Canon PowerShot G1 X Overview
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I own it | I want it | I had it |
The Canon PowerShot G1 X may look like the company's previous G-series compacts, but is a very different prospect. It's a large sensor (only 20% smaller than the sensors Canon uses in most of its DSLRs) camera with a flexible 28-112mm-equivalent, 4x zoom lens and extensive manual controls. The company says it sees it as a camera for photographers who already have a high end DSLR such as a 5D Mark II or 7D, but at a price of $799, we think it'll appeal much more widely than that. After repeated waves of cameras aimed at point-and-shoot upgraders, it's heartening to see a camera really living up to the billing of a 'serious compact.'
Overall, the G1 X is an excellent camera for some but not for everyone. If you are aware of its shortcomings, such as the sluggish AF, limited close-focusing capability or lack of manual control in video, and think you can live with them, the Canon gives you great image quality and a versatile zoom range in a small package and without the need to carry a stack of lenses.
Body type | Large sensor compact |
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Max resolution | 4352 x 3264 |
Effective pixels | 14 megapixels |
Sensor size | 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
ISO | Auto, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, 8000, 10000, 12800 |
Focal length (equiv.) | 28–112 mm |
Max aperture | F2.8–5.8 |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 920,000 |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Format | H.264 |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz) |
Dimensions | 117 x 81 x 65 mm (4.61 x 3.19 x 2.56″) |
GPS | None |
The G1 X is an excellent camera for some but not for everyone. The camera gives you great image quality and a versatile zoom range in a small package without the need to carry a stack of lenses. However, the sluggish AF, limited close-focusing capability, and lack of manual control in video mode will make some users look elsewhere.
Good for: Anyone who wants DSLR-like image quality and a versatile zoom range in a pocketable format.
Not so good for: Sports and action photographers, serious videographers