Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Priced at £699 (RRP) in the UK and $799.99 in the US, the Canon PowerShot G1X costs more than some entry-level DSLRs, so Canon's really taking a gamble when it comes to estimating the level of appeal its unprecedented new compact camera will have.
Thankfully, however, the manufacturer has backed up the Canon G1 X's price tag with a whole host of high-end features that go a long way towards justifying its cost.
As with any new model - particularly one that pioneers a new category in a manufacturer's product range - there's nearly always some room for improvement somewhere. However, overall we're impressed with the Canon G1X's feature-set and its real-world performance.
We liked
The Canon G1 X offers a superb level of manual functionality, a good range of customisable features and is capable of producing stunningly detailed full-resolution images.
High quality components such as its 920,000-dot LCD, metal hotshoe and technologies such as its Digic 5 processor all add up to an impressive performance.
We disliked
While the Canon G1 X's lens helps to produce sharp, detailed shots, its maximum aperture (f/2.8) isn't quite as fast as some alternate model's offerings, nor is its 4x optical zoom range as all-encompassing.
In addition to its high price-point - which may put it out of reach for some - it's also quite heavy and bulky, making it less pocketable than some rival compact cameras.
Final verdict
Whether you're looking for an everyday workhorse that provides complete manual control over settings or you want a more portable back-up for your current DSLR, the Canon G1 X delivers a pleasurable handling experience and is capable of producing superb results - particularly if you shoot raw files.
You'll need deep pockets to invest in this prestigious camera, but - if you can stretch to it - you'll be glad you did.
The Canon G1 X impresses on all fronts, delivering excellent handling and great results across its comprehensive range of exposure modes. Pricey it may be, but this camera's real-world performance goes a long way towards justifying its price tag.
