Thread: what does everyone think about the X2?

In case you missed rumor control, they are saying Leica will announce a new X2 in May.

Leica X2 with 18MP sensor, new 50 Summicron costs $1000 more, Leica Monochrome with LCD screen | Leica News & Rumors

Not much to go on, but it sounds as if it would be an improved X1 (new sensor/processor), rather than a new compact system camera (CSC), which may be announced at Photokina.

It seems like the market has changed a lot since the X1 launched, with the X100 and then new CSCs released... a lot more options and competition now.

I am kind of intrigued with the whole idea of a large sensor stuffed into a small, fixed lens camera (i.e. size advantage of using a fixed lens). Something like a fixed version of Ricoh GXR, the X100, or a X2 that would be priced a bit more aggressively (okay, maybe that is a long shot), would be great to have as a compact carry. I think I would be up for this one, assuming that sensor performance was current and that they have made big strides on operational and focus speed.

Are you interested in the X2? Would it have a place in your current kit?

I'm an X100 user, so the X2 could be a camera for me...if it has a very good viewfinder (I can't imagine it having an hybrid viewfinder, but a high-end OVF or EVF like on the NEX-7 would work for me), a very good sensor (those 18MP are attractive, but only if the high iso IQ can keep up with the X100), an F2.0 lens (not the F2.8 lens of the X1), and an "affordable" price ($1500?).

So all in all it's a camera I'm rather excited to hear more about, but if it fits my needs I'm pretty sure the price will put it far out of my reach (I'd expect $2500+ if it has the specs I fantasized above).

I'm sure it'll be great ... but even if I didn't have too many cameras already, and had some spare money, I'd plump for the new Sigma DP1M (if it ever appears ...)

Originally Posted by pdh

I'm sure it'll be great ... but even if I didn't have too many cameras already, and had some spare money, I'd plump for the new Sigma DP1M (if it ever appears ...)

As a DP user myself, I'm inclined to agree with you.

Originally Posted by Julien

I'm an X100 user, so the X2 could be a camera for me...if it has a very good viewfinder (I can't imagine it having an hybrid viewfinder, but a high-end OVF or EVF like on the NEX-7 would work for me), a very good sensor (those 18MP are attractive, but only if the high iso IQ can keep up with the X100), an F2.0 lens (not the F2.8 lens of the X1), and an "affordable" price ($1500?).

So all in all it's a camera I'm rather excited to hear more about, but if it fits my needs I'm pretty sure the price will put it far out of my reach (I'd expect $2500+ if it has the specs I fantasized above).

I've never used one, but it seemed like the X1's OVF was a fairly elegant solution with the focus lock LED? Not sure how well it worked in practice. I also like the fact that when I picked one up, it felt good in my hands, and didn't appear that the reduced body height (since they didn't have a EVF) impacted handling in a bad way. With the retractable lens, it seemed a bit more pocketable than my E-P2 with 20/1.7.

Originally Posted by pdh

I'm sure it'll be great ... but even if I didn't have too many cameras already, and had some spare money, I'd plump for the new Sigma DP1M (if it ever appears ...)

I forgot to mention the new Sigmas.... they look pretty great, especially for my landscape stuff.

Talking digital and fixed lens, then Leica will have to come some way to compete with the X100. Fuji has set the bar here IMHO, and it is high. Any manufacturers trying to corner this market segment need to better its IQ, ergonomics, control and handling - yep and I'm lumping the OVF/EVF into this equation. Otherwise the X2, and DP1/2 Merrill will struggle - well the latter also being debilitated by its cost

I also can't imagine Leica coming out with a X2 that would be better than the X100. Leica is just not a "cutting edge" type of company. If there's a company that believes in incremental improvements, that's Leica. While Leica has the smallest full frame camera in the M9, it is hardly cutting edge. Maybe I'll eat my words come May 10!

On the other hand, would anyone want to pay $2800 for a X2 with a 18 mp sensor and a Panasonic EVF? I'd imagine that it would have to be priced around $2800 (likely $2795) in light of the X1's $1995 price point. And the price would have to be even higher if Leica uses a faster lens than a 24 Elmarit.

I would be interested in a X2 with a decent viewfinder and Macro ability but not with a Prime Lens.

Now that I have an X1 and an X100 I can see how different the two cameras are.
Images from each are quite characteristic with the Leica cool smooth and very sharp and the Fuji images rich and creamy.
Neither is better than the other but if pushed I'd hang on to the Fuji because I'd argue that even with the SAB problem it's better made.

Originally Posted by pdh

I'm sure it'll be great ... but even if I didn't have too many cameras already, and had some spare money, I'd plump for the new Sigma DP1M (if it ever appears ...)

I read may/june somewhere.

Updated rumors on the X2 announcement for Thursday.

> Probably with a new 16MP or 18MP sensor (I assume APS-C, not full frame).

> The new X2 is rumored to have a Summilux 35mm f/1.4 lens (the X1 had a 24mm Elmarit f/2.8 lens).

> The price is expected to be $1000 more than the current X1 (or around $3000).

> Update: the Leica X2 may have an optional EVF. Expected also: improved AF and better LCD screen.

Read more on LeicaRumors.com: What to expect from Leica next week: M9-M, X2, 50mm Cron, V-Lux 40 | Leica News & Rumors