EX1 - Thoughts

Hi, I haven't been on this forum for a while although I do keep an eye on happenings.

A couple of months ago I bought a canon SX260 for an overseas trip because I wanted more zoom than the EX1 provided, but also I wanted 24mm wide angle, although I ended up compromising with the 260's 25mm.

Many who have been on this forum for a long time know that I was not entirely happy with the EX1's muted colours in its default setting and spent a lot of time before my last trip trying to get more out of it.  When I got the SX260 I was blown away by its vibrant colours which were just what I wanted to be able to achieve without extensive PP.

So I then spent a fair bit of time to see if the EX1 could deliver the same results by in camera settings.  I have got close, although without the canon Icontrast feature, the closest being the samsung Smart Range which is not able to automatically adjust based on the particlar scene, I was not able to completely equal the colour under all conditions.

The other factor that matters, is that the EX1 has a f1.8 lens while the Sx260 has a f3.5 so for the same scene the 260 must use one ISO higher for the same sensitivity.  This turns out to be no probem because the 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS sensor is at least one ISO level better than the old CCD in the EX1 allowing up to ISO1600 to be used instead of ISO800 which is the highest I would use in the EX1.  When factoring in that the CMOS sensor has almost zero blotchy chroma noise, only a fine sand like grain, it is very pleasing to use at high ISO.

The net result of all this is that I now find very little reason to carry the larger heavier EX1 when the SX260 does all that I need.  I was concerned that I might feel this way and its a pity, because I like the EX1 very much.

So now I have OOC images from the EX1 that I like, but no real need to use the camera, wonder what others do if this happens to them?

Here is the settings and then an example OOC image from the EX1.

Contrast=-1

Saturation=+1

Photo Style Selector RGB=R0, G-1, B0

WB=AUTO

Metering = Multi

EV=0

The result of this is an OOC image that has more vibrant colours and lit up mid tones due to the contrast and saturation adjustment, and less green in the WB due to the RGB adjustment.

Street Test EX1

Street Test SX260

So now I just have to find an opportunity to use the EX1.

Brian

your ex1 pic is shot at iso80 and the sx260 at iso200

apertures aren't the same either.

is this really an accurate comparison?

Timmbits wrote:

your ex1 pic is shot at iso80 and the sx260 at iso200

apertures aren't the same either.

is this really an accurate comparison?

They were also shot about 10min apart, but it wasn't meant to be a scientific comparison, I can PP both images to look similair if I want to, those settings are just what the cameras chose, the SX260 raised the ISO as part of its Icontrast system, that is the price of having well lit mid tones.

I don't want people to compare these, that is not what this is about, in fact I only edited in the SX260 image later because I thought people would ask for that.  What I am thinking through is why I need the EX1 now when the SX260 can achiece the same and more.

To me it is unfortunate that I am in this position of having to pension off a perfectly good EX1.

Brian

Why so reluctant to part with the EX1?

I know how easy it is to become fond of a particular camera. But you need to realise it's just a tool. Unless there is some major sentimental value attached, sell it on and get some money back.

If I let myself sty attached to a camera for sentimental reasons, I'd still be the owner of a slightly faulty NX300 (bit dodgy on touch screen front).

chrisrabe wrote:

Why so reluctant to part with the EX1?

I know how easy it is to become fond of a particular camera. But you need to realise it's just a tool. Unless there is some major sentimental value attached, sell it on and get some money back.

If I let myself sty attached to a camera for sentimental reasons, I'd still be the owner of a slightly faulty NX300 (bit dodgy on touch screen front).

Your right, all things must pass, I must admit the zoom is very slow since using my new one.

Brian

Brian!

I can understand your hesitancy to give up the EX1. It is (was) a great camera. Still use mine, though that is not because i wasn't looking around for a new one. They don't sell the EX2F here. And I want to see it and feel it before I pay the $$.

I love the feel of the EX1. And while it is heavier and larger, that really is of no concern to me as I hang it from my neck. I did replace the stock strap though, with a new Matin Vintage strap. You really don't notice that it's there.

Over the years I've used your settings and they have made a difference! For me the form and feel is just right. Now I use the OVF as I have difficulty seeing the screen in bright light, and I use a B+W CPL as I like the over saturated colours.

I see that Canon is joining a number of other makes by stuffing a large sensor into a compact body. Now if Samsung would do that into something like a EX1 body and with a longer zoom - I might jump for that. Nice to have a new toy.

Best of luck with your Canon. The pics I've seen (that you have posted) were wonderful. Just what we would expect from you.

Thanks

ac146 wrote:

Brian!

I can understand your hesitancy to give up the EX1. It is (was) a great camera. Still use mine, though that is not because i wasn't looking around for a new one. They don't sell the EX2F here. And I want to see it and feel it before I pay the $$.

I love the feel of the EX1. And while it is heavier and larger, that really is of no concern to me as I hang it from my neck. I did replace the stock strap though, with a new Matin Vintage strap. You really don't notice that it's there.

Over the years I've used your settings and they have made a difference! For me the form and feel is just right. Now I use the OVF as I have difficulty seeing the screen in bright light, and I use a B+W CPL as I like the over saturated colours.

I see that Canon is joining a number of other makes by stuffing a large sensor into a compact body. Now if Samsung would do that into something like a EX1 body and with a longer zoom - I might jump for that. Nice to have a new toy.

Best of luck with your Canon. The pics I've seen (that you have posted) were wonderful. Just what we would expect from you.

The problem with the large sensor stuffing that canon is attempting, is that like the RX100 from sony, the lens will most likely only start at 28mm, and I really like having 24mm or wider.

Brian