G1X initial thoughts: Definitely some frustrations.

[Kung Pao Panda]

Greetings,

Thank you for your early G1X report.

I share some gripping issues with c.hammett, as I have arthritis in my fingers and am concerned if the hand grip will work for me. I suppose I will have to wait to handle one to see.

Do the dial controls fall readily to hand?

I have been using 5DMKII and 7D, but can no longer hold them for long periods in my hand so looking for at G1X as a replacement.

Can you please give some feedback how the IQ compares to IQ from your 7D?

And, I look forward to seeing some of your G1X pics posted here after you do a proper test drive.

You are a professional photographer, yes?

Regards.

I really was going to wait on reviews for this camera before buying it. After hearing people who could take a picture and seemed to know what they were talking about I decided to call my local camera shop and ask if they had any....Leap Day, and yes they did. I couldn't help myself. I was almost as excited about the G1 X as I was about my 7D. No regrets on either count.

I think most people would be suprised at how fast this sucker will focus. I switched continuous focus off and it's still pretty darn fast in good light. I think the Continuous Focus feature might be why the battery is rated for so few shots and is Canon's attempt at solving the Contrast Detect AF issues. When the camera is on, it's always making adjustments, which means it should be in focus before you're even ready to take the shot. Yeah, there's still some lag but not 2/3 of a second. Am I alone in thi,s fellow owners???

Anyway, after a few days I'm getting used to the controls and all of the settings unique to this camera. Today will be the first time I'll have real time to spend shooting.

 

[howardroark]

I appreciate your explanation. For what it's worth, I'll say that as a relative newcomer to the site I'm one of those people for whom Rand and Roark have very negative connotations. I grant you it's a distinctive handle, but it brings a grimace...

Anyway, after following your posts for the past month or so, I've come to regard you as pleasantly non-confrontational, though secure in your opinions. So, the negative effect has worn off.

Me, on principle I'd probably steer clear of a name with strong associations, from atillathehun to hilaryclinton, but that's just low-key me...

I appreciate the compliments. Some people would strongly disagree about whether I'm confrontational or not, but I usually interpret their dislike of me or my tone more as a reflection of their own insecurities. Like you said, I'm not shy about stating my opinions in no uncertain terms and some people take that personally. When I'm being ridiculous I try to make it clear that I know I'm going overboard, but some people see disagreement as an unforgiveable sin.

As for your opinions on the controversial character in The Fountainhead, I'm sure everyone takes something different away from that book. All the characters are caricatures of real human beings. They were all extremes used to illustrate Rand's point, whether you agree with it or not. I saw the independent artistic and creative force in Roark as a call to be true to yourself and to make decisions very carefully about what compromises were worth making and to what extent they should be made.

In the art of photography I take that perspective even more to heart. Most forms of art make it clear there was a creative force behind them that was unquestionably human. You see paint on a canvas or words on a page and a switch in your brain is flipped that tells you to look for the perspective or bias in the artist who created it. Art, after all, is reality that is put through the filter of the human mind and the only thing left is what the artist wants you to see. In that way, the artist allows you to see the world from his or her perspective. That is their way of eliciting an emotional response from the viewer.

In photography, the final result looks like reality. It fools the viewer into thinking there is very little separation between themselves and the image that was captured. Everyone has to view the world through their own window of experiences and emotions, but a photograph deceives others into thinking the artist is almost transparent in that creative process. Nothing could be further from the truth. They say the devil hides his lies in the truth. The photographer tells lies with the truth. That image is missing real context, but it is still a portion of reality. Unfortunately, even a portion of reality without context is very limited. It's like misquoting someone, taking their words out of context to create an entirely different meaning.

Some photographers try for more realism than others, but in the end we all want to show people the world as we see it. We are manipulating reality, creating a realistic looking piece of art, in order to convey and idea or emotion. In that way, our egos must be very well developed for us to have the nerve to take reality, manipulate it directly, and then present it again as reality.

 

[David Strachan]

The photographer tells lies with the truth. That image is missing real context, but it is still a portion of reality. Unfortunately, even a portion of reality without context is very limited. It's like misquoting someone, taking their words out of context to create an entirely different meaning.

I like photography philosophy...why and its wonders.

I agree with your quote above...photography enormously manipulates truth; sometimes even shining truth onto a subject.

Now enough of all this...back to the G1 X...exciting camera, but I think I'll wait for the next upgrade in a year or so....but anything can happen with my camera collecting and I'm dying to have the big sensor and the Digic 5 processor! I can't believe the ISO noise control on this camera...truly amazing.

cheers Dave S

 

[c.hammett]

Greetings,

Thank you for your early G1X report.

I share some gripping issues with c.hammett, as I have arthritis in my fingers and am concerned if the hand grip will work for me. I suppose I will have to wait to handle one to see.

Do the dial controls fall readily to hand?

I have been using 5DMKII and 7D, but can no longer hold them for long periods in my hand so looking for at G1X as a replacement.

Can you please give some feedback how the IQ compares to IQ from your 7D?

And, I look forward to seeing some of your G1X pics posted here after you do a proper test drive.

You are a professional photographer, yes?

Regards.

I guess we are going to have to wait for our very own G1X to know for sure about our hands. I'm so used to handling my xxD's and 7D that I found the G12 to be really frustrating to hold. The SX40 has been wonderful though, because it feels like a small format dSLR "grip-wise". I contacted B&H, and the reply e-mail said my G1X should be shipped this week. I'll post here about the hand grip. I wonder if anyone else is concerned about it ?

carolyn

Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[David Strachan]

I guess we are going to have to wait for our very own G1X to know for sure about our hands. I'm so used to handling my xxD's and 7D that I found the G12 to be really frustrating to hold. The SX40 has been wonderful though, because it feels like a small format dSLR "grip-wise". I contacted B&H, and the reply e-mail said my G1X should be shipped this week. I'll post here about the hand grip. I wonder if anyone else is concerned about it ?

carolyn

Good luck Caroline. I find my G12 hard to hold too, on the other hand my 60D is very good. Many of my prosumer Canon Powershots were good to hold as well, with a nice sized grip. I'm sure you'll find the G1 X good to hold. My little powershot A1200 slips around like a bar of soap...definitely not a camera for you, with tricky hands!

Please give us an assessment when the exciting package arrives.

cheers Dave S

 

[c.hammett]

I guess we are going to have to wait for our very own G1X to know for sure about our hands. I'm so used to handling my xxD's and 7D that I found the G12 to be really frustrating to hold. The SX40 has been wonderful though, because it feels like a small format dSLR "grip-wise". I contacted B&H, and the reply e-mail said my G1X should be shipped this week. I'll post here about the hand grip. I wonder if anyone else is concerned about it ?

carolyn

Good luck Caroline. I find my G12 hard to hold too, on the other hand my 60D is very good. Many of my prosumer Canon Powershots were good to hold as well, with a nice sized grip. I'm sure you'll find the G1 X good to hold. My little powershot A1200 slips around like a bar of soap...definitely not a camera for you, with tricky hands!

Please give us an assessment when the exciting package arrives.

cheers Dave S

Thanks for your message Dave - I think when we are used to handling dSLR's with nice grips, and our hands are having problems, that lack of grip puts too much pressure on our thumbs (at least for ME).

Since I had thumb basal joint surgery, I've learned that the human thumb has to have enough strength to oppose the other four fingers, something I never realized. So these "flat" cameras that have no grip for the other four fingers can be uncomfortable to handle.

From what I see in pictures, a few reports from users, the G1X grip has somewhat more projection and is "rubbery". I'm hoping this combination will make it easier for the fingers and palm of the hand to take most of the stress, and allow our thumbs to relax more on hand-holding the camera. Watch here for a report !

carolyn

--
Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[jonrobertp]

Carolyn...I think U R gonna love it ! It really has nice front and rear grip, and and the AF is not nearly as bad as they said...no prob for me really.

Just get used to turning on the macro if you are near something, esp. if you are zoomed out a bit. Need to turn on the macro sooner than most small sensor cams. Fine, no prob.

And, I find the IQ is still good in digital zoom to at least 8x, and I'm not kidding. Never used that feature on other lil cams, but here, the IQ stays..so, hey, use it !!

Greetings,

Thank you for your early G1X report.

I share some gripping issues with c.hammett, as I have arthritis in my fingers and am concerned if the hand grip will work for me. I suppose I will have to wait to handle one to see.

Do the dial controls fall readily to hand?

I have been using 5DMKII and 7D, but can no longer hold them for long periods in my hand so looking for at G1X as a replacement.

Can you please give some feedback how the IQ compares to IQ from your 7D?

And, I look forward to seeing some of your G1X pics posted here after you do a proper test drive.

You are a professional photographer, yes?

Regards.

I guess we are going to have to wait for our very own G1X to know for sure about our hands. I'm so used to handling my xxD's and 7D that I found the G12 to be really frustrating to hold. The SX40 has been wonderful though, because it feels like a small format dSLR "grip-wise". I contacted B&H, and the reply e-mail said my G1X should be shipped this week. I'll post here about the hand grip. I wonder if anyone else is concerned about it ?

carolyn

Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[c.hammett]

Carolyn...I think U R gonna love it ! It really has nice front and rear grip, and and the AF is not nearly as bad as they said...no prob for me really.

Just get used to turning on the macro if you are near something, esp. if you are zoomed out a bit. Need to turn on the macro sooner than most small sensor cams. Fine, no prob.

And, I find the IQ is still good in digital zoom to at least 8x, and I'm not kidding. Never used that feature on other lil cams, but here, the IQ stays..so, hey, use it !!

Thanks for all that john. I'm prepared to love the G1X, because I really think the grip will work for me. I'm also very interested to hear your comments about digital zoom, as I've never used it on other cameras because it gets such a bad rap. It's nice to know in case you need it. Glad you mentioned the Macro thing too, as I'd never have thought of that except for small creatures and such, which I don't shoot.

I am ordering the paper manual from the place in UK where I got a manual for my SX40. Now I'm ready for the UPS truck to come this week with the camera. In case anyone's interested in real paper manuals ... here's the place to go.

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/stock/Model.asp?Model=26265&ModelPage=true

I'm really pleased with the one I got for my SX40. It is much nicer paper than the regular Canon manuals like we used to get, and has a nice plastic cover on front and stiff back cover. Same size manual, and nothing different except no green print on the front cover. We can live with that just fine ! They do a good job.

carolyn.... p.s.... I own no stock in oldtimecameras !
--
Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[David Strachan]

I am ordering the paper manual from the place in UK where I got a manual for my SX40. Now I'm ready for the UPS truck to come this week with the camera. In case anyone's interested in real paper manuals ... here's the place to go.

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/stock/Model.asp?Model=26265&ModelPage=true

I'm really pleased with the one I got for my SX40. It is much nicer paper than the regular Canon manuals like we used to get, and has a nice plastic cover on front and stiff back cover. Same size manual, and nothing different except no green print on the front cover. We can live with that just fine ! They do a good job.

carolyn....

I ordered one for a friend with an SX40 from this address. It was printed and sent to me here in Australia, cost bugger all, and was nicely bound. Less than two weeks...everyone needs a paper manual to pore over while having coffee, and in the bag perhaps.

cheers Dave S

 

[Mk7]

If someone locates a thin , side-press lenscap that fits - please let the rest of us know! Thanks.

 

[c.hammett]

I am ordering the paper manual from the place in UK where I got a manual for my SX40. Now I'm ready for the UPS truck to come this week with the camera. In case anyone's interested in real paper manuals ... here's the place to go.

http://www.oldtimercameras.com/stock/Model.asp?Model=26265&ModelPage=true

I'm really pleased with the one I got for my SX40. It is much nicer paper than the regular Canon manuals like we used to get, and has a nice plastic cover on front and stiff back cover. Same size manual, and nothing different except no green print on the front cover. We can live with that just fine ! They do a good job.

carolyn....

I ordered one for a friend with an SX40 from this address. It was printed and sent to me here in Australia, cost bugger all, and was nicely bound. Less than two weeks...everyone needs a paper manual to pore over while having coffee, and in the bag perhaps.

cheers Dave S

I need a paper manual for the very reasons you mention. Since we travel light, I don't haul a laptop, and don't like reading manuals on the computer anyhow. Money well spent IMHO !

carolyn
--
Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[c.hammett]

If someone locates a thin , side-press lenscap that fits - please let the rest of us know! Thanks.

Several of us have ordered the "General Brand" 46 mm side press cap from B&H under G1X "accessories" on this lnk:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838600-REG/Canon_G1X_PowerShot_G1_X_Digital.html

Click on "Accessories" and then scroll down about 4. and you'll see it. There is also a 46 mm B+W cap. Someone on one of the threads says the General Brand cap works. I haven't received it or my pre-ordered G1X which is supposed to ship from B&H this week, so I'll find out. Maybe someone else can confirm ? It is a whopping $4.95, free shipping. I took a chance !

carolyn
--
Ranger a.k.a chammett
http://www.pbase.com/chammett

'elegance is simplicity'

 

[Kung Pao Panda]

Carolyn,

When do you expect delivery of your G1X?

I am anxiously waiting for your assessment of the GiX hand grip and other ergonomic features.

Are you planning to take just the G1X on your next trip to Italy?

Regards

 

[howardroark]

Greetings,

Thank you for your early G1X report.

I share some gripping issues with c.hammett, as I have arthritis in my fingers and am concerned if the hand grip will work for me. I suppose I will have to wait to handle one to see.

Do the dial controls fall readily to hand?

I like the size of the 7D grip better, but I am getting used to the G1 X. The exposure lock buttom and AF frame selector button are not naturally at the tip of your thumb like the 7D, so you have to either have dexterity to single hand it while hitting the exposure lock or hold it with two hands and let off your hold on the grip. The movie recording button is now naturally under your thumb. Hmmmm, not sure how I feel about that one.

I have been using 5DMKII and 7D, but can no longer hold them for long periods in my hand so looking for at G1X as a replacement.

Can you please give some feedback how the IQ compares to IQ from your 7D?

I haven't done any RAW conversions yet and noise reduction in JPEGs is a little heavy handed for my liking. Still, even JPEGs at ISO 3200 maintain good detail comparable to my 7D with 15-85. I have no reason to believe converting the RAWs will be any less effective than the 7D files.

And, I look forward to seeing some of your G1X pics posted here after you do a proper test drive.

You are a professional photographer, yes?

I've done the odd job -- a wedding here, family photos there -- but no, I'm not a professional. I love photography but I don't like working with people, so that cuts off most of the money making options.

I'll try to get some picks up tonight.

 

[howardroark]

Oh yeah, I got it. All I was getting at is everyone seems to be comfortable with different strategies of control and composition. Most of the controls required during composition on the 7D are easy to get to without looking, although I usually use the top LCD for changing ISO, metering mode, etc. With point and shoots I can't stand using the viewfinder after having the great OVF on my 7D. I was out shooting with my dad the other day and I saw him using the OVF on his G12. I think some of the difference might be generational, but what it comes down to really is what works best for you. If it works, it works.

 

[howardroark]

http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/3595765406/photos

Directly out of camera, no processing.