Canon unveils the powerful new PowerShot G1 X Mark II – DSLR-level performance, PowerShot portability

Dubai, UAE, 06 May 2014 – Canon Middle East introduces the PowerShot G1 X Mark II Enhanced Grip Editionⁱ – a new flagship compact camera and successor to the PowerShot G1 X, boasting the best imaging performance ever seen in a Canon compact camera. Delivering DSLR-like image quality and handling within the compact form and function of the highly successful PowerShot G-series, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II is the perfect addition to any professional kitbag. Engineered using photographer feedback, it introduces new capabilities that offer outstanding performance and control, building on Canon’s reputation as an industry leader in optics and image quality.

Featuring a completely re-mastered design, with a stainless steel chassis and all aluminium metal exterior, the camera also has a large ergonomic grip for a durable and professional feel. Compact yet comfortable to handle, it makes the perfect companion for demanding and experienced photographers who need a portable, high-performance camera that they can trust and seamlessly integrate into their existing workflow.

A smarter sensor for sharper, brighter shots

The power of the PowerShot G1 X Mark II comes from a large 1.5-type Canon CMOS sensor. With the surface area of the sensor over twice as large as conventional 1.0 type sensors in competitor models, it delivers shallow depth of field comparable to an APS-C size DSLR sensor, making it ideal for professional-looking portrait and macro photography. The new sensor configuration means that it can adapt and use the full width of the lens image circle, whether capturing images in default 3:2 ratio at 12.8 Megapixel or 4:3 ratio at 13.1 Megapixel, allowing creative composition and easy integration with existing DSLR editing processes.

The sensor’s pixels are 4.5x larger than the most recent PowerShot G16, making them more sensitive to light and producing less digital noise for improved shooting in low-light, while the larger pixels also enable a wider dynamic range – capturing more detail in bright highlights and dark shadows.

Outstanding optics in a compact body

A new super-bright f/2.0-3.9 lens harnesses Canon’s heritage of optical expertise to deliver the speed, quality and versatility needed by photojournalists or enthusiasts. Though compact, the lens maintains a wide f/3.9 aperture even when fully zoomed, delivering excellent low-light performance and the ability to control depth of field. The 5x optical zoom lens with 24-120mm focal range and a 9-blade aperture excels at shooting an incredibly diverse portfolio of subjects – from pin-sharp wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits with smooth background blur. ZoomPlus gives added flexibility by digitally doubling the zoom’s reach, while at the opposite end of the scale, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II allows macro shooting at a distance of as little as 5cm. The PowerShot G1 X Mark II also features Manual Focus Peaking, perfect for bringing the best out of macro or portrait shooting.

Accurate and customisable focus and framing

Designed to deliver expert performance within a compact body, the
PowerShot G1 X Mark II includes a number of developments that give professional-level control. The first, an improved AiAF System, now includes 31 AF points compared to the PowerShot G1X’s nine. The high density AF points and wide coverage across the frame improve the camera’s ability to lock onto subjects accurately when creating images with shallow depth of field.

The PowerShot G1 X Mark II is built with fully-customisable Dual Lens Control Rings, making it easier and quicker to achieve the desired photographic result. The ergonomically placed Step and Continuous Rings deliver reassuring control of parameters in increments, including zoom, aperture and shutter speed, while the smooth Continuous Ring provides the additional ability to make fine adjustments when manually focusing. The Continuous Ring can also be used to fine tune focus distance after AF is achieved.

Framing is easy with the camera’s capacitive 7.5 cm (3.0”) LCD touchscreen, offering photographers an extra option for controlling functions. The high resolution screen displays with sRGB spectrum that is identical to the colour range captured and processed, enabling photographers to shoot confidently and review pictures with incredible accuracy.

For expert handling, the hotshoe on the PowerShot G1 X Mark II is compatible with an optional electronic viewfinder. The EVF-DC1 is perfect for those looking for traditional SLR-like ergonomics, with high resolution, quick refresh rates plus the ability to pivot up to 90 degrees.

High performance with DIGIC 6 and Intelligent IS

Built with DIGIC 6, the latest generation of Canon image processor, the
PowerShot G1 X Mark II delivers superior results in a wide range of situations. Up to 2.4x times faster than DIGIC 5, the extra processing power delivers cleaner, less noisy JPEG images and MP4 movies in low-light conditions. Also improving the responsiveness of the device with a 56% reduction in overall shooting lag, it offers fast sustained continuous shooting and enables features like Background Defocus and handheld HDR.

The power of DIGIC 6 also allows the PowerShot G1 X Mark II to record Full HD 1920 x 1080 30p movies, with stereo sound, making it perfect for enthusiasts shooting both stills and videos. The camera’s optical zoom can also be used while recording, and the HS System ensures movies look detailed even in low-light.

Creative images made for sharing

The PowerShot G1 X Mark II includes a number of new features to realise and enhance photographers’ creativity. The enhanced Star Mode now features a new Star Portrait option allows users to capture perfectly-exposed pictures of subjects under a starry sky.

To make it easy to shoot, share and back up, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II introduces new Wi-Fi features. These include in-built NFC for easy initiation when pairing with NFC-ready smart devices by touching devices together. Users simply transfer images onto their smartphones, and then use its cellular data to upload and share pictures from almost anywhere. Wireless connectivity means the PowerShot G1 X Mark II can also be controlled remotely by installing the Canon CameraWindow app on a smart device – ideal for shooting wildlife or taking group shots.

PowerShot G1 X Mark II – key features:

• Large 1.5-type Canon CMOS sensor
• 12.8 Megapixel images (3:2) and multi-aspect shootingⁱⁱ
• Fast f/2 aperture and a max ISO 12,800
• Ultra-wide 24mm, 5x zoom lens
• DIGIC 6 processing and Intelligent IS
• 31-point AiAF and MF Peaking
• Dual Control Rings and touch-screen operation
• Wi-Fi with remote shooting and Image Sync
• Optional electronic viewfinder
• 14-bit RAW

iThe PowerShot G1 X Mark II Enhanced Grip Edition (available in Europe, Middle East and Africa) features a large ergonomic grip for excellent handling.

ii Multi-aspect sensor captures 12.8 MP images at 3:2 aspect ratio with default settings. 13.1 MP images at 4:3 aspect ratio can be captured with the same effective focal length.