Canon G1 X preview updated, ISO samples added, gallery to come: Digital Photography Review

Someone said this could have been a modern Sony R1.

I think it could have been a modern Leica Digilux2 / Lumix LC1.
Maybe someone else will pick up the baton.

0 upvotes

I was hoping for manual zoom and fast shutter response. Is it just me or do you find the electric motor zoom control frustrating. I gave my G11 to my son because I could not deal with the show shutter response and the rubbery zoom control when trying to photograph my grand kids. Even for walk-around purposes, these two issues would get in the way. The workarounds such as manual focus don't seem to work for me. The Fuji X10 manual zoom looked good but the slower shutter response is still an issue. My walk-around and grand kid shooting is done with a 60D (or my 5DMkII if I'm doing landscape shooting in the same outing).

So, am I missing something here? Must a 60D be my smallest camera?

Thanks for any thoughts.

0 upvotes

Well said Uri Ben
I just worry if this camera will hit its target market. All cameras do well in good conditions. The real test is shooting in less than ideal conditions, which the larger sensor seems to provide a good assist. What is the main competitor for a camera like this at this price point? If it is the M43's then it had better perform.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

good example of failed product design. lol

0 upvotes

WASBA- I am no less then amazed from your so intelligent useful comment...taking in consideration that you wrote it after so many hours of using this camera...

0 upvotes

Does this camera feature the remote capability per USB (as the G9 had)? Canon discontinued this possibility for the G10 and the following G's. This was quite a handy feature. Anyone knows?

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Flash.
Canon has made the compact camera I was waiting for.
I use Nikon SLR's since more than 30 years but they haven't convinced me with their Nikon 1 's.

Could anyone tell me if I could use a Nikon SB-600 speed light on the Canon G1 X ?

1 upvote

>"Could anyone tell me if I could use a Nikon SB-600 speed light on the Canon G1 X ?"<
Yes, with SB-600 in Manual output mode. Not in TTL/i-TTL/D-TTL

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do you need to put the duck tape to close the flash to hot shoe contact, leaving only to the center or it is not necessary to block the metal contact?

0 upvotes

Your question is interesting but the Pentax Espio 115 have a 38-115mm f/4.0-8.0 zoom.
Not even close to Canon's 28-112mm F/2.8-5.8
So smaller sensor but wider and faster lens, a big flip-out screen, a flash hot shoe and a lot of manual button for fast and direct access on settings... that's why the G1-X is bigger.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Regarding body size... I asked myself, how would it compare to a 35mm camera? So I took the liberty to combine some body pictures. Here is the result (equal scales!): http://aquarius999.x10.mx/dpr/CameraSizes.jpg

I was surprised! The analog P&S is a 'full frame' yet it's as compact as the Panasonic, and smaller (by approx 10mm WxH) than the G1X.

Should smaller sensor sizes (less than 1/2 of full frame) not translate into smaller cameras, at least from the standpoint of optics?

0 upvotes

is it just me or do i see only very slight differences between iso200 and iso12800? yes iso12800 is softer, but noise is barely barely noticeable after the (presumable) noise reduction (which made the image soft)?

0 upvotes

Any improvement of the view finder ? (since there is no hope for the 53 years old photographer I am to operate from the back lcd) or is it still as precise as a fisher price camera ?

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Ok I found my answer... sad : no good news for me.
I have been so disappointed by the X100 (I still have one for the moment) that I expect very little of the X-pro1.
I had an opportunity to test the NEX 5 and I have been puzzled by the quality and the reactivity of this camera : a true dslr feeling (I am a canon eos user) except for the view finder ... I will get the nex 7 when it will be available in France.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Why tell people sad stories about your poor ability at yours quite young age ( I hope you will become better, really - I am many years older then you and I love LCDs) - just buy the Nex 7.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

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Dear @Rick Knepper: A sensor of this size for this category of camera is indeed considered "LARGE". Chill dude.

2 upvotes

Great ! Love it.
This is a must for me !
When will it be on the market in Belgium ?...

1 upvote

Dear DPR, "large sensor" means APS-C or larger, not nearly a 2x crop.

0 upvotes

Dear Mr Knepper - that's an entirely arbitrary statement, so please don't state it as fact.

This sensor is over 6x larger than the G12's and 10x larger than the majority of compacts'. By contrast, it is within 20% of the size of APS-C. At which point it makes far more sense to call it (and Four Thirds) 'Large Sensor' to distinguish them from the tiny sensors used in most compacts.

Comment edited 59 seconds after posting

9 upvotes

Back hurt after getting all that knowledge dropped on you?

4 upvotes

In your review, Please let us know if this camera has DSO (In addition to HDR) & if the camera does "Sweep Panorama" (to help make up for the 28 mm lens). Also Please do some full res Tripod mounted shots of the "in camera HDR" of high contrast scenes, so that we can see any artifacts in the details. Thanks.

0 upvotes

Is it just me or what... the ISO 6400 & 12800 samples look fantastic! So much better that anything my trusty nikon D5100 ever produces at those sensitivities! I think this camera is set to take the crown for the best ISO performance from an APS-C camera...

2 upvotes

i like this camera much more than a g12 or a fuji x100. it's not a pocket camera but still much smaller than a dslr and better sensor than a m4/3, it's an interesting option.
samsung nx or sony nex have interchangable lenses but many ppl don't even buy a second lens.

2 upvotes

true and the lens on this is slightly faster than kits and is 4x.
But this is NOT pocketable.

0 upvotes

Well that depends on the pocket you want to put it in.

Comment edited 11 seconds after posting

1 upvote

I have large, deep pockets. I'll make a little room buying this camera and then it will fit comfortably.

1 upvote

Its monday! :)

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Wake up Canon ! Didn't you see the Sony oled EVF ? didn't you notice the Nikon fast plane phase AF ? Don't you see that the time is now for a professional mirrorless large sensor camera?
Wait a little more time, and Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Fuji will take over the market....

1 upvote

I really dont think so. Canon will sell tons of these cameras, no matter how many minor "bugs" it will contain.

1 upvote

I don't understand Canon, and understand even less Nikon.
It is an obvious reality that mirrorless is the future of digital fotography.
- Nikon managed to find a solution to the AF speed problem of the mirrorless by going to plane phase instead of contrast. Then, what did dey do? they came out with the 1 system and small sensor.
- Canon came up with a fixed lens and a large sensor.
Both Nikon and Canon must be desperate, and they are hiding their head in the sand. The mirror is a dinosaur. Move on. go mirrorless. make smaller , fast autofocusing cameras, smaller, fast lenses, and forget what you did up to now. if you want to survive.

2 upvotes

don't think Canon or Nikon are in trouble and need survival tips, they sell many times over what other companies do when it comes to cameras.

I understand your passion and enthusiasm though. Other companies have to be very different and creative to get a piece of the pie as Canon and Nikon can sell by name and status alone. When I was advising with Sony everybody knew and understood this.

3 upvotes

Canon has done this already when they abandoned the FD mount in favor of the EOS mount. Nikon and Pentax found a way to keep the MF mount, Minolta also moved on with their AF mount, but, was already dropping in popularity.

And Canon lost Many Pro's because all there glass was useless on the EOS bodies, But, Nikon AF could still use older MF lenses with their AF bodies..

Maybe, they don't want to "Rock the Boat"... again.

1 upvote

Valentinian, no camera is the "future." There are a vast number of photographers with different preferences and needs. I use a variety of cameras, both film and digital. Some have fine lenses (Pentax) some have crappy lenses (Holga) and some have no lenses (pinhole). I don't like really small cameras. And if I use a "smaller camera" I don't want interchangeable lenses on it. The whole idea of making a vast variety of cameras is that there will be something for everybody. The Canon G1 X will be a good choice for a lot of people. Canon will sell a ton of these, and they probably also have small mirrorless camera in the works, just for you.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Finally!!! A new edition of the Sony R1. I was waiting for it. A 6x zoom would be fine for travellers. Maybe the G2X will bring us this improvement. I hope the lens IQ is good. The aspect ratio seems the best use of the image circle.

0 upvotes

not really... G's have missed that highly desirable 24mm fov (35mm equivalent) that the Sony R1 offered (24-120mm)...

and we're all still waiting...

after finally offering the SX30IS/SX40HS and S100 (all first time w/ 24mm for semi-prosumer level) on Canons, we hoped finally the G would get it (if not, maybe a Pro2)

i had the R1 too... and sadly Sony hasn't come out with an adequate update for it either...

the up in sensor size is long overdue... maybe a Pro2 could be same sensor, but a wider shorter faster zoom of 24-96mm, that would do me perfectly (provided they retain the G/Pro's VASS, or vari-angle swivel screen), and improve on the EOS-1 controls that Canon has slowly implemented on their high end prosumer dcams but not given optimal feel yet.

the R1 at least had similar EOS-1 controls, missing on all new generation alphas/NEX/SLTs, and that's a big step backwards for Sony

all the more, Canon shouldn't hold back so much from implementing such strongest of their own features

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Hi , I 'd like to know more of G1X' operation speed/responsiveness like switch-on-time, AF-focus time, shot-to-shot speed etc. Could anyone help? Thank you.

0 upvotes

This q has been thoroughly answered by the DPR folks at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=40321874 :

"OK, lots of people asking about AF speed, lots more bizarrely assuming that the lack of an instant answer means the end of the world (as opposed to me taking a bit of time to assess it better).

The pre-production G1 X using I'm works just fine, but with the usual caveats about contrast detect autofocus. No current CDAF camera works well with moving subjects, and the G1 X hasn't somehow broken the trend. If you want to shoot pictures of sports, or just your kids running around the house, it's not the best choice - you'll do better with an SLR and fast-focusing lens, or perhaps a Nikon One (although that comes with its own set of compromises). This should come as no surprise at all."

(TBC)

4 upvotes

(Part 2):

In terms of speed, the G1 X is neither record-breakingly fast nor the slowest around. It's pretty snappy at wideangle but, unsurprisingly, slower and a bit less decisive at telephoto. It can't match the insanely fast static-subject acquisition of Olympus or Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, but it's not painfully slow either. Alongside an S95, I'd say it seems a bit quicker, but not breathtakingly so. It's just quite... average, really. "

1 upvote

It's gone off the boil for me. One of the biggest advantages with a small-sensor camera is the macro facility. I don't think I could live without that. Also, the optical viewfinder is really poor and there is no reason why Canon could not have improved it. At over 700 euros, people will be looking for more than a G12 with big sensor. And I'm not so sure about the fixed lens. Ideally, you need more specialised lenses (e.g. for macro or wideangle) to get the most out of the sensor.

As for the competition, I think the Nikon V1 may have a lot going for it - the lesser image quality offset by close focusing distance of 1 cm, a good EVF and nifty focusing system - and removable lenses. (Canon's G series has always had a problem with dust on the sensor. (How's it going to manage with a sensor 6 times the size?)

Comment edited 50 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

"(Canon's G series has always had a problem with dust on the sensor. (How's it going to manage with a sensor 6 times the size?)"

My guess is that the individual dust particles will be 6 times harder to see.

3 upvotes

It's nearly Tuesday on this side of the Planet!!!

4 upvotes

only sunday night in Seattle, this time tomorrow we should have them

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it will be the BEST DSLR sidekick, ever......
god job Canon

3 upvotes

The possibility for that is high. At last Canon has the courage to create something totally new. Really nice! Waiting for samples........

4 upvotes

The camera looks great, but I fail to see how it takes great courage to manufacture what people have been clamoring for for years. Nor do I see anything here that's "totally new."

0 upvotes

It's Monday - well, at least where I am.

0 upvotes

They're in the States...

0 upvotes

We have states here too.

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Does the new G1 have a continuous zoom or the step-zoom like the previous G series had? Anyone know?

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the only way to get a continuous zoom is with a mechanical connection. otherwise, all powered zooms are going to be stepped.

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My guess is that it will have continuous zoom. Why? Because they said that you can zoom while taking movies, and they probably wouldn't allow that if it were a step zoom.

@Jogger: I'm not quite sure what a mechanical connection is. If you mean that only cameras with removable lenses, or ones you have to turn manually have continuous zooms, then that's incorrect. My Canon SX30is (superzoom bridge camera) has continuous zoom and is quiet and silky smooth while taking videos.

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Continuing from the below post.. All of my arguments/speculations have pit falls in them or Canon got their sums very wrong about the price of G1X. But leading companies like Canon or Nikon wouldn't make big mistakes like this and risque their future would they? Whichever way I look at it something doesn't add up about the launch of G1X. Either Canon are gambling or they have something unexpected up their sleeve concerning the future of budget DSLR section or mid/semi-pro range DSLR section. APS-H sensor might move in to the XD/XXD range thus being a good compromise/bridge between full frame and mirrorless budget models. I know sounds far reached but everything indicates to a radical change.

0 upvotes

Moving APS-H solves a problem that doesn't exist. Or at best, it exists for a very small population while confusing a kot of consumers ("Why won't my EF-S lenses work on this camera!?").

Canon needs a mirrorless camera system. And maybe this is their trial run at putting a large sensor into a small mirrorless body. My guess is that when they introduce their mirrorless ILC system, it'll be using the G1X's sensor.

3 upvotes

I agree that, if Canon are to produce a mirrorless system this sensor will probably be in it. But it begs the next question what will happen to similarly priced budget DSLR models and to people who have already invested in them. Here is a new thought; the new mirrorless design will have the EF or compatible mount not to anger the existing users also reduces the cost of a new line camera not having to design a new mount for it let alone new lenses. I don't have much technical knowledge but would an EF mount be too big for this sensor?

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0 upvotes

oselimg, I too don't have the deepest techical knowledge, but I'll speculate. I don't think the EF mount is necessarily so much larger in diameter that it couldn't be considered. But to use EF-lenses would most likely require an adapter to space them farther away from the sensor, since they are designed for a system with clearance for the mirror in-between. (FF mirror even). Otherwise the mirrorless size benefit of the system would be lost. So, if you anyway need an adapter (with the electrical contacts) to retain compatibility, why not have a smaller native EF-M mount to suit the compact system better and produce a couple small lenses (wide angles and small primes to begin with) to account for the crop factor. EF-S lens owners would have to decide if they can live with the size and change in equivalent focal length of their lenses, but they could still use them anyway.

0 upvotes

From the samples it looks an impressive sensor/processing combination. If this an indication of how the future Canon cameras will perform then for me the situation is not clear. Strange? I'll try to explain/speculate. One would naturally predict that future Canon APSc DSLR's with their slightly bigger sensors will even perform better. But they cost roughly the same as G1X with a standard lens plus flexibility of adding more lenses and performance advantages. In that case G1X will look expensive(even though it is a high quality portable camera) by comparison so, either the price will drop to 500 USD level or Canon will drop budget DSLR section all together and produce a version of G1X with a different zoom lens combination. Canon DSLR range will start from XXD class. Or Canon will produce budget mirrorles cameras around the G1X sensor with interchangeable lens mount.Then again current G1X will be too expensive by comparison. I will continue with a new post

0 upvotes

DPR ought to have a lower character limit for comments as well as limit for the number of allowable entries by any one user for each unique comment thread. The foregoing statement makes at least as much sense as several of the mind-numbing ramblings that follow the DPR preview of the G1X.

4 upvotes

Agreed. Take a look at this article. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15869683 DPReview needs to weed these people out to protect the credibility of their own website. Yes, they are pushing product, but there is a fine line where DPReview won't be taken seriously anymore.

0 upvotes

Yep, or something other than "like" to indicate whether we think a post is useful or not.

0 upvotes

Many years ago when I was down on my luck I worked for a marketing agency which produced such fake consumer reports. It's a big business. And yes, like you I believe there are many posters on one particular forum who are being paid to promote a struggling camera system.

0 upvotes

Finally finally... this is the G series camera we all were waiting for. The many versions (attempts to get it right) made one thing clear: there is no substitute for sensor inches.

Apart from IQ, the large sensor also allows far more control over DOF, as essential for true creative photography as control over shutter speed and aperture. I think most G series users (and others) are willing to accept the G1X size increase in return for DSLR-level quality.

Nikon with its V1 followed the 'mini interchangeable lens camera' trend but how many lenses will ever be changed? I think Canon did well by taking a direction that is more in line with the highly successful rangefinder cameras from the film age.

3 upvotes

It's an amazing camera, with a very sensitive sensor. I really hope the long-waited revolution among the compacts starts with this CMOS...

Sample images and videos, ISO test compared with Sony NEX-7:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0Zg8ZmC2eMc

0 upvotes

Wow...

Many of the comments on here truly boggle my mind.

No, there is no 24mm.
No there is no 200mm.
No, there is no f2.0.
No, it won't fit in a small pocket.
No, it doesn't have an EVF.
No, it doesn't have 50 different gimmicky menu options that are on the Rebel.

What it is is a thoughtful series of compromises, resulting in an extremely practical, compact walk-around camera with a great sensor combined with a very good lens with good speed for the price and a good zoom range.

If you don't get it, it's not for you. It's for the thousands and thousands of other photographers who realize the real world value of its many strengths. Everything is a compromise. You just have to be smart enough to choose the camera/compromise that you can live with and serves your true needs best.

14 upvotes

Yeh, it's right. True also is, there is more than a sensor and that all camera matters. Looking for a fast AF this camera won’t be the best go. But it wasn’t intended to be. Improvements are likely with future models and that can too include the AF.
I suppose the AF will be reasonably accurate which I see more important than the speed with this camera.
This project is interesting because it has a chance not to be limited by the sensor. What comes next is the lens - camera is only as good as its lens; not always clear what of these two comes first and what second in importance. The AF accuracy, then the speed – that is never amiss and other camera features. The crucial point for this camera looks to be quality of the lens. This is what’s likely to separate a success of this particular gx model from a great success. Compact cameras began to differentiate more and more, users have options..many users can’t see much beyond their own preference n want see it in every product.

0 upvotes

In DPR's "First Impressions: Using the Nikon V1", they state "The V1 is the first mirrorless camera that I'd be confident about using to capture moving subjects, and potentially this means anything from boisterous children and pets to school sports days and weekend soccer games."

Unfortunately, it sounds like the Canon G1X can't match that.

The Nikon 1 uses "hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)". The Canon G1X just has "a contrast detect AF like prior G series".

Oh well, there are always Canon entry-level DSLRs.

2 upvotes

At first , when the nikon 1s were introduced, i was not impressed, when i tried the V1, whoa...my opinion changed.. Although i have an olympus epl2, the nikon V1's fast AF impressed me... Sometimes it all boils down to AF speed, ... With everything equal...

0 upvotes

The camera performs well in all ISO range. There are people seein horn in horse head. Even taking advantage of fast shutter speed at 12K ISO, and not showing the amount of spot lux, the photo is perfect for all criteria given.

3 upvotes

Given G1 X has similar pixel pitch as 60D/600D (APS-C dSLRs), let's hope NR on sensor is improved at higher/max ISOs:

FF (dSLR) vs APS-C (dSLR) vs APS-C (mirrorless) vs 43d/mft (mirrorless)

Text Smearing:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/studiocomparefullscreen.asp#baseDir=%2Freviews_data&cameraDataSubdir=boxshot&indexFileName=boxshotindex.xml&presetsFileName=boxshotpresets.xml&showDescriptions=false&headerTitle=Studio%20scene&headerSubTitle=Standard%20studio%20scene%20comparison&masterCamera=canon_eos5dmkii&masterSample=img_0059&slotsCount=4&slot0Camera=canon_eos5dmkii&slot0Sample=img_0059&slot0DisableCameraSelection=true&slot0DisableSampleSelection=true&slot0LinkWithMaster=true&slot1Camera=canon_eos60d&slot1Sample=img_0237&slot2Camera=sony_nex5n&slot2Sample=dsc00800&slot3Camera=oly_epl3&slot3Sample=p8100525&x=-0.31398800686322365&y=1.2591293793919627

Focus will be meaningless if one gets 'mush' for obliterated or mottled finer details, or severely distorted larger (gross) details.

0 upvotes

ISO 12800...
let's see how well any dcam system fares against each other

Easy to see text 'smearing' scrutiny:
EGYPT
SUDAN
ARABIAN SEA
ETHIOPIA
SOMALIA
CONGO
TANZANIA
SEYCHELLES (Islands)
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
SAHARA
AFRICA
INDIAN (OCEAN)
etc
and rest of the finely detailed world... anywhere else, or anything else visible within view to see

as each distinct detail becomes 'smeared' (as others say below), it becomes more detail obliterated... thus less representative.

no AF system is going to undo image detail obliteration or noise interference.

0 upvotes

Too early to tell, but the images at http://img1.focus-numerique.com/focus/articles/1354/canon-g1-x-100iso-nrstan-big.jpg are quite impressive, if a little soft in the corners.

0 upvotes

ISO 3200 (limit of older PowerShot G12):

60D (dSLR pixel pitch of G1 X) vs 43d/mft vs CX 1" (Nikon) vs 1/1.7" (current PowerShot G12; typical smaller dcam sensors):

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/studiocomparefullscreen.asp#baseDir=%2Freviews_data&cameraDataSubdir=boxshot&indexFileName=boxshotindex.xml&presetsFileName=boxshotpresets.xml&showDescriptions=false&headerTitle=Studio%20scene&headerSubTitle=Standard%20studio%20scene%20comparison&masterCamera=canon_eos60d&masterSample=img_0243&slotsCount=4&slot0Camera=canon_eos60d&slot0Sample=img_0243&slot0DisableCameraSelection=true&slot0DisableSampleSelection=true&slot0LinkWithMaster=true&slot1Camera=oly_epl3&slot1Sample=p8100519&slot2Camera=nikon_v1&slot2Sample=dsc_0331&slot3Camera=canon_g12&slot3Sample=img_1115&x=-0.31398800686322365&y=1.2591293793919627

ditto: scrutinizing text/detail 'smearing'

the preview shown so far is not the optimally representative of G1 X capabilities for a prosumer compact integrated dcam but looks positive.

0 upvotes

ISO 6400... limit of Panasonic G3/Nikon V1:

60D (dSLR pixel pitch of G1 X) vs Two 43d/mft vs CX 1" (Nikon):

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/studiocomparefullscreen.asp#baseDir=%2Freviews_data&cameraDataSubdir=boxshot&indexFileName=boxshotindex.xml&presetsFileName=boxshotpresets.xml&showDescriptions=false&headerTitle=Studio%20scene&headerSubTitle=Standard%20studio%20scene%20comparison&masterCamera=canon_eos60d&masterSample=img_0241&slotsCount=4&slot0Camera=canon_eos60d&slot0Sample=img_0241&slot0DisableCameraSelection=true&slot0DisableSampleSelection=true&slot0LinkWithMaster=true&slot1Camera=panasonic_dmcg3&slot1Sample=p1000087&slot2Camera=panasonic_dmcgh2&slot2Sample=p1010472-gh2-iso6400&slot3Camera=nikon_v1&slot3Sample=dsc_0336&x=-0.31398800686322365&y=1.2591293793919627

ditto: scrutinizing text/detail 'smearing'

let's hope G1 X pixel pitch will show matching IQ to 60D (albeit within limitations of G1 X's integrated medium zoom)

0 upvotes

I don't think I'll be trading up from my Olympus EPL1, onto which I can attach Zuiko and Leica prime lenses. I also like the light anti-aliasing filter on the Oly as well, but I suspect the Canon will be far better at real world high ISOs.

0 upvotes

Well, there is little detail resolution- about 4MP I'd say, judging by the fur on that rodent, none of which is clearly delineated at all. I cannot tell by the image itself what the objects are made of, and this at 100iso already.
Very disappointing, and the slow apertures at the longer focal lengths are going to make high iso abilities it does not have mandatory

0 upvotes

The best capture of that scene by any other mfr would not tell you more than what the rest of us could not tell already by this capture. Of course, much will depend on what is being focused on, there is no such thing as absolute infinite dof.
Absolutely everything in focus 100%, only an approximation for all outside the focal plane will look ever look 'almost' focused, NEVER IN-FOCUS.
The strength of small sensor dcams will always be AF working in a near 'focus free' inherent higher dof environment characteristic of such small sensor and accompanying associated narrower sensors.
This is why dcams with smaller sensors give the illusion of image being in focus when the subject could be actually out of focus all over the subject's surface (this is the high dof effect), this is why dcams have small sensor/lens/apertures, it is 'easier' for the P&S masses including m43/43d systems.
So as Mp goes up along with sensor sizes and aperture sizes, so does the difficulty in AF speed in the dark.

0 upvotes

Hey, get your own website to spew your drivel.

2 upvotes

She's probably getting paid for this by Canon. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15869683 Dpreview needs to take advantage of software that exists to weed these company shills out. Otherwise, the website runs the risk of being taken as seriously as professional wrestling.

2 upvotes

God are all the camera makers just toying with our wants? If this had a faster lens... like f2.0 on the wide end and the highest f4.0 (better if 2.8) on the long end... this would be the perfect all in one. I think it's possible but they chose not too???

2 upvotes

ZCUS: No, it's not possible in a compact camera with retractable lens. It it were, they'd do it. They could give you what you want in a camera that's much larger, but then it would be at least the size of a small DSLR, or have a giant lens protruding from a small body, which is the problem with Sony's NEX. Actually, F2.8 to 5.8 in a 28-112 retractable zoom with a large sensor in a compact camera is pretty great. If you need f2 to f4, then there are cameras and lenses for you, just not one this compact, balanced, and beautiful. Accept this camera for the very important niche it fills.

6 upvotes

There would be no need or desire to upgrade if you got everything in one camera.

I think this could have been a great camera for its intended purpose if it was smaller (than existing MILC cams) with the same sensor and a better viewfinder. Perhaps that was just asking/offering too much.

0 upvotes

Guys, I've made two 1:1 crops to compare detail smearing at ISO 100 and 800:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13100693/html/Screen%20shot%202012-01-15%20at%201.54.16%20PM.png

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13100693/html/Screen%20shot%202012-01-15%20at%201.54.29%20PM.png

As you can see, there is some slight (but in no way drastic!) smearing at ISO800.

0 upvotes

I've learnt that AF speed trumps image quality every time. You can have the cleanest iso image around but if you've failed to capture the subject it's a wasted shot.

This is an interesting attempt by Canon but if the AF is not at least up to Panasonic G3 speeds then I'll pass on it.

3 upvotes

If you are frequently shooting subjects than need a fast AF, no compact will be right for you. What you need in that case is mid to upper level DSLR and a fast focusing lens. This camera was not designed to be for that kind of thing, it is a convenient, general use camera for when you don't want lug around a ILC and a bunch of lenses but still want a camera with good IQ with you.

3 upvotes

lmao... you think a G3 is fast? using a real camera and i dont think you would say that

1 upvote

If you think very fast AF cannot be done outside of DSLRs...check out what Nikon has accomplished with its Nikon J1 and Nikon V1.....
You are in for a shock...
No excuses for Canon...

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

@jmr

The V1/J1 is the one exception and was designed around being that exception. It is a test bed product for Nikon's on sensor phase detect AF. The reason Nikon put the new AF in the 1 series cameras is because without the fancy AF there would literally be no reason to get a V1/J1 over competing designs. Also remember that the J1/V1 is moving a lot less, and lighter glass to AF compared to a DSLR.

With that said a DSLR is still a much better choice than any compact or system cam like the V1/J1 if you shoot a lot of fast moving or fast changing subjects. The ease of changing settings and of fallowing subjects with the TTL view finder in a DSLR is not even close to matched by a camera like J1/V1. Not to mention the significantly better ergonomics of a DSLR. You have to look at the complete package not just the AF speed.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

5 upvotes

"lmao... you think a G3 is fast? using a real camera and i dont think you would say that"

I never said it was the fastest, I said the G1X needs to be at least as fast as the G3 to make me consider it. The Panasonics are good, for non-DSLRs, in the AF department. Something that is generally acknowledged.

The bar for compact AF speed has been raised in recent months and any company that thinks it can stick with 2+ year old performance, as Canon did with the S100, is sorely mistaken.

2 upvotes

Jogger: define 'real camera.'

Oelph only says the G3 is his baseline, not the fastest camera but, frankly the G3 is very, very quick (with the kit lens), so your patronising dig seems unnecessary.

2 upvotes

I'm really not getting the comparison many people are making with this camera to larger sensor non DSLR interchangeable lens cameras. If I wanted to haul around a camera body and 2 or 3 lenses I'd use my DSLR even if it is a little larger.
The whole idea with this camera is a one piece complete camera, pick it up and go. Would I use it for wildlife photography? No, Would I use it for Architecture? No. Would I use it for 80% of most of the photography I do? Yes. I do agree that at this point $800 is more than I'm willing to pay now. Prices will come down, they always do. I think the image quality in these samples is pretty damn good. The last time I shot at ISO's over 800 was when it was ASA and film, probably manufactured by GAF.

8 upvotes

The speculation is that this sensor will be used in their future Mirrorless, so it's good to know they have a sensor that would do the job well. Very well i must say. Even if it loses a lot of detail at the higher ISOs, it does so with almost no discoloration or smudges and spots that don't belong. It's quite impressive indeed.

0 upvotes

Completely agree with you, Chuckmet. Enthusiast cameras are the successors to the megapixel craze.

2 upvotes

@Cuckmet,

I agree. People just don't seem to get the intended use this camera was designed for.

IMO Non DSLR ILC's are something you own INSTEAD of a DSLR. They're not a companion camera. The only reason to have one is the weight savings over a DSLR. Other than that they're really just a DSLR with crappy ergonomics, no OVF and lower AF preformance.

The G1 X was designed for convenience and ease of use. It is a camera for people who don't what the hassle and expense of an interchangeable lens camera but want similar image quality. I don't understand why it is so hard for people to grasp this concept.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

7 upvotes

Agree, agree, agree. A lot of people seem to want this Canon compact to do what the finest DSLRS and their corresponding fast lenses do. That's ridiculous. This is a great camera for its intended purposes. It won't replace my Pentax 6x7II, and it won't replace my Pentaz K5, but it will replace my Oly-e-PL2. I'd say to everybody who doesn't get this "don't buy it!"

Comment edited 40 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

Josh152, my opinion directly contradicts yours, head on. Firstly I do understand its intended use. I have owned and enjoyed a G10 and now an XZ1 just for the purpose of having it with me often.

For convenience and ease of use, the G1X is not as good as the G10 or even the GX1. The GX1 with kit lens is noticeably smaller (does that make it more convenient?). The GX1 has fast autofocus, face detection, full auto etc etc. That makes it easy to use. Please explain how the G1X is easier...

And whats the advantage of a fixed lens over a kit lens that never comes off? If changing lenses is a problem for you then dont change the lens. Leave it on. Use super glue if that helps you resist buying that fantastic 20mm or 45mm prime lens. Its that simple.

As for AF performance and ergonomics, you need to read up some more.

0 upvotes

The JPEG images looks pretty ok but I prefer to look at the raw output. Also, there are no other camera samples to compare against.

Focus Numerique actually shared the RAW images that can be used to compare with the RAW images of other cameras.

To my surprise, when converted using the dcraw based converter, the G1X images seem cleaner than the NEX5N at ISO 1600 and beyond.

Where it lost out slightly is in resolution (partially due to pixel count) and in corner sharpness. However, this tiny G1X lens seems to control CA much better than the larger NEX kit lens (when uncorrected), especially at the corners.

It seems like the G1X engineers do focus on quality when designing this camera and I respect that. I believe it was possible to go a little wider or a little longer, maybe even a faster lens at f2.0 and reduce the sensor size a little. The thing is, being a non-interchangeable lens camera, Canon can change anything they want in the next version without impacting current users.

0 upvotes

How is the functionality, image quality, speed, and usability compared to the x100? Any firmware upgrades to the x100 forthcoming?

0 upvotes

Why these shots instead of the compare-o-tool?

0 upvotes

My guess is that they were done in Vegas at CES and not back at the dpreview office.

0 upvotes

This setup is strictly for ISO checkout / comparison and NOT lens quality scrutinization. Hence the lack of anything in the corners or around the edges.

0 upvotes

We'll publish our usual studio comparison shots when we have a fully-reviewable production G1 X. The camera we have right now is pre-production, which means it may not entirely reflect final image quality.

0 upvotes

I currently have a Canon G9 which I have used for the past number of years and its been a great workhorse and now considering to upgrade to either a full DLSR or DLSR hybrid like the G1 X. I am a hobby photographer, and I have had the many 35mm cameras plus the associated kit of lenses, filters, flash and lugged them around the world. The G9 is NOT a specialist camera, and was never to designed to be, having said that it does it have extremely good optics, a good sensor and some zoom capabilities, what the G1 X will do is shift the boundary so now it does overlap creating a "grey area" between using a DLSR for "general photography" and a camera that will do exactly the same thing without the associated baggage . I looked seriously at the G12 but in reality, it was a G9 with some improvements.
I have taken some magnificent shots. a heap of mediocre and some that I could have done better with a "Kodak Brownie Box camera", but its the photographer, not the camera.

4 upvotes

I think you would like using a larger sensor camera. I use a 5d (full frame) and a G9 for snapshots.

While the G9 is okay quality wise - and you can certainly take great photos with an okay camera - the sensor lets it down in situations of high dynamic range. Frequently outside shots with my G9 have harsh highlights, and a course quality not present in larger CMOS sensors.
My other big issue with the G9 and similar is user experience. If you try a 1 series camera e.g. at a shop - you'll know what I mean. Beautiful, big viewfinder fills your vision. Shutter button utterly responsive and feels great (not springy and loose like G9). These latter issues are what have pushed me towards leaving the G9 at home more and more and purchasing a small prime (35mm f2) for use as walkabout with the 5D. The X100 from Fuji seems to address these points but with the loss of a massive battery and a hefty price tag. Still the Fuji range to me is interesting.

Do you use the whole of the G9 zoom?

0 upvotes

Thanks for the response,
The zoom on the G9 is OK on the optical, but the digital is not that good, again if you are "happy snapping" it serves the purpose, but if trying to do some serious long distance action shots its a useless.
I can understand your point about the sensor, and I must admit it is not the best, and this is why the GX 1 is of interest. If it turns out to be a glorified G12 then Im going down the road of a 5 series (depending on costs). In Aus it cheaper to buy from New York and pay the freight (and its its tax free under A$1000/shipment) than buy local. Anyway the G9 is a great concept, not at the stage of DLSR by any means, but I have become a minimalist when it comes to lugging cameras and equipment around

0 upvotes

this is going to be an epic camera.

2 upvotes

It looks very good, but with quite a lot of smearing of fine detail even at ISO 1600.

1 upvote

Dear Anhund with all the respect , really - I suggest that you will clean the smearing on your screen -I don't see any smearing.

5 upvotes

I didn't get as far as ISO 1600, after seeing smearing at ISO 800. No fibers are discernible in the fur of the mouse.

1 upvote

Fibers on the mouse are not even "clear" @ ISO 100, but it's either the type of fabric used or focus in that area is a little off.
Regardless, the processor MUST deal with the noise produced by the sensor at those frequencies ...

0 upvotes

"I didn't get as far as ISO 1600, after seeing smearing at ISO 800. No fibers are discernible in the fur of the mouse."

You may have looked at a defocused place (the body of the mouse instead of the head, which - particularly the area around the nose - is still in focus). I recommend checking out the nose area.

Two 1:1 crops from ISO 100 and 800; try to guess which is which:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13100693/html/Screen%20shot%202012-01-15%20at%201.54.16%20PM.png

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13100693/html/Screen%20shot%202012-01-15%20at%201.54.29%20PM.png

1 upvote

I was looking forward to see an f2.0 lens and 6x zoom in this class of camera .if canon can make it on s100 why not here ?

2 upvotes

Putting that kind of lens on this huge sensor (compared to the S100, that is) would cost another few hundred dollars. 7.44 x 5.58 mm on the S100 vs. 18.7 x 14mm on the G1X. See the picture on their preview page of the 1/1.7" sensor compared to the larger sensors? The S100 has a real focal length of 5.2-26 and a max. ap. of 2.0-5.9. You can't just take that lens and put it on the G1X...unless you want a tiny image circle in the middle of a sea of black, unexposed pixels.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

Correct... And so what we have here (pardon my over-exageration) is a 6-liter crate motor dropped into a Yugo! :D

0 upvotes

The real lens tests here and elsewhere (the-digital-picture) will tell.

0 upvotes

bottom line is how does it compare to fujifilmsx10 ? and please only reply if ur really gonna buy one ...

0 upvotes

I still haven't decided. I'd prefer a Sony R1-like camera but preferably considerably lighter / smaller and, of course, with high quality.

All depends on whether the final version of the Canon has a decent lens and whether Fuji manages to finally fix the orb problem.

1 upvote

X-10 and G1X? Apples and oranges, at least in terms of IQ, due to the large sensor size variance... but if the last 8x10 u printed and placed on a wall was more than, say, a year or two ago, then it's worth looking at the X-10 in my opinion, especially if Fuji addresses a couple of issues (incl. the ORB effect) in their upcoming F/W release.

2 upvotes

The Fuji X 10's lens speed makes up for the sensor size difference to a significant extent allowing the use of lower ISOs at the same EV.
We need to see how well the orb problem is handled with the soon to be available firmware update.

0 upvotes

Thank you Canon

2 upvotes

Pt. 1) What excites me most, about these samples, is how Canon is obviously advancing their sensor/processor technology. Based on these samples, I expect to see a remarkable improvement in the next generation of Canon's APS-C cameras. Let's just hope they don't get carried away, and spoil all of the advances by increasing the MP count too much. I would rather they work double hard on improving DR and S/N.

I am least impressed with the G1 X's body and feature set. To me, it is uninspiring and a missed opportunity to truly take on the other interchangeable systems that have cropped up (Fuji X, M4/3, Nex). What I mean is, for Canon to be asking such a premium price, for this compact camera, they aren't backing it up with much in terms of premium features.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

13 upvotes


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Canon G1 X preview updated, ISO samples added, gallery to come

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