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Squarerigger



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I know several of you own the Fuji x100 and seem to really like the camera. My question is if you did not already own the Fuji x100, would you be tempted to purchase the Nikon1 v1 instead?

richw



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A friend asked me this recently. I replied that I would buy the Fuji for myself, but the Nikon for my wife.

The Fuji is capable of a better IQ (particularly in lower light), but is a bitch to use, the Nikon might not have the same IQ but is easier to use and focuses quickly.

jk



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I keep thinking that the Nikon V1 would be a nice walk around camera but the X100 that I have provides that function as it is so small but has only a 23mm (35mm on FX) lens. In my view this is the only 'failing' of the X100.  Of course now I have the XPro1 I am spoilt completely as its 16MP sensor is so good and so sharp it is the equal of my D3 apart from speed of focus.

The AF on the V1 is superior as it is very quick but the smaller sensor is for me a problem.
The V2 when it comes later this year or next year will be right up there as I expect that Nikon will have move the sensor technology forward so a CX sensor will have as good IQ as a 10MP DX of 2011.
The huge advantage of the V1 is that it can use Nikon AFS lenses but also the 10-30 zoom that is its kit lens is also very good.

TomOC



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I think it will be quite a while before there is a camera to beat the x100 - for what I like about it...

Let me explain. As JK says the xpro1 beats it in some ways, the N1 beats it in features, obviously the D3 beats it in some ways.

If you want a camera that will literally fit easily in your jacket pocket (or cargo pants) then the one with the best IQ is the x100. You have to zoom with your feet - think of it as a 35mm lens in your pocket. For me the only other choice would be the Leica X1 but this lacks a viewfinder and that got old very quickly. The hybrid viewfinder in the x100/xpro-1 is the most amazing new development ever!! You switch from EVF to Leica style VF with a switch ! You just have to get used to it to believe it.

I have been a nut for every new P&S dream camera every year, and every year, I quickly sold each CAnon G series on ebay before the price went down. I tried olympus, leica, and nikon ones...all fell short due to the small sensor (probably the best in the group was canon). I know the N1 has some pretty good reviews, but it is still in the small sensor camp and will eventually disappoint in my opinion.

If you know you will never want a print larger than 8x10 and never will need a serious crop done, then go for it, as you probably won't be able tell much difference, but if you want really low light capability, large stunning prints that you are used to with your Nikon dslr, go with the largest sensor you can get...

Cheers,

Tom

Eric



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TomOC wrote:
I think it will be quite a while before there is a camera to beat the x100 - for what I like about it...

Let me explain. As JK says the xpro1 beats it in some ways, the N1 beats it in features, obviously the D3 beats it in some ways.

If you want a camera that will literally fit easily in your jacket pocket (or cargo pants) then the one with the best IQ is the x100. You have to zoom with your feet - think of it as a 35mm lens in your pocket. For me the only other choice would be the Leica X1 but this lacks a viewfinder and that got old very quickly. The hybrid viewfinder in the x100/xpro-1 is the most amazing new development ever!! You switch from EVF to Leica style VF with a switch ! You just have to get used to it to believe it.

I have been a nut for every new P&S dream camera every year, and every year, I quickly sold each CAnon G series on ebay before the price went down. I tried olympus, leica, and nikon ones...all fell short due to the small sensor (probably the best in the group was canon). I know the N1 has some pretty good reviews, but it is still in the small sensor camp and will eventually disappoint in my opinion.

If you know you will never want a print larger than 8x10 and never will need a serious crop done, then go for it, as you probably won't be able tell much difference, but if you want really low light capability, large stunning prints that you are used to with your Nikon dslr, go with the largest sensor you can get...

Cheers,

Tom

That sums it up very well Tom.

I decided NOT to go for the xpro1 because I felt it was turning into a bigger and bigger lump in the pocket.
I have found the combination of the X100 in my pocket and the D7000 with a 55-200 in my hand are an ideal walkaround, holiday combo.

Although a D800 may displace the D7000 in due course

;-)

Squarerigger



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I am trying to remember, but I think most who own the X100 have responded.

I thank you for your opinions on the two cameras. I do not have a small carry about which could be used as a backup should my D7000 got belly up at some very inconvenient time. There are plenty of times when I am just out an about and wish I had a good quality camera with me.

After reading all the reviews on the internet, well not all of them, and reading your comments, I find myself drawn to the x100 over the Nikon 1 V1. I think the over riding factor for me is the inability to change lenses on the x100. The Nikon 1 v1 would temp one to get the adapter and use all the lenses one already owns which would defeat the pocket camera attempt or backup emergency camera. I read reviews of folks taking the Nikon 1 v1 and they are already turning it into another body to attach to their 70-200mm etc.

I like the idea of a fixed lens and the return to my days when I had my FM and no zoom lenses. Don't get me wrong, I love my zoom lenses but for a pocket and backup camera I don't want another complete system.

Again thanks for the guidance and help and time.

richw



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Just be aware that it's not as easy to use as a DSLR.

jk



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richw wrote:
Just be aware that it's not as easy to use as a DSLR.
That is definitely the case. It is not a small DSLR.

Eric



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jk wrote: richw wrote:
Just be aware that it's not as easy to use as a DSLR.
That is definitely the case. It is not a small DSLR.
In use its like a film camera was 60+ years ago ...but with shot review and a heap of other digital aids ...IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM.

To anyone considering buying an X100 I would recommend they first put a 35mm lens on their DSLR (or tape their zoom down to 35mm) and go out shooting with it like that for a day.

To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens.

Dont get me wrong, it can be a cathartic experience and help your creativity. (I used to take just a 50mm out for the day perioodically to refresh my eye.) But it can be a culture shock and a frustration when you have a distant shot you cant reach.

The composite image below is of two shots taken in Bruges last year.
My wife drew my attention to a bay window over a shop with 'someone' in it as we ambled around the town. I instinctively used the X100 hanging around my neck to take a shot (left)...then grabbed the D7000 with 200mm available (right).

So not having extra reach available can sometimes be an issue.









Attachment: _DSC4192.jpg (Downloaded 49 times)

jk



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Eric said:
"To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens."

I'd definitely agree with that and it is the one reason why I purchased the Xpro1. I couldnt manage without a short telephoto. I love the 70-90mm range on a camera.

I couldnt achieve this with the X100 no matter how I tried. The closest I got was a x2 converter that vignetted slightly. This was a real pain.

richw



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Eric said:
"To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens."

You mean 'after remembering to take the lens cap off'?

(only wish I was joking).

jk



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richw wrote: Eric said:
"To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens."

You mean 'after remembering to take the lens cap off'?

(only wish I was joking).

Rich you dont have to use the lens cap if you make up one of these.

The Fuji filter attachment/ hood ring or other clone from HK and a 49-28mm reducer.
I have a 49mm filter in between the ring and the reduce to provide dust protection also.

All bits cost me about £5.
 


Attachment: D300-1-7023.jpg (Downloaded 36 times)

Squarerigger



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Eric wrote:
jk wrote: richw wrote:
Just be aware that it's not as easy to use as a DSLR.
That is definitely the case. It is not a small DSLR.
In use its like a film camera was 60+ years ago ...but with shot review and a heap of other digital aids ...IF YOU WANT TO USE THEM.

To anyone considering buying an X100 I would recommend they first put a 35mm lens on their DSLR (or tape their zoom down to 35mm) and go out shooting with it like that for a day.

To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens.

Dont get me wrong, it can be a cathartic experience and help your creativity. (I used to take just a 50mm out for the day perioodically to refresh my eye.) But it can be a culture shock and a frustration when you have a distant shot you cant reach.

The composite image below is of two shots taken in Bruges last year.
My wife drew my attention to a bay window over a shop with 'someone' in it as we ambled around the town. I instinctively used the X100 hanging around my neck to take a shot (left)...then grabbed the D7000 with 200mm available (right).

So not having extra reach available can sometimes be an issue.










Wow Eric, is that a real person in the window? Seriously, she looks like a wax figure, was going to say dummy, in the window.

I have to say, I think I would be very uncomfortable taking a photo of someone in their own home on the sly. Were you paparazzi in a former life?:sssshh:

:rofl:

Graham Whistler



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The V1 Nikon is very good too. My wife Wendy took this last week at Chatsworth house in Derbyshire. Available light hand held 1/60sec f3.5 1600ISO 10mm with the 10-30mm lens. It was a JPG file but detail is good and highlights held and colour not bad for auto setting. Perhaps we should have posted some of Wendy's shots in our USA trip she like me was very happy with her results.

Attachment: Wen1157.jpg (Downloaded 26 times)

Graham Whistler



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This is also at Chatsworth and is part of picture only to show detail. 10-30mm lens in bright conditions, some loss of highlight detail on back of head, perhaps would have retained more with NEF rather that JPG?

Attachment: Wen1170.jpg (Downloaded 26 times)

Squarerigger



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Thanks for the information Graham. The photos from the V1 look very good.

May I ask if you purchased any other lenses beside the 10-30mm and how they fair?

Graham Whistler



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Yes Wendy also has the 30-110 lens and results from that are also very sharp.

Squarerigger



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I see Nikon has the V1 bundled with the 10-30mm and the 30-110mm. That would make for a very attractive kit.

Always good to get the perspective of a user of the equipment.

jk



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richw wrote: Eric said:
"To me THAT is the biggest challenge to your photography...being fixed to a wide angle lens."

You mean 'after remembering to take the lens cap off'?

(only wish I was joking).
Rich,
Try these tricks.
I noticed a simple trick this evening that checks in OVF whether you have the lens cap on or not.

1. If you look at the Histogram box in bottom left this is empty if the lens cap is on as there is no light impacting on the sensor!.. Simple.
2. This wont work for those who MF. If you press the shutter release to focus you get the Red box of failure. No AF!! No light so image, no AF.

So simple :-)

Hope these help reduce the black shot syndrome.

jk



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Ed Constable did some ISO tests for me with his V1.
We concluded that ISO800 was about the cut off limit.

In bright conditions you would need to look hard at the images to discern which camera took which image if you were comparing with a DX camera. Image quality is considerably better than a point'n'shoot compact.

TomOC



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Eric wrote:


That sums it up very well Tom.

I decided NOT to go for the xpro1 because I felt it was turning into a bigger and bigger lump in the pocket.
I have found the combination of the X100 in my pocket and the D7000 with a 55-200 in my hand are an ideal walkaround, holiday combo.

Although a D800 may displace the D7000 in due course

;-)

Eric- I agree. I keep the x100 in my car and it is the one I use most, but if I know I'm going out for a "photo walk" I'll take the xp1 - almost always with the 35mm (50mm equivalent) and it is really taking you back to the 60s and I love it. The xp1 and a lens or two is still less expensive than the 24-70 nikkor and more fun (but not as versatile :-). Funny how you go through phases where most shots are tele shots and then back to more "normal" ranges... I'm in the "normal" phase right now (at least as normal as I can be :-)

Basically, the x100 is the most fun you can put in your pocket after the iphone...

Cheers,

Tom

jk



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Yes, I certainly agree with that but I do love the XP1 with 60mm.
Must be in my tele phase!

TomOC



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If this keeps up, I might even lose a little weight. I seem to be taking more aimless walks lately :-)

Tom


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