In
shape and size, the Canon PowerShot G1 is a departure from the
most recent digital cameras designed by Canon. While still a compact,
the G1 is considerably bigger than any of Canon's S series models,
without quite reaching the size of the Canon Pro 70. Equipped with a 3.3
megapixel CCD, a 3X retracting zoom lens and a flash hotshoe, the Canon
G1 offers features found on high-end range finder cameras that will likely
please serious amateurs; and worry its competitors.
The
G1 successfully blends design concepts found on other Canon models: an
attractive side-hinged LCD screen that can be folded onto the camera's
back used on the Pro 70; the wide and comfortable viewfinder style of
the A5; the simple navigation afforded by the Omni-selector first developed
for the S10.
Unlike the recent
S series cameras, the G1 has a black back, just like the Pro 70
and which, while being less classy than than the brushed alloy of the
A and S cameras, as in fact the distinct advantage of being
non-reflective.
Simply opening it turns it on if it had been on previously when
closed.
While
the viewfinder has a fair size exit pupil and a diopter corrector to its
left, it also has a sharp edged metal trim that protrudes sufficiently
to scratch eyeglasses. It should have been better finished. In the viewfinder,
crosshairs indicate the autofocus point, but there are no parallax markings.
The
top of the G1 presents a large LCD status display, able to show the majority
of camera settings. Placed in the centre is a hotshoe, compatible Canon
Speedlites 220EX; 380EX; 420EX and 550EX, and with most of these units'
functions.
The
area on both sides of the viewfinder support the controls for three commonly
accessed camera settings: flash modes, centre-weighted/spot
metering and macro mode. Placed as they are, selections are
easy to confirm directly on the status screen.
The
right side of the G1 is for the Shutter Release whose surrounding
ring controls the Zoom; and the Mode Dial which has no less
than 12 settings.
The camera's Main Selector is a ring located beneath the Program
Mode Dial, and offers four position: Record - Off - Playback
- Connect. The dial is turned to one side or the other by pushing
on a small ridge on its edge. The design makes it possible to turn on
the camera accidentally when it is slipped into a pouch, or change the
Program Mode Dial setting.
Overall, the design of the Canon G1 is quite traditional and learning
to use the basic controls only takes the matter of a few minutes.
The
top of the G1 presents a large LCD status display, able to show the majority
of camera settings. Placed in the centre is a hotshoe, compatible Canon
Speedlites 220EX; 380EX; 420EX and 550EX, and with most of these units'
functions.
