jett
Well-known
I'm considering an X1, Fuji X100, or newer (X2/X100s).
I haven't looked into the reviews, in depth, but the Fuji seems to be the superior camera on paper (faster lens, OVF/EVF, and etc.). To be honest, the lack of a viewfinder isn't a concern for me (I know this is a deal breaker for most) as I like using it as a simple "P&S". The slower lens speed isn't a big deal for me either as I intend on using this camera in good light. Honestly, I plan on using this for snapshots, like my smart phone.
I've borrowed the X100s before and I didn't really like it. This was about a year ago. I wasn't comfortable with the viewfinder or the menus. It just felt weird to me. I couldn't get the AF to work for me either (probably user error). I felt much more comfortable with my M43, but I'm looking for something quieter.
Any thoughts on the user experience between the X100(s) and the X1/X2. Or, are there any other cameras that I should consider. 35/40 focal length is key. I thought about the RX1, but it is too costly.
I haven't looked into the reviews, in depth, but the Fuji seems to be the superior camera on paper (faster lens, OVF/EVF, and etc.). To be honest, the lack of a viewfinder isn't a concern for me (I know this is a deal breaker for most) as I like using it as a simple "P&S". The slower lens speed isn't a big deal for me either as I intend on using this camera in good light. Honestly, I plan on using this for snapshots, like my smart phone.
I've borrowed the X100s before and I didn't really like it. This was about a year ago. I wasn't comfortable with the viewfinder or the menus. It just felt weird to me. I couldn't get the AF to work for me either (probably user error). I felt much more comfortable with my M43, but I'm looking for something quieter.
Any thoughts on the user experience between the X100(s) and the X1/X2. Or, are there any other cameras that I should consider. 35/40 focal length is key. I thought about the RX1, but it is too costly.
dave lackey
Veteran
The X1/2 are beautiful picture taking machines that happen to make terrific images while fitting nicely in my pocket. Sometimes I use an external VF but usually I don't as I rarely use it in the bright sun.
The only negative is the slow AF but it is easily worked around. Menus And controls are easy and intuitive and I always use it for any digital work/low light or even when I need to be discreet. It is far more stealthy than my M3/M6.
If I need more performance digitally then D700/D3 will do all of that but I have no projects or paid work lined up so it is not a consideration. I really cannot think of a camera for everyday use that I would prefer.
Lately I have been considering a second X1/2 to fit alongside the X1 in my 5XB Rugged Wear bag... Talk about small and light!! Perfect!
jett
Well-known
Thanks. I'll research more, then stop by B&H/Adorama to test (I live in NYC).
Quick question:
-Are these cameras built by Panasonic? Just wondering. This is neither a pro or con.
Quick question:
-Are these cameras built by Panasonic? Just wondering. This is neither a pro or con.
dave lackey
Veteran
No, they are not "built" by Panasonic, if they were then Panasonic would have a clone of their own which they do a lot.
dave lackey
Veteran
dave lackey
Veteran
dave lackey
Veteran
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I had the X2 from 2012 to just recently, and was reluctant to sell it. It is a fine performer with an excellent lens and super controls. I only sold it because I bought the X typ 113 ...
G
G
dave lackey
Veteran
By the way, Godfrey has the easy-use techniques down to a science. He is the one to help with any tips and techniques with the X1 or X2!
Dektol Dan
Well-known
X1 for Me
X1 for Me
I vote for the X1. I bought mine so that I would have a color pocket rocket for my Monochrom shoots. Black and white is great but there are times when it just isn't the right tool.
I shoot daylight and the external optical finder is a great addition.
You just can't beat the image quality, it's stellar at 2.8 and beyond words at f4.
It's B&W rendering looks like the new 246 to me.
X1 for Me
I vote for the X1. I bought mine so that I would have a color pocket rocket for my Monochrom shoots. Black and white is great but there are times when it just isn't the right tool.
I shoot daylight and the external optical finder is a great addition.
You just can't beat the image quality, it's stellar at 2.8 and beyond words at f4.
It's B&W rendering looks like the new 246 to me.
dave lackey
Veteran
Dan, I like that white dog "minimalist" image!
dave lackey
Veteran
Helen, you got some nice OOF rendering in the background in the second one. Both are very good!
2tigers
Established
majid
Fazal Majid
I have both a X1 and a X100S, and a RX1 as well. I essentially stopped using the X1 when I got the X100 which preceded the X100S.
Autofocus speed is essentially the same between the X1 and X100 (slow but very accurate), or the X2 and the X100S. The user interface on the X1 is better/simpler. The viewfinder on the X100 series makes a huge difference. Looks wise, both are elegant cameras, but I find the X1 simply looks better without the retro affectation (the X2 on the other hand ruined it with the ugly bump for the optional EVF and the garish silver paint color). The X1 is more pocketable. The X100 has video, albeit not as good or flexible as most other cameras. Lens quality is very close, but of course the extra stop can make the difference in low light.
Other cameras to consider are the Ricoh GR and the Nikon Coolpix A if you can live with 28mm, and the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you can live with a clunky non-Lightroom workflow and poor high-ISO performance in exchange for near Medium Format image quality.
Autofocus speed is essentially the same between the X1 and X100 (slow but very accurate), or the X2 and the X100S. The user interface on the X1 is better/simpler. The viewfinder on the X100 series makes a huge difference. Looks wise, both are elegant cameras, but I find the X1 simply looks better without the retro affectation (the X2 on the other hand ruined it with the ugly bump for the optional EVF and the garish silver paint color). The X1 is more pocketable. The X100 has video, albeit not as good or flexible as most other cameras. Lens quality is very close, but of course the extra stop can make the difference in low light.
Other cameras to consider are the Ricoh GR and the Nikon Coolpix A if you can live with 28mm, and the Sigma DP2 Merrill if you can live with a clunky non-Lightroom workflow and poor high-ISO performance in exchange for near Medium Format image quality.
robert blu
quiet photographer
yes, the x1 is an excellent camera. I have one since 4 years now and size plus weight make it really a camera you can always have with you. The only negative side, in my opinion is tag it' a slow camera and in a few cases it disturbs. but of course it depends a lot on what you are shooting at! Personally sometime I think to upgrade to the new 113 but...
Image quality is super both in B&W and colors.
Attached a couple of shots.
robert
NYC, iso 400, f11, 1/200 sec.
Milan, iso 800, f8, 1/125 sec.
Image quality is super both in B&W and colors.
Attached a couple of shots.
robert
NYC, iso 400, f11, 1/200 sec.
Milan, iso 800, f8, 1/125 sec.
flyalf
Well-known
X1 stunning usability
X1 stunning usability
The X1 is imo the only compact camera made for photography (1). Its usability is way, way ahead of other compacts. The Fuji are made for fideling with controls, the X! for taking pictures.
(1) If you add an OVF. To sell a camera without a finder is like selling a car without a steering wheel.
I take the liberty to post a photo tkan just the other day with my X1 i Lisboa (sunny city):
X1-1101951 by Alf Sollund, on Flickr
X1 stunning usability
The X1 is imo the only compact camera made for photography (1). Its usability is way, way ahead of other compacts. The Fuji are made for fideling with controls, the X! for taking pictures.
(1) If you add an OVF. To sell a camera without a finder is like selling a car without a steering wheel.
I take the liberty to post a photo tkan just the other day with my X1 i Lisboa (sunny city):
X1-1101951 by Alf Sollund, on FlickrDektol Dan
Well-known
Praises with the Nays for the new Barnack
Praises with the Nays for the new Barnack
Okay, I'm partial to the little X1, and it has been rightly mentioned that it is slow focusing in low light (the X2 is better). It is a contrast, rather than phase, focus.
It's ease of use and size is everything, and where it can be a prime camera, it isn't an M9 or any other full sized camera (although the image quality certainly is). It often equals my Canon 5D.
I still shoot my IIIc and IIIf, and I would say that the X1 is the best Barnack ever. Get used to the optical viewer, I use a VC 40mm and it's just about perfect. Up close takes practice, but the little bugger beeps when in focus so one can frame and shoot pretty quickly, far more quickly than a Barnack. So how slow is slow?
Praises with the Nays for the new Barnack
Okay, I'm partial to the little X1, and it has been rightly mentioned that it is slow focusing in low light (the X2 is better). It is a contrast, rather than phase, focus.
It's ease of use and size is everything, and where it can be a prime camera, it isn't an M9 or any other full sized camera (although the image quality certainly is). It often equals my Canon 5D.
I still shoot my IIIc and IIIf, and I would say that the X1 is the best Barnack ever. Get used to the optical viewer, I use a VC 40mm and it's just about perfect. Up close takes practice, but the little bugger beeps when in focus so one can frame and shoot pretty quickly, far more quickly than a Barnack. So how slow is slow?
robert blu
quiet photographer
hmmm, happy x1 shooter here but...when you push the shutter button and before the photo is taken you subject moves, or anyone else enter you frame between you and your subject or he/she turns his/her head in the other direction...this is slow !
robert
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
The X1 is imo the only compact camera made for photography (1). Its usability is way, way ahead of other compacts. The Fuji are made for fideling with controls, the X! for taking pictures.
(1) If you add an OVF. To sell a camera without a finder is like selling a car without a steering wheel.
I take the liberty to post a photo tkan just the other day with my X1 i Lisboa (sunny city):
I love all these pictures, but especially this one!! I'm using an X100. I think I'd like an X1 or X2 as well. I think there is more to selecting a camera than comparing specs, and I think this thread brings that out. It's a bit like this: A violin is an instrument and a camera is an instrument. Not every instrument is right for every artist--or photographer. A Stradivarius is often lionized as the best violin. But when Sarah Chang was tried on the Strad, it was too "polite" for her style. Her mentor showed her that the right choice for her was is Guarneri Del Gesu. And that is what she plays. The Strad just didn't bring out the best in her.
And it seems the X100 didn't bring out the best in Jett, and others here. For them, it is not the best camera nor the right one. So if the X1 or X2 does, then the rest doesn't matter.
dave lackey
Veteran
Yes, while that can happen, there are two other options. One is scale focus and is easily set. The other is prime the shutter for release by pre-focus and hold the button down slightly until you are ready for a shot. It works super fast and with full matrix metering (or whatever it is called) exposure and focus work everytime.