Mini M? [MERGED] AKA X-Vario

[hamey]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Considering the letter X is not that commonly used in English, there sure are a lot of camera names with an "X" in them. I cut these out from DPReview.

 

This one has Vario in it too but is quite a mouthful,"Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S."

 

A key advantage I see to the Leica is a simple easy to remember name.

 

• Canon PowerShot SX1 IS (Mar 27, 2009)

• Canon PowerShot SX10 IS (Jan 15, 2009)

• Canon PowerShot SX20 IS (Jul 6, 2010)

• Canon PowerShot SX50 HS (Jan 15, 2013)

• Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (Dec 20, 2007)

• Canon PowerShot SX110 IS (Dec 19, 2008)

• Canon PowerShot SX150 IS (May 14, 2012)

• Canon PowerShot SX200 IS (May 14, 2009)

• Canon PowerShot SX210 IS (Jun 16, 2010)

• Canon PowerShot SX230 HS (Jul 19, 2011)

• Canon PowerShot SX260 HS (Jun 4, 2012)

• Canon PowerShot TX1

• Canon PowerShot S110 (Digital IXUS V) (May 10, 2001)

• Canon PowerShot S300 (Digital IXUS 300) (Mar 21, 2001)

• Canon PowerShot S330 (Digital IXUS 330) (Apr 23, 2002)

• Canon PowerShot S400 (Digital IXUS 400) (Apr 28, 2003)

• Canon PowerShot SD100 (Digital IXUS II / IXY Digital 30) (May 2, 2003)

• Canon PowerShot SD300 (Digital IXUS 40 / IXY Digital 50) (Nov 24, 2004)

• Canon PowerShot SD400 (Digital IXUS 50 / IXY Digital 55) (Aug 11, 2005)

• Canon PowerShot SD450 (Digital IXUS 55 / IXY Digital 60) (Feb 8, 2006)

• Canon PowerShot SD500 (Digital IXUS 700 / IXY Digital 600) (Apr 15, 2005)

• Canon PowerShot SD550 (Digital IXUS 750 / IXY Digital 700) (Oct 12, 2005)

• Canon PowerShot SD700 IS (Digital IXUS 800 IS / IXY Digital 800 IS) (Jul 16, 2006)

• Canon PowerShot SD790 IS (Digital IXUS 90 IS) (Dec 5, 2008)

• Canon PowerShot SD800 IS (Digital IXUS 850 IS / IXY Digital 900 IS) (Jan 11, 2007)

• Canon PowerShot SD850 IS (Digital IXUS 950 IS / IXY Digital 810 IS) (Feb 16, 2008)

• Canon PowerShot SD870 IS (Digital IXUS 860 IS / IXY Digital 910 IS) (Oct 19, 2007)

• Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (Digital IXUS 870 IS) (Dec 12, 2008)

• Canon PowerShot SD900 (Digital IXUS 900 Ti) (Jan 29, 2007)

• Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS (Digital IXUS 80 IS) (Feb 27, 2008)

• Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS (IXUS 300 HS / IXY 30S) (Aug 2, 2010)

• Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS / Digital IXUS 1000 HS / IXY 50S

• Casio Exilim EX-FH25 (Jul 6, 2010)

• Casio Exilim EX-FH100 (Jun 16, 2010)

• Casio Exilim EX-P700 (Dec 2, 2004)

• Casio Exilim EX-S10 (Dec 5, 2008)

• Casio Exilim EX-V7 (May 6, 2007)

• Casio Exilim EX-Z3 (May 2, 2003)

• Casio Exilim EX-Z750 (Jun 10, 2005)

• Casio Exilim EX-Z850 (Apr 24, 2006)

• Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 (Sep 17, 2006)

• Casio Exilim EX-ZR100 (Jul 19, 2011)

• Casio QV-3000EX

• FujiFilm FinePix F80EXR (FinePix F85EXR) (Jun 16, 2010)

• Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR (Apr 30, 2009)

• Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR

• Fujifilm FinePix X100 (May 16, 2011)

• Fujifilm FinePix XP30

• Fujifilm X-E1 (Feb 28, 2013)

• Fujifilm X-Pro1 (Jun 28, 2012)

• Fujifilm X-Pro1 (Apr 3, 2012) PREVIEW

• Fujifilm X10 (Dec 18, 2012)

• Fujifilm X10 (Jul 11, 2012)

• Fujifilm X10 (Dec 15, 2011)

• Fujifilm X20 (Apr 29, 2013)

• Fujifilm X100S (Mar 27, 2013) PREVIEW

• Fujifilm XF1 (Dec 18, 2012)

• Fujifilm XF1

• Kodak DX4900 (May 16, 2002)

• Kodak DX7590

Minolta DiMAGE X

Minolta DiMAGE EX 1500 Zoom

• Nikon D1X (Jun 29, 2001)

• Nikon D2X (Jun 1, 2005)

• Nikon D3X (Feb 19, 2009)

• Nikon D40X

• Olympus XZ-1 (Dec 15, 2011)

• Olympus XZ-1 (Jan 26, 2011)

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01 (Mar 27, 2006)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX7 (Dec 9, 2004)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9 (Aug 26, 2005)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 (Dec 5, 2008)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150

 

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 (Sep 30, 2005)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 (Oct 10, 2006)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (Nov 4, 2008)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 (Dec 15, 2011)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 (Nov 23, 2010)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 (Dec 18, 2012)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 (Feb 14, 2012)

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

• Pentax X90

Pentax MX-1

Pentax K-x (Dec 23, 2009)

• Ricoh CX3 (Jun 16, 2010)

• Ricoh CX5 (Jul 19, 2011)

• Ricoh Caplio GX100 (Aug 7, 2007)

• Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro (Nov 10, 2009)

• Ricoh GXR Mount A12 (Aug 5, 2011) PREVIEW

• Ricoh GXR P10 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VC (Aug 6, 2010)

• Ricoh GXR S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC (Mar 18, 2010)

• Ricoh PX (Aug 16, 2011)

• Samsung NX10 (Apr 7, 2010)

• Samsung NX20 (Apr 20, 2012) PREVIEW

• Samsung NX100 (Sep 14, 2010) PREVIEW

• Samsung NX200 (Feb 28, 2012)

• Samsung NX200 (Dec 20, 2011)

• Samsung NX210

Samsung EX2F

• Sony Alpha NEX-3 (Jun 7, 2010)

• Sony Alpha NEX-3N (Feb 25, 2013) PREVIEW

• Sony Alpha NEX-5 (Jun 7, 2010)

• Sony Alpha NEX-5N (Dec 20, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-5N (Oct 3, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-5R (Aug 29, 2012) PREVIEW

• Sony Alpha NEX-6 (Mar 25, 2013)

• Sony Alpha NEX-7 (Dec 20, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-7 (Dec 13, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-C3 (Dec 20, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-C3 (Aug 22, 2011)

• Sony Alpha NEX-F3

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 (Feb 19, 2013)

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 (Dec 18, 2012)

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

 

Names clipped from DPReview. And then we can go back to film cameras for still more.

 

Minolta used the X designation for years.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Guest badbob]

'X' is extremely common in English in advertising. There are books on subliminal advertising technique that offer good evidence that 'X' enjoys such widespread use not because of its association with the mathematical unknown or abstruse, but rather its association with the 3-letter word whose last character is 'x'.

 

Honda cars, HP calculators and computers, the list is endless....

[AlanG]

'X' is extremely common in English in advertising. There are books on subliminal advertising technique that offer good evidence that 'X' enjoys such widespread use not because of its association with the mathematical unknown or abstruse, but rather its association with the 3-letter word whose last character is 'x'.

 

"Subliminal Seduction" was a book I read in an advertising class. SX70 always comes to mind as one of the best names.

 

And "Vario" sounds so much classier than "Zoom" despite that a zoom is supposed to be able to "zoom through" and hold focus. So maybe they are just trying to be accurate.

 

I think this is where the design originated. And there is an X in the name too.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[dkCambridgeshire]

I've been pondering ref the electronic viewfinder for the X Vario. EVF-2 is £199 ish ... Leica's version is £360 . The new EVF-4 will be £250 but Olympus cameras (with exception of EP5) will require a firmware upgrade; Leica version likely to be £250x360/199 = £452 ?? ... that's the price of a used FF DSLR ... or a decent television!!

 

I think I'll wait until the EVF-4 is available ... and then buy a used EVF-2 when there are likely to be some bargain priced secondhand examples.

 

dunk

[wlaidlaw]

I've been pondering ref the electronic viewfinder for the X Vario. EVF-2 is £199 ish ... Leica's version is £360 . The new EVF-4 will be £250 but Olympus cameras (with exception of EP5) will require a firmware upgrade; Leica version likely to be £250x360/199 = £452 ?? ... that's the price of a used FF DSLR ... or a decent television!!

 

I think I'll wait until the EVF-4 is available ... and then buy a used EVF-2 when there are likely to be some bargain priced secondhand examples.

 

dunk

 

Dunk,

 

I am going to upgrade my back up small(ish) camera this summer from an Olympus EP-2 to an EP-5, which I will get my daughter to bring over with her when she comes over from the US in August (the dollar and pound prices are the same number). I think I will get the VF-4 as well and just cross fingers that Leica will bring out their own version at some point. The added real estate of the larger screen in the VF-4, would I think make more of a difference than the additional pixels. The downside is that the viewfinder is physically larger than the VF-2 and you cannot fit a large eye cup like I have on my VF-2 but there's never a free lunch.

 

Wilson

[Guest badbob]

"Subliminal Seduction" was a book I read in an advertising class. SX70 always comes to mind as one of the best names. And "Vario" sounds so much classier than "Zoom" despite that a zoom is supposed to be able to "zoom through" and hold focus. So maybe they are just trying to be accurate. I think this is where the design originated. And there is an X in the name too.

 

Interesting how, the moment I saw this picture, how much it reminded me of the X Vario. I suppose the large-ish lens per body size is the unavoidable impression.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Dunk,

 

I am going to upgrade my back up small(ish) camera this summer from an Olympus EP-2 to an EP-5, which I will get my daughter to bring over with her when she comes over from the US in August (the dollar and pound prices are the same number). I think I will get the VF-4 as well and just cross fingers that Leica will bring out their own version at some point. The added real estate of the larger screen in the VF-4, would I think make more of a difference than the additional pixels. The downside is that the viewfinder is physically larger than the VF-2 and you cannot fit a large eye cup like I have on my VF-2 but there's never a free lunch.

 

Wilson

 

Wilson, It's probably inevitable that Leica will have their own version ... especially if the EVF-2 will eventually be superseded by the EVF-4.

 

What we do not know is: who actually makes the finders and when will Leica's own EVF-4 be available? I imagine that some other company other than Olympus actually manufactures the finder for both Leica and Olympus - or any other Tom Dick or Heinrich. Just because Olympus can offer the new finder it does not follow that Leica will be in a position to offer their version at the same time.

 

I went into the X Vario shop knowing it would be expensive but also knowing that I could probably economise when choosing accessories. I'd like an EVF-4 but who knows exactly when Leica will be in a position to offer the necessary firmware? They are unlikely to offer a firmware upgrade just for the EVF-4 (i.e. their version of it) - they are more likely to wait and offer several other improvements at the same time. And the same will apply to M 240 ... so maybe both M240 and X Vario firmware upgrades will be offered at the same time?

 

It's all a bit uncertain - but I do not wish to spend £200 now on a EVF-2 if I can buy one for half the price as soon as the EVF-4 is generally available. I'd prefer the EVF-4 for the increased resolution - but a cheaper EVF-2 would be a more cost effective purchase.

 

Decisions, decisions.

 

dunk

[wlaidlaw]

Dunk,

 

I bought my EP-2, VF-2 and 14-42 kit lens (since upgraded to a 12-50) for £199 total last year, so bargains are out there already. The VF-2 and VF-4 are I believe made by Epson or certainly their electronics and the screen are.

 

Wilson

[earleygallery]

Given that Leica is a relatively small volume manufacturer compared to Far East camera manufacturers, they have done quite well to ship X Vario cameras to most premier dealers by June 11. Accessories will follow. Not many X1 and X2 users actually need a filter tube and the Kiwi filter holder is more than adequate, reasonably priced, and well made ... as are the third party automatic lens caps.

 

dunk

 

I've made this point before. Leica have a habit of announcing new cameras and accompanying accessories, but then fail to deliver on the accessories.

 

Plastic lens hoods, grips etc. will no doubt be bought in from other manufacturers (probably the same people that make the Kiwi tubes!).

 

Given the mark-up that Leica can achieve by sticking their name on something (note the Epson/Olympus finders) it's crazy that they don't ensure their branded accessories are in the dealerships WITH the cameras.

 

For a dealer to sell a hood or whatever along with the camera is probably an easy sell, more income for them and Leica, and better choice for the customer.

 

To expect customers to do without something for X (no pun) months and then return to the dealer to buy something they've managed to live without is not exactly ideal.

 

Manufacture (purchase) and supply of accessories is something Leica really should address, IMHO.

[pgk]

For a dealer to sell a hood or whatever along with the camera is probably an easy sell, more income for them and Leica, and better choice for the customer.

When I was a student in London I worked in a camera shop part-time. In those days if we sold a Pentax ME Super we had to sell a case and filter with it to make a profit! My point? That accessories have always been profitable and often far more so than cameras - viewing auction site lookalike products such as hoods will quickly reveal how much difference there is between branded and near-identical but non-branded products prices.

 

I agree that its not a good position for a company to be in when it can't capatalise on selling such items.

[spylaw4]

I've made this point before. Leica have a habit of announcing new cameras and accompanying accessories, but then fail to deliver on the accessories.

 

Plastic lens hoods, grips etc. will no doubt be bought in from other manufacturers (probably the same people that make the Kiwi tubes!).

 

Given the mark-up that Leica can achieve by sticking their name on something (note the Epson/Olympus finders) it's crazy that they don't ensure their branded accessories are in the dealerships WITH the cameras.

 

For a dealer to sell a hood or whatever along with the camera is probably an easy sell, more income for them and Leica, and better choice for the customer.

 

To expect customers to do without something for X (no pun) months and then return to the dealer to buy something they've managed to live without is not exactly ideal.

 

Manufacture (purchase) and supply of accessories is something Leica really should address, IMHO.

 

Agreed!

[dkCambridgeshire]

Dunk,

 

I bought my EP-2, VF-2 and 14-42 kit lens (since upgraded to a 12-50) for £199 total last year, so bargains are out there already. The VF-2 and VF-4 are I believe made by Epson or certainly their electronics and the screen are.

 

Wilson

 

Thank you. Looks like someone might get an EP-2 for a birthday present if I can find a similar deal and can keep the VF-2

 

Your deal shows just how little an EVF must cost to manufacture. Factor in all the mark-ups in the chain plus the VAT and it becomes apparent that the original factory cost of an EVF is 'peanuts'. But it ends up retailing at £200 when bought separately ... or £360 for a dotty red version ... But that's camera accessories 'business practice'. I know someone who once worked for one of the well known but now defunct U.K camera retail chains. The mark ups on some accessories were several hundred%. There is nothing to e.g. a filter - they cost relatively little to manufacture.

 

dunk

[dkCambridgeshire]

My X Vario arrived this morning and being eager to produce a few photos I tried a few close-up shots of a Duracell battery - to see how close the camera would focus using Leitz Elpro VIb c/u lenses. This is one result using three stacked Elpro lenses in ambient light - no special lighting - just a Q&D picture of a Duracell battery on my desk. Disregard the IQ - it's not going to be good with only the room's ambient daylight - it's a very dull day. Consider the magnification and lack of distortion. Actual magnification is approx. 0.8 life size on the sensor. I hope the picture shows that the camera has a lot more potential for close-up photography using supplementary c/u lenses than the native 30cm minimum focus distance suggests.

 

My initial impression of the camera is that it's not just an X2 with a zoom lens; it's bigger, has a very clear monitor, more ergonomically satisfying to use (partly because of the weight and less tendency to slip out of the hand), the zoom lens feels 'real' and there's plenty of lens mount to grab hold of - just the right diameter; the menu and controls are very intuitive to use - I have not opened the instruction manual yet. Regarding the accessory/optional lens hood; there does not appear to be any means of attaching a hood other than the 43mm filter thread - but so far I have not seen any fitting details documented. If the hood just screws on the front of the lens I might be inclined to source an aftermarket/third party lens hood - especially if Leica does not make them generally available soon. Overall I'm very happy with the camera and looking forward to using it in the garden for some flower shots which should have better pictorial content than this sample picture.

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Illustrating approx. 0.8mag possible using 3 stacked Elpro VIb c/u lenses; 46cm (70cm FF equiv) focal length setting ISO 400 f16 3.2 seconds

 

 

 

At 30cm native closest focus distance

 

 

 

Stacked Elpro lenses on front of the Vario X ... these were attached via a home made 43mm to 44mm stepping ring.

 

Best wishes

 

dunk

[wda]

That is very impressive, Dunk. Enjoy!

[dwbell]

These side by side images at Steve's site illustrate my opinion about it not being 'compact' enough for an existing M user. It's really not that 'mini' at all.

 

My very 1st thoughts on the Leica X Vario in my Hand | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS

 

It is cheaper though, and you get a bunch of excellent lenses thrown in. For me though - I already have those focal lengths, in faster speeds, and a body that's not much bigger.

[jonoslack]

I don't know if someone has already posted this report . . . . . .

 

The SOUNDIMAGEPLUS blog: Fuji X-E1 and Leica X Vario Comparisons - Whole thing in one post

[Paul Reading]

If that was the case then Leica would still be making limited edition Minilux cameras. To start up a production line from scratch for this type of camera would not be an economical proposition. The vinyl record industry and audiophile quality transcription record decks are totally different kettles to cameras. If you want quality film images then buy a Leica rangefinder camera or a Rolleiflex TLR. Leica M film cameras including the CL will produce better images than any Contax compact especially when used with a late Summicron lens.

 

dunk

 

Hang on a minute, you are comparing Apples and Pears. The Contax T3/Leica CM or Minolta TC-1 are all tiny and pocketable. What is more have you ever actually used a T3, the lenses are brilliant, the CM is better, but there is nothing wrong with the T3 at all.

 

PS Don't forget the Olympus XA, the smallest full frame rangefinder.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I don't know if someone has already posted this report . . . . . .

 

The SOUNDIMAGEPLUS blog: Fuji X-E1 and Leica X Vario Comparisons - Whole thing in one post

 

Thank you - that's the first comparison test I've read and it's bound to spark more controversy and argument from the Fuji camp - but it's clear that the Leica X Vario images are more satisfying.

 

The X Vario lens produces superb results.

 

dunk

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Paul Reading]

Thank you - that's the first comparison test I've read and it's bound to spark more controversy and argument from the Fuji camp - but it's clear that the Leica X Vario images are more satisfying.

 

The X Vario lens produces superb results.

 

dunk

 

I don't agree it is not clear that the lens is better. The differences are in the algorithms used as far as I can see. The Fuji is clearly using more noise control and this blurs the image. The way the sensors interoperate the colours is also different or is that the colour and number of elements in the glass? There are so many variables that it is really not possible to come to any conclusions about lenses.

 

What is clear to me is that I prefer the result from the Vario V the Fuji but the result is the product of many variables.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I don't agree it is not clear that the lens is better. The differences are in the algorithms used as far as I can see. The Fuji is clearly using more noise control and this blurs the image. The way the sensors interoperate the colours is also different or is that the colour and number of elements in the glass? There are so many variables that it is really not possible to come to any conclusions about lenses.

 

What is clear to me is that I prefer the result from the Vario V the Fuji but the result is the product of many variables.

 

I was very careful not to say 'better' ...

 

And I'd like to see some MTF data for both lenses.

 

dunk