DSLR or X1? Suggestions welcome for upcoming buyer

[jsrockit]

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On the VLux2 bollocks all I will say is this, this, this and this from an earlier and lower spec'd incantation, and leave you to compare it to the touted X1 bird shots to make up your own mind.

 

Most cameras work well in bright light these days, but how's the high ISO?

[phancj]

As a user camera, the seven D is going to eat the X twenty ways to chrismas plus some, and is entirely more flexible and competent platform. If for whatever reason you arent brave enough to be seen with a camera and need to hide a svelte form factor under the trenchcoat then sure the X1 delivers stellar files, we've just yet to see anyone present one but that is not the cameras fault.

On the VLux2 bollocks all I will say is this, this, this and this from an earlier and lower spec'd incantation, and leave you to compare it to the touted X1 bird shots to make up your own mind.

Happy Xing.

 

I do not see why you would say things like "svelte form factor" "hide" "brave enough"??!!

 

Maybe you consider your DSLR big and ugly. Its a hatred of the X1 when looking and carrying your DSLR. Its not flexible when you are reluctant to carry it everywhere.

 

YEs, the X1 is tiny, easy to carry, great for travel and everyday use. DSLRs are like bricks. And yes, I do think my X1 compares favorably if not better than my D300 in terms of IQ.

 

The point is whats good for the OP, and I think since the OP has got a DSLR, the X1 is definitely a good thing.

 

BTW, those are gorgeous shots, so its the user often and how capable. Ditto for the X1. In low light the X1 excels, for telephoto shots its deficient. You cannot have the best of everything in one camera.

[tom0511]

I had the 7d for a while and didnt like it (different story- I found the AF fast but not allways accurate and I found too much noise at certain ISOs)

No I still have and use several camera systems including DLSR (D700), x1 and m4/3

 

I really like the x1 a lot and carry it a lot. Simplicity in the user interface, small, light , simple, great image quality even at high ISO, good lens.

 

However I can not confirm that I would find the results to be any different/better than from a good DSLR with a good lens. The x1 is smaller and lighter-thats it IMO.

 

Now for your specific request (i.e. wide angle urban shooting) the x1 could be great-if it is wide enough for your taste. I also have the E-P2 with 2 or 3 lenses including the 9-18mm (=18-36 equivalent) and that would give you a hole different wide angle range, with effective in body stabilization (which can compensate the little bit more noise at higher ISOs because you can shoot stills at lower ISOs), more DOF at same F-Stop, faster AF.

 

I like the "feeling and experience" of the X1 better than the E-P2 but still sometimes bring the E-P2 for the wider angle and the faster AF. (for example when I go canooing the x1 just doesnt cut it, to narrow angle of view and too slow AF)

 

Personally I find either to compliment a DSLR very good, but couldnt decide to sell either one (E-P2/ x1).

 

Regarding the x1 it is great compared to DSLR because I find it to deliever the same (IMO not better ) IQ in a small package.

[h00ligan]

I agree and disagree as an x1 and 7d owner.

 

The 7d af can fail(much more common with 3rd party lenses), but in contrast mode (live view)it is as, if not more, accurate than the x1.

 

The x1 has only one thing going for it over the 7d, that's all. Size.

 

The 7d is more versatile, faster, higher mp, and from my accounts better at high iso, though the x1 is fantastic.

 

I like to use the x1 when I don't care about response time or size matters. I'm still on the fence of whether I am going to sell it on. If it was f2 and 20% faster, no way id pass on it. And by faster I don't mean af only. The x1 is slow at everything. Potential buyers should really understand that as it can get really annoying. I'm trying to hang in for the pending fw update, not sure I'll make it / bother. I really hope they can correct some of this. The ergonomics with dials are great, even if large hands are a little annoying. Superfast to change settings. Great iq for a compact...but you have to be very patient. To say otherwise is, IMO, fanboyism.

 

I definitely think the op should look at mft offerings.

[phancj]

I agree and disagree as an x1 and 7d owner.

 

The 7d af can fail(much more common with 3rd party lenses), but in contrast mode (live view)it is as, if not more, accurate than the x1.

 

The x1 has only one thing going for it over the 7d, that's all. Size.

 

The 7d is more versatile, faster, higher mp, and from my accounts better at high iso, though the x1 is fantastic.

 

I like to use the x1 when I don't care about response time or size matters. I'm still on the fence of whether I am going to sell it on. If it was f2 and 20% faster, no way id pass on it. And by faster I don't mean af only. The x1 is slow at everything. Potential buyers should really understand that as it can get really annoying. I'm trying to hang in for the pending fw update, not sure I'll make it / bother. I really hope they can correct some of this. The ergonomics with dials are great, even if large hands are a little annoying. Superfast to change settings. Great iq for a compact...but you have to be very patient. To say otherwise is, IMO, fanboyism.

 

I definitely think the op should look at mft offerings.

 

I agree with what you are saying as regards 7D, but feel mft IQ compares not as favorably, though some may be okay with it. Coming from DSLR I would think not so happy with mft image quality. Nothing wrong, but I think there is some difference.

 

My take has always been the size, the smaller it is, the more likely to bring the cam out. No use if it has all the bells and whistles when it is left at home.

 

Yes, I agree the X1 is more considered shooting, DSLR we blaze away in glee:D

 

But with the X1, my images are better maybe coz I dun rush the shots, or maybe I cannot rush?

[h00ligan]

Agreed to a degree. So long as we don't confuse shortcomings with benefit.

 

(sorry ipad typo if you are already responding!)

[RichardM8]

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The x1 has only one thing going for it over the 7d, that's all. Size.

 

In general I agree Edward but for me the list going for the X1 should be size, weight(!), appearance (as in unobtrusive), controls and IQ.

 

IQ because you have to put a pretty good lens on a 7D to match the X1s optical performance. Some kit lens won't cut it. And in a lot of cases a good (L) prime again tends to add cost, weight and size.

 

But surely the list of pros of a 7D over the X1 will be much longer than vice versa.

[phancj]

In general I agree Edward but for me the list going for the X1 should be size, weight(!), appearance (as in unobtrusive), controls and IQ.

 

IQ because you have to put a pretty good lens on a 7D to match the X1s optical performance. Some kit lens won't cut it. And in a lot of cases a good (L) prime again tends to add cost, weight and size.

 

But surely the list of pros of a 7D over the X1 will be much longer than vice versa.

 

Having lugged bricks of DSLRs and primes all over I think it is safe to say size is a primary concern for me at least, together with IQ of course.

 

It is easy to dismiss the absolute importance of portability, otherwise a trip is ruined by the sheer bulk and heft of big cameras. Especially so for hot and humid climates, not to mention being mugged with shiny big cameras. Dont think thieves will know of X1. Especially when I have it in a canvas pouch.

 

Also,the silent shutter and size makes people tend not to pose so expressions in shots much more natural. Point a big camera with lens at people and they either pose excessively or become irritated.

[dickgrafixstop]

The question isn't DSLR or X1 - the question is do I want the flexibility of interchangeable lens,

faster shutter release and the weight penalty versus a pocketable, high image quality, limited function camera. If I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend for the 7D and then throw in another hundred or so and buy a Canon g11 also. Now only is it small (relatively), but it can use the flash for the Canon. It's zoom lens gives you some flexibility and it's image quality is superior to the images you're currently getting from the Rebel. Another alternative - buy the D-lux 5 and get small pocketable zoom - or save $400 and buy the Panasonic equivalent.

[Bo_Lorentzen]

For shooting urban - sure why not..

 

But having paid my bills with cameras, its a odd questions really. X1 and SLR is nothing like each other, different tools for different work. I could understand easier somebody wondering D-lux5 vs X1 vs PS.... etc.

 

Maybe also kind of drop the brand confusion, choose between a DSLR and say a G11 or something like that... if the G11 is found to be a better choice, for your shooting needs, then lets think if it is worth upgrading the image quality to the X1.

 

.

[h00ligan]

The question isn't DSLR or X1 - the question is do I want the flexibility of interchangeable lens' date='

faster shutter release and the weight penalty versus a pocketable, high image quality, limited function camera. If I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend for the 7D and then throw in another hundred or so and buy a Canon g11 also. Now only is it small (relatively), but it can use the flash for the Canon. It's zoom lens gives you some flexibility and it's image quality is superior to the images you're currently getting from the Rebel. Another alternative - buy the D-lux 5 and get small pocketable zoom - or save $400 and buy the Panasonic equivalent.[/quote']

 

This.

[Guest X1s]

This.

 

What, why , how come? The X1 is what it is period. People here debate all of this stuff , but if the original poster took his time to (think) about how he would use the X1 based solely on the X1's technical spec', I think that he would be able too decide on his own. There are so many different opinions here about the X1, that it can frankly be quite confusing to a new prospect interested in this camera. I only sugest that if money is not an issue, then buy an X1 and sell it if you don't like it.

I have had my X1 since May and have barley used it for it turned out to be much to limited for my tastes. So if one is looking for excellent IQ and is not bothered by the single focal length (35mm equivalent) and horribly slow focus AF and write speed, I then would say buy it.

BTW, mine is listed on Craig's list currently with know interest from anyone over the past 10 days, that says allot also about the resale, looks like I'm stuck with it for now.

 

X1's Emma

[h00ligan]

I just happened to agree with most of what was said. The x1 is nice, but as you pointed out quite limited as an only camera.

 

I'd suggest craigslist is not a good place to sell an x1. Try fredmiranda or eBay.