DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Fuji X shooters weigh in please...
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 104, (reverse)
AuthorThread
12/16/2014 09:04:26 AM · #1
I am thinking of moving to shooting Fuji. (A Fuji camera and lens are actually in my Amazon cart, saved for later.) But in the reading I have done it seems implied there is a learning curve, that shooting a Fuji X is different. And I see on the top of the camera that the mode wheel looks quite different than on my Nikon.

So I'm curious, is there really a big learning curve? What is different?

(I'm not afraid of the learning, I'm just curious what I am in for.) I shoot in aperture priority or manual camera mode, using autofocus almost exclusively. (My eyes and manual focusing don't mix.) I like to do a little 'studio' shooting on my dining room table, but I have more fun driving around and just looking for something interesting (or that might meet a challenge).

I'm not sure I would really be happy with just one lens on the X100S or X100T. (Although what a beautiful camera). I'm thinking either the XE2 or XT1 with a starting 'kit' of 18-55 2.8 and the 23 mm 1.4.

Or do I start with a used XPro1 which can be had inexpensively, then move up if I decide I really like the system - low light focusing concerns me a bit with the XPro1.

THANKS!

12/16/2014 09:35:52 AM · #2
I spent a lot of time this last year with the Fuji X cameras (X-pro 1 and an XE-1) and i do think they are marvellous cameras. I am gradually moving over to Sony but that's mainly because i want full frame and i like to use manual focus lenses for which the Sony's are better.

There is not really that much of a learning curve really. You change the aperture on the lenses so getting used to that might take a short while but really there is nothing that different from what you are used to.

The X-pro 1's are really cheap at the moment but if you are concerned about auto focus then i'd go straight for the XT1. I think that may be the best fit for you really. The 23mm 1.4 is a fantastic lens so i'd definitely go for that. I haven't used the 18-55 but i'm not that keen on zooms. I had the 56mm 1.2 which, like the 23mm, is amazing.

You haven't said why you are thinking of switching to Fuji though. Is there something Fuji can do that your Nikon's can't? Your Nikon d7100 is a great camera and i doubt you'd see much difference with that and your 50mm f1.4G compared to the Fuji 56mm 1.2. The focus would be better on the Nikon that's for sure. There is a size and weight difference which is one of the reasons people change to Fuji.

Message edited by author 2014-12-16 09:42:56.
12/16/2014 09:38:46 AM · #3
If you get the X-E2, you're on the right track by getting the kit with the 18-55mm 2.8-4 - they discount the lens a lot if you buy it in a kit.

I've had mine for almost a year now.
I like:
The sensor
The size/weight
The old fashioned sort of design (I have the silver one)
How you can manually point the built-in flash at the ceiling to bounce

I don't like:
The battery life (although it's probably a consequence of how I use it; on tripod in live-view, manual everything, almost exclusively... as long as I charge the battery before an outing it's fine, but on the second or third time out if it hasn't been charged it doesn't give you much warning and then just dies)
The autofocus when trying to track moving subjects and shoot in drive mode (forget it, not happening - a long, fast telephoto might be different but I wouldn't put my money on it)
The fact that you have to remove the tripod QR plate to get the battery and/or SD card out
How stupidly long it takes to adjust the flash exposure compensation

They are fairly well designed and built, and I'm sticking with mine and will probably get another Fuji body in a few years. It really packs a punch for the combination of size, weight and price.

If I was shooting for long days in the studio or at events filling up cards and draining batteries, it wouldn't have stayed in my hands a week. But for casual outings to shoot various non-moving things, a small lightweight tripod and the camera and 18-55 is so trivial to carry but has so much image making potential.

For me right now I think the only thing better would be the Sony A7S and some prime lenses, but I couldn't afford that.
12/16/2014 09:54:25 AM · #4
Weight is the primary reason for switching. (I noticed after a herniated disc in my back last summer that I am really hesitant to pull out my camera much anymore.)

But I also think I am a little overwhelmed by all the different lens choices - and the 18-300 mm lens on the Nikon makes camera a beast. 35 and 50mm, not so bad.

(My 2015 project is black and white, but maybe I should limit myself to the 35mm and 50mm Nikon for a while and see how that goes.)

12/16/2014 10:02:29 AM · #5
Weight is definitely a factor and the Fuji would be lighter. Saying that though, if you are thinking of sticking to around 35mm and 50mm then the D7100 and one of those lenses is not that much heavier really as the body and lenses are not huge. You could get the Nikon 28mm f1.8 which is also not that heavy to get the wider 35mm (ish) equivalent.
12/16/2014 11:46:16 AM · #6
I have the X100s and love it. The learning curve is not too steep. It takes a while to figure out how to adjust the things you use most often -- but you'd have this with about any new camera.

Getting used to the single lens was easier than I thought it was going to be. It means I get to travel even lighter -- because I know if I had multiple lenses I would generally carry one or two with me "just in case" whenever I had the camera.

The battery life is short. I have three batteries and simply carry a charged spare in my back pocket. All the time. Everywhere. Are there health risks of constantly carrying around a battery?
12/16/2014 12:45:05 PM · #7
Originally posted by markwiley:

I have three batteries and simply carry a charged spare in my back pocket. All the time. Everywhere. Are there health risks of constantly carrying around a battery?

If you sit with it in your back pocket you run the risk of creating stress/misalignent of the pelvis and lower spine and causing back pain or sciatica (similar to "fat wallet syndrome"). Carrying it elsewhere should be safe enough -- even if you close the contacts I don't think it has enough power or fast enough discharge rate to trigger ventricular fibrillation. And I don't think there's been a problem with lithium batteries catching fire lately ...
12/16/2014 01:11:45 PM · #8
The learning curve isn't that steep and the fuji lenses and the weight are a good enough reason for the change.
12/16/2014 03:23:14 PM · #9
to mark: the peace of mind in carrying the extra battery should outweigh any (electronic) health risks!
12/17/2014 08:51:13 AM · #10
Massive Fuji fan - I own the x100 and it's close to the perfect camera for me. Carrying round my Canon gear was getting too much for me, probably an age thing more than anything else.
Up until a month or so I still had my 7D but It sat in the cupboard, unused. I then saw a Fuji promotion that gave me £200 off a range of their cameras. I had no intention of adding more gear, my x100 was all I wanted in a camera, but with the trade in value of the 7D, which was in near mint condition, it was too good of an opportunity to miss. So I purchased a Fuji X-E2 + Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. A great combination, the 18-55mm lens is excellent. I also bought a couple of adapters to enable me to fit my Mamiya 55mm f1.4 and other Canon fit lenses.

I am more than happy with these cameras. Another plus is that Fuji provide regular firmware updates to continually improve their products.

I have no hesitation in recommending the X series

12/17/2014 10:02:36 AM · #11
Originally posted by MikeO:

Another plus is that Fuji provide regular firmware updates to continually improve their products.


True.
I saw that they had inadvertently put the details of firmware version 3.00 for the X-E2 on the site, but with no way to download it, then when I checked back the other day the only info they have is for 2.10. I believe I saw a release date of the 18th of December, so hopefully it'll be out tomorrow.

Looked like a big change, includes compatibility with a remote shooting app for android/iOS with intervalometer. Looking forward to it.
12/17/2014 10:11:43 AM · #12
Originally posted by MadMan2k:

Originally posted by MikeO:

Another plus is that Fuji provide regular firmware updates to continually improve their products.


True.
I saw that they had inadvertently put the details of firmware version 3.00 for the X-E2 on the site, but with no way to download it, then when I checked back the other day the only info they have is for 2.10. I believe I saw a release date of the 18th of December, so hopefully it'll be out tomorrow.

Looked like a big change, includes compatibility with a remote shooting app for android/iOS with intervalometer. Looking forward to it.


Yes, firmware updates are scheduled to be released on 18th December for X-Pro1/X-E1/X-E2/XT-1

These links are from Fuji Europe. They should be available for the rest of the World via their local Fuji Website.

Fuji Europe - X-Pro1/X-E1/XE-2 firmware updates

Fuji Europe - XT-1 Firmware update
12/17/2014 10:43:31 AM · #13
I think once I get it installed I'll put out some bird seed and put the camera right next to it, then watch for birds to come get the seed and shoot 'em remotely.
12/17/2014 10:58:32 AM · #14
another happy Fuji X-E2 user. I recently used my X-E2 exclusively for 2 weeks when I was in India. I've been using the 35mm 1.4 lens and find it to be an excellent lens. I've thoroughly enjoyed using it, although did have some issues with the battery life - but now I have plenty of spares so won't get caught out again.

12/17/2014 11:33:26 AM · #15
I enjoy my X Pro 1 very much, another fan of the 35mm 1.4 too.
12/19/2014 03:06:43 PM · #16
Prince Harry prefers the X100.

Columnist: Prince Harry Photographing Africans with Fujifilm X100 is ‘Arrogant’ and ‘Colonial’
12/19/2014 03:29:53 PM · #17
Originally posted by markwiley:

Prince Harry prefers the X100.

Columnist: Prince Harry Photographing Africans with Fujifilm X100 is ‘Arrogant’ and ‘Colonial’


God, that's put me right off the Fuji now. Tut, those bloody royals are a constant embarrassment.
12/19/2014 04:03:10 PM · #18
I pulled the trigger on the XT-1 this afternoon. (Just getting the 23mm to start, with the 56mm soon to follow if I like the camera and figure out how to use eBay to sell some stuff.)

Weather sealing and the 1/32000 shutter possibilities sold it for me over the xe-2. Although I'm still feeling not 100% sure, XE-2 price was much nicer.

Oh dang - forgot to order an extra battery. Better do that...
12/19/2014 04:07:43 PM · #19
Excellent. I'm sure you'll be very happy with the XT-1. You'll definitely be happy with the 23mm and the 56mm as they are pretty much the best lenses in the Fuji line up and all the Fuji lenses are up to a very high standard.
12/19/2014 05:42:02 PM · #20
The XT-1 replaced my Leica M240 for colour and I do not miss the M240 (obviously I still own a Leica Monochrom for my Leica 'fix')
The XT-1 has never let me down, I have a decent lens set for it and also have the Fuji/Leica adapter that really brings it home for me. you will love it to death, good choice. Spare battery a must, battery grip a good option.
12/19/2014 06:34:30 PM · #21
Yes, get lots of spare batteries. Cheap third party ones do just as well i find. There is a big difference in battery life with these smaller cameras from Fuji and Sony etc.
12/21/2014 04:10:55 PM · #22
What do you guys think of the X-M1?

I was thinking of the X-M1 + 10-24 as a portable landscape (and travel/indoor/architecture) kit. Would also carry my FZ1000 which has a 25-400mm 2.8-4 lens but a sensor I don't think is quite good enough for serious landscape shooting.

I can pick up the X-M1 plus 10-24 for $1200 together (without the 16-50 kit, or add another $200 for the kit).

I would miss an EVF, but with the E1 and E2 I'd also miss the tiltable LCD, which is nice for low angle shooting (like I like to do). Plus it's $400 more.

My other option would just be to go with the OM-10 and the 9-18 for now, and maybe eventually the 7-14.

The Oly is tempting for its size, IS, and lots of lens choices, including lightweight zooms, reducing the need for lens changes.

Message edited by author 2014-12-21 16:13:16.
12/21/2014 06:03:43 PM · #23
Don't know much about the X-M1 but it has the same first gen Xtrans sensor as the X-pro1 and the XE-1 so that's pretty good. The 10-24 is meant to be a very good lens as well so I'd imagine that for landscape and indoor stuff where you don't need the autofocus speed it should be pretty good and lightweight. It's a fantastic sensor and the image quality is great so it's only really things like autofocus that let's these cameras down for certain uses (apart from the XT1 which is nippy)
12/23/2014 09:52:59 AM · #24
First impressions...

(Setup a studio shot - lighting was one Happy light and either XT-1 flash or SB900. Nikon D7100 vs Fuji XT-1)

Fuji
*Really, corded battery charging cord? A cord. Magic flipping plug too complicated for a company making advanced electronics and optics? Disappointing, but livable I suppose.
*Background photograph color (white Plexiglas) came off with a hint of pink. (Shot jpeg only, so couldn't really adjust very much).
*Very sharp subject
*Wonderfully out-of-focus subject that was not the point of focus.
*Focus seemed a bit louder than my Nikon.
*Fits in my daily bag - fit perfectly into my Nikon V1 case - with room for the flash and extra battery.
*Yes, the 23mm lens, not so small. But it's small enough for my purposes. I can easily hold in one hand and it's easy to pull out of my purse.
**I know I would have loved the X100T, but eventually I will long for a different lens - especially since I am trying to get into photographing people - so I'm hoping my choice turns out the right one for me.

Nikon
*Background colors came off with more than a hint of pink. (Had shot RAW, and couldn't adjust to any improvement over the Fuji)
*Colors of my subject were a bit more vibrant out-of-camera with the Nikon. (But I have my setting bumped on the Nikon, haven't done anything with the Fuji)

Summary
*My lighting sucked, and I wasn't up to spending time improving. Oh well, no camera crisis there.
*Surprisingly equivalent. (I know not equivalent to full frame, but I love that Fuji has several great lenses (23mm 1.4, 56mm 1.2) that have the capability to photograph people nicely.)
*I liked the Fuji shot (jpeg, minor Lightroom adjustments) better than my Nikon shot (RAW, minor Lightroom adjustments).

How about that, happier with the Fuji shot than my Nikon shot. But I do so love my Nikon flash, with its nice cord that allows me to shoot the flash off camera. Not sure I'll sell my Nikon camera until an equivalent is available for Fuji. (And I'll start reading now to learn more about making things like that happen this winter). But I suspect the Fuji will help with having a camera I'm happy to pull out whenever...


01/04/2015 12:36:12 PM · #25
I bought the X100T in November as an addition to my Canon 5d Mk II / Canon lens collection. Have to say that I'm really loving this camera. I'm concentrating on learning it and limiting myself to the single prime 35mm equivalent lens. So far I'm not bothered by this limitatation, especially knowing I have the Canon in waiting,

The image quality of the X100T is amazing. I'm beginning to think my next upgrade to the Canon may point me in the XT-1 direction.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 07:31:15 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 07:31:15 AM EDT.