Canon Abandoned the Great Form Factor of the Canon G1X Mk II. But Why?

The Canon PowerShot lineup has been fantastic for many reasons. They were not only cost-effective, but the performance of these compact cameras was adored by everyone. One such model is Canon’s G1X Mk II, launched in 2014. The camera quit before it could become huge in 2026. Here’s a look at why that was a questionable decision more than ever.

Canon G1X Mk II is one of the best innovations in terms of point and shoots that came out because it was so unconventional in just the right ways. It housed a 1.5-inch 12MP sensor, which is just 20% smaller than the APS-C sensors they use but closer to the Four Thirds sized sensors on the market. When you look at the compact build, with a 24-120mm lens, this makes the camera a true pocketable offering. In fact, it was a much-needed improvement over the original G1 X’s narrower lens.

In addition to the sensor, the camera reminds you of a DSLR, thanks to its design and placement of the buttons. The Canon camera is built well, despite the lack of weather sealing, and it truly feels like a companion camera. The dials and button placement make it easy to use. Compared to today’s cameras, it may not seem much, but it is a perfect camera for those who want a big sensor and a zoom lens. In fact, in our review, we said:

There is a lot to love about Canon’s new G1X Mk II: the image quality, the great punch it gives for a small package, the dials, the buttons, the LCD screen, the feel. Honestly, we’re very smitten with this camera. In fact, as a Canon customer for many years, it gives me faith again that the company may return to try to innovate again like they did years ago.

So why did Canon walk away? One of the reasons being the company’s shift to mirrorless cameras. Canon has been keen to focus on full-frame cameras, and that has also resulted in fewer APS-C offerings or compact cameras, since the demand in the market was as such. But now cameras are costing over a thousand dollars, making it challenging as an investment. While the G1X Mk III was launched in 2017, with an APS-C sensor, the market had moved so much that Canon chose to give up on the line.

However, since the trends have changed so much again, the G1X Mk II’s survival makes much more sense. What seemed like a phase, turned out to be a genuine need for a camera that is better than a phone but not as expensive as a full frame. In fact, cameras such as Fujifilm X100VI have changed that, with other brands such as Sony and Panasonic introducing their own versions with the L10, R1XR III and RX10 V.

Moreover, one camera with a fixed lens makes it easy to take anywhere. More and more young photographers are looking at cameras for companionship, to be able to shoot from their travel stories to parties at night. In fact, visiting eBay proves how compacts, including digicams, are making everyone interested in photography again. Sure, social media drives these trends. But it is happening, in real time, and you can’t beat the sales figures. In that sense, a new G1 X-style body with a new sensor and zoom lens can answer that desire directly.

In fact, Canon does not have changed anything, just includes new tech in the older body, and you have a camera that Gen Z would buy. An APS-C camera would make sense if they are able to add weather resistance, a flash, a good viewfinder, some filters, and keep it lightweight. Overall, the compact camera didn’t fail because of the demand, but timing and the future being hyperfocus on megapixels. And now, almost a decade later, all the odds now stand in favor of Canon.