Ideal for professionals and advanced-amateur photo enthusiasts seeking exceptional image quality in a compact camera, the new PowerShot G1 X features an all-new Canon-developed 1.5-inch, approximately 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, a newly designed 4x optical zoom lens, and Canon’s high-performance DIGIC 5 image processor. The newly developed CMOS sensor is approximately 6.3 times larger than the 1/1.7-inch sensor employed in the G1 X’s predecessor, the PowerShot G12 (released in October 2010), and has a height dimension comparable to that of APS-C size sensors, making possible a level of image quality that approaches that of digital SLR cameras. In addition to offering an ISO range of up to 12800, the sensor’s improved dynamic range enables smooth, natural gradation expression. The camera’s sensor, newly developed lens and DIGIC 5 combine to deliver impressive background blur similar to that realized by a digital SLR camera^*1 while also realizing superlative noise-reduction performance for outstanding imaging performance in most any shooting situation.

The newly designed 4x optical zoom lens (28-112 mm^*2/ f/2.8-f/5.8) incorporates a large-diameter UA lens element comparable in size to those employed in Canon’s EF lenses and three glass-molded lens elements to reduce spherical aberration and correct for curvature of field while also minimizing color fringing. The lens facilitates the maximum capabilities of the camera’s large CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5 image processor to achieve exceptional image quality.

The G1 X’s outstanding operability, functionality and expandability offer appeal even to digital SLR camera users. It includes an electronic dial that enables quick and easy setting changes while maintaining a hold on the grip, supports the same 14-bit RAW shooting as Canon’s EOS series of digital SLR cameras, and accommodates Speedlite flash units and other EOS-series accessories.

*1 Comparison based on EOS Kiss X5 digital SLR camera outfitted with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens
*2 35 mm film equivalent