bandrews Posted July 14, 2011 Share #1 Â Posted July 14, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi everyone. Have been lurking around here for a few weeks now and just wanted a bit of advice. I'm currently saving up for my first proper camera and have spent hours scouring the internet trying to decide on which to get. Current favourite is the X1. I really don't want or need a big old DSLR with bags of lenses and other stuff. I also want to be able to take photos at weddings without looking like the official photographer. The lack of zoom doesn't bother me as I'd pretty much be snapping landscapes and social events. However, I do want to be able to take fantastic pictures with a camera that looks as good as it shoots and to enable myself to get the most out of the camera, I'm planning on doing evening classes in digital photography that are run by the local art college. Sooooo, here's the question. Will I get laughed at for turning up at a photography class with an X1 or is it professional enough to be accepted? If not, what other cameras out there (that aren't nasty big black bulky things) would suit my needs? Â Thanks guys and sorry if this has been asked before - I have had a trawl through the forum but couldn't see anything. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 14, 2011 Posted July 14, 2011 Hi bandrews, Take a look here Using an X1 on a photography course.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
JeTexas Posted July 14, 2011 Share #2 Â Posted July 14, 2011 Generally for photo classes the only requirement is a camera with full manual controls. I think the X1 would be fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandrews Posted July 14, 2011 Author Share #3 Â Posted July 14, 2011 Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebear Posted July 14, 2011 Share #4 Â Posted July 14, 2011 The X1 should be fine - as for having a fixed lens, do bear in mind that it has a special feature - biological zoom (i.e. your legs!). Its a great camera that produces stunning images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECliffordSmith Posted July 15, 2011 Share #5 Â Posted July 15, 2011 Hi, Â Regarding the image quality I think you will be very happy with the X1, it is capable of making images that produce high quality, large prints and is good at high ISO as well as the lower settings. Â The direct access to the manual controls will also encourage you to use them! Â It may be wise to bear in mind that the fixed 24mm lens while offering a natural view of the world is only capable of produce a significantly shallow depth of field at close focus distances (less than a meter) and if your course covers things like the effects of focal lengths on images (telephoto compression, wide angle distortion, depth) you will not be able to experiment with these properties with the X1. Â It may also be wise to consider the well documented handling concerns some users have. Personally the performance is fine for me but some people find the focus lag a problem. Â Back on the plus side, having such a compact camera will allow you to have it with you as often as you want and that is the key to learning photography, practice. Â Good luck and enjoy your camera and course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandrews Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share #6 Â Posted July 15, 2011 Thanks for all the feedback. The more I read, the more it sounds suited to me. Now all I need to do is save up some more cash.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 16, 2011 Share #7 Â Posted July 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) bandrews, Welcome to the Forum! If you can accept a fixed focal length lens, then the X1 is an excellent choice for learning digital photography. Many attest to the superb quality image files possible with careful use. Â The manual controls encourage you to explore the way shutter speeds and lens apertures interact with each other. Don't be afraid of using the maximum aperture for real impact in scenes where you have some moderately interesting foreground subject. Set up a static object indoors at about a meter or so from the camera and watch the background as you successively shoot with a smaller lens aperture. That is the way to learn what your camera can do for you. Good Luck and do report back in due course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian H Posted July 17, 2011 Share #8 Â Posted July 17, 2011 I think the X1 will serve you very well, probably the image quality will blow away most of your fellow pupils [and maybe the lecturer too!]. Â However, I would check before you buy with the people running the courses that it will do what you need. Â Cheers, Julian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lykaman Posted July 18, 2011 Share #9 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Hi, your comment about using a camera that looks and takes good photographs worries me! If you are a virgin photographer I would suggest that you consider a used/older DSLR. Either a kit lens or a 50mm would be good. However good and it is good the X1 is an advanced users camera, shiny cars do not make good drivers, great good looking cameras do not make great photographers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandrews Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share #10 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Hi, your comment about using a camera that looks and takes good photographs worries me! If you are a virgin photographer I would suggest that you consider a used/older DSLR. Either a kit lens or a 50mm would be good. However good and it is good the X1 is an advanced users camera, shiny cars do not make good drivers, great good looking cameras do not make great photographers. Â Thanks for the honest reply DL4. I totally understand that in untrained hands an X1 is about as good as an iPhone - which is why I intend on going on the course to get the most out of it. I think you may be right but then I'm reluctant to buy an SLR because of the sheer bulk of the body, lenses and other accessories. I'll give it another couple of months thought before rushing into anything....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
timd. Posted July 18, 2011 Share #11 Â Posted July 18, 2011 I'll give it another couple of months thought before rushing into anything....... Â do you want to start photographing or do you like the idea of thinking about what equipment to buy? it's summer, there's plenty of light, people in the street, birds around, nature in bloom, and, most important, you're motivated. there's absolutely no reason for waiting until the weather turns wet and afternoons dark. get any camera you can get hold of and do your course. once you've got the basics you can still choose the camera you really want to use. what if you feel most comfortable using a lens >35mm? in that case having spent a lot on the x1 would be not too great. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
prk60091 Posted July 18, 2011 Share #12 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Hi, your comment about using a camera that looks and takes good photographs worries me! If you are a virgin photographer I would suggest that you consider a used/older DSLR. Either a kit lens or a 50mm would be good. However good and it is good the X1 is an advanced users camera, shiny cars do not make good drivers, great good looking cameras do not make great photographers. Â i have been shooting cameras for almost 50 years- i consider myself an advanced amateur and i second DL4guy's advice. The x1 is a fantastic tool....i would not give it to my 13 year old nephew as a learning tool (he is smart as a whip) i mean no offense to the OP by comparing him to a 13 year old but the X1 is not a beginners camera... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_S Posted July 18, 2011 Share #13 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Perhaps a user M8 would be more versatile (e.g, if you also want a telephoto lens for portraits). There are some quite decent prices in the Forum's buy & sell section and you could get an old 28mm or 35mm Leica lens to get started. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandrews Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share #14 Â Posted July 18, 2011 do you want to start photographing or do you like the idea of thinking about what equipment to buy?it's summer, there's plenty of light, people in the street, birds around, nature in bloom, and, most important, you're motivated. there's absolutely no reason for waiting until the weather turns wet and afternoons dark. get any camera you can get hold of and do your course. once you've got the basics you can still choose the camera you really want to use. what if you feel most comfortable using a lens >35mm? in that case having spent a lot on the x1 would be not too great. Â I guess you guys are right. I'm not dragging my feet for the sake of it - just wanting to make sure I get the right bit of kit. The course isn't until autumn so I can't get on that any sooner. I've seen some pretty keen prices on eBay for 2nd hand Canon/Nikon/Sony so might just go with one of those for starters. Good job I waited a few more days - the mood of the replies changed pretty abruptly! Would still love an X1 though..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
prk60091 Posted July 18, 2011 Share #15 Â Posted July 18, 2011 I guess you guys are right. I'm not dragging my feet for the sake of it - just wanting to make sure I get the right bit of kit. The course isn't until autumn so I can't get on that any sooner. I've seen some pretty keen prices on eBay for 2nd hand Canon/Nikon/Sony so might just go with one of those for starters. Good job I waited a few more days - the mood of the replies changed pretty abruptly!Would still love an X1 though..... and after you learn digital photography you will lust after it.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lykaman Posted July 18, 2011 Share #16 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Bandrews:- I myself would visit a local camera store & see if they have any second hand cameras for sale, another place I used to get cameras from is a repair shop, they usually have a few hanging about.. Your local store will invest time with you & advise, I once bought a beautiful Pentax X1000 that had been repaired but never picked up, cents on the dollar.. I would myself beware used cameras on ebay etc..Try PopFlash Photo. 805-492-6444 (I have no connection) except they are very good to deal with..& may well have an older suitable lens/camera setup laying around in there stockroom.. Just a thought. You will only appreciate exactly how concise & compact the X1 is after using a DSLR. When I was tutoring City & Guilds photography in the UK (prior to digital) I always suggested in addition to say an X1000 or equivalent basic SLR a hand held light meter. The then very basic Sekonic Selenium Cell was ideal..(I still have mine).. Good Luck... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 18, 2011 Share #17 Â Posted July 18, 2011 .... I've seen some pretty keen prices on eBay for 2nd hand Canon/Nikon/Sony so might just go with one of those for starters. Good job I waited a few more days - the mood of the replies changed pretty abruptly!Would still love an X1 though..... Whatever you buy, I recommend you seek advice from a good photo store, preferably one which stocks Leica as well as other makes. There is no substitute for handling prospective purchases and being able to ask questions of the dealer. He might just suggest an inexpensive used camera to fill in the gap until you feel able to buy what you really want. A good relationship with a trusted dealer is worth a lot more to me than risking buying blind and regretting the purchase. Mutual loyalty takes time to establish. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bandrews Posted July 18, 2011 Author Share #18 Â Posted July 18, 2011 Thanks guys. There's a London Camera Exchange in Cheltenham which is about an hour's drive away so not too far. Heading down there in a couple of weeks so will pop in for a chat with them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 19, 2011 Share #19  Posted July 19, 2011 Most photography courses stipulate that students should have a DSLR. I expect that they want to include teaching about the effect of using different focal lengths etc.  I agree with the advice given - look for something like a s/h Canon or Nikon DSLR and a kit lens. You should be able to pick one up for £2/300, and when you've done the course and decided what type of photography you want to persue, and what type of camera you'd really like, you can sell it on again without much/any loss. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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