Canon PowerShot G1 X
Announced January 9, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
Canon PowerShot G1 X delivers impressive image quality that rivals APS-C DSLR performance within a compact form factor. That said, the camera is hampered by sluggish autofocus speeds, poor macro capabilities, and a disappointing optical viewfinder.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and low light performance
- Highly customizable interface and physical controls
- Versatile zoom lens with sharp optics
- Useful vari-angle LCD screen
- Solid, high-quality build
Cons
- Ineffective and limited optical viewfinder
- Sluggish autofocus and overall performance
- Poor macro and close-focusing ability
- Mediocre battery life
- High price point
- Launch price $799.99 (USD)
- Sensor 14.3MP 1-inch CMOS
- Video 1080p 24p
- Stabilization None
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 76/100
The G1 X is an excellent camera for some but not for everyone. The camera gives you great image quality and a versatile zoom range in a small package without the need to carry a stack of lenses.
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If you're looking for a second camera, or you're the type who'd never take the kit lens off your SLR or mirrorless camera, the G1 X could be made for you.
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The improved image quality compared with compacts is drastic enough to make the G1 X a serious competitor to ILCs.
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While it is still unknown whether Canon will enter the compact system camera market, for now the PowerShot G1 X fills this gap in the company’s range.
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For some, the G1 X is the ideal main camera. Near APS-C DSLR image quality in a small form factor is a compelling reason to own this camera.
- The Verge 6.9/10
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is not a camera you should buy unless you already own a DSLR.
- WIRED 5/10
[I]t's still far enough from ideal that I can't in good faith recommend it for the hobbyist or the serious consumer.
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The Canon Powershot G1 X is capable of producing some excellent photos however, we do wish it was a little quicker.
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The Canon Powershot G1 X is a very difficult camera to pigeon-hole. Compared to other premium compact cameras, it's much bigger and heavier but has a much larger image sensor that delivers better images with more depth of field.
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The Canon G1 X is the company’s latest flagship advanced compact and benefits from a bespoke sensor that is only slightly smaller than what Canon uses in its APS-C equipped DSLRs.
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Whether you're looking for an everyday workhorse that provides complete manual control over settings or you want a more portable back-up for your current DSLR, the Canon G1 X delivers a pleasurable
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The Canon G1 X’s sensor is the star of the show. The images this camera can produce are exceptional, easily of a DSLR quality – and it’s not often that’s said.
- CNET 7.4/10
The G1 X targets a growing part of the market, composed of people who don’t really care about changing lenses and just want better photo quality.
- Photo Review 88%
Buy this camera if you want a compact digital camera with DSLR-like controls.
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Then the new 14MP Canon G1 X will be the camera for you. Again, like nearly every compact camera, with the possible exception of the interchangeable lens Sony NEX-7, this isn't a direct replacement for buying a DSLR.
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Stunning image quality, sublime ergonomics, lethargic performance, high price – if you're rich and not in any rush, it might just be perfect.
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This isn’t a camera that will rival the earlier G and S series PowerShot cameras when capturing a moving or small subject.
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The G1 X is the best compact camera there is for nature and landscape shots. For a trip to Yosemite, it's the best little camera there is if you don't want to bother carrying a DSLR.
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Quality: very, very good. The auto exposure system works well in dealing with wide ranges of brightness, as can be seen in the above beachside shots.
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The Powershot G1 X provides the best compromise between size, weight and image quality of any compact zoom lens digicam. It's image quality can rival that of many APS-C DSLRs.
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The G1 X is a camera that, aside from AF speed, gets the fundamentals incredibly right but the peripheral details pretty hideously wrong.
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If you're a street photographer, landscaper, portrait photographer, if you like shooting long exposures and you're looking for a more portable solution compared to a DSLR, the Canon PowerShot G1 X will suit you just fine; you'll be best friends in no time.
