So Confused! X1 or DSLR

[Guest stnami]

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Sorry the X1 AF hunts in the dark that is why he got the images on AF, manual you will get them via the m8/9 but you will be pushing it with the X1.

Sure X1 IQ will be better, no one disputes that but here we are about getting the shots under the conditions that require either a fast AF or ease of pre focusing available in the m 8/9 range

[jsrockit]

Sorry the X1 AF hunts in the dark that is why he got the images on AF, manual you will get them via the m8/9 but you will be pushing it with the X1.

Sure X1 IQ will be better, no one disputes that but here we are about getting the shots under the conditions that require either a fast AF or ease of pre focusing available in the m 8/9 range

 

stnami is completely correct. The GF1 is the better camera if anything is moving. The X1 is the better "still life" camera.

[SproetS]

Hello, I have kids and That is a subject of lot of the pictures I shoot with the X1. I'm now training me and the X1 to do the 'moving to the camera shots'. I think in time it's possible to be succesful. Prefocus and anticipation are the keywords.

[h00ligan]

stnami is completely correct. The GF1 is the better camera if anything is moving. The X1 is the better "still life" camera.

 

Providing it's not dim out requiring higher than iso 800. Fwiw IMHO the gf1 is still to slow fir 'real' action.

[jsrockit]

Providing it's not dim out requiring higher than iso 800. Fwiw IMHO the gf1 is still to slow fir 'real' action.

 

Well, you'd know since you owned / own one. To me, there is a huge difference in AF speed between the two. I'm probably going to pick up a GF1 as my third camera.

[stephen.w]

I don't want to have to compose using an LCD and I've read really bad things about the electronic viewfinder for the GF1, that's what has kept me from buying one. Oh, that and the hope that another compact with an APS-C sized sensor, a decent lens and better focusing is around the corner For now I'll just stick to the X1.

[Guest badbob]

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stnami is completely correct. The GF1 is the better camera if anything is moving. The X1 is the better "still life" camera.

 

I used the G1 for a year - same focus system as the GF1. And it wasn't good. Any decent small DSLR should be many times better than a GF1 for moving subjects.

[jsrockit]

I used the G1 for a year - same focus system as the GF1. And it wasn't good. Any decent small DSLR should be many times better than a GF1 for moving subjects.

 

Hmmm... it seems plenty fast to me (fastest compact AF I've seen). However, I concede since I haven't used one extensively.

[tom0511]

I personally also do own a x1 together with Leica M and A D700, and need to admit that I also still have my E-P2.

 

You can shoot kids with the x1, but just not as spontanious like with the D700 er the E-P2 (E-P2 feels much more resposive than the x1).

 

So if the D700 is too big for your taste I would say:

If many buttons and menues dont disturb you and if you want lots of flexibility (regarding lenses/focal length, regarding shooting video if you want) the E-P2 (or gf1) would be my recommandation.

IMO the IQ is pretty good and not far from the x1.

 

Now if you want a more classical camera with conventinal simple user interface (thats what I love about the x1), if you think you want to crank up ISO often, if it is ok to be limited to 35mm and if you can live without an effective IS system, and with an AF which is mainly built for still or resting people, and if you are willing to work with prefocus and hit and miss than the x1 might be the camera for you.

 

From what you write my feeling is the m4/3 is maybe the better option.

Also keep in mind that you usually can shoot m4/3 1 f-stop lower ISO because you have more DOF (due to smaller sensor) and an effective IS as well as faster lenses available.

 

I admit though that I do use the x1 more often than my E-P2 because I just like the simplicity of that camera. Sometimes it frustrates me and I dont get the image I want (slowish), but still I could get some nice images with it.

[alfredo_esteban]

No dude , I have a 2 hours ago............

[h00ligan]

Js- the gf1 feels like a rocket compared to the x1. Modern dslr feels like an otherworldly craft compared to gf1

[jsrockit]

Js- the gf1 feels like a rocket compared to the x1. Modern dslr feels like an otherworldly craft compared to gf1

 

I just cannot agree... I just used the D700 for a month and while it was faster than the GF1 it wasn't always accurate. The GF1 seems plenty fast and accurate each time I test it. Am I wrong?

[Danielsan]

i think the X1 is the best build compact camera out there, then probably the NEX5 or Pen, the others are mostly plastic cameras. I must admit that the X1 is a bit too light cause of the expensive Magnesium frame. I would also bought it with a brass frame, probabaly the camera would feel even more solid with a heavier brass frame.

[h00ligan]

I just cannot agree... I just used the D700 for a month and while it was faster than the GF1 it wasn't always accurate. The GF1 seems plenty fast and accurate each time I test it. Am I wrong?

 

 

I don't use nikon, but I can say the txi series and my 7d are spot on (though they can get confusing with all the modes and types). I know with my 7d if I out it on single point it is milliseconds to focus with usm, live view(same as x1) is similar speed but a bit slower with a cheap 50mm on it. I'd say the 7d could track a bird and capture four-five frames in the time it takes the gf1 to lock at any distance..certainly 2-3

[RichardM8]

Sorry the X1 AF hunts in the dark

 

So (some) people keep saying...

 

I do a lot of low light shooting. One of the reasons I bought the X1. After some 2000 frames I've never had a hunting AF at anything but a pitch black scene. When every AF system struggles or fails when outside the range of the AF assist light. Including my 'superfast' Canon 40D.

 

Yes the GF1 and Oly EPs are faster. But also less accurate. Esspecially in low(er) light. And when I see the images from a friends' EP2 at lower light or anything above base ISO, well.... Let's say I take the slower AF any day.

[phancj]

So (some) people keep saying...

 

I do a lot of low light shooting. One of the reasons I bought the X1. After some 2000 frames I've never had a hunting AF at anything but a pitch black scene. When every AF system struggles or fails when outside the range of the AF assist light. Including my 'superfast' Canon 40D.

 

Yes the GF1 and Oly EPs are faster. But also less accurate. Esspecially in low(er) light. And when I see the images from a friends' EP2 at lower light or anything above base ISO, well.... Let's say I take the slower AF any day.

 

I must agree, though my comparison is one between the D300 and the X1. Both can handle shots in low light, but images from the X1 trumps the D300 with prime lens (50mm).

[h00ligan]

I have to disagree. I think the x1 does hunt in low light.. and while high iso is great, it's not up to par with my 7d. I'm not slagging off the x1, it's tiny and low light is amazing for the size, but it's not industry leading by dslr standards.

 

In my experience the gf1 is no worse in low light - given the proper settings (talking accuracy, not noise).

[tom0511]

I just cannot agree... I just used the D700 for a month and while it was faster than the GF1 it wasn't always accurate. The GF1 seems plenty fast and accurate each time I test it. Am I wrong?

 

M D700 focuses very accurate. I had a 7d and sold it because I did not experience the same accurancy. So I gues something with either your d700 or your Nikon lens(es) most be wrong.

 

For me its clear: D700 faster and better AF than m4/3.

m4/3 faster AF than x1.

x1 AF in good light slow, in bad light very slow, even if you have the disturbing orange light on which tells everybody that you take an image soon.

 

For me x1-AF in low light still good enough as long as you dont shoot action.

[jsrockit]

M D700 focuses very accurate. I had a 7d and sold it because I did not experience the same accurancy. So I gues something with either your d700 or your Nikon lens(es) most be wrong.

 

Well, your standards may be different than mine. Perhaps I used the wrong mode? Who knows... I no longer care because I went back to the M8.2. Nothing beats quick manual focus / zone focusing IMHO.

 

For me its clear: D700 faster and better AF than m4/3.

m4/3 faster AF than x1.

 

I never disputed this... I'm just saying that, for its size, the GF1 is the fastest I've seen (Sony NEX seemed quick as well)... but then again I don't hunt birds with my camera nor do I care about sports photography.

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[Guest stnami]

but then again I don't hunt birds with my camera..... agreed, that's what shotguns are for