I am being asked this question by clients so often now (twice in the last 24 hours, for example), I think it is time to put the answer in a blog, to save me writing endless emails if nothing else 🙂
So many photographers are hearing the buzz around the Fuji system (and other mirror-less systems. Many of these others are excellent, but I am a Fuji user so will use Fuji as the basis for my answer, but you can substitute the system you are considering just as well). They are seeing the amazing images these cameras produce and looking enviously at the small camera bags and lighter tripods required.
Many of us are getting to an age where kit weight becomes a bigger issue, year by year. It is a great shame if lugging kit gradually puts us off from going out with our cameras. Photography should not be about kit, but about making pictures and loving being out making them. Anything that gets in the way needs to be looked at and if possible, fixed.
The big question in the minds of DSLR users when considering switching to a mirror-less system is “will it be as good as my DSLR?”. Perhaps you are wondering, “will I lose quality?” “Will I be able to print as big?” “Are the lenses any good?” “How good is the autofocus?” and so on, and these are all very important questions. It’s important to look into the capabilities of kit before investing, but once the purchase is made it is even more important to get back to enjoying making images rather than obsessing about kit. Kit doesn’t make great pictures, we do.
So I will try and answer those questions for you based on my experience. I am not kit obsessed, I am not interested in brands (Despite me teasing Nikon users on Twitter on a regular basis) and I will tell you the facts, warts and all. I am not writing this as some Fuji evangelist to try and convince you to switch. Nor am I writing as a DSLR die hard with an obsession about megapixels who wants to put fear into your hearts. All I care about is pictures and enjoying photography. Read on and make up your own mind. (Oh, and all images in this post were made with the Fuji).
As you read, remember my comments on auto focus, battery life, frame rate etc are based on my Fuji X-Pro 1 (and some use of my wife’s XE-2, when I can prize it lout of her hands). The X Pro 1 is the ‘old man’ of the Fuji range now and all subsequent models out perform it in frame rate, auto focus, battery life etc – so I am experiencing a worst case scenario. If you opt for the XT-1, you will have a much better experience than me (and I love my X Pro 1).
How did I come to invest in the Fuji system? Well, I was doing a lot of foreign travel leading workshops for Charlie Waites company, Light & Land. On tours my main role is guiding and teaching, but when you are away for a few days you do get a chance to make some pictures of your own. I wanted a light, compact system I could fly with which produced good images, but was easier to travel with than my professional Canon system.
I am the privileged position that I can run two systems so I didn’t have to agonise about giving up my DSLR. But I realise for most photographers, a choice has to be made.
To be honest, I wasn’t really interested in the Fuji. I viewed it just as a second body, a compromise for limited use. I had no thoughts about it replacing my Canon kit. I bought a second hand X-Pro 1, with the 35mm and 18-55mm lenses. I got a nice lightweight tripod and set off on my first trip.
That trip was a revelation. From day one I loved using the Fuji, it felt great in the hand. The image quality when I got home astounded me. Bearing in mind this is a 16mp sensor and I am used to the 24mp of my full frame Canon 5D mk3, I could see little or no difference. In fact, the way the Fuji handles colour and contrast really appealed to me. In some ways the images were better than the Canons. There is something ’filmic’ about the images. I love using the camera so much I have hardly used my Canon in the last year.
I do prefer the Canon for macro photography. I have the Canon 100mm L macro lens which is breathtaking. The macro lens Fuji produce is perhaps their weakest, slow to auto focus and not a true macro as it only works at 2:1 rather than 1:1 like the Canon. Of course, as with all lenses, I could buy a Fuji/Canon adaptor and put my Canon macro on the Fuji, and this is certainly an option. I will say the Fuji macro lens us great for portraits and other types of photography.
You will also find the Fuji bodies slower to auto focus than most DSLRs. By slower, I don’t mean they take a week and a half to lock on, but they are just a little less responsive. I have the X-Pro1 and the XE-2. The XE-2 focuses faster than the X-Pro1. I understand the XT-1 focuses faster than the XE-2. Fuji are improving all the time. If you are PRIMARILY a sports or wildlife photographer then I would caution against jumping in to the Fuji system just yet. You will miss a lot of shots. If you are PRIMARILY a people, landscape, architecture or still life photographer I honestly think you have no worries at all. Many pro wedding photographers are using Fujis to shoot weddings beautifully, and they need responsive auto focus, but tracking a hunting cheetah on Safari is pushing the Fuji!
For outdoor photographers it needs to be born in mind that it’s only the XT1 that is weather sealed. Fuji have also just started releasing a range of weather sealed lenses. So if you plan to shoot in wet weather, go for the XT1 and weather sealed lenses.
You are NOT buying a DSLR and it won’t perform like one. The focus is a little slower. The frame rate might be slower. But how often, in reality, do you need to fire 9 frames a second and for all of them to be tac sharp. REALLY? But how often does having a big heavy bag on your back take the joy away from photography or make you quit earlier in the day than you would like?
You will hate the battery life on the Fuji. I carry five, yes five, spare batteries for a days shooting to make sure I have power. Having said that, batteries are only £9 currently from Amazon, so carrying several isn’t prohibitive. The battery warning light gives almost no warning it’s about to fail either. It’s a long way from DSLR battery performance. You will also find the cameras boot up time is slower than a DSLR (at least my xPros is). With each new model it is getting faster, but I have missed shots by having the camera off to preserve battery power, seeing something but by the time it is ready to fire the moment has passed. It takes a second or two to boot up. It doesn’t sound a lot but to a street photographer it’s an eternity.
On the XPro I also hate it that I have to remove my tripod quick release plate every time I need to change the battery. That’s bad design. But Fuji are addressing it on later models.
I was worried I wouldn’t like the electronic viewfinder (EVF), but these fears were unfounded. I love it. It is fast, responsive and well designed. It has got better model by model, so don’t worry that this will be an issue for you.
What is the high ISO performance like? I regularly use mine, handheld, at night, wide open at ISO 1600 and 3200. At 1600 and above noise is noticeable but, depending on your point of view, perhaps attractive. It is easily reduced in software. At 3200 it is very evident. At ISO 800 and below the camera produces clean files you will love. I often want the graininess of “noise” so for me it is not usually an issue.
How do I rate the lenses? Here Fuji have excelled. They have committed to a wide range (a lesson Sony could learn from for the amazing A7). I find the lenses as good as the Canon professional ’L’ lenses, and that is saying something. I now have the 18, 23, 35, 60, 18-55 & 55-200mm and love them all (just with the provisos about the limitations of the macro lens I mentioned earlier). I lust after the 56mm and will probably add the 14mm also. Most of the time the 23 and 35mm live on the camera and I often go out with just on or the other and force myself to work with it.
What about the big question of resolution and whether you can print big from the files? I have printed to A3+ with no issues and have customers printing much larger from the files (and by much larger, I mean several feet wide – sometimes the files are upscaled – yes, sharp intake of breath, that actually works really well). This comes down to a basic understanding of how big images are to be viewed. Enlarging beyond the native resolution of the sensor means detail is affected… But this is only noticeable if you stick your nose 2cm from the paper. Big prints are big because they should be viewed from several feet away. When you step back and enjoy them as designed there are no issues. If you are expecting the resolution of an A4 print to be maintained at A2 then forget it, but unless you have a medium format sensor or similar the same applies to DSLRS. If you are obsessed with micro sharpness and pixels, if you spend your life looking at images with your nose pressed against the paper and only print at A2 and above then the Fuji might not be for you. But if you really enjoy photographs and view at the correct distance for the size of print and generally print up to A3’ish, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. If you then need to occasionally print biggest, yes, the files will go bigger. Just don’t expect them to look like Phase IQ180 files at 3 meters wide. This is a pet gripe of mine, enjoy pictures, not pixels. (Please watch this video by Zack Arais on resolution and sensor size too – he puts things into perspective, and it’s funny).
I found I have to have a completely different workflow in the field when using the Fuji. I tried using it as I do my Canon system and found it frustrating, so I have developed a Fuji workflow. Whereas with the Canon I work in manual focus and manual exposure, on the Fuji I use auto focus and aperture priority. I also shoot in JPEG plus raw on the Fuji, whereas on the Canon I use raw only. This is because and (I never thought I would say this), I love the Jpegs the Fuji produces. I use them for Facebook, Twitter and quick work. For my master files I then process the raw files.
There are still issues processing the files in Lightroom. Some images (and it is only some) display a mushiness in the fine detail. There is a workaround you can read about HERE. I am sure Adobe are working on the situation and will soon remedy it. They have already added the Fuji film presets to LR so these can be applied to raw files if you wish.
I enjoy using a smaller tripod. I love having a tiny camera bag. I love the Lee filter kit designed for mirror-less systems. I love how inconspicuous the Fuji is, attracting less attention on the streets and in buildings. I love it’s retro look. I love the quality of the files it produces (the closest to film in I have found from a digital camera). I love how it will shoot square format for me. I love the film simulation modes, especially the mono ones. I love the ease of packing for flights. I love being able to work for longer without feeling tired. Yes, I am a convert. The Fuji is now my camera of choice for just about all of my photography, except macro and multiple exposures.
A point I would like to mention which really sets Fuji apart from just about all of the other manufacturers, notably so, is the way they listen to customer feedback. All modern companies say they value our feedback, but so often disappoint us by not doing anything about what we say, or falling short in meeting what we ask for. However, I am constantly surprised and delighted by Fuji who REALLY DO listen and react to customer comments. Often within weeks customer suggestions are implemented in firmware upgrades and in new models we see the majority of customer requests implemented. I strongly believe this is a major reason why Fuji has built such a loyal following so quickly. They are making cameras we want, the way we want and improving them all the time in response to the ways we use them. They are a fabulous company to buy into. It gives me great confidence to invest my money into their gear.
So, should you sell your DSLR and jump on the Fuji bandwagon? It’s up to you. Ask yourself, what is most important to you? Remember, currently, in some areas, they don’t perform like DSLRS, but be honest, do you really push your DSLR hard? I honestly think that for the majority of camera users a mirror-less system is ideal and will exceed your expectations. They are not for everyone, wildlife, sports and perhaps people who do a lot of astro photography should stick to a DSLR. For most others, switching needs to be seriously considered as an option. I’m fortunate I can run two systems (I run several, actually, if I include my old film Hasselblad, my pinhole etc) so don’t have to choose. I have the best of both worlds. But as soon as Fuji bring out a model which is just a little better, I can see me selling my Canon system. At the moment it is only macros and multiple exposures that are keeping me with it.
Whatever you decide I hope that, once the choice is made, you get back to enjoying making images rather than obsessing about the kit!
I would be very interested in your thoughts on this. Please leave a comment with your experiences or questions, below.
Thanks for this, Doug. Only one observation if I may – I wish the article had been about replacing DSLRs with a mirrorless camera rather than being brand specific. I think it’s important for people to realise that there are several options out there, which – in my view – makes the case for shifting from a DSLR even greater. I for one have sold up all of my DSLR kit and am 100% mirrorless now – and haven’t looked back at all.
I did mention at the outset Tom that you can replace ‘Fuji’ with any of the main mirrorless systems. I have only used the Fuji system myself so that is the subject of my blog but from what I have seen they all seem very competent. I say go with the system you like the look of and that suits your needs. I am not brand obsessed by any means (but I do love my Fuji 🙂
Nice helpful review, thanks for this. You mention Fuji’s responsiveness to customers- the big thing I am wanting is multiple exposures of the type featured in the 5D III, but given that even Canon doesn’t offer it in less expensive models, it seems unlikely to come to Fuji anytime soon. Do you think they would get that many requests for this?
They will certainly be getting a request from me, Bruce 🙂
Thanks Doug, that’s the best overview I have read of the Fuji system. Really informative and honest. As someone who does a lot of people/fast subject photography as well as travel, I think, like you I will be running 2 or more systems.
A beautifully illustrated and very balanced article, Doug. I’d agree with most of what you’ve found – albeit my experience is with the XE-1 and a brief stint with the XM-1 as well.
I can’t see myself getting rid of my Nikon gear anytime soon – if at all – but I do really enjoy using the Fuji and if I’ve been out with the smaller system and then go off for a day with the Nikon gear on my back, I really do notice it!
A few other things I’ve found – the smallish screen on the XE-1 I do find a bit of a challenge for really fine tuning compositions. I believe the larger screen on the newer cameras would make quite a difference. I also find the display can be a bit erratic when using grads – it’s almost as if it over adjusts itself and can make placement tricky on occasion.
Other than that, the lag and occasional AF problems are really my only gripes. Oh and I’d love to have ISO 100 or even lower!
Like you, I love the jpegs it produces and high ISO performance is excellent. I’d say the files are still incredibly clean even at ISO1600 – I literally can’t see any noise at 100% in LR and the detail is still very good – though I think I’m right in saying, even at its weakest setting, the Fujis do apply a tiny bit of NR at capture stage?
Anyway, if you get the 14mm I’m sure you’ll love it. If you get the 56mm you’ll make me extremely jealous! 😉
Excellent article Doug. I have both systems and love both, but probably do use the Fuji more because it’s more portable. I do take more time and think more about my composition when using the DSLR though.
Thanks for this Doug, it is a really useful article. Trying to find a way to finance having this as a 2nd system particularly for when travelling and out in the street.
I was lucky to win a X Pro 1 and 18mm lens. Initially I thought I sell it and buy a lens for my Nikon D700. But luckily I decided to keep it and now have the 35mm and 55-200mm lenses. I found the xpro 1 great in the street but useless when i went to a falcon centre due to slow focusing. I am in same position as Doug as in keeping my DSLR for macro and wildlife
Paul
Really interesting article, thanks for putting this together.
I currently only have a bridge camera (Fujifilm HS20) but earlier this year had the X-A1 (baby CSC of the X-series range) on review and currently have the X-E2 on review and have to say I absolutely love them both though my experience is obviously different for me comparing bridge to CSC rather than DSLR. Given the money to do so I wouldn’t hesitate in getting one of the higher level X-series in particular. I ended up using the X-A1 for a wedding and the X-E2 for a christening (both of these were as favours as I am in no way a professional) and was very pleased with the results of both.
Great article Doug! You know I’m about to put my money where your mouth is. Two hernias later and although the 6D is light the 3 lenses I carry at the same time aren’t! Talk to me about Lee filters though. Do they behave on an XT1 like they do on a Canon? Does the seven5 system polariser just clip on the holder, i.e. can you use two filters and the polariser? Also cable releases & flash options, what’s the deal? Come on Mr C we are counting on you for blog post number two (Working title: once you’ve made the switch what you need!), BUPA will go bankrupt if I need a third Hernia doing! Oh and the Red Arrows are in Wales on Sunday do I buy one to check the AF out before then or will it be that bad?
Many Thanks Ian
Ok, ok Ian – I have answers for all of that – will do a follow up, just for you. But the thrust of it will be, go ahead – you will have no worries.
I have sold my entire Nikon kit for initially a Fuji x-e1 and then an x-t1. I am surprised you haven’t mentioned the b&w modes that allow you to ‘see’ through the evf in b&w and also in different crop ratio’s. B&W Previews in square 1:1 ratio have been a revelation – perhaps I struggled to see b&w tones in colour images prior to conversion. No more, these mirror less features have rejuvenated my photography
You are right, Ian, but I had to stop the blog becoming full length novel 🙂 I love, particularly the square format and use it a lot and I also shoot in mono more than colour. As you say, seeing in mono through the viewfinder helps visualise the scene in mono even if the final raw conversion is different to the in camera jpeg mono conversion (one of the reasons I shoot in raw + jpeg, so as to have the mono jpeg to refer back to). It is pretty much my perfect camera.
Excellent article Doug, thank you. I do notice the difference in resolution between my Fuji XE-1 and the Nikon D800, but that is hardly surprising, and I stick to the Nikon for landscape work as I love the fine focus you can achieve using the rear screen. You just cannot enlarge the picture that much with the Fuji. However I always use the Fuji for street photography, and if I am away with the family and photography is playing second fiddle. I have an adaptor so can use old (and new) Nikon lenses on the Fuji and this is great fun. I cannot at present justify more lenses just for the Fuji but the 18-55mm is fine for street photography. I agree that the camera produces very filmic quality pictures, although I wish Adobe would offer more support with lens correction, given that Fuji is becoming so popular.
Hi Doug,
Nice article, I used to use DSLR, bridge and compact camera during traveling and I never found the right one. But since I’m using Fuji (2 years), I have to say that I’m enjoying very much photography. I even decide to do a website to show my pics. I went in East Africa last June and I used the X-T1. It was so much fun. If you have a look on my website there is only the album of Laos how was made with a bridge camera others were made with a Fuji X system. Cheers
Thanks for this article.
I can only agree 100%!!
I am an enthousiast with little photo skills but with a taste for it. I had a small DSLR (typical Canon Kiss, with a few lenses) and I finally took a step back, sold everything and went for the Fuji X100s.
With the addition of the two converters (wide and tele), this camera is absolutely wonderful.
Awesome IQ, very light, very stealthy, super good looking and extremely user friendly (I can’t imagine going back to a camera without aperture ring, exposure dial and shutter speed dial).
Of course there are limitations, but 99% of the people wouldn’t really care at the end.
I’ve the XPro1 for travel too. I’m at a crossroads point though. To benefit me more, I really need to get the 10-24.
All the issues you mention have bitten me, but really, it’s the mushy fine detail that gets me. Perhaps it’s time to look at an alternate raw conversion.
Hi Sean – I will send you a video if I can track it down for using Irident – it is a quick process (just 30 seconds) but it fixes the mushiness amazingly. I’ll email it over if I can find it.
I have to say that your thoughts echo most of mine, or vice versa.
You miss one detail in your review that to me, makes the Fuji the stand out brand, the Aperture Ring.
I really missed this when I moved over to digital, and to see it put back was a revelation. Being able to alter aperture on the fly was never easier than with an Aperture Ring.
Also, being able to see the effect of aperture adjustments in the EVF screen over the optical is a worth while bonus.
I don’t shoot sports , wildlife or Macro. My X-Pro1 + 18 or 35 mm sits in my pocket and on the rare occasion I take a tripod out, well it’s somewhere to put the phone and wallet as well.
I’m enjoying making images again, not seeing how quickly I can increase my shutter count or work out the next bit of kit to blah spending money for.
I have round in my 2yers of using a xpro That the Fuji battery last twice longer then the generic version. I still do 500 and more pictures whit my xpro.
I think your assessment is spot on. I have the XE-2 and love it for most shooting, but kept my Canon 7d. I did a parkour festival. The XE-2 was not fast enough on focus to manage the really quick action of the free-runners. I shot the second day with the 7d and got great images. That being said, I travel with the XE-2 and leave the heavy kit at home!
What about flash limitations??
Hi Joseph, to be honest I never use flash so can’t comment, but as far as I am aware there are no limitations – the system uses flash and I think you can use pocket wizards etc but please don’t take my word for it, I really know nothing about this area, flash is a dark art to me and I keep well away from it 🙂
Spot on, can’t expect it to behave exactly like a DSLR but it’s lenses, size, and flesh tones make it worth getting to know it. I plan on replacing my DSLR’s with this system once I get a couple more weddings under my belt with it, so far enjoying it with some getting used to….the focusing system is different but it’s very functional and there are many ways to do the same thing…AF lock and manual focus with peaking are handy.
Okay, Doug! I’ve done it – don’t tell the wife. I’ve seen that I need a Lee Seven5 kit & polariser after watching a RW video. Cable release they do one and the XT-1 seems to have a built in intervalometer so good news and again it ships with a small flash which will be okay for the moment. What about highlight priority alert? Has it got an in built blinky setting? And do you normally shoot on ISO 200 or set it lower? many thanks
I shoot at 200 – files as clean as a whistle. Fujis don’t blow the highlights so no worries about blinks 🙂 But yes, I think it does have them. You will love the focus peaking too – wait till you see that in action 🙂
Great article. I have the X-T1 and love it. But it has its limitations, and I can’t see selling my Nikon anytime soon. I don’t see the Fuji as a replacement for my DSLR, but more of a second camera for times when I don’t want to lug the heavy DSLR around.
I shot with X100S JPEG only and could be printed until 2.7m x 1.5m of photo paper with ISO2000.
I find my Nikon D7000 meets all my needs for news photography better than my Fuji XE-1. While the Fuji is by far the better all-rounder, the incredible speed with which I can set up my Nikon keeps that in my work bag daily. It must be said though that the Fuji has much “smarter” auto settings than anything I’ve tried… which almost makes some of those wonderful knobs redundant! For me, the Fuji is my vacation camera, powerful, intelligent and compact, while still able to serve as a backup for work.
Nice article. I feel much the same. I hardly use my Canon system anymore, mostly for super-teles, and macro. The Fuji is a wonderful system. Also works well for astrophotos as well. I am curious about your technique in the third image, looks like a motion blur and perhaps a texture added? Nice illustrations for the post.
Best
HI Alan, that third image is all in camera, no textures added – ICM- Intentional Camera Movement
I started my move to Fuji by purchasing an X10 at a bargain price, to “test the waters” and see how I felt about the Fujifilm way of doing things. That was in September of last year. In April of this year, I bought an X-E1 with the 18-55. The XC50-230 followed not long after.
Prior to that, I had been shooting Sony, which was a vast improvement in image “feel” over my Canons, which were a vast improvement over the Nikon I had shot previous. But as you say, the Fujis produce color that is second-to-none, and the in-camera RAW processor is brilliant — especially since you can bring RAW files back into the camera on the SD card to re-process them if you wish. I do that on occasion, and hook the video output of the camera to a monitor so I can see what my results are.
After using the Fujis for just a few months, I can’t see ever going back to a DSLR. And I like to push the envelope a bit with regards to what a Fuji should be able to do. It rarely lets me down.
At some point, I may move to an X-E2, and I’m excited by the new little X30. But for the moment, my little kit is treating me wonderfully. I do want something wider, so that’s the highest priority on my shopping list (I’m thinking the Rokinon/Samyang 12mm f/2.0).
I have become something of an evangelist, and I’m proud to say it, while at the same time recognizing that Fujifilm, or mirrorless in general, still isn’t for everyone. My wife still shoots Canon, and for what she’s shooting, it’s probably a better choice.
Thank you, Doug, you save my time, my inbox looks similar as your one 🙂
Should I sell my DSLR and buy a Fuji?
No. Well, if you’ve been using entry-level or midrange-level DSLRs, maybe. But definitely not if you’ve been using pro-level DSLRs. By all means, buy a Fuji and a few lenses if you feel like it (I did), but do keep your DSLR gear as well.
You are beginning to see on the internet tales and blog articles from photographers who have made the switch, have been disappointed because they eventually realized that the little Fujis, however good they may be, cannot cope with the vast range of photographic situations the high-end DSLRs handle easily, and are therefore moving back, at great expense, to their former brand, be it Canon or Nikon.
I would therefore recommend to keep the DSLRs and lenses (why not buy an adaptor ring to use them on the Fuji? I did that with my X Pro 1).
Nice article and absolutely in my mind.
I have changed after a couple years from Nikon to Fuji. Using xe1 and xt1. I am totally satisfied and happy with the new cameras. Things are much easier even in weight.
Great article. I currently use Fujifilm X cameras, Canon DSLRs, and Leica’s medium format S system. Since adopting Fuji cameras I do not see the value in the clunky DSLRs. When I need absolute quality, I go up to MF, when I need a robust and light camera system, I pick up the Fuji. It always seems to be either or.
What a great blog superb images..
So right what you say Doug, ‘Whatever you decide I hope that, once the choice is made, you get back to enjoying making images rather than obsessing about the kit!’
Thats what Fuji did for me…Stop worrying about equipment and improve your eye…
Griffo…
Great article, balanced and well written. I have a decent Canon slr kit based around the 5D Mk3 and carried in an Fstop back pack. Last year I dipped my toe in the water with the little EOS M. I was quite pleased with the results but became really pleased when I bought 22mm F2. The camera has its limitations but the touch screen is superb. I will probably go down the Fuji route at some point in the future when I’m no longer willing or able to transport my Canon outfit across the countryside. Thank you for a great article.
I have been using Capture One Pro 7 software for one year now and it handles Fuji Raw files brilliantly. That said, I am constantly surprise on all of these forms no one mention them as a solution for the X series cameras. I am currently using the the X Pro1 and X 100s, recently I processed a raw file and enlarge a print 60cm x 90cm and the image quality reminded me of my Hasselblad using the 110mm f/2 Planer with Provia film. It was that sharp! Just saying it’s the software you should be considering…
I use Nikon, D7000, with 4 lens “50, 35, 18-50 f2.8 & a cheap Tamron Zoom,, my last 2 holidays to Cuba & Mexico I have taken, my Fuji x100s and my Gopro 3+ black edition and Iv not missed my Nikon or a shot. Contemplating buying the xT-1 My next trip is to Thailand. I won’t sell my Nikon gear, it’s worth more to me than I would get selling it. Great Blog. Thanks
Great article!
I bought my first X-Pro1 two years ago (expecially for light weight travelling), and it was a revelation! Then followed the X-E1, X-E2, a second X-Pro1 and some lenses. Since the beginning of this year I totally switched to this system and sold all my DSLR gear and I absolutely have no regret.
Thinking of buying the X-T1 actually, but I still prefer my X-Pro1 and probably will wait for a future version of it (?) 🙂
Fujifilm did a great job with this system 🙂
Regards,
David
Nice article … but I would say that as I am also a Fuji convert from Nikon. I agree with you that the the lack of a good macro option is a shame and let’s hope Fuji come up with something better on that soon. And also it’s a pain to change the battery with the grip on the XPRO1 … but apart from that, all is very good and I love my Fuji system too.
I also like a lot that you have posted some very nice (intentional) blur photos… which are tricky in fact on the Fujis and what I like to do too.
Well presented Doug. I have just purchased the Fuji X-T1 and the 56mm lens. Looking to try and get hold of a 2nd hand x pro 1 and 18-55mm lens to compliment what i have just purchased. Nice to see the X-T1 has a multiple exposure function, something my 5 d ii did not have. I have just brought a adaptor to use my 100L macro lens on the kit. This weekend i will be photographing a wedding using the 5d ii and the Fuji X-T1 with 56mm lens as a back up. Once again a good unbiased blog.
Regards
Dave Hill
Hi Doug
Great article, thanks. I sold my Nikon kit a couple of months ago and bought an X-E2 with the kit lens which is super. I also have the 27mm pancake which is great for carrying around. In fact I now use that most of all. you mention that you use a lightweight tripod – any suggestions as to what t buy? As ever your blog is essential reading.
Hi John. I use the Benro MeFoto – you can get it here at Amazon and it comes with a ball head – great little tripod. Comes in various colours too – mine is green.
Great post! Thanks a lot for confirming what I was thinking about :))
I have a Canon system and also a Fuji x100s and on the verge of selling all of my Canon. When I sell them all, will switch to x-T1… My experience with x100s has been amazing, the jpeg files are great, ISO performance is amazing and the lens is just unbelievable.. However now I am thinking which lens I should go for, should I wait for the new 16-50 f/2.8 to be release or just get the new weather sealed 18-135 and live with it? I am sure 18-135 will not be at par with the 23 mm f/2 of x100s and I am wondering if I will be disappointed with that option.. Any suggestions?
I prefer primes,Kemal, but if I use zooms I think fast zooms would be my preference rather than all per purpose slower ones.
Yes, to all of the above. After a long wait of some senior camera company to come through with an affordable system
, I purchased the XT1. The manual controls harkened to a kind of photography I grew up with…but with the added punch of technology. Beautiful, intuitive and a tool which inspires ones creativity.
Great article. I also recently switched from a Canon 5D mkII to a Fuji XT-1 and so far the camera performance is fine for all my work apart from food photography. Like you I really miss the Canon 100mm F2.8 IS Macro lens. This also when I find the images can be a bit mushiness in the fine detail.
Doug
Very interesting review and such varied images. I had SLRs and rangefinder cameras in the days of film, but became less hardware orientated as I got older, so only had compact digitals. When I decided I needed a bigger sensor to get rid of the noise, the X series seemed to be the way to keep the weight down and I have ended up with an X-E1 and three zooms. As you say, the macro performance is disappointing, inferior even to a G10 with the 18-55. Probably time for an adaptor and a Canon macro lens. It’s good to see my experiences echoed by a professional.
Excellent article Doug! And it is so important you wrote it in the period, when more and more people start having dilema what system to choose. Such articles help photographers a lot, as the choice of the photographic equipment is today huge and often potential buyers are being felt alone with their choices…
I really enjoy the X-T1…and by using it more I am always discovering work arounds…I do use the X-T1 successfully for shooting sports…I mainly shoot rugby and indoor amateur ice hockey…sometimes the autofocus and tracking can be slow so in order to over come this I put it on manual focus…I press the autofocus -L button..fine tune the focus and shoot away…this takes milliseconds once you become accustomed to doing this and the images are amazing…shooting my first wedding with the X-T1 in a couple weeks…am excited about doing this…but practicing all the time in low light…I think becoming familiar with your equipment is key with any camera system…I switched to mirror less because I needed something lighter for some health issues…and the X-T1 has not let me down
I am in this quandary. For the last few years I yearned for a full frame dslr. I finally went for it with the arrival of the d800. However, it’s still a pretty big unit. After a while I followed strobist.com into fuji but with the entry XM1. I love it. I then bought the 50 1.4. Oh man! Best lens I own. Now I have to decide if I can ditch £3.5K of nikon gear to get the full fuji kit (including a top end body). I’m 75% inboard with fuji and the upcoming 50-140 2.8!could swing it. That’s my thoughts FWIW.
Bye-bye Canon, hello Fuji(EX1 and now the XT1).
Only waiting for a some improvements like the possibility to name the settings and 3-5 more settings; also I er
would like more information about the alternative raw convert.
Thanks for your tutorial.
Maria