RX1 - Samples and Reviews (Part II)

asterox101 wrote:

i see the points being made on both ends.

but two things:

1. the rx1 is a unique animal. as such, right now, it commands a premium. if the audience proves wide enough, demand high enough, etc. to warrant other entrants, then i'm sure competition will drive the price of subsequent models lower. as will economies of scale and production (hopefully). so yes, i think it's at a premium price right now but that's to be expected.

2. if the primary metric for these devices is image quality then the rx1 doesn't represent good value, clearly, as there are other far less expensive options that will get you similar or superior image quality at a lower price point. however, it seems that the appeal of the camera is to get this level of image quality in this specific form factor category. essentially, "compact" sized with full-frame aesthetic, low-light capability, etc. by virtue of the compromises alone (non-interchangeable lens, no viewfinder, etc.) it seems clear that this is targeted at someone who is specifically looking for maximum image quality in minimum physical dimension. not someone looking for maximum image quality/dollar value.

every other comparison skews the priorities differently and thus becomes a somewhat distorted view on the matter.