Street photographers have multiple options they can choose from today. From the Ricoh GR IV to the Leica Q3, to the Panasonic S9, you get cameras in various form factors for your needs. While the new cameras are fantastic in many ways, the older ones still haven’t lost their charm. For instance, Canon’s G1X Mark II, which was introduced a decade ago. Here’s why the camera is still ideal for street photography in 2026.
The Canon G1X Mark II is a small sensor camera, offering a 1.5-inch CMOS sensor with 12MP resolution. What makes it attractive is the 24-120mm f2-3.9 lens, allowing one to shoot a second from afar. There is a tilting screen that helps in crowded situations, but the lack of weather sealing makes it challenging to take it outdoors.
The Canon camera has plenty of controls at the top, the back and around the lens. The menu is quite simple to navigate, and the placement of the buttons is in the right place, and they are also reminiscent of Canon’s DSLR cameras. Clicking the lens ring helps to set the camera according to the aperture.
The camera’s focus performance is slower than some modern models, but it is not entirely slouchy. You can get the images you desire with ease, you just have to time yourself well. In fact, this camera can teach you a bit about patience, given how much we all seem to want images on the go.
Another selling point is the image quality, which is vivid, saturated and really beautiful. RAW files can help you get the images you desire, and leave lots of room for editing. The high ISO output is also at par with the Micro Four Thirds camera, making it easy for one to shoot in low light. As we added in our review:
Most people traveling, shooting street photography, or even looking for a nice companion camera will enjoy the images that this camera can capture. Coupled with the fact that the attached lens is super sharp and can give you lots of nice bokeh in the right situations, it seems like this is a no brainer.
Given its price today, the Canon G1X Mark II is the right choice for many serious enthusiasts. The camera is fun to use, gives you some fantastic colorful images, and it is pocketable; it is everything most Gen Z’s desire. In fact, Canon should revive this camera with a modern touch, so that more people can invest in a travel-friendly compact.
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