Canon PowerShot G1 X 14.3 MP Digital Camera - Black

Many people think in terms of a compact as a pocketable camera. If that is your situation do not look to the Canon G1X. I see a compact as being a camera one can use comfortably with a wrist strap. This fits the bill for me (just.)
But this is a camera where one can extol superlatives by the bucket load with regards to the quality of the images it is capable of giving; simply head and shoulders above the competition will do though for a one liner. If that is your key demand, then your only concern has to be digging a little deeper into your funds for the initial outlay. You get what you pay for.
Like all Canon compact or bridge cameras, many features are crippled out of the menus, but those familiar with CHDK will be pleased to learn that an alpha version (at time of writing) is now available. This will enable you to record directly in DNG format, as well as loading useful scripts like ‘Motion Detect.’ There are too many other features to list here. I’ve just listed a couple that are important to me.
Many will not like the snap on lens cap that dangles pathetically off the strap-mount eyelet. Replace it with the JJC that opens or closes with the on/off button. It only cost a few bucks, and so does the adapter ring from similar Chinese sources. This will then allow the fitting of filters or more impressive macro with something like the Raynox M250.

What can I say. Trully excellent picture and video image quality and superb 3" screen. Lousy viewfinder and autofocus at times has difficulty locking on to subject. However, as a back-up to my 5D MkII, no other compact comes close based on IQ. ISO3200 can be used with more than acceptable results.