What Does the New Leica X1 Firmware Update Mean For You?

Today, Leica issued a firmware update for the X1. Indeed, it is already quite the powerhouse of a camera that will powerbomb your wallet. Rumors were abound though that the Leica X1′s firmware update was perhaps to make it more of a competitor to the Fujifilm X100. So here’s the thing: we know how the X100 will function. Does the firmware update indeed make it more of a competitor?

According to Leica’s press release, the firmware update provides:

Improved manual focusing, with the focus screen showing the image based on an open aperture
More accurate manual focusing with finer steps, when scrolling slowly with the click wheel
Two manual focusing speeds for more accurate and faster manual focus operation
Manual focusing lock now available
Enlarged manual focusing scale display
Depth of field scale displayed in manual focusing mode
Manual focus settings retained in memory when camera is switched off
Improved autofocus speed in low light conditions and with low contrast subjects, in particular when shooting multiple images of the same subject
ISO setting displayed in Auto ISO mode
Improved JPEG image quality

So what do we get? It seems like there is mostly improvements to manually focusing, autofocusing in low light, improved image quality (which I’m not totally sure is possible without sensor tweaks) and…that seems to be it.

As it is, using the camera while manually focusing will be similar (though not spot on with) manually focusing a Micro Four Thirds camera of some sort. Of course, I know that you can’t focus via a ring around the lens. I did a hands on for Eric over at Photography Bay a while ago. In fact, the camera is much bigger and feels a bit like my old Leica CL.

In terms of ergonomics, the X100 has a viewfinder (that is both electronic and optical depending on the setting.) If you prefer to hold the camera up to your eye for focusing and for less camera shake, it seems like the X100 may be the go to camera for you.

Additionally, the X100 is built more rugged, and has a faster lens.

So why should one go with the Leica?

I’m not exactly sure at this point.

This isn’t a situation like the Leica D-LUX 5 vs Panasonic LX-5 or even the S95 vs the D-LUX 5. And though these smaller cameras are nice, the X100 and X1 are the perfect sized small cameras for street photography. In fact, those are the photographers that these cameras are directly targeting.

Sure, there is something very disarming about composing and shooting via the LCD screen vs a viewfinder, and the X1 forces you to do that. But there are many photographers out there that prefer to use the viewfinder instead.

What do you think? Do you think the X1 will stand a chance to the X100? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tagged as: comparison, firmware update, fujifilm, leica, manual focusing, specs, X1, x100

Jeremy

I’ve been a long-time Nikon user and – an experience shared by many – have eventually grown tired of lugging lots of heavy gear around “just in case” a potential photo opportunity should arise, or slapping a loud, professional-grade shutter with a 80mm diameter lens in front of people’s faces. I bought the Leica X1 soon after it was introduced, and never regretted it. The camera has it’s irritating downsides, especially for a DSLR user, used to extremely fast operation, autofocus etc. But there is one special thing about this little Leica, and it’s the image quality generated by a good sensor, a very good Elmarit lens and Leica image processing pipeline. There is simply something special about the white balance, sharpness, highlight and shadow rendering and – especially – black and white files, that makes everyone notice the photos made with X1 (not so much with the Nikon D300 I use regularly). I always treat this kind of argument with a grain of salt as it cannot be substantiated in any way other than looking at hundreds of photos. But look I did, and the quality and often a special look is really there. I haven’t yet got a chance to put my hands on the Fuji X100, but to be honest having the X1 I don’t feel the urge to exchange it for any small camera in near future. Re: firmware update – it really makes manual focus usable (esp. for zone-focused street photography) and leaves only one thing for me to wish – that the autofocus was still a little faster. It is also worth mentioning that the X1 is smaller and lighter (important for pocket-carrying) than the X100, and still offers an optional and very usable OVF, which gives more food for thought for the potential buyer of either.
- Chris Gampat
  
  Hey Jeremy,
  
  Well spoken. The X1 is a great camera no doubt, but the OVF is really only useful for composition. As for the rest, you’re right it is up to the user.
  
  With this said, the black and white image quality I feel can be done with other raw files as well in post production.
  
  But you’re right about the lens. I hold Leica optics to be some of the best out there.
  
  Thanks for the comment!
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