Canon PowerShot G1 X review
Review Date : Sat, 18 Feb 2012
Author : Mike Lowe
- Sample Photos: Canon G1 X review sample images gallery
Does the Canon G1 X redefine the compact camera market? The What Digital Camera Canon PowerShot G1X review takes a look...
| Pros: | Superb image quality and shallow depth of field possibilities, excellent sharpness, impressive high ISO performance, Raw capture, vari-angle LCD |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Poor close-focus, off-set parallax and limited field of view optical viewfinder, significant price, so-so battery life, autofocus system less capable than some competitors |
When the Canon PowerShot G1 X was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, it was something of a surprise. This brand new compact camera is like a turbo-charged Canon PowerShot G12, albeit with a difference: the inclusion of a brand new 18.7x14mm CMOS sensor that's some 6.3 times larger than that found in the G12 model.
Far from resting on the laurels of the small-medium sized compact sensors, Canon has created something close to the company's APS-C sensor size, as found in the majority of EOS DSLR cameras.
With such a large sensor beating at the camera's heart the G1 X is aimed squarely at those seeking the very best image quality. But does it match up to that promise, and how does it perform overall?
Canon PowerShot G1 X review - Key specs
1. Large (18.7x14mm) CMOS sensor
2. 14.3-megapixel resolution
3. 4x optical zoom; 28-112mm equivalent
4. 3in, 921k-dot, vari-angle LCD
5. Real-image zoom optical viewfinder
6. Full manual control
7. Raw files
8. 1080p movie mode
Canon PowerShot G1 X review - Features
The G1 X is all about image quality. The large sensor, when compared to a DSLR's APS-C sensor, is of a similar size. The new sensor has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which makes it less wide than an APS-C equivalent - and that's where most of the size difference comes from. The G1 X has the same pixel size and structure as the EOS 600D DSLR, and paired up with the latest DIGIC 5 processing system gives it the potential for better-than-DSLR quality. From a compact. Now that's not something you'll hear of every day.
A large sensor requires a lens able to produce a large enough image circle of light to produce bright, sharp shots throughout the frame. In the case of the G1 X the 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 (equiv.) lens is far bulkier than found in most compact cameras. The lens has been constructed using ultra high refractive index Aspherical elements for the utmost quality and the latest Image Stabilizer technology assists in reducing handshake and keeping shots sharp.
On the rear of the camera is a real-image zoom optical viewfinder with dioptre adjustment, below which is a 3in, 921k-dot LCD screen mounted on a side bracket to provide rotation through any given angle. The screen can also be stowed to face into the camera body for added protection.
Full manual control, 14 bit Raw file capture, 1080p HD movie capture and a variety of Scene, Filter and Custom settings also feature alongside Smart Auto mode.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 18 21:43
AlanThompson.co.nz
I just got one. I do documentaries and needed a almost totally silent camera with great low light capabilities, I am thrilled by it! i have a grudge against canon over a bad video camera and use nikon gear, but this really is a great camera!
March 19 21:41
EDUARDO
If you can't pay for a good camera like this, buy a plastic camera... Good performances and quality image, lens, etc what do you want? A gift from canon? Or buy a pencil and a paper... photograph sure is not for you, forget it...
March 20 01:46
DMF
Hey HB Kahn; Your full of it. It takes way sharper pics than the G10,G11, and G12. I've had them all. I'll pay the extra money for a sharper pic. Still far more compact that the DSLR's and their big lenses. If you haven't tried it, don't knock it.
May 05 06:41
Colin (in Australia)
Interesting to read the comments. It would appear that most of these have not bought or used a G1X for any period of time. I bought one and took it to Hawaii in place of a SLR. The camera is lightweight, has an excellent lens & exceptional image quality, and is robust. My SLR is now confined to specific photographic tasks.