I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
The G1 X is larger and heavier than the rest of the fixed-lens competition and just able to squeeze into a large jacket pocket, but those who feel awkward handling tiny compacts will take comfort in its bulk and relatively large buttons and dials.
2 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET
Back
Like the G12 that it resembles, the G1 X's control layout and operation is straightforward. Focus-area selection, exposure lock, metering, and menu buttons surround the adjustment/navigation dial, which has ISO sensitivity, macro/manual focus, display, and flash buttons. A programmable Shortcut button sits on the upper left next to the small-but-welcome optical viewfinder and a record button sits under your right thumb.
As is common, you adjust frequently used settings by scrolling around the outside of the display.
3 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET
Dials
It uses the same concentric dial design as the G12, with the exposure compensation dial surrounding the mode dial. In addition to the usual manual, semimanual, and automatic modes, there are special-effects, movie, and two custom-settings modes.
4 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET
Top
The G1 X has a small pop-up flash, and is fairly thick.
5 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET
Big lens
The lens extends pretty far for a 4x zoom, and though the textured area looks like a ring, it's not; in fact, that comes off to reveal a bayonet mount for add-on lenses.
6 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET
Big lens, slow lens
The lens is large, but pretty slow--the maximum aperture narrows very quickly down the focal range.
