Canon PowerShot G1 X vs Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12
      64
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      62
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G1 X and the Canon PowerShot G12, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G1 X was introduced in March 2012 and Canon PowerShot G12 was introduced in January 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G1 X Highlights

      • 14.3 MP 1.5-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Canon PowerShot G12 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.80" 461k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot G1 X
      4. Advantage of Canon PowerShot G12
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G1 X and Canon PowerShot G12.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.3 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.9 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 60
      •   Weight - 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon G1 X
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G1 X over Canon PowerShot G12.

      Canon PowerShot G1 X vs Canon PowerShot G12
      Larger Sensor 1.5-inch vs 1/1.7-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.3 Megapixel vs 10 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
      More Powerful Processor DIGIC 5 vs DIGIC 4
      Max Image Resolution 4352 x 3264 vs 3648 x 2736
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.80"
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 461k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 60 sec vs 15 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.9 fps vs 1.1 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 644 vs 161
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.7 vs 20.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 60 vs 47
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G1 X.

      Canon G9 X II
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G11
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon G5 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G1 X III
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon G7 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G7 X MIII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G16
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G3 X
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G5 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G9 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G15
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon G12
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G12 over Canon PowerShot G1 X.

      Canon PowerShot G1 X vs Canon PowerShot G12
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 80
      Reachs More Telephoto 112 mm vs 140 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 4x vs 5x
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.8 vs f/4.5
      Min Macro Focus Distance 20 cm vs 1 cm
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 10.8 vs 11.2
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz) vs 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 250 shots vs 370 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G12.

      Canon G7 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G16
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G15
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MIII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G9 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G1 X II
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      1.5-inch

      12.8 MP

      Canon G9 X II
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G5 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G11
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon G5 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G3 X
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G1 X Canon PowerShot G12
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO12,8003,200
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFully ArticulatedFully Articulated
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G1 X Canon PowerShot G12
        Small Sensor1.5-inch1/1.7-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.3 Megapixel10 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points99
        Few Cross-type Focus Points00
        Low Max Continuous Shooting1.9 fps1.1 fps
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life250 shots370 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G1 X has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution and Canon PowerShot G12 has a 2.80" screen with 461k dot resolution. Both have Fully Articulated screens. Fully articulated screen makes cameras selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Canon PowerShot G1 X and Canon PowerShot G12 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinders. Canon PowerShot G1 X has 77% coverage magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G1 X features a 14.3 megapixel 1.5-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 18.7 x 14 mm and a total area of 261.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800. Canon PowerShot G12 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 31.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot G1 X is equipped with DIGIC 5 processor and can take pictures up to 4352 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4352 x 2248, 4352 x 2904, 3264 x 3264, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 3072 x 2048, 2608 x 3264, 2304 x 2304, 1920 x 1080, 1840 x 2304, 1600 x 1200, 1600 x 1064, 1200 x 1200, 960 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 360, 640 x 424, 480 x 480, 384 x 480 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Canon PowerShot G12 is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2736 x 2736, 2192 x 2736, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1064, 1696 x 2112, 1200 x 1200, 960 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480, 384 x 480, 320 x 240 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G1 X has a Mini HDMI and Canon PowerShot G12 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G1 X comes with NB-10L battery pack with battery life of 250 shots and Canon PowerShot G12 comes with NB-7L battery pack with battery life of 370 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot G1 X has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Canon PowerShot G12 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G1 X, and up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12. Canon PowerShot G1 X can shoot continuously up to 1.9 fps. Canon PowerShot G12 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m via hot shoe EX series Speedlites, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX on Canon PowerShot G1 X and 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G12. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G1 X body has dimensions of 117 x 81 x 65 mm (4.61 x 3.19 x 2.56") and Canon PowerShot G12 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89"). Canon PowerShot G1 X weighs 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz) and Canon PowerShot G12 weighs 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      117 mm

      81 mm

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      112 mm

      76 mm

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      81 mm

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      76 mm

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      65 mm

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      48 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G1 X and Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G1 X and Canon PowerShot G12 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.9 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.9 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      82
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G1 X and Canon PowerShot G12 and give them scores of 64 and 62 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      62

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 60
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.9 fps
      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      GOOD
      74
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      POOR
      50
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G1 X

      Canon PowerShot G12

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 534 g (1.18 lb / 18.84 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 250 shots
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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