To keep or not keep DSLR

Since I got my X100S my D7000 sits in the closet a lot more. I'm shooting a wedding this weekend and I will use the D7000. The problem with the DSLR is Nikons D7000 focus issues. If I had more experience with the Fuji I would leave the Nikon at home.

In a nutshell, I love the X100S
--
Jim from Welland Ontario Canada

Fuji X100S (Black)
Nikon D7000 + SIGMA OS 17-70 DC MACRO F2.8-4 (C)
Panasonic LX3

Yup, just went dual system a month ago (X-T1 from Canon 7D). Sold off all lenses but my super tele (100-400L) which more than funded the camera, a few accessories, and the kit lens plus UWA (Zeiss 12 f/2.8). I only now use the Canon for anything requiring lots of reach, and the Fuji for everything else. Absolutely zero regrets... quite the opposite as both my keeper rate and IQ has gone up substantially, not to mention the huge difference in portability.

If the rumored 120-400 comes to market later this year at at least a semi reasonable price, I will likely cut the cord with Canon entirely. I'm finding all the new rumors over the 7D successor to be very interesting, but not in the least enough for me to question my decision. Best move I ever made.

Flash is a concern, BTW. It's a major weakness in Fuji's roadmap. I've only used TTL, so I may simply have to learn manual and buy a decent 3rd party flash unless Fuji pulls their head out of the sand and introduces something better than the paltry offerings they have now. Fortunately, I don't use it all that often.

ryan2007 said:

Who is using a Fuji X camera, XT, XE, Xpro, X100s and has kept their Nikon D7100 or Canon 7D with a lens or two? I thought about Full Frame, but I am not making any prints larger than 8x10 consistently so the crop sensor should be fine. FF I don't think is necessary.

Thinking about the X100s with a crop sensor DSLR and their 24-70 mm 2.8 type equivalent lens regardless of the Fuji 16-55 mm 2.8 being on the roadmap. So just one or two lenses with a DSLR thing.

So the Nikon D7100 with the 17-55 mm 2.8, Nikon TTL flash or Metz and the X100s with the two conversion lenses that I have.

I am starting to think Fuji is not going to support TTL flash so fast and after my shoot yesterday and my EF-42 failing for who knows why, though I was able to save the day since I had a self-standing mono-pod with me that allowed me to use slower shutter speeds and still keep my ISO reasonable.

I may sell my remaining Fuji X lens that I was saving for the XT-1 body Or was waiting to see if the Xpro-2 materialized this year, but the X100s did a great job.

So, any DSLR and Fuji X duel system users? BTW the cost factor is pretty equal so lets forget about cost for the moment.

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I have the X100s and I am loving the camera. I shoot Nikon and as of right now, I use the x100s as a supplement to my Nikon gear. Now I'm not sure what would happen if I had a different Fuji camera like the XT1, but since I only have the X100s, it's not enough to completely replace my Nikon gear. I believe it camera has it's place and I just grab whatever camera fits that need. Obviously if portability/size matters, I grab the X100s, but if image quality is top priority especially in low light and portability doesn't matter, I always grab the D800.

MrSee said:

Since I got my X100S my D7000 sits in the closet a lot more. I'm shooting a wedding this weekend and I will use the D7000. The problem with the DSLR is Nikons D7000 focus issues. If I had more experience with the Fuji I would leave the Nikon at home.

In a nutshell, I love the X100S
--
Jim from Welland Ontario Canada

Fuji X100S (Black)
Nikon D7000 + SIGMA OS 17-70 DC MACRO F2.8-4 (C)
Panasonic LX3

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I would like to see the results from your wedding shoot when you have them.

I just bought the XT1, 18-55 and 55-200 and also have an extensive Canon system with my primary body being the 7D. I rarely shoot flash though so I'm not in your situation. That said I do plan on keeping my 7D and Canon lenses for now as I shoot wildlife, BiF and airshows and there's no long glass for the X system (maybe 120-400 later this year) and so far my limited tests have shown the servo AF is not up to DSLR standards. I think for everything else (street, travel, landscape, people) the Fuji will be the primary camera. I will sell my 50D and 3 or 4 Canon lenses I don't anticipate using and I'll probably sell my Canon G1X too as the Fuji is similar in size.

Bob

I shoot both full frame Canon (5D MKIII) and Fuj, X-E1 and X-E2. I love my Fuji's. Their glass is top of the line. The system is costing me a lot of money, since I am now making 12xz18 inch prints of my favorites and just bought some 17x22 inch paper. The prints are so sharp they seem to jump off the paper.

Nonetheless, there are some things the Fuji's just won't do. I went to the zoo yesterday. No long tele for the Fuji so I hauled along my Canon with 400 mm f5.6 L. Also no really wide Tilt Shift lens. Great lens, the Fuji stayed in the bag. As you noted the flash system is bare minimum. Finally I don't like using the EVF in the studio where the subject is lit with fairly dim modeling lights.

So for now, I am a two system person, but have started selling a couple of Canon lenses, the 180 f3.5L Macro and the 70-200 f2.8L IS

Thanks,

Sort of what I was thinking DSLR type camera with one lens (or two) where Fuji X falls short in certain areas, mainly flash needs.

I almost want to think Fuji has a DSLR killer in the works but will take 5 plus years so they can provide slow incremental improvements XT-2, XT-5, XT5a, XT5c like a iPhone.

Maybe from a business standpoint sure why not, but for the end user not so much.

If they can deliver new road map lenses in a timely manner, reduce backorders by increasing production based on prior pre-orders that are filled for new product etc, they may be able to keep it going.

So yes, I have the 55-200 I can sell to help fund a DSLR purchase, its something.

The X100s I really enjoy like I have a compact APS-C sensor DSLR type camera and with the 28 and 50 mm conversion lens so far so good. However, you are not changing lenses so fast or menu diving to tell the camera what lens is mounted wide, tele or no conversion lens for the 35 mm built in lens.

I think I ruled out going back to micro four thirds only because of the smaller sensor.

rwbaron said:

I just bought the XT1, 18-55 and 55-200 and also have an extensive Canon system with my primary body being the 7D. I rarely shoot flash though so I'm not in your situation. That said I do plan on keeping my 7D and Canon lenses for now as I shoot wildlife, BiF and airshows and there's no long glass for the X system (maybe 120-400 later this year) and so far my limited tests have shown the servo AF is not up to DSLR standards.

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rwbaron said:

I think for everything else (street, travel, landscape, people) the Fuji will be the primary camera.

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This is why I am becoming a X100s fan, I have the 28 mm 35mm and 50 mm combination for this type of photography. I really (still) like Fuji X!

rwbaron said:

I will sell my 50D and 3 or 4 Canon lenses I don't anticipate using and I'll probably sell my Canon G1X too as the Fuji is similar in size.

Bob

--
http://www.pbase.com/rwbaron

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ryan2007 said:

Who is using a Fuji X camera, XT, XE, Xpro, X100s and has kept their Nikon D7100 or Canon 7D with a lens or two? I thought about Full Frame, but I am not making any prints larger than 8x10 consistently so the crop sensor should be fine. FF I don't think is necessary.

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I still use my S5, it is my main camera for portraits and with my SB600 flash it is almost unbeatable. It has better AF of course. What i can get out of my S5 is just much more nicer than my XE1 when it comes to portraits, and the files are sooooooo easy and beautiful to manipulate

ryan2007 said:

Thinking about the X100s with a crop sensor DSLR and their 24-70 mm 2.8 type equivalent lens regardless of the Fuji 16-55 mm 2.8 being on the roadmap. So just one or two lenses with a DSLR thing.

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nikon 24-70 very nice, but very heavy. Look for another lighter option. But if you have the money go for it.

ryan2007 said:

So the Nikon D7100 with the 17-55 mm 2.8, Nikon TTL flash or Metz and the X100s with the two conversion lenses that I have.

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My suggestion is: Do not get the nikon 17-55. I have compared it to the sigma 17-50 with OS and the sigma is better IQ and stabilization wise. I was getting sharper images with the sigma, the OS DOES help. Built quality, of course not, but IQ, yes. And the Sigma is lighter and less expensive. You won't regret it.

What i can also suggest is the sigma 18-35 1.8 paired with a 85mm and you'll be set.

D7100? I would wait a few more months and see what nikon's new model will come up with. It won't have any banding, that's for sure.

ryan2007 said:

I am starting to think Fuji is not going to support TTL flash so fast and after my shoot yesterday and my EF-42 failing for who knows why, though I was able to save the day since I had a self-standing mono-pod with me that allowed me to use slower shutter speeds and still keep my ISO reasonable.

I may sell my remaining Fuji X lens that I was saving for the XT-1 body Or was waiting to see if the Xpro-2 materialized this year, but the X100s did a great job.

So, any DSLR and Fuji X duel system users? BTW the cost factor is pretty equal so lets forget about cost for the moment.

Click to expand...

Sold my 7D when the Oly E-M5 pretty much bested it in most categories. GAS drove me to pick up a Nikon D800 which I sold 2 years later. Replaced by Oly E-M1 and Fuji XT-1. I don't see myself ever going back to that heavy SLR equipment.

If you like it keep it. I use an X100 along side my D700 and D800. I did have an XE1 but it wasn't for me. The XE1 was was traded in when I got the D800. The Xe1 image quality was great though and I could be interested in an X100 style camera with a standard lens and Xtrans sensor. Maybe the XPro with the 35 f1.4 could have been what I was looking for but there were none in stock locally last year when I tried the XE1.

--

Stuart...

Ryan

I sold all my canon EOS gear² and now only use the XT1 and the X100 (plus the RX100)

With the XT1 you get close to DSLR AF and at least it is sharp all the time when you lock on focus;;;

The Fuji menses are superb smaller and lighter All in all the weight is divided by 2 for a rathercomprehensive gear..

The IQ is on par with my former EOS 5D 2 with better JMEGs and better color and contrast rendition

The small EF8 flash can trigger bigger ones

My EF42 and EF20 work very well although not HSS but excellent TTL control

The fantastic EVF of the XT1 is a real bonus for macro work fine MF photo in the dark and reviewing shots immediately to check if ok

The built of the XT1 is on par with Canon (which means very good)

The battery grip compldtely transforms the XT1 a must have, definitly

8000 shots with the XT1 many more with my former lost XP1

Thanks for the info and reply! Lots to think on what to do or not...

My small camera store called "home" is getting larger but with smaller items. My age-related back issues are making me carry less in weight than in the past. I own 3 systems but the Fuji is getting more and more attention because of its small and light size. Is it horses for courses??? For a specific task I match the lens with the body(s)/flash. Photographing fast moving objects require a very capable system and either the Nikon or Canon works best in my hands. Luckily I am able to afford to have the resources of a large kit and don't have to decide one or the other.... (until my wife says enough! :-D )

I think the issue with me is proficiency. When a flash system similar to Nikon's come to the "X" cams a major change can occur in my style. The X-T1's burst mode/evf is a great step in the right direction but this last weekend I got a 50% hit rate at a wedding (not the primary shooter) so for similar events in the future it will be the Dslr for reliability.

As I stated, the issue with me (and perhaps some of you) will be whether or not my body can take weight. Like the OP, the thought is whether or not I "need" all this tech around. Admittedly amongst many other things I love and use quality gear and hate to get rid of it. But, who knows? My D700 may go on sale next week....

Bob

I sold the lot, D700 and lots of lenses as I just stopped using them, only a 24 remains. I got £2000 that I unfortunately I have to spend elsewhere. I am hoping that the X Pro-2 will be announced in September and that I might be able to afford it next summer along with 23 and if I am really lucky a 35 soon after.

I have an xt1, x100s and a Nikon D600. Won't be selling my dslr anytime soon. Love the Fuji X and they fullfill different needs. My Fuji primes are better than my Nikons (except the 60mm micro) but for absolute IQ I prefer the Nikon. No question about it. But they are different tools..

-iau

7D (15-85,70-200 f4, 50 1.8) and X100 here.

Since I believe to find my own style in wider angles I am now contemplating moving to primes but not certain on what body...

Ask me later this year

An interesting question, Ryan. Obviously, only you can answer this question for yourself. Everyone’s situation will be different. All I can do is describe my situation, for what that is worth.

At one time, my cameras consisted of an extensive Canon DSLR system (I’ve used Canon for many, many years, upgrading both bodies and lenses with some frequency) and whatever the latest version of the Leica LX series was. Since my primary interest is upland photography and since the Canon stuff was too large, heavy, awkward and delicate to be used when actively hunting and gunning, I carried the little Leica P&S cameras afield most of the time and put up with their lesser IQ and far lesser capabilities in exchange for portability. I used the Canon now and then in the off-season and whenever I was doing only photography (rare for me).

For years, I kept looking for the ideal field camera – something much smaller and lighter than the big (but admittedly excellent) Canon equipment, but with interchangeable lenses, weatherproofing and many of the capabilities of a sophisticated DSLR, including fast focusing and good focus tracking (many of my subjects - dogs and birds - move very quickly). I wasted a good bit of money buying and tryiing all kinds of systems, with and without mirrors, including M4/3. Ultimately, none of them were good enough for me to be willing to sacrifice the portability of the little Leicas in their favor – very slow focus and “adequate” IQ being the primary problems.

Then, along came Fuji. All of a sudden, I had a system that was small, light and rugged enough to use in the field. It had IQ at least as good as the Canon and sufficiently fast focus, burst rate, etc. Not only that, it had well thought-out analog controls, just like the controls I had used for decades on film cameras before being forced to learn (more or less) to use tiny multi-function control wheels and squint at miniature menus on screens, etc. All of a sudden, photography became great fun again – more fun than it had been in years. I wanted to go out and shoot photos every day. Frankly, the quality of my images improved dramatically as a result of these two factors.

Having been through many disappointments in my search for the ideal field camera, I didn’t want to rush to get rid of the Canon equipment when I found Fuji. I knew the big Canons worked and worked well. As it has turned out, the Canon stuff hasn’t been touched even once since I starting using Fuji. My decision not to sell was a foolish one!!

To be 100% honest, part of the reason was that the process of selling seems like a lot of trouble for money that I don’t really need. The value of the Canon stuff has certainly diminished in the time it has been gathering dust unused, making the effort of selling seem even less attractive. I should have gotten off my lazy butt and sold it on Day One.

t this point, I would consider myself fully equipped the with Fuji X-system bodies and lenses. I will keep my little P&S cameras for those times when only a tiny camera will do, but I no longer have need for any DSLR system. Obviously, your situation is likely very different.

Best!

Greg

It's an inexpendible instrument of fine art.

Everything else is just a camera.