting situations. These are starting points — adjust based on the specific light and look you're going for.

Best Canon G7X Settings for Daylight

Shooting in bright daylight is where the G7X really shines. The challenge is managing exposure — too much light can blow out highlights, while harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows. Here are the settings we recommend for daylight shooting.

Daylight settings for photos

• ISO: Keep it low — ISO 100 or 125 is ideal in full sun to minimise noise and maintain rich colour.
• Shutter speed: 1/500–1/1000s will freeze any movement and suit the bright conditions.
• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for general scenes and landscapes. Drop to f/1.8–f/2.8 if you want a blurred background for portraits.
• White balance: Set to "Daylight" (the sun icon) rather than Auto for more consistent, warmer tones outdoors.
• Metering: Use Evaluative metering for most scenes. Switch to Spot metering if you want to expose specifically for a face or subject against a bright sky.

Daylight settings for video / vlogging

• Frame rate: 1080p 60fps for smooth footage, or 4K 30fps (Mark III only) for maximum quality.
• Shutter speed: Follow the 180-degree rule — double your frame rate. At 30fps use 1/60s; at 60fps use 1/120s.
• ISO: ISO 100–200. Use ND filter mode (available on the Mark III) if the image is still too bright at your chosen settings.
• Aperture: f/2.8–f/4 for a natural look with slight background separation.

Pro tip: In very bright conditions, the G7X Mark III has a built-in ND filter (neutral density filter) that reduces the amount of light entering the lens — allowing you to use a wider aperture or slower shutter speed than the conditions would otherwise allow. Enable it via MENU → Camera settings → ND filter → Auto or On.

Settings for the Perfect Sunset Shot

While silhouettes can be striking, sometimes you want to capture the detail of your subject against a breathtaking sunset backdrop. Using flash in manual mode lets you balance a stunning background with a well-lit subject. Here's a starting point:

• ISO. Start at ISO 200 and adjust slightly based on the available natural light.
• Shutter speed. Aim for 1/125–1/200s to freeze minor subject movement while letting in enough light.
• Aperture. f/2.8–f/3.2 lets in more light and blurs the background, isolating your subject from the scene behind them.

For the sky itself (no subject in the frame), try ISO 100, 1/60s, and f/4–f/5.6 to retain detail across the full range of the sunset colours. Bracket your exposure (shoot the same scene at -1, 0, and +1 stops) to make sure you capture the best version.

Using the Canon G7X Flash Effectively

The G7X's built-in pop-up flash is more versatile than most beginners realise. Here's how to get the most from it — and when to use each mode.

How to turn on the flash on the Canon G7X

The flash doesn't pop up automatically in all modes. To raise it manually, press the small button on the left side of the lens barrel (marked with a lightning bolt). The flash will only fire when it's physically raised. To turn it off, simply press the flash back down.

Canon G7X flash modes explained

• Auto flash. The camera decides when to use flash based on available light. Good for casual shooting but gives you less control.
• On (forced flash). The flash fires on every shot regardless of light levels. Use this for fill flash in daylight — it lifts shadows on faces and makes subjects "pop" against a bright background.
• Slow sync flash. Combines flash with a slower shutter speed to expose both the subject (flash) and the background (ambient light). Great for indoor shots or events where you want the background to be visible, not black.
• Off. Flash is disabled. Use in low-light situations where flash would ruin the mood (e.g. candles, concerts, restaurants).
• Red-eye reduction. A pre-flash fires before the main flash to contract your subject's pupils, reducing red-eye in portraits.

Flash tips for better results

• Fill flash for daylight portraits. Enable forced flash (On) when shooting someone with the sun behind them. The flash fills in the shadows on their face while the background stays well exposed.
• Flash exposure compensation. If the flash is too harsh, dial it down. Go to MENU → Camera settings → Flash control → Flash exp. comp. and set it to -1 or -2 stops for more natural-looking results.
• Distance matters. The G7X's built-in flash has limited range — it's most effective within 1–3 metres. Beyond that, the light falls off quickly.
• Use a diffuser. A small piece of tissue or a purpose-made diffuser over the flash softens the light and reduces harsh shadows.

The Convenience of the Canon Camera Connect App

The Canon Camera Connect app bridges the gap between your G7X and your smartphone, making it easier to shoot, review, and share your images.

Connect to the app

Follow the in-app connection guide for a smooth setup. Once paired, your phone will automatically connect to the camera for a hassle-free experience.

Wirelessly shoot selfies and group shots

Use the app as a remote shutter release to control your G7X from your phone — adjust settings, zoom, and set timers without touching the camera. Perfect for candid selfies or group shots without camera shake.

Transfer and share images seamlessly

Browse and transfer photos directly to your phone for instant editing or social media sharing. The app makes the whole process quick and straightforward.

G7X Mark III only: The Mark III supports direct live streaming to YouTube via the Camera Connect app. Go to MENU → Wireless settings → Streaming → YouTube. You'll need to link your Google account on first use.

Frequently Asked Questions: Canon G7X Settings

What are the best settings for the Canon G7X Mark III for photos?

For general photography, shoot in Program (P) or Aperture Priority (Av) mode with ISO set to Auto and let the camera manage exposure. For more control, switch to Manual: ISO 100–400 in good light, aperture f/1.8–f/2.8 for portraits, f/5.6–f/8 for landscapes, and a shutter speed that keeps the image sharp (at least 1/125s handheld). See the cheat sheet above for common situations.

How do I change the aperture on the Canon G7X Mark III?

Set the mode dial to Av or M, then rotate the control ring (the ring around the lens) to change the aperture value. In Av mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed to compensate. In M mode, use the rear control dial for shutter speed and the control ring for aperture.

How do I change the ISO on the Canon G7X?

Press the FUNC/SET button, scroll to ISO in the quick menu, and use the control ring or left/right arrows to select your value. You can also set ISO to Auto and let the camera manage it while you control aperture and shutter speed manually.

What are the best Canon G7X settings for daylight?

In bright daylight: ISO 100–200, shutter speed 1/500–1/1000s, aperture f/5.6–f/8 for general scenes, or f/1.8–f/2.8 for portraits. Set white balance to Daylight for consistent, warm tones. If shooting video, enable the built-in ND filter (Mark III) to avoid overexposure at wide apertures.

What are the best Canon G7X Mark III settings for video?

For vlogging: 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps, shutter speed double your frame rate (1/60s at 30fps, 1/120s at 60fps), ISO as low as possible (100–400), aperture f/1.8–f/2.8 for a flattering background blur. Flip the screen forward and use face detection AF for automatic focus on your face.

Is the Canon G7X Mark III good for beginners?

Yes — the G7X Mark III is one of the best compact cameras for beginners who want to learn photography properly. The Auto and Program modes make it simple to start with, while Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes give you room to grow. The flip screen and built-in YouTube streaming also make it ideal for beginner vloggers.

What is the difference between the Canon G7X Mark II and Mark III?

The Mark III adds 4K video, a built-in ND filter, direct YouTube live streaming, vertical video support, and an improved processor. The Mark II still shoots excellent 1080p video and full manual stills, and remains a great camera at a lower price. For a full breakdown, read our G7X Mark II vs. Mark III comparison.

How do I turn the flash on and off on the Canon G7X?

Press the small flash button on the left side of the lens barrel to pop the flash up (on) or press it back down to close it (off). The flash only fires when it's physically raised. You can also control flash modes via the FUNC/SET quick menu while the flash is raised.

Connect, Click, and Create

With this guide to Canon G7X Mark II and Mark III settings, you're ready to start capturing better images — whether you're shooting portraits in bright daylight, vlogging at golden hour, or experimenting in manual mode for the first time. The best way to learn is to get out and shoot: try the cheat sheet settings above, see what works, and adjust from there.

If you're still deciding between models, read our comparison of the G7X Mark II vs. Mark III to find the right fit for you. Ready to buy? Shop the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III at Ted's →