One of the most common problems among those who love photography is that concerning the choice, whether to carry the heavy and bulky photo backpack, or if you just bring a light and compact pocket. In the first case, there is usually a high-quality image, in the second case it has the exact opposite, mainly because of the size sensor sensitive.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X has been presented as the perfect answer to this problem. In a body not much larger than that of the well-known Canon G12 we find a sensor from 18.7 × 14mm, slightly smaller than the classic APS-C, but still larger than the micro four thirds. Combined with a view are not interchangeable, or a zoom 28-112mm equivalent f/2.8-5.8 brightness.
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Canon PowerShot G1 X: Design
The Canon PowerShot G1 X is big and heavy. It is especially of a sensation, as compared to sister Canon PowerShot G12 has a footprint greater than about 5 millimeters both in depth and in height and width, while on the scale marks only 133 grams more. But even these small differences give the feeling of a camera less easy to take with him. It certainly feels is wrong with the shirt or jeans that: it is better to rely on a good bag.
The strength in any case it is appreciated and transmits a reassuring feeling of reliability. On the body, there are a large number of controls. I especially enjoyed the double ring, one on the front and a flow index at your thumb behind. It remains. Therefore, really easy to set shutter speed and aperture in manual mode.
As always, comfortable swiveling the monitor fully, ideal for shots from above and below, or to the classic self-portraits. Instead, I found really useful little viewfinder: small, partially obscured by the barrel of the zoom, absolutely unreliable for framing. Personally, I’ve never used it, preferring the monitor even in bright ambient light. The same monitor becomes unusable if you shoot with the flash in the room pose.
As soon as you half-press the shutter button the monitor creates a preview of the result that we would go to get, so if we set 1/125s f/11 ISO 200 with the only pilot lights lit the result will be a beautiful screen black. In practice, in these cases you need to focus on the display and then fill the viewfinder with. Really problematic.
Beautiful instead have both the built-in flash, which performs its work with dignity despite the tiny size, the standard hot shoe, also useful for remote control of studio flash.
Finally, two details that I did not like. The lens does not have the plug built in, so you have to be careful not to lose it, or you must fix with a special strap. Pity then that the cap gets in the way swinging left and right. Then the tripod socket is off-axis optics and remains too close to the battery compartment and memory card. It cannot replace them when the camera is on the tripod.
Canon PowerShot G1 X: Features and Functionality
The Canon PowerShot G1 X is really easy and pleasant to use. Dials and buttons allow you to set it and to take without losing time. The ring coaxial with the exposure compensation dial to the shooting mode is a real treat. Problems arise with the focus.
The first speed is typical of compact, typical of the contrast detection mode, which is certainly far from lightning. Also often the system is in crisis, and we are located in the fire that goes back and forth for a few seconds before hanging up the subject.
This also happens even in bright sunlight and the elements with well contrasted. Finally, there is also the problem that as soon as we get closer to the subject, we must remember to activate the macro, otherwise the focus is impossible. Macro which, by the way, is very weak: It cannot do a real close-up tight in both wide-angle and tele.
The metering system does work very well, with a well-configurable Auto ISO. The same goes for white balance, reliable even in artificial light. Great finally the stabilization system, useful in both recovery phases which during shooting.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X has all the functions possible and imaginable: from the ND filter to HDR created automatically from the barrage to the wonderful, from the classic mode customizable preset scenes. Inevitable obviously shooting Full HD video with stereo sound. Finally, those who love underwater photography will be glad to know that there is already a dedicated waterproof case suitable for dives up to 40 m.
JPEG of The Canon PowerShot G1 X are really good. In comparison with the RAW differences are really minimal. It helps in this excellent sensor, which allows you to shoot at ISO 1600 without any problems. It helped me to freeze the movement of the skaters just before sunset, so as I was for taking pictures of the artists on stage Musicultura. As you can see from the tests, you get usable images even at ISO 6400, though not for large prints.
Only the ISO 12800 should be avoided, particularly because the shadows close in a clear manner resulting in loss of detail. The only disappointment comes once again from optics. No complaints about the sharpness, really good. The problem is rather the opposite: it is really hard to get a minimum of focus.
With a sensor almost by reflex would expect one focus almost by reflex, unfortunately it is not as zooming quickly becomes dark. In practice to have the focus, the only solution is shoot at a wide angle in macro mode, which is not exactly ideal in all conditions.
Conclusion
For some time, the market is demanding solutions that make live compactness and image quality, or small bodies and large sensors. The buoyancy of the market of mirrorless is the confirmation. But there are many users who are not interested in interchangeable lenses, and therefore, looking for a complete solution that meets the majority of photographic needs.
The Canon PowerShot G1 X succeeds really well in this endeavor, starting by the excellent experience base formed over the years with the successful series “G”. Being a novelty suffers from some problems, especially in terms of auto focus and yield of focus. There is saying that I could use it for family photos, for studio portraits, sports events and even concerts.
So the photographer who wants to occasionally leave the backpack at home jam-packed with equipment, but still have the confidence to have high-quality shots, can be found in the G1 X competition an excellent solution.
Where to Buy Canon PowerShot G1 X
- 4x Optical Zoom 28mm Ultra Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabalizer
- Canon's newest HS SYSTEM with a 1.5-inch, 14.3 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor...
- 3.0-inch Vari-angle PureColor System LCD with 922.000 dots for shooting at a...
- Full range of shooting and recording modes inlcuding 14-bit RAW + JPEG (as in...
- Full 1080p HD Video in Stereo Sound with a dedicated Movie Button and HDMI...
Overall
PROS : Robustness and ergonomics, Display fully adjustable, Thread on the lens that allows you to mount filters, Image quality, Performance at high ISO.
CONS : Tripod mount is not in line with the target and blocking the battery compartment and memory card, Viewfinder really of little use, Autofocu Dancer, Macro not sufficient for tightly frame, Optical brightness is not enough for a good detachment of the plans.
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