Ray,
This is my first post. I have this very same doubt right now: I shall buy a new camera in May and am deciding between these two, RX1, X100S, unless something more interesting appear in the meantime, which doesn't seem likely...
After more than half a year from the last post, I would like to know if there is an update to your feelings towards these cameras or your post throughout the thread are still valid.
Thanks so much, wonderful thread.
Hi Marcos,
My feelings haven't changed toward the RX1 since I wrote this initially. I liked the X100s so much I actually had one again for a short time along with the RX1, and that just heightened the contrasts. I ended up selling the X100s after just a couple of weeks. Again, the difference in IQ in good light is not that much and probably nothing to base a decision on. That said, processing the raw files from the RX1 is such a pleasure and gives you so much latitude that I'd still say it's an advantage. You can get great images out of either, but the RX1 is more forgiving. In low light, the RX1 is just amazing relative to anything else I've ever used. I think the Nikon D4 / Df 16mp sensor would be better in low light than the RX1, but it's already sooooo good that I'd never really want for more. The X100s is very good in low light - don't get me wrong, but the RX1 is simply sublime.
And I REALLY like the feel and controls of the RX1 a good deal more. Not to say the X100s is bad, but it's got a few quirks. There are only a couple of programmable buttons on the X100s compared to six on the RX1. And the aperture ring on the X100s still only has full stops, whereas the RX1 (and any other recent aperture ring I've used) has 1/3 stops. The RX1 just has a feel of quality like not a lot of cameras these days.
The primary thing I like more about the X100s is the viewfinder. First, it's built in and there's no hump - that's pretty big. But the combination of the OVF and EVF and the seamless integration between them is simply wonderful. The RX1's evf is very nice, but the overall viewfinder experience can't compare to the X100s.
Also, one thing to be aware of - the RX1 is actually notably wider than 35mm. I've seen estimates that it's closer to 31.5 or 32mm, but whatever it is, it's definitely wider. I've shot it back to back with a few different 35mm (ish) lenses and it's wider than any. This may be part of why I love this camera so much - 28mm is probably my favorite field of view and this is getting pretty close to that. But if you really want something that's as long as a 35, the RX1 isn't. So you should be aware of that too.
But, no, overall I'm still loving the RX1. It's still my go-to camera after almost a year. And probably will be until or unless the A7 or some other new full frame mirrorless system comes out with a range of lenses I like - I think that's a while off still. But I still recommend the X100s as a MUCH better value - the differences between the two really aren't wide enough to justify the difference in cost on any rational level. But if you really want full frame and have the $$ to do it, the RX1 is everything I thought it would be and more...
-Ray