One comment that I’ve read on several forums where the X1 is discussed is that the Tv and Av dials are too loose. The problem with this is that they may be inadvertently bumped while shooting or taking the X1 out of a bag. As explained in the video, the dials do feel looser than I’d like. For me I’ve only had issues when pulling the camera from the Leica Leather Case. It is a very tight fitting case that sometimes causes a dial to spin.
Most important to me is the affect it may/may not have during shooting. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced any problems with dials being changed while I’m out shooting and that’s after 400+ photos in the last two weeks.
Now that I’ve had time to go out and shoot with the X1 I thought it might be time to share. All the gear reviews in the world don’t really mean much if you don’t see some real world samples of what the camera is capable of. All of the following photos were processed using Adobe Lightroom v2.6. Files were resized and converted to jpg before posting. Click on images to see a larger version.
Comparing these two cameras seem quite natural for a number of reasons, one of them being that they are nearly identical in form factor and dimensions. Clearly there are a number of differences between the two on the insides, but let’s take a look outside. For reference sake the E-P2 has the Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens attached.
In comparing these two cameras it’s remarkable that Leica squeezed in a much larger sensor and has pop-up flash built into the body. The difference between the two cameras won’t be noticed over a day of carrying around, but it’s worth noting. Olympus’ inclusion of small grip helps it become a more comfortable camera to hand-hold. Since the Oly Pen is slightly bigger I find that there’s also more thumb room on the back.
When the X1 grip is available, I have a feeling the game will change significantly in the X1’s favor. I tried on the ‘demo’ grip at the dealer very briefly and from that quick assessment I have a feeling that it will change the feel of the X1 in a very positive way.
Looking at the front of both cameras with lens caps on.
Olympus Pen E-P2 and Leica X1 with front caps removed.
Here we are looking at the back of the two cameras.
The Leica X1 (top) and the E-P2 are similar in almost every dimension.
And one last photo of these two camera from the top. Thickness is about the same for both camera.
The Olympus E-P2 is a densly packed camera. This small camera comes in at 492g.
The Leica X1 weighs in at a svelt 337g, about 30% less then the weighty E-P2.
This is the final installment of the Body and Menu Tour. I hope that it helps you get an idea of what the X1 feels like and how the various functions work. Please let me know if you have any questions. Check back soon for some full size high ISO samples. Thanks for watching.
Here’s the second of four video tours of the Leica X1 body and menu system.
It is refreshing to see an uncomplicated menu system. There weren’t countless tabs across the top and down the sides. The X1 has a very straight forward menu system that isn’t too complicated. That’s the result when you have a camera that’s meant for only one thing, making photographs. Unlike most other cameras the X1 doesn’t have video, and it’s not missed one bit. Too my surprise though, Leica did include a ‘face-detect’ mode, but that’s about as tricky as this camera gets.
The Leica X1 was designed around a simple philosophy, put the biggest sensor into the smallest body and throw on an incredible lens. It works for me.
Part two of a four part tour is uploading as I write this and should be available shortly.
I have to say that I am deeply impressed with the X1. I spent my first full day out shooting with it today in mixed conditions and it didn’t let me down. Yes, I know and you know that it’s not a speed machine, but that’s way Canon and Nikon have their own high speed pro bodies. I have to be honest and say that yes, I did miss a couple shots today because of the speed, but balance that out against the wonderful shots that I did capture and it is a no brainer, the Leica X1 is worth the price.
Here’s the unboxing of Leica’s new X1. Towards the end of the video you’ll see some of the optional item that were purchased to go along with the X1. The option items are the Leica Leather case and the Leica Wrist carrying strap.
I’ve been scouring the internet the last few days looking for reviews and other information regarding Leica’s new X1. I thought it might be useful to start gathering these items in one place. If you have something new you’d like to add let me know. To kick it off, here we:
