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Added by fishnose |  May 21
D4 lens tests
Added by derway |  May 20
Please test EXR modes on all fuji cameras that support it
Added by eireann |  May 19
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II will be tested when
Added by eireann |  May 19
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED bad Chr aberration results
Added by koleh77 |  May 18
Re: A37
Added by koleh77 |  May 18
Re: Sony A57
Added by Bobo_SAN |  May 18
Re: A37

Canon PowerShot G1X Review

Introduction | DxOMark measurements | Canon G1X, the best compact cameras | Canon G1 vs Fuji X100 | Canon G1X vs hybrid cameras | Canon PowerShot G1 X lens review | Conclusion

The best compact camera ever made

As is our habit, let’s compare the G1X with its principal competitors, first within the same category (i.e., compact cameras):

Canon PowerShot G1X vs Nikon P7100 vs Panasonic LX5

Canon PowerShot G1X vs Nikon P7100 vs Panasonic LX5

Canon PowerShot G1X vs Olympus XZ1 vs Samsung EX1

Canon PowerShot G1X vs Olympus XZ1 vs Samsung EX1

When it comes to the G1X’s performance, there is no contest here:

  • A DxOMark score of nearly 20 points more than its closest competitor.
  • 2 more bit of color depth.
  • And most notably, nearly 2 stops better for low-light ISO.

These results aren’t really such a surprise: the PowerShot G1X’s much larger format allows the sensor to capture much more light, which means a proportionate diminishing of noise.

Given these results, we cannot help but congratulate the manufacturer for putting this kind of sensor into a compact camera. Up until now, the entire compact category relied on the same sensors as the lowest-level compact cameras, which meant that their usefulness was restricted.

The Canon compact: a superb success!

Let’s take a look at the evolution of the GX PowerShot line. No debate here - Canon changed the sensor and the results are spectacular!

Canon PowerShot G1X vs G12 vs G11

Canon PowerShot G1X vs G12 vs G11

« Previous Next  »

Comments
Added by ysengrain |  May 18

G1X

Hi,
I got one 2 months ago.
After familarizing with, I was absolutly bluffed by image quality (RAW, I never shoot JPEG), the resolution, the absence of noise.
Just two negative aspects: bulky and heavy

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Added by alremotemail |  April 15

Not pocketable

To me, cameras fall into 3 categories. (1) pocketable, (2) compact, but not pocketable, (3) huge.
To me, pocketable is essential for street photography and some tourist photos. All I need do is always get the best performance camera that is still pocketable, and that inevitably means the largest in that category. The G series filled that bill for me. I have the G9 but no reason to upgrade until the G1X. I was foolish enough to let eager anticipation blind me to the fact that the G1X has crossed into the compact but not pocketable category. Well, one might as well select the camera with the best performance then. The Sony NEX 5N should be a far better choice - larger sensor, sweep panorama, macro (G1X does not do macro, whatever Canon may say), and interchangeable lens.

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Added by MarcusGR |  March 30

A "new" sensor out-dated since its birth ...

The simple fact that - in low light - Canon G1X looses to Panasonic GX1 in spite of relying on a considerably larger sensor is a clear indicator that Canon has created a brand-new camera sporting an "old" sensor.
The comparison with a last-generation m4/3 sensor will be even more humiliating for Canon when DXO Mark will have Olympus M5D test available.
Very stupid of Canon, I think: with G1X they have shown they can produce a very large-sensor compact equipped with a good, small zoom-lens. If G1X sensor (and data processing power) were "top notch", all m4/3 EVILS would be easily beaten on all terrains, except flexibility (lens interchangeability). And most users would go for G1X because most don't need interchangeable lenses when they have a nice zoom-lens. As things are, though, I would rather go for a last-generation EVF-equipped m4/3 EVIL camera: either Panasonic G3 or - with a larger budget - Olympus M5D.

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First replies for this comment
Added by Nonca |  April 14

Re: A \

CANON G1X is better in terms of noise ! ;)



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Added by Musawer |  March 13

Canon g1x

My macro does not seem to work on my Canon G1x.  How do I test the camera?

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Added by cal_gecko |  February 09

comparison

The Fuji is 25% more expensive than the Canon, how are these cameras comparable?  What's next, a comparison between a Canon SX130 and a Nikon D7000? Totally different beasts.  I've got a preorder placed for the G1X to add to my bag as a portable, travel camera when I don't want to use my 7D.  I wanted something with some type of zoom, large, high quality sensor, manual controls, hotshoe, IS, and moderately fast glass... the G1X fits the bill perfectly.  Something I can stick in my jacket pocket while I travel and still get great photos.  The Fuji might be great if you're fine taking shots at one focal length.. I don't think that will work well for travel.

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First replies for this comment
Added by BrettA |  February 10

Re: comparison

Thank you - you've made my day, Cal :-)!  You start with a price comparison and then in the same sentence ask in seeming disbelief, "how are these cameras comparable" ;-) ;-) ;-)!  'Nuff said.

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Added by MarsWarrior |  February 02

Pricing

If this camera doesn't provide much more than compact size and DIGIC5 processing, why then the high price? It seems to sport similar (dated) sensor technology of the 7D and a cheap plastic body too?

A rebel T3i kit can be had for about $100 less. Except for the large APS wafer, I would have thought the SLR-mirror- and lens mount mechanics to form rather an expensive portion of the price of a DSLR body, or am I mistaken?  I presume the glass in the G1X is no more special than that found in a standard kit lens?

I absolutely love the concept, though! IMO it makes way more sense than than a CSC! If only it were released at least $100 less, I would have bought one for Christmas if the price dropped to $600!

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Added by Matthieu |  January 31

What about the Fuji X100?

You wrote that the Canon G1X is "The best compact camera ever made", but you seem to have forgotten the Fuji X100, which is less high, less deep and only slightly wider. If the G1X is to be considered a compact camera, then the Fuji also has to be.

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First replies for this comment
Added by lightsabre |  February 01

Re: What about the Fuji X100?

Quote:

<div id="linkdxomark">This a comment for <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Database/Canon/PowerShot-G1X">this page on the website</a></div>You wrote that the Canon G1X is "The best compact camera ever made", but you seem to have forgotten the Fuji X100, which is less high, less deep and only slightly wider. If the G1X is to be considered a compact camera, then the Fuji also has to be.


The Fuji is never positioned as a 'compact' or 'point and shoot' camera for the mass consumer market. The Fuji is much too expensive, lacks zoom and is deemed to complex for this market segment. It is always positioned as a premium enthusiast high end camera. More for the rangefinder market segment. Also, it is not only about size. Otherwise, why would Fuji bother to create the X10 for the compact market.

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Added by darrask |  January 31

GX1 is a big camera

"You have a reflex-quality sensor in camera of the same volume as a G11."
No you don't, the GX1 is much bigger than the G-series.

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First replies for this comment
Added by lightsabre |  February 01

Re: GX1 is a big camera

Quote:

<div id="linkdxomark">This a comment for <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Database/Canon/PowerShot-G1X">this page on the website</a></div>"You have a reflex-quality sensor in camera of the same volume as a G11."
No you don't, the GX1 is much bigger than the G-series.


Define 'much bigger'

In these pictures from DPReview, they seem to be very close in size.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canong1x/images/Sidebyside.jpg

From the top view, The G1X even manages to have a thinner body than the G12, except for its slightly potruding lens.

This is amazing don't you think?

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Added by Stephen123 |  February 01

Re: GX1 is a big camera

If you ignore the depth for comparison purposes, the G1X is 10% larger in width x height.  If you don't count the lens it is thinner. So, not counting the lens it probably is similar in volume.  With the lens it is 35% deeper.

Also, the G1X is 33% heavier than the G12.  On the other hand it does seem like a really nice camera.

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Added by kdsand |  February 05

Re: GX1 is a big camera

Seems as if retractable lens could be a necessity in order to keep the overall size down.
Even if its bigger than rest o g series it must still be very portable compared to dslrs.
Until there's actual field reviews  and I have it in my own hands to try I know its all speculation on my part. Still I have to wonder if slightly faster glass would make a big impact. Perhaps if this model is well received Canon would make the follow up a bit faster.

While the price may or may not be to high it does give me pause. I can get some nice glass with that $$$.

I love what I'm seeing though.

Lol just thought "make bigger, stronger, faster and better" wasn't that like the old six million dollar man theme?
:-)

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