Leica X2 versus Om-D for me

[texchappy]

I've narrowed down the digital choice for me to the Leica X2 and the OM-D E-M5. I had decided on the X2 and then watched this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPbvV78bf0A&feature=player_embedded#! and it got me thinking about the Om-D.

So here's my appraisal of the pro's of each for me and my wife:

X2----
1. Leica Quality
2. Leica Image Quality
3. Size
4. Made in Germany
5. Leica customer service
6. Fits my shooting style (if I have one)
7. Love the control layout
8. APS-C sensor


OM-D---
1. Images online appear comparable to the X2
2. Great lenses and the versatility they bring
3. wouldn't have to keep the D40 to shoot longer (birds, wildlife)
4. waterproof
5. outstanding image stabilization
6. better autofocus (and possibly better manual with some lenses)
7. better fits wife taking pictures

So, input por favor.

Seems to come down ultimately to Leica quality versus Oly versatility.


BTW: I have decided that I can shoot film with my Zorki and F2 for quite a while to see if I like film for those who have followed my not so internal debate on that issue.

 

[robert blu]

As satisfied owner of an x1 (actually thinking about putting an OM-D beside) I think it depends mainly on the use you do. If you are sure the 35mm (equivalent) fits to your style (and I guess with the higher Mpx of the x2 if you need you can crop a lot) the x2 is a very simple camera. It's a pleasure to have in your hands. IQ excellent. For sure the OM-D can be more versatile. I think IQ also good. Low light capacity due to the image stabilization and high iso should be good. A difficult choice, but no mistake in any case.
Just my opinion!
robert

 

[Kiyatkin]

There is also the issue of cost. OM-D is much cheaper. I got he 17mm and even though its supposed to be a bad lens, the combo seems very nice to me. The IQ of the OM-D is worse if you look very closely, but in real use, you will probably not see a difference. AF, is think also cannot be compared.
Good luck in your choice, Dmitry

 

[dreilly]

Just my two cents, but I have long cherished my Olys for image quality. High ISO noise is just one characteristic of IQ, and the OM-D is in my mind "Very good" in that department, but overall "excellent". I have written about this elsewhere, but one of the great pluses of the Oly is the JPEG engine...it's just stunning. With other cameras (like the Ricoh GXR) I had to shoot in RAW...the jpegs were not nice. The X100 JPEGS were okay. The Oly JPEGS I have used for years straight out of the camera, with little to no processing. And this is for print assignments. I'm not as good at processing RAW files as that engine is. It's a big plus in my book, but if you're a RAW shooter than it means very little. Anyway I'm not familiar with the X2 image quality but it was would have to be something else to topple the E-M5's (especially with the lower AA filter they've been using since the E-5 and the later Pens).

 

[jsrockit]

I'm very biased in this competition since I'm returning the E-M5 and have taken a liking to the X2. However, you have to be really excited about the X2 (and a 35mm lens) to pick it over a system camera. The value and versatility winner is the Olympus. The X2 is beautiful, small, light, and will give you excellent results (some feel the same way about the E-M5 too)... but it is also super expensive for what it is, is limited in comparison (which I feel is a pro), and is a no-frills design. You have to be sure that a digital barnack will work out for you. Remember, all of the size attributes of the X2 can be said about the E-M5 with a pancake lens.

I guess what I am saying is that it takes a special type of crazy to buy a Leica X2 because you have to ignore the value for your $ aspect (unless of course it checks off everything you want in a camera). The great thing is, you cannot go wrong with either IQ wise.

 

[Paddy C]

I don't have either and I'm not planning on purchasing either.

You have made pros and cons but it's always helpful to narrow things to down to the essence of the decision.

1. Can you live with a single focal length?
2. Do you need a discrete camera (OMD is SLR-like)?
3. Do you need fast autofocus?

In most every respect the OMD (IMO, from what I've seen) is a better/more capable camera. And the image quality and build quality appear to be a wash (don't get all sucked into the "Leica glow" BS). You say it's about Leica quality but I just don't see that here. If you were talking about M-mount Leica lenses and ultimate quality sure. But not in this comparison.

 

[texchappy]

In thinking about having two boys (4 and 9) the video and waterproof are definitely a big bonus for the OM-D. I would get the 12-50 lens just for the waterproof aspect. The video I've seen is stunning.

 

[shadowfox]

In most every respect the OMD (IMO, from what I've seen) is a better/more capable camera. And the image quality and build quality appear to be a wash (don't get all sucked into the "Leica glow" BS). You say it's about Leica quality but I just don't see that here. If you were talking about M-mount Leica lenses and ultimate quality sure. But not in this comparison.

+1

Olympus has always been synonymous to quality in my book.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Not sure why you have given a default assumption of "quality" to the Leica. It's not built like an MP. It's a nice digital camera - that's all. As far as image quality goes, it's probably on-par with others in its class, at lower price points. There's no magic in it, despite the hype. Same comment, with regard to it being "made in Germany." Where's the advantage in that?

I'm going to suggest that you don't make a decision based purely on your list analysis. Get your hands on them. That makes all the difference in the world. I recently spent an hour or so in B&H, trying the lot of mirrorless cameras for the first time, and i came away with VERY strong opinions — opinions i never would have had without first hand experience.

I've owned a lot of Leicas in the past (don't have any now, though), and wouldn't buy the X2. Far too much money. Far too slow. I just saw a video 'summary' of the current crop of compacts, and the reviewer said of the X2, "it's about simplicity — a pure Leica shooting experience." He was speaking of the things the X2 DIDN'T have. An optical or built-in EVF, for example. Somehow, when it's a discussion of a Leica product, the negatives applied to other products become labeled as positives.... He also spoke of "the Leica look" in X2 images. Which is odd, since Leica has been making cameras for a hundred years, and the Leica look has never previously had anything to do with what comes out of one of these digitals.... Whatever. I would be VERY concerned about Leica's support of this product. I don't doubt they'll support the M range, but the compacts are another matter. They will no longer deal with the Leica CM, for example - another 'premium' compact camera they used to tout as the "compact M." Well, it's abandoned now. An orphan, after the hypegloss wore off.

I'm no fan of the Olympus, either, actually. But, only because i had an immediate (and intense) reaction to the feel of it. But, that was with one of those cheesy zooms on it. And, having just seen a video with a grip on the camera, i have a feeling i might feel differently about the OMD with a grip and with a solid prime mounted. But, still - it felt like an 'electronic device' in the shape of a camera - not what i was hoping for.

Handle them. Find a good store. Or order from a reputable retailer with a good exchange policy. Amazon, maybe?

 

[texchappy]

Thanks for the input CK. Very thorough and thought out. Part of the reason I posted my analysis was to see where it was faulty. Most of the data in it was gathered from what I've read on line and this is driving home what I already knew - anybody can put something on the web.

 

[jsrockit]

They will no longer deal with the Leica CM, for example - another 'premium' compact camera they used to tout as the "compact M." Well, it's abandoned now. An orphan, after the hypegloss wore off.

But they will still deal with the older minilux. The CM situation is due to a part that is no longer available. Same thing with the Nikon 35ti... certain parts are not available, so certain aspects cannot be fixed.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

But they will still deal with the older minilux. The CM situation is due to a part that is no longer available. Same thing with the Nikon 35ti... certain parts are not available, so certain aspects cannot be fixed.

That's interesting, but i thought the Leica policy was not to service the camera AT ALL. Not that they couldn't fix one particular problem. It would be nice to get a 'final ruling' on this, just for the sake of accuracy. I sold my CM a long while ago, and only found out about the service issue after i considered acquiring another. Still, aren't there other non-M Leica products that they no longer stand behind? I was under the impression the CM was not a unique matter.

 

[gavinlg]

The om-d has a real (electronic) viewfinder built in.

The x2 is a point and shoot without a viewfinder unless you put that wonky electronic viewfinder made by olympus that leica charge an extra couple of hundred dollars for on top of it.

I know which I'd go for. Do you really want to be taking photos like you would with an iPhone - arms outstretched, squinting at the lcd screen, dissociated from life around you?

 

[jsrockit]

That's interesting, but i thought the Leica policy was not to service the camera AT ALL. Not that they couldn't fix one particular problem. It would be nice to get a 'final ruling' on this, just for the sake of accuracy. I sold my CM a long while ago, and only found out about the service issue after i considered acquiring another. Still, aren't there other non-M Leica products that they no longer stand behind? I was under the impression the CM was not a unique matter.

I had a CM that needed repair, so I called Leica NJ. They said it was due to a part, but I guess they could be wrong. They did offer to sell me a D-Lux4 dirt cheap though because they couldn't service the camera anymore. I'm not aware of other Leica products that can't be serviced, but I'm sure there are.

 

[jsrockit]

The om-d has a real (electronic) viewfinder built in.

The x2 is a point and shoot without a viewfinder unless you put that wonky electronic viewfinder made by olympus that leica charge an extra couple of hundred dollars for on top of it.

I know which I'd go for. Do you really want to be taking photos like you would with an iPhone - arms outstretched, squinting at the lcd screen, dissociated from life around you?

This isn't fair at all. The VF-2 is actually very good (and not so wonky) and the camera is still (seemingly) smaller and lighter with the VF than the OMD. I chose the X2 over the OMD because the X2 feels like a camera and the OMD does not. The X2 is not more a point and shoot than any other camera on the market with manual controls.

 

[Keith]

The auto focus of the OMD is stunning IMO ... in decent conditions it feels as fast as my D700!

More than likely the OMD will have taken the shot while the Leica is still trying to focus ... and the OMD is very easy to focus manually which is an atribute none of it's contemporaries possess.

 

[jsrockit]

The auto focus of the OMD is stunning IMO ... in decent conditions it feels as fast as my D700!

More than likely the OMD will have taken the shot while the Leica is still trying to focus ... and the OMD is very easy to focus manually which is an atribute none of it's contemporaries possess.

While what you say about the OMD is very true...you're exaggerating. The X2's AF isn't bad at all (from someone who has actually used both). Perhaps you are thinking of the X1.

 

[Keith]

While what you say about the OMD is very true...you're exaggerating. The X2's AF isn't bad at all (from someone who has actually used both). Perhaps you are thinking of the X1.

Of course I'm exaggerating ... this is RFF after all! 😀

I've always been curious about the Leica but there's no way I'd pay the entry fee!

 

[jsrockit]

I've always been curious about the Leica but there's no way I'd pay the entry fee!

Understandable... you have to really buy into the philosophy of the camera to spend $2000.

 

[Keith]

Understandable... you have to really buy into the philosophy of the camera to spend $2000.

I really like the philosophy of a small bodied simple camera with a decent sized sensor and although I didn't like the looks much at first I certainly did when I saw one in the flesh. It makes the X100 look chintzy IMO!