Review of Canon G1X by a hobbyist

[ed9119]

dont have to entertain my request but would you be able to post some 100 percent crops of these images especially at higher ISO ?

i think you have put together a pretty rocking review listing both pros and cons of this camera

well done

 

[gundamseed84]

100% crop of ISO images from ISO 800 onwards (G1X on left, 500D on right). I observe that G1X seems to be able to meter more accurately using evaluative mode too(Both cameras used Aperture priority mode, same f stop same region of metering).

ISO 800

ISO 1600

ISO 3200

 

[gundamseed84]

ISO 6400

ISO 12800

 

[gundamseed84]

More Photos

Why I love articulating screen

No offense to the couple but I thought the articulating screen would mean I do not need to bend down low to frame.

Kids (straight from jpeg) @ ISO 1600

Macro: Food (From RAW)

Taking food picture with macro mode is possible but sad to say this is like the closest I can get. If you want to get closer, either crop or get close up filters.

 

[gundamseed84]

The following pictures are processed from raw

 

[gundamseed84]

 

[gundamseed84]

I was testing the full 60s exposure and long exposure noise reduction was set as default

 

[gundamseed84]

Conclusions (so far)

After testing the G1X for a few days, here's the summary of pros and cons

Cons
1. The af speed is slow but not hopeless
2. The continuous burst rate of 1.9 (non high burst) is slow but it should not matter if you shoot one at a time.
3. The macro mode is not macro at all...in fact the macro mode doesn't allow you to get closer than the normal modes of other compacts or maybe even DSLR with kit lens.

4. Some of the layout could be improved, say af mode, shoot mode (putting the self-set button to on and off al servo makes things easier)/

5. Some functions should improve, e.g. min shutter speed in Av mode, allow adjustment of some settings in HDR mode, manual focusing and magnifying of lcd screen throughout the whole screen.

6. Weight...it is lighter than DSLR but heavier than compacts, say F300EXR.

7. Price: at approx $899 you can top up abit more and get good entry level DSLR, say Canon 600D?


Pros
1. The image quality is superb, especially the high ISO performance.

2. Ergonomics and hands on handling is well thought off and feels good.

3. Articulating screen is really a joy and blessing to have.

4. It is not super compact but still compact as you can put it in cargo pants' pockets of jacket's pockets.

5. Shares same ports as 500D and other models, so if you own those models there's no need to buy separate set of accessories.

6. Has custom modes 1 and 2, and self - set button to suit different users' needs and style.

7. Hotshoe to mount other accessories such as external flashes.

Overall I think this camera is a love or hate one. Personally I think if you are the kind who gets fustrated when a camera fails to deliver something then this camera is not for you. Compacts like x10 might suit you better. However if you are the kind that attempts to use your own techniques/skills to overcome the weaknesses of the camera, then what you get from G1X in return is really superb image quality (of course in compact system sense). I sense that this camera has alot of 'hidden' potential yet unveiled, especially when you add accessories such as filter adapters etc, other genre of photography is possible to venture into.

Me? Pros 1 and 3 are sufficient to overcome all the cons. That's why I find it a joy to use :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Just for humour (quoted by my lecturer): Canon did not design G1X using Taguchi's philosophy

**Will continue to update if I have something more to share **

 

[ed9119]

ISO 6400

ISO 6400

ISO 12800

ISO 12800

wow .....at these ISO levels, the shadows are pretty clean in the G1X

 

[mogwai]

Plus one! I'm impressed!

Only thing is the mcD's photo - is that really the closest for macro? Doesn't seem very close to be considered macro.

 

[gundamseed84]

Testing macro

Widest tele end 28mm equivalent...on macro mode this is nearest I can get.

The design of zoom lens on big sensor yet in compact body may contribute to the large minimum focusing distance for G1X. Waiting for my filter adapter and raynox close up lenses to come before I do further testing.

For those who are interested...filter adapter is available on ebay for $11.XX. Mount 58mm filters.

*anyway is Wendy's not Mac hahaha.....*

 

[gundamseed84]

Test on Al Servo

As mentioned in earlier post, there were 'cries' on the af system and I agree it can be made better. I went to test Al Servo today along a road and I think it's not at 500D level but still capable if you throw in personal techniques etc. The two sample pictures aren't obtained at a go, tried about 10 times then it met my satisfaction.

Again, I purposely set the shutter speed to be low, to also test the IS system while I do panning. Not wonderful panning skills but I think ok la, not horrible. One is taken at 1/20, other taken at 1/25.

 

[gundamseed84]

Some sample street shoots (few maiden attempts). I was just hanging my camera at my tummy level and fire away using wireless remote. The camera shutter is quiet as you can mute the sound.

 

[gundamseed84]

TIPA Awards 2012::thumbsup:

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X

Image quality is often associated with interchangeable lenses, but the truth is that these two options are not necessarily linked. Canon has realized that many photographers do want DSLR-like image quality, but in a compact camera style body with an excellent fixed zoom lens. The PowerShot G1 X features a large 4:3 aspect ratio 14.3 MP CMOS sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm – similar in size to the APS-C sensors used in EOS DSLR models. The result is a compact camera that delivers superior image quality even when working in low light.

 

[ed9119]

lolz ...... I think your great (and honest) opinion/review is better than any TIPA Award

 

[gundamseed84]

Some accessories I have ordered just arrived!

Raynox 250 + 150 with its adapter, together with G1X filter adapter (screw in + 3rd party) right beside the body.

Here's how it looks like when I fit the filter adapter and the raynox close up lens.

With the filter adapter on (it accepts 58mm filter threads)

With the raynox on

With the 77mm (+ step up ring) ND110

 

[gundamseed84]

Quick test of macro mode (with raynox)

Without raynox but on macro mode: this is around the closest I can get

With raynox + widest tele-end of the zoom, you get a small image circle.

However if you zoom to the max you will not get any (obvious) vignetting
With raynox 150

With raynox 250

Auto focus still possible but harder and af system hunts more. One feature i realise is that the camera will try to focus by itself even if I did not half press the shutter during live view mode.

I think macro should not have any problems if G1X is equipped with close up lens and raynox's IQ is not bad too. It may not be as convenient as compacts with their super macro mode but well at least there's a way to go round G1X's weakness.

 

[ahboy168]

Just thinking if canon will introduce s1x ... G1x in s100 body.
Then, I shall consider upgrade from my s95!

Just me, I won't buy it as I feel it is "not here nor there".
But good for those who don't own a Dslr, or don't need speed.

 

[gundamseed84]

Errr i think impossible. Simply because of the sensor size you need large glass for the lens. Also large sensor and glass and zoom lens that's why it will affect the minimum focusing distance. To me it's not really the design fault but rather laws of physics. Actually to me it is quite an achievement that they can squeeze all these into its current size.

Unless it's like X100, whereby they use a prime lens at wide tele end which brings the minimum focusing distance down but it cannot achieve real close up distance say 1cm. Minimum for x100 is about 13cm.

That's why Canon has s100 to meet different type of consumer's need. To me G1X is not for those who are looking for real compact camera but rather people with big bulky DSLR looking for a smaller camera that delivers IQ and functions similarly to a DSLR as a backup or one that they can bring out on daily basis.

It is also not for people who knows nuts about photography skills because I believe one needs minimum knowledge and skills to handle this camera well and overcome some of its weaknesses. End of the day it is for people who are willing to trade some of the mechanical features for very good IQ and ISO performance.

So in my opinion G1X is not up against compacts, they have s100 to do that but rather against bigger mirrorless systems. If they manage to address all the issues of G1X, I think they will just kill off their entry level DSLR markets too.

 

[Andrewtsh]

Very well said and fully sums up my current situation as I debate with myself if I want to get this G1X as my daily walkabout "DSLR" as I travel overseas for business quite often and size is a major consideration.

Errr i think impossible. Simply because of the sensor size you need large glass for the lens. Also large sensor and glass and zoom lens that's why it will affect the minimum focusing distance. To me it's not really the design fault but rather laws of physics. Actually to me it is quite an achievement that they can squeeze all these into its current size.

Unless it's like X100, whereby they use a prime lens at wide tele end which brings the minimum focusing distance down but it cannot achieve real close up distance say 1cm. Minimum for x100 is about 13cm.

That's why Canon has s100 to meet different type of consumer's need. To me G1X is not for those who are looking for real compact camera but rather people with big bulky DSLR looking for a smaller camera that delivers IQ and functions similarly to a DSLR as a backup or one that they can bring out on daily basis.

It is also not for people who knows nuts about photography skills because I believe one needs minimum knowledge and skills to handle this camera well and overcome some of its weaknesses. End of the day it is for people who are willing to trade some of the mechanical features for very good IQ and ISO performance.

So in my opinion G1X is not up against compacts, they have s100 to do that but rather against bigger mirrorless systems. If they manage to address all the issues of G1X, I think they will just kill off their entry level DSLR markets too.