G1X: Canon’s New High-end Compact Camera

This is the G12, but will likely look similar to the G1X

Still remember the Canon PowerShot G12? It will be taken over by the newest one, namely G1X. This Canon’s next high-end compact has been leaked ahead of its expected official launch at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2012 in Las Vegas, January 10-13. The International CES is the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow.

According to the leak, as reported by trustedreviews.com, Canon has upped the megapixel count of the G1X to 14.3, from the 10 megapixels of the PowerShot G12. This is a rather interesting direction for the series to take; the 2008 14.7-megapixel G10 model having been criticised for valuing pixel count over simple image quality.

G1X uses the new DIGIC 5 image processing engine, which should offer good low-light performance and enables a shooting speed of 4fps at full resolution. The G1X also supports 14-bit RAW capture and has a new face detection mode aimed at recognising children’s faces.

Other specs include 4x optical zoom offering a focal range equivalent to 28-112mm, multi-area white balance, 1080p video capture and an HDR mode. Images of the camera have not yet been leaked, but it’s expected to continue the styling of the G-series. Chunky and hardy, it should be able to take a few hard knocks, if not fit into pockets all that comfortably.

The Canon PowerShot G1X will available from February with an estimated price: US$ 799.99.