Features: Pro1 vs G12 vs G1x

In 2004, Sony came out with their ICX456 sensor, a 2/3” 8MP CCD, and their DSC-F828 camera using it.  Nikon (8700), Olympus (C-8080), Konica-Minolta (DiMAGE A2) and Canon (Pro1) immediately used that same sensor in their own “premium” compact, non-interchangeable lens cameras of that year.  In those days, one has to suspect that Sony was more interested in selling sensors than cameras!

Although the Pro1 is revered among Canon enthusiasts, most reviews placed it in the middle of the pack of those cameras using the Sony sensor.  In my own opinion, the Pro1 (in Canon’s sometimes strange product numbering system, there is also a Pro70 and a Pro90 IS) was the smallest,  best-looking and most desirable of that group.  Although I seriously considered the Pro1, I already had a G3 and decided to add a Canon DSLR, the 20D, to my arsenal instead of the Pro1.  I think this was the correct decision for me at the time.

For those interested in comparing the specifications and features of the Pro1 to the current G12 and upcoming G1X, I’ve modified the previous chart comparing the G9, G12 and G1X.  As noted above, I do not own and have never used the Pro1.  Also, I could not find the complete specifications (even in the Pro1 manual) and have relied on reviews from DCresource,  DPreview, and  Luminous Landscape.

On re-reading the reviews for the Pro1, I was reminded of the low ISO limits of those years.  the Pro 1 shows very poor performance at ISO 400 and also lots of “purple fringing”.

Features: G9 vs G12 vs G1X

I own and use the PowerShot G9 and G12 and plan to get the G1X.  Below is a rather quick comparison of the specifications and features available in the G9, G12 and G1X.  I did not attempt to list all specifications and features, especially those that were essentially the same or those that I felt were relatively insignificant.  Cells colored green indicate a specification or feature that I felt was significantly desirable or improved in comparison to the other cameras.

G12: Unused Features

The G series Powershot cameras have so many features that they are a veritable “Swiss Army Knife” of cameras. I really like Swiss Army Knives and have, uh, quite a few. Like my Swiss Army Knives, my G12 has a number of features that I don’t actually use but am glad to have around because, well, you never know when they might come in handy.

Before anyone gets upset, I’m not saying that the features about to be listed are useless. I’m just saying that I haven’t used them – yet.

For starters, look no farther than the Mode Dial on top of the G12. I never use Auto because Program mode is preferred for automated shooting (although I rarely use Program mode either). Somewhat surprisingly, I’ve never used the “Quick Shot” setting – no particular reason, I just haven’t. Perhaps I’ve missed something useful. Also on the Mode Dial, I’ve rarely used the “Low Light” setting but this rarity seems reasonable. I’ve used the “SCN” (think of “Scenes”) setting on occasion, especially the HDR and Nostalgic features but that’s about it. I’ve used my G12 to make videos but have yet to use the Miniature mode (although I intend to play with it).

Also on top of the G12, I rarely use the Exposure Compensation dial although I’m glad exposure compensation is provided. My usual practice is to shoot in Aperture Priority (Av) mode and, instead of using the Exposure Compensation dial, switch to Manual Exposure if the Av exposure isn’t quite right. I probably should use Exposure Compensation more often.

On the back of the G12 at left top is the Quick Print or Shortcut button. I agonized over which feature to assign to it as a shortcut and finally selected i-Contrast; however, I promptly forgot that assignment and have never used it. I don't use i-Contrast either. Also, I never print directly from the G12 so the Quick Print feature is wasted on me.

There are Dynamic Range and Shadow corrections that can be accessed through the Function button on the back of the G12. These adjustments do not apply when shooting RAW or RAW + JPEG – my normal practice – so they remain unused.

In the Main Menu, I immediately turned off these features: Digital zoom, AF-Point zoom, Servo AF, Continuous AF, Safety MF, Red-Eye Correction, Red-Eye Lamp, Blink Detection and Date Stamp.

After taking a picture, I’ve never used the G12 for editing. That is, from the Playback menu, I’ve not used these features: Smart Shuffle, Protect, Rotate, Favorites, My Category, i-Contrast, Red-Eye Correction, Trimming, Resizing or My Colors. (Actually, in finding these features, I should learn more about them.)

Well, my list of unused G12 features is shorter than I thought it would be. Plus, I’m now curious about some of these unused features and will be learning more about them.