Name: Canon PowerShot G1 X Compact Digital Camera with 14.3 Megapixel, 1.5" CMOS Image Sensor, 4x Optical Zoom, 3" TFT Color Display
Brand: Canon
SKU: ICAG1X
Price: 399.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.08 (52 reviews)

Canon PowerShot G1 X Compact Digital Camera with 14.3 Megapixel, 1.5" CMOS Image Sensor, 4x Optical Zoom, 3" TFT Color Display

Canon G1 X

Canon

Canon CarePAK PLUS

Adorama

Photography

Cameras

Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

Canon Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

Canon G1 X 

39% Off: Canon PowerShot G1 X Compact Digital Camera with 14.3 Megapixel, 1.5" CMOS Image Sensor, 4x Optical Zoom, 3" TFT Color Display Buy now & save $250. Color: Black, Configuration: Camera Only, Media Type: SD, Model: Canon G1X, Resolution: 14 MP

Canon PowerShot G1 x offers advanced technologies that make this camera behave like it's much larger than it really is. The compact G1 x is armed with a new 1.5-inch High Sensitivity CMOS sensor, which is larger than a 4/3" sensor and nearly as big as the APS-C-sized sensors found in professional DSLRs. This gives you a light-sensitive area which is nearly 6.3 times larger than the last generation of G-Series digital cameras and delivers a quality level that's unheard of in a compact, pocket-friendly camera.The lens on the G1 x is designed to take full advantage of its oversized 14.3-Megapixel sensor. And a powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor has been employed to improve noise reduction, allowing this little camera to achieve an ISO up to 12800, ultimately enabling you to photograph in low light with less blur and shorter exposure times. The f/2.8 lens has 4x optical zoom, which utilizes Canon's UA Lens technology to suppress aberration throughout the zoom range. With a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28-112mm, this lens will capture any scene, from portraiture to landscapes.

I bought this camera when it was first introduced years ago. Greatest Powershot I have ever owned, and I've owned most all of them, and nothing take better photos. Unfortunately it was lost.

Canon G1X

Love when my professional photography friends admire pictures I am able to make with this little camera :

Pictures admired by photography professionals

This is a very good general purpose camera for travel. it is like a combination of a rebel with some L lens.

Image is extremely sharp.
Color is very accurate.
The dials and buttons are very professional like, very easy to access.
Very strong IS, very safe to use at low light or low shutter speed.
Very clean high ISO, I shot a lot with ISO 3200 at night, and sometimes 6400 or 12800.
The articulated screen is helpful at certain angle, or selfie...
The scene mode add a lot of fun. The miniature mode, old camera mode, color accent mode is very fun to use. The 4.5FPS at 6 shot is somehow useful.

I brought the G1X for my trip to Hong Kong and it was a right decision. the range is excellent for causal walk around photography. The G1x is heavy, bulky, but it is still much smaller and light than a Rebel with L lens. Also it won't scare people (of catch attention) when doing street photography.

Drawback is battery life, pretty short if you shot with the LCD on all time, the battery would only last half a day. Later on, I have learned to use the small (but somehow very useful at day time) OVF, the battery life extended a lot longer. The OVF is not 100% coverage, it will take awhile to learn how to use it.

Beware of the ISO "Rate of change" setting. The default was standard, but will always give me ISO 800 in a cloudy day. I will switch it back to "low".

Marco is fair... at a DSLR user point of view, I know this is not a macro lens, why bother?
In fact, at 20cm away from the object, I got extremely sharp image, at F3.2 with nice background isolation! Because the image by G1x is so sharp and noise free so I just go home and crop the image. Just beware that the G1x won't work very well on super tiny object.

Overall, I love this camera.

A Very Good Camera for Travel

I bought this camera for a trip to Europe in 2012. The camera performed well for the trip, but I'm not sure it would be my camera of choice if I were to do it again. I read the reviews prior to making the purchase so I had some expectation of the potential issues. I guess I didn't realize how much they would affect me, these being (1)limited macro capability and (2)slow focusing. Put simply, don't expect to take close-ups of any kind with this camera. Even with the 4x magnifier I bought for it, and in macro mode, I can't get closer than 2 feet away from a subject. The slow focusing proved to be a bigger issue for me. For a carry around camera to shoot architecture, landscapes, etc., it proved to be great. Candid shots of the family enjoying the trip were a little more difficult because the focus was so slow. Additionally, there's a significant lag after you press the shutter button. Being accustomed to my Canon 20D ESLR, this was really noticeable and quite constraining. My only other comments are that there seem to be a lot of features that are only usable in specific modes and given the large variety of features and settings, it's more than a little confusing trying to remember what's available for a given mode. Keep your manual handy. Lastly, the battery life is very poor. I'd strongly recommend buying several batteries to keep on standby. The manual viewfinder is virtually worthless so you'll want to use the screen for nearly everything and it burns batteries like they're going out of style.

Good camera with significant drawbacks

Cut my teeth years ago with F1 mech., A1, F1AE, T90, etc. Remember the weight of a f1ae with motor drive, 12 count them 12 aa batteries. Carried them all over the world. Everyone remember the 50+ lbs camera bag? Wanted a camera that I could get good to very good images with a decent sensor size plus my small sound recording gear and my underwater gear in one small bag. Its perfect for that. Am I going to shoot a f1 race with it no, football action no, but for wandering around Maui and taking very nice shots with exceptional resolution its great. Know what it can do and accept the limitations your good to go

I enjoy it

Take too long between shot. Seems slower then the cheaper canon power shot. I wish they can make it a bit faster.

camera is too slow between shot

I have the G1x for about 18 months, having bought it shortly after it was released. I wanted the larger sensor and the external (non-menu) controls. I had read most of the critical reviews and was not put off by the slower focus and lack of macro. Neither was a deal breaker.
There are 2 rather inexplicable problems when using external flash. One, there is a noticeable delay after triggering shutter and when the external flash fires. The built in flash does not have this problem. Second is the lack of TTL flash when shooting in manual
Canon DSLRs have TTL flash in manual, cannot understand why it would be disabled.
Firmware upgrade could probably fix these issues, but Canon seems reluctant to provide updates for Powershot cameras.

great camera/ missing features

Let me begin by saying I have used Cannon cameras exclusively since 1973 ! I bought the G1x to replace my G7 that had served me well for many years. I also own 2 high end Canon DSLR camera bodies.
I have been extremely disappointed with the G1x for one reason. The autofocus is EXTREMELY slow ! You click the shutter and wait and wait and wait for the camera to take the photo ! I have missed so many shots with the camera waiting for the shutter to open.
When I do get an image the image quality is very good. I have been very frustrated with so many missed shots.

Extremely SLOW autofocus !

A terribly placed video start button. This is where the exposure lock button used to be on powershots, which was perfect. Now when we go to lock exposure we mistakenly start shooting video. By the time this can be shut off, you miss the shot. I must be the only one that has a problem with this button as Canon continues to include this button in the exact same place on the G16. If you can't move it, at least let the function of it be customizable.

Poorly placed video button

This is an excellent point and shoot camera. If you don't want the bulk, but want some of the functions and advantages of a more expensive camera, this one is for you.

The features are top-notch. The video is solid; I have not noticed problems generally associated with videos from non-camcorders. The low light photo performance is outstanding -- I've taken photos in churchs, where no flash is allowed and the photos are great. For routine family/vacation photos and photos in low light, you can't go wrong with this camera.

A few detractors: 1. The camera is slow between taking single photos. I note that the 6 picture burst function does off-set this, but you have to switch functions to get that going. So, overall, it can be, but is not always, an inconvenience. 2. Where you have moving targets, like at sporting events, I suggest manually setting the camera function/settings up ahead of time to be sure you get the shot -- this is not close to a DSLR when it comes to sports photos.

Overall, it's almost perfect for a camera of this class.

Almost Perfect

Bought this camera used - at an absolutely rock-bottom, dirt-cheap price - directly from an unhappy owner who apparently thought he was getting dSLR image quality and dSLR speed. Well, he was 1/2 right. He shot less than 100 images ... and dumped it. The G1 X images are beyond comparison with anything I've seen in a point-n-shoot camera. But as others have noted, it's NOT at it's best for macro and NOT speed-demon as far as AF. I've done a few "action" shots in MF and that's a noticeable improvement - but this simply IS NOT a sports photographer's dream pocket- camera. It WILL knock out 98-99 percent of the average shooter's "vacation" images and should leave you speechless; the 1080p video almost looks too good to be "amateur". Best point-n-shoot camera I've ever used - understand the limitations of that type of camera! - and that's all I ever hoped for. It has easily exceeded my wildest expectations. (Get a spare battery!

Astonishing image quality!

I shoot with DSLR's but I always keep a G series camera in my car at all times for an emergency

Great G series product

I have owned the camera for sometime now. I shoots beautiful pictures. The only drawback I've experienced is battery life. If I shoot with no flash, one full battery could last for over 24 hours, but battery life is much shorter with flash. I encourage Canon to solve this by maybe a firmware update. Thanks for reading this review.

Battery Life

I  will use the camera for outdoor and family photos.

I will be visiting Smithsonian Museums and am curious how the indoor photos will turn out.

It would be nice if the  Book explained the best setting for taking photos of paintings at museums.

seems ok but just bought it

i have this camera for 6 monrhs and what it does is excelent,however if you are for macro or fast camera look another camera.

excelent camera

Love the camera. I wrote a review complaining about the fact, that, there is NO PRINTED USERS MANUAL. I never took a photography class that didn't stess the importance of not going anywhere without your users manual. All you get is a disc to shove into your computer. The review I wrote (ten days ago) never appeared! When I wrote an e-mail to Adorama about the fact that it was never posted, they ignored my e-mail. I finally bought a book "The Expanded Guide to the Canon G1x". Great book, but... wished I didn't have to spend 20 bucks to buy a book that should have been included with the camara. No problem with Adorama's service. They were ready to exchange my G1x for something else. The nice lady I 'chatted' with said she bought a Canon point and shoot that only came with a disc to download, and no printed manual. This, in my opinion, is taking "going green" way over the top.

What? No manual

Well I purchased this camera to take to Hawaii while my daughter got married to do some underwater shots. I have been using Canon cameras sense the tx and Ftb came out. This camera does not have any micro capiblity at all. I shot for three weeks everyday underwater. Half my images were out of focus that right half. I was so bumbed. As well as embarrised that I purchased it.
I guess I can join the club of other G1X owner who are dyeing for it to be fixed via software updates.

Doesn't live up to the Canon name

I have yet to see anything from this camera other than sterling image quality, assuming one observes the basic rules of photography. Anyone should be able to shoot fantastic pix with this in full auto mode, yet there are numerous manual settings available. Those wanting to stick a camera an inch away from a flower or bug should look elsewhere, as should those whose main thing is shooting fast moving action. But for any other shots (i.e., 99% of photography), this is simply unbeatable. Superb low light shots, especially. Oh, and shooting very nice 1080p movies is a snap.

Superb IQ in a rugged small camera

I purchased the G1X as a compliment to my Canon 4Ti and it has done an excellent job. It is, without a doubt, the finest compact camera available, bar none. It's not the greatest for action photography but I don't do much of that so it doesn't matter. If you're looking for outstanding image quality in a relatively compact package there is simply no better choice than Canon's G1X. You will not be disappointed.

G1X...there's nothing like it!

It's my best travel camera rivaling the quality of my Canon 7D in a small package.  I can use a polarizing filter on it for use around water and museums.  Its low light ability is the best for a P & S and makes it very versatile in many situations when I can't use a flash.  It is a good companion for my S90 without having to carry the heavy lenses of my 7D or 5DII.  The 28mm to 112mm built in lens covers 99% of my photo needs for family and travel.  The other Canon P & S small cameras that I and my wife have are great in good light for many occasions when maximum smallness is needed such as being able to fit into a shirt or sport coat pocket.  I hate the weight of the dslr even with only one lens walking around all day.  I have my dslrs for shooting pets, church low light and animals in my yard.  The poor macro ability is a small price for its low light, low noise abilities!  The photos produce the famous Canon look and I keep it on vivid all the time as I do my other P & S and dslr cameras.

Best travel camera for many!

This camera is so slow, it takes all the enjoyment out of photography, and its macro for all reality does not exsist.

I find it funny the other write that said come on its not a dslr its not going to be fast. Let me tell you most ALL point and shots beat this camera and for a lot less. It's lag and hunting for focus takes all the fun away from actually taking the pictures.

Not sure what guys around a board table approved this camera but someone really needs to be held accountable.

Does it take good pictures....Yes, but the mind blowing slowness of this camera and for the price point make it a Do Not Buy.

I bought this camera mainly to be my underwater camera. I am just getting started as a scuba diver. I do have previous canon dslr experience but this was my first purchase of this type of camera. It was recommended to me by the local camera shop because of it's amazing picture quality.
I do LOVE the picture quality but after taking it on about 30 dives I have to say that I couldn't agree more with the comments about the disappointment in the macro focus range. I need to be able to get MUCH closer to my subject than this macro allows me.
I have also ocassionally been disappointed with the focus lock out of the water. I have locked it full-on the subject I am trying to take a picture of and when I look at the picture, it has focused on something further out that my subject -- and that's with my subject 4+ feet away, so it's not a macro photo?
So far, I think I love everything else about the camera. The instructor of my underwater digital photography course yesterday was very surprised at the flaw in the macro. (She has and loves her G10) She recommended that I go to Canon about it because it is unacceptable for a dive camera.
She also commented that Canon is fantastic about fixing things via firmware.
I am hoping Canon is listening to these requests and that my G1X is about to the everything I wanted in a dive camera in this price point.

Love it, but Macro focal length needs attention

I have owned the camera for a couple of days and I really enjoy it. It takes great pictures day or night. The only problem I have had is the learning curve with all the menus and buttons. The manual provided on the CD is almost worthless. When you need to figure out something there is not always a computer around to read the manual. I bought a very nice book at he bookstore which helped a lot. This camera has a great lens and sensor combination but the focusing could be easier.
The filter lens hood accessories need improvement. Taking them on and off and storing the lens ring is not convenient.

Fun Camera, small enough to use all day.

My G1X is second camera (to 7D), replacing my G10, which in turn replaced G7.

Image quality is outstanding. On a 10-day trip recently with both 7D and G1X I, much to my surprise, found the choice between images from each camera surprisingly difficult. Very low noise and excellent color performance.

I can understand some of the comments re start-up time and focus performance is slightly below what I would have hoped, but for me these are minor compromises in the performance of an excellent camera.

Don't really understand review comments re battery performance, as I've not been able to stress it so far, and I'm a self-confessed hog who then has to spend far too many hours sorting through the results.

VIdeo performance is stunning. I loaned my wife the camera to try HD Video while i was using the 7D to capture stills, while our daughters were zip lining in rainforest area. Results were impressive, with the video image quality and stabilization outstanding.

Very flexible camera in a small package and a very worthwhile upgrade from the G10. I see a few niggles reported, and a few I agree with, though I'd certainly buy it again as-is. Of course, if Canon are able to deal with them via firmware in the same way as the firmware upgrade about to be released for my 7D, then I'll be a delighted owner indeed!

High quality non-DSLR

It's all a matter of perspective - the G11 or G12 and all point and shoot users for that matter have to be just ecstatic with this camera. Come on boys and girls this is not advertised to be the fastest burst rate DSLR camera out there! But if you want a solid camera that you can take to the next family picnic or downtown street festival this is the best camera for the job. It’s small and light enough to carry around all day and oh my gosh does it take great pictures (and video for that matter). Is it going to replace my DSLR, no. But, I didn’t expect it to either. For me Canon hit a sweet spot for my casual, grab a camera and go needs! Love this G1X !!

Spectacular Photo Quality

Well, I'm sorry to say that this product has really left me wondering what's up at Canon... The image quality is good enough at lower ISOs --- BUT the camera response to menu commands, button clicks, multiple shutter exposures is soooooo slow it reminds you of the early digital cameras.. Certainly not what you would expect. Buy a G12 while they're still available. I love my Canon equipment BUT I'm going to have to find another home for this one soon. Sorry, but this one is just not worth the money and has really surprised me with its slow performance.

Too bad

I've been using a T1i, T3i and a G10 as a back-up and for those "you can't use those camera's here" and for everyday catch'em shots. I fell in love when I saw and felt the G1x. It just feels right, well all except the film button almost under my right thumb! Is there any way to reprogram or deactivate it?
Otherwise I love this camera. The raw exposures are a little dark but have lots of 'meat' on them and are easy revised to meet my needs or expectation. It is also my 'go to' camera for vacationing and those not to be missed photos of the grand-kids!

Better Than Ever

This G1X replaced my G10. Moving up from a G10 (or similar) is easy; most of the controls, menus, and characteristics are unchanged.

The G1X creates noticeably better images, with less noise, than the G10 and so is a success in that regard. G1X images, at lower ISO settings, rival those from my DSLR.

However, the G1X performs no better, and in some ways worse, than the G10. Start up time, focus, and continuous shooting are all slow. This is not a camera to capture motion or fleeting moments. Nor is it a camera for macro photography; the macro range is pretty much useless.

The optical viewfinder, never a strong point on the G series, is now nearly worthless because the lens barrel appears in the viewfinder on wide angle shots, hiding whatever lies beyond.

The optional lens hood and filter holder are both disappointments. Their quality is mediocre, especially at their price.

The battery got smaller (while the camera got bigger), so I need to carry a spare for a full day of shooting.

I honestly think Canon rushed the G1X to market for reasons unknown. At this price it could and should be a better camera. In the future I would like to see:

Lens zooming by twisting the lens barrel. (The barrel is always out there, anyway. Why not put that lovely knurled barrel to good use? )

A good Electronic View Finder to replace the abysmal optical viewfinder.

Performance to match entry-level DSLRs.

A lens hood, and a way to mount filters, included as standard equipment.

A Flawed Gem

Having owned the G1 X for over a month, I believe that Canon moved the G Series in the right direction. This isn't really a camera for people to leave on Auto - the photographer needs to work with it. While very versatile, the camera isn't designed to do everything well, e.g. macro, super fast focus, super fast burst, etc. But the many things it does do, it does them superbly. The G1 X is well built, solid-feeling and easy to handle and use. The images are the best I've seen in any compact, period.
---
The G1 X fits me perfectly:
1) An experienced photographer (that shoots a lot of video, too) that simply doesn't want to carry a DSLR
2) A user that wants great image quality, and is willing to work with the cam's limitations
3) A person who wants versatility and capability in a compact (not pocketable) package
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If that sounds anything like you, you owe it to yourself to try one out!

Excellent as Designed; Not for Everyone...

Having been a serious photographer for over 50 years the G1X fills almost all of my current needs elegantly. Starting with a G9 and then a G11 and now the G1X I don't miss the various "serious" cameras that I distributed to my Grandchildren at all. This latest iteration is a quality instrument which does what it was designed to do well.While there are no perfect cameras the G1X will do till there is one.