theobennett Loc: Sumatra

Canon has at last addressed the problems with its chunky G1X mirrorless by making the replacement G1X Mk2 more appealing to at least one sector of the market.

What are your thoughts...?

Although the new camera is as ugly as its predecessor, at least the overall chunky size has been reduced. Slightly. Canon has also and unaccountably reduced the sensor pixel capture. Slightly. Pixels on the HS CZMOS sensor are down fom 14.8 to 12.2.

Meanwhile, there's a longer zoom lens range. It has been increased. Slightly.

The price has gone up. Slightly. Or a lot, if you want an eye-level viewfinder. This is now a $300 optional extra for an EVF add-on. That takes the rrp to $US 1,100.

Although faster all auto handling claims are being made, the G1X Mk2's equally, if not more important, manual operation remains vague. But on specs it would be less than Canon's cheaper DSLR offering.

Obviously Canon is not trying to raise its standard all that high, but is looking more toward the well-heeled hobby amateur, and hoping to compete on the mirrorless market against the cheaper Sony. The G1X Mk2 seems no threat to the excellent Fuji X100S that can be bought for about the same price as a G1X Mk2 with EVF and grip. The optional grip is another 'bright' Canon marketing idea for certain markets, including Australia.

The remaining few changes from the "old" G1X include a tiltable pop-up flash and a tiltable vanity LCD screen. The tilting tiny inboard flash allows for bounced extra light in large venues, but with no substantial sensor light capture potential a tilting flash could be a picture disappoinment, and of little use at the Winter Olympics. The tiling LCD screen might appeal to the "selfies" obsessed photographers. But they'll need still to transfer the image to a mobile phone to inflict it on friends and family.

Reviews so far are scant. Cnet seems so far to have the most positive response:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-g1x-mark/4505-6501_7-35835030.html

My thoughts are dim. Declaring my bias, I favour the Fuji X100S still. There'll be many others here who'll have different POVs. After all, there were some peope who actually liked the earlier Canon G1X...!

But the G1X Mk2 could appeal to a sizeable section of soiety who exist for and within social media. The new camera appears to have been designed to appeal to the vanity posers who live on Instagram and for people who are now accustomed to using their mobile phone as a snap happy camera.

So, perhaps Canon might add an android phone to its G1X Mk 3 due out in 18 months...?
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Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Seems like a good idea; a camera with a built in phone, rather than the other way around. Samsung already beat you to it; the Galaxy S4 zoom, available on on AT&T in the USA. Didn't get great reviews

NeilL Loc: British-born Canadian

Perhaps Canon rushed this model to market in order to compete against Sony's new and well-thought-out models. If you're thinking of buying, best wait for more reviews.

theobennett Loc: Sumatra

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Mmmmmm.... I just might possibly be tempted NeilL if the specs weren't so abysmally mean-minded and bean-counter banker motivated.

It seems the reports are correct. Canon is complacent after a decade or more seducing the student market, but now no longer bothering with market research to find out what the majority of consumers in that mirrorless price-features-quality bracket wants. And once you're over the mirrorless $1,000 mark you're beginning to talk back-up pro photojournalism. The PJ agencies have not liked the Canon G1X. Agencies with standing like Alamy actively advise against the camera.

Canon's launch hyperbole makes extravagant claims that can't be supported.

Nor, supriingly has Nikon so far appeared to be bothering with that segment of the mirrorless market.

Surely it can't be simple economics...?

Fuji and Olympus have put sone hard yard engineering and physics hours
into serious upper model mirrorless market research and R&D.

Olympus came up with a retro twist on the eclectic Pen F 1/2 Frame, and has given us the PenD.

Fuji has topped everyone by coming out with as near as dammit a mini Leica challenger and going properly retro to rangefinder stylng and handling ease,
combining an acceptable small sensor with excellent glass, good light capture and splendid ergonomics. The design aesthetics of the Fuji X100 Pro and S aren't half bad either.

But should I wait for something better than the new offering from Canon...?

No. Not really.

I'm heading into the SE Asian jungles in a few weeks time. I don't think I'll risk a wait for a solid, serviceable, alternative to a Canon G1X Mk3 when I know I can rely on my robust Nikon and Fuji.

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theobennett Loc: Sumatra

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Ah yes. You're right. Could it be an Oriental puzzle perhaps..?

I mean, when is a camera to be marketed as a phone, and when is a phone to be marketed as a camera...?

Frankly, I get best communcation on a phone that was sold to me as a phone. Similarly, I enjoy my best still images from still cameras bought as
1. DSLRs and 2. a mirrorless. In my case, a Nikon and an Olympus DSLR, and a Fuji X100S. (I was an early user of the G series Canon, the G12. It was fun for a while. But the optical viewfinder among other drawbacks was inhibiting. It goes to eBay sometime soon.)

As for movies, no contest.... I prefer a dedicated videocamera.

It's sort of a principle I guess.

Like, when out in the paddock I think I'll continue to ride the horse and not try to saddle the cow.

But I guess I'm picky. ;)

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Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

I think Canon will be better served focusing on their DSLR and P&S line ups.

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

Still a bit heavy, and not enough zoom for the money.

--Beagleman

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I was waiting for this camera. Won't get it. Why? No optical view finder. I do not like EV. I think I am down to the Fuji Pro 1.

I am rather tired of DSLRs too big and too heavy.

NeilL Loc: British-born Canadian

I have the Sony RX 10, and, although I'm still new to it and learning, I am extremely happy with it, as are most Hoggers who own an RX series Sony. They are very well built and designed. And, most importantly, the results prove this. Sony spent a lot of time and wisdom on these products before releasing them to market. I would suspect a lot of new models from Canon (or Nikon) for the next little while, at least, will be a knee-jerk reaction to Sony. I wouldn't expect a well thought-out product.

Jim_In_Plymouth Loc: Plymouth MN

As I said earlier I waited two years for the next generation of the G1X. I waited and waited and nothing happened so about a month ago I bought a G1X as a larger sensor upgrade to my G11. And about 10 minutes later the G1X MK2 is announced... or at least that is when I discovered it. After looking at the comparisons, I have no regrets. They did improve the lens but dropped the viewfinder. Have taken little opportunity to capture IQ comparison images... To fed up with snow pictures and more snow pictures. And the G1X came at a significant discount.

humrick

I have used the G1X for 18 mos or so. I do not like the lack of macro and slow/poor focusing. BUT I really love the picture quality. I use a 5DMk2 with L lenses, but their weight can make it difficult to bring in certain situations. I have hiked 12,000 ft peaks in the Rockies with my G1X and know that I can take excellent pictures. I am looking forward to the G1Xmk2 for better focusing and esp better macro. If the low noise in the new imager is true to form, I will definitely be upgrading. i think this camera was made for someone like me, and I am excited about it.