Canon G1 X Mark II vs Fujifilm X100S: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Large Sensor Compacts

In the world of large sensor compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Fujifilm X100S represent two distinct philosophies from two heavy hitters. Both arrived around the mid-2010s and quickly earned loyal followings for packing larger APS-C or near-APS-C sensors into pocket-friendly bodies. Yet, they target somewhat different audiences and shooting styles.

After putting both cameras through their paces over countless shoots - from portraits and landscapes to street strolls, wildlife sessions, and even some modest video clips - I’m here to give you a no-nonsense, expert comparison based on real-world experience and deep gear insight. Whether you’re a discerning enthusiast or a professional looking for a versatile backup, this detailed head-to-head will help you decide which large sensor compact best suits your needs and budget.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, exploring sensor tech, autofocus tricks, lens choices, ergonomics, and much more - all sprinkled with tips gleaned from in-the-field testing.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Before tackling image quality or autofocus wizardry, the physical feel of the camera is critical - especially for those who shoot all day or want something pocketable yet substantial.

Take a look at the size comparison below:

Here you see the G1 X II (116x74x66 mm; 553 g) sits a bit chunkier than the Fuji X100S (127x74x54 mm; 445 g). The Canon is slightly thicker but shorter in body length. Meanwhile, Fuji’s retro styling gives the X100S a flatter, sleeker profile with fewer body bumps, though it’s marginally taller. Weight-wise, the Fuji’s lighter build helps reduce fatigue when carrying it around all day.

In hand, the G1 X II’s grip feels more substantial - certainly more club-like for thumbs - lending confidence especially when pairing with its zoom lens. The rubberized, sculpted grip beats Fuji’s more minimalist approach. The X100S sacrifices that bulk for a streamlined, low-profile charm that fits nicely into jacket pockets or smaller bags - perfect for street photographers who prioritize discretion.

As for build quality, neither camera is weather sealed, so neither will stand up to rain or dust-heavy conditions without external protection. Both are solidly constructed, though the X100S’s metal body feels a touch more premium compared to the largely plastic Canon chassis.

Navigating Controls and Interface: Which One Puts You in Charge?

Photography is about creativity, yes, but also about how seamlessly you can adjust settings on the fly. The right control layout can make or break your shooting flow.

Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of their control surfaces:

The Canon G1 X II sports a more traditional camera control scheme with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, mode selection, and easy access to ISO and drive settings on the top plate. It’s intuitive, especially for users migrating from DSLRs or higher-end compacts. The presence of a touchscreen on the tilting rear LCD adds another layer of quick navigation - invaluable when composing at awkward angles or questing through menus.

The Fuji X100S, true to its retro-character design, boasts an eye-catching combination of dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture control right on the body. This tactile setup lets you adjust exposure parameters quickly and precisely without various button combos - a big plus for enthusiasts who like manual control. Its rear screen, though fixed and non-touch, doesn’t hamper the experience much, as Fuji’s interface is unearthed and smooth once you get used to it.

Neither camera offers illuminated buttons, so shooting in dim light means relying on button familiarity over backlit cues.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now onto the soul of the camera - the sensor. This is where the difference between the Canon G1 X II’s 1.5-inch sensor and the Fuji X100S’s APS-C sensor becomes stark and consequential.

Canon’s 1.5-inch CMOS sensor (18.7x14 mm) with 13MP resolution hovers between traditional compact sensors and true APS-C size, with a sensor area of roughly 261.8 mm². The Fuji X100S, however, packs a full APS-C sized CMOS X-Trans II sensor (23.6x15.8 mm) at 16MP with an area of approximately 372.9 mm² - about 40% larger in surface area.

Practically speaking, this size difference manifests in several ways:

• Image detail and resolution: Fuji’s higher-res APS-C sensor delivers crisper fine detail and more cropping latitude. For landscape enthusiasts and portrait shooters who want pixel-peeping sharpness, the X100S shines brighter here.
• Noise performance: Larger sensors generally handle noise better at higher ISOs. Fuji’s sensor pushes to ISO 25600 (boosted), while Canon caps at 12800. Testing reveals Fuji holds cleaner images at ISO 3200 and beyond, while Canon images soften noticeably.
• Color depth and dynamic range: The Canon G1 X II scores 21.5 bits color depth and 10.8 stops dynamic range on DxOmark, solid but shy of APS-C standards. Fuji’s X-Trans II sensor tech preserves fine color gradations and higher contrast in shadows and highlights, making it better suited for scenes with tricky lighting or rich tonal range.

The absence of an anti-aliasing filter in the Fuji X100S further enhances sharpness but can invite some moiré in rare scenes, while Canon retains the AA filter to avoid such artifacts.

In short: If ultimate image quality is your non-negotiable, the Fuji X100S has a near-clear edge thanks to its larger, more advanced sensor.

The Rear Screen and Viewfinder Experience

How you compose your shots and review photos is equally critical. Here’s a look at both cameras’ LCD and viewfinder solutions:

The Canon G1 X II features a 3-inch, 1.04-million dot, tilting touchscreen display with sRGB PureColor II technology. The screen tilts up for high angles and down for low angles, giving flexibility during creative shooting. Its touchscreen capability eases menu navigation and autofocus point selection - a distinct usability plus for casual users and those who like interactive interfaces. However, the resolution is middling by modern standards.

The Fujifilm X100S sports a fixed 2.8-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD, which some might find limiting in resolution and flexibility. Yet Fuji compensates with its unique hybrid viewfinder - a combined 0.5x magnification optical and electronic tunnel viewfinder with 90% coverage. It allows photographers to switch between traditional optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF) modes on the fly, bridging the best of both worlds. This is a treasured feature for street, travel, and reportage photographers.

The Canon offers no built-in EVF, relying on an optional external one - a downside for those who prefer eye-level composition under bright sun or want faster autofocus through the finder.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Getting the Shot When It Counts

When shooting wildlife, sports, or fleeting street moments, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are paramount.

The Canon G1 X Mark II utilizes a contrast detection AF system with 31 focus points (1 cross-type), including face detection and continuous AF tracking modes. Its AF speed is competent but not lightning fast. Continuous shooting tops out at 5 fps - respectable for a compact but limiting for fast action bursts. The touchscreen and AF tracking provide fairly smooth tracking of moving subjects in well-lit situations but degrade in low light.

The Fujifilm X100S employs a contrast detection AF system with 49 points but lacks face or eye detection and continuous tracking. However, Fuji’s specialized EXR II processor gives it a slightly faster AF lock speed in daylight. Continuous shooting rate edges slightly higher at 6 fps.

Neither camera offers phase detection AF, which restricts speed and accuracy compared to hybrid or DSLR systems, especially in low light. Animal eye AF and advanced subject-tracking features are absent from both - expected in their generation and category.

For wildlife and sports shooters who prioritize high-speed AF and burst rates, both cameras are somewhat compromised. But Fuji’s slightly faster AF and higher burst frame rate make it the better pick, if you can work within its fixed 35mm prime lens limits.

Lens and Focal Length Considerations: Zoom vs. Prime

One of the biggest practical differences lies in the lenses: the Canon G1 X II sports a 24–120mm equivalent zoom lens (f/2.0–3.9), whereas the Fujifilm X100S comes with a fixed 35mm f/2.0 prime lens (equivalent focal length).

• Canon G1 X II Zoom Lens
  This 5x zoom is versatile for travel, landscapes, portraits, and casual telephoto. The bright f/2 aperture at 24mm wide facilitates low-light and shallow depth-of-field shots. However, at the long 120mm end (f/3.9 max aperture), sharpness and brightness dip, as is common with zoom lens compromises.

• Fujifilm X100S Fixed Prime
  Equipped with a superbly sharp 35mm f/2 lens, the X100S excels in delivering crisp imagery with beautiful bokeh. Its aperture stays steady at f/2, so performance in low light or for subject separation is consistent. The downside is a lack of zoom - you have to “zoom with your feet,” which might frustrate certain types of photographers. But many street and portrait photographers swear by the creative discipline this fixed lens enforces.

For macro work, the Canon can focus as close as 5cm, giving respectable magnification, compared to Fuji’s minimum focus distance of 10cm. If you want to explore close-ups, Canon takes the edge here.

Battery Life, Storage and Connectivity: Practical Daily Use

Almost as important as image quality and optics is a camera's endurance and connectivity in real-world shooting days.

• Canon G1 X II
  Powered by the NB-12L battery, Canon claims about 240 shots per charge. This is on the low side, especially for long day use without backup batteries. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and offers built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for pairing with smartphones - handy for quick share or remote control.

• Fujifilm X100S
  Fitted with the NP-95 battery, the Fuji manages a more impressive 330 shots per charge, thanks to power-efficient design. Storage is similar with one SD card slot. Connectivity is limited – only Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer; no built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth. This hampers instant sharing or tethering options compared to Canon.

Both cameras offer USB 2.0 and HDMI output, but neither supports external mics or headphones, limiting video-centric users.

Video Performance: Basic but Usable

Neither camera aims to be a video powerhouse, but nice-to-have specs make a difference.

• Canon G1 X II shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps, with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. A stabilizer aids handheld video, and the touchscreen LCD helps with focusing.

• Fujifilm X100S offers 1080p up to 60fps in H.264, which is smoother for motion capture. However, no image stabilization might lead to shakier footage. Lack of external mic input limits audio quality options.

If casual video is a strong need, Canon’s built-in optical image stabilization combined with touchscreen focus control delivers a better experience, despite capped frame rates.

The Final Scorecards: Overall Performance and Genre-Specific Ratings

It’s always helpful to see a synthesized look at how these cameras stack up overall and across genres.

Here’s an expert consensus graph featuring overall ratings for these two models:

And a detailed genre-by-genre analysis tuned to your photography focus:

Certainly, the Fuji X100S scores higher for image quality, landscape, portrait sharpness, and street discretions, while Canon is favored for zoom utility, macro, and slightly better video stabilization.

Real World Sample Images to See Them in Action

No comparison is complete without putting pixels under scrutiny. Below are side-by-side samples - portraits, landscapes, and low light shots - comparing color rendition, detail, and bokeh.

Canon G1 X II front Canon G1 X II screen back Fujifilm X100S front Fujifilm X100S screen back

You’ll notice Fuji’s files offer more punch and razor-sharp focus with natural skin tones, while Canon’s images tend toward softer but warmer rendering and aerobic range in zoom shots.

Pros and Cons Recap

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Pros

• Versatile 24-120mm zoom lens with bright wide aperture
• Tilting touchscreen LCD (great flexibility)
• Built-in optical image stabilization
• NFC and Wi-Fi for instant sharing
• Solid ergonomics with comfortable grip
  Cons
• Smaller sensor limiting ultimate image quality
• Average battery life (240 shots)
• No built-in EVF; optional only
• Modest autofocus speed and tracking
• Lower resolution rear screen

Fujifilm X100S
Pros

• Larger APS-C X-Trans II sensor with superior image quality and dynamic range
• Classic retro design with tactile control dials
• Unique hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder
• Better low-light performance and higher burst rate
• Longer battery life (330 shots)
  Cons
• Fixed 35mm prime limits framing flexibility
• No image stabilization
• No touchscreen or built-in Wi-Fi/NFC
• Smaller and fixed LCD with lower resolution
• Slightly heavier for pocket carry

Which Camera Should You Choose?

To wrap up, here are my recommendations based on typical use cases and budgets:

For Travel and Versatility
If you want a single compact with the flexibility of zoom and easy sharing, the Canon G1 X Mark II is your best bet - especially for casual users and cheapskates hunting for value under $800.

For Image Quality and Street Photography
If your priority is the highest possible image detail, beautiful color rendition, and discreet shooting, with that classic camera feel, go for the Fujifilm X100S. Pro-grade photos, surprisingly light carry, and tactile controls justify the higher price.

For Portrait and Landscape
The Fuji edges ahead with better sensor and prime lens, offering superior bokeh and dynamic range. You might miss the zoom on Canon, but the image quality payoff is worth shooting your feet a bit more.

For Wildlife and Action
Neither camera is a true action beast, but Fuji’s marginally faster AF and burst rates make it the less bad choice, provided the fixed lens suits your style.

For Video Creators
Canon’s in-body stabilization and touchscreen ease makes it an okay choice for casual 1080p videos; the Fuji lags with minimal video features.

Final Thoughts

Having shot thousands of cameras in my 15+ years behind the lens, these two large sensor compacts distinctly illustrate the design tradeoffs between zoom versatility and prime perfection, touchscreen modernity and tactile tradition, and sensor size vs. body footprint.

The Canon G1 X Mark II remains a capable, well-rounded companion for enthusiasts who want zoom flexibility and a user-friendly touchscreen interface without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm X100S shines as a refined imaging machine for those who crave the pinnacle of large sensor image quality married to a classic design - yes, at a notable cost premium.

Both produce images that are excellent for their class, but your choice depends on knowing exactly what matters most in your photographic adventures. Whichever path you choose, neither will leave you wanting in your pursuit of creating memorable photographs.

Happy shooting!