Canon Updates G1X

Angled front view of the new PowerShot G1X Mark II with the pop-up flash raised. (Source: Canon.)

The new flagship model in the PowerShot G-series range has been redesigned with a stainless steel chassis and all aluminium metal exterior. Like its predecessor, it features a large 1.5-type (18.7 x 14.0 mm) Canon CMOS sensor with multi-aspect shooting that provides an effective resolution of 13.1-megapixels with the native 4:3 aspect ratio and 12.8-megapixels in 3:2 format. The fast 12.5-62.5 mm f/2.0-3.9 zoom lens covers a focal length range equivalent to 24-120m in 35mm format. ITs optical design consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, with one double-sided aspherical UA lens and two double-sided aspherical lenses. Lens-shift stabilisation provides up to 3.5 f-stops of shake compensation and the Intelligent IS system includes 5-axis Enhanced Dynamic IS.

Back view of thePowerShot G1X Mark II. (Source: Canon.)

Angled back view of thePowerShot G1X Mark II with the pop-up flash raised and the LCD monitor tilted. (Source: Canon.)

Canon claims the G1X Mark II is capable of DSLR-like image quality and handling and its large image sensor and fast lens enable it to deliver shallow depth of field comparable to an APS-C size DSLR. A 9-blade aperture ensures attractive bokeh, while ZoomPlus gives added flexibility by digitally doubling the zoom’s reach. The G1X Mark II also allows close-up shooting at a distance of as little as 5cm and features Manual Focus Peaking to assist with accurate focusing.

Top view of the PowerShot G1X Mark II with the zoom lens extended. (Source: Canon.)

An improved AiAF System provides 31 AF points compared to the PowerShot G1X’s nine. The high density AF points and wide coverage across the frame improve the camera’s ability to lock onto subjects accurately. Fully-customisable Dual Lens Control Rings make it easier and quicker to adjust camera settings. The Step and Continuous Rings can be used to control parameters   like zoom, aperture and shutter speed, while the smooth Continuous Ring provides the additional ability to make fine adjustments when manually focusing. The Continuous Ring can also be used to fine tune focus distance after AF is achieved.

A   capacitive 7.5 cm (3.0″) LCD touch-screen provides photographers with an extra option for controlling functions. The high resolution screen displays with sRGB spectrum that is identical to the colour range captured and processed. An optional electronic viewfinder, the EVF-DC1 can be attached to the hot-shoe and features high resolution, quick refresh rates plus the ability to pivot up to 90 degrees.

DIGIC 6, the latest generation of Canon’s image processor, is up to 2.4x times faster than DIGIC 5 and provides a 56% reduction in overall shooting lag, along with fast sustained continuous shooting. It also enables features like Background Defocus and handheld HDR as well as the ability to record Full HD 1920 x 1080 30p movies, with stereo sound.

The camera’s optical zoom can also be used while recording, and the HS System ensures movies look detailed even in low-light. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC make it easy to transfer images to smart-phones, and then upload and share pictures from almost anywhere. Wireless connectivity means the PowerShot G1X Mark II can also be controlled remotely by installing the Canon CameraWindow app on a smart device.

The PowerShot G1X Mark II measures 116.3 x 74.0 x 66.2 mm and weighs approximately 558 grams with NB-12L battery and card installed. It will be available in retail stores across Australia from April. For more information, visit http://www.canon.com.au/.

Key Features:
Large 1.5-type Canon CMOS sensor
12.8 Megapixel images (3:2) and multi-aspect shooting
Fast f/2 aperture and a max ISO 12,800
Ultra-wide 24mm, 5x zoom lens
DIGIC 6 processing and Intelligent IS
31-point AiAF and MF Peaking
Dual Control Rings and touch-screen operation
Wi-Fi with remote shooting and Image Sync
Optional electronic viewfinder
14-bit RAW