Recommended
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Recommended
Reviewed:
Dec 2009
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Released alongside the M9 rangefinder, the Leica X1 is an equally classy-looking (and expensive) compact camera with a large APS-C sensor and a fixed 35mm equivalent field-of-view F2.8 autofocus lens. Featuring a design reminiscent of M-series rangefinders, complete with analogue-style shutter speed and aperture dials, the camera offers a choice of fully automatic or manual control. A 2.7"" LCD and 12Mp CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 100 to 3200 round off the specification.
The X1's image quality is excellent when shooting in raw, but not for the first time with a Leica, somewhat let down by the JPEGs. So if you're looking for a small camera which produces top notch out-of-camera JPEGs even in low light, it's not your best choice - especially considering the excellence of the Olympus E-P1's output. The sheer quality of the X1's DNG files, though, does mean that they will stand up to extensive post-processing very well. The biggest problem when drawing a final conclusion on the X1 is of course the typical Leica price tag - this is the most expensive compact camera on the market by a huge margin.
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| Announced: | Sep 9, 2009 |
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Average rating:
4.50
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Opinion: I love this camera. Compact, excellent images, straight-forward controls. The best compact I have had. Only the Sigma DP1 came anywhere near it. I like it much better than the GF1, etc. etc.
Opinion: I have grown to like this camera having initially thought that I had made an expensive mistake in buying it. Image quality is superb. Great colour, detail and texture. The lens is sharp. Build quality is very good - the camera feels good to hold. You get a free copy of Adobe Lightroom included. An optical viewfinder is essential and is very good though this is another cost. Overall an expensive camera with few "bells and whistles" but it does the important job of taking pictures very well. DSLR image quality without the size and weight. Nobody notices you with this camera!
Problems: Optical viewfinder is en expensive and necessary optional extra.
Battery life is not as good as with most DSLRs.
Data transfer is slow - this is not an action camera.
Operating software not as sophisticated as would be found on camersa from Japan etc.
Opinion: Well balanced in my hands. Reasonable bulk for its purpose. Relatively lightweight. Terrific lens. Resolution and color utterly satisfying. Autofocus a dissapointment despite firmware version 2.0, improved only M/F. For fast shootting, especially in low light situations, stick to manual focusing. Aperture and speed dials tend to turn quite easily. One must check. I only wish this camera had a faster AF and a 35-70 equivalent zoom. In all a star performer. S/N 3813xxx.
Problems: Leatherette covering loosened. Was sent to factory and repaired at no cost.
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 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
