MX-1 first impressions

Hi All,

After saying I wouldn't buy one of these because of the lack of a viewfinder, the recent cashback deal prompted me to have a look at one of these. The local shop only had a black one, it was my preference but it would have been nice to compare them in the flesh.

There are two reasons, I like the syle/build and it handles so much like my K-5, it makes it a real pleasure for me to use. As for the lack of a viewfinder, I'm still finding I'm lifting it up to my eye occasionally, but the screen is very good (haven't tried it in proper direct sunlight yet).

I'm still finding my way around the camera (and by the time I'd got home and charged the battery, the light was very murky), but a few comments follow:

1) HyperProgram is available in 'P' by using the rear E-dial.
2) In Manual exposure the green button works the same, setting the program line.
3) Manual focusing is available with a magnified image and the up/down buttons of the four-way controller with a scrolling distance scale.
4) Exposure compensation is easy to use and the effect of it is shown on the LCD.
5) It has three zoom modes, Optical, Intelligent (which I think is in-camera JPEG cropping depending on the JPEG MP setting) and Digital (which can be turned off).

The attention to detail doesn't stop with the camera. The strap is a smaller version of a modern wide strap (similar length but narrower), complete with leather-ish tabs at the end and mini webbing/buckle arrangement. Normally I leave the straps off compacts, but I think this one will stay on. I've also found myself instinctively running my thumb across the top right-hand corner of the rear body - feeling for a non-existent film wind-on lever.

When I get the chance, I'll post some shots.

John.

Look forward to seeing the photos..........

EDIT - I didn't mean HyperProgram, but you can shift the shutter speed/aperture combination with the rear dial.

I found the same with the Panasonic GF1. On quite a few occasions i've brought the camera upto my eye and then realised there was no finder. Still do it after 2 years of owning the GF1.

MX-1 sounds a really nice camera, look forward to seeing some pics from it.

A few photos posted in the 'Your Photos' section (Silkypics is quite different to PDCU4 which has thrown me a bit).

I didn't realise how useful being able to tilt the screen would be, helps avoid the worst of the glare. I've got some shots I otherwise wouldn't have been bothered to bend down for. Being able to tilt it 45 degrees down gives you more options when shooting something below you.

As far as the battery life is going, 68 shots down and a lot of messing about and only one 'corner' of the battery icon has disappeared.

The only niggles so far:
- Having to take the lens cap off before switching it on and having to switch it off before you put the cap back on.
- Can't seem to work out how to turn off the AF confirmation beep.
- Forgetting it doesn't have a viewfinder.
- Forgetting to reset the exposure comp. after a shot (it tells you - I just missed the icon).

Otherwise very happy considering it's a compact.

John.

Update: I've been able to try the screen out in full sun today (OK it's only May and not July). It's better than I expected remaining see-able (more so after half-depressing the shutter release) with direct sun on the screen. Fingermarks reduce the contrast but it is adequate. Folding the screen help enormously as well. I think you can change the brightness/contrast of the screen, but I've got it set to the defaults (whatever those are).

I've been out today with a 300mm on the K-5 and the MX-1 came in really handy for grab shots that I otherwise wouldn't have swapped lenses for. I'm finding I'm liking it more and more.

John

I've not had a compact camera for a while, but the images I've seen from the MX-1 persuaded me that it might be time to try again...especially with the current cashback offers, and the rather nice little free Billingham case from SRS (perfect size for the camera, and comes with a belt-loop but no strap in case you're interested).

Only been playing around at home for a few minutes tonight, but so far I'm impressed at how much control you can get over depth of field, even with the relatively small sensor and not just at telephoto lengths. I'm also impressed at how decent the JPEGs seem to be, at least at ISOs lower than around 800 - exposed correctly, there appears to be almost no work required in post-processing: they're coming out great straight from the box.

So far, pretty impressed.....