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Canon G1 X Comparison Review

The Canon PowerShot G1 X is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in January 2012 and is equipped with an 1.5-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 14.2 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon G1 X a good camera? The G1X has a Camera Elo of 1511. This rating puts the G1X below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the G1X also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon G1 X is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2012.

Headline Specifications
Canon G1 X
Fixed lens compact camera
28-112mm f/2.8-5.8
14.2 MP, 1.5" Sensor
1080/24p Video
ISO 100 - 12 800
Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.9 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge
117 x 81 x 65 mm, 534 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon G1 X vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon G1 X vs credit card front
G1X versus credit card top view
G1X and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon G1 X alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T1i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon XSi 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Sep 2012 949ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 124 mm 81 mm 95 mm 540 g 410 n Dec 2011 949ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon G1 X was launched in the US market at a price of $799. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon G1 X features an 1.5-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.85. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon G1 X among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Canon G1 X sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
3.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
4.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
5.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
6.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
7.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
8.
 
Canon T1i APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
9.
 
Canon XSi APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.811.150143
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.711.043042
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The G1X indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the G1X can use is 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G1 X in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon T3optical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon T1ioptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
9.
 
Canon XSioptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 41312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Canon PowerShot G1 X is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the G1X

One convenient feature of the G1X is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G1 X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon T3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon T1iYmono / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon XSiY- / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 4Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
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The G1X has a zoom lens built in (15.1-60.4mm f/2.8-5.8), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 28 to 112mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the G1X can be found in the free online Canon G1 X Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the G1X in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
4.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
5.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T1i..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon XSi..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
10.
 
Leica V-LUX 4............ Sep 2012 949ebay.com
11.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 949ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Canon G1 X FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the G1X.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon G1 X?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon G1 X to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the G1X with the DIGIC 5 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon G1 X?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.

Does the Canon G1 X have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the G1X is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

Does the Canon G1 X feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Which battery does the Canon G1 X use?

The camera gets its power from the NB-10L (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon G1 X
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8
    Launch Date January 2012
    Launch Price USD 799
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format 1.5" Sensor
    Sensor Size 18.7 x 14.0 mm
    Sensor Area 262 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 23.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.85x
    Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 352 x 3 264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm
    Pixel Density 5.43 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 5
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 60
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 644
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 74%
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.9 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type NB-10L power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 81 x 65 mm
    (4.6 x 3.2 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 534 g (18.8 oz)

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