I think I've gone off the deep end!

[Realist]

I've been thinking about my equipment a lot lately, and if I had to change anything it would be to shrink it! I have a Canon 60D, the 15-85mm lens, and a 580EXII flash. It's so cumbersome to carry so I don't take it places as often as I could. I found out I could trade it for a Fujifilm X100S, and have been curious about doing so. Capability wise they're almost the same, but the X100S has one focal length, 23mm f2 on an APS-C sensor. From what I can tell the images would actually be better with the X100S. Wondering now if I would regret doing this, or if the smaller size would pay off and I would actually carry my camera around. It's a crazy idea I've just now begun to think about, but any advice would be appreciated.

[Marko]

Capability wise they're almost the same, but the X100S has one focal length, 23mm f2 on an APS-C sensor. From what I can tell the images would actually be better with the X100S.

How on earth do you draw this conclusion from your premise?

Unless I am missing something.....this camera is getting rave after rave after rave......but the damn thing will always take every scene at 23mm.

So unless I am missing something, this camera is useless to any photographer that likes to change focal lengths. What am I not getting here? Why are people getting so excited over this camera?

[Realist]

How on earth do you draw this conclusion from your premise?

Unless I am missing something.....this camera is getting rave after rave after rave......but the damn thing will always take every scene at 23mm.

So unless I am missing something, this camera is useless to any photographer that likes to change focal lengths. What am I not getting here? Why are people getting so excited over this camera?

Honestly it's the matter of size vs. sensor. Sensor is big, but the camera is small, and the only way this camera is so small is with the fixed lens. They do have the other models with interchangeable lenses, but they're a bit bigger. I suppose I saw the one focal length as a challenge more than a limitation. It would make me think about how I'm composing, and move to get the shot. It's a real scenario for people who only have one lens on a DSLR as well. Anyway that's how I justified it to myself, just not sure it it's a good enough reason. I appreciate you comment though, it makes you think about the greatest weakness of this camera.

[Jason]

I suppose I saw the one focal length as a challenge more than a limitation. It would make me think about how I'm composing, and move to get the shot.

Before making the jump for that reason, challenge yourself with what you already have-- I'd really consider using the one that you have while putting the limitation on yourself of not moving the zoom, or if you have a fixed lens, slap it on and don't take it off. See if it works for you--but I know it would drive me nuts!

[Marko]

As a primary camera for photographers, the fixed 23mm is a crippling feature not a challenge. I'd never buy this camera.

Only marketing can save this camera because it's not a practical. I'd highly recommend against swapping DSLR gear for this or any fixed lens camera.

[Realist]

Well the more I think about it I realize you guys are right, but I know I'm not happy about something if I came to think about this idea. After thinking about it I came to realize that it's not the camera I don't like it's my lens I don't like. I realize my camera body is far more capable and most likely more user friendly than the X100S. The low light capabilities is also another thing that attracted me to the X100s. My lens being a zoom lens is frustratingly slow. I would like to get better at indoor photography and with this lens it's not very easy. So all things considered I'm thinking of trading my lens for a new one. I think the 28mm f1.8 would be a good start as it would be the true standard lens for my crop sensor. This would still leave me with options of getting more lenses later on. And I will likely take Jason's advice first and shoot with my lens only at 28mm and see what it's like first. Thank you all for your honest advice, because I still consider myself a beginner at photography and your experiences help me.

[Marko]

Glad you made this decision - it's the right one.

Also consider purchasing a prime 50mm. It's cheap, sharp and fast.


Just so it's clear, I have never seen or touched this fuji camera - but I've now read 2 reviews from well known camera personalities....and neither of them really gets into the fixed lens thing - which is getting me upset for some reason. You look through their portfolios...OBVIOUSLY their work is shot at varied focal lengths.

So this might be a FAB top quality second camera. This might make a good fab first camera for people that always shoot at 23mm - and there are indeed rare cases like this

It's good for street photography if you want all the shots in the same focal length and are prepared to miss plenty of opportunities.

Once something more practical comes along it will also look great gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. (mooohahahahahahah)

[Realist]

Once something more practical comes along it will also look great gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. (mooohahahahahahah)

Yeah that's what I'm trying to avoid as I've been guilty of that before.