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I have the original X2D (and had all the previous X1D and 907x mk1 before).  Is X2Dii any better in IQ or low light?  It’s the same sensor, so any improvement and HDR must be software.  Wonder if a software update can add HDR to mk1 too.  The LiDAR looks really interesting — is the AF noticeably better?  Never been a fan of AFc in any case.

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The HDR mode for the X2Dii has advantages especially for highlights. Never had older models, but I do know it can replace my M11 even on the street as often we perceive small camera as better for street, but I no longer believe that edict.

EVF is 1x magnification too and those who have not tried cyan focus peaking on an X2Dii might have another view of focus peaking after using it. I wish Leica offered that focus peaking color. Friends say Panasonic does on their competing SL models.

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26 minutes ago, algrove said:

The HDR mode for the X2Dii has advantages especially for highlights. Never had older models, but I do know it can replace my M11 even on the street as often we perceive small camera as better for street, but I no longer believe that edict.

EVF is 1x magnification too and those who have not tried cyan focus peaking on an X2Dii might have another view of focus peaking after using it. I wish Leica offered that focus peaking color. Friends say Panasonic does on their competing SL models.

What is the advantage of cyan focus peaking?

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1 hour ago, algrove said:

Forgot to mention I shot a ghost town and converted all 200 images to B&W. I like them. Do keep in mind they are 11600x8700 images too.

Very interesting! How do the converted images of the x2d2 compare to the monochrome Leicas you’ve used? I love shooting B&W so the monochrom would be great for me. I think what has me conflicted is at the price point I wonder if the 100mp sensor and Hasselblad color science would be worth the detail loss (if there’s much) due to converting my raws. With the m10m, having what feels like “night vision” and being able to walk around getting interesting shots at 1am has really reignited my love for the medium and led to a lot of project inspiration. 
 

Ultimately that last sentence should tell me my answer. The heart says Leica while the head says Hasselblad. 

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1 hour ago, setuporg said:

I have the original X2D (and had all the previous X1D and 907x mk1 before).  Is X2Dii any better in IQ or low light?  It’s the same sensor, so any improvement and HDR must be software.  Wonder if a software update can add HDR to mk1 too.  The LiDAR looks really interesting — is the AF noticeably better?  Never been a fan of AFc in any case.

HDR mode is about a new output format (JPEG/HEIF) with a higher dynamic range than SDR. It is also about a new kind of metering (smart metering) that works like Fuji's DR Auto mode, where the camera may underexpose by 1 or 2 stops. It also slows down shooting. I do not use it.

LiDAR (AFc and AFs) works well for very dark subjects (low light or backlit) that are not too far away.

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1 hour ago, SrMi said:

DR mode is about a new output format (JPEG/HEIF) with a higher dynamic range than SDR. It is also about a new kind of metering (smart metering) that works like Fuji's DR Auto mode, where the camera may underexpose by 1 or 2 stops. It also slows down shooting. I do not use it.

So it is a purely software game.  Do both X2D versions have the same processor?  I guess it could be retrofitted by a firmware update except they won’t do it to sell more of the new model.

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1 hour ago, SrMi said:

HDR mode is about a new output format (JPEG/HEIF) with a higher dynamic range than SDR. It is also about a new kind of metering (smart metering) that works like Fuji's DR Auto mode, where the camera may underexpose by 1 or 2 stops. It also slows down shooting. I do not use it.

LiDAR (AFc and AFs) works well for very dark subjects (low light or backlit) that are not too far away.

HDR does underexpose by 1-2 stops often, but I think this is more reminiscent of highlight metering than Fuji's implementation, which requires raising the ISO (200, 400)

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7 minutes ago, Smogg said:

HDR does underexpose by 1-2 stops often, but I think this is more reminiscent of highlight metering than Fuji's implementation, which requires raising the ISO (200, 400)

It can raise ISO to 100 or 200 in Auto ISO, even when ISO 50 would work. Unlike highlighted weighted metering, the underexposed image will be brightened, as happens with JPEGs in DR Auto. The raw's brightness will be lifted in the post processors (hidden).

 

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2 minutes ago, SrMi said:

It can raise ISO to 100 or 200 in Auto ISO, even when ISO 50 would work. Unlike highlighted weighted metering, the underexposed image will be brightened, as happens with JPEGs in DR Auto. The raw's brightness will be lifted in the post processors (hidden).

 

Thank you, I will try to pay more attention to this.

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28 minutes ago, Smogg said:

Thank you, I will try to pay more attention to this.

I am not sure it makes sense to shoot in HDR mode unless you want to share HDR images from the mobile device.

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4 minutes ago, SrMi said:

I am not sure it makes sense to shoot in HDR mode unless you want to share HDR images from the mobile device.

I've already tested it and am convinced you're right. So, I don't see the point in using HDR anymore. I was wrong to think that Smart Metering would, to a certain extent, replace highlight-weighted metering. Thank you!🙏

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2 minutes ago, Smogg said:

I've already tested it and am convinced you're right. So, I don't see the point in using HDR anymore. I was wrong to think that Smart Metering would, to a certain extent, replace highlight-weighted metering. Thank you!🙏

Leica's highlight weighted metering is unique in its usefulness and how it was embraced by Leica owners. Other manufacturers have also highlight weighted metering but it does not work as well and is rarely used.

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32 minutes ago, Smogg said:

I've already tested it and am convinced you're right. So, I don't see the point in using HDR anymore. I was wrong to think that Smart Metering would, to a certain extent, replace highlight-weighted metering. Thank you!🙏

That makes the reasons to upgrade from X2D mk1 to mk2 even iffier...

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4 minutes ago, setuporg said:

That makes the reasons to upgrade from X2D mk1 to mk2 even iffier...

My list of why one may want upgrade to Mark II:

  • Faster (shorter blackout, UI)
  • Better AF.
  • Better IBIS.
  • Tighter lens mount.
  • Better LCD (with improved brightness and tilting mechanism).
  • Use the joystick to move the focus point.
  • Auto-ISO in M mode
  • Has better card and USB plug doors.
  • Wired remote.
  • Clickable front dial and more function buttons.
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5 minutes ago, BWColor said:

WIll Auto-ISO in M Mode be a firmware update to the X2D?  It seems like an easy change.

I do not expect it and do not understand why it was not there in the first place.

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5 hours ago, BWColor said:

What is the advantage of cyan focus peaking?

For me I can see it better than any other color I have ever used. Also it seems on the X2Dii to be more accurate than I have found on my M's. In fact it has been so disturbing on M's I normally turn it off. I just wish Leica would offer cyan because as a color it pops for my eye.

The image above was used with a 38V lens in manual mode with cyan peaking in near darkness way before the sun rose to the level ones sees in that image. On other images it also worked in total darkness where I could see nothing, but the sensor could see enough to create an image at 20 seconds.

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7 hours ago, setuporg said:

That makes the reasons to upgrade from X2D mk1 to mk2 even iffier...

For me, the key factor in upgrading to the X2D2 was the LCD brightness. Now it's usable in sunny weather.

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