I'm a G12 user jumping into G1X camp recently. I know there have been a lot of numerous post discussing this camera. Here's just some of my thoughts when switching from G12 to G1X.

In terms of weight, yes, G1X feels heavier than G12. But this feeling just struck me during the first time I hold on the G1X. After using it for a while, I’m already comfortable with it. It feels like the lens contributed most of the weight. Another feeling that bumped me initially is the different in terms of texture of the body between G12 and G1X. Holding G1X gives me a “plastic” feel as compared to G12 which has rather rough surface. But again, once I’m getting used to the smooth surface, everything feels at home. It’s a metal body, and I like it to be solid.

By just handling the camera, you won’t feel the size difference between G12 and G1X. In fact, it feels more comfortable with the larger grip from G1X. I wish that the front dial is a little more protrude like in G12, but after some time, I have get used to its design and manage to make smooth and fine adjustment. The rear dial is good without any issue at all. The video recording button is nicely position for me. I know there are people complaining that they accidentally pressed on that button, but for me, not even once. Anyway, I would prefer the * button to place here instead as I used it more than the record button.

The shortcut button remains at the far left, which feels a little weird. I would prefer it to be beside the preview button or switching place for the both. It feels odd to reach the button using my left hand. In terms of overall handling, I would appreciate Canon to ditch all UI graphic when changing ISO, focus and etc to make the camera operation faster. The new placement of ISO and EV is easy to get used to. The closet focusing distance/macro distance is fairly easy to get used to at the wide end, but once zoomed in, sometime I do feel a bit frustrating changing the focus from normal to macro. I still need some time to learn in this aspect.

In terms of picture quality, the first thing I notice is how much detail this camera captured. With the larger sensor, G1X clearly beats G12 in terms of IQ and High ISO performance. Many times I do wish the camera lens can go a little wider, but I can live with that or I just put by wide angle converter on. And the same goes for macro shot. AF is not superbly fast as compared to G12, but it seems to be more accurate to me. This may due to the better IS system as well. Talk about the IS, combine with the good high ISO performance, handheld shot can be taken with very low shutter speed.

There are many interesting features available in the G1X, DR and Shadow correction, Step zoom, in-camera editing & etc. are making me to love it more and more. To sum it up, I can live with the shortage of macro and the more-or-less-the-same focus speed, but the leap of G1X in terms of picture quality, blurring, ISO performance is just what I need for me who mainly shoot on low light & travel photography.