Thread: Canon G1 X

Each major camera producer save one hasentered the market for compact system cameras, digital cameras onsmall bodies, mostly larger sensors, and standardized lenses,everything without a complicated mirror box system. That one hold-outproceeds to wait, but Canon drops a some clues in the plan and choiceof sensors on the novel flagship of the G-series, the G1 X. On asensor that is only a little larger as compared to a Four Thirds,and only a little smaller as compared to APS-C, the G1 X could be ahint of things to arrive.



Although it is clearly related torecent G-series cameras, the Canon G1 X is a small more of acommitment as compared to the G12, as well as most compact systemcameras. At 18.8 ounces it weighs more as compared to a pound,perceptibly more as compared to the G12's 12.4 ounce weight .


It is as well larger in everydimensions, measuring 4.6 x 3.2 x 2.5 inches , compared to the G12's4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 inches. It goes from an under-two-inch body to a 2.5inch thick one, or about 17mm thicker, and as well derives 5mm inwidth and height. Much of that thickness, still, is for the lensring, on the grip sticking out rather a bit less.

It is nice to watch the Canon G1 X'ssubstantial knurled grip and similarly knurled control dial perchedabove it. As well more lovely to behold is the relatively large lenselement. Seems as a lens we could fall in love on. Its 4x zoom coversthe equivalent of a 28-112mm zoom lens, and scopes from f/2.8 tof/5.8 from broad to tele.


The Canon G1 X's optical viewfinderglints out from under the hot shoe, and Self-timer/AF-Assist Lampseems just left of that. Below right of the lens is the ring releasebutton, to create room for accessory lenses. Missing from the sceneis the G12's embedded flash. That is because they have eventuallycontained a pop-up flash, which adds a bit more distance between theflash and lens.


It surely pops up higher as compared tothe Nikon P7100's little pop-up flash. A knurled slider releases theflash; it is not motorized like with the S100, thus it would not bepopping up into your finger circumstantially. Because they added thepop-up flash, still, they had to lose a dial, and I am certain it wasa hard decision which one to ditch. The ISO dial lost out,unfortunately, and the Exposure Compensation dial brings its placebelow the smaller Mode dial. Then it is only the power button , andthe Shutter release/Zoom toggle combination.


As well note the recessed metal strapslot, a discrete solution, connecting straps without noisy D-ringslike we have watched with too many other compact system cameras. Afeel at the rear of the Canon G1 X tells you that the company isexploring a novel direction for the camera line. The organic lines ofthe Canon G12 are substituted by more edges, bevels, and straightlines. No bezel bulges around the articulating LCD; instead it liesagainst a flat rear.


It is a clean feel, more utilitarian,likely reducing cost and weight. The LCD itself is a 3-inch size,larger as compared to the G12's 2.8-inch LCD. A substantial knurledthumb rest drives home the novel aesthetic, taking to mind thediamond-plating with the slopes of my truck bed, cut to fit, there toserve an aim more than to feel reasonably.