OK - I admit it... I am a gear freak (probably just like half of you reading this post!). A good mate was getting a Canon Powershot G1X, and I toyed with the idea of getting one before deciding to part with some of the grand kids inheritance, despite a certain amount of skepticism about how much I would use this camera. See - most of my work requires good quality DSLR's and expensive lenses, flash units etc. etc. So why buy a compact camera?
Well - the G1X is not your average compact camera... Far from it!
At 14 Mega Pixels, relatively small size and light weight large image sensor (compared to most compacts), Digic 5 processor, Image Stabilisation and handy 4X zoom range (approx 28mm to 112mm in a 35mm equivalent) - the G1X is avery capable camera. Add to this a bunch of handy image functions, 1080P video and very good low light performance and this camera seems like a winner. The perfect compact for professionals and enthusiasts?
Tonight I decided to test some of these capabilities so I took the G1X for a spin along with a medium sized Joby SLR flexible tripod around midnight in downtown Brisbane. Here's some of the results. These first couple of images were shot using the Joby Tripod, using a 10 second timer delay to rid the camera/tripod unit of any vibrations from triggering the shutter.
The following image was shot handheld - something I could not have done with a DSLR and wide angle lens. I would have had to mount the DSLR on a tripod to remove camera shake. Also quite amazing is the detail in the building top, at top centre of the image. This building is behind the others and thus is not that bright - but in the full size image it's clear and well detailed.
The following image was shot hand held using the "Night" image function, and zoomed in - quite amazing result!
This next couple of images were shot using the Joby Tripod from a precarious position on a ledge across the street - but it was the only angle that made compositional sense.
These images were shot handheld using the "Night" image function, which takes 3 images in quick succession and combines the results. With exposures being roughly 1/30 sec, the results are quite amazing.
Conclusions? Well - the G1X lives up to Canon's hype. It's a very capable low light camera, but the lens unit does suffer somewhat under direct light sources. However I can generally shoot around that issue.
The small size of the camera (compared with DSLR's) makes it relatively inconspicuous, even with a Joby Tripod attached - making for relatively hassle free street photography. The camera is easy and simple to use once you have shot with it a little bit, and it allows sanguine minds full control to unleash their creativity.
It's going in my kit and staying there. It will see a lot of use. Where ever and when ever a DSLR cannot go the G1X will, along with spare cards and batteries.
Rating: Two Thumbs Up!
