Thread: Canon G1X Review (with pics)...Sony RX100 thoughts

I'm unsure of how many of us peaked at the G1X. It's a pricey little bugger (can be had for about $700 new or $600 used right now), and has some short comings despite it's price tag. I've had it for about a month, taken it to Europe, and have a pretty good handle on it. Roughly 1k clicks I think.

In short; amazing picture quality (DSLR replaceable for sure), incredibly good low light performance, very versatile, worth every penny. Super slow AF compared to a DSLR, but not different enough from other point and shoots I've used (S100, SD870, some Nikon thingies) to worry about it. I have a three year old and 9 month old, and the focus is totally sufficient for every day use. I have also shot some waterskiing and as long as you pre-focus, it's not an issue. I really do think that for ski photography, it'll take stellar pics if you are aware of its shortcomings, and will fit in a small pack or inside jacket pocket if you want to risk it stopping your heart if you fall forward. It's heavy(ish). I'm not one to ever carry any camera in my jacket pocket, so its size is not an issue right now. That said, it's much smaller than a DSLR and I have been much more enticed to grab it running out the door with sippy cups, diaper bags, etc.

Some people are already on the Sony RX100 train, and I'll be giving that camera a hard look. It's likely to give almost as good of pics in a smaller package with faster focusing. But one thing that concerns me for skiing is max shutter. Max shutter speed for the RX100 is 1/2000 vs. G1X's 1/4000. Don't know enough to know if that'll be an issue, but potentially? Maybe Steve can chime in on this one.

Here's a few samples, all JPEG's no post processing. Straight from the cam.:







If you want amazing pictures and know even a little bit about photography, it's worth a look. Right now, I can't see owning a DSLR. Will try and post more pics of fast moving kids and some skiing later.

DSLR is still the cat's meow if you want lens flexibility and a fast camera. But for equal quality and a "little" more portability, this is a good one.

I have a G11 (had a G7 before that), and am interested in the G1X.... when it hits Canon's loyalty/refurb program, and gets to a price that I'm willing to pay.

El C, with that program...you basically get 20% off, right? What happens to the G11 then, do you have to give that back to them? Not sure I understand the program completely yet, but I have an old SD870 that we never use anymore with the G1X. Would love to put that into some Canon real estate.

Originally Posted by justcuz

El C, with that program...you basically get 20% off, right? What happens to the G11 then, do you have to give that back to them? Not sure I understand the program completely yet, but I have an old SD870 that we never use anymore with the G1X. Would love to put that into some Canon real estate.

IIRC, the loyalty program is 20% off their regular refurb prices, which are some % less than MSRP. You have to trade in a Canon camera (any camera) on the loyalty program.

I wouldn't trade the G11 unless it broke by then. I have an ancient SD400 sitting around for use in trading in.

I've been waiting to get enough points on my credit card program to grab it. Thanks for the review.

I can’t recall any camera in recent time with more polarizing comments between those who actually have used it and those who haven’t than this RX100.

Seems nearly all who got one love it and those who didn’t buy one, can’t afford one, don’t want one etc are sure going out of their way to dismiss it, argue that their camera of choice is better and such. The samples at http://www.squidoo.com/sony-rx100 does speak for the quality of this camera in video and stills

I had a Panasonic LX3 and liked it, and am now thinking of getting an LX7. 24-90 1.7-2.3 lens. $500, so a few bucks less than the RX100.

Originally Posted by justcuz

El C, with that program...you basically get 20% off, right? What happens to the G11 then, do you have to give that back to them? Not sure I understand the program completely yet, but I have an old SD870 that we never use anymore with the G1X. Would love to put that into some Canon real estate.

This thread explains it very well.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1088761/c...ally-from-potn

Originally Posted by justcuz

But one thing that concerns me for skiing is max shutter. Max shutter speed for the RX100 is 1/2000 vs. G1X's 1/4000.

IMHO, Shutter lag is a more important issue and will have more impact on your ability to take skiing images (action shots) than the difference between 1/2000 sec and 1/4000 sec.

FYI

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PROD...ny-rx100A6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G1X/G1XA6.HTM

Yes, I have read through those links and indeed the G1x is slower (tried out an RX100 last week). That said, I think most owners would agree that's something that can easily be compensated for by "half shutter" presses or pre-focusing. Maybe not ideal for some. The RX100 is lookin pretty sweet, but IQ wise it won't replace my G1x. I think those that maybe aren't as concerned about that, it's a better choice for that price range, especially if you want to put it in your pocket.

Speaking of action, I took some lightning pics with the G1x two nights ago and the shutter response was PLENTY quick (if pre-focused) to capture a 1 second bolt of lightning. The whole slow focus/lag/start up thing is definitely a non-issue for me...seems to bug others.

Originally Posted by Lonnie

IMHO, Shutter lag is a more important issue and will have more impact on your ability to take skiing images (action shots) than the difference between 1/2000 sec and 1/4000 sec.

FYI

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PROD...ny-rx100A6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G1X/G1XA6.HTM

If that's a concern you're not going to shoot w/ a P&S anyway.