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:

Imaging Resource has published a preview of the Canon G1 X (click here), and some very interesting test shots done in a lab setting (click here). RAW and JPG files are available. For each ISO setting three shots are available, each with a different noise reduction level. IMHO the images with high ISO settings are anything but bad. Check it for yourself: these are the direct links to the images with noise reduction level 2:

ISO 100 JPG (click here) – ISO 100 RAW (click here)
ISO 200 JPG (click here) – ISO 200 RAW (click here)
ISO 400 JPG (click here) – ISO 400 RAW (click here)
ISO 800 JPG (click here) – ISO 800 RAW (click here)
ISO 1600 JPG (click here) – ISO 1600 RAW (click here) 
ISO 3200 JPG (click here) – ISO 3200 RAW (click here)
ISO 6400 JPG (click here) – ISO 6400 RAW (click here)
ISO 12800 JPG (click here) – ISO 12800 RAW (click here)

The guys over at digitalversus.com have tested the Canon G1 X (click here). The review comes with images at different ISO settings, and with comparisons with other cameras. According to Canon UK the G1 X should be on sale in February (they have also a nice promo-video on their page).

The final verdict is:

Pluses:
Picture quality up to 3200 ISO
Swivel LCD
Good-quality 4x zoom lens
Burst mode 5.4 fps for 6 frames
RAW mode (14 bits)

Minuses:

You can pre-order the Canon G1 X, check the following links:

• Amazon US (click here) release date March 31, 2012, free shipping
• Adorama (click here) no release date, free shipping
• B&H (click here) no release date, free shipping
• J&R (click here) no release date