Why did you buy an X series???

ahuyevshi wrote:

The X series is a niche camera, it will not replace your dSLR nor will it replace your best P&S.

For some people one X camera is all they could ever need. Not all people need a DSLR, or P&S. It just depends on the photographer’s needs and wants.

As for me, I’ve been a fan of the X series since its arrival. Yesterday I finally purchased my first X camera, the X-PRO1.

Why did I buy it?

Because I wanted an interchangeable lens camera for documentary / street photography with a good combination of the following criteria:

- Something discrete

Yes, the XP1 isn’t the smallest digital camera around, but it doesn't scream HEY LOOK AT ME! I’M TAKING YOUR PICTURE like a DSLR does. I can blend into my surroundings more than I could with a DSLR. People won’t feel as intimidated with and XP1 pointing at them like they would with a DSLR. The size of the XP1 isn’t much different than the size of the Leica M9. And I can’t afford a Leica now anyways. Besides, I'm more impressed with the sensor of the XP1!

Leica M9 = 5.47x3.15x1.46

Fuji XPRO1 = 5.51x3.23x1.69

4/3 cameras offer good quality in a small size. But I don’t like the ISO performance of 4/3 cameras or having to use an EVF or LCD to compose every shot. And I’d like more control over DOF.

-High ISO Quality

This camera is GREAT at ISO 3200-6400!! Similar to a big bulky full frame DSLR!! Great for the street, especially when the sun goes down or when shooting indoors. I’ve seen many examples beyond ISO 6400 that were also very impressive. High ISO is definitely a problem for 4/3 cameras.

-OVF

As of now I’m not much of a fan of EVF’s. When I’m trying to react to everything that’s going on around me and nail that once in a lifetime shot, I can’t wait around for the EVF to refresh. I need to have the ability to react fast to what’s going on around me. If I ever need an EVF, the XP1’s got it.

-Dynamic Range

This camera has really good dynamic range for a camera in its class. I wanted a camera that produces good DR because it can be useful on the street. The dynamics are always changing on the street with tall buildings creating scenes with a lot of mixed light and shadows. I’m also into landscape and other genres where good DR can come in handy.

-Megapixels

I believe in quality before quantity. But the XP1 does have high quality megapixels. I wanted at least 16 MP’s so I could have more room to crop and recompose, if needed. Also for post production purposes. The XP1 has 16 MP’s.

-Other, less important factors

I like the retro look. And while the camera is fairly discrete, it’s not too small. I wanted something meaty the feels good in my hands. And the build quality is nice too.

I recently sold my old DSLR. I was torn between which camera I would buy. I wanted both the XP1 and a full frame DSLR but I could only afford one. I figured the DSLR would be the obvious choice since the DSLR would be my main camera. I thought about buying the D600 since it was slightly smaller than other FF DSLR's. And the DR and ISO are some of the best around. As far as DSLR's are concerned, I thought it would be a great DSLR for the streets with an old manual film lens or Zeiss 35.

But the more images I see of the XP1 in the hands of competent photographers leads me to believe the XP1 has the potential of being more of an everyday camera for me than I once thought. The only big downside I see with the XP1 for my photography is with macro and telephoto work. But right now wide angle street photography is really peaking my interest.