Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black) USA

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I use this product on city escapades, travel, when I'm just out. Being compact and quite light it is a fantastic device to just 'take with you' without having to worry about all of the extra bits/pieces.

Design-wise, this camera is flawless. It feels solid, the flash pop-out is not gimmicky at all and the menu navigation is intuitive albeit somewhat slow.
I have used it in almost every light condition, and the control you have at your fingertips is phenomenal.

Obviously this camera comes with a hefty price tag, but if you can afford it, you will definitely not be disappointed with the outcome from your pictures. Also, when getting to grips with all the settings, you'll be content with the results from keeping the camera on its Auto settings. Don't feel discouraged that you're using some 'preset'. Just learn and enjoy it.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

Amazing lens on a small camera.
Clips highlights a bit but then its not a full-on DSLR.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I have long used a compact camera to shoot landscapes on many hikes and rambles, as well as candid shots of students at a variety of events: dances, award ceremonies, graduation, etc. I've often posted the results to various web pages and sites. The X1 is light, responsive, has manual or auto settings and is equalled by few competitors. It would suit almost any photographer. It's a thinking person's camera, and rewards it with superb captures.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

This camera has become my favourite among all I've ever used so far (tried many film cameras and prosumer DSLRs of famous brands). Perfect combination of a sensor and a lens.

WIthout much ado and post-development I got 100% of what I wanted. Excellent colour due to flawless white balance even in Auto mode. AF works well even in very low light conditions. I was also very pleased to see how beautifully this camera captures light.

Controls are simple and easy to understand. The camera is not overloaded with dozens of functions I'll never think of using - the trouble I've had with my DX and FX pro-level DSLRs.

Size and weight: the size of the camera is unlikely to draw unwanted attention of passers-by while you are taking pictures. Compact and noiseless. Weight is something that saves you from carrying around lots of heavy and expensive gear while you still have everything you need in one camera. For this reason it is perfect for travellers.
At the same time where you have the opportunity to carry heavy camera with you, Leica X1 will be the best companion for it for making test pictures.

Lack of zoom which may confuse an amateur photographer is not a drawback though, but is merely one of its characteristics. Within its technical scope this camera does the best job.

I wouldn't use it for taking pictures of sports activities, small kids who tend to briskly move around every second and for weddings as well. For all the rest it's highly recommended. In fact I've already recommended it to many friends of mine, some of them have already bought it and are very happy.

External viewfinder is necessary with this camera only if you are in extremely sunny conditions. In other cases I do well without it.

The bottom line: camera produces sophisticated Leica-style crystal-clear pictures.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

Excellent pictures easy to use

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I do have Leica M6. M3. R8. Waiting for an affordable digital leica camera and lens. Very good quality, even in iso 400. The lens is remarkable, and the design pure and simple.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I bought this camera due to its simplicity. It is very functional, works great in low light. The images on the monitor look ok but when you download them to the computer, they are huge, detailed and fine. Can't wait to try some landscapes.

I've only had this camera a week. It will take a while to fully understand this camera so I'm giving it 4 stars for now. I think it will be fun to use on an upcoming vacation.

I didn't complete the recommend to a friend. I'm not sure it is for everyone. I think this is a photographers camera, not a simple point and shoot for the majority of people. Because of its simplicity, you can focus on composition and other details and not get hung up with menus and all the hundreds of features on comparable cameras.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

This is a great small camera with a 35mm equivalent lens. The IQ in good light is comparable to the M9. (I own an M9.) If one is willing to accept the limitations of a fixed lens camera, the X1 is a great introduction to Leica. I find the manual focus ability to be impractical but autofocus with firmware v. 2.0 is very good.
If you are using the X1 in bright outdoor light, the viewfinder is essential.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I'm a very busy pro photog. Normal kit is canon mk4 and mk3s. I also use Leica M9, medium format digital.

I've screwed around for years looking for a pocket size camera that produces images up to my standard. Tried many contenders (D-Lux, Canon G9, Sigma DP1x, etc). The Sigma did pretty well, but only if you could live with the tiny output file, and the horrible high ISO performance.

This camera solves the problem. Totally pro quality, period. End of story. No compromises. I would have no hesitation giving a photo from this camera to a client.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Forget the cost, think of the money you'll save not having to buy 6 other P&S cameras before you give up and just buy one of these.....

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

* extremely accurate AF with decent speed (would no longer consider slow since firmware update)
* black version has better textured leather wrap/grip which is much nicer aesthetically and it feels much better when holding.
* has less iso/noise quality then quite a few dslr's I've used before (better then the Canon 7D for example...yes I said it.)
* the lens delivers the Leica look and bokeh
* it has a body that begs to be stared at
* all the control of the camera is on the outside of the body not lost in the menu
* very fine tuning manual focus control
* the shutter is quite and discreet
* Henri Cartier Bresson was using one in a dream I had...

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

At the end of the day, it's about creating a beautiful image. I decided to purchase an X1 after reading a review that highlighted the Leica quality from this camera. I tested it last night, and I am quite impressed. The images are categorically different from every other camera I've used over the last 10 years. You get once chance to capture key moments in your life - make it wonderous.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

This is a somewhat quirky point and shoot, but the combination of the lens, the APS-C sensor and mostly well thought out controls is a brilliant package. I and those I've shown my photos to are very impressed with the quality of the images. It's nearly pocketable, light but durable. The downside is the cost. I don't find the lack of a zoom lens to be a hindrance; however, many may feel this way.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I will leave the reviews of the Leica X1 to the experts. What I have found is a camera that defines a new class of digital photography - much more than a high end compact camera yet not a SLR. The Leica X1's image quality is natural, regardless of light, and only limited to our own talent and imagination. I love mine! The only negative is the Leica X1's viewing screen which is on the dim side, necessitating an optional viewfinder for use in bright sunlight.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I have all kinds of Nikons up to D700, also own Canon & Canon S90. The Leica is all about the quality and fine pictures. Took me about 3 weeks of fiddling around with it until I go the ultimate prize pic......

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

I really wanted a Leica M-9, but it is way too costly...then it needs a lens which is puts the total cost of an M-9 package in the range of the cost of a small car.
The X-1 is a real Leica camera with a real Leica lens for less than the cost of many Leica lenses!!
The camera as supplied is basic, basic, basic. It needs to be customized with a LCD screen protector, an optical view finder and a side grip for it to live up to its full potential.
The fit and finish are top quality. It feels solid for such a small camera.
It is a true joy to use the top deck and be able to easily change the shutter speed of F-stop by turing a metal knob, rather than scrolling through menus on the LCD.
Having autofocus enables you to concentrate on composition without worrying about setting the hyperfocal distance or manually focusing the lens. All my photographs are always in perfect focus.
Also, the pop-up flash is a real plus. You can use it to quickly balance out tricky lighting situations.
The camera is very quiet when compared to an SLR or D-SLR.
The image quality, especially the color accuracy and sharpness are breathtaking.
Also, unlike my current D-SLR, the auto white balance actually works!!!
Overall, a wonderful and capable camera.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

The X1 is great for landscape and portrait photography. It's not for sports photography. The all black finish is beautiful. Understand it for what it is and what it's not.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

If you understand what you are buying into with an X1 and you are prepared to deal with what many would call its limitations, this little gem will deliver the goods again and again. The X1 is all about image quality in a small, precise package. It is also about returning you to "simpler" photography when knowledge of exposure and lighting (vs. learning a staggering array of digital camera controls/menus) was essential to taking competent images. What you've heard is true, the LCD resolution is much lower than it should be, the autofocus isn't exactly zippy, the manual focus screen is cumbersome and lacks a DOF scale, and the lens could be faster, non-retractable, etc. (and the list goes on). But man, the X1 is "the little engine that could". You are getting fabulous Leica glass and a well matched large sensor with great ISO sensitivity. It serves my style of shooting just great and the image quality out to the edge doesn't cease to amaze. It is a lot of fun to carry and shoot with. I use it as a travel companion and to accompany my film M. I think it is a great camera but not for everybody. For me, the X1 is more "liberating" than "limiting". If you are concerned that it lacks the features you've come to expect/demand from digital then it probably will disappoint.

Comments about Leica X1 Digital Compact Camera With Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens (Black):

Love it from the moment I opened it. Quality of the image is unbelievable. It is well built around.