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Canon G1 X Mark II is the kind of cameras that many people are looking for: large sensor, compact body. It's the camera for people who want to leave their DSLR's without leaving the image quality that DSLR's give. The headline specifications of the Mark II are:
- 12.8 megapixel sensor
- Digic 6 processor
- 24-120mm f/2-3.9 zoom lens
- 5 fps shooting
- Touchscreen control
- WiFi and NFC connectivity
A lot of what this camera represents is not only about competing in the current large-sensor camera market, but also about redressing the legacy of he first G1 X. It's hard to mention the current camera without mentioning that it's predecessor was lukewarmly received. The mystery to that is that on paper, the original G1 X should have been a hit because it was what people were asking for at the time... a large sensor in a small compact body. This was back in 2012, just when mirrorless cameras were staring to gain attention in the North American market. The most immediate problem with that first camera was that it was slow, both in operation and in terms of autofocus performance. A more frustrating issue for experienced shooters was that it was also limited in terms of minimum focus distance, being only able to come as close as 40cm at widest angle or a positively distant 110cm with the lens zoomed all the way out.
The problem with the original G1 X was that it was the type of camera that camera nerds were asking for, but in execution, it was an example of how specs aren't everything. If you didn't mind the bulk of the camera and its limitations, the G1 X delivered in terms of image quality. Funny, thing: with some many people clamoring for high ISO performance, wide dynamic range etc... things that camera people think will make a camera, it was the overall usability aspect of the G1 X that broke it. In other words, specs don't make the user experience. There's always room for a second life in the camera market; the original EOS 5D Mark I was a breakthrough for its time but it hasn't withstood the passing of time. Rather, it was the 5D Mark II that cemented Canon's place in the full frame market. To that end, is the G1 X Mark II the solid second act for Canon's large sensor compact efforts?