March 2012
With a new lens, a new image sensor, and the DIGIC 5 imaging processor, our newest model boasts the best image quality* in Canon's history
*Among Canon compact digital cameras as of Nov. 30, 2011 and based on Canon findings.
Photo 1: PowerShot G1 X
In this month's technical report, we take a look at the PowerShot G1 X and present some of its features in detail. The G1 X comes equipped with a 14.3-megapixel, high-sensitivity, 1.5 type CMOS sensor and a 4x zoom lens with a lens-shift image stabilizer (35mm-film equivalent focal length range: 28 – 112 mm).
Development objectives
The PowerShot G series has won rave reviews for pairing top-class image quality for a compact digital camera with commercial-grade reliability and all the sophisticated image processing functions essential for the advanced amateur.
The new PowerShot G1 X (Photo 1) was designed to be the flagship model of the PowerShot G series. The synergy between the DIGIC 5 imaging processor, Canon's in-house produced lens, and CMOS sensor enables this camera to boast the best image quality*1 in compact digital camera history, with bokeh out-of-focus effects*2 rivaling SLR cameras, and outstanding noise reduction performance.*1 The development aim of this new model is as follows.
Realize a high-end compact camera that combines the best image quality in Canon's history with the portability of a compact camera that will satisfy even the most demanding pro users
*1. Among Canon compact digital cameras.*3
*2. When compared to digital SLR cameras using standard kit lenses.*3
*3. As of Nov. 30, 2011, based on Canon findings.
Feature 1 — Advanced image quality
Photo 2: CMOS sensor
Figure 1: Comparison of the CMOS sensor's surface area
Figure 2: Lens construction
Figure 3: HS System
Photo 3: Sample ISO 12800 photo
Canon-made large, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor
The G1 X is equipped with a Canon-produced high-sensitivity CMOS sensor (1.5 type, approximately 14.3 effective megapixels) that has been designed to maximize benefits from the Canon lens and imaging processor combination (Photo 2).
Taking our sensor technology and know-how accumulated through our years of experience with EOS cameras, we developed this CMOS sensor to deliver sensitivity, S/N ratio, and dynamic-range performance on the same level as EOS camera sensors while optimizing it specifically for the PowerShot G1 X. The sensor has about 6.3 times the surface area of the PowerShot G12's sensor (a 1/1.7 type CCD sensor), and its height (shortest side) of 14.0 millimeters is almost the same as an APS-C sized sensor (Figure 1). Its per-pixel light collecting surface area is also about 4.5 times that of the G12.
Since the CMOS sensor can capture more light from its larger surface area, the G1 X's image quality vastly outstrips what people usually imagine from a compact camera. Specific benefits stemming directly from the CMOS sensor include bokeh out-of-focus effects on par with SLR cameras, reduced noise at high ISO speeds, better resolution at low ISO speeds, and smooth, natural-looking tonal expressions that widely surpass the expressiveness of previous compact cameras.
Newly designed Canon lens that gets the most out of the large sensor and DIGIC 5
The PowerShot G1 X is fitted with an f/2.8 (max. wide angle) – f/5.8 (max. telephoto angle) 4x zoom lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 28 – 112 mm. The lens is constructed with 11 elements in ten groups, including two double-sided aspherical UA lens elements and one double-sided aspherical lens element (Figure 2).
We took advantage of the integrated lens unit to make the camera more compact, despite carrying a 4x optical zoom lens and a 1.5 type CMOS sensor. We also designed the optics to maximize the performance of the CMOS sensor and imaging processor to effectively capture light even in dark shooting conditions.
The camera is particularly adept at shooting telephoto portraits with stunning bokeh effects. This is the result of the lens's extremely high resolution at telephoto focal lengths along with the 1.5 type CMOS sensor and the six-blade iris diaphragm.
DIGIC 5 imaging processor
The PowerShot G1 X comes equipped with the high-performance DIGIC 5 imaging processor, which has gained wide acclaim since its introduction on the PowerShot S100.*4 The combination of the high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 has led to the following improvements over the PowerShot G12.
Advanced HS System (Figure 3)
The HS System effectively reduces noise without compromising resolution by optimizing the noise reduction algorithm to suit each image. This lowers noise by about 25 percent (equivalent to two f-stops)*5 at ISO 3200.
Improved white balance performance
The Multi-Area White Balance function detects the light source in each area of the frame and tailors the white balance adjustment accordingly. Therefore, even when the background and the subject are lit by different light sources, the camera can adjust the white balance so both areas are rendered with the optimal coloring.*4
*4. For more information on Multi-Area White Balance and the DIGIC 5, see the December 2011 Technical Report on the PowerShot S100.
*5. The noise level at ISO 3200 is equivalent to that at ISO 800 on the previous model (based on Canon's measurement methods).
High ISO setting (ISO 12800)
Because of the combination of the 1.5 type CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5, the G1 X provides extremely high sensitivity shooting at ISO 12800 without any limitation on the size of the recorded image. Even in locations where it is too dark to see with the naked eye, the G1 X can take vivid photos with little noise (Photo 3). And by taking advantage of the top 1/4000 sec. shutter speed, the camera is great for shooting sports in dim gymnasiums.
Adjustable noise reduction level at high ISO speeds (High ISO NR)
In certain scenes, noise reduction effects become visible when shooting at high ISO speeds. In order to let users choose the noise reduction level that best suits their creative intentions, the G1 X provides three selectable noise reduction levels.*6
*6. Adjustable in M, Tv, Av, and P shooting modes. Level selection is disabled (always set to the Standard level) for RAW images.
Same 14-bit RAW images as EOS cameras
Users can obtain images with richer tonality because the G1 X processes RAW images, and 8-bit RGB JPEG images, in 14 bits, the same quantization resolution used on EOS series cameras, which gives about four times the tonal information as conventional compact cameras.
Digital Photo Professional, the same software used with EOS cameras, is used to develop RAW images, giving users more control over their images to reach their desired intention.
More accurate subject detection in backlit conditions
With improvements to the backlight detection algorithm, the G1 X can detect subjects (people) in scenes where previous cameras would fail to detect the backlighting because it was too dark. Even in Auto flash mode, the camera will automatically control the flash as needed to obtain natural-looking photos.
Optical image stabilizer with a stabilization gain of approximately four f-stops
Smart Flash
i-Contrast
Intelligent IS
Feature 2 — Rich functionality
Figure 4: Intelligent IS
Figure 5: Registering copyright information
The PowerShot G1 X comes with Intelligent IS, which has the camera automatically select the best image stabilization mode according to whether still images or movies are being taken, the zoom position, and the shooting distance (Figure 4).*7
*7. For more information on Intelligent IS, see the December 2011 Technical Report on the PowerShot S100.
Wide array of scene modes*8
The G1 X's High-speed Burst HQ mode can continuously shoot full-sized images (~14.30 megapixels each) at speeds as fast as ~4.5 fps.*9 This shooting mode takes advantage of the CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5's ability to process huge amounts of high-quality data instantaneously.
The Creative Filters shooting mode — which brings together filter-effect scene modes such as Movie Digest, Handheld Night Scene, Toy Camera Effect, and Monochrome found on the PowerShot S100 and other models — and other scene modes give users more enjoyment from taking photos that match different shooting conditions and shooting locations.
*8. See the list of shooting modes in Table 2.
*9. This mode shoots a maximum of six frames per burst.
Smart Auto mode with 32 auto-detection scenes, and Smart Movie mode with 21 auto-detection scenes
Shutter speed settable to as long as 60 seconds in Tv and M shooting modes
Dedicated Movie button, and enhanced movie shooting with optical zooming and stereo audio
The G1 X is the first PowerShot G series camera to have a dedicated Movie button that makes movie recording even easier. The camera supports Full HD Movie, which records in 1920 x 1080 resolution (and at a 24 fps frame rate). The G1 X lets users enjoy taking high-quality movies, as it can turn everyday scenes into beautiful videos through bokeh out-of-focus techniques.
Other movie recording modes include iFrame Movie, which records in the iFrame format put forward by Apple, and Miniature Effect, Monochrome, and other modes that add creative filter effects.
Able to add copyright information
The G1 X is the first Canon compact digital camera with a function that appends preset copyright information to images as they are taken (Figure 5).
As with current EOS cameras, there are two copyright fields — Author's name and Copyright details — that can be registered. The copyright fields can also be registered from the bundled ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser software.
Servo AF / Servo AE
Tracking AF
Continuous AF shooting
Selectable first/second-curtain flash synchronization
AE bracketing / Focus bracketing
Multiple aspect ratios
Histogram display
Feature 3 — More comfortable operation
First Canon compact digital camera with a 3.0 type vari-angle LCD monitor with 922,000 dots (Pure Color LCD V)
Real-image optical zoom viewfinder
Two-level dial for direct access to exposure compensation and shooting modes
Customizable front dial and control dial for EOS-like operation
Auto pop-up flash
Group Playback displays only one image from a group of images taken in the High-speed Burst HQ mode
Movie Digest Playback is specialized for playing movies recorded with the Movie Digest function
Customizable My Menu screen for frequently used shooting options
Feature 4 — Stately body design
The simple design featuring a graceful, glossy black finish and classic straight lines gives the body a powerful presence. The grip has been designed to maintain balance with the lens barrel while using cross-knurled rubber to emphasize a firm feel in the hand.
The straightforward control layout and the refined design provide the user with much greater operability and visibility.
Feature 5 — Enhanced printing functions and digital communications
Select images for printing with DPOF
HDMI mini connector
Able to use EX Speedlite flash units and accessories
Feature 6 — Array of system accessories
Because it comes with a hot shoe, the G1 X, like EOS Digital models, can be used with the EX Speedlite flash units, Macro Ring Light, Macro Twin Light, Speedlite Transmitter, and Speedlite Bracket (Table 1).
Table 1: EX Speedlite flash units and accessories
Photo 4: WP-DC44 waterproof case
Waterproof case (sold separately)
Available as an option, the WP-DC44 waterproof case (Photo 4) allows the G1 X to be used underwater to depths of 40 meters.
Remote switch (RS60-E3) (sold separately)
Eye-Fi card support
This completes our look at the PowerShot G1 X this month. Table 2 lists the camera's main specifications, and Photo 5 illustrates the kit components that come with the camera. There is no fixed suggested retail price for the PowerShot G1 X.
Photo 5: PowerShot G1 X and its kit components
| PowerShot G1 X | |
|---|---|
| Imaging sensor (CMOS) |
1.5 type sensor with ~14.30 effective megapixels (~15.00 total megapixels), high-sensitivity type |
| Color filter type | RGB |
| Photographic lens (35mm-film equivalent) |
28 – 112 mm, f/2.8 (max. wide angle) – f/5.8 (max. telephoto angle), 4x zoom |
| Digital zoom | ~4.0x (~16x max. zoom when combined with the optical zoom) |
| Optical viewfinder | Real-image zoom viewfinder with dioptric adjustment |
| LCD monitor | 3.0 type (TFT color LCD, ~922,000 dots, excellent color reproduction and wide viewing angle), brightness adjustment, Quick-Bright LCD, vari-angle type |
| Focusing | Autofocus: Continuous, Servo AF (follows Servo AE), Face AiAF, Tracking AF, Center, FlexiZone Manual focus |
| Focusing range | Auto mode: 20 cm to infinity (max. wide angle) / 85 cm to infinity (max. telephoto angle), Macro mode: 20 to 70 cm (max. wide angle) / 85 cm to 1.6 m (max. telephoto angle) |
| Shutter | Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 1/4000 to 1 sec., 1/4000 to 60 sec. (total shutter speed range from all shooting modes) |
| Light metering methods | Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (fixed to center / linked to AF frame) |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments, ±2 stops for exposure shift (in movie modes) |
| ISO speeds (Standard Output Sensitivity, Recommended Exposure Index) |
When in P shooting mode: Auto, ISO 100 / 125 / 160 / 200 / 250 / 320 / 400 / 500 / 640 / 800 / 1000 / 1250 / 1600 / 2000 / 2500 / 3200 / 4000 / 5000 / 6400 / 8000 / 10000 / 12800 |
| Flash ranges | 50 cm – 7.0 m (max. wide angle), 1.0 – 3.1 m (max. telephoto angle) (when ISO speed is set to Auto) |
| White balance | Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Underwater, Custom 1, Custom 2 |
| Shooting modes | C1, C2, M, Av, Tv, P, Auto,*1 SCN,*2 Creative Filters,*3 Movie*4 *1. Smart Auto available *2. Movie Digest, Portrait, Landscape, Kids & Pets, Sports, Smart Shutter,*5 High-speed Burst HQ, Handheld Night Scene, Beach, Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist *3. High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap *4. Standard, iFrame Movie *5. Smile Self-Timer, Wink Self-Timer, Face Detection Self-Timer ・Movie recording is possible by pressing the Movie button when in a still-image shooting mode.*6 *6. Modes that inherit still-image mode effects (other modes revert to movies in P mode): Auto,*7 Portrait, Landscape, Beach, Underwater, Foliage, Snow, Fireworks, Nostalgic, Miniature Effect, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap *7. Smart Movie also available |
| Continuous shooting | Normal: ~1.9 fps (when in P shooting mode); ~4.5 fps (when in High-Speed Burst HQ shooting mode)* ・When the scene is bright enough that the flash does not automatically fire. Speed depends on the zoom position. *Max. number of frames per burst: 6 |
| Recording pixels (still images) (when set to a 4:3 aspect ratio) |
RAW: 4352 x 3264, Large: 4352 x 3264, Medium 1: 3072 × 2304, Medium 2: 1600 × 1200, Small: 640 × 480 |
| Compression (still images) | Fine, Normal |
| Movies | Standard movies / recorded with Movie button:*1 1920×1080(24 fps*2), 1280×720(30 fps*3), 640×480(30 fps*3) iFrame movies:1280×720(30 fps*3) *1. When taking Miniature Effect movies: 1280 x 720 (recorded at 1.5, 3, or 6 fps), 640 x 480 (recorded at 1.5, 3, or 6 fps), played back at 30 fps*3 Movies generated with the Movie Digest function: 640 x 480 (30 fps*3) *2. Actual frame rate is 23.976 fps *3. Actual frame rate is 29.97 fps |
| Recording media | SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card |
| Color space | Standard (sRGB) |
| File format | Compliant with Design rule for Camera File system and DPOF |
| Data types | Still images: Exif 2.3 (JPEG) / RAW (14-bit, CR2)* Movies: MOV (video: H.264, audio: Linear PCM (stereo)) *Digital Photo Professional is used for developing RAW images |
| Power supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery: NB-10L; AC adapter kit: ACK-DC80 (sold separately) |
| Dimensions (CIPA compliant) |
116.7 x 80.5 x 64.7 mm |
| Weight (CIPA compliant) |
~534 grams (including battery and memory card) / ~492 grams (body only) |
Table 2: Main specifications of the PowerShot G1 X
