The Bully of the Big Sensor Compact

It is no rocket science that a larger sensor camera often produces better images and the Canon PowerShot G1 X is no exception. With a tagline of "Imagery at its Finest", I was tasked by the good people in Canon Singapore to tame this "beast" within 72 hours.

Let's start with some interesting product specifications and features:

• 14.3 Megapixels / 18.7mm x 14mm sensor size (16% smaller than EOS 7D)

• Improved dynamic range

• 28-112mm zoom

• 6-blade circular aperture (giving beautiful bokeh)

• 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS)

• Intelligent IS that automatically detects slow speed panning – single-direction IS

• Intelligent hybrid IS for macro as first introduced in EF100mm f/2.8L Macro lens

• Built-in 3-stop ND filter

• High speed burst of 4.5fps (with 6 shots buffer – shooting RAW)

• 14-bit RAW

Generally, I am quite impressed by the technical specifications. That aside, we will have to let the image quality and the handling speaks for itself.

The following images were taken in collaboration with Canon Singapore and The People's Association PMET Network. In conjunction with the "My Neighbourhood Gems! A Photography Journey" event.

I was given the challenge to produce a series of photographs that showcase the capability of both PowerShot G1 X and PowerShot G12. To encourage more working executives (PMET's primary audience) to take up photography as a hobby. To help create buzz and interests online leading to the actual event.

The event will take place 14 April 2012 (Saturday) with a great lineup of speakers and a same-day photo competition with more than $5,000 worth of Canon goodies and cash to be won. Register Here!

It's always a challenge to shoot familiar architectural icons in unfamiliar ways. I chose to frame a portion of the structure, using the curve to lead the viewer's vision from edge to edge, adding dynamism to a somewhat static object. The enhanced dynamic range of the PowerShot G1 X adds depth and details to the image.

This shot was taken with the PowerShot G1 X resting on the floor. The flexible flip-screen allowed me to compose and ensure that the autofocus point is at the right position. Extreme low-angle works for this scene as the strong ceiling feature leads the viewer's eyes across the frame like an inverted railway track. I waited for a while for the subject to walk into the frame and the relatively slow shutter speed of 1/60 sec blurred her feet adding a sense of movement to the otherwise static composition.

Capturing waterfall requires longer exposure time. I find the in-camera 3-stop ND filter very useful in this situation. I tested a few shutter speeds and I settled for a 1 second exposure as it produces cleaner and sharper streaks of water. A 2-second timer is useful to avoid camera shake caused by pressing of the shutter button.

Always look for interesting foreground object as framing. This traffic light in front of Buona Vista Community Centre perfectly frames the apartment block, segmenting the blue sky into three triangles. I chose a small aperture of f/16 to ensure both the foreground and background objects show a high level of sharpness.

When I compose a photograph with more than one point of interest, I often go back and forth with my eyes glued to the LCD screen (or viewfinder) making sure that none of the elements overlap with each other unnecessarily. Having a vari-angle LCD with fast response rate helps in getting the job done more easily. The colour of the traffic lights affects the mood of the photo, I chose green as it projects a more positive mood.

One of those sights that never fails to intrigue me, I point the PowerShot G1 X upwards using the vari-angle LCD and composed this shot. At its widest, the PowerShot G1 X is very capable in producing high-impact shots with amazing contrast, sharpness and colour rendering. Flare is very much in control as the sun was shining at an angle from the top right corner.

Walking through the void deck, I was captivated by the repeating arches, perhaps a mundane scene for the residents living here. A small aperture of f/16 ensures sharpness from foreground to background.

While in an urban environment, I usually spend more time looking upwards. That's where the PowerShot G1 X flip-screen comes in very handy. When there is good light, highlights and shadows often accentuate the details by adding more depths. Look for repeating patterns and areas with high contrast, which makes interesting monochrome images.

Shooting black and white images is fun but most of us cannot visualize a scene in monochromatic vision. Modern digital cameras such as the PowerShot G1 X allows us to shoot in monochrome by displaying the end result directly on the LCD screen as we shoot. This helps in composition and enhances the shooting experience as it gets you into the right mood.

Having a capable compact camera is not just about creating images that the DSLR can, it is also about producing fun images with the many Creative Filters preprogrammed into the PowerShot G1 X. This wide-angle shot was taken with the Toy Camera filter set to Cool tone. I particularly like the almost infra-red feel, the addition of strong vignette while maintaining all the details in sharpness.

I was having so much fun with the Toy Camera filter, I shot an entire series of photos with it. The filter works particularly well for this image, giving the scene a surreal aura. I am glad that the Cool tone effect does not affect the blue sky, which makes this filter appropriate for artistic architecture.

The Toy Camera creative filter works very well for still life too. I particularly like the sharpness retained by the filter, unlike similar filter found on other camera bodies which often introduce noise, reduce sharpness and over-saturation.

I started playing with the Depth of Field too, at f/2.8 the background blur is very much in control. This is definitely one of the reasons I will carry the PowerShot G1 X with me all the time.

Shooting directly at the sun produces unexpected results, often opening up a whole new way of looking at an ordinary objects such as a lotus flower. I am glad to find that the overwhelming burst of light produces very minimal amount of flare. This shows how well-equipped is the Powershot G1 X in handling difficult lighting situations.

It took me quite a bit of moving around to find the right lotus leaf to help frame up the MBS Skypark. The lighting is great and the orange glow balances the green and blue vividly. 

I saw two siblings playing by the lotus pond, the lighting is beautiful and the reflection is wonderful. However, I find the background too messy with people crowding by the bay, waiting for sunset. I decided to take a big risk, slow the shutter speed to a minimal 1/13 second and took this shot handheld. The PowerShot G1 X in-camera Image Stabilizer (IS) works very well and made this shot possible. I am very happy with the result as the slight motion blur focuses our eyes to the boy, which is my point-of-interest.