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Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II review: Canon's high-end compact falls a little short

While there's a lot to like about the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, it's still slow.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
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.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
10 min read

I'm not sure why Canon dubbed this PowerShot G1 X a "Mark II." It's a completely different camera than its predecessor: a significantly redesigned body, new sensor, and wider-aperture lens. Basically, everything that matters. With the PowerShot G1 X, Canon made the poor choice of coupling a great sensor with a relatively narrow-aperture lens. The Mark II incorporates a faster, wider, and longer 24-120mm f/2-3.9 lens which offers closer focus capability. It uses a lower-resolution version of its 1.5-inch CMOS sensor and a new autofocus system, swaps out the articulated LCD for a selfie-friendly tilting version, and drops the optical viewfinder for an optional electronic one.

7.4

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

The Good

With a couple of exceptions, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is very well designed with a functional shooting layout.

The Bad

The camera is relatively slow and given the price, the photo quality should be better. Also, the grip isn't big enough to maintain a solid hold.

The Bottom Line

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II has some solid capabilities and a standout lens, but the overall experience just doesn't live up to its price.

But while some of those updates mark a change for the better -- most notably, the increased lens flexibility -- the results aren't quite as great as I expected. For the most part, I like the camera for street shooting, but some irritating performance lags and not-as-great-as-I-expected image quality makes it disappointing given its $800 USD (£800/AU$1,000) price.

Relative sensor sizes for enthusiast compacts
The Canon G1 X models have relatively large sensors, even bigger than Micro Four Thirds.

Image quality

I have really mixed feelings about the G1XM2's photo quality -- it's better than very good, but not quite excellent. One of the goals of dropping the resolution is to allow for larger pixels, which in turn facilitates a better dynamic range. But it only drops its effective resolution in order to be able to preserve resolution across aspect ratios -- there's no significant increase in pixel pitch -- so you don't don't see any improvement over the G1 X, and you're losing some detail because of the drop to 12.8 effective megapixels.

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II full-size photo samples

See all photos

It still produces very nice photos. They're sharp -- they frequently look oversharpened, actually -- in the area of focus, and the colors are saturated with only slight hue shifts. And as long as you look at them at small sizes, they look great. The lens is quite good, sharp without much fringing or distortion, and round out-of-focus highlights.

But the tonal range isn't very broad. There's little detail that you can recover in blown-out highlights, and there's surprising clipping in dark areas. When looking at the images at 100 percent, the JPEG processing appears, well, the only word I can think of is sloppy: as low as ISO 100 I can get better results over the default settings, which seem to swallow detail in some areas and oversharpen in others. Even printed at 18 x 12 you can see it, and printing tends to hide some JPEG faults (though it exacerbates others, like tonal range).

That said, while they're not quite as good as the RX100 II's, they're very good viewed at 100 percent up to ISO 3200, depending on scene content, and at ISO 6400 at about 50 percent. And note that all the JPEGs were shot at the camera's Super Fine compression setting, not the default Fine.

Video will suit people who aren't terribly picky about their video quality; the color and exposure are fine, but there's tons of artifacts on edges in the scene, and you have no control over shutter speed or frame rate -- the only choice is 30p -- which might help.

Analysis samples

canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-low-iso-770.png
The sensor's relatively low resolution makes it difficult to resolve details that aren't in the precise area of focus. The JPEGs show artifacts as low as ISO 100. (Unless you view the samples at their full 770-pixel width, they won't look right.) Lori Grunin/CNET

canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-high-iso-770.png
While these test shots don't look very good, I found in practice that the camera produced more usable shots at midrange ISO sensitivities. Lori Grunin/CNET

canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-highlight-recovery-770.png
You can recover detail in some blown-out highlights, but overall the tonal range isn't terrific. Lori Grunin/CNET

canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-color-770.png
Canon's default colors push the saturation and contrast a bit, but the neutral option looks a little too flat. Lori Grunin/CNET

canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii-800rj-770.png
Canon's noise processing leaves yellow splotches in patterned areas like these in midrange ISO sensitivity images. (ISO 800) Lori Grunin/CNET

Performance

By the time I got to the lab testing, I knew the G1XM2 was slow -- and the testing confirmed my gut feeling. The lens may have a fast aperture, but it doesn't move that quickly, and I occasionally missed shots waiting for the autofocus to lock. I don't have direct comparison numbers for the G1 X (that was tested using older methodology), but I can say generally that it's slower in some aspects -- notably shot lag -- but faster at shot-to-shot and continuous-shooting performance.

It takes almost 1.6 seconds to power on, focus, and shoot, which is actually on the fast side for enthusiast-compact cameras -- they tend to be a sluggish bunch overall. Time to focus and shoot in good light runs just under 0.8-second; that's really slow, given that most of the competition is at 0.4-second or better. And occasionally, even in good light, the lens would ratchet a little before locking, which would result in missed shots.

Focusing and shooting in dim light is exceptionally slow, at 1.3 seconds. In practice, it's even more frustrating. Much of the time in low-contrast conditions I'd get the "can't focus" icon, sometimes for reasons that I couldn't figure out.

On the upside, the focusing system doesn't hunt a lot from shot to shot, even if you turn off the default continuous autofocus setting. (I hate leaving a camera in C-AF mode since it eats up battery life, and the lens makes noise as it constantly moves.) It takes about 1 second for two consecutive JPEGs and 1.3 seconds for consecutive raws -- that jumps to about 2 seconds with flash enabled. While that isn't particularly fast, it is better than its predecessor.

As for continuous shooting, it maintains 3fps JPEG and 0.8fps raw for more than 20 frames with autofocus enabled. That's fairly typical.

The auto-autofocus system -- Canon's AiAF -- generally works OK, mostly because it errs on the side of picking tons of focus areas and doesn't really grab faces unless they're more-or-less facing you. Frequently, though, it behaves like most full-auto AF, and focuses on whatever's nearest. The continuous autofocus does a pretty good job with subjects moving toward you, but the tracking autofocus, which you need for subjects passing through the frame, only works with touch AF.

Though I vastly prefer using an eye-level viewfinder, the G1 X Mark II's LCD performs well in sunlight, so if you don't want to add another $300 or so to the price of the camera, you don't really have to. The touch screen feels responsive, and you can use it for navigating though your quick-access settings -- though you still have to pull them up via the Func button -- navigating and zooming during playback, and touch focus and touch shutter.

Shooting Speed

Canon PowerShot G16 0.3 0.9 0.7 1.4 1.6Nikon Coolpix P7700 0.4 1.1 1.5 3.2 1.8Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II 0.4 0.5 0.1 0.2 2.5Fujifilm X20 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.7 1.5Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II 0.8 1.3 1.0 1.3 1.6
  • Shutter lag (typical)
  • Shutter lag (dim)
  • Typical shot-to-shot time
  • Raw shot-to-shot time
  • Time to first shot
Note: In seconds, shorter bars indicate better performance

Typical continuous-shooting speed

Fujifilm X20 6.3Canon PowerShot G16 5.8Nikon Coolpix P7700 3.3Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II 3.1Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II 3.0
Note: In frames per second; longer bars indicate faster performance

Design and features

canon-g1x-product-photos06.jpg
The two rings on the lens are one of the high points of the G1XM2's design. Sarah Tew

The camera's design is more streamlined and conventional than the G1 X, and if it weren't for the slight grip I probably wouldn't have any problem with it. It's heavier than its predecessor, but the bigger problem is the small, rubberized grip is simply insufficient for holding it. While it's not that big a problem if you shoot "properly" -- bracing it under the lens with your left hand -- I do a lot of impromptu single-handed shooting, and it doesn't feel very secure.

Even if you always use two hands, I find I fumble a little more than usual, and accidentally change settings. Most notably, my thumb drags over the AF-frame button followed by the dial, and the next thing I know the AF frame has scooted across the screen. Canon offers an optional grip, the GR-DC1A ($30, £n/a, AU$65), but seriously -- the camera is already $800. And it's not like the camera is particularly svelte, so why the skimpy grip?

If it weren't for the performance and the grip, I'd really like it for street photography. There are two rings on the lens -- one clicky and one smooth, which you can program for various context-sensitive operations. For instance, you can set one for stepped zoom and the other for shutter speed in shutter-priority mode, but use one for exposure compensation in aperture-priority mode. I say "can" but the camera does really limit you on the options you can attach to the outermost, smooth-rolling ring.

Using the clicky inner ring for stepped zoom is very nice, though. Thanks to the incorporation of focus peaking, which highlights in-focus edges, the manual focus operates smoothly. Even better, the lens has a built-in lens cover and still retains a bayonet mount. It's the little things that make the experience.

Speaking of little things, a note to tripod users and sling-strap devotees: the mount is close enough to the battery/SD card compartment that you can't swap either while mounted.

canon-g1x-product-photos08.jpg
The tilting flash is a big plus. Sarah Tew/CNET

On the top of the camera, a tilting pop-up flash replaces the small fixed version of the G1 X. Major plus. To the right of the hot shoe, a solo, 360-degree mode dial replaces the stacked exposure compensation and directional dial. In addition to the the usual manual, semimanual and automatic modes, there are two custom settings slots and a movie mode.

It's got full auto (Canon calls it "Smart Auto, but it doesn't seem any smarter than stupid Auto) and there's a Hybrid Auto mode from lower-end models which records short movie clips that it combines with a stills to create a Digest; a filter bracketing mode called Creative Shot; and an individual-filter Image Effects shooting mode.

In the back, the M2 drops the optical viewfinder in favor of an optional tilting EVF (which I didn't get to test) and trades the articulated LCD for a tilting touch-screen version that can flip up 180 degrees for the inevitable selfies. In selfie orientation it has a wink self-timer. You can turn also on smile detection, but that's available only in program scene mode.

Next to the LCD, the rubberized thumb rest has a nice ridge, but the movie record and custom shortcut button are flat and difficult to feel. Below that are the manual focus toggle and AF-area buttons, and the typical navigation dial plus exposure compensation, macro, flash, and ISO buttons. Finally, display options and menu buttons sit beneath that.

Comparative specifications

Canon PowerShot G1 X Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Ricoh GR Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
Sensor (effective resolution) 14.3MP HS CMOS 12.8MP HS CMOS 16.2MP CMOS 20.2MP Exmor R CMOS
Sensor size 1.5-inch
18.7 x 14mm
1.5-inch
18.7 x 14mm
APS-C
23.7 x 15.7mm
1-inch
13.2 x 8.8mm
Sensitivity range ISO 100 - ISO 12800 ISO 100 - ISO 12800 ISO 100 - ISO 25600 ISO 80 (exp)/ISO 125 - ISO 12800
Lens
(35mm-equivalent)
28 - 112mm
f2.8-5.8
4x
24 - 120mm
f2-3.9
5x
28mm
f2.8
1x
24 - 70mm
f1.8-2.8
2.9x
Closest focus 7.9 in/20 cm 2.0 in/5 cm 3.9 in/10 cm 1.9 in/5 cm
Continuous shooting 4.5fps
6 JPEG
3fps
(5.2fps with fixed focus)
n/a
4fps
4 raw/ unlimited JPEG
2.5fps
(10fps with fixed exposure)
n/a
Viewfinder Optical Optional
EVF
Tilting TFT
(EVF-DC1, $299, est £284)
Optional
Reverse Galilean
(est $250 USD)
OLED EVF
0.4-inch/10.2mm
1.44m dots
100 percent coverage
Autofocus 9-area
contrast AF
31-area
contrast AF
190-point hybrid AF 25-area contrast AF
Metering n/a n/a n/a n/a
Shutter 60 - 1/4,000 sec 60 - 1/4,000 sec 300 - 1/4,000 sec; bulb; time 30 - 1/2,000 sec; bulb
Flash Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hot shoe Yes Yes Yes No
LCD 3 in/7.5 cm
Articulated
922,000 dots
3 in/7.5 cm
Tilting touch screen
1.04m dots
3 in/7.5cm
Fixed
921,600 dots
(plus another set of white dots for brightness)
3 in/7.5cm
Tilting
921,600 dots
(plus another set of white dots for brightness)
Image stabilization Optical Optical None Optical
Video
(best quality)
H.264 QuickTime MOV
1080/24p
Stereo
H.264 QuickTime MOV
1080/30p
Stereo
Motion JPEG AVI
1080/30p/25p/24p
Stereo
XAVC S
1080/60p/30p/25p/24p; 720/120p
Stereo
Manual iris and shutter in video No No Yes Yes
Optical zoom while recording Yes n/a n/a Yes
External mic support No No No No
Wireless connectivity None Wi-Fi, NFC None Wi-Fi, NFC
Battery life (CIPA rating) 250 shots 240 shots 290 shots 320 shots (LCD);
230 shots (Viewfinder)
Dimensions (WHD) 4.6 x 3.2 x 2.6 inches
116.7 x 80.5 x 64.7mm
4.6 x 3.0 2.6 inches
116.3 x 74 x 66.2 mm
4.6 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches
116.8 x 61.0 x 35.6 mm
4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 inches
101.6 x 58.1 x 41 mm
Weight (ounces) 18.8 oz
533 g
19.5 oz
552 g
8.6 oz (est)
245 g (est)
10.2 oz (est)
290 g (est)
Mfr. Price $650
£400
n/a
$800
£800
AU$1,000
$750
£550
AU$850
$800
n/a
AU$1,100
Availability February 2012 April 2014 May 2013 June 2014

Above the thumb rest is a tiny, hard-to-feel button that initiates a search for Wi-Fi access points. Unlike other cameras that incorporate NFC to streamline connecting devices, and sometimes even allow for one-tap photos transfers (at least on non-Apple platforms), it's almost completely useless here. It doesn't autoconnect your camera to your mobile device, it only initiates a launch of Canon CameraWindow software, or download if it's not yet installed.

Canon's Mobile Device Connect button lets you specify a smartphone or computer in advance that you'll connect to at the push of a button. Press it and it turns on the camera's Wi-Fi, at which point you have to open your mobile device's wireless settings and select the camera. Opening the Camera Window app completes the process.

You can send photos and movies directly to mobile devices for viewing, editing, and uploading, or use the Wi-Fi to sync your mobile's GPS to geotag your photos. You can also wirelessly send images directly to a photo printer or back them up to a PC on the same network that the camera is connected to.

However, I'd ignore the direct uploading to social networks, unless you want to surrender your personal information to Canon for essentially no return; Canon requires you to sign up and register all the social-networking accounts you plan to share to with its Canon Image Gateway service.

CameraWindow's weak remote shooting capabilities are also somewhat disappointing for a camera in this price class, likely because this is a PowerShot -- EOS gets all the good stuff. It essentially just lets you control the zoom, self-timer, shutter release, and flash (assuming you manually popped it up) for shooting stills.

Other notable features include multi-aspect shooting -- switching from 3:2 (the default) to 4:3 preserves the field of view. There's also a Star Trails mode, which is impossible to test in New York City, for obvious reasons. For a complete accounting of its features and operation, download the PowerShot G1 X Mark II's manual.

Conclusion

At this price, it's hard to make the call, but overall you're probably better off comparison shopping a little. For instance, if you're planning to spring for the EVF, you might to consider the the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 with its even-better lens and which is priced close to what the G1XM2 plus EVF would cost.

Or go in another direction and get a similarly sized interchangeable-lens model like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 or Sony Alpha A6000 , which will give you better photo quality, though it will cost more if you go for a better lens than the kit.

While I haven't yet tested the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III, it offers a superior feature set for the money, and while Sony's contrast autofocus system tends to be slow and irritating, the G1XM2's isn't winning any races either. The RX100M3 doesn't have as flexible a lens, though.

I had high hopes for the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II -- and it's a fine camera -- but in comparison to the competition its flaws hold it back a bit too much.

7.4

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II

Score Breakdown

Design 8Features 8Performance 6Image quality 8