Boutique cameras. What is the use?

[loosecanon]

The problem with the IR remote on the EOS M is it is activated by delay, one has to point IR at front of camera, wilst I want discrete release so nobody realises the shutter has been released.
I would never advice someone to get a M if they haven't already got several EOS lenses.
The 100D looks like a great camera for lightweight compact photography,and yes I may look at one, but its more expense. This camera I think will give mirror less cameras a run for their money.

[Panama Hat & Camera]

Here is the strangest gear review (X100) I have ever read. But very clever.

Dave,
Very interesting review.
Antonio.

Are you referring to the 4/3's or mirror less cameras that are all the rage lately?
As I understand, they do allow interchangeable lenses to vary zoom lengths. If you are talking about something else, then I guess Im out of the loop!

Mike,
Mirrorless cameras are not boutique cameras. Please, see my conclusions and the table.
Antonio.

Try these two Fredmiranda threads. Then you might see.

Sony RX-1

X100/X100S

Some folks are the type who like to street shoot with a Leica M and a 'cron 35 (or Zeiss 35/2) more or less permanently attached. For those folks? These cameras are just the ticket and a helluva lot cheaper than an M9 with a 'cron 35 [hell, they're generally cheaper than just the Summicron 35]. It's also why pancake fast primes in the 35mm-40mm range are typically found in all the MILC mount systems, too.

But you will also note that Sony's already announced they're going to make an interchangeable lens version of the RX-1, and Fuji also offers the X-Pro1 and the X-E1 for those who want a similar camera without the limitations of a fixed lens.

Kathy,
Very interesting threads.
An interchangeable lens version of the RX-1 is a very good idea.
Antonio

Hi Antonio,

This is like asking what good is a haiku. These cameras maximize quality within convenience. There is a range where they at least meet the standard DSLRs.

I shoot with a Sony RX100 and joined this forum when I bought it a about nine months ago to improve my digital skills. (In the film days I had a good Minolta with a bag of lens and filters.) It is a fixed lens with a relatively average zoom with a large sensor. The benefit is that the raw file is about 20MB and sometimes I can crop away three quarters and get a good image.

George,
I think you are right. These cameras usually give much better image quality especially at high ISO which is useful in low light situation. The Sony RX100 is an excellent camera, but is not a boutique camera (please, see the table).
Antonio.

A very good friend of mine got rid of his SLR kit in favour of a Leica X1. He wanted a simple, light weight, fantastic quality camera and decided that for his style of shooting he could make do with a fixed lens. A few years on and he still shoots with it every day.

Some of his work: A Photographic Road Trip with the Leica X1

Robin,
Very interesting report. Thank you very much.
Antonio.

Folks,
I learned that despite the limitations of not having interchangeable lenses or zoom lenses, the boutique cameras are good for those who want cameras that take high quality pictures even in less than ideal light conditions.
Thank you very much for your informations and opinions.
Antonio.