Hot on the heels of the release of the Canon S100 (the successor to the popular S95), Canon has announced the G1 X digital camera. This high-end point-and-shoot is the next in line in the storied “G” series, which has previously released models like the G12 and G11. In addition to bucking the naming convention the G1 X will have a imaging sensor that, at 18.7 x 14mm, is over six times the size of the one used in the G12. The G12 and the S95 were known for having sensors larger than Canon’s standard point-and-shoot cameras, so this should be a major step up in image quality and low light performance.
Coming in at $800, considerably more than the G12′s $500 price, the G1 X won’t just cost more than the typical high-end fixed lens camera, it will cost more than many entry-level DSLRs. From what Canon says about the camera, it’s all about that 14.3 megapixel, CMOS sensor. It is said to have nine times the light sensitivity as the previous model and improved depth-of-field shooting (one of the major reasons why people tend to move away from smaller cameras). It probably goes without saying that this is the largest sensor yet to be used in a Canon point-and-shoot.
The G1 X is powered by Canon’s DIGIC 5 imaging processor, the same used in Canon’s $399 PowerShot SX40 HS (Canon’s flagship 1D X uses Digic 5+). It’s ISO range extends to 12,800 and the 4x optical zoom lens operates at f/2.8 to f/16, going as wide as 28mm. The lens specs are actually a bit disappointing as Canon’s G12 had 5x zoom and competitors like the Olympus XZ-1 shoot at f/2.0.Other specs include a 3-inch flip-out LCD, RAW support, 1080p24 video, in-camera HDR and compatibility with Canon accessories like the Speedlite and ring flash (there is a hot shoe on the top). It has an excellent looking (at least from the pictures I’ve seen) stainless steel body that will add weight but looks to be a big step up from previous models.
At 4.61 x 3.19 x 2.56 inches and 13.76 ounces this is not a small, or pocketable, camera. It’s roughly the size of the G12 (4.4 x 3 x 1.9 inches and 12.5 ounces) which means it’s more likely that this camera will be used on a neck strap than carried around on your wrist.
While Canon’s G series remains the ultimate tourist camera — any summer trip to Europe will confirm this — it hasn’t gotten smaller, it has lost zoom, and it nearly doubled in price. That better be one heck of a sensor that Canon put in there, because the competition in this price range is too tight to permit any mistakes.
The G1 X will be available in February 2012 for $800.
