A QUICK GLANCE

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II Digital Camera is an advanced compact camera featuring a 12.8MP High-Sensitivity 1.5"" CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6 image processor to produce high-resolution still imagery and full HD 1080p video with notable low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 12800. The sensor and processor work together to form the Canon HS SYSTEM, which helps to improve the image quality of dimly-lit shots by reducing noise and enhancing the overall clarity. Additionally, the processor offers a range of speed-related assets throughout the camera, including a maximum full resolution continuous shooting rate of 5.2 fps for up an SDHC/SDXC UHS-I memory card's capacity as well as a High Speed AF system for maintained sharpness in a variety of shooting conditions.

The built-in Canon 5x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-120mm, covering wide-angle to telephoto length perspectives. A maximum aperture of f/2-3.9 contributes to working in low lighting and, when coupled with the 9-blade diaphragm, helps to isolate subject matter and realize a pleasing out-of-focus quality in shallow depth of field images. Benefitting this lens' coverage is an Optical Image Stabilizer system, which helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to suit working with longer shutter speeds and greater focal lengths.

The compact camera design integrates a number of design elements that complement an overall intuitive handling scheme, including a 3.0"" 1,040k-dot capacitive touchscreen LCD that features a tilting design to benefit working from high and low angles. A redeveloped lens design also increases shooting efficiency through its incorporation of Dual Control Rings, which support a range of customizable settings and mimic the operation of a traditional SLR lens, including full-time manual focusing abilities, for greater familiarity during shooting.

Complementing the imaging and handling traits of the camera is built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for the instant sharing of photos and videos to linked mobile devices, home computers, or directly to select social networking sites. Connection is further simplified through the implementation of NFC technology to streamline the sharing process. Once linked, mobile devices can also be used to control and release the camera's shutter.

12.8MP High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 6 Image Processor

The 12.8 megapixel High-Sensitivity 1.5"" CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor work in concert to produce high resolution still imagery and full HD video recording with notable low-light quality and sensitivity to ISO 12800. The combination of these two technologies creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, which provides effective low-light sensitivity with minimal noise and enhanced clarity to truly benefit impressive image making in dimly-lit situations. The processor also contributes to overall speed throughout the camera, including High Speed AF, full HD 1080p video recording, and a full-resolution continuous shooting rate of 5.2 fps with no buffer limit.

The redeveloped sensor and processor also combine to enable RAW imaging with 14-bit signal processing, the same used in Canon's EOS DSLRs, to provide high image quality with expanded post-processing capabilities. RAW imagery can be recorded in both 3:2 and 4:3 ratios, and due to the size of the sensor, the angle of view remains the same when transitioning from one format to another.

Canon 5x Optical Zoom Lens

The built-in Canon 5x optical zoom lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 24-120mm, covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives to suit working in a wide array of situations. The f/2-3.9 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also contributes to producing shallow depth of field imagery, which is further complemented by a nine-blade aperture for producing a smooth out-of-focus quality. Additionally, an inner focusing system benefits a fast AF system and minimal lens movement.

The lens' performance is further enhanced through the inclusion of an Optical Image Stabilizer system, which helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to suit working in difficult lighting conditions. Furthermore, an Intelligent IS system offers unique stabilization solutions depending on specific shooting conditions. The Normal setting corrects for a wide range of movements and is ideal for still photography; the Panning setting detects when panning shots are being made and does not compensate for lateral shake; the Macro (Hybrid) setting specifically corrects for shift-type shake that is common when working with close-up subject matter; the Dynamic mode is highly effective for video work and wide-angle settings and helps to minimize common shake that occurs while walking or moving with the camera; the Powered setting is suited for shooting at the telephoto end of the zoom range when hand shake is most prevalent; the Active Tripod mode is used for recording video atop a tripod where minor amounts of camera shake can occur; and Tripod mode simply turns off the IS since it is no longer needed.

Full HD Video Recording

Full HD 1080p movie recording is supported at 30 fps in the Internet-friendly MP4 format. A built-in stereo microphone provides clear sound and direct playback to an HDTV is afforded through the incorporation of an HDMI port. Additionally, movies can also be recorded in the Apple iFrame format to help expedite the process of importing and exporting videos on a computer.

Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables seamless and instant transferring of photos and videos to mobile devices, home computers, and to select social networking sites. Linking Android devices to the camera is aided through the incorporation of NFC (Near Field Communication), which facilitates connection simply by tapping the two devices. A dedicated Mobile Device Connect Button is available too, to further establish a simplified means for linking both iOS and Android devices. Additionally, Automatic Switching via the Image Sync function works to automatically sync images with any discovered and linked PC within a designated network or, alternatively, images are temporarily sent to the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY for later transferring. 

When connected, the mobile device can also be used to remotely control and release the camera's shutter, self-timer, flash, and zoom from a distance, as well as display a live view image on the linked device's screen.

Camera Design

Revolving around a compact overall form factor, the G1 X Mark II incorporates a large 3.0"" 1,040k-dot, 3:2 aspect ratio capacitive touchscreen LCD for live view monitoring, image playback, and menu navigation. As a touchscreen, convenient and intuitive features, such as Touch AF, touch-enabled shutter release and focus point selection, and simplified menu navigation, are also available to benefit an overall workflow. Additionally, the screen features a tilting design-180° upward and 45° downward-to better facilitate working from high and low angles. For enhanced eye-level viewing, the optional EVF-DC1 electronic viewfinder can also be employed.

Benefitting the overall control and handling capabilities, Dual Control Rings surround the lens and offer an intuitive means for controlling customizable functions and camera settings. The inner ring is stepped and can be set to control aperture value, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. The outer, non-stepped ring has a different texture for easy recognition and is used for fine-tuned adjustments, including full-time manual focus akin to a traditional SLR lens. When combined with a rear control dial, the camera can be easily configured to give immediate access to the most frequently used camera controls.