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No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

Started 5 months ago | Discussions
gaul Senior Member • Posts: 1,498
No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i
1

Hello, as the title says .. "No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk I"

Am I wrong?

When looking at a replacement, if considering these 2 parameters:

- Not bigger than the G1x Mk i

- Decent zoom range  (which excludes the Sigma, Sony RX 1 Mk ii, Fuji XV100..)

.. I find these options, but none blows away my (old) G1x Mk I for pure IQ (in good light at least):

- Canon G1x Mk iii

- Canon G5x mK ii

- Sony RX 100 Series

Thanks for your feedback, rgds, Gaul

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jackwelch Senior Member • Posts: 1,088
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

That's because there is nothing really new. If you want new you need to go with one of those ILC like the Canon R series.

Anyways I was just curious why you didn't add the Panasonic TZ-220/ZS-220 to the list? It's probably the only compact 1 inch camera with a 360mm equivalent (You've got the Canon G3X but that's not compact).

DocetLector Contributing Member • Posts: 934
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i
3

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen.                                                                                                                     Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

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jackwelch Senior Member • Posts: 1,088
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

There's also Panasonic LX100 ii

4/3-inch (1.33-inch) 17MP

F1.7-2.8 24-75mm

Cyril Catt Veteran Member • Posts: 5,453
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

About 18 months later, Casio launched the EX-ZR800, which is about half the weight and smaller than the G1 X, and though with a smaller sensor, and slower lens, uses a second processor and internal buffer to provide quite reasonable wider and longer zoom results which meet my limited needs. So it is my current complement to the iPhone that has dominated my recent photography.

This was a handheld shot of the artificial forest in the Bay Side Gardens, Singapore, from about 210 m. at 25mm equivalent zoom, handheld.

This is a shot at 450 mm, from the same spot, handheld...

...and this is an approx.1500mm equivalent crop of a shot at c. 900mm 'extended' zoom ( using a merged rapid burst), also handheld.

I have overcome the camera's lack of a VF by attaching a folding 'ClearViewer' device, to allow me to frame shots with the camera at eye level, steadied against my head. A ClearViewer might assist your G1 X.

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Jon_T
Jon_T Veteran Member • Posts: 6,393
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

+1

I also had the G1X  and after using for awhile I too became annoyed with all the negatives you've mentioned.

Sold the G1X and bought the LX100; overall much better camera.   I now have the LX100 II.

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Jon_T
Jon_T Veteran Member • Posts: 6,393
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i
1

For myself I overall prefer the G15's size/ weight, zoom range, max apertures, hot shoe, etc. to the G5X or G7X.

Ditto as to the S110 zoom range vs. G9X.

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Swerky Contributing Member • Posts: 793
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i
1

Jon_T wrote:

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

+1

I also had the G1X and after using for awhile I too became annoyed with all the negatives you've mentioned.

Sold the G1X and bought the LX100; overall much better camera. I now have the LX100 II.

I’ve owned the LX100 II for a while. And I must say this is the camera I’ve had the most fun with. Sadly (my copy at least) had a vacuum hidden somewhere that sucks hair and dust into the lens, and the zoom mechanism would jam in cooler weather. Had to replace it with my other choice at the time of looking for a large sensor compact camera with zoom lens, the Canon G1X Mark III. Also a great camera.

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jonby Regular Member • Posts: 399
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

All valid as your experiences of course, except for the comment about the screen, which is fully articulating!

But it all very much depends on what your expectations were. The focal length and max aperture range were easy to check before buying, and the limited close-focusing abilities were widely noted in reviews, as were the limitations of the optical finder.

In my view, much of the criticism this camera has had over the years was largely the result of being mis-marketed as a general purpose do-everything compact. What it really is, is a relatively compact camera which excels at landscape and other static-type scenes, which gave you better image quality over a bigger zoom range than many ILC/kit lens combinations, in a smaller package. It's all about the sensor quality/lens quality and range/size ratio.

What many people (and reviewers) failed to recognise is just how good the lens is. It may be slow-ish, but the quality is very good even wide open, and was far better than most kit lenses at the time of release, whilst also having a wider zoom range than most and keeping the camera package small when collapsed. These things alone made the camera a worthwhile proposition for many kinds of work.

I don't find the AF slow at all - it never gets in the way. Accuracy and dependability seem to get forgotten about a lot these days, and I have found it to be highly dependable.

The close-focusing, well, don't get the camera if you do a lot of close-up work. If you don't do close-ups it's fine. I wouldn't expect a 300mm sports lens to do macro either.

I agree with the OP, that the capabilities of the G1X have never quite been matched or surpassed in the compact camera arena. The Mk III improved on it in most ways, but still lacked in a few. The original is a great bargain at current prices if you do the kind of work it excels at.

Jon_T
Jon_T Veteran Member • Posts: 6,393
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

Swerky wrote:

Jon_T wrote:

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

+1

I also had the G1X and after using for awhile I too became annoyed with all the negatives you've mentioned.

Sold the G1X and bought the LX100; overall much better camera. I now have the LX100 II.

I’ve owned the LX100 II for a while. And I must say this is the camera I’ve had the most fun with. Sadly (my copy at least) had a vacuum hidden somewhere that sucks hair and dust into the lens, and the zoom mechanism would jam in cooler weather. Had to replace it with my other choice at the time of looking for a large sensor compact camera with zoom lens, the Canon G1X Mark III. Also a great camera.

I'm one of the LX100 MK1 users that did not have dust intrusion problems.

Ditto with the LX100 II.

Nor have I have any zoom issues using LX100 MK1 or LX100 II in 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit temps.

Yes the Canon G1X Mark III a good camera, and was initially interested in the Canon G1X Mark III as I owned the 80D at the time.

For "my" photog needs/ purposes the LX100 II was the better option.

At the time I bought the LX100 II it was $797 (vs, G1X Mark III $999) and included the Panasonic 3-Year Warranty, With the G1X Mark III would have to factor in the costs for extra batteries.  The LX100 II takes the same battery as the LX100 MK! and the ZS100 I have.

For myself couple Canon G1X Mark III cons were the lens slow max apertures/ max f/2.8 reduces fairly quickly as you zoom to longer focal lengths, and no lens filter threads.

From the DPR G1X III review

I downloaded several dozen RAW Canon G1X Mark III and LX100 II RAW sample images from several different online reviews to do my own IQ comparisons.

Jon

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Swerky Contributing Member • Posts: 793
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

Jon_T wrote:

Swerky wrote:

Jon_T wrote:

DocetLector wrote:

As I said in another thread:

I had the G1x mkI for 2 years and was never really happy with it. Despite a very good IQ due to the relatively big sensor the camera falls short in having a sluggish autofocus performance, a very slow lens with limited focal range and I had to switch very often to macro mode beause of poor close focussing ability and missed many shots. And the OVF is very small and dark without any any exposure informations and the camera has a fixed rear screen. Canon really missed a chance with this camera!

+1

I also had the G1X and after using for awhile I too became annoyed with all the negatives you've mentioned.

Sold the G1X and bought the LX100; overall much better camera. I now have the LX100 II.

I’ve owned the LX100 II for a while. And I must say this is the camera I’ve had the most fun with. Sadly (my copy at least) had a vacuum hidden somewhere that sucks hair and dust into the lens, and the zoom mechanism would jam in cooler weather. Had to replace it with my other choice at the time of looking for a large sensor compact camera with zoom lens, the Canon G1X Mark III. Also a great camera.

I'm one of the LX100 MK1 users that did not have dust intrusion problems.

Ditto with the LX100 II.

Nor have I have any zoom issues using LX100 MK1 or LX100 II in 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit temps.

Yes the Canon G1X Mark III a good camera, and was initially interested in the Canon G1X Mark III as I owned the 80D at the time.

For "my" photog needs/ purposes the LX100 II was the better option.

At the time I bought the LX100 II it was $797 (vs, G1X Mark III $999) and included the Panasonic 3-Year Warranty, With the G1X Mark III would have to factor in the costs for extra batteries. The LX100 II takes the same battery as the LX100 MK! and the ZS100 I have.

For myself couple Canon G1X Mark III cons were the lens slow max apertures/ max f/2.8 reduces fairly quickly as you zoom to longer focal lengths, and no lens filter threads.

No lens filter threads? I have a polarising filter that I screw on the front of the lens of my G1X Mark III.

Yes I knew I had to do with a relatively slower lens, but I am not annoyed by that. It’s mostly the close focus capability at the wide end of the LX100 II that I miss. But can’t have everything.

From the DPR G1X III review

I downloaded several dozen RAW Canon G1X Mark III and LX100 II RAW sample images from several different online reviews to do my own IQ comparisons.

Jon

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Jon_T
Jon_T Veteran Member • Posts: 6,393
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

Swerky wrote:

... No lens filter threads? I have a polarising filter that I screw on the front of the lens of my G1X Mark III. ...

Going by Canon site; downloaded the "View Full Technical Specs PDF," and info at B&H Photo did not note any filter threads.

Yes I knew I had to do with a relatively slower lens, but I am not annoyed by that. It’s mostly the close focus capability at the wide end of the LX100 II that I miss. ...

For me lower lighting shooting a high priorty as I like to shoot at various indoor events, museums, etc.

... But can’t have everything.

Yep, always some compromises.

Jon

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jackwelch Senior Member • Posts: 1,088
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

How about the G1X Mark ii? Has a newer processor, longer focal length, lower aperture

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_g1x&products=canon_g1xii

I was looking at large sensor compacts with zoom and I'm surprised not many choices. And most choices date back from 2015 era.

OP gaul Senior Member • Posts: 1,498
Canon M6 Mk ii would bring a clear increment in IQ

Canon M6 Mk ii would bring a clear increment in IQ, but Canon discontinued this nice camera...

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OP gaul Senior Member • Posts: 1,498
Canon R100 (if same size factor as M Series)??

gaul wrote:

Canon M6 Mk ii would bring a clear increment in IQ, but Canon discontinued this nice camera...

Canon R100 (if same size factor as M Series)??

Apart from these 2 bodies, nothing small enough within the Canon brand fits the bill...

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Swerky Contributing Member • Posts: 793
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

jackwelch wrote:

How about the G1X Mark ii? Has a newer processor, longer focal length, lower aperture

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_g1x&products=canon_g1xii

I was looking at large sensor compacts with zoom and I'm surprised not many choices. And most choices date back from 2015 era.

G1X Mark III from 2017. APS-C sensor with 24-72mm equivalent f2.8-5.6 lens.

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jackwelch Senior Member • Posts: 1,088
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i
1

Swerky wrote:

jackwelch wrote:

How about the G1X Mark ii? Has a newer processor, longer focal length, lower aperture

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_g1x&products=canon_g1xii

I was looking at large sensor compacts with zoom and I'm surprised not many choices. And most choices date back from 2015 era.

G1X Mark III from 2017. APS-C sensor with 24-72mm equivalent f2.8-5.6 lens.

yes i am aware of this model too, but its quite pricey. roughly double the price of the G1X ii where I am at.

And the OP mentioned that "none blows away my (old) G1x Mk I for pure IQ (in good light at least)", so why not consider the G1X Mk ii?

the G1X Mk ii also has the longest focal length of any large sensor compact camera (at least from my research).

https://pxlmag.com/db/camera-size-comparison/734f0e56-83a426e9-14d2f6e7-b1d71456-t60

jackwelch Senior Member • Posts: 1,088
Re: No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk i

When using DPreview's Camera feature search, there's really not too many options for the large sensor compact segment.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras#criterias=SpecsCoreParams%2CSpecsZoomTele&paramSpecsCoreParamsBodyType=LargeSensorCompact&paramSpecsZoomTele=70%2B

OP gaul Senior Member • Posts: 1,498
Thx all.. My solution, just bought a EF 40mm F/2.8 (Pancake)
1

gaul wrote:

Hello, as the title says .. "No newer compact w. zoom finds grace to my eyes vs my old G1x Mk I"

Am I wrong?

When looking at a replacement, if considering these 2 parameters:

- Not bigger than the G1x Mk i

- Decent zoom range (which excludes the Sigma, Sony RX 1 Mk ii, Fuji XV100..)

.. I find these options, but none blows away my (old) G1x Mk I for pure IQ (in good light at least):

- Canon G1x Mk iii

- Canon G5x mK ii

- Sony RX 100 Series

Thanks for your feedback, rgds, Gaul

Hello

Thx all..

Thought I would share "my" solution... not a "zoom" solution sadly but it works for me and I love it

Just bought a EF 40mm F/2.8 (this Pancake is really diminutive in size but not in IQ) as 2nd hand in a pristine condition for a very decent amount (90 Euros)

These 90 Euros are much more efficiently used than buying a brand new G1x iv, Sony RX100 viii, Ricoh GR 3 all more or less 1000 Euros !!!! for less IQ than my "old" 6d with this dirt cheap Pancake from Canon

He, the beauty of this solution.. that's cash spared towards more glass !!

Take care

Gaul

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TechnologistdotLive Regular Member • Posts: 244
Re: Thx all.. My solution, just bought a EF 40mm F/2.8 (Pancake)

The older models of the rx100 series like the rx100m5a can be had at great prices for NIB cameras, less than $500. This gives a very fast lens and small body with articulating lcd, viewfinder and lots of fun features built in. Can shoot raw, get fast bursts and Sony's great AF from top of line models. Think if Nikon put Z9 AF into a Coolpix camera, that's what Sony did with rx100 series above v, the VA, vi and vii. But only va has the fast lens and it makes a marked difference.

I've always been attracted to ultra small cameras and have them from Olympus Nikon Canon and now Sony. Sony wins easily. But newest rx100 models like vii are too expensive.

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