The G1X from Canon is positioned as one of the best non-DSLR cameras money can buy. With a DIGIC 5 chip and a 14.4 MP sensor, the G1X will prove itself as one of the best point-and-shoot cameras on the market …
Canon G1X
Canon G12 below with it compliments, at $500
Canon unveiled a new compact all-in-one camera for the G-series called the G1X. This bridge model is the first ever compact camera to have a large sensor according to Canon. It is 1.5inch in size, which is about 6-times the size of the sensor found on the Canon G12 — the model that the G1X will most likely be replacing. This sensor, according to Canon, is slightly larger than the micro four-thirds standard that was launched some years back in the market by Olympus and Panasonic. It is only slightly smaller than the APS-C sensor size on Canon’s lower range digital SLRs such as the Rebel Xs.
Compared to the Canon G12 and other G-series models, this is quite an upgrade. Technically, the sensor is the single most expensive individual part of a camera because it is made from a single piece of flawless silicon. The larger the sensor, the more expensive it is. So for a compact camera, this is quite the feature to have. However, buyers will have to pay the price for having these features in a compact. The MSRP on the G1X will be $799. Availability was announced as pre-order now, shipping February.
The G12 is one of the most popular Canon compacts and it is favored by casual users, amateurs and even Pros for its advanced features like compact size, fast lens, manual focus and a hot shoe for customized flash fittings. It goes for a MSRP of $500 but usually sells for less than $400.
