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Archive 2013 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Brody LeBlanc
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p.1 #1 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Alright, so here's the deal.

I'd have to say ever since getting into photography, my dream has always been to have a small, portable camera with compromising image quality.
The first camera I really connected with was the Voigt R2A, and pretty much days after owning it started looking into the digital version.
Well, at the time the only options that even came close was the Leica M8 & the Epson R-D1.
The unfortunate part was that I was only 16 at the time and definitely didn't have the money to drop on these (at the time) revolutionary cameras.
So, jump six years and several FF DSLRs later, then you can image I was pretty thrilled to see companies like Fuji release cameras such as the X100 & the X-Pro1.
Currently, I'm set up with the X100s, the X-E1 with the 35/1.4 & 18/2. Honestly, it's a great set up, probably the my favorite line up of digital gear to date.
But there's still a small voice in my head that keeps asking if there's something better out there.
And what could possibly be better/still compact? The RX1.
Okay, well, on paper at least. I mean, full frame, Zeiss lens, 24mp, & 35mm (my favorite FL). Basically, everything I've ever wanted in one camera.
At first, I thought "well, no... I can't sell my Fuji gear, I'd only have a 35mm lens."
Then I did a little test and only shot with my X100s for a week. Guess what? I didn't miss the 18mm or 35mm on the X-E1 one bit.
So really, I'm just talking out loud here, but what do you folks think?
I'd love to hear from owners of the RX1 or X100s or both.

Jun 09, 2013 at 10:14 PM

tobicus
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p.1 #2 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I don't have either, but I'm on the verge of selling our full frame Nikons and primes and replacing them with an x100s. Like you, I'm interested in high portability and image quality, and 35 is my favorite focal length; I regularly shoot weddings with nothing more than that focal length. However, there's no way I'd go for the RX1 because it doesn't have a viewfinder, which automatically rules it out for me.

The x100s doesn't have a full frame sensor, but from the image comparisons I've seen, it surpasses the D700 in high ISO clarity, so I think it's worth the switch, as the main sacrifice I'd be making would be DOF (a 35/3 effective DOF rather than my 35/2), battery life, and AF speed and accuracy. I can live with those. The x100s, if I buy that (I'm also considering the x100) will be my only camera, and will go everywhere with me to capture my family's life. As much as I love my D700, it's too bulky to bring everywhere, so it has to go.

Jun 09, 2013 at 10:30 PM

millsart
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p.1 #3 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Just got the RX1 last week.

Have had the X100, XPro1, M8.2, M9, various m4/3 bodies like the GH2, EM-5, NEX5n and 7, bunch of Nikon DSLR's (which I still have and use for work) and also a variety of compacts like the RX100, LX5 etc. Basically anything and darn near everything, trying to find the illusive combo of great IQ, but in a size I wouldn't mind carrying, and enough versatility to make me not want to carry extra gear.

To date, I'd say the RX1 is the best I've had.

It doesn't fit in my pocket, which is something I do like about the RX100, but the IQ is just unreal. Short of the D800 I've never had anything with such IQ honestly. The sensor is fantastic and does amazing high ISO, plus a really great DR, and then paired with an amazing Zeiss lens, with a really nice rendering, and edge to edge sharpness, plus the expected Zeiss sharpness and "pop" just makes for an unbeatable imaging tool.

Other cameras like the Fuji X's can give nice IQ as well, but the overall look of great glass on a FF sensor is just tough to beat.

Just being able to set it auto ISO and know I can get great images through 6400 is fantastic. Basically never even have to think about your ISO setting.

AF isn't blazing fast, but very accurate and isn't annoying slow, on par with the Fuji's overall I'd say.

35mm is about my ideal focal length, and the Sony LCD is really good, even in sunlight. I'm pretty happy composing on it. Handling is decent as well, not ideal, but easy to use and with some pretty cool features like sweep pano, that actually works, and can give some really nice 15meg pano's. I still do some manual stitches but the pano mode is fun and works.

All and all, while its not a perfect camera, its the best thing going and it gives me files every bit as good as carrying around my M9 or a FF DSLR. Far from cheap, but given the sensor, the lens, and the compact size, I think its still a decent value. Paying a premium sure, but what does a Zeiss 35mm and a 24mm FF DSLR cost in comparison, and then whats it worth to you to reduce that size/weight.

I did certainly enjoy my X100, but I'd take the RX1 hands down over it.

Jun 09, 2013 at 10:40 PM

millsart
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p.1 #4 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

tobicus wrote:
I don't have either, but I'm on the verge of selling our full frame Nikons and primes and replacing them with an x100s. Like you, I'm interested in high portability and image quality, and 35 is my favorite focal length; I regularly shoot weddings with nothing more than that focal length. However, there's no way I'd go for the RX1 because it doesn't have a viewfinder, which automatically rules it out for me.

Sony does make an add-on EVF for the RX1 FYI, Its one of the nicest EVF's I've seen, but kind of pricey. I've just never been a fan of EVF's though on any camera I've owned. They work and all, but I just don't like feeling removed from the scene, looking at a tiny television.

I've got a Voigtland 35mm OVF on my RX1 which works well for framing, but you don't know about if the AF locked, exposure etc. Which also was a downsize to the X100 and OVF's in general as you just don't know what it focused on as your not getting a TTL view, but there is just something nice about feeling like you are looking past the camera and feeling a part of the scene.

Really hard to beat a DSLR though for framing accuracy and judging focus, thus the reason why SLR's caught on in the first place, but EVF/OVF's are something of a necessary evil I guess.

Jun 09, 2013 at 11:04 PM

douglasf13
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p.1 #5 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I was shooting the M9+35/2, and I tried to transition to the X100s, but I missed the subject separation with wide open portraits, and I can't get used to the X-Trans files, so I bought an RX1.

So far, I really like the camera. IQ seems phenomenal, the build is great, and the handling is pretty good. While the AF isn't speedy, it seems to nearly always lock on. I've been pleasantly surprised with using an OVF, because my AF success rate doesn't seem any worse than the X100s. It took me about a day of practice to estimate the center focus point, and it works well for me, now. I returned the EVF and have been using an OVF with occasional LCD usage.

I can't say whether the RX1 is worth it to you, but I really like it.

Jun 09, 2013 at 11:23 PM

millsart
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p.1 #6 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

X-Trans files are fine if your shooting people, cityscapes and such. Its really just foliage details that tend to get a bit smeary I've found with my XPro.

For a landscape photographer I think it would drive them crazy, but if your doing more shooting wide open, people etc, the shallow DoF renders fine background detail kind of a non-issue.

The RX1, while being 35mm, actually isn't a bad landscape camera. The Zeiss lens is sharp edge to edge and really makes the most of the 24megs resolution.

I've been testing it a little against my DP2m and it measures up pretty well, which is something that couldn't be said w/ my X100 or Xpro. They aren't bad by any means, but just didn't excel at the across the frame sharpness a lot of landscape photogs demand.

Amazing good files at high ISO for APS-C though. RX1 best it at 6400 and higher, as you'd expect, but X-Trans is no slouch at high ISO, plus does have a bit of that nice Fuji color

Jun 09, 2013 at 11:42 PM

douglasf13
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p.1 #7 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I disagree about cityscapes with X-Trans. I've seen all kinds of weird things in brick patterns, roof tiles, etc., but I'll leave X-Trans talk to the other threads. I'll be selling my X100s soon.

Jun 09, 2013 at 11:47 PM

Dudewithoutape
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p.1 #8 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Well if you think about the focal lengths you're using, 18 & 35 on crop, you're getting ~28 & ~50 on full frame. Where does 35mm sit? Right in the middle, when available, take a couple steps away or a couple steps toward your subject and you'll get your old focal lengths again. While I'm not you and I have not personally used/owned it (other than the Sony Store), I have followed it closely (including the image threads) and it sounds like a great idea for you. If I had the money, I'd get one.

Jun 10, 2013 at 12:00 AM

douglasf13
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p.1 #9 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Dudewithoutape wrote:
Well if you think about the focal lengths you're using, 18 & 35 on crop, you're getting ~28 & ~50 on full frame. Where does 35mm sit? Right in the middle, when available, take a couple steps away or a couple steps toward your subject and you'll get your old focal lengths again. While I'm not you and I have not personally used/owned it (other than the Sony Store), I have followed it closely (including the image threads) and it sounds like a great idea for you. If I had the money, I'd get one.

The OP alreadys has an X100s, so he has a camera with the same equivalent field of view as the RX1.

Jun 10, 2013 at 12:03 AM

Dudewithoutape
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p.1 #10 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I just mean to get the FF and Zeiss goodness and pointing out why he doesn't miss his Fuji CSC + lenses.

Jun 10, 2013 at 12:06 AM

sflxn
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p.1 #11 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

If the RX2 has a longer lens, then I think a pair of RXes will be perfect. Most people think they need better gear or name brand, legendary lenses to make their best images. A bag full of lenses and cameras won't make better images. A better photographic eye will make better images. Nothing beats having a great camera with you all the time. As nice as Fuji X is, I really do not like their desire to flash and attract attention. They are the cameras for the vain, much like Leica.

Right now, my go everywhere camera is a Ricoh GR, and I'm mainly shooting B&W. The only thing that holds me back from buying the RX1 right now is how discrete the GR is, how responsive snap focus is, and my ability to take the camera with me every time I leave my home. The RX1 is close, but I would notice the weight in my pocket. The X100(s) and any X system is simply too flashy, too big, and too heavy to take everywhere.

I believe the RX1, the GR, and Coolpix A are the best go everywhere cameras right now. When it goes everywhere with you, then you'll always have on your photographer's hat.

A perfect camera for me would be an RX1 with the VF from the X100s and the weight of the GR and have the ability to snap focus.

Jun 10, 2013 at 03:11 AM

mortyb
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p.1 #12 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I briefly used the RX1, and I wouldn't mind owning one. But I think there's more to photography than 35mm FF, and the Fujis have nice color and esp. the X-E1 + 35/1.4 combo has a really nice look to the images. But of course, a 35/2 on full frame gives you those nice separation possibilities which just isn't possible with a 23/2 on crop.

Jun 10, 2013 at 04:15 AM

philip_pj
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p.1 #13 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

The RX1 is simply magical. Doesn't matter what you shoot, given half a chance you are likely to get something compelling. It is actually wider than 35mm - noticeably so, and overall photographic quality, rather than image quality, is very special. Users tend to find they shoot subjects to see how the camera makes them look. Not many complain about colour, and files play well with s/ware.

Jun 10, 2013 at 04:46 AM

Spyro P.
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p.1 #14 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Brody LeBlanc wrote:
Alright, so here's the deal.

I'd have to say ever since getting into photography, my dream has always been to have a small, portable camera with compromising image quality.
I take it you mean without.

I've been thinking and trying to answer your question, but what complicates it for me is this "compromising image quality" because it's a very time-relative thing. I mean, if you could pretend it's still 6 years ago, you already have a size/quality combo that is as good as anything out there. If you can't, then it seems to me that you're chasing a moving target because even if you get the very best now, every 6-12 months there will be something better.

A more relevant discussion (which IMO can save you money and headaches) is whether you're compromising IQ based on your printing needs. How big do you print, what ISO, what subject matter, how much processing, and with what software? Those fujis are not the best with massive prints of foliage, and react differently to different raw converters. If these factors are not an issue then you might already have the best, and you risk is that you might spend money now only to find that the differences are inconsequential - for your printing needs.

Having said all that, if you're just itching to change for whatever reason, just go for it! Better and cheaper than gambling, cars or fishing boats

Jun 10, 2013 at 06:59 AM

cputeq
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p.1 #15 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

If you can, wait a while longer. Fuji is set to release the 23/1.4 later this year, according to their lens road map. Might be what you are craving without the cost of moving to the RX1.

I would love an RX1 too, but for me, the cost without an EVF is just too much.

Jun 10, 2013 at 07:48 AM

tobicus
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p.1 #16 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

Spyro P. wrote:
I've been thinking and trying to answer your question, but what complicates it for me is this "compromising image quality" because it's a very time-relative thing. I mean, if you could pretend it's still 6 years ago, you already have a size/quality combo that is as good as anything out there. If you can't, then it seems to me that you're chasing a moving target because even if you get the very best now, every 6-12 months there will be something better.

A more relevant discussion (which IMO can save you money and headaches) is whether you're compromising IQ based...Show more →

Great points here. Something better is always around the corner. Better to base your decision on what meets your needs, rather than on what the camera manufacturers have convinced you is the latest camera to make all of your photo dreams come true.

Jun 10, 2013 at 04:37 PM

itai195
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p.1 #17 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

sflxn wrote:
If the RX2 has a longer lens, then I think a pair of RXes will be perfect.

Personally, I'd have no interest in owning a pair of fixed lens cameras. At that point, you've wasted a lot of the weight and size savings of mirrorless on the redundant body.

As nice as Fuji X is, I really do not like their desire to flash and attract attention. They are the cameras for the vain, much like Leica.

I'm not sure what you meant by this? You mean flashy, as in something garish like having a bright orange ring around the lens proclaiming your use of a FULL FRAME 35MM CMOS IMAGE SENSOR?

To the OP, one week may not be enough time to know you'd be willing to commit to the 35mm focal length. This isn't a permanent decision, obviously, but I know I'd want to always have an interchangeable lens camera available. The fixed focal length, compact may be the camera I use the most frequently, but there are often times when I want a different focal length. The RX1 has great image quality, and it's a really well made and fun camera to use. I just wouldn't replace an X-E1 with it myself.

Jun 10, 2013 at 05:07 PM

millsart
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p.1 #18 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

I think one of the main issues (at least for many people, myself included) is the due to cost, the RX1 introduces a "this" or "that" type of decision.

One could argue that sure, if you have an XE-1 getting the 14mm and the 35mm, or maybe the 18-55 zoom, and then compliment it with the RX1 for the 35mm focal length, but aside from the issue with carrying 2 bodies, is the issue of cost.

I for one couldn't justify a X system and then adding on a $2800 camera for an additional focal length. Rather it was a choice of either selling my XPro kit to help pay for the RX1, or sticking with the Fuji.

Not everyone is in the same boat of course, but I think for many, the reality is that buying an RX1 means they have to sell off the full system they are otherwise using, being m4/3, Fuji X, NEX etc.

Makes it a tough decision between a full system, or a single camera, given they end up costing the same

Jun 10, 2013 at 07:09 PM

itai195
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p.1 #19 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

True enough. If that's the tradeoff being made then I'd point out that the value of an image quality advantage is a fleeting thing. A few years from now, your Fuji lenses are likely to still be useful on newer Fuji bodies, but the RX1's image quality will not be at the top of the heap anymore.

Jun 10, 2013 at 07:26 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #20 · Switching From Fuji to Sony?

itai195 wrote:
True enough. If that's the tradeoff being made then I'd point out that the value of an image quality advantage is a fleeting thing. A few years from now, your Fuji lenses are likely to still be useful on newer Fuji bodies, but the RX1's image quality will not be at the top of the heap anymore.

+1

Jun 10, 2013 at 07:28 PM

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