Why does the G series look so military?

The G1x continues the G-series trend of uber-military design. All black, extremely boxy, sharp edges, knurled controls, etc. Is there a reason for this?

I have to say I've never thought the G series as "military", über or otherwise. Just a case of form following function. And why would knobs not be knurled; grippy is good.

It isn't. It's a good design. The little tiny mini camera things suck...can't hold them in your hand.

I don't think of it as military, but more traditional along the lines of 1870-80's Canon, Nikon, and Ricoh range finder cameras.

Yeah, don't fool with a basic design that has proven to work. People have always been drawn to the rangefinder style of camera, even if the definition is stretched a bit with the G. They can be considered a bit retro in fashion, but when it comes down to it, its all form follows function.

The design characteristics listed are common to many, many cameras.

"Black" is not a military characteristic. Green or brown are always better than black in a military environment.

"Boxy" and "sharp edges" are almost always the shape of things when function is more important than form.

"knurled controls" are always a good idea. Last Sunday I was out taking pictures in freezing temps with the wind blowing. Given a choice between "fingers completely numb from the cold" or "fingers mostly numb and with gloves in the way" knurled controls were mandatory, not optional.

I'm not making a value judgement, just an observation. The G1x reminds me much more of a glock or H&K with the angular design versus the S95 which has more rounded edges, even though both the G1x and S95 are black and essentially rectangles. No doubt the knurled edges are practical, but there are pro cameras that I'm sure get used in very extreme environments and still have less knurling on them...it does seem like Canon has emphasized that style.

bsmotril wrote in post #13898010
I don't think of it as military, but more traditional along the lines of 1870-80's Canon, Nikon, and Ricoh range finder cameras.

man, that's old.

It must be the military design that made this man take his to "work".

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Dennis

Kevan wrote in post #13898016
Yeah, don't fool with a basic design that has proven to work. People have always been drawn to the rangefinder style of camera, even if the definition is stretched a bit with the G. They can be considered a bit retro in fashion, but when it comes down to it, its all form follows function.

Yes, it's not that the G body quit advancing, rather I think it quit declining in usability as most point and shoots have. Many are like trying to hold a bar of soap and put everything in the menus.

krb wrote in post #13898025
"Black" is not a military characteristic. Green or brown are always better than black in a military environment.

Not in Hollywood