Canon Powershot G1 X Hands-On Preview

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification


Canon Powershot G1 X

The Canon Powershot G1 X features a 14.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, full manual controls, a wide angle 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, optical viewfinder and will be available from February for £699 including VAT.

Canon Powershot G1 X Features

Canon Powershot G1 X Grip

Key Features:

• Large 14.3 MP CMOS, DIGIC 5, HS System
• Compact 4x zoom 28-112mm; Intelligent IS
• 7.5 cm (3.0”) vari-angle LCD; OVF
• Full Manual, RAW, DPP
• Full HD, HDMI
• High-speed Burst HQ
• Smart Auto
• Extensive accessories
• HDR mode and ND filter
• Optional 40m waterproof case
• Available from late February, priced at £699/€799 RRP incl. VAT

Canon Powershot G1 X Swivel Screen, lens at full optical zoom

Canon Powershot G1 X Handling

Camera on

Handling: The Canon Powershot G1 X features a large chunky hand grip at the front with a large thumb grip at the rear. The lens has a removable conversation lens ring and is quite large.


Canon Powershot G1 X Back

Menus: The menus are very typically Canon menus and that's a good thing, as they're easy to use, well laid out with clear text and helpful text that explains each setting and menu item. The menus will be instantly familiar to anyone who's used a Canon camera before.


Canon Powershot G1 X Top

Buttons: The buttons and controls are very similar to the Canon Powershot G12 with a top mode dial and underneath the exposure compensation dial. A front command wheel allows setttings to be changed quickly and on the back are a number of customisable buttons.


Canon Powershot G1 X Bottom

Battery / Speed: Switch on time seemed reasonable and under our brief time with the camera, we found the camera responsive enough, however it didn't particularly stand out as super fast. When we got one to review we will post full details.Battery life seems reasonable at 250shot but it would have been nice if there was a way of enahnching the battery life.

Canon Powershot G1 X Performance

Canon Powershot G1 X
As the camera tested was pre-production we are unable to show sample photos, however we will update as and when we can and will a large sensor high ISO performance is expected to be good.

Value For Money

Priced at £699 the camera is aimed at the enthusiast and is a similar price to some of the higher end Micro Four Thirds or APS-C mirrorless cameras such as the Olympus PEN E-P3, Sony NEX-5N, Samsung NX200 or Fujifilm X-Pro1.

Canon Powershot G1 X Verdict

The Canon Powershot G1 X is an interesting take on the question "How do we make a compact camera with high image quality?" and Canon appear to have succeeded in producing a camera aimed in design and function to meet that need. However, whether it truly will deliver the image quality and performance expected is another matter. There is a lot of interest in this camera, but many appear to be wondering when Canon will release their mirrorless compact system camera. Perhaps this is just the start?

Come back for more CES 2012 coverage, here.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Specifications

View Full Product Details