Canon G1 X Mark II Shooter’s Report: Big and beautiful, but is it better?

by William Brawley

posted Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 11:52 AM EDT

Two years ago, Canon announced its first -- and until now, only -- entry in the large-sensor, fixed-lens camera market, the PowerShot G1 X. And what an entry it was -- until the G1 X, no manufacturer had introduced a large-sensor compact with a zoom lens. While impressive on some fronts, there where a few rough edges here and there. Now, the Canon G1 X Mark II offers a response to those criticisms, and looks to be an altogether more well-rounded camera all in all.

Our reviewer, Tim Barribeau, spent some time with the G1 X Mark II, and the camera does indeed address some of the shortcomings of the camera, such as size -- it's smaller and sleeker -- and a new lens -- it's wider, longer and brighter. However, given todays market of more affordable, large sensor compacts and mirrorless cameras, the $800 super-solid and heavy G1 X Mark II may give potential buyers more reason to pause and consider alternatives.

From Tim himself:

"For many people, the Canon G-series (and perhaps the Panasonic LX series) were the first name in point-and-shoot cameras for more advanced photographers. Professionals, journalists, and serious hobbyists kept them in their bags, at the ready, as a smaller alternative to an SLR. While the G1X II is a notable improvement from its predecessor, both externally and internally, with the explosion in other high-end compacts, I'm just not sure that it can retain that position."

Head on over to read Tim's Canon G1 X Mark II Shooter's Report to see for yourself how Canon's latest large-sensor, enthusiast compact camera handles and performs.