The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Digital Camera is a high-performance compact camera with a 12.8-megapixel High-Sensitivity 1.5-inch CMOS sensor “High-resolution still images and Full HD 1080p video are produced using a CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6 image processor, which also provides excellent low-light performance and sensitivity up to ISO 12800.
With the aid of the Canon HS SYSTEM, which combines the sensor and processor, it is possible to improve the image quality of photographs taken in low light by decreasing noise and increasing overall clarity.
The processor also provides a number of speed-related advantages throughout the camera, including a maximum full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 5.2 frames per second for up to the capacity of an SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card, and a High-Speed AF system that maintains sharpness under a variety of shooting conditions.
Using the built-in Canon 5x optical zoom lens, you can capture images with a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-120mm, which covers wide-angle to telephoto viewpoint ranges.
In low-light situations, the maximum aperture of f/2-3.9, along with the 9-blade diaphragm, helps to isolate subject matter and achieve a pleasant out-of-focus look in shallow depth of field photographs, which is particularly useful.
An Optical Image Stabilizer technology, which helps to decrease the appearance of camera shake while working with longer shutter speeds and longer focal lengths, contributes to the coverage of this lens.
There are a number of design components built into the tiny camera’s design that contribute to its overall easy handling scheme, including a 3.0MP sensor “A 1,040k-dot capacitive touchscreen LCD with a tilting design that allows users to operate from both high and low angles is available.
Dual Control Rings, which offer a variety of configurable settings and imitate the function of a standard SLR lens, including full-time manual focusing capabilities, for increased familiarity throughout the shooting process, are also included in the revised lens design.
The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables the rapid transmission of photographs and movies to linked mobile devices, home computers, or straight to selected social networking sites, is a nice complement to its imaging and handling characteristics.
The use of NFC technology, which streamlines the sharing procedure, significantly simplifies the connection process even further. It is also possible to operate and release the camera’s shutter from mobile devices once they are connected.
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Body And Design
In the past, Canon essentially controlled the market for high-end small cameras. For those who wanted outstanding image quality but didn’t want to carry a bulky DSLR, the highly praised G series represented the pinnacle of utility.
However, in recent years, rival producers have surpassed Canon’s undisputed hegemony. In this market segment, the Sony RX100 II is now the top seller, although items like the Fuji X100S offer something a little different.
When it first came out, the Canon G1X received a significant amount of mockery. In addition to having good image quality, it also had a few flaws and seemed to be a niche product without a specific target market.
Canon hasn’t rushed to update the camera, but the Mark II is finally here after a number of much-needed upgrades. It looks exciting and might reestablish Canon at the top of the premium game.
The G1X’s huge, 1.5-inch sensor was its main selling feature. It is around APS-C sized and more than twice as large as the Sony RX100 II’s sensor (and the Nikon 1 compact system camera range).
Therefore, it should not come as a huge surprise that Canon preserved the best aspect of the camera and redesigned the rest of the package around it.
To begin with, it boasts a new lens. It now has a 5x optical zoom, which is equivalent to a 35mm focal length of 24-120mm. Even more amazing is the fact that the zoom range has a maximum aperture that starts at f/2 at the wide end and only drops to f/3.9 at the telephoto end.
Performance
The original G1 X’s image quality was fine, but we found its handling to be a little strange. It’s wonderful news that the sensor will remain in place because we know how well it performs, and with the newest Digic 6 processor, we can anticipate even greater image quality.
Thankfully, it appears that this is indeed the case. The camera produces bright, punchy images that have the lovely Canon saturation we’ve come to expect from pretty much all of the company’s cameras, from compacts to DSLRs.
It’s a shame that you can only adjust the color output in camera while shooting in JPEG. Nevertheless, if you don’t care too much about shooting in raw format but want to give colors, like green, a little boost, it might be pretty helpful for some scenes, like landscape.
Most subjects are handled rather effectively by the camera’s metering system, which frequently results in exposures that are nicely balanced. During my test, I discovered that I hardly ever needed to adjust exposure compensation.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II specifications
| Body type | Large sensor compact |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4160 x 3120 |
| Other resolutions | 4352 x 2904, 4352 x 2448, 3120 x 3120, 2496 x 3120, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 2048, 3072 x 1728, 2304 x 2304, 1840 x 2304, 2048 x 1536, 2048 x 1368, 1920 x 1080, 1536 x 1536, 1232 x 1536 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 13 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 15 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1.5″ (18.7 x 14 mm) |
| Sensor size notes | 13.1 megapixel at 4:3 12.8 megapixel at 3:2 |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Digic 6 |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-12800 |
| White balance presets | 8 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (2 Custom settings) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Superfine, fine |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)RAW (14-bit Canon CR2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–120 mm |
| Optical zoom | 5× |
| Maximum aperture | F2–3.9 |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Macro focus range | 5 cm (1.97″) |
| Number of focus points | 31 |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes (Capacitive) |
| Screen type | sRGB PureColor II Touchscreen LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | AutoHybrid AutoProgramShutter PriorityAperture PriorityManual |
| Scene modes | Portrait, Smart Shutter, Star, Handheld Night Scene, Underwater, Snow, Fireworks |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 6.80 m |
| External flash | Yes |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Slow Synchro, Off |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Drive modes | Single, auto drive, continuous, continuous AF, self-timer |
| Continuous drive | 5.2 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Videography notes | Star Time-Lapse: 1920 x 1080 (15 or 30 fps), Digest Movie: 1280 x 720 (30 fps), Minature Effect: 1280 x 720 or 640 x 480 (1.5 – 6 fps) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | with NFC |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NB-12L lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 240 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 553 g (1.22 lb / 19.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 116 x 74 x 66 mm (4.57 x 2.91 x 2.6″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
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Conclusion
It’s interesting to be in the premium compact camera market right now.
I can imagine many photographers being attracted to the G1X II since it is a genuinely good piece of equipment, especially those who are devoted to the Canon line.
We had rather high expectations for the G1X range’s successor after the company took its time updating it, and thankfully I haven’t been let down by what the camera is capable of. The combination of enhanced operation speeds and focusing, along with vivid and punchy colors, a ton of detail, and low noise in high-sensitivity shooting scenarios, results in a desirable upgrade.
On the other hand, there is no getting around the G1X II’s bulk and weight when compared to comparable compact cameras. It has to be because of the huge sensor, but don’t anticipate being able to put it in your pocket without difficulty.
That might be a turn-off for someone searching for something that is easily portable, in which case the Sony RX100 II still commands a commanding lead in the market for high-end compacts.
The G1X II is a terrific camera to use if you don’t mind its bulky size. Its huge touchscreen makes choosing the autofocus point simple, and its interchangeable buttons and lens rings let you use it however you like.