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Struggling to decide between the X100T/X-T1/X-T2

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Not sure if my experience will help, but...

I have had an X100S for a couple of years, and had fallen out of photography after my kids left home. When they put the X-T1 on sale just before the T2 was announced, I picked one up at a great deal. I had plans to get back into taking photos, especially when I travel for work.

Well, it worked. Since purchasing the X-T1, I now use the X100S all the time and enjoy it more than ever. The X-T1 is great, and I am sure the T2 is even better. But the convenience and image quality of the X100S is hard to beat, and it is so easy to travel with. I think you'd find the X100T to be the same.

No bad choices here...

Don
 
For me, paying $1300 for the X100T with a fixed lens is hard to swallow. Especially when you can get a body only X-E2 for $500 and add a couple lenses. Plus the ability to use legacy lenses, which is one of the coolest things about a mirrorless system. I got the X-E2, 27mm pancake, Canon 50mm f/1.4 SSC with adapter and Samyang 12mm f/2 for the same cost as the X100T.
 
HeyItsJoel said:
The fact that it doesn't have a zoom lens will force you to think and work harder for your photographs and hence, learning how to be a better photographer.

What you see as a weakness in this camera may very well prove to be it's strength.
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In all seriousness, while this may sound like a cliche, it's absolutely true.
 
dudewithcamera said:
HeyItsJoel said:
The fact that it doesn't have a zoom lens will force you to think and work harder for your photographs and hence, learning how to be a better photographer.

What you see as a weakness in this camera may very well prove to be it's strength.
Click to expand...
In all seriousness, while this may sound like a cliche, it's absolutely true.
Click to expand...
Actually, it's 'absolutely' a matter of opinion. Any single prime solution restricts you to a subset of what you can shoot. That means that it limits your vision and your capability to take photographs outside a certain envelope.

An experienced photographer can make the decision to work within such restrictions but being forced into the mindset of using a single arbitrarily chosen FL does nothing for the creative or technical development of a beginner.
 
After buying quite a few lens and 2 x-E2, I would not hesitate to recommend the 18-55mm as a first lens. It all depends on you what prime you should get, but the 27mm is nice for a smaller solution or perhaps the 35mm f2 both of which will balance nicely on lighter bodies like the X-E2. I'd still only get the 18-55mm and decide later what additional lenses to get. Don't let the discount be the reason to buy lens which you may sell later, I bought the XF 23 f1.4, 56 f1.2, and the 14 f2.8 because the deal was so good. Have subsequently sold the 14mm, and acquired a 18-55, 55-200, 27mm and hopefully my 35mm f2 will be delivered today!

The 18-55 really is excellent.
 
msam23 said:
I am a completely introductory user to Fuji and any advanced camera systems. I’ve previously had some various point and shoots, etc, but nothing high end. I’m going to have a few upcoming international trips and family events that I’d like to capture on a nicer camera. It would mostly be street photos, people, and buildings/scenery.

The X100T sounds like a great camera for walking around and taking photos. I think it would be satisfactory, but part of me is worried about the lack of a zoom and paying MSRP for something that is due to be updated next year.

The X-T2 sounds like an incredible camera, but getting up near $2K for the camera and the kit lens and me being a beginner… I feel somewhat inadequate to be spending that kind of money on this device, even though it would satisfy the zoom concern.

The downside to the X-T2 would be slightly less walkability due to the lens size and maybe too advanced for someone coming from a point and shoot.

I would consider the X-T1 as well, but it’s just as complex as the X-T2 and if I was going to go for the best, I might as well go all the way to the X-T2.

What would you guys do in my shoes? Should I start with the X100T and use that for a year before deciding if getting into multiple lenses and investing that money is worth it to me? From the flickr photos I’ve seen of all of these cameras, they take incredible shots and in some cases it would be hard to notice much of a difference across them (to the untrained eye at least!).

Thanks for any advice!
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For a beginner consider the XT-10 with the 18-55. It has scene modes and a tilt screen. The X-100t is a great camera but the single focal length is limiting.
 
msam23 said:
I am a completely introductory user to Fuji and any advanced camera systems. I’ve previously had some various point and shoots, etc, but nothing high end. I’m going to have a few upcoming international trips and family events that I’d like to capture on a nicer camera. It would mostly be street photos, people, and buildings/scenery.

The X100T sounds like a great camera for walking around and taking photos. I think it would be satisfactory, but part of me is worried about the lack of a zoom and paying MSRP for something that is due to be updated next year.

The X-T2 sounds like an incredible camera, but getting up near $2K for the camera and the kit lens and me being a beginner… I feel somewhat inadequate to be spending that kind of money on this device, even though it would satisfy the zoom concern.

The downside to the X-T2 would be slightly less walkability due to the lens size and maybe too advanced for someone coming from a point and shoot.

I would consider the X-T1 as well, but it’s just as complex as the X-T2 and if I was going to go for the best, I might as well go all the way to the X-T2.

What would you guys do in my shoes? Should I start with the X100T and use that for a year before deciding if getting into multiple lenses and investing that money is worth it to me? From the flickr photos I’ve seen of all of these cameras, they take incredible shots and in some cases it would be hard to notice much of a difference across them (to the untrained eye at least!).

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...
You can't go wrong with any of them or for that matter with the XE or XA ranges or even an Xpro1, they are all brilliant, they work in a generally similar way to each other and the lens options are plentiful and again you can't really go wrong with any of the lenses.

Just pick something that fits your budget and something that feels good in the hand. Don't shy away from cheaper or older models, they are all good. Older models tend to be slower but even they are a bit quicker than they used to be because of firmware updates.

The primes are good, the zooms are good, its all pretty good in Fujiland.

I have an XT1 and a 16mm, 27mm and 50-230. No regrets at all.
 
X-10 might be too small for your hands, atleast it is for me.
 
gsmayes said:
For me, paying $1300 for the X100T with a fixed lens is hard to swallow. Especially when you can get a body only X-E2 for $500 and add a couple lenses. Plus the ability to use legacy lenses, which is one of the coolest things about a mirrorless system. I got the X-E2, 27mm pancake, Canon 50mm f/1.4 SSC with adapter and Samyang 12mm f/2 for the same cost as the X100T.
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Your raise a good point. When I purchased my X100S, the X-E2 and lenses were not that cheap. It is probably a better deal financially to follow your route. There's just something about the X100 that I enjoy, and it isn't really a money thing with me. That said, if I were buying today, I'd be tempted to wait until the X100T successor is announced and either buy that, or a discounted X100T at that time.
 
Suppose you just have a think, and ask around, as both users of X100 series cameras I know had to return for repair their new machines within months of buying them, and the XT series though goodish uses lenses that are useless on any other machine, and very expensive, and on a small noisy APS-C sensor.

Why do you WANT one? Is it because you used to use small Leica M bodies, or Olympus OM bodies and like the size , shape and all the neat little knobs and buttons, like me?

Well this is digital small sensor stuff, not able to produce the best results except at base ISO, and maybe up to 400iso IF you are not too fussy.

However wanting such a machine at all says to me you are into quality as the lenses are all better than Sonys, butme, I'd go full-frame, secondhand with a years warranty .
 
Personally, for someone moving up from P&S type cameras I think you might find the fixed lens of the X100 frustrating after using zooms. As others have said, the XT10 is very compact, has an auto mode if you need it and a tilt screen and the images it takes are on a par with the more expensive XT1. The XT2 looks fantastic but it's probably way more camera than you need as an entry point/ step up from P&S. I'd go XT10 with either the 18-55 (which is a fantastic lens) or the 18-135 if you want greater range and maybe add the 27mm so you can have a small, light prime when you want to go light.
 
Heavens Light said:
Personally, for someone moving up from P&S type cameras I think you might find the fixed lens of the X100 frustrating after using zooms. As others have said, the XT10 is very compact, has an auto mode if you need it and a tilt screen and the images it takes are on a par with the more expensive XT1. The XT2 looks fantastic but it's probably way more camera than you need as an entry point/ step up from P&S. I'd go XT10 with either the 18-55 (which is a fantastic lens) or the 18-135 if you want greater range and maybe add the 27mm so you can have a small, light prime when you want to go light.
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Its fairly easy to decide if the single focal length will be an issue. Just leave your zoom on 35mm equiv and see how you fare.
 
i was in the same boat a month back, trying to decide between a x100t or a x-pro2 (or anything else).

in the end after a lot of thought i decided to go for the little x100t and I'm glad i did.

My thoughts were as a complete beginner i wanted to learn how to take nice pictures that meant something to me. the x100 seemed just right for that.

I liked the idea of just putting it in my bag and taking it everywhere.

All i read about the camera suggested that users often formed a connection with it that seemed hard to define and many wax lyrical about it being their favourite camera , despite owning more advanced equipment.

after a month of ownership, I think i get it.

I want to use this camera , its just great fun, the perfect tool for my apprenticeship.

I imagine i will own a x-pro2 (maybe 3 lol) but i can't imagine i'd now want be without the x100t



(dressing up as tinkerbell and dancing around the lounge)



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12839f2d524441a68ceb486f1b74c0b3.jpg

good luck with your decision
 
munro harrap said:
Well this is digital small sensor stuff, not able to produce the best results except at base ISO, and maybe up to 400iso IF you are not too fussy.
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I really don't think this is a fair assessment of the sensor tech in any of the cameras being discussed.
 
AlbertTheLazy said:
Actually, it's 'absolutely' a matter of opinion. Any single prime solution restricts you to a subset of what you can shoot. That means that it limits your vision and your capability to take photographs outside a certain envelope.
Click to expand...
The same limitations could be said about zoom lenses.
AlbertTheLazy said:
An experienced photographer can make the decision to work within such restrictions but being forced into the mindset of using a single arbitrarily chosen FL does nothing for the creative or technical development of a beginner.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my own personal experience as a beginner debunks your theory.
 
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HeyItsJoel said:
HeyItsJoel said:
Actually, it's 'absolutely' a matter of opinion. Any single prime solution restricts you to a subset of what you can shoot. That means that it limits your vision and your capability to take photographs outside a certain envelope.
Click to expand...
The same limitations could be said about zoom lenses.
Click to expand...
To a much smaller extent. Even using a kit zoom with a small range gives the options of controlling perspective independently of field of view and the effect of focal length on depth of field based isolation, for example.
HeyItsJoel said:
HeyItsJoel said:
An experienced photographer can make the decision to work within such restrictions but being forced into the mindset of using a single arbitrarily chosen FL does nothing for the creative or technical development of a beginner.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my own personal experience as a beginner debunks your theory.
Click to expand...
So you would have been a worse photographer, or learned more slowly, if you had used a camera equipped with a zoom or interchangeable primes?

I can remember being a beginner and one of the early things I learned was that the 45mm focal length of my fixed lens camera was not right for me. Nowadays I teach beginners in practical workshops and there are some topics that can't be adequately experienced by someone with a fixed prime camera.
 
AlbertInFrance said:
AlbertTheLazy said:
Nowadays I teach beginners in practical workshops and there are some topics that can't be adequately experienced by someone with a fixed prime camera.
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Click to expand...
This is an interesting idea to me. For what kind of topics would one's experience suffer without a zoom?

I think we should be able to agree that what constitutes "adequately experienced" is subjective.

Can it really be said that any particular topic couldn't be adequately experienced at any given focal length?
 
AlbertInFrance said:
HeyItsJoel said:
AlbertTheLazy said:
Actually, it's 'absolutely' a matter of opinion. Any single prime solution restricts you to a subset of what you can shoot. That means that it limits your vision and your capability to take photographs outside a certain envelope.
Click to expand...
The same limitations could be said about zoom lenses.
Click to expand...
To a much smaller extent. Even using a kit zoom with a small range gives the options of controlling perspective independently of field of view and the effect of focal length on depth of field based isolation, for example.
AlbertTheLazy said:
AlbertTheLazy said:
An experienced photographer can make the decision to work within such restrictions but being forced into the mindset of using a single arbitrarily chosen FL does nothing for the creative or technical development of a beginner.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my own personal experience as a beginner debunks your theory.
Click to expand...
So you would have been a worse photographer, or learned more slowly, if you had used a camera equipped with a zoom or interchangeable primes?

I can remember being a beginner and one of the early things I learned was that the 45mm focal length of my fixed lens camera was not right for me. Nowadays I teach beginners in practical workshops and there are some topics that can't be adequately experienced by someone with a fixed prime camera.

--
Albert
(The one in France)
There is no such thing as a professional camera.
A 'pro' or 'professional' photographer is someone who earns money from photography. It is not some sort of measure of quality or expertise.
Cameras don't get paid.
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Curious. Why do you think in one dimension? There is no one formula that works for everybody. Just because it's not right for you doesn't mean it's not right for anyone else.

I can remember being a beginner and one of the early things I learned was that the 35mm focal length on my first camera was RIGHT for me.
 
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Get the best camera + lens combo you can afford/justify. Forget all the stuff about "I'm new or I don't deserve the best system". Also, none of these cameras are so complex that you're going to need a PhD to operate them.

They all have "Auto" settings you can use before you ease into the manual settings.

The conventional wisdom has been to not worry about the body and to invest in glass because bodies are made "obsolete" relatively fast. However, everyone conveniently forgets that the older bodies go obsolete even faster. Buy the newest body available then stop worrying about the next incremental changes for about 5 years 😉

msam23 said:
I am a completely introductory user to Fuji and any advanced camera systems. I’ve previously had some various point and shoots, etc, but nothing high end. I’m going to have a few upcoming international trips and family events that I’d like to capture on a nicer camera. It would mostly be street photos, people, and buildings/scenery.

The X100T sounds like a great camera for walking around and taking photos. I think it would be satisfactory, but part of me is worried about the lack of a zoom and paying MSRP for something that is due to be updated next year.

The X-T2 sounds like an incredible camera, but getting up near $2K for the camera and the kit lens and me being a beginner… I feel somewhat inadequate to be spending that kind of money on this device, even though it would satisfy the zoom concern.

The downside to the X-T2 would be slightly less walkability due to the lens size and maybe too advanced for someone coming from a point and shoot.

I would consider the X-T1 as well, but it’s just as complex as the X-T2 and if I was going to go for the best, I might as well go all the way to the X-T2.

What would you guys do in my shoes? Should I start with the X100T and use that for a year before deciding if getting into multiple lenses and investing that money is worth it to me? From the flickr photos I’ve seen of all of these cameras, they take incredible shots and in some cases it would be hard to notice much of a difference across them (to the untrained eye at least!).

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...
 
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