Canon Powershot G1 X Mark II First Impressions Review

The Canon Powershot G1 X Mark II easily is the most interesting of the gear announced by Canon for the CP+ show. A small, compact camera packed with features, and with a bright, fast lens. Not to forget the big sensor (smaller than APS-C and bigger than 4/3) that delivers close-to-DSLR image quality. The G1 X II sells for $799 and is expected to ship in May 2014.

The folks at reviewed.com are in Yokohama for the CP+ show, and they got a chance to play around with the G1 X Mark II. Some excerpts:

• The G1 X Mark II is smaller in every dimension than its predecessor, though the biggest size savings by far is in height
• Ergonomically, the camera doesn’t suffer much for its slimmer, shorter profile. The grip is actually a bit deeper and narrower, and the new faux-leather covering still provides plenty of traction.
• The G1 X Mark II is a comprehensively better camera than the G1 X, but its new lens is by far its greatest improvement [24-120mm f/2–3.9]
• Autofocus has been significantly beefed up. The new system offers 31 AF points, compared to nine on the original G1 X

Conclusion and pre-order links after the break.

In the conclusion they write:

The retooled Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is a clear shot at the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II [price & specs]—a camera that currently enjoys an undisputed reign atop the pocket cam hierarchy. And in some key specs, the Canon is a superior offering. Its lens is both brighter and has more reach, and the sensor’s a lot bigger, too. All of that ought to translate to higher image quality, especially in low light.

Powershot G1 X II core specs:

• 12.8MP High-Sensitivity 1.5″ CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 6 Image Processor
• Canon 5x Optical Zoom Lens
• 24-120mm f/2-3.9 (35mm Equivalent)
• 3.0″ 1,040k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 30 fps
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
• High Speed AF and 5.2 fps Shooting
• HS SYSTEM and Optical Image Stabilizer
• Dual Control Rings and 14-Bit RAW

The Canon Powershot G1 X II has been officially announced February 12th, and can be pre-ordered for $799 at Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama. Availability: April 2014.

Powershot G1 X II accessories:

• Canon EVF-DC1 ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER for G1X Mark  II: B&H Photo
• Canon WP-DC53 WATERPROOF CASE for G1X Mark II: B&H Photo
• Canon LH-DC80 LENS HOOD for G1X Mark II: B&H Photo
• Canon FA-DC58E FILTER ADAPTER for G1X Mark II: B&H Photo

Amazon and Adorama and B&H Photo have landing pages with pre-order links for all the new Canon Powershot cameras announced today.

[via reviewed.com]