Tested: Canon's new professional compact camera, the G1X

Learn to use a camera's quirks

I have yet to own a camera that did everything that I wanted it to but over the years I have learned to find workarounds to the different features offered by them.

I too like to use optical viewfinders because they are quick and allow a firm grip of the camera and i think that once you get to know a camera it is possible to preset it to give predicable results every time you lift it to your eye.

However optical viewfinders always have their limits and a live view back that turns in all directions makes getting above head shots and low down shots much easier. Waist level use is also very good on this camera.

I find that i use the exposure compensation dial quite a lot but it is both simple and quick to change but best of all from my point of view is low light shooting in dark interiors :)

Viewfinder

I am always glad to be able to use a good optical viewfinder, or even a good electronic VF, but this optical VF does more to promote the virtues of EVFs.

Chose an Lx5 after trying this one

Opted for the Panasonic LX5 for the 24mm wide f/2.0 to 90mm f/3.3 lens. Tried both head to head and for lower light shooting the Lx5 was much better. At 24mm - no comparison - most of these types are 28 at the widest.
Best of all the Lx5 fits in a shirt pocket so I can carry it most places and have it at hand. Shoots silent - a big help in documenting some things where folks are nervous about what they are doing.

portability

The advantage over DSLRs and CSCs is its portability. I take it everywhere, and the articulated screen makes it perfect for unobtrusive shooting. i looked at the Canon M CSC but it is disappointing. I looked at the Sony Nex series but with the separate lenses you may as well take a DSLR.
The image quality could be bettered with L lenses, but the portability makes up for that.

Get a better viewfinder

I've used my Canon G11 for many years partly because I prefer a clear optical viewfinder…the G12 wasn't worth upgrading to.
This G1X retains the same small optical viewfinder, so I went for the Fuji X10 with a great optical viewfinder and fine performance.

Great IQ at the expense of usabilty

Its an odd mix of excellent build, remarkable image quality with versatile controls. Its let down by slow RAW shooting and irritating quirks; like the lack of a lens filter thread and irrational JPEG functions. It’s worth considering for someone who has a Canon SLR and wants an affordable compact camera with the highest possible image quality. Ive been highly impressed by the IQ especially in low light its giving results at 3200 ISO that would have been impossible on a few years ago.

Canon

Good camera! Canon forever! http://www.serendipity-fotografia.com/

With the Fuji X20, the GX1 is now obsolete

I had the opportunity to try the Fuji X20 and the Canon G1X and the Fuji wins on so many points!

- Shutter lag on the G1X is long; the X20 has DSLR-type lag
- The optical viewfinder in the X20 is much more accurate
- Both have great "casual" picture quality
- Zoom range is similar
- No noise at "normal" ISO Levels

The shutter speed and very friendly design (along with a very competitive price here in the US) makes the X20 the new bar