Camera gear discussions

So I guess we're missing this?

And the RX1Rii was just announced, so... what the hey?

Sony RX1Rii is a mirrorless camera with:
42.4MP full-frame sensor just like A7Rii
Same Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 lens as previous versions
Now with a "retractable" EVF? Interesting...

Sounds like the ultimate P&S camera to me. Priced at roughly $3K, so not cheap, but it looks like it could be the "one camera" for a bunch of folks.

 

I'm waiting for my school loan refund to come to order my Pentax K-50. Please come soon!

 

The MP war is not going to stop anytime soon eh. Looks like they think that the majority of their consumers currently have a need to print A0-sized image and up huh?
18 - 20-ish MP with FX sensor is already more than enough for my need; at this resolution even these RAWs are taking too much space. I never had to print anything larger than A2 though.

Seriously thinking about switching over to Fuji X system for a much lighter setup. Currently using D800 for planned photo sessions (my gosh post-processing the RAWs from it are serious pain in the rear), and D610 for candid and everything else (much better balanced in terms of image quality and size and physical weight). I think the X-T1 could easily replace the latter in all quarters except for low-light scene.

 

If a decent Pentax DSLR kit is not financially attainable I will invest in M43.

Compact and capable will do for me. Maximum megapixels mean little to me.

 

Don't forget the insane 1/2000 flash sync on these, because of the in-lens shutter

 

The Leica Q is great too

 

I like my X-T1 system. Spec for spec, Fuji cameras don't stand-out. But they are more true to photography with excellent controls and minimalist design devoid of fancy features that complicate things. And the X-lens line is awesome.

 

I've had some test shots with a friend's X-T1 paired with Fuji's 23mm a while ago; aside from being comfortably light physically, under plenty / natural lighting it produces really beautiful results. Something about the tone it produces is delightful for the eyes, especially if I got females or natural objects in the shot. Now I don't know how much of it is because of the capability of its sensor or image processor but I guess it's mostly because of the high quality Fujinon lens. This 23mm is good. If I have to make a choice, I'll take a good lens with average body any day rather than a high-end body with average lenses (Sony?).
-Well, later into the evening when I took it into a relatively dim indoor diner, the X-T1 did start to struggle with the AF and the rising ISO though I think it is still within normal limitation of a crop sensor.

Anyway Fuji does seems to go all out in the quality of their prime X lenses. I would really love to test their 56mm X prime if I got the chance. People seem to rave about it all over the net.

 

I have both the 23F1.4 and 56F1.2. These lenses are sharp corner to corner wide open! It's not surprising, If Hasselblad can out-source their H system lenses to Fuji, that must mean Fujinon knows one or two about producing good lenses. When did u try the X-T1? firmware 4 brought improvements in AF, including focusing speed and accuracy in low light, perhaps u can give it a second try, but I don't think it can match the recent DSLR. One good thing about Fuji is they keep rolling out improvements and new features via firmware, even to older or discontinued models.

 

Honestly, really, 100% seriously, I'll already call the shot on migrating to Fuji X system for my personal camera if not for having to divide the budget between the photography and this goddamned audio hobby

One personal consideration for now is whether Fuji will announce a full frame X series soon or not, because upgrading a body is relatively doable when compared to upgrading the lenses. I don't know if the current X lenses will be adequate for a full frame sensor or not, most probably not though considering the current lenses' price tag alone.

 

You may also consider the Sony A7II or A7RII. Technically, the sensors are better than those of the Fuji. Bigger sensors are always better, particularly in dynamic range and noise control. Sony actually make those X-trans sensors in the Fuji cameras, but Fuji customizes the filters. As of now, there are not many lenses to choose from in Sony FE lens and Zeiss Batis lens line-up, at least not as complete as Fuji, but I think they will get there. Camera performance wise, no doubt, Sony is ahead. Fuji X-lenses are designed with APS-C sensor in mind, although they do over-spec the image circle, they probably have to launch a new lens line for the FF line. But that of course will imply gain in overall size and cost. I got the Fuji X-system as a secondary system to go with my Nikon DSLR system, so when I want absolute technical quality, I will reach for the Nikon, the Fuji is my fun system. X-T1 has excellent controls, to many, more engaging than many others. If u r not so into technicalities and technologies, the Fuji's old school, boutique-ish, photography-centric approach may appeal to some users who just like to enjoy taking photos and get gorgeous results.

I agree with u, these are expensive hobbies, but both great fun!

 

Audio, emphasis on music for me and photography are the best hobbies I could wish for. When you get things right, it is all worth it.

 

I'd suppose the difference between audio and photography is that for the latter it is much easier (and cheaper) to convince yourself that the gear is good enough unless you're a professional. And that enough experience will let you know that your own skills matter more in getting good shots than simply getting the best gear.

 

Now I am into the head-fi hobby and do not have nearly as much budget and desire for photo gears as I had a few years back. The RX1RII sure looks solid and well-featured, but I would rather spend that kind of money, if I have it, on a decent HP amp. My trustworthy D800 still produces good pictures and I don't take advantage of nearly its full potentials. Except a Zeiss 100mm macro lens, I have sold all of expensive lenses (not using often enough to justify keep them). That said, the Fujis are quite attractive. I still remember the nice feelings of holding an X100 in a camera shop in Japan. The camera form is special and classic.

 

You can do amazing things with a basic Polaroid 600 and not be a professional and still professionals will look at you. Their look of "how did you do that?" is enough.

Take a Nikon D90, add an old manual 35mm F2 lens and expose correctly. You can still kick ass on a budget.

 

Agreed, though somehow I too can imagine a situation where you're proudly showing your nicely exposed picture taken with your D90 and the replies from the random strangers are something in line of, "Nice pic, man, you use filter?" or, "Why using that huge camera? My phone could do that too".

 

Oops, and I didn't get on for a few days...

Ravi, I think the RX1Rii would be AWESOME! They're basically stuffing the A7Rii into that body.

And rayfalkner, being that I have a Fuji X system and also a Sony A7R, I can tell you that... they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Image quality wise, the A7R is like light years ahead of the Fuji X system, or any other system (mostly Canon) I have ever used. But that's the only advantage.

Handling, ease of access to core functions, the stuffs that matter to photography, and enjoyment are light years ahead with the Fuji X system. Sure, the viewfinder lags and stutters (much worse than A7R), the camera is slow to turn on, AF is slow with some lenses, or indoors or in the dark as you said (Sony is much worse), but none of that truly matters when the camera is just so dang useful and fun! DSLR has taken the fun away with the myriad options and settings in the menu, I fear. Fuji's system doesn't offer a billion options (so some stuffs feel a bit restricted/fixed), but they are simpler to work with that way.

Since I have moved on to using mostly AF lenses these days, I do use the Sony system more. But I'd gladly and happily use the Fuji X system any time, even as a main system.

 

I have just received my A7R II and my FE 90mm G lens from Sony. I already had the FE 55mm ZA. I'm gonna wait until the Sony firmware at the end of October for lossless RAW files comes in before any serious shooting, but I am giddy like a little schoolgirl. Such a solid, amazing piece of engineering. Feels great in my large, firm hands.

And regarding the RX1R II, I would assume the only reason it doesn't have built-in stabilization is size. I doubt there is even a hair of space left inside that camera, haha!

A little background: I was mainly a Canon shooter (5DMKII + holy trinity of zoom L lenses, sort of) before selling off my camera and lenses in mid 2012 (along with most of my audiophile shit) for financial reasons. My main since then has been a Sony NEX 5R (was a NEX 5N, warranty changed it to the 5R) with the EVF, with a variety of native and also manual focus Rangefinder and Pentax lenses.

 

Yeah, if you're coming from non-FF cameras (even when you have used FF cameras in the past), the A7 cameras will feel like they are light years ahead.

Well, crud, Sony really did it. The IQ is something to behold, and if you're into photography, you know IQ is just... everything. Now I wish they'd update the firmware and let me jump straight to zooming without having to go through setting the area to zoom. That's kinda unnecessary IMO.