Denis99 Posted March 5, 2011 Share #1  Posted March 5, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello  I have been lurking in the forum for a while now - reading all the posts on the X1.Apologies for the long initial post, but I would appreciate some feedback.  Despite some of the issues concerning the slow auto focus, I'm still captivated by this camera.  Its very different to my current camera equipment, and in part that is what is attracting me to it. I have grown a little tired of the type of photography that I tend to concentrate on and would ideally just like to have my camera and my travel tripod for taking images.  I seem to have gone down the route of prime lenses (nothing wrong with that - but it does mean carrying a few more lenses) , pocket wizards, flash meter, light stand etc, external battery pack .....  I quite like the look of a simple camera which would give me excellent image quality with a fixed lens and my tripod - quite possibly keep the light meter (but that would be it).  Has anyone gone from a dSLR to a simpler approach ?  I would have to sell my existing camera equipment to fund the X1, the other alternative is to still sell the existing equipment and buy a Canon 5D Mark II - but just buy one lens (35L).  Realise that the X1 has its limitations, but no one camera fulfils every requirement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 5, 2011 Posted March 5, 2011 Hi Denis99, Take a look here DSLR to X1. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Allnm Posted March 5, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted March 5, 2011 I went from a Nikon D50 through to a D300 then sold the lot to get into micro 4/3rds. Brilliant cameras, but after a while I realised I was missing the resolution of a bigger sensor. I didnt want to go back to a DSLR for my main camera because of the bulk so bought the X1. Now, I have had some expensive Nikon f2.8 lenses but I dont think any of them really betters what the X1 produces for me, and in such a small package too. Having just the one focal length makes you think about what you are doing ( you must have found that with primes too) and I am having so much fun with my mini Leica. Â Sure, the af is a little slower than a dslr,( we all know that) but it is always accurate. Maybe it just takes a bit more time to ensure everything is right before you release the shutter, but every shot I take is right. I cant say that for a lot of other cameras. It teaches you to slow down and think about what you are doing. This isnt what a lot of people want to do ( as you will soon learn on this forum) but stick with it and you realise just what a superb camera this is. If you want to do fast action and sports photography, look elsewhere, but it looks like you have done your homework and know what to expect, so, buy one. You wont regret it. Allan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparth Posted March 6, 2011 Share #3 Â Posted March 6, 2011 I don't think it is that accurate wanting to find a strict equivalent between a dslr and the x1. It's just not the same type of photography and you will never obtain the same result with on one side a fixed 35mm and on the other a large amount of lens option as well as speed etc I have been shooting with the 5dmkII since feb09 and even though i absolutely love my x1, i will never get rid of the mkII for any reasons. One camera is not meant to replace the other, but to complement it. Not to add that it also depends what you're going to shoot and in what conditions. Â The x1 for me is just another great option among many. In the exact same way, my canon 85mm 1.2 L is another option, or even the 300mm 2.8 L. True, going around with a light and silent camera is a great photographic experience though. But if i want to get a few shots of my kids i will often leave the x1 in the drawer and get my135mm 2.0 L or even the nifty fifty. Autufocus and camera responsiveness of the x1 is killing me at times. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fen hawk Posted March 6, 2011 Share #4 Â Posted March 6, 2011 I'm new here too Denis99 and just got my Leica X1 two weeks ago. It complements my Canon 40D and 17-85, 70-200 f4 IS, and new 100 macro L lenses. It really is a whole different experience shooting with the X1. I'm so enjoying it! For sure there are time the SLR w/ zooms and marco will be desired but for the most part I've just really started loving taking photos again using the X1. For me, the two main improvements are 1) Not having to lug a large SLR & lens around and all the lack of discreteness that goes on with that. 2) The image quality is noticeably better than the 40D...even in jpg. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phancj Posted March 6, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted March 6, 2011 I still have my nikon for work, and even though I added some excellent lenses like 85mm f/1.4G and 35mm f/1.4G AFTER I got the X1 to my collection of Nikkor lenses I still end up almost always carrying the X1. it's tiny, take great pictures, and fit all my travel needs. The size itself is a BIG liberating factor. Â It really depend what you plan to shoot. it appears there are also a fair number of disgruntled owners out there so do your consideration carefully. Â CJ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denis99 Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share #6  Posted March 6, 2011 Thanks for the responses.  I will have a period of considering the two choices, X1 vs a 5D Mark II.  It seems odd to me that I tend to concentrate on action photography , yet find viewing landscape / places of interest / genuine candid shots to be the most interest to me when viewing other peoples work.  The action / sport photography is interesting , but it doesn't seem to be too memorable.  Therefore, I seem to have shifted from my initial interest into a different (for me) type of image taking.  Going to take my 1D Mark III out with the 28mm f1.8 and perhaps the tripod.  ~~  Really like the simplicity of the X1 in my pocket or small camera bag and take some considered photo's. A 5D Mark II would do this also, but wouldn't be so discreet - I still feel like everyone looks at me when I drag a largish dSLR out of a large camera bag (but thats just me again).   Regards  Denis Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fen hawk Posted March 6, 2011 Share #7  Posted March 6, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) As you know, the X1 is not a sports action camera. I would be so frustrated if that's what i bought it for. :-)  I thoroughly reviewed the "bad" about this camera before buying: - the slower AF (though it's not as slow as i was led to believe) - the poor screen resolution. (yet, good enough to take photos with) - slow processing time (again, it is true and you notice it especially when you're trying to get more than one quick shot off. Not a problem if you're not in a rush) - poor battery life. (I'm ordering more batteries) - build is good but not great - plastic lens rings (the lamest aesthetic part of this camera IMHO) - fixed focal length (i just move my feet and in a way I am enjoying this limitation) - cost  But if you love great images, want something more discrete and want the simplicity/joy of being more involved in the photography process ( but cant afford an M9), the X1 may be your baby! I'm a pretty pokey old guy anyways so the "slowness" of the X1 in all the areas of concern, don't really bother me too much.  That said, I wouldn't sell a DSLR, that I really liked, to fund an X1. An M9 with a couple great lenses, yes, but an X1? No.  cheers fh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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