Considering Upgrade from D-lux4 to x1

[spectron]

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I have been a Nikon shooter d70, d200 and d300. I was given a deluxe for my birthday and am really liking the Leica look, feel and IQ. I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom. I'm considering upgrading to the X1 (cannot justify M9) and would like to hear comments from others who have compared the the dlux4 and the x1.

 

Thanks ...Tom

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[phancj]

I have been a Nikon shooter d70, d200 and d300. I was given a deluxe for my birthday and am really liking the Leica look, feel and IQ. I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom. I'm considering upgrading to the X1 (cannot justify M9) and would like to hear comments from others who have compared the the dlux4 and the x1.

 

Thanks ...Tom

 

Hey Tom,

 

I do not own the dlux but have the D300 since launch. To me, even with primes the X1 trumps the D300 in IQ and rendering simply superb. Not to mention portability, great to use, intuitive controls, etc,etc.

 

If a fixed 35mm works for you you wont regret it. I recommend you use a zoom at 35mm or a prime for a DSLR and go shooting with it. See if you think you missed any shots. If not you will love the X1.

[nippa]

I find that my DLux4 AND the X1 go together very nicely.

 

The Dlux4 does macro beautifully , produces fine images below 400 ISO, offers a wider and narrower angle when needed and is more pocketable.

But the X1 takes beautiful pictures even at high ISOs within a somewhat narrow range of sedentary subjects ; image quality will blow you away.

 

Lots of information in these threads about the shortcomings of the X1 and why it's a niche camera.

 

I wouldn't want an X1 as my only camera:)

[wda]

I have been a Nikon shooter d70, d200 and d300. I was given a deluxe for my birthday and am really liking the Leica look, feel and IQ. I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom. I'm considering upgrading to the X1 (cannot justify M9) and would like to hear comments from others who have compared the the dlux4 and the x1.

 

Thanks ...Tom

Tom, welcome to the Leica Forum! While I cannot compare your cited models, I can compare with a comparable DSLR (Pentax K20d) with Limited Edition prime lenses and top zoom lenses. Like many photographers, I am disinclined nowadays to take the heavier kit on photo-forays. So, for me, the X1 is a superb performer and complements my M8 camera.

 

The X1 can work extremely well on its own although I would hesitate to go on holiday, or undertake a commission, without a back-up of some kind. If you can, why not add the X1 and see how it complements your DLux camera on semi-serious trips? You will not be disappointed with the IQ provided you take reasonable care at the taking stage. (Avoid camera shake etc in low light). Post-processing through trusted software is also very important. The X1 comes with Lightroom which is well worth having.

 

Let us know what you decide.

[BB W]

Tom, I'm afraid I can't speak to the D-Lux, either. I think you've gotten some good advice here. Can you find the X1 locally to try it out and compare - maybe bring along an SD card, or order it from a camera store with a really good return option?

[prk60091]

I have been a Nikon shooter d70, d200 and d300. I was given a deluxe for my birthday and am really liking the Leica look, feel and IQ. I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom. I'm considering upgrading to the X1 (cannot justify M9) and would like to hear comments from others who have compared the the dlux4 and the x1.

 

Thanks ...Tom

 

i had the dlux4 and now i have the x1 ....

there are only thing 2 things i miss in the x1 that i had in the dlux4 1) is the absolutely fantastic macro ability of the dlux4 and 2) the extreme pocketability of the dlux4- which is not to say that the x1 isn't pocketable- it's not "that pocketable".

 

the IQ on the X1 blows the doors off the dlux4

 

i haven't looked back and dont regret getting rid of the dlux4

 

i am going on vacation within the next 30 days and plan on taking only the x1 and a clux (with underwater housing)for snorkeling pix.

[MPJMP]

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I'm a happy D-LUX 4 owner, but... it does not have the "Leica look." It has the Panasonic look. If you want a more sophisticated version of your D-LUX 4 you might consider the Panasonic GF1.

 

IMO, the X1 does have the "Leica look" to its photos and the Leica design philosophy behind it. That being said, the D-LUX 4 has very useful features that the X1 doesn't, such as a wide zoom, macro capability, and can shoot HD video. Because of this, I wouldn't consider the X1 an "upgrade" from the D-LUX 4, but more of a compliment to it. It is a tool for a specific job, vs. the Swiss Army Knife D-LUX 4. If the darned thing didn't cost two grand, I'd be a happy X1 owner, in addition to being a happy D-LUX 4 owner.

[msbel]

They are different cameras, and I chose to keep both. If you really need to sell it to finance the X1, go for it. I still use my D-Lux 4 quite a bit for the 24 focal length and macro (kind of), as well as being able to cup it completely in my hand. The X1 for most everything else when on the move.

[prk60091]

i had the dlux4 and now i have the x1 ....

there are only thing 2 things i miss in the x1 that i had in the dlux4 1) is the absolutely fantastic macro ability of the dlux4 and 2) the extreme pocketability of the dlux4- which is not to say that the x1 isn't pocketable- it's not "that pocketable".

 

the IQ on the X1 blows the doors off the dlux4

 

i haven't looked back and dont regret getting rid of the dlux4

 

i am going on vacation within the next 30 days and plan on taking only the x1 and a clux (with underwater housing)for snorkeling pix.

 

tom:

re-reading my response I realize i only answered a portion of your question...

 

the IQ of the x1- shows a real leica look (especially when shot wide open w/iso 100)

the dlux4 never gave me that look

[tom0511]

I can only compare the g11 to the x1 and have to say that IMO the x1 does indeed deliever finer IQ. The downside is a) prime lens and slower AF.

Therefore you get better high ISO, shallower DOF than small sensor cameras, and a nicer user inerface (for my taste).

Personally I feel the x1 is the first "small" camera where I do not have to accept compromise regarding IQ and photography experience.

Leica-look....I think the x1 has more a Nikon look. still very good.

[cheewai_m6]

i haven't shot a d-lux, but i imagine it to be a really good p&s. i've shot an x1, and i find it a joy to shoot with. especially on manual focus. you can use the x1 as a p&s, but no zoom. that won't bother me though. i think the x1 isn't about functions and gadgets.

 

the files from an x1 is very very nice! and the lens definitely has the leica look. i shot a gf1, and that was nice, but the x1 files are nicer but quite a way. i'd upgrade if you've got the dollars for it.

[flappo]

Plus the X1 , particularly the new black one looks so amazing.

 

I'm seriously thinking of buying one , it's a stunner

[RichardM8]

I've had a Panny LX3 (=DL4) for years and shot thousands of images with it. A really nice P&S. One of the best in its class even.

 

But the handling, controls and image & file quality from the X1 are beyond any comparison with a DL4/LX3. Not OOC and not in post. The only similarity between the two is that both are cameras and both take digital pictures. That's about it...

[prk60091]

I've had a Panny LX3 (=DL4) for years and shot thousands of images with it. A really nice P&S. One of the best in its class even.

 

But the handling, controls and image & file quality from the X1 are beyond any comparison with a DL4/LX3. Not OOC and not in post. The only similarity between the two is that both are cameras and both take digital pictures. That's about it...

omigosh u forgot that both have a red dot

[spectron]

A big thank you to all of you! Your comments were very helpful and I decided to keep the D-lux4 for the macro, zoom and super tiny size and add the X1 to augment my dslrs when I want something light and portable.

[ezinhk]

I have been a Nikon shooter d70, d200 and d300. I was given a deluxe for my birthday and am really liking the Leica look, feel and IQ. I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom. I'm considering upgrading to the X1 (cannot justify M9) and would like to hear comments from others who have compared the the dlux4 and the x1.

 

Thanks ...Tom

 

I too have used NIKON(D70s,D200,D300) with the best lens but sold my gear cuz too heavy and real pain to lug around when traveling. I have never used a dlux4 but currently own X1. I find the images very similar to NIKON D300 with 28-70/2.8 lens. Images are very sharp and detail with good colours and white balance, does amazingly well in low light. Most of all, besides slow AF, the X1 shoots like a semi-pro dslr...and probably better images then most and weighs much much less.

 

Ed

[georgio]

I find myself shooting at the not zoomed position and rarely use the zoom.Thanks ...Tom

 

Hi Tom,

I had the D-Lux 4 sold it and bought the X1, since I thought the same as you,

totally forgot that I actually did quite a lot of macro.

I am absolutely happy with the X1 and I am sure you will be too, great cam for your way of working;

but I just bought again another D-Lux4 this week, just for the macro.

Georgio

[soleforeal]

I owned both and eventually ended up selling the D Lux 4.

I'm happy with having the X1, it is far superior and portable.

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Hallo,

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