Looking for some input on my crazy idea!

[Seraj]

I am sick of my DSLR, I find that the photography I really like doing recently isn't really assisted much by my specific camera.

I have a Nikon D800.

I understand the IQ is great and its an amazing camera. But I kind of want to sell it, pick up an X100s in the short term as my street, general, with me always camera. Whenever the X-Pro2 or whatever the successor to the Pro1 is I will pick that up as my more work/experiment camera with the 14mm, 35mm, and some of the lenses slated for release.

I am a big fan of the X-Trans sensor and quality of the images. I also love the form factor, I wish I could afford a Leica M digital to pair up with my M6 TTL when I am shooting 35mm, Fuji seems to be the next best thing.

Any input?

 

[user237428934]

Only do this if you can afford to keep your D800 parallel to the other cameras for some months. Many people regret it, that they sold their DSLR because the other cameras are not that versatile and you might miss it.

 

[kshapero]

When I was 24 I would have been happy with a Nikkormat FTN ( probably equivilant to a Nikon D40 digital wise), you are a lucky man to be GASsed up so early in life.

 

[noimmunity]

The D800. What about it is enabling? What is getting in the way? Once you have those things figured out in a precise way, you can look for the system(s) that fill those needs. You may need/want more than one, and you already have a well-developed GAS syndrome...

Sounds to me like you value portability and minimal size above all else, and you don't need many of the things that a D800 would also be best at. But since you've already purchased a D800, I suspect that you will have very high expectations for image quality that may be difficult to satisfy.

I'd suggest ditching the D800 and replacing it with an X100s, a DP*M, and eventually an X-Pro*. As your GAS develops you can expend lots of clams on getting into the M system.

Then at the end of the day you will rue just how much flexibility and IQ you used to get with the D800.

I am sick of my DSLR, I find that the photography I really like doing recently isn't really assisted much by my specific camera.

I have a Nikon D800.

I understand the IQ is great and its an amazing camera. But I kind of want to sell it, pick up an X100s in the short term as my street, general, with me always camera. Whenever the X-Pro2 or whatever the successor to the Pro1 is I will pick that up as my more work/experiment camera with the 14mm, 35mm, and some of the lenses slated for release.

I am a big fan of the X-Trans sensor and quality of the images. I also love the form factor, I wish I could afford a Leica M digital to pair up with my M6 TTL when I am shooting 35mm, Fuji seems to be the next best thing.

Any input?

 

[Seraj]

Yeah I knew I was going to come off like that. GASed up and all.

The D800 was a bit of a impulse buy when it first launched. Had some money saved up for a wedding that didn't happen and my old camera legit died. I didn't fully realize what I was getting myself into with the D800, the RAW file size, etc.

I'm attracted to the small form factor. I should just get some more glass and save up for a X100s and keep this beast.

 

[Michalm]

Image quality of d800 is unbeatable , detail and dynamic range is great and it is full frame. Pity they are not making them in small package of fm3a size. Hope they will soon. I would keep d800.

 

[Murchu]

I remember feeling the same, when I bought my D200 years ago. Was the best camera I had ever handled at the time, and my only thought was how I was going to take so many photos with it. Ultimately I found that for many of the places and times I wanted to have it and take images with it, it was unfriendly to tote around.

I think everyone needs a camera they can take most places, and would pair your D800 up with a more portable camera, and one you will take where you currently where you currently leave your D800 at home.

If on the other hand, working with those large D800 files is torture due to your computer setup, it might be worth thinking of selling your D800 if you don't have the appetite/ discretionary funds to upgrade your computer hardware.

 

[doolittle]

Only do this if you can afford to keep your D800 parallel to the other cameras for some months. Many people regret it, that they sold their DSLR because the other cameras are not that versatile and you might miss it.

+1

Though I have found the best way to appreciate this is by selling your dSLR and learning from experience what you are missing 🙂

Maybe get a used X100 to go along with your current camera? Or some nice small prime lenses for your D800.

On the other hand go with your instincts and embrace it as part of your photographic journey!

 

[willie_901]

Seraj,

After reading your post, the crazy idea isn't moving to the Fuji's. Perhaps the crazy idea was buying the D800 to meet your photographic goals.

Just because the D800 is an excellent camera doesn't mean it's the best camera for you at this time. The D800's strengths may not be important to your success right now and it's disadvantages are frustrating you.

The Fuji APS-C X system is a viable alternative platform. There are others as well.

Don't be afraid to make a change.

 

[daveleo]

Only do this if you can afford to keep your D800 parallel to the other cameras for some months. Many people regret it, that they sold their DSLR because the other cameras are not that versatile and you might miss it.

+me

Proceed with caution.

Maybe . . . ? . . . pick up a used X100 and see how you like it for say 6 months. Then decide. Two rash purchase decisions in a row will not make your life better 😀

 

[GaryLH]

Doesn't matter how good the camera is... If u don't connect w/ it or if it is sitting at home collecting dust. If u are really not happy about it... But u are not sure... I would suggest u rent some different cameras such as
- omd in m43 format
- Fuji x100
- Fuji xp1/xe1
- Sigma dp2m (not sure if anyone is renting this one)
- Nikon Coolpix A
- Nikon v1/2
- Sony RX 100 or RX 1
- Sony Nex 5n 6 or 7
- Ricoh gxr (looks to be discontinued - fire sale at Henrys in Canada)

At the end of the day, u have to be comfortable w/ the camera. Full frame is nice, but it comes w/ the cost of more weight as well... Apsc is a good compromise solution... There was a time I thought about the ff holy grail.. But as apsc sensors got better.. I decided that for my needs, I really don't need full frame any longer..

Good luck
Gary

 

[noimmunity]

After reading your post, the crazy idea isn't moving to the Fuji's. Perhaps the crazy idea was buying the D800 to meet your photographic goals.

This is perceptive.

 

[mobilexile]

You've made it clear that the D800 isn't doing it for you.

Looking back at the original post you stated:

"… pick up an X100s in the short term as my street, general, with me always camera …"

If that's a goal the X100s is perfect. Then, when you're ready to invest in the other camera, make a decision based upon what the market has to offer.

 

[cjbecker]

I think you will be disappointed. It's not the camera that makes a good image.

 

[froyd]

I think you will be disappointed. It's not the camera that makes a good image.

...but it's the camera you have with you that can make any image at all.

I say, go for it Seraj, but consider how long you are willing towait for a yet-to-be announced X-Pro 2, and whether the systems's limitations will be an issue to you. Sounds like the D800 did not live up to your expectations, but it was not the camera's fault.

 

[tuanvinh2000]

I think if you have a clear idea of what sort of images you would like to take, then you can pick the right tool for it. Read a lot of books/look at images and see what resonate with you. Then try out the tools that can help you to create a similar look, use it to create your own images.
Image quality wise D800 is hard to beat and it's a tool for professional jobs. While rangefinders are fun!

 

[tuanvinh2000]

Shoot more with the M6 may be? seem like you already has a discreet small form factor camera.

 

[user237428934]

You've made it clear that the D800 isn't doing it for you.

He made clear that the he dislikes the D800 at the moment. Maybe this is just a temporary thing.

After trying things like X100 or m43 cameras I ruefully came back to my full frame DSLR all the time where I like everything except the size.

 

[NicoM]

Another option is to sell you Leica to fund the Fuji. I agree with the post above me. After using my X-E1 for weeks now, theres just so much that my 5D has that I'll miss. I'd imagine you D800 kicks my 5DIIs ass so the difference will even be greater.

 

[jsrockit]

I always hate DSLRs each time I try to give them a chance... there is nothing worse than going out with a camera that isn't your thing. Of course it works, and you may even make great photos, but ultimately, you should be happy / comfortable with the tool you use. In the long run, I truly feel you'll make better photos with the camera you truly love. However, not everyone is the same.