KLaban wrote:
Gordon, thanks, and yes the XT50 has been on my radar. The Fuji isn't that much smaller than my Z7 bodies when combined with a small voigtlander or the Z40mm.
My immediate need is essentially for a compact, fixed lens camera with the emphasis primarily on absolute discretion when I'm shooting in Islamist locations. The nearest I can get is the Ricoh GR111x, but I'm all too aware that I'll still be missing shallow DOF and unfortunately a screen. That said I think it's about as near as I'm going to get.
But, come on Leica, give us a break, a Q3 50 Lux would at least be an unobtainable dream!
The Fuji X-T30 II doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a hidden gem. It’s nearly as compact as the X-E4 while offering better ergonomics and more customization options. Although the new X-T50 provides higher resolution and IBIS, it uses the same battery, resulting in fewer shots per charge, which was already a weak point. Also, it’s larger and heavier than the X-T30 II. If Fuji had upgraded the EVF, I’d be even more enthusiastic, but it still has the same EVF as the X-T30 II...
From my experience with various Fuji models like the X-Pro3, X-E4, and X-T5, I find the X-T30 II to be the best all-rounder for its compactness and image quality. Paired with lenses such as the XF 27/2.8, CV 27/2, or CV 18/2.8, it remains almost as compact as the D-Lux 8 and features one of the best APS-C sensors available.
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Fuji X-T30 II doesn’t get much attention, but it’s a hidden gem. It’s nearly as compact as the X-E4 while offering better ergonomics and more customization options. Although the new X-T50 provides higher resolution and IBIS, it uses the same battery, resulting in fewer shots per charge, which was already a weak point. Also, it’s larger and heavier than the X-T30 II. If Fuji had upgraded the EVF, I’d be even more enthusiastic, but it still has the same EVF as the X-T30 II...
From my experience with various Fuji models like the X-Pro3, X-E4, and X-T5, I find the X-T30 II to be the best all-rounder for its compactness and image quality. Paired with lenses such as the XF 27/2.8, CV 27/2, or CV 18/2.8, it remains almost as compact as the D-Lux 8 and features one of the best APS-C sensors available....Show more →
I never own a X-T30 II but I had a X-T30 which I sold after a year. I think the size of these two are same.
Even though X-T50 is marginally bigger than X-T30 II, I like X-T50's shape more. It's more round and ergonomic.
rollei35_warton wrote:
I never own a X-T30 II but I had a X-T30 which I sold after a year. I think the size of these two are same.
Even though X-T50 is marginally bigger than X-T30 II, I like X-T50's shape more. It's more round and ergonomic.
Yes, that's definitely subjective. The X-T50 has a larger grip, which makes it easier for some people to hold. However, it's also considerably larger overall. If compactness is a top consideration, the X-T30 II might be a better choice. Smaller than that, just the X-E4 but that one has zero grip. :-)
I wish Fuji had upgraded the battery for the X-T50. Even though they made the grip larger, it seems the NPW235 battery was still too big for it. I also wish they had improved the EVF.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, that's definitely subjective. The X-T50 has a larger grip, which makes it easier for some people to hold. However, it's also considerably larger overall. If compactness is a top consideration, the X-T30 II might be a better choice. Smaller than that, just the X-E4 but that one has zero grip. :-)
I wish Fuji had upgraded the battery for the X-T50. Even though they made the grip larger, it seems the NPW235 battery was still too big for it. I also wish they had improved the EVF.
I suspect the IBIS actually squeezed some inner space out from x-t50 making it to use smaller battery.
I got my D-Lux 8 about 3 weeks ago, I also own a M11 and SL2 with some great lenses. I wanted a small/quality camera for backup or easy carry. I like everything about the Lux-8, especially the physical and software parts of the camera. The only area I'm less satisfied with is image quality. That said, I never expected the Lux 8 photos to be as fantastic as my high-end M lenses or the incredible SL lenses. However, the Lux 8's photos are more than acceptable for how I want to use the camera. Finally, I would rather have all the Leica experience and features of the Lux 8 than another brands.
Has anyone tried the face-detection AF feature in the D-Lux 8?
Is it reliable when shooting from the hip for street photography while using the lcd for quick framing?
mojoh wrote:
Has anyone tried the face-detection AF feature in the D-Lux 8?
Is it reliable when shooting from the hip for street photography while using the lcd for quick framing?
mojoh wrote:
Has anyone tried the face-detection AF feature in the D-Lux 8?
Is it reliable when shooting from the hip for street photography while using the lcd for quick framing?
I have used face/eye AF but only for portraits. It performs very well. I haven't tested it as a tool for shooting street photos from the hip.
1bwana1 wrote:
I have used face/eye AF but only for portraits. It performs very well. I haven't tested it as a tool for shooting street photos from the hip.
I presume shooting street is more challenging for a cam's AF as it involves not just detection but also tracking and locking onto a moving subject.
Nonetheless, its good to hear that face AF is ok for portraits..
mojoh wrote:
I presume shooting street is more challenging for a cam's AF as it involves not just detection but also tracking and locking onto a moving subject.
Nonetheless, its good to hear that face AF is ok for portraits..
So I gave the random, shoot from the hip using Face/Eye detect with Continuous AF a try this afternoon. The D-Lux 8 did much better than I expected. Of course this test was done in very good Southern California afternoon light.
At f/5.6 and everything else set to Auto out of 20 shots it nailed focus on the closest person every time.
At wide open F/1.7-F/2.8 depending on focal length, it had at least a 90% hit rate. The misses were when there wasn't any where near a full face in the frame.
I have included below one typical hit at wide open and 75mm moving fast on a bike, one where it focused on the closest person, and one where under similar circumstances it missed because the faces was mostly turned away.
So, I would say that doing the shoot from the hip street shots using Face/Eye AF will likely give an acceptable hit rate.
LEICA D-Lux 8DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.7-2.8/10.9-34 ASPH. lens34mmf/5.61/1000s200 ISO0.0 EV
LEICA D-Lux 8DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.7-2.8/10.9-34 ASPH. lens34mmf/2.81/1600s200 ISO0.0 EV
LEICA D-Lux 8DC VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.7-2.8/10.9-34 ASPH. lens34mmf/2.81/2000s200 ISO0.0 EV
Steve,
Thank you so much for doing a quick test and posting results 90% +/- hit rate wide open w good lighting is good enough for my use case.
For critical shots I'd probably pump a few more shots just to be sure, and give the AF a second chance..
1bwana1 wrote:
Nice Rusty. I am looking forward to reading about your experiences with this camera.
First impression is a bit of shock honestly- It really is a Leica Q3 in a TINY package- Also pleasantly surprised with the IQ of this little thing. I have this thing up in Whistler with me all week and will put it through its paces.
This might just end up as my wife's camera though- She loves it and keeps asking for it.
One annoyance- Why are the Leica Looks not on this camera? That is a bit frustrating.
