Is there something out there worth trading my Fuji X100 to gain some autofocus advantage? I love EVERYTHING about this camera; except the autofocus. It's poor in low light (hunts often) and slow in macro mode. Other than that, like I said, perfect.
Is there another comparably priced fixed lens compact camera that could replace it? I do like the viewfinder, but that wouldn't be an absolute deal killer if the focus so was fast and accurate that I didn't want to smash the camera every other week (which is my current situation with the x100). It is by no means my "main" system, but when I want to pack light or take close up shots, this is what I use. I usually pack light when going out, so it's mostly used in low light and for closeups. Both of these situations are not proving to be wonderful for the X100.
Ideas? Options?
I have the latest firmware and also have tried using MF with the AEL button. I don't want to zoom in on screen and take a week to focus on something either...
You can get an OVF with it. You'll have better infinity performance and a better sensor. The ergonomic and manual controls are IMO, superior on the Ricoh having shot the X100 quite a lot. It's also quite a bit smaller and a technical miracle in how compact, fast, responsive, and sharp it is.
Of course, that's only if you're okay with 28mm F2.8 vs 35mm F2.
Oh you might also consider a A6000 with a pancake like the Sony 20mm F2.8. Much better sensor, better EVF, and you can swap out the lens one day if you're not okay with the 20mm F.28 pancake. You can also put the seriously underrated Sigma 19mm F2.8 on it as well, not a pancake but pretty thin.
Ricoh GR sounds interesting, but can someone confirm there is a marked improvement in AF from the X100?
X100s and X-A1 are out - not a huge fan of the X-trans files, to be honest. Sold my XP1 awhile back...
Sony a6000 sounds really super cool, but size wise, is it small? I hate to get another interchangeable lens system because GAS always gets the best of me and I know I'll start stockpiling lenses again. Am I right when I think I read the a6000 can use M mount lenses, too? That would be nice since I am a Leica shooter...
Anything else?
I'll look into the GR (is that the latest model?) and the a6000 (didn't it just come out - is it even available yet?)
Ricoh GR is what finally ended up taking the place of my X100 as my take everywhere solution. The recent firmware update does seem to have improved things with it's High Speed AF option (which does not update the rear LCD and instead offers much faster AF). You also have the great "snap focus" mode at any pre selected distance for instant focus.
X-A1 is not X-Trans but bayer and is currently the highest IQ option for Fuji imo (ironic given it's the least expensive Fuji option). I also have this camera and it's really nice in use. The sensor/ processing on the Fuji offers a slight advantage to the GR with regard to DR but the GR is going to be tough to beat with respect to resolution (I'm not sure if there is a Fuji offering at 28mm that will match the GR lens) and of course size/ compactness.
Neither is a true replacement for the X100 though as you give up that nice Hybrid finder but if you are a big fan of 28mm's, the GR is something you should try.
KatieInTexas wrote:
Ricoh GR sounds interesting, but can someone confirm there is a marked improvement in AF from the X100?
X100s and X-A1 are out - not a huge fan of the X-trans files, to be honest. Sold my XP1 awhile back...
Sony a6000 sounds really super cool, but size wise, is it small? I hate to get another interchangeable lens system because GAS always gets the best of me and I know I'll start stockpiling lenses again. Am I right when I think I read the a6000 can use M mount lenses, too? That would be nice since I am a Leica shooter...
Anything else?
I'll look into the GR (is that the latest model?) and the a6000 (didn't it just come out - is it even available yet?)
The A6000 is pretty small similar size to the X100 see http://j.mp/1uzJyow#sthash.yb1dERye.dpuf for a comparison. There are adapters to allow you to use your M-mount lenses (and pretty much every other lens in existence). A few people in this forum already have copies so it's out and available.
p.1 #10 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
The Ricoh GR is really good. I had the original X100 too, and the Ricoh GR is like night and day compared to the X100. The lens is quite extraordinary, a lot better than the X100. Very sharp, even in the corners. I keep it as my 28mm street shooter because of the snap focus, near silent shutter, and fantastic B&W. It's probably one of the best handling camera I've ever used. It also fits in a jean pocket.
The A6000 is a great option too, but you will lose the fantastic 28mm lens and pocketability. Colors from the A6000 might be better. The GR colors are more subdued. You also gain wifi, which some people brush off, but I find extremely useful.
p.1 #11 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
The beauty of the X100 and S is the hybrid viewfinder. If you don't find value in that, you can gain quite a lot of advantages on the GR and A6000. The only problem with the A6000 is that there are only 2 native pancake lenses. The Sony 16mm and 20mm, the first one is atrocious compared to the GR or X100, and the second one is mediocre to okay. The Sigma 30mm F2.8 is Really Very Good but it falls on it's face if you try to do video although I never tried it on the A6000. You also have the pancake zoom lens but I found it cheap feeling and mediocre.
p.1 #12 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
The X100 viewfinder is a thing of beauty, but the GR makes up for it by being so small and light. I do not miss a viewfinder with this camera at all. Because of it's compactness, I can easily maneuver the camera in a lot of position. The decision over a GR or a Sony A6000 depends on your usage. A GR is a purposely built camera for street shooting. Everything in it was built for it. The A6000 is more general purpose and has compromises. I find the restriction to one great 28mm focal length also makes the GR a lot more fun than using a general purpose camera. No need to worry about which lens to put on, whether to use a prime or a zoom. No need to worry about lack of lenses since there's only one lens. It's all about focusing on framing and shooting.
p.1 #13 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
KatieInTexas wrote:
Ricoh GR sounds interesting, but can someone confirm there is a marked improvement in AF from the X100?
The AF is similar. Both got faster with the current firmwares, but I wouldn't say that the GR is a marked improvement over the X100.
Btw, also keep in mind that shooting with a 28mm equiv. lens (GR) feels very different from shooting with a 35mm equiv. (X100).
p.1 #14 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
The GR AF seems quick, but each model I've owned (kept selling and rebuying them lol) all had very inaccurate AF, which I find worse than slow AF. It would give me a green square but then I'd review the shot and it would be quite soft
Curious though regarding slow macro mode... given so much macro photography is manual focus anyways, seems like that is one area where AF wouldn't be much of an issue.
That said, I personally think the only alternative to the X100(s) is the RX1, which doesn't have that much faster AF, but which does have some stunning IQ. Still bit of a different shooting experience than the X100 gives though.
There are certainly some pretty darn quick mirrorless systems like the A6000, EM1 and other m4/3's, the XT1 is a good deal quicker, even the A7(r) are faster, however, NONE of them really are anything like shooting the X100
Maybe instead of changing the camera, change your mindset about what you expect it to do. The digital split prisim is pretty nice on it, quick to use and accurate. Makes it the closest thing to a true digital RF on the market short of a true Leica.
Maybe approach it like that, focus it manually instead of trying to deal with frustrating AF, or at least just manually focus in low light
Fuji has, IMO, some of the best peaking and split image AF aids on the market.
X100(s) is what it is. EM1 etc will focus great in low light, with cool features like touch to select AF point on the tilting display, but....as I said, its really nothing like shooting the X100, so you gain one feature, but you give up everything else you love
Maybe there will be an X200 sooner or later, with XT1 level of EVF and XT1 level of AF (if not faster) That will be a heck of a camera...
p.1 #15 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
KatieInTexas wrote:
Ricoh GR sounds interesting, but can someone confirm there is a marked improvement in AF from the X100?
X100s and X-A1 are out - not a huge fan of the X-trans files, to be honest. Sold my XP1 awhile back...
Sony a6000 sounds really super cool, but size wise, is it small? I hate to get another interchangeable lens system because GAS always gets the best of me and I know I'll start stockpiling lenses again. Am I right when I think I read the a6000 can use M mount lenses, too? That would be nice since I am a Leica shooter...
Anything else?
I'll look into the GR (is that the latest model?) and the a6000 (didn't it just come out - is it even available yet?)
Sony a7 & FE 35..you could use your leica lenses fuller on the A7. The A7 is not considerably bigger to the A6000. There's only 2 primes for Sony FE mount right now, the Zeiss 35 and 55 hence if GAS do arrive, damage is "narrow"
p.1 #18 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
Yes, they are! I'm thinking anything higher than $550 on the used market and I'm gonna lose my butt on the switch. I don't think the GR has hit the bottom on resale market yet, which is my hesitation in buying. I'm not looking to lose $$ in this trade and am only interested in purchasing second hand at an adjusted resale price. If the GR is retailed at $700 or so, I'm not really comfortable until I can pick it up for sub-$500. Also, how long until the next model comes out, which then drops the resale price closer to $300 probably.
I feel I got a great deal on my x100 and am not looking to swap out for something that will lose half value in a years time...
p.1 #19 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
KatieInTexas wrote:
Yes, they are! I'm thinking anything higher than $550 on the used market and I'm gonna lose my butt on the switch. I don't think the GR has hit the bottom on resale market yet, which is my hesitation in buying. I'm not looking to lose $$ in this trade and am only interested in purchasing second hand at an adjusted resale price. If the GR is retailed at $700 or so, I'm not really comfortable until I can pick it up for sub-$500. Also, how long until the next model comes out, which then drops the resale price closer to $300 probably.
I feel I got a great deal on my x100 and am not looking to swap out for something that will lose half value in a years time... ...Show more →
Camera's are a horrible store of value. 99 times out of 100 your going to get less for a camera than you paid for it, just like a used car, a 2 year old laptop, or basically anything else. That is just the way of the world when it comes to modern electronics I'm afraid.
Absolutely nothing wrong with having a budget you want to keep within of course, but I certainly makes your original question of change far, far more difficult.
Simply finding a "better" alternative than your x100 is tough enough, regardless of budget.
Then if you want a "better" alternative, but one that cost no more than the used value of a x100, which itself has already hit rather bargin basement pricing levels, rather cast off nearly all the possible options.
In a nutshell, new stuff is better at things like AF speed, and new stuff cost more than old stuff
Perhaps try to rent a GR first so you know if you even want to look for one on the used market. Its a good camera, but its nothing like the X100, so even if it had better low light AF, which IMO it doesn't, you might otherwise miss everything else about your X100. GR shoots like a very well designed P&S. Great control layout for what it is but sure different than a retro styled X100 with all the dedicated knobs, EVF/OVF.
I'd likely be looking for a used EM5/EM10 if your main priority is fast AF in low light. Olympus is the best in the industry at still having fast and accurate AF in low EV levels. EM1 is an even better option but even used I think it would far exceed your budget.
p.1 #20 · I would trade my Fuji X100 for ________.
My budget is at that level for a few reasons :
The x100 is certainly my grab and go, just in case camera. Just in the last few months I've thinned my camera herd to a simple system (2 bodies - one film one digital, and 4 lenses - 21,25,35 and 50). All this is Leica M mount. I have the "quality" I need in this system, so what I'm looking for in my "pocket" camera is 1)cheap 2)fixed lens 3)capable auto focus 4)ability to to shoot closer than minimum distance with my mom mounts.
