Canon The Canon G1X Experience

Lens Distortion

Now that I've got the Beta version of Adobe DNG Convertor 6.7, I can get access to the uncorrected RAW file to see how much distortion correction is being applied. The following image was taken at 18.9mm, equivalent to 35mm in full frame.


Uncorrected RAW file, opened and saved in ACR.

IMG_0103-DNG-UC-R.jpg
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JPEG, straight out of the camera

IMG_0103-R2.jpg
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RAW file opened and saved in ACR with DIY distortion correction

IMG_0103-DNG-R.jpg
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The in-camera corrected jpeg file has been interpolated back to the full 14MP resolution, similar to the way Micro 4/3 cameras and lenses correct distortion. At this focal length the corrected jpeg still appears to retain a small amount of barrel distortion. My DIY distortion correction from the RAW file reduces the image to 12MP, but results in a slightly wider field of view.
 
The same comparison before but at the widest focal length of 15.1mm


Uncorrected RAW file, opened and saved in ACR.

IMG_0118-DNG-UC-R.jpg
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JPEG, straight out of the camera

IMG_0118-R.jpg
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RAW file opened and saved in ACR with DIY distortion correction

IMG_0118-DNG-R.jpg
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Once again it's possible to create a noticeably wider image than the in-camera correction allows. The corrected image at this focal length is 11MP
 
After another week spent with the G1X I'm not sure if there is much more that I can add about the G1X that I haven't already. I'm aware of any operational limitations that I have described and can cope with them well enough. The only thing new that I have learnt in the last week is that the IQ of this camera is even better than I expected it to be. I was ready to try something different from my existing (Micro 4/3 and EOS) camera gear and the G1X has satisfied that urge. Even the slightest thoughts of something like a Fuji X-Pro1 have disappeared completely (and my bank balance thanks me very much for that!). If Canon creates a mirrorless system based on this camera I'll be near the front of that queue, but until then the G1X, a streamlined Micro 4/3 kit, and a much reduced DSLR kit will be more than enough. Thanks Canon, now how about that "GEOS" system I mentioned...


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1. CG1X-IMG_0199-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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2. CG1X-IMG_0234-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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3. CG1X-IMG_0176-PR Canon Powershot G1X St John's Cathedral Brisbane Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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4. CG1X-IMG_0169-PR Canon Powershot G1X St John's Cathedral Brisbane by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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5. CG1X-IMG_0174-P2R Canon Powershot G1X St John's Cathedral Brisbane Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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6. CG1X-IMG_0172-PR Canon Powershot G1X St John's Cathedral Brisbane Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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7. CG1X-IMG_0217-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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8. CG1X-IMG_0117-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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9. CG1X-IMG_0438-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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10. CG1X-IMG_0431-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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11. CG1X-IMG_0130-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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12. CG1X-IMG_0235-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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13. CG1X-IMG_0170-PR Canon Powershot G1X St John's Cathedral Brisbane Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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14. CG1X-IMG_0216-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia - Urban by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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15. CG1X-IMG_0412-PR Canon Powershot G1X Byron Bay Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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16. CG1X-IMG_0400-PR Canon Powershot G1X Byron Bay Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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17. CG1X-IMG_0404-PR Canon Powershot G1X Byron Bay Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr


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18. CG1X-IMG_0446-PR Canon Powershot G1X Brisbane Australia by Nic (Luckypenguin), on Flickr
 
The camera seems to handle into the light shots with ease and without flaring.

On the image below I cloned out one very small piece of flare on the sand, but that was it. I think I'm going to order a hood for this camera out of habit and good practice, but there was only one occasion on this very bright day where I saw a flare spot across the lens and had to shield it with my hand.

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Incidentally, with the shot above my intent was for a silhouette, but the damn camera has gone and recorded colour and detail in the shadow despite the strong sun and heavy backlighting (I still have the sunburn to prove it!). Combine that kind of low ISO sensor performance in high dynamic range scenes and impressive high ISO performance, with a zoom lens that isn't embarrassed in a comparison with the EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM or the EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM and has an IS system as good as anything I've used, and it will go some way to explaining why I am now struggling to reconcile the price of various other advanced compact cameras.
 
Thanks, Sue, Armando.

These have all been through Color Efex and/or Silver Efex so the colours aren't all strictly from the G1X. I've never felt that the Oly colours were too far removed from that from my Canon DSLRs, but the G1X is probably closer still.

Armando, as to your question: I am going to say yes, but indirectly. I am not going to claim that one fixed lens camera (the G1X) can replace a 25 year old system of cameras and lenses. However, the main reason I've held onto my DSLRs is because I do like the output from them, but hand on heart I will say that the G1X has better IQ than an EOS 500D and EFS 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM. Older camera, yes, but the lens alone costs more than the G1X. Combine the G1X (for my Canon fix) with Micro 4/3 (including the awesome new Leica 25/1.4 and maybe the E-M5) and I can't really see myself having any good reason to choose to use a DSLR over my compact gear. I've already started looking at what I want to sell first.
 
Nic, you live in a beautiful place!!! Keep those photos coming.

I finally played with the G1X at a local shop. Nice build quality. Only thing I didn't like was the viewfinder.
 
Nic, you live in a beautiful place!!! Keep those photos coming.

I finally played with the G1X at a local shop. Nice build quality. Only thing I didn't like was the viewfinder.

I liked the build as well. It felt nice in the hand. I'm currently trying to make a decision about whether I am prepared to sacrifice a good viewfinder for an excellent sensor, or go down the X10 path and have a great viewfinder with a not so good sensor (well the sensor is fine but compared to this... no comparison, really)

I'm currently leaning toward the Canon. But, that could change at any time. Either way, I'm saving my pennies for one or the other.
 
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