Leica, Fuji X100, and others like it?

[fjrabon]

Good to know. I'll probably go with X100 and go with a dSLR later down the line. I'd rather have something compact for now.

Nice, same here. They're looking good this year.

Great, I doubt you'll regret it. For street shooting, it and it's big brother XPro are the 'it' cameras right now.

I forgot to ask, I know it is a great street shooter, but for the times when I go to a Ducks football game or other sporting event can it hold its own? I know it isn't it's strong suit.

I never tried it. It is fixed focal length, which means you can't do traditional 'ultrazoomed' action photography. It's more a 'capture the atmosphere' camera. It forces you to get close to whatever you are trying to capture, which is both good and bad. Good, because if you can, you almost always benefit from getting in closer, bad because sometimes you can't get in closer (and sometimes you want telephoto compression).

It's not going to be great at wildlife, sports action, and headshots. Essentially all things you don't want to use a 24mm (35mm FF equivalent) lens for.

 

[bhop]

I have an X100 and sorry to say, I don't think it's a camera for beginners at all.

It can make beautiful photos to be sure, with useable shots up to 6400 iso, but unless you understand the way light affects your images and are able to make ev adjustments on the fly you will be frustrated because of the sensitive meter. It has a lot of quirks that you have to get used to that frustrate a lot of people like the useless manual focus or the temperamental autofocus. Most people just put up with it, or find workarounds because of the amazing image quality.. myself included. I've lost a lot of shots because it wouldn't focus where I wanted it to.. sometimes I just give up and put it away in frustration. Then there's the fixed lens. I'm fine with just a 35mm equivalent, but a lot of people aren't. If you want to zoom, you gotta do it with your feet and get closer.

I have sort of a love-hate relationship with mine.. oh well.. If you can try one out in the store or something, i'd definitely recommend that before you buy.

Leica.. well, I have an M6 as well. It's an old film camera. I can't afford a digital Leica and IMO, any Leica other than an M isn't really worth buying. The reason being there are other better alternatives than the 'cheaper' leica cameras for way less money, or there are other 'versions', like the Panasonic that was previously mentioned that's the exact same thing but with a different logo.

 

[swoosh]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to get my hands on one at the store and try it out. I think I could put up with the quirks, because I'm in love with the vintage look (especially the limited edition one). I do wish it was an interchangeable lense camera, but other than Ducks football games I don't think I'll mind that.

 

[swoosh]

Also, maybe it's just me trying to convince myself to buy this camera but I kind of like the fact that the X100 isn't considered by many to be a good camera for beginners. In the beginning, I'm sure I will be frustrated but I know that I will read the manual from beginning to end, be on the forum asking for help, etc. in attempts to get everything down. It will be tough and take a lot of time for sure, but in the long-term it will be better IMO. If I were to get a good camera for beginners, I might get bored with it too quickly and want to upgrade, costing me more money in the long-run.

 

[unpopular]

hmm. what bhop is saying though is that this camera isn't so much "not for beginners" for it's complexity and sophistication, but rather for it's peculiarity; that a beginner may not be able to overcome some of it's flaws due to a lack of experience with a wide range of techniques and gear.

It's not like saying "I don't recommend a D800 to a beginner because it's too much camera", an attitude which I very much disagree with. He's saying that the camera is inherently limited, and that's why it isn't a good choice for you.

But by the sounds of things, you're into the X100 and X1 for their sex appeal. If you're going to wear it like jewelry, then I suppose it doesn't matter much.

 

[DScience]

I have a X100, and I don't think it's what you think it is. It's not a normal camera. It's NOT something I would recommend learning on. To me, I got it for one reason: I wanted a compact camera that took professional quality photos. That it does. But, it's a pain in the A$$ to use, and it's not friendly at all. You CAN'T manual focus, not for any sort of action.

With that said, it's amazing and if you get it it will take great photos.


Leafs on a track by Daniel Sanculi, on Flickr

 

[swoosh]

Ah, I see what you guys are saying. It's true, a big reason why I am so interested in this camera is the looks. I want a compact camera that is really good looking physically. But that's not all. Every single review I read talks about how it takes amazing quality images. That combination right there is huge for me.

It probably isn't the "right" camera for me, but I think I'll have a hard time convincing myself out of it. I definitely see where you guys are coming from and appreciate the feedback. My mind is telling me no, but my heart is telling me YES!

EDIT: How likely is it that a beginner will be able to overcome the flaws and limitations if they really put in the work by reading the manual, books, internet, etc?

 

[Village Idiot]

Other alternatives - Olympus PEN and OM-D series. Other brands of mirrorless cameras.

Granted the OM-D is right at $1,000 without a lens, but there are other options out there.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera V204040SU000

 

[fjrabon]

I never had a hard time using it, it isn't particularly easy to use, but not in a technical way, in a sort of finnicky way. It's actually a very simple camera. It's just finnicky. I don't think you would have a hard time learning on it, you just have to really play with it to get what you want. But man, when you get what you want, it's gorgeous.

 

[swoosh]

I never had a hard time using it, it isn't particularly easy to use, but not in a technical way, in a sort of finnicky way. It's actually a very simple camera. It's just finnicky. I don't think you would have a hard time learning on it, you just have to really play with it to get what you want. But man, when you get what you want, it's gorgeous.

When do you think would be a good time to buy it? Do you expect a price drop to happen anytime soon? I'm leaning towards right after Christmas when I have the money.

Also, where would you recommend buying it from? BTW, I'm leaning towards the special edition.

I see Adorama has a special edition bundle for $1,400 (Fujifilm Finepix X100 "Limited Editiion Premium Set" Black Camera w/Bundle 16207404 KA).

 

[fjrabon]

I love the black and chrome look. Not a big fan of the all black.

 

[bhop]

I like the black version, but it's not worth an extra $500 for black paint to me..

 

[swoosh]

Thoughts on the Pentax K-01? It has a completely different look, but I kind of like it. It’s under $500 now with a bundle and has interchangeable lenses.

 

[unpopular]

The K-01 is an interesting platform. I don't know much about it, but I have been curious. iirc those pentax pancakes are pretty good.

 

[swoosh]

I also found a X100 for $829 shipped. Decisions, decisions.

For a beginner, besides the camera (and lense(s)) what other equipment, etc do I need to invest in? I'm most likely going to get the A&A silk strap.

What about warranty? Should I get it through the site I order on or what?

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help everyone.