EVIL Cameras. Will you go to the dark side?

[Lost Canadian]

I like your thought process, Trevor.

I am anxious to hear your opinion after some more use, with different lenses, filters and dealing with the image files. :ylsmoke:

I've sold it already, how's that for loss of love. LOL

I really wanted to like the E-P2. It took very nice pictures when the stars aligned, but for the money there were just too many work arounds for me to justify keeping it. First indicator that I probably shouldn't have bought the camera was that it just never felt quite right to me. The ergonomics of the camera were 'odd' and making adjustments felt awkward. I thought I would get use to this but I didn't. The thumb wheel is in a terrible spot, and using it while holding the camera in a ready to shoot position meant losing grip on the camera or uncomfortably contorting my hand. Next was the disappointing autofocus. I wasn't expecting DSLR type performance but I was hoping for something a little more accurate and snappy then a point and shoot. My S90 focuses and tracked subjects just as well, and in lower light situations the AF on the E-P2 hunted a lot. I also found that it missed focus more often then I was comfortable with. I had to trash a couple could be keepers because of this. This camera is a nice camera though for those intending on using manual focus lenses only, sadly I was not one of those few.

The long story short is there is a lot to like with the E-P2, image quality is great, the files had lots of latitude especially in the shadows, but unfortunately I just didn't like using it. Lesson learned I suppose. I think I'll just stick to my Nikon and Canon DSLR and point and shoots, and leave these hybrids to those less fickle than I.

 

[taco2go]

Great information Trevor. Last week, I bought a used Panasonic GF-1 with 20 mm lens "for my wife", and I just love the little bugger.
In my case, I actually like the ergonomics and balance of the camera with the little fixed lens. Lots of controls within easy reach, including bracketing, AE lock, Exposure comp. I can see where this makes for an excellent system for travel photographers. I haven't taken any serious shots with it as yet. I was quite impressed with the image quality after a few casual shots yesterday.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Fuji X100

Fuji just introduced this sexy little guy. It's a fixed lens design but the lens is a perfect 35mm equivalent f2, and the sensor is a 12.3 megapixel APS-C. I like the looks of the integrated hybrid viewfinder. Check out the video at engadget.

 

[Rallyroo]

The Fuji X100 looks sexy with it's retro styling, but the suggested price of $1400-1750 turns me away especially for a fixed lens. Even if it's lower in USD, that might still be $1200.

 

[Lost Canadian]

The Fuji X100 looks sexy with it's retro styling, but the suggested price of $1400-1750 turns me away especially for a fixed lens. Even if it's lower in USD, that might still be $1200.

The official price hasn't been set yet. The rumours seem to be all over the place, ranging from $600 to $1500+.

 

[7wt]

I really hope the X100 will come in at a reasonable price. It looks like exactly what I want out of a camera.

 

[ducktapeguy]

After reading this whole thread, I remember why I've never joined any photography forums. I've never seen people argue so much over so little.

I picked up a GF1 a couple of months ago, and in that short amount of time I've already taken over 5K shots from just everyday use. I actually flip-flopped quite a bit in the beginning wondering whether I should have stuck with a normal DSLR, but the more I use it the more I am starting to like it. The reason I chose the Panasonics over the Oly is purely because of AF speed. The AF on the Panasonics are on par with the entry level DSLR's, while the PEN's are more like point and shoots. There are a lot of pros and cons with this new format, I think as long as buyers are well informed and have the right expectations going into the purchase, they won't be disappointed. So far I've been very satisfied with the GF1, if I had to make the choice all over again I don't think I'd change it.

I really hope the X100 will come in at a reasonable price. It looks like exactly what I want out of a camera.

According to this site

http://photorumors.com/2010/09/20/the-photokina-2010-winner-so-far-fujifilm-finepix-x100/

price is expected to be around $1700. That puts it into competition with the Leica X1. It's a nice looking camera definitely, but $1700 is pretty steep for a fixed lens APS-C rangefinder style camera. Even if the image quality was spectacular, I would think that market would be pretty limited considering the current competition and all the new cameras expected to come out next year.

 

[ThomD]

Engadget reports :

Fujifilm's Adrian Clarke noted that the decision to include only a 23mm f/2 fixed lens was made in order to not make image quality compromises that are necessary when allowing for a zoom. We're sure that'll strike some as displeasing, but those who aren't afraid of moving forward and back could probably care less. Furthermore, he affirmed that the company was aiming for a March 2011 ship date, with a retail price to hit near the $1,000 mark. That's hardly affordable, but Fuji's making no bones about this being a decidedly high-end piece.

Photokina report

 

[7wt]

I don't see $1700. Let me make that, I don't see me paying $1700. I sure hope it comes in around the $1000 range (or less). I hope Thom's link is closer to the truth.

 

[CSG]

The MSRP will be around $1k according to Leica, um, I mean Fuji. It's a very M looking camera and while I've got sort of a problem with the fixed lens, it could definitely grow on me. It's very Leica-like right down to the street photography 35mm (eqv) lens. I wish they could have made it with an M mount.

If it's a really good execution this will become the darling of the serious photo world until the next darling comes along. :drool:

 

[taco2go]

I'm getting EVILer by the day.
The GF-1 with 20mm is a great little sketchpad. And fits in the palm of my hand. I'm eyeing the 45-200mm ($258 on Adorama) for inconspicuously capturing some birds and babes and such

 

[john101477]

I have to say i am a bit jealous. not really of the camera but that you guys are getting to use yours lol. since I took this new job camera usage has been minimal.

The GF1 appears to take some nice pictures and the review filtering in are pretty favorable. As a walking around camera this might be the way to go.

 

[Wander]

So..I recently picked up a Nikon F4s and I am really enjoying shooting film again, does that make me more evil or less???

 

[Tucson T4R]

So..I recently picked up a Nikon F4s and I am really enjoying shooting film again, does that make me more evil or less???

Much more evil and you should be ashamed of yourself! :bigbossHL:

 

[photoman]

After reading this whole thread, I remember why I've never joined any photography forums. I've never seen people argue so much over so little.

That's actually a reason to join a good photography dedicated forum rather than a sub category on another forum. You will deal with far more people doing it as a profession rather than those doing it as a hobby. You will also find direct contacts to manufactures and other suppliers.


To put it into context- I do not go to a photography forum to discuss camping gear, tires, or lockers. I may share photos of my vehicle or other vehicles but would not get into a technical discussion about them.