X1 or D-Lux 4?

[jhluxton]

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I currently use a C-LUX 2 as my small pocket Leica - but wish to change to something better when I don't want to lug around the V-Lux1 or Digilux 3.

 

When announced the X1 appeared to be the right sort of camera for me.

 

I wasn't bothered about the fixed focal length lens if this meant high quality.

 

Back in my 35mm days I had used a Contax T2 as my pocket camera and apart from some vignetting at certain aperture settings (very noticeable with slide film!) I thought that the X1 would be a very similar sort of camera but in digial format.

 

However, looking at the non too enthusiastic comments on performance, I am now having second thoughts and I am not sure that it is worth the much higher cost.

 

I know it is early days in the X1 life but if there is anyone out there who has now aquired an X1 and has also used a D Lux 4 I would be interested in hearing their comments.

 

Thanks

 

John

[jsrockit]

The T2 had the slowest autofocus and shutter lag on the premium P&S from that era. I remember using the Leica Minilux instead for that reason. If you were comfortable with the T2, you should be comfortable with the X1. That said, are you really ready to spend $2000 as a C-LUX 2 replacement? Have you thought about the Panasonic GF1 w/ 20mm lens?

[Douglasco]

I have both cameras and the X1 is by far the better of the two cameras. the focusing speed is about the same but the image quality from the X1 is superb. obviously the X1 is a lot more money but in my opinion it is well worth it.

[jhluxton]

The T2 had the slowest autofocus and shutter lag on the premium P&S from that era. I remember using the Leica Minilux instead for that reason. If you were comfortable with the T2, you should be comfortable with the X1. That said, are you really ready to spend $2000 as a C-LUX 2 replacement? Have you thought about the Panasonic GF1 w/ 20mm lens?

 

My purchase of the T2 in th 90s was done in impulse mode!

 

I had read some reviews and as I then had other Contax gear I thought it logical. I wish I had known about the vignetting - never spotted that in any reviews.

 

Then I was walking past a local camera shop window and saw a gold titanium version in the window ..... I had never really bought a camera in such an impulse manner before or since!

 

As for a/f speed being someone who tends to photograph buildings, landscape and some transport subjects - mainly ships and heritage railways I suppose very fast a/f isn't the most important criteria.

 

No have not really considered a GF1 - but it isn't a Leica.

 

John

[Douglasco]

If you mainly photograph buildings the X1 may be just the camera for your your needs. I do a bit of HDR stuff and I am looking forward to seeing what kind of results I will get using the X1s files

[nippa]

I think that the OP should look at Micro 4/3rds cameras like the Panasonic GF-1( especially with the Pancake lens).

 

Much as I love my DLuxe4 and used to rave about the picture quality , the GF-1 is better , takes Leica-esque portraits and still fits in a coat pocket.

Yes I will buy an X1 for low light , quiet operations like concerts and wedding receptions but I don't expect it to beat my GF-1

[jhluxton]

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Yes I will buy an X1 for low light , quiet operations like concerts and wedding receptions but I don't expect it to beat my GF-1

 

Low light capability is quite important as I often find myself upping the sensitivity on my current cameras. I have seen an impressive 3200 ASA shot on here - though the need for quiet operations isn't high on my check list.

[jsrockit]

 

As for a/f speed being someone who tends to photograph buildings, landscape and some transport subjects - mainly ships and heritage railways I suppose very fast a/f isn't the most important criteria.

 

No have not really considered a GF1 - but it isn't a Leica.

 

John

 

Well, the C-Lux isn't really a Leica either right? In any case, I think the X1 is your camera... it'll match your style and speed. It's the same reason I'm buying it... because it'll work for my style of photography.

 

I went out and did "street" photography today with my Olympus E-P1 and it worked fine.

[Driver8]

However, looking at the non too enthusiastic comments on performance, I am now having second thoughts and I am not sure that it is worth the much higher cost.

 

I know it is early days in the X1 life but if there is anyone out there who has now aquired an X1 and has also used a D Lux 4 I would be interested in hearing their comments.

One thing to consider is that the sensor size on the D-Lux 4 is 40.63 sq mm (8.50mm x 4.78mm), whereas the sensor on the X1 is 373 sq mm (23.6mm x 15.8mm).

 

The X1's sensor is 9 times bigger than the D-Lux 4. That's an enormous difference. They're really not in the same category.

[jsrockit]

One thing to consider is that the sensor size on the D-Lux 4 is 40.63 sq mm (8.50mm x 4.78mm), whereas the sensor on the X1 is 373 sq mm (23.6mm x 15.8mm).

 

The X1's sensor is 9 times bigger than the D-Lux 4. That's an enormous difference. They're really not in the same category.

 

Not the same category, but is it worth it for the OP to go for the X1 or will the DL4 do... that seems to be the question.

[jhluxton]

Thanks for the various thoughts on here in response to my initial posting last week.

 

At present I'll wait a little while before making a final decision on this, having seen some of the high ASA shots posted on here from the X1 - I am impressed - I also hadn't realised there was quite such a big difference in sensor size between X1 and D-Lux 4 so yes perhaps the X1 is for me.

 

 

John

[ptu]

having seen some of the high ASA shots posted on here from the X1 - I am impressed - I also hadn't realised there was quite such a big difference in sensor size between X1 and D-Lux 4 so yes perhaps the X1 is for me.

John

 

if there is any help I have posted some high ISO shot here Blipfoto :: MooseX1 :: 16 February 2010 eg. 12th, 15th and 16th Feb.

 

Cheers!

 

Peetu

[damnsharp]

Great site Blipfoto, I will going to sign me in when the X1 arrives! Oh, the bus photo I love it. Is it your blog Peetu?

[jsrockit]

What did the OP decide to do?

[ptu]

Great site Blipfoto, I will going to sign me in when the X1 arrives! Oh, the bus photo I love it. Is it your blog Peetu?

 

Guilty as charged. I started a photo per day project and i signed into Blip. Handy site/tool to post a picture per day. Blog is to follow learning curve (how to use and shoot better photos) for a year. Plus I have a challenge with friend, who misses more days loses and prepares/pays a meal to winner.

 

Now to see kiddo playing at music school.

 

Cheers!