Canon today introduces the PowerShot G1 X – a revolutionary new compact
camera with a large CMOS sensor, designed to produce DSLR levels of
image quality and control in a highly portable metal body. Created for
professional and serious photographers, the PowerShot G1 X creates a
prestigious new category at the top of Canon’s legendary G-series
line-up, and redefines the performance achievable from a compact camera.
A high-quality camera in its own right or the perfect complement to a professional DSLR, the PowerShot G1 X
combines EOS sensor technology with DIGIC 5 processing power, a new
precision Canon lens and extensive manual control – creating the finest
compact camera Canon has ever produced. Designed to be highly portable,
the PowerShot G1 X features a zoom lens which retracts into a discreet,
robust metal body, providing photographers with an unimposing camera
that delivers high quality images and superior handling.
Professional levels of image quality
Incorporating Canon-developed technologies and expertise
trusted by professionals worldwide, the PowerShot G1 X offers a level of
image quality previously only possible with a Canon DSLR. It’s Canon’s
first compact camera to feature a large, 4:3 aspect, 14.3 Megapixel CMOS
sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm – similar in height to the APS-C sensors
used within EOS DSLR models. Featuring the same pixel size and
structure as the EOS 600D, and a surface area approximately 6.3 times larger than the sensor in the acclaimed PowerShot G12, it provides DSLR image quality in a body small enough to carry anywhere.
The
increased sensor size allows photographers to have greater control over
the depth of field, with increased potential to creatively and
artistically isolate a subject from its background. Improved dynamic
range enables users to accurately capture shadows and highlights within
the same frame, while the 14.3 Megapixel resolution allows for the
output of large-sized prints, or permits images to be cropped for more
powerful compositions.
The PowerShot G1 X also features a range of
benefits that result from the advanced CMOS sensor technology developed
within Canon’s EOS range. On-chip noise reduction ensures images are
clear, even at high ISO speeds, while a 4-channel read-out provides high
speed image capture – ensuring fast, responsive performance in all
conditions.
Combining the large sensor with the DIGIC 5 image
processor, the HS System in the PowerShot G1 X sets new standards for
low-light performance, with a maximum full-resolution ISO range of 100
to 12800 – a level never before seen in a Canon compact. Photographers
can shoot using the ambient light in even the darkest of conditions,
capturing natural shots with incredible detail and low noise – providing
a powerful basis for low-light photography.
Precision lens technology
Developed using the same design, manufacturing and quality
processes as the world-renowned EF lens range, the lens in the
PowerShot G1 X is built to achieve professional levels of image quality.
Utilising Ultra high refractive index Aspherical (UA) elements and
precision glass moulding technology, the lens achieves both a compact
size and pin-sharp clarity for the most discerning of photographers. The
lens retracts compactly into the camera body while offering a flexible
4x optical zoom range of 28mm – 112mm, giving photographers the option
to use the zoom creatively and change the framing and perspective of
their shot. A 6 blade aperture also combines with the large-sized sensor
to produce beautiful background blur.
To help ensure optimum
image and Full HD movie clarity, the lens features a 4-stop optical
Image Stabilizer (IS), allowing photographers to shoot in darker
conditions and use shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would be
possible without IS. The optical Image Stabilizer is supported by
Intelligent IS which analyses the focal length, focal distance and type
of camera movement and applies the most appropriate Image Stabilizer
mode¹. For example, when a panning motion is detected, Panning IS is
activated and stabilises in only one direction for more artistic capture
of movement across the frame. Hybrid IS technology is also included to
capture macro subjects without the blur associated with shift camera
shake.
The lens also includes an in-built 3-stop Neutral Density
(ND) Filter, permitting the use of wider apertures in bright light to
achieve a shallower depth of field, or to use slower shutter speeds to
intentionally blur motion.
Extensive control
Following on from the control historically offered by the
PowerShot G-series, the PowerShot G1 X offers Full Manual Control with
shooting mode and exposure compensation dials for quick and intuitive
access to a range of settings. For maximum control over the final image,
the PowerShot G1 X fits seamlessly into the EOS photographer’s
workflow, supporting 14-bit RAW capture for smooth gradations and
natural colours which can be fine-tuned using the supplied Digital Photo
Professional (DPP) software.
Giving photographers the option to
capture split-second action, the PowerShot G1 X features High-speed
Burst HQ, capturing bursts of six full-resolution shots at 4.5fps to
freeze fast-moving action. Alternatively, users can shoot continuously
at 1.9fps right up to card capacity in JPEG format – ensuring longer
sequences of action are captured.
High quality, Full HD movies
The PowerShot G1 X supports Full HD (1080p) movie capture instantly at 24fps, via a dedicated movie button. Taking advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor, users can experience high quality movies, even in low light conditions, with the shallow depth of field associated with a larger sensor. Additionally, the 4x optical zoom can be used whilst filming, offering versatility, while stereo sound is also captured.
The PowerShot G1 X supports Full HD (1080p) movie capture instantly at 24fps, via a dedicated movie button. Taking advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor, users can experience high quality movies, even in low light conditions, with the shallow depth of field associated with a larger sensor. Additionally, the 4x optical zoom can be used whilst filming, offering versatility, while stereo sound is also captured.
Professional handling
With its robust, stainless steel chassis and compact
design, the PowerShot G1 X offers professional-quality handling. A large
vari-angle, 7.5cm (3.0”) PureColor II VA LCD screen allows
photographers to shoot from virtually any angle or position, to get the
composition they desire. The bright, high-resolution, 920k dot LCD
provides a sharp, detailed platform for image framing and review, while
an optical viewfinder (OVF) with dioptre adjuster gives photographers
the option to shoot according to their individual style. A
newly-integrated manual pop-up flash provides the option to add
additional light to a scene, and, using the hotshoe, external Canon
Speedlite flashes can also be used.
Advanced shooting modes
A range of advanced shooting modes are provided to assist
photographers in capturing challenging scenes and situations. When
shooting in very dark conditions without a tripod for example, Handheld
Night Scene captures a high-speed sequence of shots, combining the data
to produce one well-exposed image with minimal blur. Additionally, High
Dynamic Range (HDR) mode captures scenes with a particularly high range
of bright and dark tones, taking multiple exposures and combining them
to deliver rich detail in shadows and highlights.
Expanded potential through accessories
Ideal for EOS DSLR users, the PowerShot G1 X is compatible with a range of EOS System accessories, allowing photographers to instantly expand the potential of the camera. Canon’s EX Speedlite flash units can be used for creative lighting, while the WP-DC44 waterproof case provides protection to a depth of 40m – ideal for shooting in the heavy rain or taking shots underwater – with full access to all controls.
An optional lens Filter Adapter, FA-DC58C, also enables photographers to use a range of filters, such as a circular polariser to enhance blue skies or remove reflections. For more even lighting when shooting macro subjects, a Macro Ring Lite adapter (MLA-DC1) allows Canon’s Macro Ring Lite or Twin Lite flash units from the EOS System to be used.
Ideal for EOS DSLR users, the PowerShot G1 X is compatible with a range of EOS System accessories, allowing photographers to instantly expand the potential of the camera. Canon’s EX Speedlite flash units can be used for creative lighting, while the WP-DC44 waterproof case provides protection to a depth of 40m – ideal for shooting in the heavy rain or taking shots underwater – with full access to all controls.
An optional lens Filter Adapter, FA-DC58C, also enables photographers to use a range of filters, such as a circular polariser to enhance blue skies or remove reflections. For more even lighting when shooting macro subjects, a Macro Ring Lite adapter (MLA-DC1) allows Canon’s Macro Ring Lite or Twin Lite flash units from the EOS System to be used.
Offering
truly advanced levels of professional control alongside unprecedented
image quality, the PowerShot G1 X is the ideal camera for professional
and serious photographers who demand DSLR flexibility and quality from a
compact camera.
PowerShot G1 X – key features:
• Large 14.3 MP CMOS, DIGIC 5, HS System
• Compact 4x zoom; Intelligent IS
• 7.5 cm (3.0”) vari-angle LCD; OVF
• Full Manual, RAW, DPP
• Full HD, HDMI
• High-speed Burst HQ
• Smart Auto
• Extensive accessories
• HDR mode and ND filter
• Optional 40m waterproof case
• Compact 4x zoom; Intelligent IS
• 7.5 cm (3.0”) vari-angle LCD; OVF
• Full Manual, RAW, DPP
• Full HD, HDMI
• High-speed Burst HQ
• Smart Auto
• Extensive accessories
• HDR mode and ND filter
• Optional 40m waterproof case