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Would an X-1 be too much of a good thing?


Silbert

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Hello all. My first post on this most interesting site.

 

Ignoring the cost-benefit issues, my question is essentially about IQ.

 

I have learned by reading your comments that the X1 is an excellent small camera that can produce amazing images. I have a D-Lux 5, which I very much enjoy. It allows me to make manual adjustments that other point and shoot cameras do not. It produces very nice pictures. I love the (relative) minimalism, which is what attracted me to the X1.

 

I also own a Nikon D90. Since I started fixating on the X1, I have tried to emulate the experience of owning one by limiting my D90 to a 50mm f1.8 lens. Well, shooting prime-only is...awesome. I move about and get more memorable shots with better subject isolation than with the kit zoom. And the camera footprint is much smaller than with the zoom.

 

So, back to the X1. I wonder if the images it produces would outdo the D90 with my admittedly average prime lens. I could spend a lot less on a better lens, but that would make the D90 larger and heavier. I don't mind owning all three cameras--I can see uses for each. However, if I take the plunge, I hope to get better images than I can currently achieve (acknowledging the X1 learning curve).

 

Your thoughts are welcome. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

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I do not think you will see a big difference in image quality with an X1 over a D90, but here are some thoughts:

 

The X1 has excellent image quality, probably the best of any camera in its size class. It is very good at what it does, and it is a pleasure to carry around compared to a hulking big DSLR.

 

Right now the X1 is the only camera I own, and it does what I need it to do. However, I am not trying to do macro, telephoto, sports, low light, etc., or I would be right back to a Nikon DSLR.

 

Also, an X1 is going to give you a much wider angle of view than a D90 with a 50mm lens. It is like 36mm vs. 75mm.

 

Rocky

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The key as rocky says is size. For the price of a good 35mm lens you get an entire highly portable camera. If that works for you, as it does for many of us, you will not regret buying an X1. If you don't need light weight and portability then a 24mm lens for your D90 would be a good alternative.

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Silbert, welcome to the forum!

 

As I do not possess a D90 it is difficult to advise you. I would guess you would be hard-pressed to distinguish between the relative quality at normal viewing sizes. The key to the answer to your question is relative utilization. I would guess that you would be more likely to have the X1 with you on non-serious outings than a DSLR. While you have that advantage with the D-Lux 5, that camera cannot compete with the X1 on IQ.

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Thank you all for your comments. I think I'd rather have a small camera capable of matching the D90 IQ over adding more lenses for the DSLR. The X1 just looks like a fun device to use. The more fun, the more photos, the better the photographer.

 

Cheers.

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Hello all. My first post on this most interesting site.

 

Ignoring the cost-benefit issues, my question is essentially about IQ.

 

I have learned by reading your comments that the X1 is an excellent small camera that can produce amazing images. I have a D-Lux 5, which I very much enjoy. It allows me to make manual adjustments that other point and shoot cameras do not. It produces very nice pictures. I love the (relative) minimalism, which is what attracted me to the X1.

 

I also own a Nikon D90. Since I started fixating on the X1, I have tried to emulate the experience of owning one by limiting my D90 to a 50mm f1.8 lens. Well, shooting prime-only is...awesome. I move about and get more memorable shots with better subject isolation than with the kit zoom. And the camera footprint is much smaller than with the zoom.

 

So, back to the X1. I wonder if the images it produces would outdo the D90 with my admittedly average prime lens. I could spend a lot less on a better lens, but that would make the D90 larger and heavier. I don't mind owning all three cameras--I can see uses for each. However, if I take the plunge, I hope to get better images than I can currently achieve (acknowledging the X1 learning curve).

 

Your thoughts are welcome. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

 

I sold my X1 and bought the X100. :)

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  • 3 months later...
And I sold the x100 for the x1 and am delighted with my choice!

 

I just bought both and am trying to make up my mind which one to keep, the x1 or the x100. So far I have only played with the x100 and I'm not really blown away. Next up is the x1. Let's see how that one goes. ;)

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Would an X-1 be too much of a good thing? No, never. You could mount it on a tripod and set it in the living room to look at and get your money's worth (ok, maybe not but it's such a nice design). :)

 

I recently purchased the X1 and already had the D-Lux 5. The two complement each other well. The X1 is a joy to use and carry around. I believe the camera itself can inspire you to take pictures you would not even think about with a DSLR. My Canon DSLR is collecting some expensive dust right now and will be for a while. :D

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Slippery slopes are fun! Looking for a used X1 coming my way soon (next month?) after trying out an X1 for awhile and am blown away with it! Would not consider an X100. Thorsten Overgaard has it right...pick the camera you love and really use it! The more you love the camera you use, the better you get.:)

 

The X1 is it for me even though I prefer a 50mm lens. Getting used to a 35mm (effective) is a challenge but so far I have had amazing results.

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The X1 has one serious problem. It's so good that I bought an M9. It's a very slippery and expensive slope!

 

This is dangerous, I feel myself on a dangerous road :)

 

robert

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The X1 is it for me even though I prefer a 50mm lens. Getting used to a 35mm (effective) is a challenge but so far I have had amazing results.

 

When you are used to prime lenses you will find not so difficult to get used to the 35. Just some exercise...I'm an enthusiast user of my x1 and what I only sometimes miss is the possibility to make a "full face" portrait (without staying too near to my subject and distortion of his face) where a 50 or a 75 would be better. If not too large print are necessary due to the high quality of the file cropping helps a little.

 

robert

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