Lenses, Lenses, Lenses

Now that we fans of interchangeble-lens large-sensor camera in a relatively compact body have been pampered with a wide array of choices, are we satisfied? Can we buy such a compact to replace our old DSLRs or SLRs?

Let's take the stock:

We have the newthink from Ricoh pitched at a high price level.

We have the GF1 and E-P2 which can work with different lenses by way of adaptors. But since the reflex mirror is gone, the shortened focal length to the sensor as compared with a DSLR or SLR strips the non-MFT lenses of their optimal optical performance.

We have the Samsung NX10. But it leaves much to be desired in size and the choice of lenses.

Although it seems that price is an issue, it is not. At press time, Ricoh is offering a HK$1,400 discount in Hong Kong off the rack price for purchase of the GXR body plus the VF-2, making the cost of two at HK$3,600 and a total of HK$9,600 for inclusion of the A12 33mm module. The GF-1 with a pancake costs around HK$7,400 but without the viewfinder. If you know your way, there are plenty of retailers selling these stuff at lower prices. For sure, an extra GXR APS-C lensor can cost double the price of an extra MFT lens. (Afterall, the GXR is in a different (or tricky?) category.) But, for people considering investing in either a DSLR system or a large-sensor compact, the price difference is not really huge.

So the issue is about the lenses. First, the lenses for these large-sensor compacts have a reasonably fast focusing speed, except for the A12/33mm in its Marco mode, mark you. But there is still room for improvements. As a major part of photography is about focusing speed, this is an issue remained to be solved.

Second, as discussed above, the non-specifically structured lenses cannot give out the best performance when used with these compacts. That is to say, the owners of such compacts must still rely on their arsenal of DSLRs plus the old lenses when, say, making an overseas photographic trip.

Third, since the photographers' heritage of regular DSLR lenses is the stubborn resistance behind their reluctance to jump boat, and so is it the case for camera makers doing well in the lens sales, there should be some time before we see Cannon and Nikon heading into this market. Their presence is crucial because their power to grab a large market share then will push others (Sony again?) to drop prices, which is also why I believe price is not an issue in the end.

Lenses, lenses, lenses; they are the problem.