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p.6 #16 · canon DSLR vs Leica M8 for extended traveling | |
Stu Warner wrote:
Okay, my conclusions:
I've done a lot of online trawling over the weekend. The M8 is certainly VERY nice - no doubt. However, both the 5D and the M8 cameras are using relatively old sensors, and the 5D II will most likely be released in a matter of weeks. Whilst the M8 will retain it's high price because there is simply no competition, the 5D will be seen as obsolete, and improved features will be offered in the next model. Leica more than likely won't have as quick an "upgrade" cycle, so the M8 will still be very expensive, yet the M8 to me is not quite the finished article (sensor, ISO and exp comp on hidden "set" menu) and it will appear even less good value compared to the raw image quality obtainable with the up-and-coming generations of dSLRs. My heart implores me to try the M8, but my head tells me that in a couple of month's time I will be able to get a perfectly good dSLR with improved resolution, improved ISO performance, improved rear LCD, and improved shooting buffer for between one third to one half the price (I guess) of the M8. I also really don't want to give up the fast wide angle lenses and the relative ease of macro/telephoto on the dSLR. But Telyt is right about the spot metering - I probably don't need that with the histogram review.
Just to be clear, I think the M8 was designed to retain M users who wanted to involve digital processing and speed in their workflow. I think Leica had to introduce it at the time they did, and I think they did a good job with the technology available. In fact, if I already had some M lenes, I would no doubt buy an M8. But the fact remains that I don't and I'd be looking at a VERY high entry charge to get into the digital M system. I just can't do it. I should say that for me the whole point of using an interchangable lens camera is to use fast glass. Given my curent finances, and the fact that I would have to sacrifice so many features to embark down the digital Rangefinder route, I just don't think this is the right time for me with my income and current M8 prices. This kind of hurts, because I usually like to buy exaclty what I want the first time around and not waste time and money with a series of expensive upgrades - and shooting a small digital rangefinder is ultimately where I would like to be.
I will continue waiting and continue saving, but it would be a very brave step to dump all of my SLR gear and jump head-first into a super-expensive digital rangefinder system. Can anyone comment about whether the prices of M8s have been coming down over the last two years? If they take a price decrease in the autumn, I may renew my interest, but I sincerely doubt M8s will ever be available for 4,000US in the near future. I could wait on price decreases forever.. but I really don't want to shoot with my curent inadequate camera (a 300D!!! ) for another year At some point, I have to decide.
Thoughts?
You can get very good used ones at the 2500 -3000 Euro range, demos in the high 3000-nds.Meister was even selling new for 4000 Euro. If ever Leica replaces the M8 with an M9 we can be fairly sure that it will be more expensive than the M8 - driving used prices up -not down.
You could save some on lenses too - older Leica glass does really well on the M8, and so do Zeiss and CV lenses.
Edited on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:57 PM
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