CES 2012: Canon PowerShot G1 X is compact in size with APS-C size sensor

Better performance from a smaller body is the order of the day for Canon’s just-unveiled PowerShot G1 X compact. Aimed at pros and enthusiast amateurs, its CMOS sensor is an impressive 18.7 x 14mm, close to the APS-C ones found in their top tier EOS gear.

14.3 MP in a 4:3 aspect ratio and propped up by a Digic 5 processor, the CMOS sensor offers a standard shooting range of ISO 100-12,800, as well as on-chip noise reduction.

A 4x lens give a 28-112mm range when in terms of 35mm, with a max aperture of F/2.8 and 4 stop points of image stabilisation.

Full manual controls, similar to Canon’s G12 are onboard, while the lens gives a 3-stop ND filter, letting you muck around with settings easier without having to worry so much about over-exposure. 1080p recording at 24fps is supported, with HDMI output for big-screen playback.

As well as a pop-up flash and optical viewfinder, you’ll also find a 3-inch 920k-dot resolution display on the rear.

Though technically a compact, this is still a hefty bit of kit however. With measurements of 116.7 x 80.5 x 64.7mm and a weight of 534g, you’re gonna need some clown-sized pockets to fit this in.

Available in late February, it’ll be pricey for a compact, sitting at the £699 mark.

For more news from CES 2012, click here.