Canon G1x Mark II High ISO Test
I did a quick Canon G1x mark II High ISO Test just to get a quick impression of how the Powershot G1X Mark II image quality holds up at ISO 3200 and above.
One of these reasons I spent the extra dough on this camera was its large sensor and the reported impressive performance under low light conditions. Here is the link to my full review of the Powershot G1x Mark II.
This was definitely not a scientifically controlled test, but I like to test cameras out "in the field" rather than staged lab conditions that most photographers don't shoot under anyway.
These photos are all hand held, G1X Mark II Selfies taken in front of a mirror with subdued natural lighting being supplied by a bathroom window. Doubling the ISO setting in each sample photo corresponded to an increased f-stop and could easily affect sharpness.
I kept the shutter speed consistent to minimize any effects from motion blur, although a more legitimate result would result if I had used a tripod.
Although a decrease in sharpness and acuity is always a factor that comes forth with high ISO settings, I was more interested in exploring the amount of digital noise produced under these conditions.
The most surprising result was the difference in color and saturation when I maxed out the sensitivity on the sensor and changed the ISO setting from 6400 to 12800.
The image shot at ISO 12800 had shifted a bit to the blue side and was less saturated.
I did open the image in PhotoShop to see if I could match it to the others. A few adjustments with Color Balance and Hue/Saturation gave me a good match to the photographs shot at ISO 3200 and 6400.
This shift isn't necessarily a bad thing, but definitely worth noting if you were in a situation that dictated such a change in ISO during a shoot and the had the desire to match photographs.
Canon G1x mark II High ISO Test Conclusion
Overall, I was disappointed with the results of my impromptu Canon G1X Mark II high ISO test. I was recently blown away when I did a similar high ISO performance test on the remarkable Canon R mirrorless camera. Here's that post.
Coming originally from a scientific background, I like clean and sharp images. It's certainly not as good as a full frame DSLR or the remarkable image quality of my full frame mirrorless EOS R at higher ISO levels. The image noise was low for a camera in the G1X Mark II compact class of digital cameras.
I enjoyed using my Canon G11 for several years because of its compact size, its ability to shoot RAW and the inclusion of a hot shoe for using external flash. The G11's biggest shortcoming was its noise levels in photos at anything but the very lower ISO settings.
The larger 1.5 inch sensor in the mid-sized point and shoot camera chassis is a great combination and was long overdue in my opinion.
The images were not tack sharp, but that was more a function of shallow depth of field from such a close distance using relatively large apertures. Not surprisingly, the sharpest image was the last one I took which had the smallest aperture of f/8.
I was very pleased with the lack of significant noise, even at ISO 12800 with the jpg images unedited right out of the camera.
Have a blast. Shoot your canon.
Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.
View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram and Flickr. Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.
You might like these
Canon Powershot G1X Mark II Review. Is It Still Worth The Money?
I waited for the right Canon..... The EOS M and the original Canon G1X fell short. Here is the best one- Canon Powershot G1X Mark II Review
27 Articles on the Canon G1X Mark II. Is it Worth The Money For You
Is the G1X Mark II still any good. G1X Mark II guide to all of the articles on the Canon G1X Mark II. Now's the time to look at the G1X Mark II price.
Canon G1X Mark II Viewfinder Review. Is It Really Worth The Money?
It's not cheap but it's one of the most useful accessories I've ever purchased, the Canon G1X Mark II Viewfinder. Find out the advantages and disadvantages
Canon G1x Mark II Case - Camera Cases For Powershot G1X Mark II
Best way to carry and protect Powershot "G" series cameras, Several types of Canon G1X Mark II cases
KEH: WHERE I BUY CANON GEAR
"I've found that the condition of the used equipment from KEH is excellent and a whole lot cheaper than buying new" - Bruce, the Canon Camera Geek
You might like these
Which Canon Rebel Accessories Are Good Which Are Worthless For 2024
Are you looking for the best Canon Rebel Accessories? Get an overview of possibilities here. Read this first.
Canon Camera Accessories-The 5 Must Have Gadgets And 5 Fun Accessories
Are you searching for Canon camera accessories? Here is what you need to know first. including a helpful list of useful articles on more accessories.
Two Canon Tripods Choices And Alternatives You Can Get. Helpful Guide
Are the Canon tripods any good? Can you abandon your loyalty to Canon when it comes to getting a tripod for your Canon camera?
5 Ways To Get Canon DSLR Protection That Keeps Your Canon Camera Safe
Does your Canon have enough protection from damage and theft? Here's how to select the best Canon DSLR protection. Cases and camera safeguards
Batteries for Canon Digital Cameras - Helpful Guide-Questions Answered
Canon camera batteries. Confused on which one to buy. Choose originals or replacements? Answers to your questions about batteries For Canon digital cameras
RELATED G1X LINKS:
Search for articles on this Site:
In low light situations, I had no problem with shooting at ISO 1600 for most subjects and digital noise was at acceptable levels.
This page may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission. There is no cost to you. Review the affiliate statement at the very bottom of this page if you want more information.
Sign up for an occasional update:
NO SPAM. I PROMISE