Unleashing the Power of the Canon PowerShot G1 X: A Photographer's Review

In the world of advanced compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G1 X is a force to be reckoned with. With its impressive imaging capabilities and intuitive user interface, this camera has become a favorite among photographers looking for a powerful, yet portable option. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the Canon PowerShot G1 X and explore its key features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon PowerShot G1 X article cover photo

Key Features

Mar 29 2012

Announced

14 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor Type1.5-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight534g
MSRP$799USD

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Overview of the PowerShot G1 X

As a photographer, you know that one of the most important tools in your arsenal is your camera. And when it comes to advanced compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G1 X is a formidable contender. With its 1.5-inch CMOS sensor, 14.3-megapixel resolution, and 4x optical zoom lens, this camera is designed to deliver outstanding image quality and versatility. But what makes the Canon PowerShot G1 X stand out from the crowd? In this article, we'll take a closer look at its key features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you determine if it's the right camera for your needs.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High image quality
Large sensor
Accurate autofocus
RAW shooting capability
14-bit RAW processing
Built-in ND filter
Full HD video recording
Optical image stabilization
Articulating LCD screen
Fast shutter speed

Cons

Bulky size
Limited zoom range
Slow autofocus in low light
No built-in viewfinder
High price point
Mediocre battery life
Limited ISO range
No touchscreen functionality
No Wi-Fi connectivity
Limited color options

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon PowerShot G1 X

Weather sealed
Dimensions117 x 81 x 65mm
Weight534g
Thickness65mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon PowerShot G1 X is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (tunnel)
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution920k dots
Body typeLarge sensor compact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 920k dots. This makes the Canon PowerShot G1 X very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

PowerShot G1 X includes a optical (tunnel) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon PowerShot G1 X has a 14MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 14 pixels. Canon PowerShot G1 X has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Mar 29 2012

Announced

100 - 12800

ISO Range

Sensor1.5-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4352 x 3264 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

60 / 102

Color Depth

21.7 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

10.8 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

644 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PowerShot G1 X is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1.5-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life250 shots
Battery ModelNB-10L
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon PowerShot G1 X supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon PowerShot G1 X uses the NB-10L model of battery pack. This is rated for 250 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon PowerShot G1 X has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon PowerShot G1 X boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon PowerShot G1 X includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon PowerShot G1 X?

The Canon PowerShot G1 X features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon PowerShot G1 X weather sealed?

No the PowerShot G1 X does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon PowerShot G1 X announced?

The Canon PowerShot G1 X was announced on Mar 29 2012

Does the Canon PowerShot G1 X have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the PowerShot G1 X does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

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

The PowerShot G1 X has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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