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Canon's burly PowerShot G1 X Mark II is a pleasure to use
This week, we met Canon's G1 X Mark II. Judging by its nomenclature, we expected a straightforward update to 2012's PowerShot flagship. Instead, this year's model is only like its predecessor when it comes to size -- the camera's specifications and design have been refined significantly. There's no longer an optical viewfinder and the 3-inch touchscreen tilts up and down instead of out to the side, but otherwise, the camera's been modified for the better, with a more powerful 24-120mm f/2-3.9 zoom lens, a new 1.5-inch sensor and a faster DIGIC 6 processor. That powerful combo yields a much more capable point-and-shoot -- with the Mark II, the G1 X can finally justify its $800 price. We caught up with the Mark II at the annual CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan, and while we weren't entirely convinced of the camera's practicality based on press photos and a spec sheet, a few minutes of shooting helped seal the deal. This G1 X refresh was comfortable to use and very responsive, from the speedy zoom toggle to the super-fast focusing. The LCD was quite sharp and bright, and while we missed having an optical viewfinder to play with, the boosted functionality in other departments made the tradeoff worthwhile. (Canon's also planning to offer an external electronic viewfinder -- pictured above -- which seems like a reasonable compromise.) We did struggle with focusing in macro mode, just as we did with the original X, but the lens performed quite nicely with subjects a bit more in the distance, so if you're not planning to shoot close-ups of flowers, you should be fine. Video shooters beware: while there is support for 1080/30p captures, there's no microphone input or headphone jack. In this price range, we're still inclined to recommend Sony's RX100 Mark II, despite its slightly smaller 1-inch sensor. We haven't had a chance to review full-res images from the Canon, but based on the Sony camera's superior focusing and compact size, it's likely the better choice for many photographers. That model's available now for $700, while the $800 G1 X is expected in stores this April. Check out our hands-on video for a closer look.
Canon updates high-end PowerShot lineup with $799 G1 X Mark II
Canon introduced its PowerShot G1 X at 2012's CES, and two years later, the pricey high-end point-and-shoot is ready for an update. This year's iteration, the G1 X Mark II, includes a 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, and like its predecessor, this new chip measures 1.5 inches diagonally, enabling some pretty spectacular images. There's a 24-120mm f/2-3.9 zoom lens, so you can expect shallow depth of field throughout the maximum-aperture range, and sharp shots even in low light. It includes a 1.04M-dot 3-inch tilting touchscreen, a DIGIC 6 processor, 12,800 top ISO and 1080/60p 1080/30p MP4 video capture. Additionally, you can pair the Mark II with Canon's companion apps via WiFi and NFC for remote shooting and wireless image transfers. There will also be an XGA electronic viewfinder accessory that mounts on the hot shoe, should you prefer an EVF. Pricing for that add-on is TBA, but expect the G1 X Mark II to hit stores in April for $800. Update: The G1 X Mark II supports 1080/30p, not 60p video capture.
Canon PowerShot G1 X review
Canon's G1 X boasts a beefy 14-megapixel resolution and a tank-load of ambition. Its mandate, no less, is to deliver the image quality and control of a DSLR inside the discreet body of a compact, aiming to attract serious photographers who want to travel light or supplement their main kit. That's why the G1 X houses a substantial 1.5-inch CMOS sensor, stretching to around 80 percent of the size of APS-C, along with an anti-minimalist array of dials, knobs and buttons to provide quick access to manual settings. It also explains why the G1 X is 30 percent heavier than both its evolutionary ancestor and some of its competitors, and why its price tag is equally hefty: $800, which is SLR-like in all the wrong ways. We've had this shooter long enough to gather our thoughts, but as to whether it deserves a smile or a snarl, you'll have to read on to find out.
Canon PowerShot G1 X hands-on (video)
This week, Canon reinforced its commitment to not producing a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera by launching the PowerShot G1 X. The company's latest G-series camera is by far the most powerful, and most expensive model, ringing up at $799.99 -- approaching (and in some cases exceeding) DSLR territory. Its pricing and spec list imply that the G1 X could be a DSLR competitor, but is it? No, not by a long shot. Instead, the company's most powerful compact cam is designed to be a companion to cameras in Canon's DSLR line, acting as a second, third or fourth shooter to professional photographers. The G1 X includes a 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) 14.3 megapixel sensor -- which puts it in almost the same class as APS-C models, but with a fixed 4x, 28-112mm optical zoom lens and a compact camera form factor, it's a completely different beast. So is the G1 X able to justify its nearly $800 price tag? Join us past the break to find out.
Canon unveils PowerShot G1 X: huge 14.3 megapixel sensor, 12,800 ISO, $800 price tag (updated)
You were expecting Canon to announce a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, weren't you? Well, we're not getting that today -- if ever. Instead, Canon has introduced a large sensor model to its PowerShot G-series of cameras. The G1 X joins (but doesn't replace) the G12, which previously held the title as the company's largest point-and-shoot. While the camera itself is not any smaller, the G1 X's 1.5-inch 14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor is what really makes it unique, offering a sensor size nearly as large as the APS-C found in larger mirrorless models and many full-size DSLRs. Larger sensors require larger lenses and therefore larger body sizes, but for professional and advanced amateur photographers, the benefits typically outweigh the inconvenience associated with carrying a bulkier model.With a large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) sensor, the Canon G1 X should theoretically be able to capture higher quality images in low light (with sensitivity boosted to ISO 12,800), and with more shallow depth of field -- the 4x 28mm lens has an aperture range of f/2.8-16, making it ideal for everything from sports action to landscape shoots. The "EOS-like" feature set includes 1080p video, 14-bit RAW and JPEG capture and full compatibility with Speedlite flashes and other accessories. A 3-inch 922k-dot LCD is on the rear with full tilt and swivel, and a mode dial up top provides direct access to shooting modes, including full manual. The G1 X is scheduled to ship in February for $799.99, but check back here next week for the hands-on, live from the show floor at CES. Update: The G1 X has landed in our hands, you can check out the full post here.
Canon PowerShot G1 X leaks: 14.3 MP sensor, 28-112mm lens and still a compact
Another camera has snuck out to delight us ahead of CES and it's another tempting chunk of camera. Canon's new flagship compact, the Powershot G1X packs a 14.3 megapixel sensor alongside a 28-112mm lens capable of f/2.5. The compact will apparently be capable of RAW photo output, 1080p video capture. It will also manage more advanced features like we've seen on the PowerShot series' S100, like multi-area white balance, while you can also expect high-speed burst shooting at full resolution. What we don't know is what the G1X will look like. Will follow the wolf-in-sheep's-clothing looks of the S95 and S100 or go for something a little more... dynamic? Expect to see more on this in just a few days.
