emraphoto
Veteran
as i tried to illustrate, one's 'quibbles' may not be anothers.
Cameras are like foods. Everyone has different tastes, and no one is wrong about that.
The size of most of the APSC offerings is not an issue; a slightly smaller camera doesn't add anything (if it's not "pocketable"); they're less expensive; have interchangeable lens capability; have mature button/menu layout; extremely fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus; extremely accurate exposure and metering... etc that you would expect with a mature technology. They're excellent in low-light - trumping classic film rangefinders now, and there are good reasonably-priced prime lens offerings. All the bases are checked. This wasn't the case 3,4,5 years ago. They're darn near perfect and a generally a good bargain. There's no reason, in my mind, for these funky offerings... other than lower production costs and higher retail prices - and therefore higher margins, for camera makers who are leveraging nostalgia among a group of old-school photographers and photographic contrariarians who need something "different"
Nick, you have used this argument in numerous threads about this camera. We all know you are a value hunter and love your low-end DSLR. I respect that and at times wish I liked DSRLs because they are the best value. Unfortunately, I hate using them. Also, I'm not one to go for the cheapest option. I go for the best option for me. Obviously, this differs for everyone, so I don;t know why you are trying to convert people to a DSLR on a rangefinder forum.
Many of us do not like the DSLR shape that you love so much. Therefore, Fuji was smart in making the X100. If they made the X100 in the shape of a typical DSLR, I bet it wouldn't have been as nearly the hit the X100 is. As much as you cannot fathom it, I did not buy the X100 because it looks cool / retro. I bought it because I prefer the traditional RF shape and prefer a OVF to a DSLR's prism.
As we have stated before, buying your low-end DSLR with a f/2 24mm lens is just as expensive (if not more) as the X100.
And, again, the "quibbles" that have been oft pointed-out - especially regarding speed of autofocus, regarding the X100 would have excluded it from being released in the entry-level sub-1000 DSLR category. The issues cited by the poster (not the first either) that caused him to sell would not be accepted in even the entry-level DSLR segment.
There are clearly more sensible options for a photographic tool if you're willing to broaden your horizons and consider (shreik) less expensive options and lose your soft spot for an old form factor.
I guess I'm looking at it from the perspective of the ability of the old film rangefinders to fare better in low light, smaller size (over most SLR offerings...), and quiet leaf shutter (or cutrain variations) for discrete candid photography in natural light, a decent fast "50"... over any "form factor". The Nikon I settled on is very quiet. Much ergonomic thought went into the protruding "grip" on the left side of DSLRs... it's actually better, ergonomically - I find, than the form factor of classic rangefinders from a practical perspective... 'bout the only thing is does is mess up the lines so they're not as pretty.
bigger sensor wins...sorry!
The size of most of the APSC offerings is not an issue; a slightly smaller camera doesn't add anything (if it's not "pocketable");
bigger sensor wins...sorry!