On this page you're also comparing cameras with different aspect ratios: the G1 X employs a squarish aspect ratio of 4:3, while the EOS T3i / 600D with its APS-C sensor delivers slightly wider 3:2 shaped images. Where aspect ratios differ, I always match the vertical field of view in comparisons, which obviously penalises models with wider ratios. As such on this page, I'm only effectively comparing a 4:3 crop from the middle of the T3i / 600D image and ignoring thin strips on either side. This means the T3i / 600D is effectively operating like a 16 Megapixel camera in this test, although this is still higher than the 14.3 Megapixels of the G1 X. As such, the crops taken at 1:1 show a larger area for the G1 X.

Both cameras start at a base sensitivity of 100 ISO where they deliver clean, detailed images. Look really close though and you may notice a very faint smattering of noise textures on the G1 X - nothing to be worried about, but something that's absent on the T3i / 600D. But before you draw any conclusions, have a look at the comparative image processing: the G1 X appears slightly punchier with a little higher contrast and sharpening, and this in turn will make any noise artefacts a little easier to see. I also think the noise reduction is a tad higher on the T3i / 600D here.

At 200 ISO it's pretty much the same story, with the faintest noise on the slightly punchier-looking G1 X sample compared to the noise-free but fractionally softer T3i / 600D image. Likewise at 400 and 800 ISO.

But at 1600 ISO something changes: the G1 X maintains a faint but fine pattern of noise, but the T3i / 600D becomes a little blotchier; it's still extremely close, but I'd say the G1 X image looks less processed and preferable to my eyes.

Then at 3200 ISO the T3i / 600D begins to suffer to a greater extent than the G1 X, delivering a visibly inferior result; indeed the G1 X at 3200 ISO looks very respectable and usable. The G1 X isn't at all bad either at 6400 ISO, at which point the T3i / 600D has become considerably blotchier. And while the G1 X at its maximum 12800 ISO isn't looking great, it's considerably better than the T3i / 600D.

So pixel-peepers may notice very minor differences in noise up to 1600 ISO, but to all intents and purposes I'd call them a draw up to this point, especially if you tweak the noise reduction settings. The revelation comes at 1600 ISO and above though where the G1 X delivers visibly superior results to the T3i / 600D. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise as while the pixel pitch is similar the G1 X has the benefit of having a newer sensor, making the most of the latest technologies and image processing.

Bottom line? The G1 X will essentially match the quality from an 18 Megapixel Canon DSLR (including the 60D and 7D) up to 1600 ISO, then actually take the lead. So if you love the quality from your Canon DSLR and simply want it in a smaller package, the G1 X will give it to you; plus the G1 X enjoys the additional benefit of a composite Handheld Night Scene mode which can further reduce noise at high sensitivities. A fantastic result for the new PowerShot.

But don't just take my word for it - head onto my Canon G1 X sample images to download a selection of original images at the full resolution to evaluate yourself! If however you're already convinced, check out my Canon G1 X verdict!

Canon PowerShot G1 X (JPEG using in-camera defaults)		Canon EOS T3i / 600D (JPEG using in-camera defaults)
100 ISO		100 ISO
200 ISO		200 ISO
400 ISO		400 ISO
800 ISO		800 ISO
1600 ISO		1600 ISO
3200 ISO		3200 ISO
6400 ISO		6400 ISO
12800 ISO		12800 ISO
Handheld Night Scene mode at 3200 ISO		No additional low light modes available