Canon PowerShot G1 X Review

When it comes to bridging the gap between compact point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras, there are many brands who have launched models with small form factors that have sensors larger than those that are traditionally found on point and shoot cameras. Brands such as Olympus and Panasonic have introduced their own Micro Four Third system cameras, Sony's got their NEX range of cameras and more recently, Nikon's launched their 1 series of cameras. However, the only common factor between all these options is that they feature interchangeable lenses. A brand that is a glaring omission from this segment is Canon, as they are yet to unveil a compact system camera. However, till that happens, they have introduced another product from their PowerShot line-up that aims to compete with these cameras, called the G1 X. This model is a professional camera designed for those looking for a camera as an additional option to their DSLR.

Pop up flash located here

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to the design of professional cameras, these models are usually finished in black, giving it a classy and yet unobtrusive look. The PowerShot G1 X is on the the larger side of things, when it comes to size. The other professional compact cameras, such as the Fujifilm X10 and the Nikon P7100 are somewhat smaller in comparison. Encased in black, this camera oozes substance and has a professional flair about it, too. The front of the model comprises a large lens, which occupies most of the area. The other stand out features at the front include a rubberized hand grip, an AF assist and a viewfinder. The front of the camera is pretty minimalistic when it comes to controls with the only one here being the scroll wheel that helps in adjusting the various settings.

The front, however features only a few features and the rear of the camera is where all the fun lies with the G1 X loaded with controls allowing even the minutest of tweaking. The brand has not only added a display at the back, but has also added a display with a vari-angle capability. This allows it to be tilted in various ways allowing one to shoot images no matter how difficult the angle is. The rear is littered with buttons and this can be very helpful for enthusiast level photographers, as it would allow them to quickly adjust certain settings without needing to go into the menu. The rear comprises a total of eight buttons, some of which act as multifunction options. Other than these, there is a multifunctional scroll wheel at the back, which helps in accessing quick buttons for ISO, macro, flash and display. Other than this, the dial can also be used to adjust the different settings in various modes.

Very large point and shoot camera

The top of the G1 X features a shutter release button, zoom rocker, power button and two dials that sit atop one another. The dial at the bottom for adjusting the exposure, instead of featuring in the menu can be extremely handy. The second one, which is located at the top is the mode dial that is used for choosing different modes, such as aperture priority, shutter priority, manual mode as well as a host of others. The top of the camera features a flash mount, which allows a user to attach a compatible flash. This can be used in addition to the pop-up flash located at its side. The flash can be released by shifting the spring loaded button that is seated alongside. With the flash being fitted in the chassis, it reduces the amount of clutter on the face of the camera. Canon has added an optical viewfinder on this model as well, which tends to give the overall design a fair amount of bulk.

Connectivity options for this model are located in a bay at the side. The flap for this bay is spring loaded, which allows it not to be left open, if one is not using any cables with it. The ports found here are a mini-USB 2.0 AV digital out and a mini-HDMI port. Like on most point and shoot cameras, Canon has placed the memory card slot at the bottom in the battery bay. This can be convenient for those familiar with point and shoot cameras or a bit tedious task for professional photographers who are looking to easily swap memory cards, as DSLRs usually have their memory card slots located at the side. The flap for the battery bay, like the flap for the connectivity ports is spring loaded and it has an overall sturdy feel. Apart from these designs featured here, the camera also sports a detachable ring on the lens, which allow one to attach an adapter lens.

Controls at the back are convenient to use

All in all, to round up this segment of the review, the camera has been styled well and built extremely well. Its metal finish looks like it could be dropped accidentally a few times and still come out on top.