G1X in New Jersey

Yes, there won't be any lovely pictures of Paris here. But may I share with you some of my experiences as an owner? These concern ergonomics and usability.

1. The camera takes extremely sharp images. We all know that. So far, so good.

2. I also bought it for low light work, which my G12, an excellent camera, can't handle well. The G1X does great in low light, up to and including ISO 6400, BUT if the shutter speed is below 1/60 or 125, and the person moves, the person's image will be blurred. Bummer. If the person is still, image is great.

3.The VG2 optical finder works great, and doesn't fall off, but you may have to take it off in order to put the camera in its case, and then put it on when you are using the camera again. Inconvenient. You may be tempted not to use it.

4. Focusing. I took some great pictures of maps one day, very sharp, but a few days later I couldn't get it to focus sharply on a page of a ledger. In each case I had the camera set to 28mm and Close Focus. What I think happened in the interim is that I turned off the focus aid light. I prefer to have it off, since that is less intrusive, but it is apparently necessary for close focus work.

5, Pocketability: I found it is an enormous help not to have the camera with or without case dangling around my neck or slung across my chest and shoulder (somewhat better). Having been used to the G12, I tried for pocketabiliy, The G!X fits in the side pocket of my Scottevest windbreaker, very easily and also fits very easily into my slacks side pocket, but I am afraid it will get bumped so a case is needed. I have an Optec neoprene case, the smallest design I could find, but it is a bit tough to get it in and out of a windbreaker or slacks pocket. I have to find a solution for this, urgently, if I am going to enjoy the camera. I find the weight of the camera to be no problem IF it is in a pocket.

6. The 3" fully articulating LCD is great and works perfectly in the horizontal position, where I shoot like a Rolleiflex. It's not as fast as putting an OVF suddenly to your eye, like a rifle sight, but I like it better, I can often take half a dozen shots unobtrusively.

7, Camera speed for street and travel photography: I find the G1X plenty fast enough and I don't know what the criticisms are about unless one is doing fast sports (but I have done tennis with the G12) or one is looking for a "decisive moment."

Hope this helps,
Best regards,

Krugman