G12 or G1X or neither

[Luckypenguin]

The AF speed isn't bad or unworkable but is still nowhere near the industry best for cameras in a similar class and price bracket. Canon has fallen behind in a number of technological areas in their DSLR line and CDAF seems to be a limitation in their advanced compact line as well. I don't know if firmware updates that add capability are Canon's thing, but both the Olympus E-P1 and more recently the Fuji X100 benefited from firmware updates that improved AF speed and the G1X is an obvious candidate for the same treatment (assuming that there is improvement to be made given the current hardware).

[thumb]

I compared both and went with the G12 primarily due to cost. I bought this for times that I don't want to lug my DSLR around. Still learning how to use the camera but am quite impressed with the functions so far.

[hemang]

Originally Posted by thumb

I compared both and went with the G12 primarily due to cost. I bought this for times that I don't want to lug my DSLR around. Still learning how to use the camera but am quite impressed with the functions so far.

I don't have a DSLR but have used a normal SLR years back. I am not inclined to buy one primarily due to the weight and size. Mainly looking for a more compact camera with very good image quality.
Having an A640 P&S, it seems the quality won't really improve on the G12, so I am inclined towards G1X.

[lsquare]

Originally Posted by Luckypenguin

The AF speed isn't bad or unworkable but is still nowhere near the industry best for cameras in a similar class and price bracket. Canon has fallen behind in a number of technological areas in their DSLR line and CDAF seems to be a limitation in their advanced compact line as well. I don't know if firmware updates that add capability are Canon's thing, but both the Olympus E-P1 and more recently the Fuji X100 benefited from firmware updates that improved AF speed and the G1X is an obvious candidate for the same treatment (assuming that there is improvement to be made given the current hardware).

I'm not convinced that a firmware upgrade is going to dramatically improve AF. I don't doubt that a firmware update can improve AF performance as demonstrated by the examples that you gave. I think this is going to be more of a hardware limitation than anything else.

[LincsRP]

Well yesterday I went and purchased the G1X. Have the G12 and an S100 so what the hell did I buy it for? It looks ugly and deffo retro '70's style.

My G12 is a gem. It looks and feels fantastic. Nice controls and bits and bobs everywhere.

My S100, sleek, stylish, compact and fits in the shirt pocket. Ugly G1X won't fit in any of my pockets! Whopping great lens to get fingerprints on and another £30 for a lens hood.

Then I took the first image. Sorry guys you cannot see this as it's my Wife in the shower and even if it were allowed I would like to keep my money for a while longer...

The images are stunning. Even slightly steamed up my Wife looks, err, umm, a bit red - ah, ha, yes! I remember Canon have not yet realised that tungsten is about 2200k and I suspect the AWB only dips to about 2900k or 3200k.

It's ugly (in my opinion) bulky, looks retro, the flash is a bit umm odd with a switch to bring it up (but very smooth) and it has great coverage.

What does it do best. Takes great images. Fails in the design awards stakes, the battery life stakes and won't go in my G12 Lowepro Apex 60 case due to that sodding great protrusion called a lens.

Makes cracking good images tho. I think that's what a camera is for

[ChrisSearle]

I really don't think the differences between the G1X and 'compact' cameras can be overstated. I have a Ricoh GRD3 which takes fantastic photographs for its size, it has an amazing lens but cannot get past the sensor size restrictions. My G1X produces files that are quite comparable to a slightly cropped file from my 1Ds Mk2, no kidding/exaggeration. I want a camera that can give me the very best files for it's size and in this respect the G1X delivers in spades.

I have noticed that the vast majority of G1X owners are astonished at the quality and resolution of the pictures it can produce with the majority of the detractors being people who have only read the spec sheet.

The downsides are clearly documented. If you can live with them, this camera is an utter gem.

[hemang]

Originally Posted by ChrisSearle

I really don't think the differences between the G1X and 'compact' cameras can be overstated. I have a Ricoh GRD3 which takes fantastic photographs for its size, it has an amazing lens but cannot get past the sensor size restrictions. My G1X produces files that are quite comparable to a slightly cropped file from my 1Ds Mk2, no kidding/exaggeration. I want a camera that can give me the very best files for it's size and in this respect the G1X delivers in spades.

I have noticed that the vast majority of G1X owners are astonished at the quality and resolution of the pictures it can produce with the majority of the detractors being people who have only read the spec sheet.

The downsides are clearly documented. If you can live with them, this camera is an utter gem.

Thanks for your views. When I see the G12 and G1X pics posted in the forum, the G12 images look as good. Some of the GiX images seem edited.

I also saw your pics of Mumbai on Flickr of everyday life, taken on G1X. The pics seem just like from a compact camera. However the UK and French pics seem to have better colors, overall much better. How come? I know the Indian landscape is not too great, especially the city.

But I am definitely inclined towards G1X. The price in Mumbai is high, I think I can get cheaper in Bangkok, some relations are visiting there next week.

Edit : I am a complete amateur so my comments may not be completely right. Please don't take any offense.

[iLvision]

I know a G12 is an awesome camera (my cousin has one, i’ve tried it) but from what I know the sensor on the G1x is much bigger. I’d definitely get a G1x.

[snead]

The G1X quality of it's images really surprised me. I wasn't expecting such good quality from a Power Shot camera. My first digital camera was a Canon G1 and now the G1X shows how much development has been made in Canon's "G" line. The combination of the new G1X lens and sensor come very close the that of a cropped DSLR with out all the weight and bulk. No, it's not an action camera, that will cost you about 7 times more plus needing a heavy big of stuff. I carry my G1X on my belt and use a wrist strap. Hardly know it's there.

Some people have found fault in slow AF or some other minor thing but nobody criticizes the picture quality and as far as I'm concerned that's the name of the game! Now I avoid using my 5D when ever possible.

I sold a Fuji X100 and purchased the G1X as a replacement and the G1X is far superior in every aspect except one. It doesn't look like a Leica and only comes in black.

[Judder Man]

The G1x is not a nice looking camera, in fact it looks like one of my old Halina cameras. Thinking of re badging mine and calling it a Halina 35-600 to keep any potential thieves away.

[Judder Man]

Originally Posted by hemang

I also saw your pics of Mumbai on Flickr of everyday life, taken on G1X. The pics seem just like from a compact camera. However the UK and French pics seem to have better colors, overall much better. How come? I know the Indian landscape is not too great, especially the city.


Edit : I am a complete amateur so my comments may not be completely right. Please don't take any offense.

I know a few UK users of the G1x are shootng in JPEG and avoided the post processing of raw files.
The G1x has a great Jpeg engine in the processor which probably gives your observation of more saturated colours, not too everyones tastes though.
This is what I have been doing myself at the moment, my DSLR's setting is RAW format, whilst the G1x have set for JPEG which get processed in less than a minute with very little effort.

[lsquare]

Originally Posted by iluxa007

I know a G12 is an awesome camera (my cousin has one, i’ve tried it) but from what I know the sensor on the G1x is much bigger. I’d definitely get a G1x.

Yea, I think someone said it's 6x bigger than the G12's sensor. That's a huge difference!

[the jimmy]

HERE's a website to add to the mix, it lets you compare two camera's, hopefully it will help you decide instead of drowning you with more information.

Personally I do believe the IQ of the G12 would be more than "somewhat" better than your A640. The link above is for the G12 and G1X, you can also plug in the A640 for further review. Also dpreview has a like feature to compare camera's

[hemang]

I have decided to buy the G1X, but I find it a bit expensive here in Mumbai, ~US$910. I think I can get it in Bangkok for around US$760, my relatives are visiting there next week.

If anyone on this forum is going to visit Mumbai and able to get it for less, do let me know

[msowsun]

Originally Posted by Judder Man

The G1x is not a nice looking camera, in fact it looks like one of my old Halina cameras. Thinking of re badging mine and calling it a Halina 35-600 to keep any potential thieves away.

I like the way my Gg1x looks. It looks very similar to a Fuji medium format film camera.