Canon PowerShot G1 X – subjective review

Canon PowerShot G1 X - subjective review

On January 9 in London, Canon unveiled its revolutionary new compact camera, the Canon G1 X, setting new standards for compact cameras.

For Russian photographers and amateurs, the camera will be available in stores in the spring. Canon positions the G1 X as a camera for professionals and experienced amateurs, which is why the editors of fototips.ru decided to test it for their readers. We received the camera for a few days and decided to just play around and tell you about our impressions.

In all announcements, Canon focuses on the new 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. And this is understandable, because this is the first compact camera with a matrix of this size - 18.7 x 14 mm, which is slightly smaller than that of an amateur DSLR.

As a result, we get a matrix with amazing characteristics. The engineers modified the noise reduction in such a way that after applying it, the camera produces a picture that looks more like grainy than noisy. And the size of the matrix allows you to control the depth of field at the level of SLR cameras.

Constructive

First impressions - it's metal! This thought appeared the moment we took it out of the box.

I was especially impressed by the shooting mode selection wheel and the exposure compensation wheel - a metal part with large spikes, quite rigid and precise movement, so switching it is not a problem even with gloves. Overall, great!

Monitor

After turning the camera in your hands, attention switches to the three-inch (7.5 cm) rotating display.

Rotation is a plus not only in cases when you want to shoot from above and see what is happening, but also when you simply close the display and throw the camera in your bag. You can throw it and not think about scratches - it’s very practical.

The problem with most mirrorless cameras is that working with the screen wastes double power. Firstly, the matrix works all the time when the screen is open, and secondly, the screen works all this time. In the Canon G1 X, this problem is eliminated by the presence of a viewfinder.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder here is very interesting, but you will have to get used to it.
The viewfinder zooms in parallel with changing the focal length of the lens and this is convenient. At a wide angle, part of the frame is blocked by the lens itself, but this has its own charm.
Those of you who have used good old rangefinders will understand.

Among the shortcomings, we noted the discrepancy between the image in the viewfinder and the final image. In the Canon G1 X, using the viewfinder you see less than the lens and, accordingly, less than what is included in the frame. Usually in rangefinder cameras this ratio is always the opposite - the photographer sees wider than the lens and has the ability to predict a successful shot. But for novice amateur photographers, such a viewfinder is simply a godsend - there will never be cut off arms or legs in the frame.

Next to the viewfinder there are traditionally LEDs that will warn you against blurry shots. The viewfinder also has a diopter adjustment wheel.

Lens

The camera is equipped with a lens with an optical 4x zoom, equivalent to 35 mm. this is 28-112 mm. The lens aperture is f/2.8–f/5.8. Minimum aperture f/16.

The lens itself is protected by a metal body, and also has an intelligent (as they say) stabilization system. This helps a lot when shooting video handheld and especially in motion. Examples of the videos we filmed will be given at the end of the article. What was disappointing was the minimum focusing distance - 40 cm at wide angle and 140 cm at the widest angle and, as a consequence, the virtual absence of macro.

To check the camera's performance at high ISO values, we conducted tests, the results of which are presented to your attention.

To be honest, the results exceeded even our wildest expectations. This camera can shoot without flash in almost any conditions. And this makes me very happy.

You can download an archive with all photos with different ISOs here.

Practice

Here we have posted several frames shot in different modes:

Museum, low light, handheld.
Shooting parameters: 1/60, f/4.5, ISO 6400

Night time, contrast lighting, from a tripod. Shooting parameters: 1 second, f/8, ISO 100

Test videos:

You can download all videos in one archive here.

Results

Pros:
- large sensor size
- ability to shoot at high ISOs
- excellent sharpness
- depth of field control

Cons:
- lack of macro
- unique viewfinder

Distinctive features: unlike DSLRs, the camera is able to synchronize with external flashes at very fast shutter speeds. This feature will certainly be appreciated by professionals who use mobile pulsed light in the open air. Before the release of the Canon G1 X, the only alternative for such shooting was medium format with a central shutter.

Conclusion

The Canon G1 X proved to be a very pleasant and friendly camera, capable of producing high-resolution images in any lighting conditions. And if you are not a fan of macro photography and shooting sports events is not your thing, then you might want to take a closer look at the camera.

Everyone will be able to get acquainted with the Canon G1 X at the Photoforum exhibition on April 12-15 in Moscow.

Canon PowerShot G7 X, comparative review

The Canon PowerShot G7 X is another of the interesting new products presented at Photokina 2014. An obvious rival to the popular Sony RX100 series cameras, it offers a combination of a 20-megapixel 1” sensor, a bright lens (1: 1.8 – 1: 2.8) and new powerful Digic 6 processor in a very compact case, suitable for constant carrying in a jacket pocket or in a small business bag. The price should be slightly less than that of the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 M3 and Canon's own older model PowerShot G1 X Mark II .

Here is a comparison table for a better understanding of the differences.

JPEG: 6.5 fps;
RAW: no data (until the card is full)

Canon PowerShot G7 X	Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II	Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mk III
Permission	20 MP.	12.9 MP.	20 MP.
Matrix diagonal	1”	1.5”	1”
Focal length (equivalent)	24-100 mm	24-120 mm	24-70 mm
Relative aperture (“aperture ratio”)	1:1.8 – 1:2.8	1:2.0 – 1:3.9	1:1.8 – 1:2.8
ISO range	125 — 12800	100 — 12800	125 — 12800
LCD display	3”, 1.04 million dots, touch, folding (up to 180°)	3”, 1.04 million dots, touch, folding (up to 180°)	3”, 1.23 million dots, folding (up to 180°)
Video recording	FullHD 1920x1080, 60 frames/s, 34 Mbit/s	FullHD 1920x1080, 30 frames/s, 24 Mbit/s	FullHD 1920x1080, 60 frames/s, 50 Mbit/s
Viewfinder	No	sold separately : electronic, 2.36 million points	built-in : Electronic, 0.39″, 1.44 million dots
Continuous shooting, fixed focus	JPEG: 5.2 fps, RAW: 1.4 fps (before card is full)	JPEG: 10 fps (up to 47 shots), RAW: 5.9 fps (up to 26 shots)
Continuous shooting, focus tracking	JPEG: 4.4 fps RAW: no data	JPEG: 3 fps; RAW: 0.8 fps	JPEG: 3.3 fps; RAW: 2.7 fps
Minimum shutter speed	1/2000 s.	1/4000 s.	1/2000 s.
Hot shoe for external flash	No	There is	No
Battery capacity (CIPA standard)	210 shots	240 shots	320 shots
Weight (with battery and memory card)	304 g	558 g	290 g

Notes:

It's impossible to show this in a table, but the aperture of the RX100 Mk III quickly drops to its minimum value when zoomed in: already at around 30mm, having gone just 6mm out of the entire focal range, you end up at 1:2.8. The G7 X's aperture drops gradually when moving from wide to telephoto, reaching a minimum value (i.e. the same 1:2.8) only around 50 mm. In other words, throughout the entire range from 24 to 50 mm, the Canon G7 X has a slight advantage - about 1/3-2/3 of an exposure stop. The G1 X Mark II has a larger sensor, but in the telephoto position this advantage is offset by the low aperture ratio, and, like the RX100 Mk III, it also drops sharply immediately after zooming. The G1 X Mark II, of course, still has the advantage of lower pixel density, but this comes at a price - the camera is significantly larger and heavier than its rivals.
The Sony RX100 Mk III display uses a special scheme: it has one white pixel added to each group of red, blue and green pixels (RGBW scheme). This provides high (about twice as much) brightness, but the resolution remains the same as VGA. The displays of Canon cameras are made according to a standard scheme (RGB).

You may notice that Canon cameras exhibit extremely short battery life. When you turn on energy-consuming features like built-in Wi-Fi, you risk very quickly being left without a working camera. We recommend purchasing at least 1 spare battery right away and making sure both are charged if you plan to shoot all day (for example, while traveling). The Sony battery will last longer, but only if you do not use the electronic viewfinder, this does not save battery power, but rather uses it up. Otherwise, you will experience a sharp drop in operating time: from 320 to 230 frames.

In terms of ergonomics, the G7 X is more likely to belong to the S-series. The camera does not have a finger rest, so holding it with one hand is not very comfortable. It is similar in size to the Canon PowerShot S120 (only thicker), and with the Sony RX100 Mk III they look like twin brothers. The G7 X is inferior to the G1 X Mk II in terms of total number of controls and does not have a socket for an external flash (or viewfinder). The advantage over the G1 X Mk II is the exposure compensation ring located on the top panel (the same ring, by the way, was on the first G1 X, but disappeared after the upgrade to the G1 X Mk II). All three cameras in question have a control ring located around the lens; more precisely, the G7 X and RX100 Mk III have one ring each, while the G1 X Mk II has two. The functions of these rings can be customized at the user's discretion - the most obvious option being to set the shutter speed or aperture. All three cameras also have a flip-out LCD display that can be raised 180° for easy self-portrait shooting. Canon cameras have a touchscreen display, Sony cameras do not. It should be noted that the G7 X is the only one of the three that does not have the ability to connect a remote control; for it, there is only one option - to use a smartphone synchronized via Wi-Fi.

If we consider the video capabilities, the most interesting is the Sony RX 100 Mk III. Its strengths: the ability to shoot in XAVC S format (bitrate 50 Mbit/s, 60 frames/s) and constant control over aperture and shutter speed, as well as high-quality processor processing that eliminates moire and other digital artifacts. The G1 X Mk II is the weakest in terms of video shooting - the speed is limited to 30 fps, there is no ability to change the aperture after recording starts, moiré, “ladders” instead of inclined lines and other artifacts are also noticeable. Given that the G7 X uses the same sensor as the RX100 Mk III, its video quality should be higher than the G1 X Mk II. Whether it will reach the quality of Sony or not is still an unanswered question.

Overall, the G7 X looks quite interesting. This camera should be a good competitor to the Sony RX100 Mk III. It has a longer focal length and lighter lens with a high-quality optical stabilizer, a touch screen, and a lower price. On the other hand, the RX100 Mk III can offer a built-in electronic viewfinder and better video recording quality. Continuous shooting is faster on the RX100 Mk III - as long as your subject doesn't move. The G7 X does a better job of focusing tracking. At the same time, the G1 X Mark II boasts such things as a fast shutter speed (1/4000 sec.) and a connector for an external flash, in addition, it has the widest range of focal lengths. In general, it cannot be said that one of the cameras looks better than the other, they are almost equal, but they have their own characteristics that should be kept in mind. You will be able to evaluate the capabilities of the Canon Powershot G7 X soon: the camera will go on sale in early November. The retail price for the Russian market is still unknown.

Canon PowerShot G1X - compact camera review

To take high-quality photos, it is best to use a DSLR camera. But in some cases, the photographer may not like using such a massive device. For example, on a trip I would like to take something lighter. A lighter device is also needed when walking. Are there any compact cameras that take photographs no worse than DSLRs? Perhaps there are similar cameras, but they cost a lot of money. For example, Canon PowerShot G1X sells for about 20 thousand rubles. Is this compact worth the money?

Typically, compact cameras are equipped with 1/2.3-inch matrices. But the developers included a much larger sensor in this expensive model. It is created using CMOS technology and has dimensions of 18.7 x 14 mm. At the same time, the engineers did not increase the resolution so that everything was in order with photosensitivity. As a result, the matrix has a resolution of 14.3 megapixels. Taking into account the fact that the photographs have a minimum of digital noise, they can be easily printed in as large formats as desired.

The lens also has excellent light transmittance. It has a rather modest range of focal lengths (28-112 mm), but the aperture is F: 2.8-5.8 at the short/long ends. The owner of the camera can safely take pictures even in low light. The lens glass allows maximum light to pass through. And the matrix, in turn, captures the maximum light falling on it. And it doesn’t matter that the Canon PowerShot G1X camera only has a 4x optical zoom. A real photographer will definitely note that aperture is more important than zoom.

Inside the device there is the most modern “filling”. There is a powerful optical image stabilizer here. Well, the shutter is capable of providing the camera owner with any shutter speed in the range from 60 to 1/4000 of a second. It should be noted that even many SLR cameras do not have a 60-second shutter speed. However, you will have to use this value very rarely. This parameter is mainly needed for shooting the night sky.

The Canon PowerShot G1X also has a powerful processor. It could process up to ten frames per second. But, unfortunately or fortunately, the pictures are of high quality, and they are saved in RAW format. Therefore, the camera's performance in burst mode is limited to 4.5 frames per second. But this is also quite good. Of course, the device has many manual settings. You can adjust a variety of parameters. From the same shutter speed, to white balance and aperture. You can also select ISO to get a better picture in low light. The user has access to a sensitivity range of ISO 80-12800. At almost all values, the picture is pleased with its low noise content. But at extreme values, detail may suffer a little due to the active operation of the noise reduction system. An excellent built-in flash can also help at night. Its range is at least 7 meters. And if you are going to save battery power, you can slightly reduce the flash intensity.

By the way, things are going well with the battery here. The device turned out to be very energy-hungry. And the battery is capable of satisfying the hunger of the device for 250 frames. Only after this will a new charge be required, which lasts about three hours.

Other features of the Canon PowerShot G1X include the ability to shoot high-resolution video. The picture is recorded in Full HD at 30 frames per second. Autofocus and zoom are available during video shooting. However, this device cannot replace a real video camera. This is due to the small range of focal lengths, lack of input for an external microphone and other simplifications. In addition, amateur video cameras record at a speed of 50 or even 60 frames per second.

Most modern compact cameras do not have a viewfinder. But the Canon PowerShot G1X is a pleasant exception. Here you can aim at the subject using an optical visor. If that's not your thing, then a three-inch LCD display with an incredible resolution of 920 thousand pixels will come to the rescue. The screen is equipped with a rotating mechanism that will help you shoot from a variety of angles.

The Japanese company Canon knows how to make luxury cameras. There’s no other word for Canon PowerShot G1X. This would also include a full-frame sensor. But if used like this, the price tag would skyrocket, and the optical zoom could disappear altogether. In short, if you are looking for a compact for taking photographs of excellent quality, then this model is created just for you.

Review of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Camera

Note from the author: This review was written in an amateur style, here you will not see many highly professional phrases and technical designations, I wrote it in such a way that most people far from professional photography would understand, since I myself am an amateur - and not a professional - photography.

The Canon G1 X is a so-called mirrorless camera that fans have been waiting for from Canon for a very long time, because most of its competitors have already jumped in and divided the mirrorless pie, but Canon stubbornly did not react to the new niche. And so it happened, about a month ago Canon announced the Canon G1 X mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras have been actively gaining popularity in recent years, due to the fact that they are compact and the range of work with them can always be expanded with interchangeable lenses, flashes and other accessories, while they provide quality images at the level of entry-level and middle-class DSLRs. Mirrorless cameras have a very large matrix, almost reaching APS-C in the case of the Canon G1 X specifically, the sensor of which has a resolution of 14.3 megapixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3, respectively, a maximum resolution of 4352 by 3264. The camera shutter is electronically controlled and can operate with delays from 1/4000 to 1 minute.

In the photo above, you can see the button that fires the flash. The flash pops out from a unit labeled “PowerShot G1X.” In fact, this turned out to be not a convenient feature for me; I wonder how many clicks the mechanism is designed for.

The Made in Japan inscription warms the soul at least a little, we are glad that the production has not been transferred to China. The memory card slot is combined with the battery compartment.

The screen rotates and rotates in absolutely any direction, very convenient. The screen brightness and picture quality are the highest.

The package includes a power cable, a strap, a very short paper instruction and 2 disks, one with software, including one containing the Digital Photo Professional program (Russian version), which allows you to work with RAW format, as well as a disk with instructions in all languages , including in Russian. The instructions contain 245 pages, very detailed, in color.

In principle, this device cannot be called compact, dimensions are 117x81x65 millimeters, with a weight of 534 grams. The lens protrudes above the surface of the camera by about 2.5 centimeters; there is no automatic shutter to cover the lens; there is only a cover with a latch, which must be put on manually each time. Lens aperture ranges from F/2.8 to F/5.8. Focal length from 28 to 112 millimeters. 4x optical zoom, DIGIC 5 processor, capable of shooting 4.3 frames per second at full resolution. It is also possible to save photos in 14-bit RAW format. Other interesting features include: multi-zone white balance assessment, a new HDR shooting mode, and a new Smart Auto shooting mode with face detection. And of course, a rotating 3-inch LCD display of the highest quality with a resolution of 922 thousand dots.

Wonderful review, although I should have also mentioned that the camera is not intended for lovers of macro photography, it has a huge focal length, from 40 centimeters in fact.

You are partly right, the lens can shoot macro, but not much macro at all, the cat and elephant in my review is the maximum that I managed to squeeze out of it. For those who value macro photography, it is better to bypass this device, but the other modes do not cause any complaints.

Sorry if I suddenly didn't read it carefully. Does it run on battery power only, does it not work on batteries?

Lera , it has its own rechargeable battery and charger - operation from ordinary batteries is not provided.

That's why Kenon distanced the G1 X from the G line by adding the letter X. This camera is more for journalists, shooting scenes on the street, in poorly lit places, portrait reports. For macro, take the G12 or if you have the money, then a mirror + macro lens.

Quite normal macro, enough for amateur purposes. Of course, their weight turned out to be wrong for a prosumer. With such weight and size, I would already think about carrying a handbag with a DSLR on my shoulder.

Hello,
I am a fan of almost all models of the Canon PowerShot G series camera, only because of the rotating screen, there is an old Canon PowerShot G5 resting on the shelf, bought back in 2002, and also for crazy money.
What I mean is that the sizes of the Canon G1X and G5 are the same, the difference is that you just push the lid off with your finger or throw off the lens, but here you have to waste seconds turning over and fiddling with the latches, and also the flip-out and built-in flash.
Now regarding the comparison of the G12, which I have been using since January 2012, and the Canon PowerShot G1-X
YES there is a difference, MACRO on the G1-X I would say no at all.
Imagine a macro G12, almost half cut off at the top of a disposable plastic (matte) cup , which you put on a lens hood, and horizontally covered a coin on the table, with the lens missing only half a centimeter from the coin, set the car with a flash and you have a clear coin from a 24-inch monitor on the entire monitor, experimented in the same way with your eye - oh God, I didn’t even know what the retina was and what kind of capillaries and patterns there were, but putting my dad’s eye on a 65-inch LCD panel can scare children. THIS IS MACRO!
The Canon G1X does NOT adjust for macro even when I just stick it under the car (where the eye is missing) to remove any part from the car, or remove MACRO if it is simply impossible to read the number on the chip - this is a huge minus. But!
NOISE, which I have been struggling with on all PowerShot models for more than one year - it is many times less, detail rendering, temperature, sharpness, stabilization, everything is better on the default auto.
The size of the matrix, however.
The menu is absolutely no different from the Canon PowerShot G12 except for a hint about manual flash, the software is the same, the dimensions...
I have already repeatedly grabbed the G12 by the lens shutter blades (taking it out of the case) - let's see what happens next if the shutter on the G12 fails, or the pop-up flash on the G1X
Whoever likes it, for tour trips or outdoors I'll take the G1X with me, to places where only with photo resolution, I’ll take the main camera, a DSLR, and a G12 in my pocket, and for household needs, such as a G12 macro. Prices today have dropped to 559 euros, I paid for a Canon PowerShot G1-X.
And they will fall,
Wait!

Thank you for such a detailed answer. IMHO, when Canon positions a camera as the flagship of its line (I’m talking about the G1 X), you simply don’t expect such a dirty trick as the complete absence of macro. Although, of course, it was already clear from the lens that the macro would not be a fountain, but not to the same extent, this is, after all, the flagship of the entire PowerShot G line.

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Review of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera

The Canon PowerShot G1 X has a resolution of 14 megapixels and a one-and-a-half-inch CMOS sensor. Combined with the DIGIC 5 image processor, it allows you to shoot at sensitivities up to ISO 12800, even in the darkest conditions, for stunning DSLR-quality images! This camera is compact for its class, but its price ($800) hints to us that the capabilities of the G1 X should not be underestimated in advance.

Appearance of Canon PowerShot G1 X

If we talk about size, the G1 X does not claim to be the smallest camera, but, nevertheless, the dimensions are modest for such a device. And the weight declared by the manufacturer, including the battery, is 535g.

The camera lens extends by 3 cm in normal operating condition, and extends by about the same amount if the maximum zoom is used. The device can be used with one hand, but given its weight, lens and width of 117mm, you shouldn’t expect any comfortable sensations. It does not require special conditions for carrying; it can even be put in a coat pocket. However, it would be better to have a special bag for the G1 X.

This is not to say that we were pleased with the optical viewfinder. Therefore, if you decide to use it instead of a display, be prepared for the fact that autofocus may be unpleasantly surprising. And since you will see the result only after shooting, many valuable shots will be wasted.

Immediately below the viewfinder is a lens with a maximum aperture of F/2.8-F/5.8, which simply would not fit into a smaller body. Among the disadvantages of the lens, we note that it cannot be changed, which means that it is unlikely that we will be able to improve our charge.

The location of the control keys will seem illogical to anyone who has not used similar cameras before, but owners of any DSLR will easily figure everything out in a couple of minutes. As for regular users who purchased the G1 X, they simply won't have a choice given the price of the device.

Canon PowerShot G1 X User Interface

The centerpiece of the interface is a 3-inch LCD display that displays a histogram and noise level. Visual indicators that can be customized to your liking will also be handy. The good news for videographers is that the display can be rotated a full 360 degrees. This will allow you to adjust the camera to any convenient shooting position.

In the upper corner of the display there are buttons for quick control. Using them, you can edit the white balance or select the shooting format (RAW or JPEG).

The big downside is that the G1 X's sensitivity selection is the same as the G12's - to put it simply, setting ISO is a complex three-step process: first, you need to press Up, then use the Right or Right keys. left" select the ISO position and at the end - fix the selected one using the "FUNC.SET" key. As you can see, the control is far from ideal, but if you don’t have time for adjustments, you can choose to automatically determine the optimal ISO value, fortunately it works quite well.

Canon PowerShot G1 X performance

According to Canon, the camera should shoot at 4.5 frames per second. Naturally, the manufacturer is silent that this result can only be achieved in a special continuous shooting mode lasting only 6 frames.

In practice, the shooting speed turned out to be slightly less than two frames per second - this is with a fixed focus, JPEG compression format and a shutter speed of 1/125. Shooting combined RAW + JPEG, we got about 6 frames in 10 seconds. For comparison, the Nikon D5100 took 17 pictures in 10 seconds under the same conditions. This means that the G1 X is about 3 times slower than other DSLRs in the same price range. It's a shame, Canon.

We were not impressed with the macro mode. Autofocus did not cope with its task at all, and we were able to focus only with the lens extended as far as possible. The pictures came out quite good, especially in normal lighting.

Battery life Canon PowerShot G1 X

Battery life is acceptable, but we weren't particularly impressed. Before the camera went offline, we managed to take 240 pictures and a couple of videos with a total duration of 3 minutes. As a result, the camera worked for 3 hours. We cannot help but note that the Sony NEX-7 takes 700 pictures on a single battery charge and manages to shoot 40 minutes of video in 1920 x 1080 resolution. Although this is a rather arbitrary comparison, given that the shooting settings and general conditions can be completely different - but The difference is noticeable, and many users may find the battery life of this Powershot to be insufficient.

Photo and Video Quality Canon PowerShot G1 X

As we thought, having a large matrix solves almost everything.
According to the test photos, frames with a shallow depth of field will benefit most from this, although all other types of shots look very impressive. As far as low-light photography goes, we were a little disappointed. Already at ISO 1600 points the quality leaves much to be desired, which precludes the possibility of printing pictures in full resolution.

But the video quality is excellent – that is, quite standard for such a camera. The audio controls are amazing. In addition, the camera has a 3.5mm microphone jack and a mini HDMI output. When recording, the zoom works, but focusing is still lame. Despite the fact that autofocus is one of the best we have seen recently, it has not yet learned to react quickly. But the auto-exposure let us down - the adjustment is very abrupt, and it is quite difficult to achieve the desired position.

Thus, although the camera performed well compared to its competitors, we are unlikely to use it for any purposes other than static shots and short videos for recording important moments

Verdict

For all its shortcomings, the G1 X holds up well among its competitors. The same Nikon P7100, although similar to our ward, has a much smaller matrix size and low resolution, although it costs $300 less.

Very close to the G1 X is the Olympus E-P3, which has a similar design and manual controls. Plus, the E-P3 has the ability to change lenses, although it has a smaller sensor and costs $100 more.

If we consider cheaper options, the Sony NEX-C3 ($500) looks like an attractive option. This camera has a fixed f/2.8 aperture lens and an APS-C sensor with higher resolution than the G1 X. However, the C3 is aimed more at automatic shooting, and the lack of buttons makes manual operation a little awkward.

If you already have a good camera and only need a compact addition to it, then the Canon G1 X can be called an excellent choice. But if you are just starting to use cameras of this type, and the size is not particularly important to you, it is better to take the Nikon D5100. On its side, the user will find a huge matrix, the ability to change lenses, comfortable controls and shooting quality. Moreover, the price is comparable to Powershot G1 X.

However , if you just need a compact device that can take high-quality photos quickly and clearly, then the G1 X is perfect.

Canon Powershot G1X Review

For several years now, Canon's G-series compact cameras have exemplified the maker's craftsmanship at its finest, from the 2000 G1 to the 2010 G12.
However, in recent years they have faced harsh criticism related to the problem of digital noise. Canon responded to the criticism quite simply - by reducing the matrix resolution and increasing the dot size. This caused a new wave of protest, mainly among those who sincerely believe that the more pixels, the better the quality. And now, finally, according to the assurances of the developers, Canon has found a way out of the situation. The Canon Powershot G1X uses a 38mm sensor (up from 15mm in the G12), offering an effective resolution of 14.3 megapixels. All this is enclosed in a stylish compact case that fits easily into your pocket.

Canon Powershot G1X

Canon Powershot G1X Specifications

At first glance, the G1X gives the impression of a solid, serious device: a durable, all-black body, black control keys with clear white text. The main hardware keys are located on the top panel. In particular, there is a power button, a shooting mode dial, an exposure compensation dial (+- 2 f-numbers), a shutter button surrounded by a zoom adjustment ring, and a dynamic range adjustment wheel. On the left is the flash release button protruding upward. The rear panel is occupied by an LCD screen, next to which there is a traditional button for accessing the menu, as well as a function key, video recording, image playback, exposure metering and autofocus. On the left, near the optical viewfinder, is a customizable function key.

Example photo of Canon Powershot G1X

This wide range of hardware keys is one of the Canon Powershot G1X's greatest strengths. When getting acquainted with the device, it is recommended that you first study the purpose of each of them, instead of then wandering through the confusing menu.

Canon Powershot G1X camera menu

The optical viewfinder, which acts as an alternative to the LCD screen, is not very well designed - when the lens is extended to its full length, it covers almost a quarter of the viewfinder from below.

The maximum image size is 4352x3264 pixels, which means you can print photos in 37x28 cm format without loss of quality. The maximum video resolution is 1920×1080 at a shooting speed of 24 frames per second.

Video

For a camera, the ability to record Full HD video is already a very good bonus. Oddly enough, the limited scaling (zoom) capabilities make it possible to almost completely avoid shaking during video shooting. Focusing and exposure are surprisingly smooth, and the built-in stabilizer does a great job of controlling camera shake and occasional camera shake.

Macro photography

A rather serious drawback of the G1X was its macro photography function. In particular, during testing, shooting a scene measuring 26x19 cm at maximum zoom was possible only from a distance of 75 cm. Therefore, if you were going to shoot coins, stamps and other small things with the camera from a minimum distance, forget about it.

Light sensitivity Canon Powershot G1X

Canon G1X ISO 100

Canon G1X ISO 400

Canon G1X ISO 800

Canon G1X ISO 1600

Canon G1X ISO 3200

Canon G1X ISO 6400

Canon G1X ISO 12800

ISO tests showed amazing results. Over the ISO 100 to 6400 sensitivity range, there was no evidence of digital noise at all. It was only at ISO 12800 that noise became noticeable, although the image remained fairly clear and the colors natural. The G1X is one of the few cameras that can achieve excellent results at almost any ISO setting.

Verdict

The quality is very good. The auto exposure system works excellently, providing a wide range of brightness, as can be seen in the images above.

Reasons to buy : Powerful sensor for a digital point-and-shoot camera, excellent results at high ISO.

Reasons not to buy : Quite difficult to operate camera, limited macro capabilities.

Of course, many potential buyers would like to increase the continuous shooting speed, which is 4.5 frames per second at maximum resolution. On the other hand, many would probably like to increase scaling capabilities.

Canon Powershot G1X Specifications

Matrix : 14.3 million effective pixels.
Matrix size : 38 mm (18.7×14.0 mm), CMOS.
Lens : f2.8-5.6/15-60.4 (28-112mm 35 SLR equivalent).
Exposure metering : center-weighted, general, spot.
Exposure modes : Program AE, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual.
Shutter speed : 1 - 1/4000 sec.
Continuous shooting : up to 4.5 frames per second.
Memory : Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
Image size (pixels) : 4352×3264 – 640×480.
Video : 1920x1080 at 24 fps, 1280x720 and 640x480 at 30 fps.
Viewfinder : Optical plus 7.6 cm LCD (922,000 pixels).
Supported formats : JPEG, RAW (14-bit), JPEG+RAW, MPEG4.
Color space : sRGB.
ISO sensitivity : Auto, 100 - 12800.
Interfaces : USB 2.0, HDMI mini, Motion JPEG, AV, ext micxxxx.
Power : Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, DC.
Dimensions : 116.7×80.5×64.7.
Weight : 534 g (with battery and card).

Canon PowerShot G1X: the best compact camera for tourists

The capabilities of this 14.3 MP camera are so impressive that we decided to test it in the field and took it with us to Istanbul

Content

Equipment

The package includes everything you need - charger, miniUSB/USB cable, neck strap, warranty card, instructions and, of course, the camera itself.

There is also a special box for underwater photography available for the G1X, but you will need to buy it separately.

Design

Thanks to its durable metal body, the camera weighs 540g (including battery and memory card), about the same as entry-level DSLR cameras.

The grip coating is made of rough rubber, and this solution will help to securely hold the camera in your hand while shooting.

On the front panel there is a viewfinder window, a slider for adjusting various parameters (for example, shutter speed), an autofocus illuminator lamp and a lens covered with a protective cover. Note that the lens is attached to the camera body using a special cord, so it is almost impossible to lose it.

On the back there is a 3-inch display with variable tilt angles, a small optical viewfinder, buttons for sending photos for printing, calling up received images and starting video recording, metering and exposure locking keys, buttons for accessing the menu and deleting photos, as well as a standard 5-position navigator, which is located inside the wheel for adjusting the aperture value.

On the right side there is an A/V output combined with a USB interface, an HDMI port and a connector for connecting a remote control.

At the bottom there is a tripod mount, a socket for a 920 mAh lithium-ion battery and a slot for a memory card.

And at the top there is a built-in flash and a slider to activate it, a hot shoe, wheels for exposure correction and mode selection, as well as zoom, on/off and shutter buttons.

Control

The shutter button responds even to a light touch, and it will take you a few days to get used to it.

To shoot a video, you need to select the appropriate mode and click on the special button with a red circle.

While shooting, you can rotate the display and change its angle. This is very convenient when photographing from below or from above

During testing, we used this feature to photograph a crowded Egyptian market and the streets of the Grand Bazaar area.

The G1X has 4x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom.

We will demonstrate the results of their work below, but for now we will say that using optical zoom is accompanied by the appearance of a white indicator on the display, and digital zoom makes it blue.

The camera menu is very simple and logical with a lot of tips. We especially note that by pressing the FUNC. SET is not in AUTO mode, you can change almost all the basic settings, select the continuous shooting option, standard effects and even select the RAW format, which is optimal for professional processing.

This model's CMOS sensor measures 18.7 x 14mm, which is the same height as the APS-C sensor found in Canon DSLR cameras.

Together with the DIGIC 5 image processor, it allows you to shoot at ISO sensitivity up to 12800 even in the darkest rooms and still get good quality images. In Istanbul, we were able to test this thesis in the dim Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built one and a half thousand years ago, and we were pleased with the result.

The camera excels at capturing portraits and landscapes, regardless of ambient lighting conditions. Even if everything around is sunny or overcast, you can quickly make all the necessary adjustments using the settings. We also note that the camera copes well with shooting dynamic objects.

Sample pictures:

The zoom performance here is simply amazing. Of course, if you want to maintain quality, it is better to use only 4x optical zoom. But if a distant subject needs to be photographed at all costs, don't hesitate to use 16x "digital".

In the example below we show photos taken without using the zoom, at 4x digital zoom and 16x optical zoom:

In addition to photographing landscapes and architectural monuments, zoom will help you choose an unusual angle, as well as photograph people without attracting too much attention.

The built-in flash turned out to be quite powerful. We used it when photographing the interiors of Topkapi Palace, the centuries-old residence of the Turkish sultans. Here's what we got:

One of the key advantages of this model is shooting video in Full HD format, although, if desired, you can shoot in HD and even in 640 x 480 pixels, which is optimal for use on social networks. During testing, we shot exclusively in Full HD, and left Istanbul with the feeling that the G1X could easily replace a good home video camera.

Video examples:

What to pay attention to:

• Same sensor size as entry level DSLRs •

• 4x optical zoom •

• High level of photosensitivity •

• Shooting video in Full HD format •

• RAW format support •

Specifications:

Model : Canon PowerShot G1X
Weight: 540 g
Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.05 x 6.47 cm
Matrix : 14.3 MP, CMOS, 18.7 x 14 mm
Maximum image resolution : 4352 x 3264 pixels
Maximum video resolution : 1920 x 1080 pixels
Light sensitivity : ISO 100 – 12800
Lens : f = 15.1 – 60.4 mm (28 – 112 mm in 35mm equivalent), F2.8 – 5.8
Zoom : optical – 4x, digital – 16x
Image format : JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Video format : H.264
Display : 3″, variable angles
Optical image stabilizer
Memory : SD/SDHC/SDXC cards
USB 2.0 interface
Audio and video output : A/V-out, HDMI
Power : Li-Ion, 920 mAh