Canon PowerShot G1 X preview

Yes, this is Canon's long-awaited first compact with a big sensor. Inside the G1 X is a new 14.3 Megapixel 1.5 inch CMOS sensor, which is considerably larger than the 1/1.7in sensor in its predecessors and other enthusiast-class compacts with fixed lenses. Indeed the G1 X's 1.5in sensor is fractionally larger than the Micro Four Thirds format and only slightly smaller than the APS-C format employed by the Sony NEX system and most DSLRs.

While the G1 X features a large sensor, the thing which really makes it different from DSLRs and Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILCs) is its fixed lens. Rather than develop or adapt an interchangeable lens mount for its first large sensor compact, Canon has instead opted to fit a fixed lens, just like previous G-series models. The G1 X's lens range may not quite match the 5x / 28-140mm equivalent range of the previous G12, but comes close with a 4x / 28-112mm range, while also matching the maximum f2.8 aperture at wide-angle; this makes the lens a little longer and brighter than most DSLR and ILC kit lenses, although of course you can't swap it for anything else. Like its predecessor, the G1 X is also equipped with a fully articulated screen, optical viewfinder, flash hotshoe and a wealth of manual control. The G1 X will be available from late February for an RRP of $799 USD / £699 GBP / €799 EUR. In my Canon G1 X preview you'll find out all about the sensor and new features and see how it compares to the G12 along with a selection of ILCs.

The PowerShot G series has long been a favourite of enthusiasts looking for a high quality compact with lots of manual controls, but its appeal has declined of late with the increasing popularity of mirror-less ILCs with larger sensors. Models like the PowerShot S100 have managed to carve a niche thanks to their tiny size, but the G-series models have always been unashamedly chunky and as such found themselves uncomfortably close to the size of mirror-less ILCs. Canon's solution is one that's been discussed by enthusiasts for years now: find some way to squeeze a large sensor into a G-series body.

For the G1 X, Canon's developed a new 1.5in format CMOS sensor which measures 18.7x14mm. This is considerably larger than the 7.4x5.6mm of the 1/1.7in type sensors in the G12 and S100 - indeed in terms of surface area the G1 X's sensor is 6.3 times greater.

This is clearly illustrated in the diagram below where the G1 X's sensor is coloured red and shown to scale alongside other formats. It's slightly smaller than the 22.3x14.9mm of Canon's APS-C format, but a tad larger than the 17.3x13mm of Micro Four Thirds, a decision which was almost certainly driven by Canon's marketing team: numerically trump one the big rivals without stepping on the toes of your own DSLRs. Meanwhile all of the above are comfortably larger than the 13.2x8.8mm of Nikon's CX format introduced for the J1 and V1.

Digital camera sensor sizes compared (scale diagram)

One of the more interesting things which is apparent from the diagram above is the shape of Canon's new sensor: the squarish 4:3 format, shared by Micro Four Thirds and most compacts, rather than the wider 3:2 format of most DSLRs along with Sony's NEX and Nikon's CX formats. Maybe this was chosen to further differentiate it from Canon's own DSLRs and align it more closely with existing compacts.

What the new 1.5in sensor does share with Canon's DSLRs though is virtually the same pixel-pitch as the company's 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor. I'll obviously have to wait until I get to test a final production model, but it implies similar noise performance to the 600D / T3i, 550D / T2i, 60D and 7D models, which would be no bad thing and something traditional compacts can only dream of.

As for the actual resolution, the G1 X sports 14.3 Megapixels, delivering 4:3 shaped images with 4352 x 3264 pixels. You can also choose from four alternative aspect ratios (16:9, 3:2, 1:1 and 4:5) all of which are cropped, along with three lower resolutions for each. Images can be saved as JPEGs with the choice of two compression levels or as RAW files with 14 bit tonal range. Canon estimates best quality JPEG and RAW files weigh-in at around 3.5 and 20MB each. The sensitivity ranges from 100 to 12800 ISO.

Image processing duties are carried out by Canon's latest DIGIC 5 processor, although as you'll discover, this hasn't resulted in lightning-fast burst shooting. Like Canon's existing compacts there's also some composite shooting modes on the G1 X with Handheld Night Scene reducing noise and HDR extending tonal range.

Canon PowerShot G1 X lens

The PowerShot G1 X is equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens with an equivalent range of 28-112mm and an aperture of f2.8-5.8. It's optically stabilised with four stops of compensation, retracts within the body when powered-down and features a built-in Neutral Density filter which can darken the incoming light by three stops - great for using large apertures or longer shutter speeds in bright conditions.

In these respects it sounds fairly similar to lenses on previous PowerShot G models, albeit a little shorter than the 5x / 28-140mm zoom on the G12. But it's important not to move-on as the G1 X's lens is actually one of the most interesting parts of the new camera. For starters it has to generate an imaging circle that's corrected for the much bigger sensor behind it. The actual focal length also has to be much longer at 15.1-60.4mm. These both mean the potential depth-of-field can be much shallower than the G12 or other small sensor compacts; indeed it should be roughly comparable to a DSLR with a kit lens.

Conversely, the inherently shallower depth-of-field of a longer actual focal length lens will be less forgiving on focusing errors than a G12, and the closest focusing distance won't be as impressive either: the G12 could focus at an unbelievably close 1cm at wide angle, whereas the G1 X won't focus closer than 20cm at the same equivalent focal length. So if you're into serious macro photography on a compact, you're better-off with a smaller sensor model. It's also worth noting the G1 X's lens doesn't have an automatic covering like the G12 and other compacts; instead it employs a removeable lens cap like a DSLR or ILC lens.

Looking at other premium compacts it may also be disappointing to find Canon not taking the opportunity to employ either a brighter focal ratio and or a broader focal range, but each would have significantly increased the size, weight and cost of the camera. As it stands, it seems fairer to compare it to a typical DSLR or ILC kit lens, in which case the G1 X will zoom a little further, while also boasting a slightly brighter focal ratio of f2.8 at the wide end. Unlike these lenses though, there's no standard filter thread - just the chance to mount an optional adapter for either 58mm filters or a lens hood, but not both at the same time. This is another missed opportunity for a camera of its class and price, although in some consolation there is the built-in ND filter.

Of course the major benefit of a DSLR or ILC kit lens is you can remove it and fit something wider, longer, faster or better at close-ups, whereas the lens on the G1 X is permanently fixed in position. There's no doubt 28-112mm is a great general-purpose range, but the fact the G-series is comparable in size to removeable lens cameras inevitably has you thinking critically about whether you really could live with this lens alone. Don't assume a fixed lens eliminates dust worries either; it may greatly reduce the risk of dust entering the body, but I've heard from several G-series owners in the past who've found dust finding its way in. So there's several pros and cons to weigh-up.

Canon PowerShot G1 X continuous shooting

The Canon G1 X may sport a big sensor akin to a DSLR, but its continuous shooting performance is closer to a standard point-and-shoot, and worse, a standard point-and-shoot from Canon, which has a reputation for unremarkable burst speeds. Continuing this poor tradition, the main continuous shooting mode on the G1 X fires at a disappointingly slow rate of 1.9fps without AF, falling to an almost offensive 0.7fps if you'd like autofocus or live view between shots. Yes, that's comfortably less than one frame per second.

Offering some consolation is the High-speed Burst HQ mode which increases the rate to 4.5fps, but only for six shots, thereby grabbing about one and a half seconds of action. It'll come as no surprise then to discover the G1 X does not exploit the additional speed of UHS-1 SD cards either.

These capabilities are the low-point of a relatively expensive camera aimed at enthusiasts. Even Canon's own PowerShot S100 does better, shooting at 9.6fps for eight frames in its High-speed Burst HQ mode.

These figures simply pale alongside Canon's big rival Nikon though, who's J1 and V1 can shoot at 10fps with autofocus for long bursts up to 100 frames, or up to 60fps if you're willing to lock the focus. Sure the J1 and V1 are only shifting 10 Megapixels per frame, but with the G1 X Canon once again proves it doesn't believe fast frame rates are for anyone below the semi-pro DSLR market. An increasingly foolish decision in my book.

Canon PowerShot G1 X movie mode

It comes as no surprise to find the G1 X supporting Full HD 1080p video, although it's worth noting this is an upgrade over the G12 which offered no more than 720p. While the G1 X's big sensor is close to that in a DSLR though, its actual movie modes and capabilities are similar to compacts like the S100. As such the G1 X gives you the choice of 1080/24p, 720/30p or 640x480/30p, along with an optional Miniature effect at 720p, Canon's Movie Digest compilation at VGA and the iFrame-friendly 720/30p mode.

What you won't get are the choice of frame rates of Canon's DSLRs and there's also no manual exposure control when filming beyond exposure lock or compensation. On the upside there is continuous AF when filming, and like the S100 you should be able to lock or manually focus if preferred. Unlike the S100 and most of Canon's latest compacts though, there's no slow motion video option. I guess we should be grateful you can at least optically zoom the lens while filming. The maximum recording time is a second shy of half an hour or when the file reaches 4GB, which for the G1 X in 1080p and 720p modes will be after about 14 and 20 minutes respectively.

Audio is recorded by built-in stereo microphones, but sadly there's no external microphone input. This is a real missed opportunity especially as the G1 X is equipped with a standard hotshoe which would have been ideal for mounting external microphones.

Canon PowerShot G1 X design and controls

In terms of design the G1 X is quite obviously a member of the PowerShot G-series; indeed at first glance you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for the earlier G12, but place them side-by-side and a number of important differences become apparent.

Most obviously, the G1 X is a larger and heavier camera thanks to its bigger sensor and lens to go with it. Where the old G12 measured 112x76x48mm and weighed 401g with battery, the new G1 X measures 117x81x65mm and weighs 534g. So the G1 X is 5mm wider, 5mm taller, but most noticeably, 17mm thicker thanks to a lens which has to cater for a much larger imaging circle.

Since the earlier G12 was already fairly chunky, it's well worth comparing its larger successor with a selection of mirror-less ILCs. Nikon's V1 is slightly smaller from the front at 113x76mm, but is 13mm thicker overall when the 10-30mm kit lens is mounted; in terms of weight, the V1 kit is fractionally lighter at 498g, but in your hands it feels essentially the same weight as the G1 X. The Nikon J1 is more compact though: measuring 106x61mm from the front it's 11mm narrower and 4mm shorter than the G1 X, and while the kit lens still makes it thicker, it's only by 7mm. The J1 kit is however noticeably lighter at 392g.

Arguably the most interesting comparison is against Panasonic's GX1 fitted with its premium 14-42mm Power Zoom kit lens. Like the G1 X, this lens features a motorised zoom which retracts when switched-off. The GX1 shares essentially the same width as the G1 X, although is a noticeable 13mm shorter. Fit the 14-42mm Power Zoom to the GX1 and the overall thickness is actually 5mm less, while the overall weight at 413g is an impressive 121g less than the G1 X. To be fair, the Canon G1 X sports a longer zoom range that's also slightly brighter at the wide-end, an articulated screen and optical viewfinder, but it's important to give credit to Panasonic for creating a tiny power zoom lens, which lest we forget could alternatively be mounted on the GF3 for an even smaller and lighter combination of 108x67x60mm and 359g. And remember this and the GX1 have interchangeable lenses.

Moving onto the styling and layout, the G1 X shares a great deal with the earlier G12, even down to the top surface sloping down from the hotshoe to meet a dual-tiered control dial. Both cameras also feature a finger dial above their grips and a wheel control round the back. Look closer though and as mentioned earlier, several differences emerge.

First, the flash is no longer always visible, but instead raises out of the upper left surface to provide greater clearance with the lens; unlike the S100 though, the flash isn't motorised. Secondly, the position of the new flash has forced Canon to sacrifice the dedicated exposure compensation dial which used to be located here on the G12. Well not entirely: the exposure compensation dial now finds itself as the lower of two tiered dials on the right side (now sporting a broader range of +/-3EV), with the smaller mode dial remaining on top; this means the earlier ISO dial is no longer present on the G1 X. The ISO value is now adjusted via the tilting wheel on the rear, forcing the previous self-timer control to the menus only. Finally, a new dedicated red button is positioned in the top right corner to start recording video at any time.

In terms of connectivity the G1 X features a Mini USB and Mini HDMI ports and a connector for the optional RS-60E3 cabled remote. Once again there's sadly no microphone input. The hotshoe can accommodate Canon's Speedlite flashguns, although the built-in flash doesn't have any wireless control, so you'll need to employ an optional transmitter if you want to trigger any flashes off-camera.

The G1 X is powered by the NB-10L Lithium Ion pack which Canon claims is good for 250 shots with the screen or 700 without under CIPA conditions. Compare this to the more powerful NB-7L pack in the earlier G12 which was good for 370 or 1000 shots with or without the monitor. A disappointing downgrade, but not entirely surprising given the hungrier screen and sensor. A bigger battery would have meant a larger and heavier body.

Finally, the WP-DC44 underwater housing allows you to take the G1 X to depths of up to 40m.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Screen and viewfinder

One of the joys of the G-series is an articulated screen and I'm pleased to report Canon's made an upgrade here over the earlier G12. So rather than a 2.8in / 460k panel, the G1 X sports a larger and more detailed 3in / 920k panel. There's been no sacrifice in articulation though, as you can still flip and twist the screen to any angle including forward to face the subject or back on itself for protection.

Like earlier PowerShot G models, the G1 X retains the optical viewfinder as an alternative means of composition. Canon claims it's more accurate, but it's still a basic optical rangefinder system, which means there can be parallax errors, there's no superimposed guides and you'll still see the lens barrel in the corner when zoomed-out. But, and it's a big but, the viewfinder is more visible when the screen becomes washed-out in bright conditions, it's possible to hold the camera more stably when it's held to your eye, and as an optical viewfinder, it'll greatly extend the battery life. As stated above, you're looking at 250 shots with the screen versus 700 with the viewfinder. That said, there'll be those who'll wish Canon fitted the G1 X with an electronic viewfinder, and others who'd prefer there was none at all for an ultimately smaller and lighter body; a future G2 X perhaps?

Now before wrapping-up, let's see how the G1 X compares against a selection of rivals cameras.

Compared to Canon PowerShot G12

Canon will continue to sell the PowerShot G12 alongside the G1 X, and while the sensor is much smaller, it still shares a lot in common with the new model. Both cameras share similar styling with stacks of manual controls, a hotshoe, optical viewfinder, fully-articulated screen, built-in ND filter and a decent-sized grip.

Both cameras also have lens ranges which start at 28mm f2.8, but the G12 zooms a little further to 140mm f4.5, where as the G1 X stops at 112mm and at a slower aperture of f5.8. Thanks to its smaller sensor and shorter actual focal length, the G12 also offers a much closer minimum focusing distance of 1cm compared to 20cm on the G1 X.

The G1 X and G12 look similar from the outside, but place them side-by-side and you'll realise the latter is actually noticeably smaller and lighter. It also features three dials on the top surface to the G1 X's two.

The biggest thing in the G1 X's favour is of course its sensor which boasts over six times the surface area, not to mention four extra Megapixels. Indeed by sharing the same pixel pitch as Canon's 18 Megapixel APS-C DSLRs like the EOS 7D, the G1 X should also share similar noise and dynamic range performance, which is a big step-up from the small sensor in the G12. The bigger sensor and the longer actual lens focal length also means the G1 X enjoys a shallower depth-of-field, roughly equivalent to a DSLR or ILC kit lens.

In terms of video, the G1 X features 1080p movies to the G12's 720p, along with continuous AF and the chance to adjust the optical zoom while filming. Both cameras have articulated screens, but the panel on the G1 X is larger and more detailed (3in / 920k vs 2.8in / 460k). The main continuous shooting speed on both is pretty awful, but in its favour, the G1 X alternatively offers a High-speed Burst HQ mode which can grab up to six frames at 4.5fps. Like other recent Canon compacts, the G1 X also offers an HDR and Handheld Night Scene mode. The longest exposure is also 60 seconds compared to 15 on the G12.

Ultimately the G1 X is a more powerful camera with the potential for much higher image quality in low light, but the G12 remains a compelling option for enthusiasts that's never been more affordable; indeed at the time of writing it was available for half the price of the G1 X. So if you want lots of control, flexible composition, support for RAW and a good general-purpose lens with amazing close-up capabilities, the G12 could be for you.

See my Canon PowerShot G12 review for more details.

Compared to Panasonic Lumix GX1

Panasonic's Lumix GX1 is one of several mirror-less ILCs which will go up against the G1 X, but for me it's one of the closest rivals in style. Fit the GX1 with Panasonic's 14-42mm power zoom lens and it becomes physically surprisingly similar to the G1 X. There are of course many key differences though to weigh-up.

The most important thing in the GX1's favour is the ability to swap lenses. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, it enjoys access to the broadest lens catalogue of any mirror-less ILC including wide, long, macro and portrait options, and thanks to a wealth of adapters you can mount almost any other lens system too. The screen may not be articulated, but it is touch-sensitive and that really comes into its own when pulling-focus while filming video - simply tap at whatever you'd like the camera to refocus on.

The GX1 can also record video right up to the half hour limit for European models and way beyond for other regions: my sample recorded two hours of 1080i non-stop with a 16GB card and fresh charge. Continuous shooting isn't super-fast, but it remains quicker than the G1 X at 4.2fps or 3fps with live view; there's also a 20fps mode at reduced resolution. The GX1 additionally offers seven-frame bracketing, an on-screen leveling gauge, a mechanical shutter for faster flash sync speeds and longer battery life of 310 shots compared to 250. Finally, the GX1 is actually a little smaller and lighter than the G1 X when it's fitted with the 14-42mm power zoom kit lens.

That's a lot in the GX1's favour, but the G1 X has a number of benefits of its own. It comes with a built-in 4x / 28-112mm motorised zoom with an f2.8 focal ratio at the wide-end, a lens which out-zooms and is slightly brighter than the GX1 kit options; the G1 X lens also offers a built-in ND filter. The screen may not be touch-sensitive, but it is more detailed and fully-articulated. The GX1 may have an accessory port for connecting a powerful optional electronic viewfinder, but the G1 X has an optical viewfinder built-in which may be much simpler, but it's there as standard while also extending battery life. Both cameras enjoy a wealth of manual control, but the G1 X sports more dials if that's your thing. As a fully electronic camera, it can also operate in silence.

As for image quality, it could be a close-run thing with the GX1 delivering similar quality to Canon APS-C DSLRs. That one will have to wait for a final comparison. The price of both cameras is also roughly the same, making them key rivals, although importantly this is for the standard GX1 kit with the larger 14-42mm lens (which has a manual zoom ring). Buy it with the smaller power zoom lens and the kit price costs roughly 20% more.

See my Panasonic GX1 review for more details!

Compared to Nikon V1

The Nikon V1 is another mirror-less ILC which costs roughly the same as the Canon G1 X, but there are considerable differences to weigh-up. Where Canon have targeted the enthusiast market with traditional controls, Nikon have opted for a completely new approach, although under the hood there are also a lot of features on the V1 which will get enthusiasts equally excited.

In its favour, the Nikon V1 is an interchangeable lens camera, allowing you to swap lenses. While the Nikon 1 system is relatively immature, there are already four native lenses along with an adapter which opens-up the entire Nikon F-mount catalogue. The really unique advantage of the V1 over the G1 X and indeed any other ILC to date though is its speed: it boasts 10fps continuous shooting with autofocus for decent burst lengths. Sacrifice AF and you can shoot at 30 or even 60fps. The phase-change AF system means that in good light there's less AF searching for quicker acquisition and less distracting refocusing during video. You can even capture high resolution still photos while filming Full HD video.

The V1 also features a 3in / 920k monitor and a viewfinder, although the latter is electronic which means it's 100% accurate and supports a wealth of shooting information and guides. There's also a handy intervalometer for timelapse photography, an optional mechanical shutter for faster flash synch speeds, slow motion video modes and an external microphone input too. Finally there's the Nikon 1 system's unique shooting modes, which personally I could live without, but some may find them a fun way to approach photography.

The major thing in the Canon G1 X's favour is a larger and higher resolution sensor which will deliver superior quality in low light, along with shallower depth of field effects with the standard lens (although fit the V1 with something else and it's a different game). It also comes with a built-in 4x / 28-112mm motorised zoom with an f2.8 focal ratio at the wide-end, a lens which out-zooms and is slightly brighter than the V1's kit options; the G1 X lens also offers a built-in ND filter.

The G1 X shares the same screen size and resolution as the V1, but it's fully articulated and also matches the shape of its images. Meanwhile the G1 X may have a basic optical rangefinder, but at least it doesn't draw power, thereby extending the battery life. Both cameras can use external flashguns, but the G1 X has a standard hotshoe and can use any standard Canon Speedlite; it also has a built-in flash which is lacking on the V1. The G1 X is additionally thinner compared to the V1 fitted with the standard 10-30mm kit zoom.

Ultimately it comes down to weighing-up the speed and interchangeable lenses of the V1 against the quality, articulated screen and traditional controls of the G1 X. A tough decision which only you can decide-on, but if you like the concept of the V1 and don't need a viewfinder, don't forget there's the smaller, lighter and cheaper Nikon J1.

Check out my Nikon V1 review for more details.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Final thoughts

The PowerShot G1 X finally marks Canon's entry into the large sensor compact market, but unlike most of its rivals, it's avoided mirror-less ILCs and instead gone for a fixed lens design. Essentially they've taken the G12 and squeezed a big sensor inside, which is exactly what many of us asked for. But it's been a long time coming and as always there's pros and cons to Canon's approach.

On the upside the G1 X's new 1.5in sensor really should bring the image quality of models like the 7D, 60D, T3i / 600D and T2i / 550D into a much more portable form factor. The much bigger sensor of course requires a completely different lens to service it, but Canon's managed to closely match the specifications of earlier G-series models. So you get a useful general-purpose 28-112mm range with an f2.8 aperture when zoomed-out and even a handy built-in ND filter; and thanks to the longer actual focal length and bigger sensor behind it, you can achieve a much shallower depth-of-field than a typical compact, roughly akin to a DSLR or ILC fitted with a kit lens.

Canon's also kept the optical viewfinder and the fully-articulated screen mounting, although nicely upgraded the size and resolution of the actual panel. There's still a flash hotshoe which can accommodate Canon's Speedlite flashguns and while there has been a minor rearrangement of some controls, you still get a wealth of dials and manual control. And bringing the G1 X up to date is of course support for 1080p video with continuous AF.

But it's not all good news. The G1 X may have a DSLR-class sensor, but operates more like a basic point-and-shoot when it comes to burst shooting and video options. The absolute fastest shooting speed is an unremarkable 4.5fps for just six frames. If you want to shoot for longer, you'll need to drop to 1.9fps without AF or 0.7fps with AF. Oh dear. And don't go looking for the manual exposures, variable frame rates, movie crop mode or external mic input of a modern Canon DSLR.

Then there's the lens which may be slightly longer and brighter at the wide end than a typical DSLR or ILC kit lens, but low-light, portrait or wide-angle shooters would have preferred something brighter or wider still. To be fair, that would have made the G1 X much bigger, heavier and more expensive, but is it too much to ask for a filter thread on an enthusiast-grade camera? You'll need to buy a separate accessory to mount filters on the G1 X, and choose between this or the optional lens hood. While we're talking about what's missing, how about a GPS? There's one squeezed into the smaller S100 after-all.

The G1 X's battery life ain't great either, down to 250 shots with the screen, although to be fair, that's roughly the same as the Nikon J1 and only a little less than the Panasonic GX1. What may surprise you though is the size and weight of the G1 X, which as detailed earlier in this article is noticeably larger and heavier than either of those models, even when they're equipped with their kit lenses. The price is also up there with budget to mid-range mirror-less ILCs and DSLRs.

Ultimately for all the pros and the cons, Canon has delivered what many people were asking for: G-series design and features with a DSLR-class sensor under the hood. Finally, we have a big sensor mirror-less compact from Canon and it'll be available from late February for an RRP of $799 USD / £699 GBP / €799 EUR. See links to the first of my tests below...

NEW: Canon G1 X sample images!

NEW: Canon G1 X noise vs G12!