Just got back from X1 intro at Leica Store...

[lerc42]

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And all I have to say is WOW ....I was veeeeeery skeptical about this camera, I even posted a question as to what I should buy, 7D or x1....

 

My overall conclusion, this camera is PHENOMENAL for stationary, static and unmoving objects which is what I do (architecture, cityscapes, etc), it is not that good for moving objects, people, animals, etc. It is THE perfect companion for dSLR...

 

All of those who speak without holding the camera and testing it, really should before saying negative things...however, some might still dislike it.

 

YES, the camera has MANY limitations, yes it could be improved here and there, but IQ is beyond belief....its surreal. The AF in macro can be slow, yes, but in regular conditions, outside, stationary objects, etc, the AF is in par with most dSLRs Ive had.

 

They told me at the Leica store that a future update MIGHT improve AF and might include a RAW-only mode instead of the RAW+JPEG.

 

Im seriously considering it, and I am not a one-brand only person, once you see the IQ it's amazing.

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[jsrockit]

 

My overall conclusion, this camera is PHENOMENAL for stationary, static and unmoving objects which is what I do (architecture, cityscapes, etc), it is not that good for moving objects, people, animals, etc. It is THE perfect companion for dSLR...

 

Yep, I agree... I think this is what annoys people. I'm perfectly fine with making photos of inanimate objects in the city streets. However, if you are the type that has to have a person in your photo at all times and does not like to pose, you will hate this camera.

 

I'm going to assume that AF isn't going to get better... but if they make the manual focus more usable, I'll be happy enough. RAW only mode would be great!

[RockyIII]

They told me at the Leica store that a future update MIGHT improve AF and might include a RAW-only mode instead of the RAW+JPEG.

 

By "future update," did they mean firmware for the X1 or an entirely new version of the camera?

 

Rocky

[lerc42]

future update as in firmware update which is coming soon apparently.

 

I even mentioned that I wanted to hold off until the Fuji, and they said, hey its with all electronics, you want to buy a TV today, next week comes another one thats better and better, but what you saw at Photokina might not even be real.

 

I even tried the camera with the Viewfinder (optional accessory) and can't say I would get it...the screen is beautiful enough. The VF would be to save battery life, but hey, if its battery life you need, you can buy 3 yes THREE extra batteries for the price of the viewfinder.

[harryzet]

so you bought a 1700-euro-camera, that cannot shoot moving objects? crazy, to say at least

[phancj]

Yup, my mobile shoots pictures too, fast moving ones at that, so whats the point of buying any camera?

 

It does not mean that it cannot shoot fast moving objects, just not the best for it. Moving objects no problem, really fast sometimes the AF may not catch up. It is not the only camera that the AF struggle with very fast objects for sure.

 

What it does, it does VERY well. Like the OP said, best to try it before commenting.

 

IQ comes to mind, every meaning of the word.

[rosuna]

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The AF in macro can be slow, yes, but in regular conditions, outside, stationary objects, etc, the AF is in par with most dSLRs Ive had.

 

If I remember well, there are two different modes for AF, one including the shortest distances and the other one with a longer minimum distance. This second one was faster.

 

The AF may be improved somewhat by means of better algorithms, but the way the lens is designed and how the focus distance is modified by the lens is a very important constraint for autofocus speed (there are hardware constraints).

 

The new "hyperfocal mode" may be implemented with a very comfortable user interface: a menu choice may enable an automatic focus mode which sets the focus distance to the hyperfocal for each aperture number selected in the wheel. If you change the aperture, you change the focus.

 

The only problem is how to calculate the depth of field tables for this camera. You have to consider a print size and this should be clear in the technical notes for the user.

[MPJMP]

I had a similar experience at my local Leica dealer a few weeks ago. After reading all the gripes here on the forum I wasn't expecting much. However, after finally handling the X1 in person I was thoroughly impressed with the build quality, handling and images. I really do believe it to be the modern descendant of the minilux and CM. Neither of those film compacts had lightning fast AF or were appropriate for action shots, either.

[earleygallery]

I even mentioned that I wanted to hold off until the Fuji, and they said, hey its with all electronics, you want to buy a TV today, next week comes another one thats better and better, but what you saw at Photokina might not even be real.

 

LOL that's a bit rich coming from Leica! How long was it after Leica showed the 'might not even be real' X1 off until you could actually buy one?

 

The Fuji is due for release in Spring 2011. Fuji have a good record of releasing the cameras they show, witness the 6X9 folder.

 

Of course if you need the camera now then it's got to be the X1.

[rosuna]

LOL that's a bit rich coming from Leica! How long was it after Leica showed the 'might not even be real' X1 off until you could actually buy one?

 

The X1 was presented in September 2009, and it was in the market in December 2009 or January 2010 (winter in any case).

[Guest X1s]

And all I have to say is WOW ....I was veeeeeery skeptical about this camera, I even posted a question as to what I should buy, 7D or x1....

 

My overall conclusion, this camera is PHENOMENAL for stationary, static and unmoving objects which is what I do (architecture, cityscapes, etc), it is not that good for moving objects, people, animals, etc. It is THE perfect companion for dSLR...

 

All of those who speak without holding the camera and testing it, really should before saying negative things...however, some might still dislike it.

 

YES, the camera has MANY limitations, yes it could be improved here and there, but IQ is beyond belief....its surreal. The AF in macro can be slow, yes, but in regular conditions, outside, stationary objects, etc, the AF is in par with most dSLRs Ive had.

 

They told me at the Leica store that a future update MIGHT improve AF and might include a RAW-only mode instead of the RAW+JPEG.

 

Im seriously considering it, and I am not a one-brand only person, once you see the IQ it's amazing.

 

Pretty pricy though, thank god for technology advancing a such rapid rates. The Fugi thing X100 (might prove) to a better choice ??

 

emma

[phancj]

Decide how urgently you need one, if not, always can wait for the X2, or X3, or X200, etc,etc.

 

Matter of priorities.

[tom0511]

Just recently checked how many images I took this year with which camera (d700, m9 and x1) and I realized that I took the most images with the x1.

[phancj]

Just recently checked how many images I took this year with which camera (d700, m9 and x1) and I realized that I took the most images with the x1.

 

Exactly. Something about this camera, somehow despite the incessant slamming of it it delivers. Reason is I think it is the right combination of IQ, size, and controls.

[jafleming3]

You do need the OVF if you shoot outdoors on sunny days - you won't be able to see your image on the screen. Apart from this, I don't use the OVF.

[phancj]

You do need the OVF if you shoot outdoors on sunny days - you won't be able to see your image on the screen. Apart from this, I don't use the OVF.

 

Honestly, here in the tropics (south east asia) on a bright sunny noon, with sun blazing bright I have no trouble composing on LCD. Colors are washed out though, but absolutely adequate for framing. hence I did not find the VF necessary, having used the X1 since early Feb.

[tom0511]

I have set the display to bright and it works fine.

I have an OVF with 24 and 35mm frame but only have used it once on the x1.

I want to see the focus point and exact framing therefore I prefer the display.

For me good enough for framing.

[prk60091]

You do need the OVF if you shoot outdoors on sunny days - you won't be able to see your image on the screen. Apart from this, I don't use the OVF.

 

if i wear my rayban's (non-polarized) sunglasses- i can see screen perfectly (colors are washed out- but i can see what i am shooting) i also have the brightness on the lcd set as high as it goes and carry a 2nd battery-

the polarized raybans will black out screen when camera is rotated 90degrees (so when i shoot is use the non-polarized sunglasses)

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Guest badbob]

The X1 was presented in September 2009, and it was in the market in December 2009 or January 2010 (winter in any case).

 

The soonest I could get an X1 was early April 2010, and even then they were not in stock anywhere in the U.S. So from announce date to general availability was at least eight(!) months.

[h00ligan]

Honestly, here in the tropics (south east asia) on a bright sunny noon, with sun blazing bright I have no trouble composing on LCD. Colors are washed out though, but absolutely adequate for framing. hence I did not find the VF necessary, having used the X1 since early Feb.

 

Same in the middle of the desert noon sun. Never had a problem seeing the screen outdoors.