Considering the RX1's status as the first FF compact ... where is it?

Keith

Keith

The best camera is one that still works!
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The price obviously scared the bejesus out of a lot of people and owner reports appear to be few and far between around here! The Fuji X100 by comparison created a landslide of interest and continues to do so without the need to be full frame ... did Sony miss the mark? Is the world waiting for a cheaper FF mirrorless fixed lens or did the market not respond because at this price they want something similar with the ability to change lenses?

I just noticed one in the classifieds and it got me thinking ... not about owning one but just wondering if it really was the camera that could have been if it was a bit cheaper, or is the myth of full frame being erroded at last by Fuji's efforts with their excellent bodies and range of lenses to suit.
 
I played around with one a few weeks ago during a local photographer party. IQ is excellent, better than a D600/35 1.4G combo and certainly better than an X-e1 with the fuji 35 1.4.

But everything else just feels...awkward. First of all there's no grip, and the lens is much heavier than the usual compact. A firm grip is impossible without a thumbie, but if you want the thumbs up, you'll have to ditch the plug-in EVF. Then there's the controls, fine for me but a steep learning curve for anyone who hasn't used Sony cameras before.

I say this as a die-hard Sony fan: They need to make an RX2 with more controls, at least 2-3 customization body dials, built-in EVF and accessory grip.
 
I love mine. Dropped my M9 in the Harbour at the start of the year and decided not to reinvest in Leica digital and got RX-1 instead. Is a superb tool, not perfect but pretty close for me. I disagree with most said above. Bought a grip for $80 off ebay and fits hands nicely now. The larger lens gives it really good balance.Never used a Sony before but found it very simple to use. I am mainly a landscape guy so I use MF and ME almost all the time. The focus peaking is superb and the EVF means what you see is what you get so ME is a dream. Pick your aperture and adjust SS until what you see in EVF is what you want and then done. Can't imagine needing anymore customisable buttons, think there are 4 or 5 and I have all mine done. I also bought the Nodal Ninja 3 tripod head and I now have the smallest FF pano kit imaginable.

Did a little user report on my blog:
http://fotoflo.co.nz/2013/04/19/first-outing-with-sony-rx1/
 
I have one, and use it, though I had to sell my first-born to finance it. My sole quibble is the ridiculous placement of the shutter speed control. It must have been conceived of by a sadist-cum engineer. The x100 has it exactly correct.
 
it seems to popular on other sites on the net...

but to answer your question...
price
lens was big
no built in finder - that was the biggest complaint afaik...
 
Have a play with one first, if possible. I had one at Heathrow awhile back and was very happy that I didn't like it! It is small and heavier than it looks with not a lot to grab on to. With no vf I found it very awkward- though I admit wanting to use my face to make the camera less cumbersome isn't as strange as it seems. One handing this camera just doesn't seem right. And then I saw the price.
 
Sticker shock I think got everyone initially is what I think. But the ridiculous price for an Sony ovf, evf and other accessaries probably did not help either. But if u look at the base camera, for what it is, u got to realize someone has got to pay for all the r&d work they put in to create such a compact ff package.

We are now over a year from the rx100 announcement and I think the rx1 is getting to be about a year, the closest any competitor has come is Nikon Coolpix A and Ricoh gr as answers.

Personally, even w/o the built-in evf, if they had priced it closer to 2400 and the evf closer to what they sold the nex5n evf for, I think there would have been wider acceptance. The ovf is a non-issue unless u just want a Sony one.

I played w/ one at a Sony store a couple of times already. I think the control lay out is ok, but then I own a rx100.

For me ff is not needed, so if I ever buy one it is really because someone offered me a used one for a deal I could not refuse. I am a admitted gear head, so if I really wanted it, I would have found a way to buy it..

Gary
 
IMO the answer is simple: It doesn't have a built-ian, focusing optical viewfinder, and the Fuji does. Add that, and you might have a small avalanche, despite the price.
 
i will eventually get one...it took me forever to get an rd1 and then i loved it...i think it will be much the same with the sony.

but i also have to admit that the fuji x-e1/27 is keeping a large smile on my face these days.
 
back alley said:
i will eventually get one...it took me forever to get an rd1 and then i loved it...i think it will be much the same with the sony.

but i also have to admit that the fuji x-e1/27 is keeping a large smile on my face these days.
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Why would you of all people bother with full frame Joe ... what would be an advantage to you?
 
I have one and love the lens rendering and quality of the files (DR). However, if it had e.g. the XE-1 size and ergonomics, it would probably be more of the must have ultimate IQ camera for enthusiasts. Although the RX1 handily beats my M9 with 35 Summicron in IQ, the Leica oldie is so much more intuitive and fun in use. With EVF, the Sony is not really pocketable or more compact than a RF with a small 35mm but feels more fragile. IF you can pick one up for around USD 2000 in the used market and can live with the suboptimal ergonomics, the lens alone could justify a purchase. It`s one of the real gems and a keeper as the outstanding quality of the files the Sony sensor pumps out will not require "upgrading" for years to come.
 
Btw when I first saw the name of the op for this thread, I was thinking LouisB influenced u lately? U want a rx1 :p

Gary
 
GaryLH said:
Btw when I first saw the name of the op for this thread, I was thinking LouisB influenced u lately? U want a rx1 :p

Gary
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No not at all ... the camera doesn't appeal to me ... not even at half the price.

My curiosity is not restricted to the things in life that I like though! :D
 
Hu KEH 2199 for ex grade rx1

Hu KEH 2199 for ex grade rx1

As I said not interested. But just for grins, I went over to KEH to c if rx1 starting showing up there.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Sony-Digital-Point-and-Shoots/1/sku-DS059991318460?r=FE

I would probably buy a d600 before I buy the rx1. U can pick up LN refurb's for under 1600 now.

Anyway thought I would throw this out there for those who want a rx1.

Gary
 
I just noticed the one in the rff classified. I thought u were talking about a local newspaper in Australia, Keith.

Anyway, given the KEH reference price, the one in our classified looks to be a good price for anyone interested.

Gary
 
I was lucky enough to acquire mine second hand which reduced some of the sticker shock. It was a bit of a gamble but I missed my dearly departed M8 but not enough to invest in the M9 or M.

Initially, I was a bit disappointed but in time the camera has grown on me and now I really like it. The sensor is absolutely top-notch and I am now turning out images of amazing beauty and detail. Upgrading to LR5 where I could read the ARW files directly was essential and released a lot of potential in the captures.

I'd say the lens and sensor give any Leica equivalent a good run for the money at a fraction of the price even though for most it is a sizeable investment.

LouisB
 
back alley said:
oh...

i'm a sucker for a pretty face though and i like the looks of both the camera and the images it produces.
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Terrific reason to spend twenty eight hundred dollars!

You're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of us lost souls. :p
 
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