#64

couple of nice things about the fuji x100 series:

  • fairly lightweight, travel as much as you like
  • you learn the lens, and the 23mm (35 equivalent) is a very “social” focal length
  • the lens is pretty good
  • “see in the dark” sensor
  • in-camera raw processing and the jpegs that come out are fantastic

couple of less nice things

  • x-trans dsp hates foliage
  • for face detection it simply isn’t a Sony

all this is valid for the first X100, and for S(econd), T(hird), and F(ourth). If I was getting one today, I’d go for the F, which has a larger sensor, is faster to focus and doesn’t try to reacquire focus between shots. That’s not to say you’d hate the T. Just a different kind of “personality”.

#65

I’ve been a Fuji X shooter since it came out and love the system.

If you ever plan to get into the interchangeable lenses, then consider the lenses an investment and the body as a potential upgrade over time.

I started with the X-Pro1 and bought a number of great lenses… eventually I got the X-Pro2 body and the lenses are still great :slight_smile:

For example, if you get the X-T100 now and bust some lenses… if you love the system you could eventually get an X-T2 (or whatever is current) and those lenses are still a good investment.

I haven’t use the X-T100, but it looks like a great option from what I’ve seen. And I can’t say enough nice things about the system in general. Fuji’s in camera jpegs and film simulations are phenomenal.

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#66

In case anyone’s thinking about a mirrorless camera for video as well as stills… I’ve recently switched careers and started working as a producer on documentary films & TV. I really wanted to learn to self-shoot, so I ended up buying myself a second-hand Sony A7S about a month ago.

I got a mk1 model, which means I could put together a useable shooting setup (including a pair of prime and autofocus cine lenses, some vintage lens adapters, tripod, mic, massive SD card etc etc) for about 800 quid. It’s been the perfect camera to learn on - surprisingly easy to get to grips with, but perfectly capable of professional-level footage, and genuinely insane low-light performance, goes up to something absurd like 409,000 ISO.

The only downside is that I can’t shoot 4K, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me (the updated A7Sii costs twice as much, even second-hand). Can recommend it for anyone else looking for something similar.

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#67

I went mirrorless in 2014 I think and haven’t looked back. First I got Olympus OM-D E-M10 and couple of cheap Sigma primes, it was a fine set and I really liked the body despite it being on the low end of the lineup. Last winter I upgraded to 35mm sensor with used a7, Sony/Zeiss 55mm 1.8 and Zeiss Batis 25mm and oh my is it amazing. I’m not a pixel peeper, but the quality is on a whole other level and it’s a joy to shoot with. I didn’t even consider switching back to DSLR as for me EVF is superior to any optical viewfinder, I can’t stand the idea of relying on the light meter or chimping to check the exposure anymore. The smaller size is just a nice bonus.

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#68

I’m inches from selling off all my Nikon crop-factor kit and going Fuji. I am currently torn between the XT-2 (secondhand) and… something the size down, so T-20/30/E-3. I am lost in a sea of cameras.

It’s mainly the ergonomics, for me: I have small hands, but the T-30 just feels small, and the joystick is in a stupid place. The T-2 is… chunky, and perhaps oversize for what I need, but so many things just fall under my hands. Then again, I’m coming from a D7000, and the moment I pick that up after some time holding an X-T2, I just wonder if I was fine with the larger Fuji.

I plan to use it remarkably simply: most of my pictures are handheld, aperture priority, with short zooms or primes. I like hiking with a camera. I think it’s going to end up being a T2…

As a note, I’m also at the point where cameras are Good Enough: lowlight is magic these days, and my main problem is keeping enough storage onhand for increasingly large RAW files.

Oh, that reminds me: Fuji shooters, what are you processing in/with/at all?

(In an ideal world, I’d have a K1000 or FM2 with a digital back and all would be right with the world, but the only way to head that way seems to be at the top end of the market, not the bottom. sigh.)

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#69

In my experience the Fuji jpegs and film modes are hard to beat. I used to process my own raw files in Lightroom, but switched completely to the Fuji in camera jpegs. I setup my favorite film modes, tweaked their settings, and put them on a quick access button. It feels a lot more like shooting film, and the jpegs still give you more than enough processing leeway if you want to do some adjustments in post.

Lots of people talking about the X-T### but I much prefer the X-Pro2 for ergonomics, size, and shooting style. Worth a look if you ever lusted after a Leica or other rangefinder.

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#70

Sadly also way more though. I think the shop here has a used body for $1600 or something. Probably way more camera than I need.

#71

Wow. Didn’t realize that the body is still that expensive.

#72

There’s a used one locally for $1300 :neutral_face:

I know we all buy modules and gear used, how do the camera people feel about used cameras in the digital age?

#73

What lenses are you planning on using? If you can try the cameras out with your chosen lenses it might be enough to swing the ergonomics one way or the other. A heavy lens on the X-T30 might be hard work without the handgrip.

Also, how do you carry your camera? Round your neck/shoulder, or held in hand? Since switching to mirrorless I’ve been using a small handstrap and holding the camera in hand, the hand grip on my X-T3 works well for a relaxed grip.

And just to make life even more confusing, you can always get a half-case for an X-T30 to add the missing grip back in.

I owned an FE2, and I have that same feeling about it being the pinnacle. Both my X-T3 (and the X-T1) hit the same spot for me.

Make sure you’re chosen lenses have an aperture ring (the zooms have endless encoders, the primes with aperture rings have numbered clicks).

#74

For travel I’m keen to use a fixed pancake lens, which for the Fuji is 27mm. Doesn’t appear to have an aperture ring. I did actually look into renting one, but they don’t rent out any of the stuff I’m looking at.

#75

yeah kinda surprised the X-pro2 didn’t get mentioned yet.

also fuji shooters (and I guess sony aps-c tho i think that’s just me?), this is my zeiss touit 32/1.8, which I’ve done possibly everything with including fully submerging it. It’s an easier choice at a 2nd hand price for e-mount bc there aren’t as many options but it’s been an absolute workhorse for me and it’s not as compact as some of the X series lenses but hey the X version has an aperture ring that mine doesn’t!

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#76

if you’re planning to mostly use the camera while traveling with a single pancake lens, then I would strongly lean towards the X100T.

the 23mm on the X100 is better than the 27mm. 16mp is plenty for a lot of uses and the jpeg rendering is (as mentioned) really good. I’ve done long trips with just this camera and it’s great.

given the prices you posted, this seems like the best solution.

if you want interchangeability, then that’s another matter, but I prefer traveling without it most of the time.

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#77

It’s certainly appealing in that regard. But a lot more money. Probably need to stay under a grand… Would a used X100T be worth while?

#78

i recently got a bargain on a second hand X70, which is the model I was looking for.

I wanted to reconnect with my photographic practice of years ago, when I went anywhere with a Nikon FM + 28mm lens. I had other lenses but the 28mm has always been my preferred focal length.
So i began to look for that in modern mirrorless and settled on the Fuji line (because of the dial controls and the idea of using mostly in-camera jpg). The price of an X-Pro2 + lens was a bit too much for me and the X70 was the only compact they had with the “28mm equivalent”.
I am not disappointed. Not having a viewfinder is less difficult to adapt to than i thought, even if it makes things (much) slower. It is compensated by the ability to put the camera in my daily bag. I’ll probably get used to it in a year or so.
I find exposure more difficult to get right than with film. On-board screens are a source of errors imho in that regard.

#79

yes, definitely. the newer X100F is nice, but the upgrade is minimal.

if you can find a nice used X100T, go for it. just make sure the shutter button doesn’t stick.

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#80

This is pretty much what I concluded tonight too. Found on for $800cad… Will try check it out tomorrow.

#81

Can’t quite tell if this has become the Fuji enthusiasts thread or if it really is the only decent choice at the moment :slight_smile:

Couple of questions:

Video - how does the Fuji compare with say Sony stuff?

Are Sony (which I would go for based on RL friends input) and Fuji the best games in town?

Sony has a reputation for great low light performance - what’s the Fuji stuff like?

Lastly there are so many bloody serial numbers and version options - don’t suppose anyone has come across some sort of guide to the Fuji or Sony product lines?

(currently got an RX100viii, had a old Olympus PL5 but it’s full of sand :frowning: (shooting into blowing sand on the beach - made great video, less good for my camera) )

#82

in the latest generation and on the high-end, they are similarly capable. going back one generation and prior, Sony will likely win out.

for APS-C mirrorless, yes.

Fuji uses Sony sensors these days (as does almost everyone else), so noise performance should be very similar.

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#83

Hi I’m the Sony Enthusiast. and I refer to you @karst’s reply as I mostly agree with it.

as I may have documented earlier in this thread, I acquired an a6000 for my last job when everyone decided I was a photographer (I was not! I am now?). I needed a small enough, affordable contemporary body with low/weird light and exception autofocus performance. 11 fps in continuous drive turned out to be an essential bonus at a school for kids with special needs (things moved quickly). I don’t know why the fuji’s weren’t on my radar at B&H when I went to scope cameras but I found the a6000 massively more appealing than the nikon/canon options at that price. I have an a6500 now, told that story somewhere here. It’s really excellent, personally would have to really shoot with a Fuji at that price point to tell which is “better.”

I satisfied my GAS on cheap vintage lenses on ebay so at least 50% of the time I’m shooting with manual focus and that’s been a pleasure with the Sony’s.

I think the Fuji X series is excellent as well and recommend it as heartily as the Sony. said it above, I think the lens selection for X is better than that for aps-c e-mount, but the e-mount lenses I have are really excellent. there are a handful of factors which will push you one way or the other, I strongly suggest actually trying these cameras out with your hands and eyes because that is what sold me, specs and reviews and all considered.

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