I am catching up with one news I wanted to post a week ago: Last year I posted a news about Canon launching a camera with 4:3 sensor. I got the rumor from a new source and of course I didn’t really believe it but at the CES show Canon launched the Canon G1 X camera that has a 4:3 ratio sensor which is just a tiny bit bigger then the Micro Four Thirds sensor (See sensor size comparison at Dpreview). There are many previews at ePhotozine, Techradar, ISO test at Focus Numerique, ThePhoBlographer.
While the Fuji X PRO 1 has been the real star of the show the Canon G1X is the first attempt from Canon to offer “something” against the mirrorless systems. It’s not exactly tiny (a GF3 with 14-42mm X is smaller), it is not exactly cheap $800 at Amazon and it has not that nice design and hybrid viewfinder of the Fuji X100 (now $1120). Anyway it’s still a surprise that Canon made such a camera. And I want to ask you if you think this could be seen as a strong m43 competitor!
173 Responses
It will sell like hotcakes, you read it here first
Even the Nikon 1 sells like hot cakes, so you’re just pointing out the obvious. Cameras are 90% marketing along with having a retail outlet.
The average person isn’t as concerned with photography gear as we are.
Well, when I bought my E-PL1, I also looked pretty hard at an LX3, and nearly bought that instead. My Dad had a G9 at the time, and I am sure he would have (tried to) push me to this camera if it was available. In terms of offering shallow DOF, it is a better choice than any kit zoom on a m43 cam, and it is a very logical upgrade for anyone using a older Canon G series. That’s probably more people than total m43 cameras ever made!
It really is a very smart move for Canon. And, yes, it avoids cannibalizing their DSLR sales for another year or so. They can see how the CSC market shifts, and then target that.
That said, I am really glad I didn’t buy this camera, as I very quickly upgraded from the P.O.S. kit lens to primes and legacy lenses, and have learned a lot in the process.
But isn’t it all about composition, and a photographers “eye” anyway? It’s all good……
@Barugg owb ama
the market in hot cakes is rapidly declining I’m afraid.
I agree. I can’t wait to hold one and see if it is as solid as my old G10.
Three big complaints of the G series were: small sensor, slow performance, and suck-ass OVF. Let’s see if there is any improvement with the last two.
G1 X is clearly a mFT and general mirrorless competitor. For all the people that wont change the lens (and know it) it looks like a pretty good alternative. 4x zoom in stead of 3x and slightly faster lens. It’s fairly compact too.
Agree that the G1X is a competitor to mirrorless and to lesser extent, entry level DSLRs, but…
The G1X is bigger/heavier than some m43 body + lens. It is more expensive than some m4/3 and NEX cams, as well as some entry level DSLRs. The fixed zoom is brighter and has greater range, but at f/2.8 max and 4x, it isn’t that much brighter (and not all at the long end) nor more flexible than a typical kit zoom and you’re stuck with it.
The Canon G has always been a semi-enthusiast’s camera with its hotshoe, a myriad of controls, and the higher price (than a P&S). Combined that with the even higher price ($800 from $500), it might be beyond a beginner/casual shooter who is interested in E-PM1, GF3 and NEX-C3. At the same time, the small VF and fixed, not-that-fast zoom is a little restricting to an enthusiast; ergo, a Pany G3 is the better option and provides better value. The E-P3 and GX1 are not much more money. Even though the they don’t have an EVF, the G1X’s VF is basically pointless, so what’s the difference? At least one can add the optional EVF on the GX1 and the PENs, which is large and bright.
It is easy to say that the G1X will sell simply because it is a Canon, but considering the execution, the target market, the competition, and then the price, it may be a tougher sell. Anyone I asked about this cam (even Canon fan boy/girl), said it’s neat but won’t buy it.
I think Panasonic should file a complaint against Canon for infringement of the name, and possibly some patents. Make it spicy and demand import bans. This will give Panasonic the possibility to raise a lot of attention for its products. Learn from the big boys in the smartphone business: both Apple and Samsung have had smashing results while they spent so much time in court, all at the expense of others. For the amount of attention they got, the legal fees here and there are just peanuts…
No, this is just a G12 with the sensor of a Canon 600 D. No primes, no fast apertures, no electronic viewfinders… Nothing new!
And as my mom used to say: Ugly as SIN!
AND overpriced!
I hope it has better build quality than the junky plastic Canon G series.
i had an g7 …. and the body isn’t plastic…
yeah the plastic showed up with the G11… my G10 is metal.
Oh and the G series cameras are all 4:3 ratio
Yep, it was a G11. Junk.
Loved that dark little peep-hole viewfinder, too!
your mom used to say that to you?
and yeah, the GF3 looks better, you fanboy
Talking about fanboy, if this canon camera has an Olympus logo on it, I might consider owning one.
Hmmm… you already gad a G10 in your hands Mr. Ree or… ?
Ah you mean same as the plastic junky gh2?
Bwahahahaha!!! Typical Micro Four Turdist thou art Mr. Reek! You are typical of the unwashed peseantry that always decries “Too Expensive! Wahaaa!!!!” when they see something obviously superior to that half baked system your claim to love, but in truth are just merely too poor to afford as you have sunk your cash into a pathetic system not even worthy of competing against a Holga, much less a real camera!
Continue playing in your mommy’s basement covering yourself with jello while wearing you grandma’s panties weeping into your SD Card reader bemoaning how you wish you were among the Photographic Elite who will use the Canon G1X when cruising about on there yachts in the Rivera, but cannot join them as you are just poor and have no hope of moving above your station of filthy peasant! I shall now enjoy another glass of champagne and caviar served to me by a supermodel.
Muahahahahaha!!!!
The sensor is nearly apsc size, low light is stunning as it unherits 2012 sensor tech, i see nothing wrong with that mix
the marketplace for higher performing “compacts” is getting pretty crowded. Their brand awareness will keep them at the front of the pack.
True (being a bit more serious now). Canon basically here is moving into X100/Sigma DPx/Leica X1 territory. The sensor tech is quite good from what I’ve seen, and if one thing that has kept the general market accepting APS-C compacts like the above mentioned models is the lack of zoom and price.
Canon has basically decided on a APS sized 4:3 sensor (most compacts use the 4:3 ratio as that prints well at 8.5×11 most home user will print at)that will address what most users at this level are concerned with – good low light performance. I wouldn’t be surprised that this will sell very well.
IF the lens doesn’t come off: no.
However, if they want to target the serious point and shoot people without over complicating things- then I could see this being very popular.
On the other hand this camera will sell because of the brand and because masses do not care about lenses. Big sales with minimal investment…
Good point. 😉
+1
Many people that buy a DSLR don’t know what are the advantages of prime lenses or don’t want to bother. And they also know that Canon and Nikon are the pro brands. In fact, I would recommend this camera to those people
Have you seen as well the amount of people shooting with the lens hood reverse mounted on their kit lenses? Having to zoom with the tip of the fingers because the hood impairs the handling? Entry level DSLRs is really for monkeys… And yes I’m prejudiced 😉
Agree.
Lots of my friends want to upgrade from their compact cameras. They just want a camera with high IQ ans with decent,zoom lens, and don’t care about interchangeable lens. The G1X will be their answers I guess. And mostly important, I have to admit that its IQ is really impressive. Canon is very clever indeed.
I think if the price was MUCH lower that it would definitely compete with MFT. At that price point it is a tough sell….but if the price was lower I can see someone stepping up from a cell phone or a P&S this would be an attractive choice with a solid brand name attached to it. Kind of like the popularity of the Nikon V and J, but even simpler. I think enthusiasts really want the option of the lens choices that MFT offers though…so I guess it depends on how far along someone is with their photography interest.
I certainly don’t see someone selling their MFT gear to run out and buy this camera like say, a Fuji XPro1.
In any event…it looks like a good solid performer.
bob you really have no live and no job.. or why are you here 7/24 ??
lol
Well Mr. President.. I love photography..what can I tell you?
…so how DID you screw up the economy so bad?
(You always did have trouble with the English language also, Mr. President… “”live should be “life” and it is 24/7 sir, not 7/24).
Best comment ever!
I try to have fun….thanks. 🙂
Too big, too expensive, too boring…
It’s of course not a little ironic that Canon chose a sensor of this size, and really very intriguing. Whilst I don’t know anything about the actual sensor fabrication process in reality, you get the impression that producing a final production largish CMOS sensor, with good performance invovles a fair bit of R&D and final refinement. So it’s very interesting that Canon ended up with a sensor so close to a 4/3 sensor, in both size and aspect ratio. You do have to wonder if they were seriously considering m4/3 as an option for mirrorless.
A couple of years back I posted a comment somewhere about an intriguing comment by a Canon official at a photo show. When they were asked if they were going to be joining m4/3, surprisingly their answer was very careful and they didn’t rule this out. I thought this was very odd, because normally you get the spiel about this company has a proud history of developing its own standards type line.
I do seriously question whether Canon has had an active R&D programme considering m4/3 as an option for a mirrorless camera range. The problem for Canon is introducing a mirrorless APS-C camera would immediately raise questions about the long term viability of their entry level DSLRs. m4/3 is a way around that problem. If you look at how long it probably takes to develop a sensor and production camera the timing is right. It’s also that Canon is the only major camera manufacturer not to have played their cards on their mirrorless ILC plans. We all know they must have been considering them, whatever they say, but we haven’t got a clue what these plans are.
The G1X is procrastination to buy more time before making the big decision. I’m not saying that Canon will join m4/3, because I suspect they will have several options. But nevertheless I do suspect that they have seriously considered this option. Whilst the sensor is slightly larger than m4/3 most sensors are slightly larger than the format they are designed to cover. Of course what I say is pure conjecture, impossible to prove, but the circumstantial evidence is suspiciously strong.
The G1 X sensor is close in size to mFT, but it’s also very close in size to Canon’s 1.6 crop sensor. According to specs on dpreview the G1 X sensor is 18.7 x 14 mm and the 60D-sensor is 22.3 x 14.9 mm, just .9mm taller. The difference in width is of course bigger because of the 4:3-format on G1 X. 4:3 is the format of all P&S, including all previous G-models so choosing that for the G1 X sensor seem like an obvious decision to me.
If Canon launch a mirrorless system this year then I agree that the sensor likely will be the same or very similar to the one in G1 X. I wouldn’t rule out 3:2 though. Anyway, keeping it in this sizerange would allow for use of EF-S lenses without a too big change in crop factor.
I can’t really see any indication that Canon would join m43 (I’d like to be surprised though). They have the biggest market share in dSLR and I’m sure they’d like to keep it that way for mirrorless too.
I do actually mainly use a Canon DSLR system, although I still also have a 4/3 DSLR system. For years I’ve been arguing that in reality there wasn’t too much difference between them because the sensor size height wasn’t so different.
In the old film days a lot of the pundits used to argue that 35mm film was a bad format, because it took a much bigger image circle to cover it, than if it was 4:3. The old 6cm x 4.5cm Medium Format, format, used to often get called the ideal format. The argument used to be that much of the 3:2 format of 35mm film was wasteful because it was invariably cropped into a squarer format. Of course that was because printing paper was more that size, and widescreen monitors are now better suit a wider format. However, in reality you can better squeeze most compositions into 4:3 format. Newspapers and magaizine will still tend to favour a squarer crop. Only horizontal landscapes are inherently better suited to wider formats.
Whilst I tend to compose more for 3:2 because of using a Canon system more at the moment, in reality I could trim most of them to be 4:3 for better composition.
For more compact lenses, better suited to small mirrorless cameras, 4:3 is probably the better compromise. A major problem Sony appear to be having with the NEX system is covering the wider format with compact lenses. Even their 30mm macro doesn’t do it very well.
I agree with what you say, and hope for a 4:3 Canon mirrorless, but I don’t take it for granted. I was surprised when Nikon chose 3:2 for Nikon 1 and get the same disadvantages with image circle as Sony, just more so as Nikon 1 is clearly a more entry level system and try to get consumers who are used to 4:3.
That’s why the GH2 multi aspect sensor is so brilliant. You get all those formats without having to crop too much.
Of course it’s a m4/3 competitor. The fixed zoom lens makes it more appealing to most people than interchangeable lens designs, especially considering that lens is faster than the current kit zooms.
I think that its ability compete with m4/3 will be dependent from marketing and (definitely) price. Asian market probably will accept it very well, while Europe and US will looks for interchangeable lens cameras.
The Canon G1X will be what the Fuji X100 was to the Fuji XPro1.
Look for Canon to announce their mirrorless interchangeable lens system in September.
The sensor’s aspect ratio and size make tremendous sense for a transitioning of the entry level DLSR line to MILC. By the end of 2012 MILC competition will be heating up and we will see pricing fall quite considerably.
DSLRs are dead, dead, dead.
Dsrl is as alive as ever, those cameras just expand the market imo
On the other hand, the introduction of G1X will gain a lot of market share from M4/3, and I think this is just the begining from Canon. M4/3 will be in trouble sooner or later. Perhaps this is a sign of the end of M4/3.
To me, the G1X feels like a G12 with a bigger sensor in it. Sure, it will beat any upcoming LX-camera from Panasonic for instance. But it’s no contender to any M4/3 camera in my opninion. You can’t even compare them equally because the G1X lacks the ability to choose your own focal length. And that’s why I find it quite strange from Canon to come up with it. Pricewise it’s too high for what it delivers, just another G-camera from Canon on steroïds this time. But sure, it’s likely it will sell well. If Nikon even gets their 1-series going on, why not Canon? Both have great marketing funds and are willing to put alot effort in getting people to buy their camera’s.
I’m still not sure to jump aboard any bandwagon. But I would definitely not consider the Canon G1X, nor Nikon V1. It depends on what Olympus will deliver with the OM-D. Because Olympus OM-D vs Sony NEX-7 vs Fuji Pro-X are the options I consider. I will await results before getting my wallet empty though. Something with: patience is a virtue.
At this stage, 80% of people will be technically fine with any system. Just choose the system that suits you ergonomically and in terms of lenses and options.
No lens change, no game.
At least 70% of system camera users never buy an extra lens for their system.
@spam
but it’s the thought that counts.
That’s true, but quite a few have a realistic view and know they basically want a bigger sensor and a 3-5 x zoom. Still, the price is high so it’s difficukt to predict how well it’s going to sell. I’d expect street prices to get quite a bit lower fairly fast tjhough. It can’t be more expensive than a 1100D with kit lens to produce and Canon could adjust the price if they have to.
Not true.
Lots of people just want high IQ and don’t care about changeable lens.
Just to add to my comments above. The Canon G1X is a very odd camera. Undoubtedly Canon will sell quite a few, simply on the strength of their name and the G camera reputation. But as it stands it’s not really a future type of camera. Large expensive fixed lens digicams with direct optical viewfinders are clearly a throwback and not the future.
Certainly there is a niche for a large sensored fixed lens compact. However, the real niche for that is a much cheaper camera with an EVF. So you get the impression that this is merely a place holder for Canon. A temporary measure for the next year or so, simply so they have got something. It actually makes sense for Canon not to give an indication of its plans, and to use an outmoded camera design. They will sell enough for it not to be a flop, but nor are they tying themselves to anything, or giving their competitors any clue as to what their real plans are. If they drop this line of cameras at the next iteration, no face is lost, because the G series is getting long in tooth anyway.
Whereas if Canon had played their mirrorless cards more clearly, they would be stuck to this approach. If they changed their plans in a year or 2, it would look indecisive, that they were just reacting to others. Whereas this approach allows them to be in charge, to look like the comfortable market leader, doing things in their own time. I’m not saying Canon will go m4/3, but I’m also saying that it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if they did. It would allow a successful separation between their highly profitable EF lens range, and entry level cameras. An APS-C mirrorless range would starting raising all sorts of questions about Canon’s commitment to DSLRs etc. m4/3 would be a firewall between the 2.
Don’t take what I say too seriously, because who knows.
it will save some time for canon. i think its a better move than what nikon did.
Keep in mind its max aperture is 2.8 and its aperture at full tele is 5.8. It’s roughly equivalent to a T1i with a kit 18-55.
It’ll be okay in the dark, but an E-P3 with the 20mm f1.7 or 12mm f2 will beat it at the wide end for image quality, and at the long end, it’s beat by faster primes like the 45mm f1.8.
However, it will probably beat the E-P3 with the 14-42, simply because Canon is fairly good at noise reduction.
G1X is $800 with a good sensor. You are comparing it to a $900 camera with two $400 and one $800 prime lens. For a third the price of you E-P3 setup, Canon wins.
+100
A day without OM-D rumors is a wasted day … *just kidding*
We already know everything…and the lack of leaks now is probably saying is a panasonic sensor…if true, all excitement was for nothing…
At least 1 major unanswered Open Question:
What about compatibility with PDAF FT lenses? I.e., will the new body provide full performance autofocus for Four Thirds system lenses?
True, probably not….IMO
I think it will, but the tea leaves I used were decaffeinated, so am not positive. I think the hump is for PDAF. It will be good if it is, even for non-43 lens owners.
Not really, 16mp sensor is new to Olympus and a good choice as well.
Maybe bigger than GF3, but par with a GX1 with pancake kit. I own a GF1 with the 20mm kit, never used something else and never feel i need something else. If i had to choose a camera today, i’ll go more to X100. I’m pretty sure that Zoom user will be tempted to do the same with G1X
x100 is doomed with sticky aperture blades
To me this camera comes across as half-baked, but that’s not necessarily relevant. Canon produced a dozen or so of the G series models, many of which were very good (esp. the early ones). If this camera is just a warm up and they continue to improve the line, it could well become competitive with m43.
I agree with some others here that this camera is a stopgap to buy Canon some time until they unveil their mirrorless system and Canon Rumors has said recently that this new mirrorless system may arrive in September.
No one knows yet but if it has some method of utilizing Canon’s EOS lenses, it will have an immediate impact on the mirrorless marketplace by scooping up a large number of Canon DSLR users who have been waiting for some way to hang on to their expensive lens collections when transitioning to a more modern mirrorless system. And aside from those customers, they’ll have plenty of shelf space at the big retailers where the bulk of new adopters buy their equipment.
Now come by Pentax (K01) use K mount and Canon use EOS mount, so these camera is more i competition by Sony SLT cameras.
Canon would be wise to make this EOS-compatible via adapter, e.g., AF, aperture, etc., thus appealing to the 7D, 5DM2, CS300, etc., crowd to integrate a small body DSLR into their kit.
It will sell very well just because it has Canon written on it.
it will sell like sliced bread…..
canon nows what the majority wants from such a camera.
while olympus is making no profit but releasing new cameras every 8 month.
+1
Yes for GF, PM cameras.
No for GX, GH, P cameras.
For me this is a very appealing camera and a possible replacement for my backup m4/3 body. I think for many photographers this could be a “take anywhere” camera, with decent zoom range and (one assumes) image quality similar to Canon’s recent APS DSLRs.
If, as I hope, it retains the native high-speed flash sync of the smaller G cameras I’m sold. I already carry a G11 on outdoor portrait sessions just because it makes fill flash so easy. Give me a little more image quality from a larger chip and there will be times I leave the m4/3 at home – or use it only for long lenses.
The optical finder is a bummer, given what I see through my G11. An EVF would have sold me completely.
So yes, I think this could take some sales away from m4/3, NEX and the rest. An additional appeal, in these changing times, is that it doesn’t mean buying into a “system” at a time when the market is changing so rapidly.
What does “buying in a system” really mean? One can spend the same amount of money buying similar priced m43, not committing oneself to that brand.
Pana G3 is a better value for all aspects.
Lol, the g3, justify your purchases guy…
Value is the key term here. X lens G3 bests the G1X on nearly every front. Unless a person was really brand focused would the G1X make any sense over a G3 with X lens.
G3 with X lens a better value for all aspects? I don’t think so!
G3 has slower, shorter zoom,yet costs more.
Only a brand-focused person would pick Canon G1 X over Pana G3? Wrong again!
I’m not a Canon fanboy. I’ve been waiting and hoping for 2 years that Pana would make a camera like this. But Canon did it first, and Pana shows no sign of doing so, so Canon gets my money.
So what if it’s just a placeholder for Canon, to test the waters, or buy time? G1 X will STILL cut into m4/3 sales, big time. Someone here said that they don’t think the G1 X will take sales away from other mirrorless systems. You are deep in LA-LA LAND!!!
It’s the pickup truck of cameras. Retarded.
And ugly.
Pro:
* Very useful zoom span
* Probably good sensor
* Good brand name
Contra:
* Slightly big
* Slightly poor aperture range
* Poor view finder (reportedly)
* Cannot change lens
In summary:
* For those who prefer good image quality over super zoom, and don’t care about a system/changing lenses. Doesn’t compete against m43 as a system, but is probably ok as back-up camera. Will make redundant G12 type cameras, but how will it do compared to X10, XZ-1 (/2), LX-5, S100, which are more pocketable?
This is just a very slow camera. The AF speed has not changed from the previous G series. The latest m43 cameras have about 3x the AF spead of this thing. Write times and shot to shot are equally slow. It is a half-baked product but could sell well due to the name.
> And I want to ask you if you think this could be seen as a strong m43 competitor!
I was pretty excited at first until I realized that it is really a Canon G camera with larger sensor.
They haven’t fixed all the old problems of the G – general sluggishness – they have just put a better sensor into it.
OVF is also a let down.
Pretty low-end package for the asking price.
I’m hopeful that more and better similar cameras would be released. But G1X as it is a hardly competition to mirrorless in general.
I had the same high hopes until I saw the slow performance as well. It wouldn’t be so bad if they could match Panasonic P&S performance but Canon has the slowest P&S cameras out there. A bad match for a $800 camera.
One thing is rather interesting though.
How Canon has managed to pack a slightly brighter, slightly longer lens in a same size the 14–42X has?
its not that hard when the lens is not interchangable
What’s the difference, optically and mechanically speaking?
Without need for lens mount whole lens construction can be “embedded” more deeply into body closer to sensor. You could consider it as part of lens structure being inside body instead of whole lens protruding forward from lens mount.
Not really sure about your right.
The size of the lens is mostly decided by the lens groups’ relative geometrical positions, so it’s pointless to embed the lens more deeply in the body if the closest group should be anyway at a certain distance from the sensor. Moreover, the m43 – due to lack of mirror sytem – is optimised by the short flange back distance etc. to gain the maximum compactness possible.
No Esa’s right. Look at the Fuji X100 – that lens looks quite compact but that is because part of it is inside the camera body.
Regarding “geometrical positions” – the lenses are built to match the distance from the sensor to the mount. You seem to have it backwards that the sensor and mount distance is dictated by the lens groups. Most of our current lenses weren’t even built when that distance was decided upon and many (hopefully) future lenses have not been designed yet. It Olympus and Panasonic had wanted to move the mount closer or further from the sensor they certainly could have – and the lenses would have been built to correspond with that.
A non-interchangable lens is easier to place close to the sensor. On the X-100 the rear element is only 5.6mm from the sensor.
While what people say above is true, it seems that optical compromise is part of the reason as well. In the middle of the zoom range at close focusing distances, the G1X lens is appalling. It’s okay at the extremes though, or at longer focusing distances.
This is a very slow camera. The AF speed has not changed from the previous G series and the latest m43 cameras AF is about 3x faster. The shot to shot and write times are equally slow. LCD completely blacks out for the full duration of continuous shooting and continuous AF allows only 0.7fps. But I am sure it will sell well on name alone.
There are many comments here how irrelevant this Canon is, but when I saw it I must say my first idea was – hell I just might need to buy it and forget all the m43 nonsense!
Just compare the facts of my use case:
I have GF1 with 20/1.7 and 14-45 zoom lenses. My goal is to get as compact package as possible that makes great low light photos and has minimum hassle involved. I will not accept changing a lens outdoors just because I saw a special subject for which I need to get out my tele lens. I really don’t like to even take my second lens with me if I go somewhere – I choose the best one for the task ahead and stick with it.
Now I was hoping for GX1 to deliver a great upgrade and well 14-42X lens does improve things a lot compared to my 14-45 but how does the Canon compare?
Canon Vs GX1 (14-42X + existing 20mm lenses) :
# 800$ Vs 950$ (canon 1; – GX 0)
# high ISO – canon 1 stop ahead due to more reasonable 14Mpx sensor and other things (2-0)
# 4x zoom range in a more compact package than 14-42X (3-0)
# best aperture F2.8 Vs F1.7 – still not a deal-beaker considering good highISO (3-1)
# but I don’t need to ever change the lenses and I get zoom always available! (4-1)
# tilting and rotating screen without a sticking out viewfinder of the G3 (5-1)
# screen quality & resolution (6-1)
# both have sufficient external controls available
# looks/design (6-2)
# “nicer feeling about your camera” (6-3)
# no touchscreen focus point control (6 – a lot!)
Yep really, I thing Canon G1X is amazing camera for me, but in the end I decided that I want touchscreen focusing just too much to compromise. So for now I will stick with the old GF1 until Panasonic or Olympus bring out an even better sensor or a nicer feature combo all together in their next cameras.
Who knows if I am lucky the next GH3 could have 10Mpx sensor with a truly killer low-light performance, and a form factor of a Panasonic DMC-L1… I can dream about a perfect world, can I?
I initially thought the same as you, but there are a few caveats:
1) Very slow performance, especially AF
2) A totally unusable viewfinder (at least with Micro you have the option)
3) Atrocious optical performance in the middle of the zoom range at closer focusing distances
4) No option for greater telephoto or wide angle
The G1X will sell fairly well, but I don’t think it will take away customers from other mirrorless systems.
The fixed lens is a deterrent because even if most people don’t end up buying lenses other than the kit zoom, they still like having the option to get a small, fast prime, a portrait lens, a macro, a telephoto, or a superwide zoom.
Also, the tiny optical viewfinder is non-competitive. Other cameras have much better EVFs or optical viewfinders, and they are changing people’s expectations.
Owners of a previous G-series camera will snap one of these up because it is basically the same thing, only better. They might hesitate a bit because of the price and competing products, though.
Do the same comparison with a G3 and the Canon gets trounced.
# Price – G3
# high ISO – “other things”,wft. Dumb. – Draw
# 4x zoom range in a more compact package – Canon
# best aperture – G3
# but I don’t need to ever change the lenses and I get zoom always available! Dumb. X lens is a zoom. – Draw
# tilting and rotating screen without a sticking out viewfinder of the G3. Canon basic OVF doesnt compare to G3 – G3
# screen quality – We have yet to see the G1X fully reviewed (Dumb). Draw
# both have sufficient external controls available – G3 Touchscreen trumps here – G3
# looks/design – Canon is one ugly beast. G3 isnt pretty either – Draw
# “nicer feeling about your camera” What the hell is this? Dumb. – Draw
# no touchscreen focus point control – G3
Canon G1X – 1
Panny G3 – 5
Draws, Dumb Criteria – 5
You must really like Canons. This is the wrong forum for you.
grow up.
f/5.8 at the long end = useless.
People will buy it because it says “Canon” on it, but those people won’t be photographers.
How about 6.3 with the 12-50?
So what? At least with µ4/3’s you have a choice.
Good point. I’m not buying the 12-50 either, for exactly that reason. But at least I have other options, where as the G1X user is stuck with it.
Yes but dof just like f4 on crappy43
Heard before that most DSLR users stop with the kit lens. Perhaps more so for MTF given that one of its primary appeals is as an upgrade from point and shoot. But Canikon and other manufactures allegedly like interchangeable lens systems because they can sell multiple lenses to users. A $1K camera becomes a $5K system. (Been there done that many times.) Put these together and the few of us buying lenses must be out of control 🙂
I had a Canon G10, it was a great camera… This is so much better. Well done Canon. Competition should be good for 4/3 camera makers. Also others making 43 size or near 43 size sensors could one day help Oly.
hmmm
viewfinder and swivel-screen are nice, but there is the size, the slow lens when leaving 28mm and the 20cm. min focus distance…
give us a xz-1 with m43 sensor!
but i think its quite impossible to make a small cam with: big sensor, fast zoom lens, macro capacity, swivel-screen and viewfinder…
Canon Schmanon…
it will sell, but not as good as some here predict. canon built their brand loyalty mainly on the strength of their dslr line, but dslr owners won’t be buying this camera.
I used a G11 for about a year and then gave it to my daughter. I now use a e-pl1. Prefer the e-pl1, however, looking back at old photographs I’m still pretty impressed with the quality that came out of that camera. To those of us who were used to the usual compacts, it was already a big improvement, the new model will surely satisfy those who want to move up. The camera itself may not threaten m4/3 but if all compacts begin to have sensors of this quality, especially from a powerhouse like Canon, it may squeeze out Olympus and Panasonic.
It’s very TRUE that 90% of people will buy this camera because it has the CANON logo on it. They wont use all the functions on it anyways or buy a big Speedlite or adapters for it.
I am sure that it will be a great camera and it’s not for everyone.
It’s been widely reported in Europe that there’s a strong move – over the last 12 months – towards better image quality by the average consumer. I believe there’s been a shift of about 1 million people ‘upgrading’ to better cameras despite the iPhones and high end camera phones getting more capable.
If people have been well served by their Powershots and Ixus’s etc then an awful lot of them will buy the G1X as a matter of course.
It fine for the poke & punch crowd, albeit a bit large.
But I want to shoot great lenses like the 45mm/1.8.
Besides, the IQ can’t touch the OM-D and neither can the viddy.
I see you ve shot with omd extensively already.. Whar if theres the same old crappy zenzor?
I think this is a good attempt by Canon to test the EVIL/mirrorless market to see if it will accept more variety.
1. G1X is a single standalone camera so even if there are no G2X, Canon will be not accused of abandoning the system and the bad will.
2. No additional lenses means Canon won’t have to spend more engineering resources like other EVIL/mirrorless manufactures.
3. Canon is the best selling DSLR and compact camera makers. People will trust a Canon high-end compact.
4. People like me that knows friend would stick to the kit-zoom can recommend G1X because there aren’t a lot of downside to it. It is compact, more capable than most kit-zoom and the result is better than most EVIL/mirrorless with smaller sensor.
5. It buys Canon time to figure out where the market is going and where to stake their bet (sensor size, lens lineup, aspect ratio, price)
6. Explore if there is an area between cellphone/compact and midrange EVIL/mirrorless (E-P3, NEX-5) where people will accept a big sensor compact with permanent lens, good control and software.
“I think this is a good attempt by Canon to test the EVIL/mirrorless market to see if it will accept more variety.”
Interesting thought — kind of like Fuji’s strategy in introducing a fixed-lens camera first. You could say this is Canon’s “X10,” and if it goes well we might see an interchangeable-lens system later…??? Hmmm…
That’s one of my points. No one has yet put a sensor anywhere as big as G1X’s into a compact camera body with a fast zoom. There are the big sensor fixed lens variety and the fast lens small sensor kind but not a combination of the two.
It’s not possible to combine a big sensor in a small body with a fast lens without getting somthing really big. Sony had the R1 with a much better speced lens (but not a really fast one) than G1 X, but R1 was as big as a dSLR. G1 X is a pretty good compromise for those who’re happy with F2.8-F5.8 IMO, but making the lens faster mean smaller sensor or bigger camera.
I owned a couple of the early Canon G:s – very nice and well built, good IQ. However now with the mirrorless cameras we have, the “heavy compact” concept seems unrelevant.
Now with large sensor, volume, weight and price the G1X still is a bit of a dinosaur to me.
The concept though – Good sensor size + fixed zoom lens about 24-120mm, IS – sounds attractive to me as a second camera. Just the Canon is too clumsy and expensive.
As many of you, I believe we will see an ILC version from Canon with the same sensor and a line-up of Canon lenses. It will never join m4/3 because the want the lenses business for themselves. This system will be a very clear and strong competitor to m43. Much more than Sony and Fuji.
That depends…
For my Last summer holiday i would have choosen the G1x over my e-p1 with 14-140mm and the 17mm pancake…
Better low light, smaller lens, no need for permanently change lenses indoor, articulating and better res. screen…
Ok, i have to trade in some range for this but with higher resolution and bigger sensor i can still crop in!
So i think it will sell well!!!
Annnnnd, the copycat partial picture release rumors begin. 😡
The G1X has a viewfinder when you cannot see the screen, a large sensor for quality and a very useful zoom range. Need more range, just add a closeup lens, wide angle lens or telephoto much like Olympus has for budget Pen’s. After having a EPL2, EP3 and several lenses, I was getting frustrated deciding whether I needed a outdoor zoom or a indoor prime. Primes are great but the asking price of the new 12/45 lenses pushed me over the edge. I sold and now enjoy the Fuji X10 which has a 4x zoom and does indoor and outdoor with the EXR sensor. My Panasonic Wide Angle Converter gives me 21mm and I have fantastic macro.
The GiX is an excellent offering but it sure is kinda ugly. It will be interesting what Panasonic does for the LX5 replacement.
Canon needs to take lessons on how to design cameras by Fuji.
Technically Canon may be stronger, but hell, who will “desire” this camera or its lens?
I do, great all round camera. Fuji don’t have anything really competitive to the G1 X.
Similar to the Nikon 1 series it will be purchased by did hard Canon fans and people that don’t know any better and a few early adopters who are willing to take a risk.
I agree, but was not comfortable with Fuji copying Leica mojo. Seems kind of wrong.
A market spoiler for the uninformed sheep.
-that MANY semi and pro users carry when they don’t want to carry their DSLR… Yeah, UNinformed sheep.. Yeah, Right.
I feel with the G1 X Canon took a timid step in dealing with its mirrorless responce. Per rumours of a mirror-less system release in September they have already abandoned the route of selling enhanced compacts to potential mirror-less system users. Overall it is a nice compact, but a little big and I would question how well the viewfinder works on it, before I suggest that anyone purchase it.
The middle class, pram pushing 30 something’s in their superdry jackets will buy this in droves.
And I thought I was prejudiced! 😀
Yea, they will. And there are are a lot of us! Your comment kind of reminds me of the Barista who wouldn’t buy a Galaxy over an iPhone “cos I’m artistic”. For most pram pushers like myself, family needs come before photographic wants. Ever tried carrying spare lenses in a nappy bag?
Then when they reach 40 they will be buying systems again, and by the time they reach 50 it’s either big white lenses, Leica, or a convertable Porsche and a 20 year-old. 😉
Why this attempt to drum up excitement for the Canon G1X given its short comings?
First is its very slow auto focus over 1 sec worse than most compacts it hopes to be an upgrade from. More on the order of the first Pens AF or worse and it took Oly 2 years to get a fast AF right.
Second reportedly a tunnel vision, small and poor viewfinder plus a bulky body size. Clearly very good IQ but that does not forgive its significant deficiencies. This can only be considered an upgrade of the G12 model.
Despite the fact that it is ugly, slow, too big and has a pointless flip screen… it says “Canon” on it and it will sell fabulously.
I want the simple stripped down PRO version… no gimmicks.
(I owned S95, another S95, G7, G9, another G9, G10, S95, 1Ds2, 5D2 and 1Ds3 and I will NOT buy this camera…)
hey, you know, when the memory card is full, you can actually format it and make more pictures with the same camera 😉
Maan, I really can’t imagine why do you need to own so many virtually the same cameras 😀
The Canon G1X is too much of a Frankenstein’s monster to be a true m43 competitor. Fixed lens and that nearly worthless VF makes it more of a Canon G series market cam than a CSC competitor.
It may sell like hotcakes but the price is pretty steep with a fixed lens in todays market. Canonites may just opt for a low end Canon DSLR instead so they look more ‘pro’.
Who wants to pay $800 to use an f/5.8 aperture on a 4/3 sensor? Who is Canon kidding?
I had a low end DSLR… Never really carried it. Carried the S90 more. You’re not shooting if you don’t have it. So no, why would you buy a low end DSLR if you wont carry it everyday because you’re lugging around a bookbag with laptop and books?
M43 is great because you can have it around your neck everyday, on top of your EDC.
This is definitely competition.
I myself have come from a Canon G10 to M43. I loved the fact that I had my DSLR-like functions with a camera that I literally carried with me everyday compared to my DSLR which I got rid of. However, I did miss the option to change lenses so I got a GF-2. But in all honesty, I leave the 20mm on 95% of the time. I have a 45-200 lens, but it gets very little use.
Now this G1X comes out, and once again, I’m tempted to go for a all-in-one camera, especially that it has a better zoom and sensor.
So yeah, I would say this is competition to the M43 cameras. I’m looking forward to trying it out. It’s either a new lens (Oly 12mm) or this G1X.
Makes me wonder what olympus could do with the xz-2.
Makes me wonder what olympus could do with a canon sensor.
If I’m going that big, I’d rather the D3100/D5100 at same size:
http://camerasize.com/compare/#257,3
I’d say it’s a great competitor to CSCs. For folks that don’t care about the slow lens, dismal viewfinder, lack of any real wide or telephoto options, and the hefty price tag–it is a Canon and will feel very much like owning a Canon. (Which is apparently awesome for many people). These folks won’t likely have knowledge about the many CSC and small DSLR options that the competition offers now in almost every price range.
And then you gotta slap on a lens…
Trying too hard perhaps??
Oly and Pana will be grateful with tears if they got the G1X sensor.
I am GF1 and GF2 user. And I tried EP3. None of them gave me good IQ as 7D. Now G1X is coming with the same sensor as 7D (cropped a bit).
I think for non-m43-fans type of consumer, G1X, a compact (thinner than GF3X kit) and great performer from “pro” brand is much more attractive.
Sincerely, I do with Pana and Oly came up with brilliantly designed cams with super IQ. But G1X is one tough competition.
I really hated my Canon G9. So much that I gave it to my older brother. We don’t get along.
At $500: I will get it over gf3 or epm1.
At $600: I have to ask my wife. She may say yes cause it is canon.
At $700: I have to ask my wife. She will say no cause it is just like G12 for her.
At $800: I will save money for om-d.
Just a goofy point and shoot with a larger sensor. The slow lens is the the killer. Better off with the G3 or one of the similarly priced Olympus cameras which have a great selection of lenses.
Mext thing you know it’ll be on one of those “Top 50 Cameras Ever!” list
come on, this is just an approach from canon to mess the market. canon tried to delay, hold the consumers “hey, wait us, our real mirrorless will out in 2012 soon… and soon” 😀
as some pro stated Canon use GX1 to hurt mirrorless. why then Canon still want to jump into mirrorless soon… and soon 😀
It may take some sales from m4/3, but I think it will mostly eat into Sony NEX sales. NEX simply doesn’t have good lenses to make it a system. MFT has a robust prime lens system for enthusiast photography. It’s a great 2x crop system that many FF users will like. As a G12 owner, I have ordered the G1X too.
I think something like the E-PM series should have a fixed lens like the Canon G1x. Oly and Pan would be wise to offer a m4/3 fixed lens camera for the p&s users not looking for a system. If the Canon sells, then it’s a no brainer. Especially if they can sell it for under $500.
Also, it would be so nice if m4/3 would address the 24-105mm f/4 range lens, still waiting for more info on the Oly 12-50mm. Never cared for the 14-42 lenses.
I recall looking at the French web site that has some samples and the G1x was impressive, but closer to the NEX-5. I don’t think Canon wants to build a new system. They probably will have a mirroless EOS body within 24 months that will take existing EF/EF-S lenses.
Overall, I think the mirror will only be for pros (1D, D4 types) in a couple of years.
Will be intestesting if Canon will have a S-Series variant using the same sensor. Kind of like the s95/100 using similar size sensor of the G11/12.
Do you get the feeling the Olympus marketing department might have run out of good stuff to leak about the OM-D? They may have peaked a little too early?
Maybe an emergency meeting when Pentax started leaking puzzle pieces too?
I can’t beleive that there is nothing more to leak. The camera must be in full production now, if it’s going to be delivered at the end of March. Several testers, product specialists etc must have copies in their hands by now. PR material must be printed etc.
Come on, admin…
Ever heard somerhing about nda’s leyman?
“OM-D? They may have peaked a little too early?”
+1
If they continued at that rate, we’d know all about it two weeks before official announcement. A bit careless.
They had to steal some attention away from Fuji X.
ah ha! Seems we have flushed them out of the buses. A new image leak just after we started saying how it had run out of steam. They must be paying close attention?
As technology grows, so does laziness.
whoops
canon’s sensor wipes the floor with m43. even canon’s lens seems better than the x14-42, it is faster and has a better zoom range. i am sure there is enough folks around who are using their GF3 with the kit-lens only. for them the G1X will be a much better alternative. a GF3 with x14-42 is not cheaper either, but you can use the canon even above iso800 compared to the GF3.
I for one is ready to sell my GF2 kit. The IQ of G1X is really stunning.
“I want to ask you if you think this could be seen as a strong m43 competitor!”
Yes. Simple to use, good IQ, lots of advanced features, relatively small and light, articulated screen, viewfinder, not too pricey, widely recognized brand name. They even have a room for a model with bigger zoom range, since this is not too large. m4/3 needs to up its game, sensor and body shape choice first.
“I want to ask you if you think this could be seen as a strong m43 competitor!”
Sorry no it is not. You cant compare a single camera with a camera system. This canon is a great successor for all other canon G* cameras. Lets see how the price will develop. As of now its simply to expensive to challenge the m43 system. Imagine what nice lens(es) you can get for the price of this camera. The right lens on a m43 makes a huge difference.
By the way 28mm is not enough wide angle for me. I need at least 24 …
Regards
Yes what great lenses mounted onto cameras with far less DR and build quality and quite frankly utterly inferior to this Canon!
I wouldn’t be surprised it this one model outsold all Micro Four Turds cameras combined!
Maybe you should wait until you have one of these cameras in your hand before saying anything about build,image or whatever quality.
your last sentence makes me smile. How about a bet?
Yes, it can definitely be considered like that. Canon G-series got a strong reputation already among photographers. And by implementing a “standard” sized sensor (supposedly delivering an outstanding i.q.) Canon engineers simply accomplished what many riviewers all over the web have been longing for a very long time. No doubt 2011 and 2012 will be remembered as the first “golden years” in digital camera history, thanks to Canon (among many others).
No need to say, my pusher got already my Canon G1X ordered.
It’s not like you can actually use the GX1 for anything that you can’t use an iphone for, and the video capture is actually worse, from what I can tell, than that of an Iphone 4s.
Since I’m guessing most DSLR consumers never bother actually changing lenses and stay with their kit lens, yes the GX1 is a real competitor to m43. Seemingly better sensor, brand recognition, and it’s the first step to making a large sensor mirrorless that can bet the V1. Personally it’s not for me since I use my iPhone 4s for anything portable, and take my larger cameras when I want to take photos, but it has appeal to a lot of people.
A Boring Camera from a huge company. Period.
A no from me. It’s too big, too expensive and too slow (aperture).
I’d be more interested in the Fuji X10. The faster lens and EXR would more than offset the larger sensor of the G1X in my book, and it’s a good $200 cheaper.
Still would surprise me if canon manages to do a descent camera which is not aimed for wedding photographers, ie, big as a tank.
Canon can take a dump and put their name on it and so many marks will buy it…makes me sick how many people think Canon is the greatest.
Canon G1 X does the same as G12 and little more, but the price may be double on G12 as in Amozon. It does not make any sence. How big the picture you blow up to make the visual difference. I got a idea. Why don’t you consider to make a T4i full frame as 5D II in the contruction as the T3i body for under US$1200-1500. I am sure Canon will make a lot of mony and the Mr president Tuneji Uchida does not need to resign.