I must admit that after the first few times of using the X100, I had buyer's remorse. The controls are much different from the Canon 5D mk II. There are quirks like how the ISO also changes when I switch modes from M to Av (fixed using the new firmware) or how I need to turn on the in-camera ND filter when shooting outdoors at f2.0.
The hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder is such a new experience that it took me awhile to get a hang of it. The manual focus is unusable and a big disappointment. The AF is tad slower than a DSLR but it is faster than a point and shoot. The auto focus is also not very accurate, I have to refocus a few times when I notice that the image is backfocused. This focus problem is similar with the first Canon 5D and I guess it just takes time to master a focusing technique that works.
The thing I like the most about the X100 is its size. It packs the punch of a Canon 5D with a 35mm L lens without the extra weight and size. It is perfect for street photography as the X100 isn't intimidating as a DSLR when approaching a subject.
Speaking of street photography, I came across Yanidel's Paris street photography blog before our trip to Paris and it inspired me to dabble a bit in this art form. Below are a mix of travel and street photography for our France leg of the trip.
Our first stop was Nice. We arrived late in the evening and in the morning we went to their famous street market, Cours Saleya.
We tried a local snack, called Socca which was a crepe made of chickpea. It tasted like KFC chicken breading.
The narrow streets of Old Nice:
Graffiti
Beau!
The azure waters of the French Riviera:
The sun sets at the South of France:
We went to Monaco for a day. The Monte-Carlo Monaco train station.
Bored dog at a Monaco apartment.
After Nice, we went to Paris.
A Parisian lassie:
Fumo-folding bike si Lolo:
At the Louvre:
Lovebirds inside the Louvre:
Lovebirds outside the Louvre:
View of Paris skyline from Sacre Coeur Basilica:
Sunset at Champs Elysees:
Location. Location. Location. A prime spot at Champs Elysees...
Paris by night:
Eiffel Tower at night:
Favorite ko yung A Parisian Lassie, Lovebirds inside the Louvre and Eiffel Tower at Night! :) Talaga bang nagbebenta sa Paris ng French Macarons sa tabi tabi lang?
If (and IF) ever I get to this place, akam ko na una kong gagawin... IIYAK!!!
Weird me, I tear up when I see beautiful stuff... iyak na level na tong mga photos na to!!!
Love the Louis Vuitton pic, and the lovers inside and out. Hay... (nangingilid luha ko!!!)
I really like your photos! :D And it helps a lot that I am in love with Paris myself. I am a fan. :)
sunset in champs elysees is very very very nice. how i wish to see this personally.
fantastique! magnifique!
awesome awesome photos as always!
next time naman, product review ng LEICA. hehe!
love the pics kuya karl! keeping my fingers crossed i get to shoot in france, too and hopefully soon! :)
You mention that you are not really happy with the auto focus performance in some situations. Did you minimize the autofocus field like it is described in the user's manual on page 49?
I had similar problems before minimizing the field, now I'm completely happy with the performance.
And: really awesome pictures! Congratulations!
LOVELY photos! especially the lovebirds inside and outside the Louvre :D
Jingger, crepe's oo pero macarons sa mga specialty shops lang ata. Nakatikim lang ako ng macarons dun sa kasal.
Christian, M9 with a 50mm f0.95 Noctilux? I wish!
Thanks Yoni and Tina.
WolfgangV, thanks for the tip! I must admit I haven't read the manual. I just set the focus to manual, pre focus with afl button which is how I shoot with my Canon 5dmk2. I had difficulty focusing using the ovf but is fine with the evf.
Great photos, indeed!
Great shots Karl! Down ang peyups. :( I had to google you and Mimi to see what you guys have been up to lately.
wow! nice photos in paris, france. i was drooling over the pictures and it was soo beautiful. i wish i could come back again and take those spots.