whited3
Well-known
I can't take it anymore! gas wins. X-t1 with it's weather sealing and lenses in tow are the last straw. But before I jump on the X-T1 I'm taking last call on recommendations / course corrections. So here's the back story:
What am I looking for?
A ditigal SLR replacement that won't break my back. In fact, I prefer to shoot with two cameras. Right now that means m3 & m6 with two different setups... like 35mm & TMY400 in one hand, 50mm & Ektar in the other. I want to throw a SUV into the mix - compact digital with TTL viewfinder so I can use zoom & long lenses, take it vacation, shoot the family
, etc.
I'm jumping out of the Canon system - I've an old 1ds mark ii, speedlight, 17-40L, 28-70L, and 50L, plus various other junk. Everything about that kit is big. (skip to the next paragraph if you're bored) I call it the beast, and it has more than 9 lives. i've lugged it with me on more vacations than I can remember. It's been sprayed by the ocean, waterfalls, soaked in jungle downpours, taken atop volcanos, hosed off, heated until (temporary) failure, dropped, and loved. However, between batteries and extras it's just too much camera. As cool as it is that I have the confidence to lug it to the brink of disaster, or umm vacation, it is simply the center of my attention rather than whatever else I am doing.
What am I afraid of?
- I likes me some shallow dof & I have no experience with aps-c. OTOH, who cares because I've got the m3, m6, and a 500cm.
- What could possibly instill disastrous confidence like the Beast? OTOH, I could probably be 50% less disastrous on my camera equipment.
- Predictive AF just not as good as the 1DSmkii. OTOH, well I just don't know; hopefully the X-T1 is up to snuff. My kid is pretty fast.
In conclusion, make no mistake. I will be switching systems to something much lighter than my current Canon setup. I think X-T1 is the way to go plus I like what I read about the X-mount lenses. And like I said, I'm taking last call on any advice or course corrections. I suspect some would recommend the A7 and I forget why stopped pursuing it... maybe the lenses don't compare favorably? Anyways, I'd love to be cheered on, criticized, and hear from people who have dumped DSLR systems for something Fuji X-ish.
What am I looking for?
A ditigal SLR replacement that won't break my back. In fact, I prefer to shoot with two cameras. Right now that means m3 & m6 with two different setups... like 35mm & TMY400 in one hand, 50mm & Ektar in the other. I want to throw a SUV into the mix - compact digital with TTL viewfinder so I can use zoom & long lenses, take it vacation, shoot the family
, etc. I'm jumping out of the Canon system - I've an old 1ds mark ii, speedlight, 17-40L, 28-70L, and 50L, plus various other junk. Everything about that kit is big. (skip to the next paragraph if you're bored) I call it the beast, and it has more than 9 lives. i've lugged it with me on more vacations than I can remember. It's been sprayed by the ocean, waterfalls, soaked in jungle downpours, taken atop volcanos, hosed off, heated until (temporary) failure, dropped
, and loved. However, between batteries and extras it's just too much camera. As cool as it is that I have the confidence to lug it to the brink of disaster, or umm vacation, it is simply the center of my attention rather than whatever else I am doing.What am I afraid of?
- I likes me some shallow dof & I have no experience with aps-c. OTOH, who cares because I've got the m3, m6, and a 500cm.
- What could possibly instill disastrous confidence like the Beast? OTOH, I could probably be 50% less disastrous on my camera equipment.
- Predictive AF just not as good as the 1DSmkii. OTOH, well I just don't know; hopefully the X-T1 is up to snuff. My kid is pretty fast.
In conclusion, make no mistake. I will be switching systems to something much lighter than my current Canon setup. I think X-T1 is the way to go plus I like what I read about the X-mount lenses. And like I said, I'm taking last call on any advice or course corrections. I suspect some would recommend the A7 and I forget why stopped pursuing it... maybe the lenses don't compare favorably? Anyways, I'd love to be cheered on, criticized, and hear from people who have dumped DSLR systems for something Fuji X-ish.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Get it, you will be happy GAS UP!!
michaelwj
----------------
If I wanted longer or wider than a rangefinder could offer, I'd be seriously considering the X system. I think its rounding out nicely.
I wouldn't worry about the DOF, especially for holiday snaps. I'm sure you'll be able to work around whatever its weakness are. Speaking of which, how much do you use flash? I've not looked at the Fuji flash system, but I'd bet its not up to Canons.
This is why I wouldn't consider it. Its m43 of X at the moment.
Michael
I wouldn't worry about the DOF, especially for holiday snaps. I'm sure you'll be able to work around whatever its weakness are. Speaking of which, how much do you use flash? I've not looked at the Fuji flash system, but I'd bet its not up to Canons.
This is why I wouldn't consider it. Its m43 of X at the moment.
Michael
dfatty
Well-known
i'm considering going to the x system too. which means i don't have one yet so this is just me rambling. but i think expecting anything as good as the canon 1ds2 AF is going to be a tall order. i've used a 1d2n extensively and those things are just fast and accurate. from what i can tell from readng xt1 reviews the IQ and camera haptics will be fantastic, but there's still a question about how good the AF is. that said, i'm sure folks will still be able to take great pics of their kids with it, even the AF isn't at canon 1d level. and it will certainly be a lot lighter system, which is what attracts me.
Gary Sandhu
Well-known
Have you considered a lighter Canon? And a smaller lens?
burancap
Veteran
When the new XF 10-24 arrives, you can kiss my 5d gone, gone, gone!
Frank Petronio
Well-known
How big are your hands, how much do you bang your cameras around, and how much do you use fast auto-focus?
Right now the Fujis are getting all the hype... But do you really want to follow the herd? Next year that Fuji XT1 will be sneered at for being obsolete while you already have a great depreciated camera... Why not wait a year and pick up an XT1 for 50% off in 2015?
A $200 pancake 40mm Canon (50/1.4, 35/2, etc) lens would knock that big Canon down to size. Loose the other lenses... (worth a couple $Gs alone) and get pure with one body/one lens and just go shoot?
I know it's a big body but I bet the real PITA is all the lenses.
Right now the Fujis are getting all the hype... But do you really want to follow the herd? Next year that Fuji XT1 will be sneered at for being obsolete while you already have a great depreciated camera... Why not wait a year and pick up an XT1 for 50% off in 2015?
A $200 pancake 40mm Canon (50/1.4, 35/2, etc) lens would knock that big Canon down to size. Loose the other lenses... (worth a couple $Gs alone) and get pure with one body/one lens and just go shoot?
I know it's a big body but I bet the real PITA is all the lenses.
marcr1230
Well-known
as a very happy user of the Olympus E-M1 , and not knowing much about the X-T1. Let me point out some well known issues with mirrorless and smaller sensors
1. AF - most of the time it's great, but on chip PDAF is not quite there yet, might be in a version or 2, but for now, if you need high speed focus in low light with a tiger running towards you - the Canikon is going to be better with less effort than mirrorless
2. DoF - most of the time it's not an issue - but things being what they are bigger sensor makes shallow DoF easier to capture.
3. UWA lenses - harder to find good UWA lenses in small sensor cameras. not impossible, but not as easy
4. resolution and hi-ISO - I've printed up to 16x24 w my E-M1 (1/4 the sensor area as FF) - no problems, the quality was better than anything I've done w film. larger prints and hi-ISO - FF is going to be better
5. EVF lag - most of the time I don't notice lag - when shooting sports sequences, I do.
All told - I'm ecstatically happy with my M43 choice - the weight reduction and portability are a godsend. ergonomics and features great , lens selection wonderful. no regrets
1. AF - most of the time it's great, but on chip PDAF is not quite there yet, might be in a version or 2, but for now, if you need high speed focus in low light with a tiger running towards you - the Canikon is going to be better with less effort than mirrorless
2. DoF - most of the time it's not an issue - but things being what they are bigger sensor makes shallow DoF easier to capture.
3. UWA lenses - harder to find good UWA lenses in small sensor cameras. not impossible, but not as easy
4. resolution and hi-ISO - I've printed up to 16x24 w my E-M1 (1/4 the sensor area as FF) - no problems, the quality was better than anything I've done w film. larger prints and hi-ISO - FF is going to be better
5. EVF lag - most of the time I don't notice lag - when shooting sports sequences, I do.
All told - I'm ecstatically happy with my M43 choice - the weight reduction and portability are a godsend. ergonomics and features great , lens selection wonderful. no regrets
MCTuomey
Veteran
get a small, light 6D to use with your good canon glass when u need real AF, shallow dof, flash, and so forth. (i'd glue the 50L to it.) shoot your RFs the rest of the time.
willie_901
Veteran
The XT-1 should be the most disaster resistant camera in Fujifilm's X series. I have not tortured my X100 or X-Pro 1, so I can't say much about how much abuse it will endure. But you should definitely get the XT-1.
I do think the final results will bet a bit better than what you see with your current Canon set up.
The X-Pro 1 with the 14/2.8 outperforms a D700 with a Nikkor 16-35/4 G lens (at 20mm). I also prefer the Fujinon 35/1.4 lens results to what I get with the Nikkor 50/1.8 G.
I am expecting an XT-1 body this week. When the 10-20/4 XF zoom is in my hands, one of my D700 bodies, a 17-35/2.8 AF-S, the 50/1.8 G and a 85/1.8 AF-S lenses will be sold. I plan to pre-order the XT-1 grip too. I will also buy a bunch of batteries and chargers. Before summer I plan to buy another XT-1 body and 10-24/4 lens (I need back ups for gigs). Then my second D700 body and my last Nikkor lens, the 16-35/4 G, will be sold. I'm voting with my pocket book.
My primary motivation is similar to yours. I am tired of carrying all that heavy DSR gear around all the time. And, instead of having a CamRanger hanging from my tripod, I will be able to use the XT-1 WiFi / Remote App as I work.
And I'm keeping the X-Pro 1 as me everyday carry.
I do think the final results will bet a bit better than what you see with your current Canon set up.
The X-Pro 1 with the 14/2.8 outperforms a D700 with a Nikkor 16-35/4 G lens (at 20mm). I also prefer the Fujinon 35/1.4 lens results to what I get with the Nikkor 50/1.8 G.
I am expecting an XT-1 body this week. When the 10-20/4 XF zoom is in my hands, one of my D700 bodies, a 17-35/2.8 AF-S, the 50/1.8 G and a 85/1.8 AF-S lenses will be sold. I plan to pre-order the XT-1 grip too. I will also buy a bunch of batteries and chargers. Before summer I plan to buy another XT-1 body and 10-24/4 lens (I need back ups for gigs). Then my second D700 body and my last Nikkor lens, the 16-35/4 G, will be sold. I'm voting with my pocket book.
My primary motivation is similar to yours. I am tired of carrying all that heavy DSR gear around all the time. And, instead of having a CamRanger hanging from my tripod, I will be able to use the XT-1 WiFi / Remote App as I work.
And I'm keeping the X-Pro 1 as me everyday carry.
YYV_146
Well-known
The 55 1.8 certainly compares favorably to the XF 35mm f1.4. Not that the 35 is a mediocre lens, far from it, but with the 55 we are talking about what is essentially an Otus with autofocus...
The 35mm f2.8 is solid enough for its size. Wide open it might not be as good as the 23mm f1.4 at f2.8, but it is very compact, and center performance at f2.8 is certainly respectable.
Much as I like the X-T1, the sensor really should be updated - how long has it been since the original X-pro1? My impression with the X-E1 and X-E2 was that JPEGs were excellent, auto WB is very accurate, highlight control leaves nothing more to be desired, but at base ISO the files show weaker resolution and easier to push "too much" than the NEX-7. I don't know if this has been fixed or not, but the main reason I sold my X-E1 was that I couldn't seem to get nice sharpness and micro-detail out of the files.
The 35mm f2.8 is solid enough for its size. Wide open it might not be as good as the 23mm f1.4 at f2.8, but it is very compact, and center performance at f2.8 is certainly respectable.
Much as I like the X-T1, the sensor really should be updated - how long has it been since the original X-pro1? My impression with the X-E1 and X-E2 was that JPEGs were excellent, auto WB is very accurate, highlight control leaves nothing more to be desired, but at base ISO the files show weaker resolution and easier to push "too much" than the NEX-7. I don't know if this has been fixed or not, but the main reason I sold my X-E1 was that I couldn't seem to get nice sharpness and micro-detail out of the files.
kaiwasoyokaze
Half Frame Goodness
I call it the beast, and it has more than 9 lives. i've lugged it with me on more vacations than I can remember. It's been sprayed by the ocean, waterfalls, soaked in jungle downpours, taken atop volcanos, hosed off, heated until (temporary) failure, dropped
that quote jumped out at me because of durability and proven ruggedness. the X-t1 should be better at his than my x-e1 but my experiences with the X series and fujifilm is that it feels more cheap than other mirrorless counterparts (lumix or olympus). a small fall from hand height to the ground knackered my EVF and it had to spend a week at the fujifilm hospital. doesn't inspire confidence if i wanted to take it on a long trip.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I'd get a lighter weight Canon body and some lighter weight lenses.
I agree that a massive pro-level camera can be too much. It's overkill. Like buying a limo to get groceries.
And of course you are going to take a massive bath if you sell the 1DS. Although you have gotten plenty of use out of it.
You might want to consider a used Fuji to see if it matches your needs before you dump all of your Canon gear, regret it and then buy back into it, thereby ensuring an even larger loss.
I agree that a massive pro-level camera can be too much. It's overkill. Like buying a limo to get groceries.
And of course you are going to take a massive bath if you sell the 1DS. Although you have gotten plenty of use out of it.
You might want to consider a used Fuji to see if it matches your needs before you dump all of your Canon gear, regret it and then buy back into it, thereby ensuring an even larger loss.
Spyro
Well-known
I did 2 years ago but I did it for the xpro which is a totally different shooting experience.
To be honest what you're looking at doing is pretty much the same as downgrading to something between a Rebel and a XXD, because I don't see a hell of a lot that differentiates the X-T1 from these type of cameras. For us fuji users it makes sense to grab one because it will breathe new life to lenses that we already have(especially the longer ones, longer lenses scream for DSLR-type cameras) but for you I'm not sure what's the purpose of changing systems just to achieve size savings.
Unless I'm missing sth?
gavinlg
Veteran
I switched from canon 5d mmiii + L lenses to fuji x-pro1/system. Some points to note:
1. Fuji is WAY lighter and far smaller
2. Fuji AF is better than people say it is. Some situations faster than 5d mkIII, more accurate all the time.
3. Fujinons are generally on par or better lenses than canon L's - the one exception is the 50L which is a lovely lens. The fujinon 35mm is probably on the same level optically, but half the weight and size, and shoots at f1.4 like the 50L at f1.8.
4. My x-pro1 has proven to be really robust. I've had olympus e-3, e-p1, nikon d300 all fall apart on me. The canons and fuji bodies have proven to be more robust than any of the aforementioned FOR ME. I would rate the x-pro1 a few steps down from a 1 series body - about the same as a 6d/5d mkII, not quite as robust as a mkIII. It's much lighter, but it's still very strong.
1. Fuji is WAY lighter and far smaller
2. Fuji AF is better than people say it is. Some situations faster than 5d mkIII, more accurate all the time.
3. Fujinons are generally on par or better lenses than canon L's - the one exception is the 50L which is a lovely lens. The fujinon 35mm is probably on the same level optically, but half the weight and size, and shoots at f1.4 like the 50L at f1.8.
4. My x-pro1 has proven to be really robust. I've had olympus e-3, e-p1, nikon d300 all fall apart on me. The canons and fuji bodies have proven to be more robust than any of the aforementioned FOR ME. I would rate the x-pro1 a few steps down from a 1 series body - about the same as a 6d/5d mkII, not quite as robust as a mkIII. It's much lighter, but it's still very strong.
Harry S.
Well-known
I went BACK to Canon from the Fuji X-series.
I just feel that with a modern DSLR sensor and associated quality lenses and processors, I am able to create richer files with more information. The only thing I miss from the Fuji is the form factor and using the camera is a pleasure. But I firmly believe my 5D Mk. III is the better image maker.
I just feel that with a modern DSLR sensor and associated quality lenses and processors, I am able to create richer files with more information. The only thing I miss from the Fuji is the form factor and using the camera is a pleasure. But I firmly believe my 5D Mk. III is the better image maker.
blackfriday
Member
I moved from Nikon to Fuji X-Pro two years ago and never looked back. Regarding "ruggedness" of the Fuji equipment - at least the X-Pro - you should read this http://charlenewinfred.com/2014/02/23/a-camera-build-to-endure-klutzes-the-fuji-x-pro-1/
...
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I'd rather get Sony FF and adaptor for 50L, if GAS.
Personally, to me cropper can't replace my FF 5D and 50L. Doesn't matter how fancy and modern cropper is.
FF and 1.2-1.8 makes big difference visually to me.
This X-t1 looks as ugly as any DSLR body is. With zoom and grip on it, no difference.
With pancake, maybe... It would be more in balance with film RFs. But with zoom lens as big as camera is, it just another ugly DSLR.
Personally, to me cropper can't replace my FF 5D and 50L. Doesn't matter how fancy and modern cropper is.
FF and 1.2-1.8 makes big difference visually to me.
This X-t1 looks as ugly as any DSLR body is. With zoom and grip on it, no difference.
With pancake, maybe... It would be more in balance with film RFs. But with zoom lens as big as camera is, it just another ugly DSLR.
froyd
Veteran
That is impressive! Nice testimonial for Fuji!
whited3
Well-known
Wow gotta love RFF! Some really good points made above. I must have mulled the issue over in my sleep because I awoke this morning with some more thoughts
It did occur to me this morning to do a quick check on Canon's latest Rebel and ##d series cameras, because yeah the X-t1 seems to be competing in that region. Which got me thinking, i.e. looking at my favorite photos... I don't know if I can do aps-c. I've no concern about aps-c IQ and a lot of concern about the signature of the format (ok, i just want the shallower DOF). Anyways, I'll tie back to this later.
FLASH - I love what the pro systems offer, but bottom line is I don't use it enough to require pro features. I think I can give up TTL flash and just buy a cheapo manual speedlight & radios to have fun with when I get that pang. I'm personally not losing much here.
I don't know guys & gals, the 1ds mkii was a great perch to rest on, g.a.s releiver, or however you like. But, (queue the sad slide trombone) I'm not young and single anymore and I neither want nor am able to tote all that gear around while attached to a family.
And I guess here is my personal plot twist - Sony a7 is back in the running because it's full frame, small, and I think I can build a good system out of it if I'm smart about it. I'm not thinking so much about the sony glass as I am about my existing leica & canon glass. I will probably sell off the canon EOS L stuff over time since it's half the weight problem. Actually, I've always fantasized about using canon's cheaper smaller lighter FD L series which is arguably FANTASTIC! but manual.
Again - the heavy pro gear has to go. I'm willing to sacrifice.
So, if anything is going to get me off this A7 fence I'm on, it would be hearing some good things about the latest generation of manual focus aids - just focus peaking, right? In fact, I'm about to jump over to the sony forum to see how people find the A7 as a platform for their favorite non-sony glass...
EDIT: and good lord the A7 orange ring would have to get some gaffer tape - I think that was one of the reasons I initally passed on the camera
It did occur to me this morning to do a quick check on Canon's latest Rebel and ##d series cameras, because yeah the X-t1 seems to be competing in that region. Which got me thinking, i.e. looking at my favorite photos... I don't know if I can do aps-c. I've no concern about aps-c IQ and a lot of concern about the signature of the format (ok, i just want the shallower DOF). Anyways, I'll tie back to this later.
FLASH - I love what the pro systems offer, but bottom line is I don't use it enough to require pro features. I think I can give up TTL flash and just buy a cheapo manual speedlight & radios to have fun with when I get that pang. I'm personally not losing much here.
I don't know guys & gals, the 1ds mkii was a great perch to rest on, g.a.s releiver, or however you like. But, (queue the sad slide trombone) I'm not young and single anymore and I neither want nor am able to tote all that gear around while attached to a family.
And I guess here is my personal plot twist - Sony a7 is back in the running because it's full frame, small, and I think I can build a good system out of it if I'm smart about it. I'm not thinking so much about the sony glass as I am about my existing leica & canon glass. I will probably sell off the canon EOS L stuff over time since it's half the weight problem. Actually, I've always fantasized about using canon's cheaper smaller lighter FD L series which is arguably FANTASTIC
! but manual.Again - the heavy pro gear has to go. I'm willing to sacrifice.
So, if anything is going to get me off this A7 fence I'm on, it would be hearing some good things about the latest generation of manual focus aids - just focus peaking, right? In fact, I'm about to jump over to the sony forum to see how people find the A7 as a platform for their favorite non-sony glass...
EDIT: and good lord the A7 orange ring would have to get some gaffer tape - I think that was one of the reasons I initally passed on the camera