VadymA

I could hardly find any difference between ISO 100 and 12800. Very impressive. One picture worth a thousand words indeed.

Since it is not really pocketable, why not making the lens barrel 1.0-3.0cm longer and increase zoom to something like 10-15x and reduce macro distance from 20cm to 1-5cm. Then it would be an ideal all-in-one camera for me. But with current specs, the G1X doesn't look interesting enough.

Amazingly low number of entries ...

I had the same thought when I tried this kind of screens. However, when you try doing macro shots close to the ground and want to hold your camera in a portrait mode articulated screen wins. That's the only practical advantage I could think of besides self-portrates. Since I like doing a lot of macro shots, I still like the articulated screen better.

Yes, this is a rebadged FZ150, but Leica has developed the most important component for it - wonderful lens. Together with powerful processor and chip from Panasonic it made the best super-zoom on the market. So I think Leica fully deserved a fair share of success associated with this model, at least on par with company's contribution to it. So I see nothing wrong with Leica catering a very narrow niche market of Leica owners with rebadging a product that represents great share of Leica R&D. It doesn't take anything from Panasonic customers and delivers a new product to Leica customers making overall market share of Leica-Panasonic bigger. I am sure Panasonic also benefits from Leica sales in many ways. For example this announcement greatly contributed to my decision to by FZ150 over other super-zooms.

It's an excellent camera and will definitely become the king of superzooms. But the more I think about it the less confident I become that this would be a good replacement to my compact camera setup (don't want to call them P&S because I use them exclusively in manual mode to achieve more creative results). I usually carry two compacts in a small camera bag. I find the bag more convenient than pockets as there is a place for key, batteries, and even wallet. It also reduces risk of dust getting inside the camera (the pockets are full with lint particles). The X-S1 will not fit even half way into this bag, while Nikon V1 with two lenses will as well as one FZ-150. The V1 has much larger sensor than X-S1 and FZ-150 and demonstrates amazing image quality and versatility. It is more expensive but the IQ and compact factor makes it much more appealing system for daily walk-arounds of a photo enthusiast (not interested in birding though).

From Fuji website (not sure how that compares to K5 though):
"The X-S1 has a body structure that keeps off moisture and dust.
The body is sealed around lids (for card slot, etc.) and the rubber ring on the lens prevents the entry of moisture and dust. Combined with the integrated lens that does not require replacing, the entire system delivers a high level of imperviousness."

I understand that the size of the sensor is a factor. But only for the length of the camera, not for width and hight. I think they could easily make it smaller with the same length of the body. Then it could fit in a small camera bag.

This is just my personal preference, but I think the size will be a factor for many when the hype is over. If Nikon will deliver a superzoom lens for V1 (maybe 300-400mm), it will be a much smaller system with larger sensor.

I am also frustrated with the size of the body. I thought the main reason for the large size of a DSLR was the mirror mechanism. The X-S1 doesn't have one. So why making it as huge as DSLR? I think they could have made the body much more compact if the wanted to. But they probably wanted to keep attractive proportions b/w the body and the lens barrel. Personally, I think it would look better if they tried to make the body smaller and deeper, wrapping around the barrel. Kind of like what other superzooms do.

JCM... Looks like you are very sceptical about "pinhead" superzooms. Yet you applaud to the camera with a sensor size comparable to just about two "pinheads" (which is what 2/3'' is versus 1/2.3''). Yes, it is twice as better in numbers; but is it enough for much superior image quality?

I see that my statement was misunderstood (ESL is to blame). I was referring to the battle "in my mind" only. As it will be hard for me to pick because both cameras are very appealing for their own reasons. But I was not trying to put both cameras in the same category as S-X1 is obviously superior. No doubt about it.

From what I've seen, the FZ150 delivers impressive image quality for the size of the sensor, excellent 1080p video with smooth zooming, RAW, high burst speed, and much more compact than S-X1 at half price (around $390 on amazon now). For my needs, it is a perfect camera. Since I don't buy cameras every year, I might end up with buying both and then either selling one or giving to my kids for practice.

I agree with those who think that Fuji samples are just bad. They are worse than what I am getting from my old P&S Canon A620. Yet, I refuse to believe that a modern camera would not be able to deliver better IQ than a 6-year old P&S. So I am confident that in my hands it will be an excellent replacement to my good old A620.

Of course, as a compact camera enthusiast, I wish that such stellar build quality was wrapped in a more compact body. Oh well, the value/cost ratio still seems to be much higher than any DSLR with similar body size. Now in my mind there is a battle between FZ-150 and X-S1. Not sure who is gonna win yet.

Slightly disappointed. I find all images way too soft to my liking. Not sure if its aggressive NR or soft lens. Widely renown sloppiness of DPR samples could be a factor as well.

Very creative. I like it. Too bad so many competitors voted you down.

Wow, your first challenge entry and straight to the first place... and with an iPhone. Very impressive. Congrats.

Thanks Steve. I agree with you and I am glad almost all voters gave it above average rating. I like it too. Wish DP series had a zoom version. Would be much more opportunities for creative shots.

Hmm, a combination of an average P&S image quality with inconvenience of interchangeable lens and a lack of manual controls... doesn't it feel like a spit into face of Nikon customers?

Great idea, not so great execution. Hope they manage to pull it off and generate enough sales to keep R&D team going. Maybe couple of years from now it will be able to break through the pure gadget category. Another thing that spoiled the image for me (other than IQ) is an obvious attempt to copy Apple business model virtually from A to Z. Don't know why but had an aftertaste of a sour apple sort of...

This casket should come with special gloves featuring mini suction cups on each finger to hold it (something similar to octopus legs).
;^)