More G1 X samples and reviews

So, while we are waiting to know what’s going on with the 5DMk2 successor, the G1 X started to hit the shelfs in Asia and US (according to forum posts). Moreover, Canon Asia has the manuals ready for download (click here). Cool!

Having people buying the G1 X means having people that posts pics in forums (click here, and here for ISO 1600 pics). If you prefer a more professional approach, DPreview posted some studio test samples at different ISO settings (click here).

And there are obviously appearing more and more reviews. Let’s start with Cnet’s review (there is also a video) final verdict:

The good: The Canon PowerShot G1 X delivers excellent photo quality and a nice shooting design.
The bad: Two flaws stand out: the camera’s underperforming lens and sluggish shooting speed.
The bottom line: A big camera capable of shooting some lovely photographs, the Canon PowerShot G1 X’s slow lens disappoints given its high price.

Next, Engadget’s review. They write…:

If you demand that an $800 camera contributes to your photography with “extras” like high ISO, interchangeable lenses or exceptional macro prowess, then the G1 X has rivals that are perhaps more worthy of your consideration. However, having used the G1 X heavily for a few days, we can look past its weaknesses — even its underwhleming battery life and uninformative OVF — and admit we’ve become quite attached to it. Our affection has everything to do with the large sensor, fast lens and the overall physicality of the camera — its design, feel, and the accessibility of its controls. If you want a tool for capturing high-impact images, and not necessarily for adding impact to your images, then the G1 X ought to suit you fine.

Another review I want to list can be found at photographyblog.com. They conclude that:

[…] if you want an all-in-one fixed-lens camera that offers a tried and trusted user interface, excellent image quality, full HD video and a versatile screen, the Canon Powershot G1 X is easy to recommend.

Another interesting video is DigitalRev’s hands-on review of the G1 X:

For pre-ordering in the USA check the following links: Amazon US (click here) free shipping, Adorama (click here) free shipping, B&H (click here) free shipping, J&R (click here). Readers from outside the US can start to check the following links to see if pre-ordering is possible: B&H Photo, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA. The G1 X is now too. Check these offers with the necessary awareness.

 

5D MkIII/X Rumors Round-Up

Photobucket

Sorry for the long break.
First, the most murmured announcement date for the next 5D: February, 28th. That would mean the new 5D will go to sale late March-April. Exciting! There are already hints that Canon is shooting commercials for the new 5D.

Second, it seems that the 5D MkII successor will not be a cam sporting a over 30MP sensor (like Nikon’s new D800, the direct competitor). According to the rumor-mills we review for your reading pleasure, the new 5D will have the following specs: 22MP, 61pt AF, 6.9 fps. These seems to be the most probable specs, unanimously reported allover the Internet. However, the 61pt AF isn’t that sure. There are rumors that the 5DIII/X could come with the AF system of the 1D Mk IV. Finally, the 5DMkIII/X could have the weather sealing first seen on the 7D. A sensor featuring “only” 22MP could come to a surprise for someone, especially since Nikon’s new full-frame camera (again: the direct competitor) features 36MP.

However, what about the supposed split of the 5D line? Should we focus only on a probable 22MP 5DMk3 or is there still some possibility that Canon will release a 5D X with a sensor that can compare with the one featured on the D800? Personally I think Canon will. There are simply too much hints that there could be a high res full-frame cam on Canon’s next-to-be-announced list. Canon’s Chief Executive of Image Communication Products Operations, Mr. Masaya Maeda, gave an interview to some CP+ journalists. The reported comments are (source):

“…Regarding how Canon responds to the competition from Nikon’s D800 and the concern of the successor of 5D Mark II, Maeda indicates that although he cannot leak information about un-announced product, the way Canon develops new product is to satisfy the needs of professional photographers. For instance, the introduction of EOS-1D X is to satisfy professional photographers to photoshoot sports events like the Olympics, in terms of their requirement of high FPS and high image quality under high ISO settings. If Canon thinks the market wants the high resolution models such as the 30+ MP of Nikon’s D800, they can easily develop such products…”

I agree, Canon «can easily develop such products». :-)

[NL] spotted two chinese sites that refer to a 5DMkIII (reported to have 26MP, 19pt AF, 4.9 fps) and a 5D X. See them Google-translated here (5DMk3) and here (5D X). While the spec of the 5D MkIII are those reported above, the 5D X could feature a 45MP sensor, 61pt AF and 3.4 fps.

[via CR, NL, DPreview Canon forum]

 

Sunday drops: 7D & 28-135 IS at minus $1,315, and other deals

There are some great price-drops on Amazon. Check them out there are only a few items per bargain!
The first item in the list below is worth to be considered.

 

 

5D X AND 5D Mk III?

Interesting new rumor reported by [NL]. The 5D line could split in two branches (as it happened years ago with the 1D): a 5D X (rumored since a while) and a 5D Mk III. The rumor reports also some possible specs for both cameras.

5D X
45MP (With a pixel size similar to the power shot G1X)
61 points AF (Similar to the 1DX but simpler)
3.4 fps, 100-6400 (50-12800)
1 Digic 5+ Digic 4
5D mk III
22MP
61 points AF (Similar to the 1DX but but simpler)
6.9 fps, ISO 100-25600(50-51200)
1 Digic 5+ Digic 4
Best HD video quality of any EOS camera

[via NL]

Three lenses, and a funny coincidence

Ok, let’s start with the coincidence. On February 7th Canon announced three new lenses, two primes and a standard zoom lens: 28mm f/2.8 IS USM, 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and the 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM. All three lenses are upgrades from previous versions. So, before dipping in details and specs, let me tell you where the coincidence lies. No idea? Well, on the same day Nikon announces the brand new D800 full-frame DSLR. Still no idea? Ok, I will tell you what I think. These lenses are made i) for full-frame cameras, ii) have improved resolution and iii) are high quality lenses for high quality camera bodies. Still no clues where I am aiming? Did it happen just by chance that Canon announces these lens the same day of Nikon’s D800 presentation? No! I think it allows us to think that an exciting new Canon camera is on the way (ok, not really a new fact).

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