I own a Sony RX1 and have played around with a Fuji X100s. For my type of photography - people shots, environmental candids and street photography, I prefer the X100s' operation - manual aperture ring and shutter dial, and OVF - all I need to take pictures. The Sony is more fiddly. The X100s also works better for hyperfocal and zone focusing compared to my RX1 which does not have last manual focus distance memory. I wish the Fuji had a full frame regular Bayer sensor, I would buy one in a heartbeat, otherwise there is no way the X100s files and lens can match the RX1 with Zeiss 35/2 combo. The Fuji X100s is an excellent camera, but the Sony RX1 is in a different league IQ wise. In an ideal world, I would like to have both the X100s and RX1 and I can sympathize that it would be hard for some to choose between either one of these cameras.
joe88 wrote:
I own a Sony RX1 and have played around with a Fuji X100s. For my type of photography - people shots, environmental candids and street photography, I prefer the X100s' operation - manual aperture ring and shutter dial, and OVF - all I need to take pictures. The Sony is more fiddly. The X100s also works better for hyperfocal and zone focusing compared to my RX1 which does not have last manual focus distance memory. I wish the Fuji had a full frame regular Bayer sensor, I would buy one in a heartbeat, otherwise there is no way the X100s files and lens can match the RX1 with Zeiss 35/2 combo. The Fuji X100s is an excellent camera, but the Sony RX1 is in a different league IQ wise. In an ideal world, I would like to have both the X100s and RX1 and I can sympathize that it would be hard for some to choose between either one of these cameras....Show more →
Have you tried an OVF on the RX1, Joe88?
Agreed about the distance being reset when you turn the camera off. Probably my number one firmware wish.
Both cameras are highly praised by both pros & serious amateurs. I would hope the RX1 has higher IQ considering it has the larger sensor....you would expect that.
But I went with the Fuji because I can't see spending twice the money for a camera with no viewfinder. The Fuji has a wonderful viewfinder ( 2 actually), and is darn near the IQ equal of the RX1. If it wasn't we wouldn't be comparing them.
The higher IQ is nice, but it's not the only thing one should be looking at when considering these 2 great cameras.
mortyb wrote:
Your opinion is one I value highly, so I trust you about the RX1 colors and tonality. It's true that I've grown a little bit tired of the "in your face" Zeiss look in general (I understand the Sonnar is more gentle), and it probably has something to do with my take at this. But I gotta say, I don't see the magic in most of the RX1 shots. Sure, it's the FF 35/2 Zeiss look, but colors and tonality - the look - I can't say I've seen it. I'm 100 % sure I'll get the RX1 again, so I'll find out myself soon enough. ...Show more →
Thanks. You don't have to trust me, because it also has a lot to do with personal preference/taste. There's no wrong or right. The Fuji files do look different. They're both fantastic cameras for B&W and that's also always a sign of good tonality.
Jochenb wrote:
Thanks. You don't have to trust me, because it also has a lot to do with personal preference/taste. There's no wrong or right. The Fuji files do look different. They're both fantastic cameras for B&W and that's also always a sign of good tonality.
I agree, and honestly I think your Fuji shots looked nicer (color, tonality) than your RX1 shots. So it's all down to personal preference aside from pure technical aspects of IQ. Anyways, all this talk makes me wanna get an RX1 again.
Douglas, I haven't tried an OVF extensively on the RX1 but have put on my CV28 finder once or twice to get a feel for it. It seems to work OK and I have also read about your positive experiences with the CV 35 finder. Maybe I need to give it a try again. EVF definitely does not work for me for the type of street photography I do. Too much lag and loss of contrast in bright lit scenes. My Leicas work great for what I shoot but sometimes I prefer the RX1 silent shutter and it is also much lighter (and cheaper) to replace.
I tend to shoot with the RX1 shutter and AF confirmation silenced and if I switch off the LCD image preview, there is no confirmation (a la Ricoh GR) and I don't know if the camera has focused at all. My current workaround to shooting hyperfocal on the RX1 is to switch on the camera, focus at approx 9 to 10 ft using the AF On button, set it to f/11 or thereabouts and fire away. The problem is I have to keep doing this each time the camera is turned off, somewhat fiddly out in the field. Leaving the camera switched ON is another option but then on an extended day shoot, I would need 5-6 batteries at least.
Besides the Manual focus distance memory, I wish Sony would allow us to reprogram the EV dial for shutter speed. That would be awesome for me. I think asking for snap focus is out of the equation but I will keep dreaming on that one too.
Jim Tardio wrote:
Both cameras are highly praised by both pros & serious amateurs. I would hope the RX1 has higher IQ considering it has the larger sensor....you would expect that.
But I went with the Fuji because I can't see spending twice the money for a camera with no viewfinder. The Fuji has a wonderful viewfinder ( 2 actually), and is darn near the IQ equal of the RX1. If it wasn't we wouldn't be comparing them.
The higher IQ is nice, but it's not the only thing one should be looking at when considering these 2 great cameras.
You say both that the X100s is "darn near equal" to the RX1 at one point and then that the RX1 has higher IQ. Which is it ? Pick and side darn it
Just curious though if you were 1) aware and 2) tried the OVF/EVF options that are available for the RX1 ?
I always read all over the net how people say the RX1 has no VF, but I don't think that to be quite accurate because my RX1, sitting right in front of me, does in fact have a VF, and its actually the finest EVF on the market to date. LIkewise, sitting on the same desk, I've also got an OVF option for it.
Now they aren't built in, which would be nice, no argument there, but, its not a case of, say the Sony RX100, which doesn't have a means of attaching an EVF nor even a hotshoe to put an external OVF.
The RX1 gives the buyer one or both options.
The EVF while pricey, is hands down the finest EVF I've used and as close as I've witnessed to looking like an optical finder.
The X100s shares the same EVF as the XE-1 I believe ? I've got that camera sitting right here as well and its a pretty night and day difference between the two. As there should be given the Sony EVF did in fact cost over 50% of the whole XE-1 camera!
I get where some people might be coming from not wanting to spend another $450 after buying a $2800 camera, but, the option is there so I don't think its as black and white as people saying it doesn't have a VF so no sale.
I think that after spending some time with the EVF, I would honestly want it to stay external rather than be built in. Reason being, I've fallen in love with the tilt feature. It is such a comfortable way to shoot, I keep it at about a 45 degree usually and it works so much better than smushing your face against the rear of the camera.
On an relate topic, I also take the big eye cup off the EVF. I find it doesn't really help and affects the eye relief a bit much.
I do notice that the Japanese market EVF's have an eye cup that is a different and smaller design. I wonder if its possible to order one ?
millsart wrote:
I do notice that the Japanese market EVF's have an eye cup that is a different and smaller design. I wonder if its possible to order one ?
My EVF came with two eyecup sizes. One is slightly smaller which I prefer. Is there an even smaller one?
I agree with millsart, the RX1 EVF is currently one of the best in the market that I have used. I can't imaging not owning an EVF with the RX1.
millsart wrote:
Now they aren't built in, which would be nice, no argument there, but, its not a case of, say the Sony RX100, which doesn't have a means of attaching an EVF nor even a hotshoe to put an external OVF.
You might need to upgrade your RX100 to the MkII version I think it uses the same RX1 EVF?
I can't say I disagree Morten, but keep in mind that many of the Fuji photos that I uploaded were shot in great conditions. This does so much for the overal look.
However, the Fuji results do show a certain clarity that I sometimes miss. It's not something one can measure.
I'm curious about your new experiences with the RX1 again, it would be nice if you'll share your thoughts in the RX1 thread. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Hmmm, I'll need to contact Sony regarding that as I only got the larger one with the rubber hood around it, which is comfortable but its such a big hood it affects the eye relief a bit on me (and my neanderthal brow lol)
The RX100 mkII is stated to be able to use the same EVF, which is a nice feature. I don't know if many people who buy a RX100 would spring for the EVF, BUT, I bet a bunch of people who bought a RX1 and EVF would spring for a RX100 mkII lol
Hopefully the continue to use the same battery as well.
It was really handy traveling recently and taking just one charger which I could share with both cameras and even carry a single spare battery.
My issues with EVFs are that they start giving me headaches if I'm shooting for a while. I've tried everything from switching eyes to focusing on not squinting so much, but, after using them quite a bit, I noticed that it was a problem, and I've used several. If I were relying on manual focus lenses, like I did with NEX, then I'd just deal with the EVF, but the combo usage of the RX1's OVF and LCD work well for me, which is why I got rid of the RX1's EVF, despite it being the best that I've used.
Either way, I think the modular approach of the RX1 works nicely. While the X100s' viewfinder situation is pretty slick, the RX1 does have a better LCD, EVF, and, while the OVF is "dumb," it does provide a brighter view and doesn't have horizontal parallax, so there are some trade offs.
joe88, I also turn off the audio indicators, but I can feel the AF in my hand, so it hasn't been a problem at all. I like how you can deactivate the RX1's LCD screen, except for a strip at the bottom that shows shutter/ISO/aperture. Works great for the OVF.
millsart, my EVF also came with two eyecups, although I also prefer just using none at all. FWIW, I believe the EVF in the X100s is actually different than the one in the X-E1, but, either way, it isn't nearly as good as the Sony's.
millsart wrote:
Hmmm, I'll need to contact Sony regarding that as I only got the larger one with the rubber hood around it, which is comfortable but its such a big hood it affects the eye relief a bit on me (and my neanderthal brow lol)
That's strange. Mine came with that large cup and a smaller one. I use the smaller one because it indeed gives me better eye relief.
millsart wrote:
Hopefully the continue to use the same battery as well.
joe88 wrote:
I own a Sony RX1 and have played around with a Fuji X100s. For my type of photography - people shots, environmental candids and street photography, I prefer the X100s' operation - manual aperture ring and shutter dial, and OVF - all I need to take pictures. The Sony is more fiddly. The X100s also works better for hyperfocal and zone focusing compared to my RX1 which does not have last manual focus distance memory. I wish the Fuji had a full frame regular Bayer sensor, I would buy one in a heartbeat, otherwise there is no way the X100s files and lens can match the RX1 with Zeiss 35/2 combo. The Fuji X100s is an excellent camera, but the Sony RX1 is in a different league IQ wise. In an ideal world, I would like to have both the X100s and RX1 and I can sympathize that it would be hard for some to choose between either one of these cameras....Show more →
You see, that really is still part of the dilemma. This would be a day-to-day / street / observation / travel camera for me, and I know the VF and controls of the X100S would suit this more. Or at least I think they would, without trying either. I'm not "retro head" (my main cameras are Sony's) but I do feel this would be an easier decision if Sony just used a shutter speed dial...
A snap-on OVF with info overlay would be nice, but given the price / size of the current one, I'm not sure it's feasible. One thing I've learnt through recent discussions on here is that the VF's on the RX1 don't lock in place! I find this a totally bizarre design choice in honesty. I can't see why they wouldn't make them lock in. I'd have to take/strap whatever I used in place.
ricardovaste wrote:
You see, that really is still part of the dilemma. This would be a day-to-day / street / observation / travel camera for me, and I know the VF and controls of the X100S would suit this more. Or at least I think they would, without trying either. I'm not "retro head" (my main cameras are Sony's) but I do feel this would be an easier decision if Sony just used a shutter speed dial...
A snap-on OVF with info overlay would be nice, but given the price / size of the current one, I'm not sure it's feasible. One thing I've learnt through recent discussions on here is that the VF's on the RX1 don't lock in place! I find this a totally bizarre design choice in honesty. I can't see why they wouldn't make them lock in. I'd have to take/strap whatever I used in place....Show more →
To be honest, neither the X100s or RX1 is going to replace something like an M, when it comes to zone focusing. The shutter dial thing doesn't bother me at all, as the camera does keep your shutter and aperture settings when turning the camera off, and looking at my shutter speed on a dial isn't really any different than looking at it on a screen. You've also got the preset modes on the mode dial that you can customize.
There's no wrong or right. The Fuji files do look different. They're both fantastic cameras for B&W and that's also always a sign of good tonality. 
