Canon Canon g1X v Fuji x100

adam

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Birmingham UK
Name
Adam
Hi I'm new to this forum. I have a question and wonder if anybody can help.

How does the image quality of the canon g1x compare to that of the fuji x100 assuming that the g1x f/length is set to 35mm ?

Thank you in anticaption.

Regards,

Adam.
 
I think that Nippa has/had both of these cameras so would be best placed to directly compare them (assuming he sees this thread, that is).

The Fuji has more DR headroom than the Canon for salvaging highlights, but I find the DR of the Canon hold up well as long as you are careful not to overexpose (it will burn highlights). The Canon has a wonderfuly sharp lens that gives great edge definition. The Fuji is f/2 @ 35mm, whereas the Canon is closer to f/3.5. The Fuji has a nice Fuji colour palette, the Canon has a nice Canon colour palette. The Canon has what I find to be a pleasant noise pattern as you increase ISO, but is probably noisier than the Fuji. The Canon holds up well to processing, but apparently so does the Fuji.

The key difference that I see is not so much that one has better "image quality" than the other, but that the each produce a different type of look to the other and you tend to see each used for different styles of photography. Based on measurable numbers, the Fuji has the better sensor. Based on personal preference, however...that can't predicted or measured. I like them what I see from both of them for different reasons.
 
It's an easy comparison.

I might disagree with Nic here because to my mind images from the G1X are superior (14bit RAW files) and the tele lens is as good as the Leica Elmarit 35mm on my Leica X1.
It even "beats" my Zeiss 16-80mm on my Sony DSLR but I guess that the sensor and Digic 5 probably play a large part in the end results.
What a shame that the body is clunky and that real Macro use requires an additional close up filter(lens).

On the other hand , the Fuji static lens is quite complex ( read what the designers say on the X100 micro site ) and only gives its best at medium/far distances at F4 and F5.6 where it can match the best.
The corners are quite soft and the closer the subject , the softer it becomes ( not talking depth of field here )
DPReview noticed this in their lens test and it manifests itself to the extent that sharp Macro Pictures need to be taken at F8.

Now that's not to say that using the Fuji at F2 is impossible or even difficult it's just that I am rather picky about resolution.
It remains sharp at the centre ( and to many quite sharp enough at the corners too! ) but with it's wonderful handling and glorious colour you can forgive and workaround its foibles.
It is a lovely camera and feels so much nicer to use than the G1X.

Of the 2 cameras the G1X is my preferred choice by a mile.
It is an unsung gem that is slowly gaining a loyal following from those who simply crave the best IQ from a jacket pocket camera with a zoom lens.
I keep reading that it appears to have been a Canon Design Exercise and seems unlikely to be replaced.

You can't go wrong with either really ; they're both great fun to use although looking at the G1X images usually gives me a broader smile.

Just noticed that he OP has a G1X for sale so he'll know all about it's weaknesses and that IQ isn't one of them!



POST SCRIPT JULY 1st

Since writing this I've acquired two new cameras the Fuji X100S and the Sony RX100.
Firstly results from the RX100 are remarkably close the G1X from such a tiny body ; really impressive IQ although for low light the G1X remains the winner.
And then I thought I'd try the X100S...wow!
This is everything that I thought the X100 would be.
It's fast , accurate AF , same lovely colours , great ISO 6400 performance and much better resolution than makes even F2 shots more acceptable.
A joy to use this is my travel camera of choice now even with its Prime Lens.
 
Sounds like he may be undecided about wether to sell or not. This happens to me with my GXR A16, and then another image from it blows me away.
The grass always appears greener. Adam, I'd keep the canon.
 
It's an easy comparison.

I might disagree with Nic here because to my mind images from the G1X are superior (14bit RAW files) and the tele lens is as good as the Leica Elmarit 35mm on my Leica X1.
It even "beats" my Zeiss 16-80mm on my Sony DSLR but I guess that the sensor and Digic 5 probably play a large part in the end results.
What a shame that the body is clunky and that real Macro use requires an additional close up filter(lens).

Actually I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment, Dennis, but I break the difference that I see between the two cameras down to both the measurable and unmeasurable elements of IQ. Measurable things like dynamic range and ISO noise should put the Fuji well ahead of the Canon, and you do notice the influence that either of those measures has on the images from the two cameras...

DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

...but those numbers don't explain why the Canon is so damn good, which is why I have come up with the term "underlying image quality" (i.e. the unmeasurable bit) where I feel the Canon is very strong. In a similar comparison, I had the chance to use the G1X, an Olympus E-M5, and a Sony NEX 5N side-by-side. Once again, those two should blow the doors off the Canon but they just don't. I often see people saying on the Canon forums at photography-on-the.net that Canon should give up sensor manufacturing and become another Sony customer because their sensors test as being measurably better, but I just want to reach through the computer screen, give them a shake and say "are you REALLY, REALLY sure that you want that to happen?"

Aside from that it's a yes to most of your other points as well. I don't know if the G1X has been a sales success, I don't know if there will ever be a G2X, and it does occasionally frustrate. But damn, in most of the ways that matter it is an absolute diamond and I am not too bothered if that remains a well kept secret or not.
 
Hi, Thank you very much for all of your kind and considered contributions. I do like the Canon however I wish to become more involved with street / reportage and indoor photography. I feel that the X100 with its superb view finder may suite - Futhermore a fixed focal length appeals - Strange I know but we all have our own thoughts on this particular matter. Thanks again. Adam.
 
Hi, Thank you very much for all of your kind and considered contributions. I do like the Canon however I wish to become more involved with street / reportage and indoor photography. I feel that the X100 with its superb view finder may suite - Futhermore a fixed focal length appeals - Strange I know but we all have our own thoughts on this particular matter. Thanks again. Adam.

For the purpose that you describe, I would agree that it perhaps not the G1X's area of speciality. In that sort of environment I would want something with a faster lens, faster reflexes and even more flexible set of shooting options. The X100 might be a better choice in that sort of environment, but I still couldn't nominate anything over the top of the Olympus E-M5 if you are comfortable using more modern features like a tilting screen and touchscreen shutter release, albeit it will be more expensive once you add a lens or lenses.
 
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