Led by Sony with its NEX series, the market for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras has continuously emerged. In fact, prior to NEX introduction by Sony, Olympus has been there but with very little attention. But after NEX’s successful debut, other manufacturers started to marched in, Panasonic and Fuji to name some. Unfortunately the market was forced to wait for so long before the market leaders, Canon and Nikon take their step.
When they finally did however, they raised a bit of disappointment. Nikon decided that this type of camera does not need large sensor. And now Canon seems to conclude that this type of camera does not need interchangeable lens. Both Canon and Nikon prefer to retain clear differentiation to keep dedicated photographers stick to DSLR instead. Geared for serious enthusiasts that already have professional DSLRs however, Canon approach seems to serve its target audience better.
Whilst by appearance Canon PowerShot G1 X looked and felt like Canon’s existing G-series lineup, it is geared into different target as it is equipped with large camera sensor, 28-112mm-equivalent zoom, and even more manual controls. Canon explicitly said that it is geared for photographers who already have high-end DSLR. But with price tag that is not so much different from entry level DSLR, it may entice even wider market, point-and-shot users who want to upgrade to more serious camera.
G1 X carries a 18.7 x 14mm sensor, 0% smaller than most of Canon DSLR cameras but larger than four-third sensors used by Panasonic and Olympus. Even steeper comparison – four times larger – when we compare to Fujifilm X10. With approximately 20% less pixel count than Canon’s 18 megapixel DSLR processor, it is capable to deliver similar quality as EOS 7D.
As appear in G12, the latest member of G-series family, G1 X offers almost the same external controls as professional DSLRs. Sensor size has been the major complain about G12. An aspect that G1 X fixes with its larger sensor. Whilst combining G12 built, controls, and ergonomic with larger sensor makes G1 X a very promising product, Canon does not plan to cease G12.
Built-in lens instead of interchangeable one keeps the the overall size down. To ensure usability, a useful range of 28-112mm equivalent zoom is attached. Mirrorless cameras such as Panasonic GX1 that comes with interchangeable lens may offer larger flexibility, but it requires you to carry more than one lenses. Its aperture range at F2.8-5.8 will not allow you to master the low light, but at least enough to control depth-of-field the same way DSLRs do.
