Canon’s G1 X is kind of a ridiculous camera. It’s a point-and-shoot, but it has a bigger image sensor than most of the mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras out there. And it’s $US800, so it costs more too.
The G1 X isn’t as heavy as you’d expect, given that compared to any point-and-shoot you’ve probably seen, the G1 X is absolutely huge. And when you factor in that it’s got a fixed lens, you wouldn’t save that much space compared to a micro four thirds. I wouldn’t exactly call it comfortable to shoot with either, but the controls are simple enough that it would make a decent downtime shooter. That’s what Canon’s going for anyway: the DSLR-using crowd who needs something with more guts than an S95 or S100, but doesn’t want the hassle of dealing with interchangeable lenses.
We weren’t allowed to export any test shots because we saw a pre-production model. The sensor is locked in, but apparently a few tweaks might be made to the processor. But the pictures the G1X took were really nice, from what we could see, and the lens was fast and focused quickly.
Frankly, we have no doubt that the final product will take beautiful pictures, but the question is: Which crowd is going to buy this thing, since it’s $US800? You’re locked into one lens, which isn’t a particularly fast one, with no possibility of upgrading, with a kit that costs as much as an actual DSLR. So, the pros who want a power point-and-shoot that isn’t exactly pocketable? Enthusiasts who want to step up from their first point-and-shoot but don’t want to deal with interchangeable lenses?
We still wouldn’t mind spending some more time getting to know the G1 X ourselves, though.
The G series cameras have been immensely popular with divers for underwater photography: enough features to keep everyone happy, enough quality to generate healthy images, but without the massive step up in price and complexity of enclosures that comes with interchangeable lens cameras.
It's the jump from USD800 for an enclosure with something like this to USD4,000 for an SLR enclosure and a couple of ports for lenses. Plus the fact you can't switch the lenses underwater - so a "all purpose" single lens is pretty handy.
Be interesting to see how quickly enclosure support comes out for these guys and what the takeup will be like.
Apparently, it can shoot 12 frames in one burst. Check out the specs at Canon.com
I can only guess that their market research showed a desire for camera shooters wanting something inbetween a PAS and full blown SLR. I can't imagine that market being too big though. Especially with the progression of PAS these days. Anyhow, different strokes for different folks. Ok guys, get the 5DX/mk3 full spec's out already please!!!!!!
That is one seriously chunky munky. I think I like it... It looks pretty rugged. But I'd still probably get the smaller S100 with f/2.0 as a backup camera to my DLSR.
I'm glad the pro-sumer market is still around for those who want to venture further more into photography without dropping serious cash on a DSLR.
The emergence of µ4/3 and other mirrorless systems, with the associated (lower) cost compared to DSLRs, has really threatened the relevance of Canon's whole G## line. Historically they have been the halfway point between P&S and DSLR, but now the likes of Panasonic G3/GF3 and Sony's NEX range fill that niche very nicely.
However, there is a lot to be said for convenience. For novices like myself, as cool as it would be to have interchangeable lenses I'd probably not buy a lot of glass. So provided the G1X's output is up to par with its contemporaries, my only reason not to get it would be its bulk - it's still bigger than the NEX and some of the µ4/3 machines.
If it's as good or better than the G12 it replaces then this is a sure fire winner
Fujifilm's X-Pro 1 looks like a much better option, albeit costing much more, for me.
Canon seriously need to release a mirrorless lens system soon.
The G series (I have the 9 and 10) is really a joy to use. Most of the important elements are directly accessible. The picture quality is good not to say very good until ISO 200. So with the new bigger sensor and the Digit 5 all elements are there to use this camera as second or first all the time. Yes I know there are some that can do better here or there and if this is what you look for you should buy.
I have the 5 D II and we havde the Sony NEX 5 n but none of them is so convenient and convincing on average use than the G series. Therefore my next new camera will be the G 1 X