Thoughts from a FORMER Fuji Shooter

Hi all,

Well - I now longer run with the Fuji label (after many years here) - but I did want to "come back" and say a few words about my change and the things I miss - and don't.

FWIW, I had the xe1, xe2, tx1 and tx2.

Lenses: All but 18, 50-140 and 16-55.

Skill set: Experienced beginner... more to spend that know-how... but getting better at all things camera...

Recently, I went pretty much whole hog to bird photography - and while I CERTAINLY COULD do birding/BIF with the xt2 and the 100-400... when I compared it with the D500 (which I had looked at and initially turned down opting for the xt2) I came to see the D500 was the better camera for me for such a narrow shooting focus. The D500's AF/Tracaking/Aqui and re-Aqui is much faster, with XQD the unlimited and fast buffer is great, and while I liked the hands on experience of Fuji's layout - I am finding the customized more button-centric layout of the Nikon more to my liking and needs.

That being said... here's what I sure miss about my Fuji gear:

1. The feel. The D500's weight is not the thing - but it's just bigger in the hand. If I had bigger hands no problem - but the x-t2 just felt better in hand. Not saying better build quality just saying it felt better. I miss that.

2. The feel of the lenses. Fuji makes great glass no doubt... but there's plenty of nice Nikon glass (esp Long glass if you can afford it). But I must say, even though some of the QA needs to improve for Fuji's glass - (too much variance of quality for some lenses) when they are on, Fuji's lenses feel so nice in the hand and they perform wonderfully.

3. MY EVF! - Yes, no (or at least less) black out on D500 - but the BIG EVF and the review of images on the EVF... I miss it so much! Love all the info one can place on the EVF too. Low light viewing... see what you'll get goodness... all nice to have... For the first few weeks I kept looking into the D500 finder when reviewing shots! I can't say I'd trade no blackouts for EVF pros...but... I might... love (and miss) the EVF!!!

4. Weight. Like I said - it's not a huge different to me (I didn't go FF) - but still, generally speaking Fuji was a lighter kit (at least the kit that I carry).

5. JPEGs... much better from Fuji I feel. Nikon's are fine and very nice... but there is some magic in Fuji's I feel.

6. xt2 option to charge up your battery with portable battery power... nice option to have.

DON'T MISS:

1. Batteries... no they're not heavy... but to carry 4 or so extra was a pain. Nikon... carry 2 and have only had to go to the second on one very long shooting day.

SURPRISED TO LEARN:

1. I expected my only options for long(ish) glass with DSLRs would be big and heavy (heavier than 100-400) - but- I picked up Nikon's 300 f4 PF and 1.4 tele and it's actually smaller and lighter (well, think it's lighter... if not (haven't looked) it FEELS lighter) and takes great shots. Yes, combined the set is $2500 but it is so portable and does a nice job for my needs.

IN RETRO

Like I said, the XT2 certainly can do nice bird work... and MAYBE if I were a better photographer I could do ALL my birding work as easily with Fuji as with Nikon... but I'm only as good (or poor) as I am... and I am finding the D500 "covers" for my lack a bit better. So, I'm happy with the change - but - have (and will always have) great feelings toward the Fuji crowd. Lots of good stuff happening over here for sure.

For those visiting the Fuji forum thinking of a move to Fuji - I can say no need to question the quality of the product... exp the xt2 and newer glass... it's a sweet system that just might meet your needs perfectly... esp that EVF.

Happy shooting all...