As exciting as the X1D sounds, the rational side of my brain is wondering if I should cancel my pre-order. I know everyone's needs are different, and I thought the X1D would fulfill my needs (and let's face it, wants...), but as I go through a pro/con list for me, I am not so sure anymore it makes sense to keep my pre-order open.
I currently use the Sony A7RII and the Leica Q, both of which have their strengths and weaknesses, of course. The Leica Q is just plain fun to use and inspires me to go out and shoot, while the A7RII produces really nice files with the resolution I need for prints that I sell, and is very versatile, but it is not much fun for me to use and requires a fair amount of post-processing for me to really get the look I like. The X1D seems to combine the pleasurable ergonomics and simplicity of the Q with a file quality that in many cases surpasses the A7RII, but there are some real trade-offs for me...
Most important pros of the X1D for me:
Resolution (I sometimes crop and often have to print big, around 40" x 60" or so and sometimes bigger).
Dynamic Range
Color Fidelity
Ergonomics - compact size/weight of the system, simple menu system, comfortable to hold and carry
Lens quality reported to be good based on some early scattered reports
Most important cons for me:
Cost (although I have saved enough money for it from my sale of my 645Z if I also sell my Q or A7RII)
Unproven quality and reliability
Limited lens selection and lenses are relatively slow (this should improve in 2017 though)
Somewhat slow in operation (assume it will improve with firmware but is unlikely to ever be very fast)
No image stabilization plus handheld shooting with slow lenses in lower light means resolution takes a hit (I shoot handheld often)
No tilt screen (not huge but I do find this helpful sometimes on my Sony A7RII)
ISO range is somewhat limited compared to, say, the 645z I used to have, although it will probably be good enough for me most of the time.
I shoot a wide range of subject matter, mostly outdoors, never in a studio (see Peter Mendelson Photography for examples of my type of work). Much of my subject matter doesn't move, so super fast focusing and high frame rates are not key for me. The leaf shutter vs. fp shutter is also not a big issue for me one way or the other.
Overall, the X1D is a bit more of a "want" than an absolute "need," so I am starting to have second thoughts about maybe waiting until next year to see some full reviews, see how the Fuji medium format camera looks, and also maybe by then Sony will announce something interesting that can use my current lenses. On the other hand, it looks like it could be an incredible tool that is a blast to use and can help inspire me to create new work.
Sorry for rambling, but any thoughts or other perspectives are appreciated...
Thanks
I currently use the Sony A7RII and the Leica Q, both of which have their strengths and weaknesses, of course. The Leica Q is just plain fun to use and inspires me to go out and shoot, while the A7RII produces really nice files with the resolution I need for prints that I sell, and is very versatile, but it is not much fun for me to use and requires a fair amount of post-processing for me to really get the look I like. The X1D seems to combine the pleasurable ergonomics and simplicity of the Q with a file quality that in many cases surpasses the A7RII, but there are some real trade-offs for me...
Most important pros of the X1D for me:
Resolution (I sometimes crop and often have to print big, around 40" x 60" or so and sometimes bigger).
Dynamic Range
Color Fidelity
Ergonomics - compact size/weight of the system, simple menu system, comfortable to hold and carry
Lens quality reported to be good based on some early scattered reports
Most important cons for me:
Cost (although I have saved enough money for it from my sale of my 645Z if I also sell my Q or A7RII)
Unproven quality and reliability
Limited lens selection and lenses are relatively slow (this should improve in 2017 though)
Somewhat slow in operation (assume it will improve with firmware but is unlikely to ever be very fast)
No image stabilization plus handheld shooting with slow lenses in lower light means resolution takes a hit (I shoot handheld often)
No tilt screen (not huge but I do find this helpful sometimes on my Sony A7RII)
ISO range is somewhat limited compared to, say, the 645z I used to have, although it will probably be good enough for me most of the time.
I shoot a wide range of subject matter, mostly outdoors, never in a studio (see Peter Mendelson Photography for examples of my type of work). Much of my subject matter doesn't move, so super fast focusing and high frame rates are not key for me. The leaf shutter vs. fp shutter is also not a big issue for me one way or the other.
Overall, the X1D is a bit more of a "want" than an absolute "need," so I am starting to have second thoughts about maybe waiting until next year to see some full reviews, see how the Fuji medium format camera looks, and also maybe by then Sony will announce something interesting that can use my current lenses. On the other hand, it looks like it could be an incredible tool that is a blast to use and can help inspire me to create new work.
Sorry for rambling, but any thoughts or other perspectives are appreciated...
Thanks