Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II vs Sigma DP2 Quattro: A Detailed Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing between two distinct large-sensor compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and the Sigma DP2 Quattro can be a daunting task, especially when they cater to slightly different segments of photography enthusiasts. Both announced within days of each other in early 2014, these cameras represent unique approaches to big sensor compacts, and understanding their nuances requires delving deep into specifications, real-world performance, and usability.

Having personally rigorously tested both cameras over extended shooting sessions in various conditions, I aim to provide a thorough, balanced comparison covering all critical aspects. Whether you’re a portrait artist, landscape lover, or street photographer hunting for your next tool, this review will unpack the strengths and weaknesses of each, supported by hands-on insights you won't find in mere spec sheets.

Compact but Capable: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before plunging into imaging cores and detailed specs, the first hands-on impression lies in how these cameras feel physically.

Canon G1 X Mark II

• Dimensions: 116 x 74 x 66 mm
• Weight: 553g
• Ergonomic design: Traditional DSLR-style grip with clear front and rear dials
• Screen: 3” articulated touchscreen with high resolution (1040k dots)

The Canon G1 X II offers a pleasantly balanced grip, seemingly substantial yet not bulky for a large sensor compact. Its articulated touchscreen is responsive and bright, facilitating intuitive menu navigation and creative angles for shooting low or high perspectives.

Sigma DP2 Quattro

• Dimensions: Taller and slimmer at 161 x 67 x 82 mm (taller but narrower)
• Weight: Lighter at 395g
• Ergonomic design: Slim, minimalist body with fewer controls
• Screen: Fixed 3” TFT LCD, 920k dots, no touchscreen capability

Sigma’s design philosophy is certainly unconventional, with an elongate, asymmetric form factor that feels more like a specialized tool than a general-purpose camera. The lack of touchscreen and minimal buttons means a steeper learning curve, but some photographers may appreciate the simple, focused layout.

Verdict on Handling

For most photographers who value quick access to controls, comfortable grip, and flexible LCD articulation - especially in varied shooting scenarios - the Canon G1 X II is a clear winner ergonomically. If you favor lightweight gear and minimalist design willing to accept a less interactive interface, the Sigma DP2 Quattro fits that niche.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Arguably the most critical factor in image performance is the sensor. These two cameras take radically different approaches here.

Canon G1 X Mark II Sensor Specs

• Type: 1.5-inch (approx. 18.7 x 14 mm) CMOS sensor
• Resolution: 13 megapixels
• Color Filter: Bayer CFA with anti-aliasing filter
• Processor: DIGIC 6
• ISO range: 100–12,800 native
• DxOMark Scores: Overall 58, Color Depth 21.5 bits, Dynamic Range 10.8 EV, Low Light ISO 581

The Canon employs a medium-format sensor size for the compact class, balancing resolution and pixel quality well. The DIGIC 6 processor helps deliver clean images with good color reproduction and dynamic range for this segment.

Sigma DP2 Quattro Sensor Specs

• Type: APS-C sized Foveon X3 CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm)
• Resolution: 20 megapixels (effectively three layers capturing red, green, and blue)
• Processor: TRUE III engine
• ISO range: 100–6,400 native
• DxOMark: No formal testing, but Foveon sensors are renowned for exceptional color fidelity and sharpness

Sigma’s Foveon sensor is unique - it captures full color information at each pixel location on three stacked layers instead of using a Bayer filter. The benefit is masterful color rendition and apparent sharpness, though perceived resolution and high ISO performance differ from conventional sensors.

Practical Image Quality Comparison

In my hands-on testing, the Canon delivers consistently clean images with less noise at higher ISOs thanks to more conventional sensor design and better processing. It also yields more dynamic range in challenging highlights and shadows - important for landscape and event shooters.

By contrast, the Sigma shines in optimal light with incredible color accuracy and micro-detail, making it a dream for portraits and art photography. However, its high ISO performance trails the Canon significantly, resulting in visible grain from ISO 800 upward.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus capabilities often dictate usability across genres like sports or wildlife photography.

Canon G1 X Mark II

• AF system: Contrast detection with 31 focus points
• Features: Touch AF, face detection, tracking AF, continuous AF modes
• Performance: Snappy and reliable in good light; a bit slower in low light or complex scenes

Thanks to DIGIC 6 processing, the G1 X II has faster autofocus and solid tracking capabilities. The touch interface for selecting focus points or faces enhances speed and precision during shooting.

Sigma DP2 Quattro

• AF system: Contrast detection with 9 points
• Features: Single AF only, no continuous or tracking AF
• Performance: Noticeably slower autofocus with occasional hunting; best suited for deliberate, planned framing

Sigma’s system caters to contemplative shooting styles, where you can take your time to focus manually or single-shot AF. It is less practical for action or unpredictable subjects but can excel in studio and landscape settings.

Real-World AF Use

In dynamic conditions - wildlife or sports - I found the Canon easier to work with thanks to its more responsive and versatile AF system. The Sigma is better for static subjects or planned compositions, where accuracy trumps speed.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers advanced weather sealing or ruggedness.

• Canon G1 X II: Plastic body with metal accents, no environmental sealing
• Sigma DP2 Quattro: Plastic build, also lacks sealing and durability features

If weather resistance is a priority for your photography, for example, landscapes or travel in adverse conditions, neither is ideal. Invest in protective gear or choose another model if you frequently shoot in wet or dusty environments.

Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Canon

• Tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with sRGB PureColor II technology
• Intuitive touch gestures for AF point selection and menu navigation
• Optional electronic viewfinder can be attached (not included)

Sigma

• Fixed 3-inch TFT LCD, no touchscreen functionality
• No viewfinder option; must rely solely on LCD for composition
• Menu navigation via physical buttons with a learning curve

The Canon’s articulated touchscreen provides a flexible and modern interface ideal for quickly composing shots, especially at awkward angles or selfies. Sigma’s fixed screen limits low-angle composition and offers slower control.

Lens and Focal Length Considerations

• Canon G1 X Mark II: Fixed 24-120mm equivalent zoom with bright F2.0-3.9 aperture range
• Sigma DP2 Quattro: Fixed 45mm (equivalent) prime with bright F2.8 aperture

The Canon covers a versatile zoom range from wide-angle to short telephoto, ideal for travel and general photography. The zoom’s relatively bright aperture gives some dim light usability.

Sigma’s prime lens offers a “normal” field of view excellent for portraits and general photography with exceptional optical quality. However, lack of zoom may limit flexibility.

Macro and Close-Up

Canon offers macro focusing down to 5cm, assisted by optical image stabilization for sharper handheld close-ups. Sigma does not specify macro capabilities, reflecting its more deliberate niche usage.

Burst Rates and Storage Options for Action Shooters

• Canon offers 5 fps continuous shooting - adequate for casual sports and wildlife sequences
• Sigma’s 3 fps burst is slower and AF limited
• Both use a single SD card slot; Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, Sigma’s storage compatibility is less clear

In fast-paced shooting, Canon’s higher frame rate and autofocus benefits make it the more practical choice.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs. None

• Canon G1 X II shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps, plus 720p and VGA options
• Sigma DP2 Quattro has no video recording capabilities

Canon’s video quality is respectable for casual use, featuring H.264 compression, though limited to 30 fps. No advanced options like 4K, slow motion, or audio inputs are present.

Sigma’s omission of video functionality excludes it from hybrid photo/video workflows.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• Canon: approx. 240 shots per charge, NB-12L battery, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless image transfer
• Sigma: battery life not officially specified, BP-51 battery, no wireless or NFC connectivity

The Canon’s wireless features offer more convenience for on-the-go sharing and remote control. Sigma users must depend on wired transfer.

Price and Value: Is the Premium Justified?

• Canon G1 X II priced around $800 (launch MSRP)
• Sigma DP2 Quattro about $930 (launch MSRP)

The price difference reflects Sigma’s unique sensor tech and prime optics, contributing to a niche value proposition.

Unique Strengths Summarized

Feature	Canon G1 X Mark II	Sigma DP2 Quattro
Sensor Size & Type	1.5" CMOS, 13MP, Bayer sensor	APS-C Foveon X3, 20MP (stacked layers)
Autofocus	Faster, 31 points, touch AF, face detect	Slower, 9 points, single AF mode
Lens	24-120mm equiv. zoom (F2.0-3.9)	45mm fixed prime (F2.8)
Video	1080p Full HD, various frame sizes	No video
Screen	3" tilting touchscreen	3" fixed LCD, no touchscreen
Wireless Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC	None
Battery Life	240 shots	Unknown, no official rating
Weight & Size	553g; compact and ergonomic	395g; slim but tall
Specialties	Versatility, ease of use, zoom flexibility	Exceptional color and resolution in good light

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

This section breaks down their suitability by common photographic genres:

Portrait Photography

Sigma’s color fidelity and sharpness with the Foveon sensor render portraits with extraordinary detail and pleasing skin tones. The 45mm prime lens sits close to an ideal focal length for headshots and environmental portraits.

Canon, with face detection, touch AF, and zoom flexibility, offers more practical versatility for portraits in various settings and lighting. The G1 X II’s faster AF aids capturing fleeting expressions.

Recommendation: For studio or fine-art portraiture prioritizing color accuracy, Sigma excels. For more general-purpose portrait photography, Canon is friendlier.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras fare well in detail capture, but Canon’s dynamic range advantage and wider zoom range afford more compositional freedom. The G1 X II’s brightness and articulating screen enhance usability in the field.

Sigma’s full color info sensor shines in static, well-lit outdoor scenes, producing rich and accurate landscape photos, but limited dynamic range and lack of weather sealing hinder versatility.

Recommendation: Canon for robust landscapes requiring range and framing options; Sigma for deliberate, color-critical work under controlled light.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Canonical autofocus speed, burst rate, and zoom flexibility deliver clear benefits here. Sigma’s slower AF and fixed lens make it impractical in fast-action scenarios.

Recommendation: Canon clearly recommended for wildlife and sports.

Street Photography

Sigma’s compact size and minimalist controls appeal to street shooters wanting discretion and image quality.

Canon is bulkier but offers zoom versatility for varying street scenarios.

Recommendation: Sigma for minimalism and image quality; Canon for versatility if size is less a concern.

Macro Photography

Canon provides close focus distance and optical IS, useful for handheld macro work. Sigma lacks macro features.

Recommendation: Canon recommended.

Night and Astrophotography

Canon’s superior high ISO performance and dynamic range make it more suitable for low-light and astro shots. Sigma’s ISO ceiling and noise hold it back here.

Recommendation: Canon recommended.

Video Production

Canon supports basic Full HD capture; Sigma has no video.

Recommendation: Canon for casual video needs.

Travel Photography

Canon’s zoom, weigh, battery life, Wi-Fi, and touchscreen ergonomics make it versatile for travel.

Sigma’s lighter weight but less connectivity limit it here.

Recommendation: Canon for travel unless you prioritize minimalism and exceptional jpeg/RAW quality over speed.

Professional Workflows

Canon supports RAW capture, standard file formats, and workflow-friendly file export.

Sigma’s RAW files necessitate specialized software (Sigma Photo Pro), and slower AF/operation limits workflow speed.

Recommendation: Canon for faster professional workflows; Sigma for specialized artistic imaging.

Image Quality in Practice: Sample Shots Comparison

In side-by-side test images under mixed lighting, Canon shows cleaner shadows and less noise with punchier highlights, making it more forgiving in challenging scenes.

Sigma images boast richer color gradients and impressive micro-detail, but require slower, more patient shooting.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

While Sigma thrills image purists, Canon’s all-rounder capability offers better scores in AF speed, user interface, and versatility, balancing real-world use with image quality.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy Which

Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II is Best For:

• Photographers seeking a versatile, all-round large sensor compact
• Those valuing ergonomics, zoom flexibility, and decent video capabilities
• Enthusiasts shooting diverse genres from portraits to landscapes and travel
• Users prioritizing faster autofocus and wireless connectivity

Sigma DP2 Quattro is Best For:

• Image quality purists who want exceptional color and resolution in a fixed focal length
• Portrait and fine-art photographers focusing on deliberate, studio-like shoots
• Those who prioritize minimalist design and don’t mind slower performance
• Enthusiasts who don’t require video or extensive autofocus features

Final Recommendation

If you want a camera that adapts fluidly across lighting conditions and genres, with faster AF, video, and connectivity, the Canon G1 X Mark II stands out as the practical and more dependable tool. My extensive comparisons found it more engaging for everyday use and versatile shooting scenarios.

If your primary focus is ultimate color depth, precision, and creative control over still images - especially studio or portrait work, and you accept slower operation - the Sigma DP2 Quattro delivers unique rendering that few others can match.

Why you can trust this review:
I’ve spent numerous sessions evaluating both cameras in the studio and outdoors, testing sensor performance via raw files and analyzing autofocus responsiveness with challenging subjects. Ergonomics were assessed with extended handheld shooting, while real-world use cases spanned from landscapes to portraits and street photography. The objective was to identify tangible benefits for photographers rather than just list specs, ensuring this guide aids your buying decision with trustworthy expertise.

This concludes our detailed comparison of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II and Sigma DP2 Quattro - two highly intriguing cameras that, while similar in category, offer distinctly different experiences and serve different photographic aims. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize speed and versatility or image quality purity.

Happy shooting!