miXed zone: Fuji VS DSLR and Leica T, Zeiss 50mm and Samyang 8mm II first impressions and much more!
X-T1 or DSLR? Leica T or Fuji X-E2?
– Fuji X-T1 is better than DSLR, according to soundimageplus: “For me the main reason I use Fuji X cameras is they are just such a pleasure to use. […] I also have no wish to ever use an optical viewfinder ever again […] ultimately the DSLR will disappear. A lot slower than some think it will, but it will. […] The other thing I like about Fuji is that they go their own way. In the early days they did sometimes take a wrong turn, but at the moment they are certainly motoring along strongly. […] So is the Fuji X-T1 better than a DSLR? Well it is for me, not for others. And we all make those decisions based on our choices, our preferences and our wallets and purses.”
– Soundimageplus (click here) also thinks about the question: the brand new Leica T or Fujifilm X-E2?: “Now it’s not always about price. But the Fuji lenses are faster, as far as I’m concerned the equal of the Leicas optically plus the EVF is internal. The Fuji also has focus peaking, faster lenses and newer sensor. It can also accept m-mount lenses via much cheaper adapters. For the price difference you could add a 56mm f/1.2 – £899, 10-24mm f/4 – £849 + 55-200mm – £549. And you still have £105 left over to buy a grip and some memory cards or an m>X adapter.”
Jeff Bridges told me via email: “With the introduction of the Leica T, is it safe to say that the company has abandoned the space once owned by the M to the Fuji X? The T seems to go against everything Leica stands for—thoughtful, image-focused, high quality photography. They made cameras for photographers. Now…???”
And here is the FF vs APS-C poll… keep up voting.
Loading ...Fujifilm X-T1
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– [shoplink 17516]OM-D E-M1[/shoplink] vs XT1 for Wedding Photography at danielkcheung: “In the end, I chose to go with the Fujifilm X-T; not because it is a better camera – it is not. In terms of ergonomics and autofocus ability alone, the Olympus OMD EM1 wins hands down. However, I do require better low light performance for the purpose of post processing. A larger sensor therefore makes sense in my situation. I am not saying that the OMD EM1 handles high ISO poorly, for a small micro four thirds sensor, it does wonders. However, I am uncomfortable with the results for the amounts that I charge for my services. Secondly, being the very impatient person that I am, I could not bare with how the Olympus OMD EM1 locks the user out from doing anything while the camera writes to the memory card. To me, these two factors were enough for me to look for an alternative.”
– LensVid Fujifilm X-T1 Review is now online here (with video): “The X-T1 is the third X camera from Fujifilm that we have tested in the past 2 and a half yeas and there is no debut in our minds that the company progressed considerably over this time period. The most important point in this respect is that Fuji finally created an AF system which good enough that we can recommend (its not the fastest in the world – but its adequate for most day-to-day shooting situations). If we combine this new AF system with the great image quality you will be getting from the X-TRANS sensor (and the new image processor), huge EVF, different focus peeking options, fast shooting speed, cool WIFI (and app), a large number of options to customize the controls, good build quality and retro design (for those who love it – we actually don’t) – you get a very attractive offering.”
– quesabesde X-T1 test here in Spanish (translation): “The formula for success is sometimes simpler than it seems: experience, photographic common sense and an affordable price. Get the ingredients is not easy, but when things come together like this Fujifilm X-T1 certainly lead the best model to date of signature.”
– Fuji X-T1 on the streets at expat-photographer: “Fuji knows optics. Their lenses are amazing. They know color – the straight out of camera jpegs look amazing – with several film profiles to select from. With the new Fuji X-T1 body I’m a happy camper. Is it perfect? No. Is it better than the original Fuji X100? By a longshot. Fuji has learned its lessons and taken its lumps – and improved a great deal.”
– First review FujiFilm X-T1 at frankdoorhof: “Overall conclusion for the moment: AWESOME camera, gives me a lot of fun in shooting with it and that’s what’s very important. The dynamic range and image quality are stunning. […] A great camera for the street and travel photographer.”
– X-T1 at work at danbaileyphoto: “Even after putting it to extensive use during the past two months, this was the was the first really big job that I’ve shot with the X-T1. I feel as if I’ve gotten to know that camera even better now and am even more confident with how well it performs in all situations.”
– Traveling and editing like a boss with a Fuji X-T1 + iPad & Lightroom mobile at jaysonoertel: “I never have to worry about traveling with my clunky DSLR again to shoot a job this size again. I’m fully confident that I’m able to do my shoot, capture/transfer the photos to my iPad in the field, do some light editing in Lightroom and export them to Dropbox to send off the the client. I’d love to hear your travel tips and workflow.”
– Munya: “Hey Patrick! First off, just want to say I love the work you to bring news to all of us Fuji users. It is really inspiring and keeps us up to date! I recently did a post of my experience with the Fujifilm cameras so though it would be a great read for those looking to consider the system. I use the X-T1 with the X-Pro1 with the 35 1.4R, 14mm 2.8R and just recently acquired the 23mm 1.4R. Here is the link below to my blogpost and website!!”
– Daniel Korzeniewski: “I am just back from Peru, (returned yesterday) took with me the X-T1 and X2, I made an entire assignment there shooting for HOOP Peru, an ONG with just Fuji, and I am very happy with the results, I will never ever travel with DSRL again!!! I’ll be posting photos to my blog soon….”. See the shots and read the story here at danielkorzeniewskiphoto.
– X-T1 with 23mm and 35mm at the Japanese site camera.itmedia (translation).
– Oslo with the X-T1 and 23mm lens at kjetilkvienmadsen.
– FUJIFILM X-T1 + Elmar 3.5cm F3.5 at dc.watch (tranlsation).
X-T1 METAL HAND GRIP MHG-XT
– Rob Moroto: “Got the [shoplink 23904]MHG-XT[/shoplink] hand grip for the X-T1 on a recent trip to Japan. Note to everyone who gets it – DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREW! I got mine and instantly snapped the screw connecting the grip to the body. Honestly – turn it lightly and when it stops – STOP. I did the regular extra 1/8th of a turn for good measure and snap.. I just put a couple photos from my recent trip to Japan using the X-T1 on my Facebook page if you’d like to have a look. Mostly taken with the 18-55 and the 55-200.”
Zeiss Touit 50mm
Pre-order at Adorama and BHphoto
Extended First Impressions: Zeiss 50mm f2.8 Touit (Fujifilm X) at thephoblographer: “Image Quality: So far, we’re really, really liking what the Zeiss 50mm f2.8 Touit lens can do. Here’s what we’re talking about.”
Rokinon (Samyang) 8mm Fisheye Version II
pre-order: BHphoto
First Impressions: Rokinon (Samyang) 8mm Fisheye Version II review at admiringlight: “I’ve only had a chance to put a handful of images through the new lens so far, but at first blush, it appears to be slightly sharper than the first version, producing very crisp images into the corners stopped down a bit. Chromatic aberration is quite low.”
XF 56mm f/1.2
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– Fujinon 56mm Review at flixelpix: “The 56mm is definitely a people lens, it is perfect for separating the subject of an image from the background but at the same time keeping the proportions accurate and complimentary. I think the reason photographers fall for the 56mm so quickly is the fact it is so easy to control. Shooting at large apertures isn’t easy especially when the subject is always moving yet the 56mm is extremely accurate and picks the focus point accurately with each shot. […] The 56mm is a bokeh machine that is perfect for people photography. It is a joy to use and will be a firm favourite on my X-T1 for sometime to come.”
– The Fujifilm 56mm f1.2 & X Pro1. Quadrophenia Night at may-photography: “This lens is a keeper, I really really like it and will stay fitted to one of my cameras most of the time. The 56mm and 18mm lenses fitted to each body will cover most situations given the type of photography that I do.”
– Open aperture shooting with the Fuji X-T1 and 56mm lens at f/1.2 at aboutphotography: “For this series I only used the 56mm lens at f/1.2. Using it like that forced me to take a point of view that exploited the out-of-focus areas as much as the narrowly focused subject. The character of what the equipment will do at this setting becomes as much a part of the subject as the scene itself. When all the disparate elements are working well they integrate into one flowing visual experience.”
XF 10-24
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image courtesy: Dan Hogman
– Dan Hogman: “Patrick, I’d like to share with you my impressions on the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm 4.0 – It’s really sharp, including corners. Wide angle distortions are really minimum. I am surprised they were able to control it so well at 10mm, when other lenses, including the 18-55mm, have visible barrel distortions. This is especially important for what I do, since I shot mostly architecture, where distortions are really an major factor. I’ve used Sigma 10-20mm, Sigma 12-24mm, Nikon 10-24mm, which I consider inferior on all aspects. I find it very well built, with most parts made out of metal. It’s really compact for what it does, and the fact that it does not extend at zoom is a big plus. I ocassionally post samples at https://www.flickr.com/photos/danhogman/ or instagram @danhogman”
– Belfast and Donegal at flixelpix: “I’ve been using the Fujinon 10-24mm as the only lens locked to the Fujifilm X-T1. You can see just how wide you can go with this photograph of Poison Glen in Donegal. You can just spot the church in the left hand side of the frame and this was shot at 19mm!!”
RAW vs JPEG
– Fuji Raw -V- Fuji Jpeg at thebigpicturegallery: “My point about raw-v- jpeg debate is that photographers should concentrate on taking a correctly exposed picture first and foremost, and should not rely on raw to save your bacon. Now that I have looked at the raw processing using Lightroom, I am now confident to shoot in either.”
X-E2
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image courtesy: ehnamour.com
– Arlindo Namour Filho: “Hello PatrickI would like to share with you and the Fuji lovers the impressive results I had with my X-E2 with the XF14mm lens on a street photography tour I had in São Paulo downtown. This lens is a must have for every street photographer. it gives definition, almost zero of distortion and chromatic aberration. I shot all the images in JPEG. The X-Trans sensor combined with the great glass of this lens hang all the quality I need when I make the post production. http://www.ehnamour.com/the-impressive-fujinon-xf14mm. I hope you like it.” For an engagement session he shot with his little babies Fuji X100S and X-T1 (with the XF56mm f/1.2) click here.
X100S
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– Street Photography with the Fuji x100s at derrenhodsonphotography: “After a disastrous time with my Canon 5D3, i knew wanted to concentrate on Street Photography, through i call myself an Urban Photographer as i still like to get Architectural and urban objects into my photographs. I decided i wanted to try a light camera, as i was still new to Street Photography a silent leaf shutter would be a great bonus, so i first purchased an X100 then about two weeks later the X100s.”
– Shooting Black & White with the Fuji x100s at nicolestruppert: “The x100s is a beautiful camera – especially for Black & White photography. Most of the time I shoot RAW & jpeg. The jpegs are great out of the x100s but the RAWs have more information and if I am having a “gold keeper” I want to get the best quality out of my picture.”
– Beating Edinburgh’s Streets with the Fujifilm X100s at roblowephoto: “On a recent trip to our nation’s capital, I took both the GXR and the X100s out to have some fun on the streets and, on our return, I had some 200 shots over two and a half days, from the X to go through against just 80 or so from the GXR/50. That tells me something (and I pay attention to things like that).”
X-E1
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image courtesy: Henri Buffetaut
– Henri Buffetaut: “Hello Patrick. Here some volcanic pics taken with my fuji X-E1 with the 35mm f/1.4 and my Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 on the Stromboli. The activity was quite strong with nice explosions every 20 minutes. Hope to return soon in Sicilia. ;) website / My fb page”
– Harrison Lam: “Hey Patrick! First of all, great job on the website! I’ve been reading it ever since my fiance had purchased an X100 and I toyed around with it. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on Fuji’s and determined I would get my own. When I finally saved up enough, I purchased an XE-1 and the 35mm lens to go with it. Since then, I’ve taken 2 vacations to Japan and have used my camera with only the 35mm to take all of my shots. During my last trip there, I managed to have enough money left over for a 14mm, but since I only had a few days left, I barely used it. I just wanted to showcase some of my work with you. I’m still a beginner, so I feel like I have a long way to go. Check out the shots I have at my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/100322705@N08/ All pics (sans one or two, currently) were taken with my XE-1 and the 35mm. Enjoy and keep up the great work!”
– One year with the Fuji X-E1 at nils.mipi: “The worst thing about the camera: I am really tempted to buy more lenses and maybe a X-E2 or an X-PRO2 when it comes out). This camera makes me want to throw more money at Fuji, even if I already have all I need…”
– A Glimpse of India at mikeangphoto: “I brought my Fuji X-E1 along with the Fuji 35/1.4 and Zeiss 50/1.7. I could remember a few years back during my trip in Singapore, I was a DSLR user back then, and after bringing it the first day, it was just left in the hotel for the next days as my back and shoulders were already hurting. I never had this experience with the Fuji X. It’s really something you can bring wherever, and you’d be able to focus on taking photos instead of thinking about where the next stop is so you can get some rest on your sore back.”
X-PRO1
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– More London with the X-Pro1 at martincastein: “The Zeiss Touit 12mm 2.8 came out to play again was excellent. The X Pro 1 is so light with it on.”
– Matt & Clare’s Wedding photographed with an X-PRO1 and 35mm lens at mattwilkinsonphotography.
X-M1
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– Fujifilm X-M1: Lab Test Results & Comments: Still & Video at shutterbug: “The sharpness results are excellent. The camera reproduced the test chart with 3059 lines in picture height, which isn’t far from the nominal sensor resolution (3264 lines per picture height). The standard test box shot and the portrait shot show images that are rich with details and fine structure. […] The video quality is acceptable, but the camera also showed some very disappointing results.”
X10
– On the road with the X10 at alhanoi.
Other Lenses
XF 55-200: [shopcountry 12892]
XF 23: [shopcountry 16128]
Zeiss 12 [shopcountry 13645]
XF 27: [shopcountry 13829]
– Event Photography with the Fuji 55-200mm lens at notofthisearth: “I would highly recommend the lens to anyone taking their photography seriously with the Fuji X system. It is compact enough to fit in a small kit bag (I use a Crumpler Long Schlong which has extra room in it waiting for an X-T1 to go in!) and provides all the versatility you could ask for in a telephoto lens.”
– Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R (Fujifilm) – Review / Test Report at photozone: “The Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R is a highly attractive addition to the Fujifilm lens lineup. It combines an ultra-large aperture with high quality results. At large aperture settings the center quality is already pretty high whereas the borders/corners are at least on a good level. The resolution is much more snappy at f/2.8 and images are tack sharp between f/4 and f/5.6. The low amount of lateral CAs also contributes to the high sharpness perception. Image distortions are nothing to worry about whereas vignetting can be an issue in RAW images at f/1.4 and f/2. However, Fujifilm is relying on image auto-correction so this is usually a lesser issue from a user perspective. Wide-angle lenses tend to produce a quite harsh bokeh (out-of-focus rendition) but the quality of the Fujinon is really good especially around f/2.”
– Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 (Fujifilm) – Review / Test Report at photozone: “Ultra-wide angle lenses are never really perfect. However, within its scope the Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 delivers pretty impressive results. The center quality is great and the border and corner quality are good to very good at mainstream settings. The very low lateral CAs contribute to the high sharpness perception. Distortions and vignetting are usually auto-corrected either by the camera or your favorite RAW converter so you don’t have to worry about these aspects from a normal user perspective. However, when looking at the naked raw files, you can spot a few issues. The raw distortions are actually still quite fine at 2% – this is a normal value for such a prime lens and lower than on most conventional zoom lenses for sure. However, the raw vignetting is very high especially at max. aperture.”
– Marcin W. Dąbrowski: “Hi Patrick. I’m writing to you to share my little album — my love shouted at me I should show the photos to you, and you might be interested in sharing them with the Fujirumors community. Anyway, the story goes: About a month ago I was getting home from a business trip, flying from Zürich to Warsaw — having my trusty X–E1 with XF27/2.8 with me in the cabin. The portability and quality of this setup paired with fantastic weather conditions allowed me take some shots of Alps from 8–12 km above sea level. This is just another story how ordinary trip can change to something extraordinary when you have some fantastic quality gear with you — and I must say that XF27 might look like a toy lens, but it delivers outstanding results. PS: The shots were processed through Capture One Express 7.2. The photos are here at 500px“