X100 vs DSLR?

[nongfuspring]

I'm planning on having a good camera to take around with me on holidays and so on, as well as for work doing some product photography and images for posters (I do a lot of design etc.). So basically I need something that will give me "professional" photos, but also portability and a certain degree of flexibility. I would be totally fine with just the x100's 35mm fixed lens if it weren't for having to do the occasional studio photography, in fact I really like the x100 in a way that i don't especially like DSLRs (my main choice right now is the Pentax K-5) since it feels great to use and is just so portable. Which makes me wonder, is it better for me to invest in a system camera or just take the x100 with telephoto adapter?

I'd love to get both an x100 and a K-5 but I'll barely be able to scrape money together for just the one of them, so I really feel as if its important to get a camera that will produce good images as well as be personally appealing and convenient enough for me to want to use it on a daily basis. Any advice appreciated!

 

[chrishayton]

I have a Nikon D3 with various lenses but I feel my X100 is just as capable when it comes to image quality in all but the poorest of light
The Fuji is a perfect travel camera however its not a good product photography camera unless the items are large. The macro is great but close and wide never looks great. How about a Pentax K30? They are very inexpensive. Maybe your budget could stretch ( they are £349 in the UK at the moment)

 

[kshapero]

Unless you really feel that you must pretend you have a rangefinder I say get the K-5.

 

[jsrockit]

Used X100 and low end / older DSLR? I know you want the X100, but it might be smarter to go with the DSLR based on your needs.

 

[filmtwit]

Fuji X1 pro sounds like it would fit the bill across the board for you.

 

[willie_901]

Actually I pretend I have a DSLR and wear my National Geograhic logo vest. Then I sneak around he neighborhood with my X-Pro 1 photographing cats, dogs and the occasional bird.

Then I change into a suit and tie and pretend I'm a National Geograhic photo editor so I can write myself a highly flattering acceptance letter.

 

[denizg7]

5d mark ii

 

[redisburning]

dSLR

get the camera that fits your needs first and your wants later.

 

[pb908]

k5 is dam* good (or should i say great camera)
it is small and with pancake lens it shines for travel camera. It is has quiet shutter, maybe the quietest i ever heard from dslr.
For me, functionality, k5 is the winner, x100 still having other x factor : the cool looking body, hybrid finder.

 

[kxl]

Your needs seem varied enough to warrant a DSLR. Just remember that you are buying into a system, so the comparison is not X100 v. K5, but X100 v. Pentax system.

If I have to choose a DSLR system I would go with either Nikon or Canon (I'm actually heavily invested in the Nikon system).

 

[nongfuspring]

You're all right, I should go for the DSLR. Thanks for talking some sense into me. I'd love to go for the mk-2 or the xpro-1/xe-1 but considering the price of both getting a lens and the body they're way out of my price range, even second hand.

I'm definitely tending towards the K-30, it sounds like a real bargain for the money