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Canon G1 X vs G12

The Canon PowerShot G1 X and the Canon PowerShot G12 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2012 and September 2010. Both the G1X and the G12 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an 1.5-inch (G1X) and a 1/1.7-inch (G12) sensor. The G1X has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the G12 provides 10 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon G1 X
versus
Canon G12
Canon G1 X   Canon G12
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
14.2 MP – 1.5" sensor 10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
1080/24p Video 720/24p Video
ISO 100-12,800 ISO 80-3,200 (80 - 12,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 2.8" LCD – 461k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.9 shutter flaps per second 1.1 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge370 shots per battery charge
117 x 81 x 65 mm, 534 g 112 x 76 x 48 mm, 401 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X and the Canon PowerShot G12? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X and the Canon G12 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon G1 X vs Canon G12
Compare G1X versus G12 top
Comparison G1X or G12 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G12 is notably smaller (10 percent) than the Canon G1 X. Moreover, the G12 is markedly lighter (25 percent) than the G1X. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G1X nor the G12 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G1X gets 250 shots out of its Canon NB-10L battery, while the G12 can take 370 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-7L power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image 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 G12 112 mm 76 mm 48 mm 401 g 370 n Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120 100 mm 59 mm 29 mm 217 g 230 n Aug 2013 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T1i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XSi 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Sep 2012 949ebay.com
14.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 124 mm 81 mm 95 mm 540 g 410 n Dec 2011 949ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.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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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G12 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the G1X, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G1 X features an 1.5-inch sensor and the Canon G12 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G12 is 84 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.85 and 4.6. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

In terms of chip-set technology, the G1X uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 5) than the G12 (DIGIC 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Canon G1 X and Canon G12 sensor measures

With 14.2MP, the G1X offers a higher resolution than the G12 (10MP), but the G1X nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 2.07μm for the G12) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the G1X is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the G12, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G1 X implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G1X for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.8 x 16.3 inches or 55.3 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17.4 x 13.1 inches or 44.2 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.5 x 10.9 inches or 36.8 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G12 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G12 are ISO 80 to ISO 3200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.

In terms of underlying technology, the G1X is build around a CMOS sensor, while the G12 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G1X versus G12 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the G1X provides substantially higher image quality than the G12, with an overall score that is 13 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV of lower dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 G12 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/24p20.411.216147
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
4.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
5.
 
Canon S120 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.311.924656
6.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
7.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
8.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
9.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
10.
 
Canon T1i APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
11.
 
Canon XSi APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
12.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
13.
 
Leica V-LUX 4 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.811.150143
14.
 
Leica V-LUX 3 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.711.043042
15.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
16.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
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 also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the G1X provides a higher video resolution than the G12. It can shoot video footage at 1080/24p, while the G12 is limited to 720/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The G1X and the G12 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon G1 X and Canon G12 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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 G12optical n2.8 / 461 swivel n 1/4000s 1.1/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon S120none n3.0 / 922 fixed Y 1/2000s 12.1/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon T3optical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon T1ioptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
11.
 
Canon XSioptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
12.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Leica V-LUX 41312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Leica V-LUX 3202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 12.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The G1X has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the G12 does not have a selfie-screen.

Both the G1X and the G12 have zoom lenses built in. The G1X has a 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 optic and the G12 offers a 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the G1X and G12 provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the G12 has more tele-photo reach at the long end. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G1X and the G12 write their files to SDXC cards.

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Connectivity 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 Canon PowerShot G12 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image 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 G12Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Canon S120-stereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon T3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Canon T1iYmono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Canon XSiY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Leica V-LUX 4Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Leica V-LUX 3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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Both the G1X and the G12 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G12 was replaced by the Canon G15, while the G1X was followed by the Canon G1X Mark II. Further information on the features and operation of the G1X and G12 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G1 X Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G12 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon G1 X better than the Canon G12 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G1 X:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (14.2 vs 10MP) with a 19% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 5 vs DIGIC 4).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/24p vs 720/24p).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 461k dots).
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (1.9 vs 1.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 3 months after the G12).


Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G12:

  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 133g or 25 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (370 versus 250) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2010).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G1X is the clear winner of the match-up (11 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

G1X 11:05 G12

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G1 X and the Canon G12 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G1X or the G12 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  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 G124/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Canon S120..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T1i..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XSi..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
12.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Leica V-LUX 4............ Sep 2012 949ebay.com
14.
 
Leica V-LUX 3............ Dec 2011 949ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As 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: Canon G1 X vs Canon G12

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon G1 X Canon G12
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 28-140mm f/2.8-4.5
    Launch Date January 2012 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 799 USD 499
    Sensor Specs Canon G1 X Canon G12
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format 1.5" Sensor 1/1.7" Sensor
    Sensor Size 18.7 x 14.0 mm 7.6 x 5.7 mm
    Sensor Area 261.8 mm2 43.32 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 23.4 mm 9.5 mm
    Crop Factor 1.85x 4.6x
    Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4352 x 3264 pixels 3648 x 2736 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 2.07 μm
    Pixel Density 5.43 MP/cm2 23.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video 720/24p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,800 ISO 80 - 3,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 80 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 5 DIGIC 4
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 60 47
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.7 20.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8 11.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 644 161
    Screen Specs Canon G1 X Canon G12
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 74%
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.8inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 461k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Swivel screen
    Shooting Specs Canon G1 X Canon G12
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 1.9 shutter flaps/s 1.1 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon G1 X Canon G12
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon G1 X Canon G12
    Battery Type Canon NB-10L Canon NB-7L
    Battery Life (CIPA)250 shots per charge370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 117 x 81 x 65 mm
    (4.6 x 3.2 x 2.6 in)
    112 x 76 x 48 mm
    (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 534 g (18.8 oz) 401 g (14.1 oz)
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