So Confused! X1 or DSLR

[chrispatel]

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Okay, I have been reading everything I can on the forum. Here's the situation.

 

I have saved $2400.00 and looking for a camera. My wife has a DLX4 and I am looking for a camera for family and travel. I am a non-professional ... just fun and family stuff for walls and scrapbooks. I have had a D700 and found that the size is somewhat big and therefore I never got it out for much. I like the Dlux4 but the camera is never around when I need it so it is time to buy a new camera for myself.

 

Most of my stuff is travel and with the small children. The problem is that I love the flexibility with the DSLR but I love the portability of the X1 and images of the X1. I also care about quality so that is a major factor.

 

This is a loaded question. What should I do? Please don't rail on me!

 

Chris

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[Guest stnami]

Chris there isn't enough versatility using the fixed lens x1 as the sole camera against a DSLR better off with a small DSLR of which there are plenty on the market.

ps AF is too slow for the moving speed of the tin lids .......... sometimes wanting a leica just isn't enough reason if there are particular results required

[F1Addict]

Stnami has a good point about the fixed focal lens, however only you can decide if you can live with that. I can tell you I was concerned about that point before I purchased mine 6 months ago, but hasn't really concerned me since. I can recall only a handfull of times where I wished I had a zoom. Not enough to give up my X1 though.

 

I have been contemplating a used M8.2 however...

[Danielsan]

i would go with the X1, i was in the same situation a few months back, had a beginners DSLR (450D) and in the end i never used it cause it was to large and heavy. I used it also only for fun on trips but mostly it was at home cause of the size. The only thing the X1 dont have is a zoom lens compared to the X1. Everything else the X1 can do too and a little bit better cause of the even larger sensor and sharper fixed lens compared to 450D. I would say the AF is fast and good enough for most things a John Doe will snap during holidays. Of course it isnt ideal for moving objects like car races or whatever cause of the slow AF, in my case its ideal cause i rarely photograph fast moving objects.

[chrispatel]

Thanks! Keep the opinions coming. I really appreciate the feedback.

 

Chris

[Guest stnami]

Alls good saying fixed is great ........... but one of Chris's needs in pictures of his children which are "moving objects" and quick at it and there the X1 won't cut the mustard

[chrispatel]

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Thanks! Kids are a part of my photography and of course a major importance. But another part is travel from Asia to the local parks and Sunday Markets.

 

Chris

[JeTexas]

I've tried to shoot my 2-year-old nephew with the X1. Lots of blurriness.

 

The X1 is my fun camera. I still use a Nikon DSLR for work.

[phancj]

Hey Chris,

 

Bring your laptop and/or your SD card, take loads of photos at the store, go back to examine those shots. Also seriously consider how portable and elegant the X1 is.

 

You might want to try the nex with the kit lens too. If u can live with MF alone, then buying good lenses with the nex could be another option.

 

The mft is not my cup of tea given the smaller sensor, but if you live with the slight difference IQ then it is another great option.

 

Happy hunting!

[RichardM8]

I went through 2 Canon SLRs and a bunch of L and normal lenses 'cos you really need the versatality'n all...

 

They were sitting on a shelf at home 90% of the time due to the size, weight and hassle while my D-Lux and LX3 kept the frame-counter spinning. I shot at least 80% of my most cherrished images with them as a result.

 

The X1 is a light compact with midrange SLR IQ or better. It's by far the most satisfying camera I've ever had and/or used.

 

The 'beloved' (AF) slowness of the X1 to hammer on is so rediculously blown out of proportion that after using the X1 intensively for a few months, I only laugh about it. Yeah I miss shots. Just as I did with the Canon SLRs. The X1 misses them with 0.6 second, the SLR with 0.3. But both missed. Great bar talk though...

 

In my infinite clumsyness I do notice the brilliant controls and handling of the X1. Two clear'n simple dails and a few dedicated buttons. Clear and superfast. Gosh its' almost a camera instead of a laptop with a lens. Do I miss LESS shots with the X1 due to wrong/off settings than with the SLRs? Yes I do. For me this aspect alone counterweights a substantial part of the slower aspects from the X1.

 

Does it matter if you miss or fook up a shot due to a few tenths of a second slower AF or 'cos you were wading through menus and fiddling with buttons and 'joy'sticks? I am amazed that the great handling and controls of the X1 gets relatively little praise. IMO this really shines if you start taking pictures.

 

Oh and... I already have dozens of great images from my little boy too... :-)

[Guest stnami]

Ask the same question elsewhere and the result will be different it is all a no brainer and you are probably wasting your time just as you would on a canon or whatever forum with the same question.

eventually someone will mention a GF1

[phancj]

I went through 2 Canon SLRs and a bunch of L and normal lenses 'cos you really need the versatality'n all...

 

They were sitting on a shelf at home 90% of the time due to the size, weight and hassle while my D-Lux and LX3 kept the frame-counter spinning. I shot at least 80% of my most cherrished images with them as a result.

 

The X1 is a light compact with midrange SLR IQ or better. It's by far the most satisfying camera I've ever had and/or used.

 

The 'beloved' (AF) slowness of the X1 to hammer on is so rediculously blown out of proportion that after using the X1 intensively for a few months, I only laugh about it. Yeah I miss shots. Just as I did with the Canon SLRs. The X1 misses them with 0.6 second, the SLR with 0.3. But both missed. Great bar talk though...

 

In my infinite clumsyness I do notice the brilliant controls and handling of the X1. Two clear'n simple dails and a few dedicated buttons. Clear and superfast. Gosh its' almost a camera instead of a laptop with a lens. Do I miss LESS shots with the X1 due to wrong/off settings than with the SLRs? Yes I do. For me this aspect alone counterweights a substantial part of the slower aspects from the X1.

 

Does it matter if you miss or fook up a shot due to a few tenths of a second slower AF or 'cos you were wading through menus and fiddling with buttons and 'joy'sticks? I am amazed that the great handling and controls of the X1 gets relatively little praise. IMO this really shines if you start taking pictures.

 

Oh and... I already have dozens of great images from my little boy too... :-)

 

Agreed! But with all the negativity surrounding the X1 due to the detractors the only objective suggestion must be for the potential buyer to try out and have a feel of the exquisite X1 and its minimalist and elegant controls, plus review its beautiful image quality on the comp screen instead of its inferior LCD which really doesnt do it much justice. On the contrary, most who try the nex, GF1, etc,etc will be astounded by the image on the gorgeous LCD, only to be disappointed when the image is viewed full size.

 

I think that is also why the X1 is not really selling in massive volumes, apart from its pricing and availability.

[stephen.w]

Chris, if you're happy with the operating speed of the DLux4, then get an X1. You will love the quality of the files it produces. If you are not, then buy a GF1 or a D90 (or similar small SLR).

[elgenper]

..... My wife has a DLX4 and I am looking for a camera for family and travel. .... I like the Dlux4 but the camera is never around when I need it so it is time to buy a new camera for myself.

.....

 

Well, if you do like the DLux 4, and you find the image quality sufficient (quite likely; it´s one h*ll of a camera...), why not just get another? It´s far cheaper than an X1.

 

One hitch: since Panasonic have released the LX 5, it´s rather likely that there will be a new D-Lux 5 soon. If you can wait a few months, do so. Even if you decide the DLux 4 is still the answer, you will be able to get it even cheaper at a clearance.

[andybarton]

 

I think that is also why the X1 is not really selling in massive volumes, apart from its pricing and availability.

 

I don't know how many have been sold but I do know that my dealer has three in stock. They are now pretty freely available.

[phancj]

I don't know how many have been sold but I do know that my dealer has three in stock. They are now pretty freely available.

 

Yes, it is more available now than when I first bought it, but still, it runs out periodically. There is always demand for it, and leica is still releasing stocks in drips and drabs.

[Guest stnami]

phancj how does your last comment answer Chris's enquiry?

[phancj]

phancj how does your last comment answer Chris's enquiry?

 

And why wouldnt it be relevant if Chris decides on the X1? It is still out of stock in many places??!! And there wouldnt be any for him to try if they are out of stock would they??

 

the thing with the X1 is you gotta try it and look at its images to decide. Many negative threads that have no basis also do not help potential buyers to make informed choices.

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[nippa]

Because of the fixed lens and slowish autofocus the X1 needs to be handled before you buy.

Don't spend the money until you understand the X1's limitations. In my case

I was lucky because I managed to get my hands on a demo model back in March and within 10 seconds knew that I had to have one.

 

Personally I wouldn't want the X1 if it were my only camera because it can limit the type of shots you take...but I love it and increasingly leave other kit behind knowing that I shall have to limit what I shoot.

 

There are other APS-C options and the Sony Nex is definitely one to consider.

Yesterday I got hold of the small Sansung NX-10. What a beautifully made camera that is.

I was really impressed and would put that on my shortlist.

[Guest stnami]

phancj you aren't helping with an informed choice you never bothered to answer his criteria just waffled on about it being scarce...... atleast nippa addressed the questions.