Thoughts on Using X1 for Two Weeks in Italy

[symmetron]

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Just spent two weeks in Italy (Positano-Rome-Perugia-Siena-Florence) using the X1 with the DL4 as backup. Had intended to shoot film (R8), but at last minute had to take my laptop for work so traveling as light as possible was paramount. Ergo, took the X1 as primary camera.

 

After two weeks using the X1, the biggest issues were the time delay in waking the camera from sleep mode to respond to an opportunity, slow/small buffer when shooting RAW, and occasional mis-focus of the camera. Generally speaking, the X1 surpassed my expectations except for these issues.

 

Unfortunately, there is no setting to leave the camera "on" indefinitely. I know it would use excessive battery power to do that, but waking the camera seemed to take a few seconds which impacted responsiveness in unanticipated situations where a quick response was required. This happened more than I would have expected and repeatedly found myself touching the shutter to re-awaken the camera so it would be ready to go.

 

RAW writing speed was a major bummer. Once the buffer fills on continuous shooting, it seemed to take many seconds for the camera to be ready for the next shot. I was tempted to shift to JPEG only just to avoid this situation. The RAW write speed was the most significant impediment to quick response.

 

Focusing (automatic) with the X1 was better than I expected, but there were a handful of situations where I would get a confirmation of focus lock only to find out when chimping that the camera mis-focused. This typically occurred when some bright light sources were in the scene. I don't prefer to use manual focus all the the time, and manual focus would circumvent this issue. However, it would be nice if the camera didn't have this weakness.

 

Of course the X1 results were stunning in many cases, but it seemed that working around these issues I mentioned, really made the camera more awkward than I hoped. If the X1 did not suffer from these timing and mis-focus issues, it would be a killer camera. I don't think the X2 is a quantum improvement over the X1 here? Comments?

 

BTW, the DL4 produced, as expected, very good DL4 results. The camera doesn't suffer from the issues I mentioned with the X1, and the zoom was convenient especially at the 24mm end. The IQ from the DL4 unfortunately is not in the same category as the X1 (no surprise), but it's a much faster camera to operate.

 

The end result of using the X1 are some pleasing photos and not having a sore back carrying a huge DSLR outfit after my vacations Having the single focal length lens was not an issue at all. BTW, I saw very few Leicas being carried by others while in Italy. I saw an X1 and M9M, but that's it. Mostly Nikons followed by Canon.

 

Here are a few images taken with the X1:

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[dave.gt]

So, were you shooting on C (continuous)?

[symmetron]

Generally yes. In hindsight, shooting in S would be "easier" on the buffer issues.

[dave.gt]

Hmmm...yes, I never use continuous as I don't do "action" anymore. Gave up all my Nikon DSLRs long ago and I have been using the X1 exclusively for documentaries the last 5 months.

 

As with any camera, I tend to find the strengths of the individual camera and work with those rather than using it like I used other cameras or how I think it should work for me. When I am just walking around, I find just hitting the shutter just before (or periodically) I think I may be shooting wakes up the camera. For anything over 6' away, I use MF for zone focusing at about 5.6.

 

There are a lot of ways to use the X1 to avoid the "trap" of it's so-called shortcomings. Even with my DSLRs, I had to devise workarounds all the time for things like the AF system that would fail quite often for an important sports event, focusing on something other than the main subject.

 

I love seeing your images...only wish I had been carrying your luggage and/or laptop for you to use the R8 and then I could sneak a few pics myself! Thanks for posting!

[robert blu]

I like your photos, specially the one in the shoe atelier and the last nocturne (positano, I guess). I confirm what you say, x1 is excellent and working with an extreme light gear gives more action freedom which translates in more opportunities for good photos. There are some minor difficulties (you mentioned) without which the x1 could be perfect! But in this world nothing is perfect!

robert

PS: I used the x1 as only camera in a project in Prague (not yet finished) and did not regret any other camera, feel free to look in my blog at the Prague Project!

[symmetron]

Robert,

 

Went to your website. Very nice flow and layout. Nice photos. Easy to read and follow. Well done!

[nippa]

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I enjoyed looking at the images thanks for posting.

For me it's a reminder of what might have been.

I'm just back from a week in Riva del Garda but I left the X1 at home replacing it with a Fuji X100.

Much as I like the Fuji for its handling and viewfinder it doesn't produce as many keepers as my old X1.

[threeputt]

Nice shots VETTRAN! Makes me feel like I was there! Robert, I really enjoyed your website as well. I am anxious to see the film photos from your holiday.

 

Jeff

[symmetron]

Thanks threeput.