Canon G1X - looking ahead

by Brian
(Melbourne Australia)

After many hours of research and your assistance I have decided on the G1X as my choice for our trip to Canada. My question is should I act now or should I wait and see if there is a G2X on the horizon . Our trip is just before mid next year is I have the time to wait . Would appreciate your thoughts.

Hi Brian,

It's a situation that we all face when we decide to purchase a product that is in an area where technology will improve on it rather frequently.

Digital cameras and accessories made by Canon and other manufacturers do get improved upon frequently.

Should we wait until it gets improved on one more time and miss out on using the current model?

Should we buy now because we like the current model and it will take care of our present needs or wants?

I've heard no inkling that Canon is even going to make a G2x, but I can't guarantee anything with Canon. They may even stop making upgrades in the standard G series after the G16, but I doubt it.

Their entry into the mirrorless camera arena with the M series may delay a G2X until they see what the market wants.

You know I like the big (almost a APS-C) sensor in the Canon G1x. The low-light (high ISO) performance is so superior to my G11, a camera which I still like because of it's compact size.

I faced the same dilemma as you are with my decision to buy the G11 when the G12 was coming out. In that case, the G12 was not significantly better.

Canon critics often point out Canon's new versions are not significantly upgraded enough between each offering. Sometimes that is true; other times it's not.

The G1X really broke new ground with it's big sensor in a compact form.

I've found a very useful way to make a decision is to see it visually in front of your eyes.

Divide a piece of paper into two columns. List the reasons to buy the G1X now in one column and the reasons to wait in the other.

Seeing all of the reasons at once will help your mind make the right decision.

One final thought, Having the G1X or another camera in your hands for at least a few months before your trip would be smart move. You need to experiment with it.

You will really want to know it's settings, capabilities, and any limitations quite well by using it for a while before your big trip.

Hope that helps you in making the best digital camera buying decision for you now.

Happy Shooting,
Canon Geek