It’s big, got a bunch of manual controls, got a 1.5″-type CMOS sensor, got a fixed lens and it’s going to cost you $799 to own. The Canon PowerShot G1 X has a lot of attractive specifications and it’s design is also very pro-friendly but is the camera really worth overlooking other high-end point-and shoot cameras, micro-four-thirds cameras and some DSLRs that are in the same price range?
On their website Canon refers to the new PowerShot G1 X as being the pinnacle of PowerShot. And if you simply go by the G1 X’s specifications the new PowerShot really is the most well-appointed PowerShot camera that Canon has available for consumers –the target market for PowerShot cameras has been consumers by and large throughout Canon’s history.
The PowerShot G1 X’s image sensor alone is the largest that any point-and-shoot camera has ever featured from Canon, to compare the 1.5″-type CMOS sensor included in the G1 X to other cameras it’s just bigger than sensors found predominantly in four thirds cameras. With its larger than average sensor the G1 X can provide better ISO performance, which means photos take in poor lighting situations will stand a better chance of coming out good if you’re using a camera like the G1 X.
However big sensors should be expected when your paying $799 for a digital camera these days, what else does the G1 X offer? On Canon’s website the camera maker is proud to feature 42 more distinct features and capabilities of the G1 X camera besides the large sensor. But to keep things as brief as possible I’ll hit on 10 major features for the Canon PowerShot G1 X that don’t include its large CMOS sensor.
The DIGIC 5 Image Processor which powers the entire camera and allows it to take the photos and videos it does.
Up to 14-bit RAW shooting for images if JPEG isn’t good enough for you.
The 4x optical zoom lens; focal range from 15.1mm to 60.4mm (35mm film equivalent: 28mm – 112mm); aperture range from f/2.8 – f/5.8
ISO up to 12800
Optical image stabilization as well as Intelligent IS and Hybrid IS for blur-free captures.
Tracking AF (Autofocus) system which will allow you to better capture moving objects in-focus.
High-speed burst mode with a max. of 6 continuous shots per burst.
Optical Viewfinder for framing shots.
Smart Auto with 32 pre-programmed scenes which include Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, Sports and fireworks to name a few.
Full HD 1080p video recording with 24fps performance.
Are those features enough to justify the G1 X’s price tag? Probably not, specifications only tell half the story what the camera can actually do with those specs. is what matters in the end. Right now no full reviews are up since the few G1 X models in existence are pre-production cameras at the moment, but according to the Canon they’ll begin shipping the G1 X on March 12th of this year.