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

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

Jan 17, 2012*permalink

(unknown member)

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

Jan 17, 2012permalink

douple

Its monday! :)

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Valentinian

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....

Jan 16, 2012permalink

douple

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Valentinian

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

IchiroCameraGuy

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

DNG2

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Dick Sanders

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.

Jan 28, 2012*permalink

Kleber

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

aurtos

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

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)

Jan 16, 2012permalink

(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. "

Jan 16, 2012permalink

ChrisKramer1

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?)

Jan 16, 2012*permalink

Charrick

"(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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

ChristchurchChris

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

gustabod

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Oery

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Elaka Farmor

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

xMichaelx

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."

Jan 16, 2012permalink

rocklobster

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

johnparas11zenfoliodotcom

They're in the States...

Jan 16, 2012permalink

MDNL35

We have states here too.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Cemal

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Jogger

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Charrick

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

oselimg

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

oselimg

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 budget 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. I don't have much technical knowledge but would an EF mount be too big for this sensor?

Jan 16, 2012*permalink

neekoh_dp

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

oselimg

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Retro Joe

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

bobbarber

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

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

Jan 16, 2012permalink

ChrisKramer1

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

Aquarius999

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

DOM14

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Superzoom2

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

HSway

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

justmeMN

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

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...

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Ruy Penalva

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Retro Joe

Hey, get your own website to spew your drivel.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

bobbarber

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

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

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%201.54.29%20PM.png

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Oelph

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Jogger

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

jimr

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.....
No excuses for Canon...

Jan 15, 2012*permalink

@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.

Jan 15, 2012*permalink

Oelph

"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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Marwood

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Chuckmet

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

MDNL35

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Tom Goodman

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

@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.

Jan 15, 2012*permalink

Dick Sanders

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!"

Jan 15, 2012*permalink

Mal_In_Oz

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.

Jan 19, 2012permalink

lightsculpture

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Tlock

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

geoffire

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

tkbslc

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Andrew Westlake

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Lampost48

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Goodmeme

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?

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Lampost48

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

Jan 20, 2012permalink

kev777zero

this is going to be an epic camera.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

AnHund

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

Jan 14, 2012permalink

Uri Ben

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Allan Ostling

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

jmellas

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 ...

Jan 15, 2012permalink

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

"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%201.54.29%20PM.png

Jan 15, 2012permalink

zeev a

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 ?

Jan 14, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

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.

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

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

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Mrrowe8

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

Jan 14, 2012permalink

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.

Jan 14, 2012permalink

jmellas

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.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

jimr

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.

Jan 16, 2012permalink

bzoh123

Thank you Canon

Jan 14, 2012permalink

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.

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

Pt. 2) I'll list out a few missed opportunities I feel Canon has either intentionally or unintentionally left off of this otherwise great camera.

*No Remote Capture ability with EOS Utility (Rebel has this feature)
*No ability to control Wireless Flash Groups (Rebel has this feature)
*HDR Mode does not record to a RAW file
*AE Bracketing limited to only 3 Frames (Pan "G" and Oly E-"P" go up to 7)
*No Video 3-10x crop mode in 1080P HD (Rebel has this feature)
*No 1080p @ 30fpx, or 720p/480p @ 60fps (Rebel has this feature)
*No Stereo Audio Input for External Microphone (Rebel has this feature)
*No TTL Viewfinder
*No 100% (or close to 100%) Frame Coverage in Viewfinder
*No Viewfinder Info??? Seriously???
*No ability to use a Lens Filter and a Lens Hood together

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

ZAnton

it looks more like "how I see digital camera of the year 2030"

Jan 14, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

I'd like to expand on this list:

* No Alfred Stieglitz, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus settings (Canon, who are you kidding?)
*No ability to go back in time in case a shot is missed
*No magic powers setting to allow user to fly
*No force shield to protect user from Romulan attack
*No mount to allow attachment of heat seeking missiles
*No option to turn lake effect snow into food to feed the world's starving children

And they charge, what, $800 American for this?

"Worst camera ever!"

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

LOL!!! That is very creative, and funny Rick... :0)

Jan 14, 2012permalink

jmellas

A G1X with all of these features (in it's first iteration) would make all of those Rebels, T2's, etc a lot less needed! Lol.

It'll take Canon a few years (say, G3X?) before they give us the juicy stuff! I just hope they are making the right decision...

Jan 15, 2012permalink

@ jmellas...You are getting close to my point. So, if we are to believe Canon that they do not intend to do away with the G12 series type of camera, then we should at least expect it to be rolled into the proverbial closet, so future generations on the G12 platform won't compete with the G1 X!!!

See my frustration? Now, we can expect to pay, at least, $800.00 for a somewhat serious P&S, if we chose to give Canon our business. BUT...even that camera will not be as good as it should be... :0(

Jan 15, 2012*permalink

MDNL35

Seriously R Johns, you don't see why there is no viewfinder information in this ? And you want 100% coverage ? Seriously ? Have you ever seen/held a Canon G series ?

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Yes I have, and the non-TTL optical viewfinder is one of the primary reasons the G-series cameras have never appealed to me. I happen to like a camera that frames my subject accurately and shares information with me, while I am using the viewfinder. Call me wierd... :0)

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Dick Sanders

Believe it or not, some people don't want these things, or can get around the slight drawbacks of a couple of them. All cameras are tools, and each photographer has to find the tool set that works best for him or her. This camera is pretty much everything I want for my 3rd camera, the one to grab for good quality snaps. The price will soon be $700, and that's a fair price for a camera this good, considering today's devalued dollar.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

Pt. 3) I know I could go on, but I think I have made my point rather clear. That point, again being, the only premium upgrade this camera has is in the sensor. It is a remarkable improvement, but not enough to demand an increase in price over the G12, simply because it does not improve much on the G12's other features, and the G1 X falls far short, from even the Rebel’s feature set.

So, if Canon is going to market this camera as "The PowerShot G1 X digital camera will inspire advanced amateurs who have embraced the G-Series to explore new realms of photographic expression, and give pros an excellent camera that complements their creative demands." I would advise them they better get on the ball with the G1 X MKII, because the competition is growing and is very impressive.

Why does Canon skimp on features? Regarding the G1 X, I think Canon should have spared no detail. Don’t you?

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

tfeltz

Well summarised! It's hard to justify the cost solely on the basis of a premium quality sensor. Canon's DSLR lineup has similar sensor quality but starts at far less than $800. It also misses the designer's appeal and good looks to justify a premium price (I think it looks pretty dull), missing the opportunity of creating something that looks like a Fuji X10 or perhaps a remake of the beautiful original Canon rangefinders of the 1960s, or even the handsome Canonet QL17 from the 1970s.

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

(unknown member)

Canon has never been shy about clearly delineating their market segments. Not only that, they've chosen to push the envelope with a non-interchangeable lens camera that isn't quite a point and shoot but is also not an SLR.
What I wish is that people would quit talking so much about the next generation of technology. It makes it seem as though you don't realize that features cost money, partially and most often because the hardware they depend on costs money. When I bought the 10D it didn't have a spot meter. A spot meter for goodness sake! I paid $1,500 for that thing. They chose to balance the price and features so I'd be able to buy a piece of technology that two years earlier was either not possible in a commercial product or would have been prohibitively expensive. So please, if you don't care for the balance, move on. If your asterisk next to the feature contains the word "Rebel" you've answered your own question.

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

@ tfeltz... I could get past the look of the camera, but they did have a grand opportunity to do just what you suggested. The irony is, Canon states the G1 X is not a replacement for the G12, yet it looks just like a G12 with a larger sensor shoehorned inside...

@ Howardroark... In today's economy, $800.00 is a lot of money to shell out for a camera that is pretty limited on specs that most other cameras in this price range are festooned with. Take the Panasonic G3 for example; it, combined with the new collapsable lens, cost about the same, yet the G3 has features galore over the G1 X. And if one gets bored with the lens, they can remove it and replace it with something longer, faster, more closer focusing. The Olympus E-P3 is another fine example.

I just believe that since Canon decided to go the route of an all-in-one design, to compete with the other designs on the market, they should have pulled out all of the stops, and they choose not to...

Jan 14, 2012*permalink

(unknown member)

I appreciate the constructive comments and your good humor, Johns. I have a DSLR, the Canon 7D. The convenience of a point and shoot is partially in the fact that its lens never comes off. If I want to shoot something that I plan to print at 20X30, I haul my 7D around. The G3 and E-P3 have their own problems: size, lens selection, image quality. The G3 appears to be discontinued. The E-P3 would require hundreds of more dollars for a lens to reach as far as the G1X does.
Canon didn't pull out all the stops because they weren't shooting for people who love SLR's. They weren't shooting for people who love tiny point and shoot cameras. There were shooting for people who want point and shoot convenience with a great, large sensor.
Another consideration with Olympus and Panasonic is usability. Menus, control layouts, and an adjustable display are all important considerations. Canon excels in ease of use, control layout, ergonomics, etc.

Jan 15, 2012permalink

@ howardroark... I too shoot Canon DSLRs, and I agree with you to that point. I also own an Olympus XZ-1 for times when I don't want the added bulk. Had Canon used a smaller sensor that would be a compromise between the 1/1.7 size in the G12 and where their new sensor lies, and then focused as much attention on a faster lens with perhaps more range on the wide end, we would be having a different discussion.

One has to acknowledge the apparent low-light virtue of this new sensor is somewhat mitigated by the slow lens, which is almost 2.5 stops slower than the XZ-1 on the long end. I'm just saying that a prudent increase in sensor size, coupled with a faster lens that has more range would still fit in the same package, but have a broader appeal.

I would end with this...for Canon to say that the G1 X will inspire advanced amatuers to explore new realms of photographic expression, without the features to actually allow them to do so, is what I would call bold marketing spin... :0)

Jan 15, 2012permalink

(unknown member)

I think you overestimate "advanced amateurs." And I think the quality of this sensor and lens is being underestimated. Agreed that Canon's marketing is exaggerating the revolutionary nature of this camera. Most amateurs with nice gear still don't do a lot of really advanced work.
As for how fast or slow the lens is I'll just say I'm more interested in detail. The images I've seen so far lead me to believe nothing else this size can compete. The balance of convenience and quality is at issue here.

Jan 15, 2012*permalink