Canon G1 X vs Panasonic FZ100

The Canon PowerShot G1 X and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2012 and July 2010. Both the G1X and the FZ100 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an 1.5-inch (G1X) and a 1/2.3-inch (FZ100) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 14 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		Panasonic FZ100
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-112mm f/2.8-5.8		25-600mm f/2.8-5.2
14.2 MP, 1.5" Sensor		14 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/24p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 100-12,800		ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
3.0 LCD, 922k dots		3.0 LCD, 460k dots
no rear screen		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
1.9 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
250 shots per battery charge		410 shots per battery charge
117 x 81 x 65 mm, 534 g		124 x 82 x 92 mm, 540 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100? 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.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X and the Panasonic FZ100 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic FZ100 is notably larger (7 percent) than the Canon G1 X. Moreover, the FZ100 is slightly heavier (1 percent) than the G1X. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the G1X nor the FZ100 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the G1X gets 250 shots out of its NB-10L battery, while the FZ100 can take 410 images on a single charge of its DMW-BMB9 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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	799
2.		Panasonic FZ100	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	540 g	410	n	Jul 2010	499
3.		Canon G1 X Mark II	116 mm	74 mm	66 mm	553 g	240	n	Feb 2014	799
4.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
5.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
6.		Canon 650D	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	575 g	440	n	Jun 2012	849
7.		Canon SX50	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	429
8.		Canon SX40	123 mm	92 mm	108 mm	600 g	380	n	Sep 2011	429
9.		Canon 1100D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	495 g	700	n	Feb 2011	449
10.		Canon SX30	123 mm	92 mm	108 mm	601 g	370	n	Sep 2010	429
11.		Canon 500D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	799
12.		Canon 450D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	524 g	500	n	Jan 2008	799
13.		Leica V-LUX 4	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Sep 2012	949
14.		Leica V-LUX 3	124 mm	81 mm	95 mm	540 g	410	n	Dec 2011	949
15.		Panasonic FZ200	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	599
16.		Panasonic FZ150	124 mm	82 mm	92 mm	528 g	410	n	Aug 2011	499
17.		Panasonic G3	115 mm	84 mm	47 mm	336 g	270	n	May 2011	599
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 FZ100 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.

Sensor comparison

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 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 Panasonic FZ100 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the FZ100 is 89 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.85 and 5.6. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 14.2MP, the G1X offers a slightly higher resolution than the FZ100 (14MP), but the G1X nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 1.41μm for the FZ100) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the G1X is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the FZ100, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the FZ100 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-6400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
2.		Panasonic FZ100	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	1080/60i	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon G1 X Mark II	1.5-inch	13.0	4160	3120	1080/30p	21.5	10.8	581	58
4.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
5.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
6.		Canon 650D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
7.		Canon SX50	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	20.3	11.2	179	47
8.		Canon SX40	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	..	..	..	..
9.		Canon 1100D	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
10.		Canon SX30	1/2.3	14.0	4320	3240	720/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Canon 500D	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
12.		Canon 450D	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	none	21.9	10.8	692	61
13.		Leica V-LUX 4	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Leica V-LUX 3	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
15.		Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
16.		Panasonic FZ150	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.4	10.9	132	40
17.		Panasonic G3	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	21.0	10.6	667	56

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the FZ100 provides a faster frame rate than the G1X. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the FZ100 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the G1X has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G1 X and Panasonic FZ100 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0	922	Swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9	Y	Y
2.		Panasonic FZ100	202	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/2000s	11.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon G1 X Mark II	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.2	Y	Y
4.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
5.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
6.		Canon 650D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Canon SX50	202	n	3.0	461	swivel	n	1/2000s	2.2	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX40	202	n	2.7	230	swivel	n	1/3200s	10.3	Y	Y
9.		Canon 1100D	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
10.		Canon SX30	202	n	2.7	230	swivel	n	1/3200s	0.6	Y	Y
11.		Canon 500D	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4	Y	n
12.		Canon 450D	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5	Y	n
13.		Leica V-LUX 4	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
14.		Leica V-LUX 3	202	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0	Y	Y
15.		Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
16.		Panasonic FZ150	202	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/2000s	12.0	Y	Y
17.		Panasonic G3	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n

Both the G1X and the FZ100 have zoom lenses built in. The G1X has a 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 optic and the FZ100 offers a 25-600mm f/2.8-5.2 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Panasonic provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Canon. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G1X and the FZ100 write their files to SDXC cards.

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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G1 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Panasonic FZ100	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G1 X Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Canon 650D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon SX50	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon SX40	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon 1100D	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon SX30	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon 500D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon 450D	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Leica V-LUX 4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Leica V-LUX 3	Y	stereo	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic FZ150	Y	stereo	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Panasonic G3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both the G1X and the FZ100 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The FZ100 was replaced by the Panasonic FZ150, while the G1X was followed by the Canon G1X Mark II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon G1 X and the Panasonic FZ100? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G1 X:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 460k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 5 months after the FZ100).

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/24p).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 1.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (410 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 July 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the FZ100 comes out slightly ahead of the G1X (10 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G1 X and the Panasonic FZ100 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G1X or the FZ100 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G1 X	5/5	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799
2.		Panasonic FZ100	..	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	499
3.		Canon G1 X Mark II	3/5	+	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799
4.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
5.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
6.		Canon 650D	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
7.		Canon SX50	3/5	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429
8.		Canon SX40	..	+	..	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2011	429
9.		Canon 1100D	..	80/100	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449
10.		Canon SX30	3/5	+ +	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2010	429
11.		Canon 500D	..	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799
12.		Canon 450D	..	+ +	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799
13.		Leica V-LUX 4	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2012	949
14.		Leica V-LUX 3	..	..	..	..	..	Dec 2011	949
15.		Panasonic FZ200	3/5	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599
16.		Panasonic FZ150	3/5	+ +	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	499
17.		Panasonic G3	3/5	+ +	75/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2011	599
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon G1 X vs Panasonic FZ100

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.

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