Erwin Puts on the X1

[rosuna]

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A new entry in his blog:

 

Blog

 

The Minolta TC-1 and the X1.

 

The original review of the camera was here:

 

X1

[jsrockit]

So, he doesn't like that the X1 doesn't have a viewfinder built in? I would argue that the LCD is the more accurate framing device. Those boutique compacts were nice, but their viewfinders were nothing special. Nonsense.

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[stunsworth]

So, he doesn't like that the X1 doesn't have a viewfinder built in? I would argue that the LCD is the more accurate framing device

 

Indeed it is more accurate than an optical viewfinder, but there's more to taking a snap than having a 100% view - and personally I feel that the problems caused by a rear screen outweigh the benifit of it having accurate framing.

[jsrockit]

What problems... outside of the fact that you can't see it in bright sunlight? Also, there is a VF for the X1...though it will not show the info the older boutique camera show.

 

To say the X1 is not as serious as a camera as the Minolta because it uses an LCD instead of an optical VF is nonsense.

[jaapv]

To me it makes eminent sense. It is not just about the image taken. The way the image is taken is as important, and for me an optical viewfinder cannot be replaced by an arms-length LCD. Yes, I know one can add a viewfinder - but that means the hot shoe is blocked. Nor can an accessory viewfinder give information, if only a green dot to reassure the user that the main functions - exposure and focus- have been set.

[rosuna]

What problems... outside of the fact that you can't see it in bright sunlight?

 

The two worse problems of EVF are, in my opinion, frame rate and dynamic range. You see the image with a lag. If you point to a high contrast scene (for instance, an interior with a window) you have to choose what to see, the interior or the other side, because the sensor cannot replicate the dynamic range of the eye. The positive side of this limitation is that you get an idea of the sensor's range.

 

EVFs or LCDs are interesting devices as a complement, not as a replacement for a good (there are also mediocre) optical viewfinder, large and bright.

 

Anyway, Puts saves the image quality of the camera, but the handling and construction are criticized. I think it is a beautiful camera (seen from the front or the top), but I mostly agree with Puts.

[jsrockit]

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The way the image is taken is as important, and for me an optical viewfinder cannot be replaced by an arms-length LCD.

 

I disagree completely, for me, and prefer the LCD to an optical VF (especially those found in P&S cameras) for the most part...except for on the M series. I don't use my LCD at arms length though... I use mine about 5-7 inches from my face holding it just like any other camera I own. If one holds it at arms length completely stretched out, then they are in need of some glasses.

 

The bottom line is that the X1 is not an M and will never be one. However, it is a great camera capable of great photos.

Edited August 24, 2010 by jsrockit

[andybarton]

What problems... outside of the fact that you can't see it in bright sunlight?

 

Erm... that's a good start, isn't it?

 

[jsrockit]

Erm... that's a good start, isn't it?

 

 

Yes, it is...I concede on that point... but there is an optical VF for those moments.

[phancj]

Here are my thoughts:

 

the X1 is basically a high end point and shoot to me, and the best around. It takes gorgeous pictures and I love it more than any of my cameras, but it is a P&S, and I think the LCD is more appropriate. Using the VF separately from other info on the LCD is backwards IMHO.

 

I personally think that most people are so used to VF on SLRs, RFs, etc they think it is imperative given their habit. If you think about it really, apart from bright blazing sun (here in SE Asia that is common, but I can still see the LCD enough to do accurate framing), there is probably no need for the VF. of course, if you ask me, I would prefer the VF that is bright and gorgeous and give a real professional feeling but if it is passive, I do not see it as a necessity, unless it is EVF or a rangefinder:D

 

At the end of the day, I like the X1 for what it is, a fantastic P&S that takes pictures equivalent to DSLRs, and coupled with its great looks and tiny portable size it is just the best for me now. I tried and decided against the VF, but thats just me??!!

[jaapv]

I disagree completely, for me, and prefer the LCD to an optical VF (especially those found in P&S cameras) for the most part...except for on the M series. I don't use my LCD at arms length though... I use mine about 5-7 inches from my face holding it just like any other camera I own. If one holds it at arms length completely stretched out, then they are in need of some glasses.

 

The bottom line is that the X1 is not an M and will never be one. However, it is a great camera capable of great photos.

As I said, this is separate from the qualities of the camera as an image taking machine - which are excellent. But it is still a type of camera that does not appeal to me as a serious instrument, for the simple reason of the LCD framing. Of course I realize others see this differently

[jsrockit]

Here are my thoughts:

 

the X1 is basically a high end point and shoot to me, and the best around. It takes gorgeous pictures and I love it more than any of my cameras, but it is a P&S, and I think the LCD is more appropriate. Using the VF separately from other info on the LCD is backwards IMHO.

 

I don't even consider it a point and shoot really... it has full manual modes in which there are dedicated knobs. P&S cameras don't generally have this.

 

As far as Leica being backwards, well... they are in general aren't they (outside of the S2)?

[wda]

....Nor can an accessory viewfinder give information, if only a green dot to reassure the user that the main functions - exposure and focus- have been set.

... and/or an audible 'beep' if set in the menu.

[RichardM8]

For me it's not a matter of habit. I have used Canon SLRs for years. With AF L lenses and full manual Zeiss lenses. Happily alongside a DLux 2 and Panny LX3 with LCDs only. Both types of framing work fine, no biggie. For me it's more a matter of how spastic you want to be about it...

 

I guess I've been lucky 'cos I haven't encountered a problem with framing on the LCD from the X1 yet. As said before, I don't need rich and vibrant colors to frame a picture.

 

Talking about weird framing, I played around with an M8 again.... but that's heresy around here.

[phancj]

As I said, this is separate from the qualities of the camera as an image taking machine - which are excellent. But it is still a type of camera that does not appeal to me as a serious instrument, for the simple reason of the LCD framing. Of course I realize others see this differently

 

I think the inclusion of the VF is not a requisite to be a serious instrument, the ability to take great pictures is. I think VF is such an entrenched tradition that photo enthusiasts think it an absolute necessity, I respect that, but totally disagree for the X1. If the VF is not integrated and does nothing except framing, it is to me senseless unless for reason of sunlight you cannot see the viewfinder? Even then, I have used the LCD in blazing sunlight and though colors are all washed out it is very visible still for framing at least.

 

We got to look at what the X1 is, a compact camera with great IQ. Nothing more and nothing less. If I have a VF I want it to do focus better still, all info on screen:D

 

I don't even consider it a point and shoot really... it has full manual modes in which there are dedicated knobs. P&S cameras don't generally have this.

 

As far as Leica being backwards, well... they are in general aren't they (outside of the S2)?

 

I think these days P&S can have manual controls too, no?

 

Being a P&S is no bad thing, especially when the X1 excels in IQ to even thrash some DSLRs:p

[jrv]

If one holds it at arms length completely stretched out, then they are in need of some glasses.

In my case I hold the X1 well away so I can "see" the subject by looking around the X1.

 

The LCD's framing is useful but I don't feel I really know what it is I'm taking a picture of by looking at the LCD - the real world view looks totallly different me than what I see in the LCD. The *shapes* are there - I can tell that's a tree for example - but the feel is wrong for me to compose a picture.

 

With a bit of practice I should get used to it, but it is indeed quite a change if you've never used an LCD or electronic viewfinder before.

[phancj]

In my case I hold the X1 well away so I can "see" the subject by looking around the X1.

 

The LCD's framing is useful but I don't feel I really know what it is I'm taking a picture of by looking at the LCD - the real world view looks totallly different me than what I see in the LCD. The *shapes* are there - I can tell that's a tree for example - but the feel is wrong for me to compose a picture.

 

With a bit of practice I should get used to it, but it is indeed quite a change if you've never used an LCD or electronic viewfinder before.

 

Once you get the hang of it you'll be fine. Actually a lot less strain on the eyes than the VF in my opinion.

[mhoersch]

For me a great deal of the joy of taking a photograph comes from looking at the subject through an excellent viewfinder - the better the viewfinder, the greater the joy I get simply from looking. With an EVF, however, what I see is not the subject but an electronic image of the subject displayed on a tiny monitor. That's an entirely different experience, and I simply don't care for the latter. That's why I will never buy a camera that doesn't have a decent optical viewfinder.

[phancj]

For me a great deal of the joy of taking a photograph comes from looking at the subject through an excellent viewfinder - the better the viewfinder, the greater the joy I get simply from looking. With an EVF, however, what I see is not the subject but an electronic image of the subject displayed on a tiny monitor. That's an entirely different experience, and I simply don't care for the latter. That's why I will never buy a camera that doesn't have a decent optical viewfinder.

 

If the joy thru the VF is imperative then the accessory VF for the X1 will fit your bill, big and bright:)

 

But for many of us, using the VF just for framing only is not enough....

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[jsrockit]

I'm glad I've learned to accept the X1 for what it is... some of my best photos have come from this camera. I'm a huge fan... VF or not.