On Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:02:28 -0500, Rich <> wrote:
>Bruce <> wrote in
>news: :
>>
>> Neither Getty nor Alamy use lists of cameras whose results are
>> accepted, while results from other cameras are automatically rejected.
>> The criteria for acceptance are based on the quality of the image
>> being submitted, not the brand and model of the camera that was used
>> to capture it.
>>
>> Both agencies will accept results from a variety of cameras, including
>> some of the better compact P&S cameras, and from super-zooms, provided
>> that they are of a sufficiently high standard. The camera lists are
>> therefore meaningless - and that's why Getty Images have refused to
>> make any comment about theirs.
>>
>> The addition of the Leica X-1 to a list that isn't actually used might
>> be of some peripheral marketing value to Leica, but it has no
>> relevance at all in the real world .
>>
>>
>
>Well, Getty doesn't owe Leica anything, why not just deny the claim?
Because the claim - that the Leica X1 is on some list or other - is
probably true. What I questioned was its relevance. I know of
multiple occurrences of agencies accepting images (including my own)
that were made with equipment that wasn't on their "select list", so
whether a particular camera is on that list, or not, is irrelevant.
The image quality is what matters, not the brand of the camera. For
that reason, the agencies hold images that were shot on super-zooms,
small sensor compact cameras and mirrorless "Micro" cameras as well as
the expected DSLRs.
Someone asked why the Leica M9 isn't on the list, when the X1 is.
That's because the M9 has no need of inclusion on anyone's list. The
X1 is a different animal, one that needs careful marketing.
As a new, very expensive compact digicam with a non-interchangeable
fixed focal length lens, the X1 needs some credibility to establish
itself in the market. Gaining inclusion of the X1 on the Getty list
is just good marketing, no more and no less.
The X1 is never going to be a mass market camera, but there is some
demand for a compact digicam that can produce excellent results. This
is the same market that formerly used high quality compact 35mm film
cameras like the Leica Minilux and the Contax T3 whose lenses (by
Leica and Carl Zeiss respectively) were of a very high standard.
The X1 has a superlative lens and an excellent sensor. It is no
surprise that the camera produces outstanding results. It is hand
made to the highest standards, so is never going to be cheap - it is a
Leica after all. But those people who want a digital camera whose
results compare well with those from their previous Leica Miniluxes
and Contax T3s, the X1 fits the bill. I find it quite tempting.