G1X Mark II, Canon finally got it right?

Two years ago, Canon launched their point n shoot with a large 14MP 1.5" CMOS sensor and called it the G1X.

Canon thought they had the enthusiast photographer section sussed, after all; this is a ‘take anywhere’ camera that has DSLR-like handling and image quality! The sensor is SIX times larger than their very popular G12, for goodness sake!

Well, Canon was wrong!

As far as I am concern, the G1X is just a larger version of the G12! Apart from the large sensor, the auto focus is just as slow...

I believe sales of this glorified point n shoot, like Canon's EOS-M was lackluster!

But that was two years ago!

Canon came back with a vengeance!

There are hundreds of website showing what new features Canon has put into this new camera, pointless for me to repeat; you can check it out here.

The feature that impress me most on the G1X Mk2 is the new 24-120 (eqv) f2 zoom lens!

This sample image was taken from Canon GX1 Mk2 website, it was shot at f3.5 for a nice background blur.

Stunning quality for a small JPEG! What a lens! And that is from a camera that cost less than NZD 900.00!

But what about available light photography?  How good is this Canon's new pride and joy?

Then I saw some very nice shots taken at a Chinese opera show's backstage by my Facebook friend, Teoh Peng Kee; with a NEW G1X Mk2!

Don't ask me how come he can get one, Teoh and me went back a long way; he was our top Canon guy when I was working at The Star newspaper in Kuala Lumpur.

A couple of emails later, here are his pictures!

Thanks Teoh! Much appreciated!  :)

@21.2mm ISO 1,600 f3.5 1/60

@24.5mm ISO 2,500 f3.5 1/125

@41.8mm ISO 500   f3.9 1/125

@16.4mm ISO 1,600  f4.5 1/160 Fill-in Flash

@30.3mm ISO 1,600 f3.5 1/160

@12.5mm ISO 1,600 f4.0 1/60

@17.5mm ISO 1,600 f4.0 1/60

@12.5mm ISO 1,600 f2.0 1/200

 All the shots were taken without using the built-in flash except the fourth picture. The built-in flash was used as a fill in light.

The last picture was telling, it was shot at the widest 24mm (eqv) and full f2; look at the detail!

I also requested Teoh to send me a hi res version of Pic 2 and 5, below are the 100% blow-up...

Are they sharp enough for you?

Apart from that fantastic zoom lens, the Mk2 auto focus is much faster; it now has touch screen and even Wi-Fi; why, if you have extra spare cash, you can even fit an electronic finder to the hot shoe!

May be, finally; Canon have got their compact act together?

enthusiast photographers, it aims to be a ‘take anywhere’ camera that still has DSLR-like handling and image quality.
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-g1x_Digital-Camera_review#W8xE6pEUkJjvdr7Q.99

enthusiast photographers, it aims to be a ‘take anywhere’ camera that still has DSLR-like handling and image quality.
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-g1x_Digital-Camera_review#W8xE6pEUkJjvdr7Q.99

enthusiast photographers, it aims to be a ‘take anywhere’ camera that still has DSLR-like handling and image quality.
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-g1x_Digital-Camera_review#W8xE6pEUkJjvdr7Q.99v

enthusiast photographers, it aims to be a ‘take anywhere’ camera that still has DSLR-like handling and image quality.
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-g1x_Digital-Camera_review#W8xE6pEUkJjvdr7Q.99

enthusiast photographers, it aims to be a ‘take anywhere’ camera that still has DSLR-like handling and image quality.
Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/canon-powershot-g1x_Digital-Camera_review#W8xE6pEUkJjvdr7Q.99