Nikon to Fuji switchers: are you happy?

Hey David,

I just switched from a Nikon system. I use many different cameras (4x5, medium format film, etc) but had been looking for the past few years to move to something smaller but that also had great video quality (I shoot video as well). Obviously things were converging but I didn’t see what I wanted—figured I’d end up buying a Sony A series but they didn’t put out what I was looking for. With the XT3 I had what I wanted and saw that Fuji was moving aggressively forward. All good.

Here are a few observations so far (past six months):

1) Fuji lenses are generally very good. I used almost all Zeiss ZF lenses on my Nikon and maybe they aren’t quite as good but very acceptable.

2) Autofocus isn’t as solid on the Fuji’s as the D800e I had. Certain lenses are slow to focus (Fuji 56 in low light, for example) but most of them seem fine, especially for the kinds of things I shoot (I don’t do birds, weddings, race cars, etc).

3) I love the physical controls. This is a major deal for me, as I can switch settings without squinting at an LCD. A few nits—the controls should all have detente at “A” or “0” and other minor issues, but very happy with the controls.

4) The small “Fujicron” lenses are just amazing. I carried a 23, 35 and 50 on me walking around and you don’t even know you are carrying anything. They are almost as small as Leica rangefinder lenses. Very good quality image.

5) The lenses (and body, for that matter) are far more inexpensive, compared with the D800e and the Zeiss lenses. Sort of like a kid in a candy store. I think I have thirteen Fuji lenses now. It’s out of control.

6) Quality control on the Fuji lenses isn’t at Zeiss levels. Be sure to test your lenses as soon as you get them. Not a major problem but enough of one that formal testing is worthwhile.

7) Video is great.

8) RAW files aren’t quite as nice as the Nikon, not quite the magical raise the black level thing, and of course, less resolution. But plenty acceptable for most applications.

9) Out of camera JPEGS can be amazing. Tempting is some situations just to turn RAW off ad go for it.

Overall very happy. Try one, you can always sell it and go back.

—Darin

Sure am! Had a D850, and a big pile of Nikon top end lenses. Now I've got an XT2, a couple of really nice Fuji primes, and an X100f. Bought a godox flash and off camera transmitter

Fuji B&W jpegs are amazing. No more post processing for me - well, not much, and having a smaller system means I've always got something with me

Giovanni_1968 said:

David Lumsden said:

Nikon to Fuji switchers: are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? In your reply, please mention your Nikon and Fuji gear, and the specific reasons for your feeling.

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Brand alone doesn't say much, a low end Nikon body probably can't compare to a high end Fuji one and other way round, if we talk about full frame Nikon users then there I fit and whilst I like my old Fuji X-Pro1 I still prefer the flexibility of the Full Frame Nikon body for my kind of photography and this has nothing to do with sensor size, MP count or whatever else which is something you can only discover by trying yourself but personally I am not ready to jump mirror less and even less to make such a move as to leave Nikon for another brand just because I am used to it and I decided that I wanna slowly build my lenses onto that brand.

They can both get you the job home regardless of specs

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Amen you pretty much said it all brother.

By the way I just added a Fuji X10 to my collection for family traveling and stuff. I love the camera and is even more compact and fun to use than my XT1 and Nikons, but I ain't letting go of FF either for specific work needs. No way Jose.

I get very different looking yet great looking images with both systems. Different sensors, different glass etc.

I didn't switch. I have both systems. Check my gear. They both have different attributes.

David Lumsden said:

Nikon to Fuji switchers: are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? In your reply, please mention your Nikon and Fuji gear, and the specific reasons for your feeling.

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This depends on skill level, usage for a hobby or pro use and camera used.

I shoot events that include for non profits/corporate and the occasional portrait or headshot. I also shoot a couple annual Fall fashion shows.

I had the Nikon D750 and D850 all with F 1.4 primes, F 2.8 zooms, multiple Nikon SB-910's and other grip camera gear.

I wanted a mirrorless solution and I went for the Fuji XH-1, IBIS is really a nice thing to have.

I was able to figure out my flash needs too.

However, it was worse with switching to Fuji for this type of work. For the hobby and for fun Fuji is fine but it can not keep up or perform.

The other issue is going to a smaller sensor unless you are shooting the Nikon D500 or D7500 kinda thing.

This said I gave Fuji a try for about 4-5 months and had to sell all the Fuji gear and make the Switch to the Sony A73 which was a perfect change from the D850 for me

A pair of D7000s, flashes, 17-55, 80-200, 70-300 VR, 50 and 85, all AFS.

I swapped the Nikon's for a pair of XT-10s. 16-55, 50-140, Zeiss 32 and 56/1.2, plus a small and medium EF.

What I don't miss? Having to worry about AF tuning every time I bought a new lens. And the weight.

What I do miss: Excellent TTL flash performance. And having access to a light, competent 450mm equivalent (the 70-300 VR).

Let me start with the fact that I don't shoot professionally, it's just a hobby/addiction for me. I started with X-t1 along with D610. While fuji was nice little camera, image quality, focusing and the battery life left a lot to be desired, especially in low light. Then I upgraded both to D750 and X-t2. X-t2 was not just an update. It was better in every way, noticeably better. I recall the first day when I was going for a hike and left the nikon system at home. X-t2 paired with 10-24mm+35mm was much lighter than the Nikon system I had. With enough photons, I actually even preferred fuji files over the nikon. Then I decided to sell my dinosaur kit altogether and never regretted. EVF is better than ovf, iq is enough, focusing is on par. And even I miss the low light IQ of that full frame sensors paired with enormous glass once in a while, I never see myself investing again in dslr or full frame mirrorless for that matter.

I shot Nikon for about 10 years and had numerous APS-C bodies with the last two the D500 and D300s. I shoot wildlife with a specialty in birds and also landscape, city and travel. The D500 is a challenging act to follow for wildlife and I had the screaming fast and very sharp Sigma 150-600 as well. Overall I'm getting great results yet I have a few areas that I feel the X-T3 could use improvement:

- The focus stick can not be adjusted while you hold down the shutter release. This is composition limiting. I'm forced to lift my finger off the shutter release to adjust and when doing birds in flight this bounce can feel like an eternity.

- The X-T3 could use longer lens options. The 100-400 is a superb lens and works great with the 1.4x. I'll be trying the 2x yet that's f11 and not that friendly with twilight when wildlife are frequently active and the color is sweet.

- I love how the X-T3 becomes tiny without the battery grip and using it with the 18-133 is the perfect travel and hiking lens though I'd enjoy the range of the Tamron 18-400 more.

- The Nikon flash system is superb. While I can use any flash, I miss the wonderful TTL-BL setting (Balanced fill light)

- Shooting into the sky with the sun in the frame was risky with the dSLRS, it's not an issue with the X-T3.

I took this yesterday so the system can track great with the 100-400 and 1.4x TC.







Morris

My all time favourite was Nikon FE2, size and handling was perfect. Switching to DSLR was never ultimate (weight, back-focus issues, "feel").

X-Pro2 handles very well, even there is a need for extra battery. Only primes.

Well,

I kinda go Nikon -> Fuji -> Nikon

In short, Fuji is on par with FF Nikon (D610 I mean) is you are not pixel pipping. Fuji color is very good for people and Nikon color is very good for nature, personally feel. If you are using an old (Pre 2014) Nikon DSLR, FF or APSC, just get a new Fuji, you will see the huge difference.

So I have a Nikon D610 with 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-120mm f/4, 70-200 f/2.8, 50 f/1.8D, 85 f/1.4AIS basically cover most of the common ranges.

Advantage: Very good IQ, Very good battery life

Disadvantage: These are common DSLR problems:

1. AF not accurate,

2. Camera is heavy, bulky,

3. lens are all just OK (Mirrorless are naturally better cuz the short flange, given the same level of the lens though, like a $200 Fuji lens will not beat $2000 Nikon lens).

4. Also for a 2012 camera D610's proccessor just too old for clean and nice JPEG.

Then switch to Fuji X-H1, Like it instantly, IBIS, top LCD screen, very solid build, get it along with 10-24mm, 35mm f/2 WR, 18-55mm and 50-140mm. All lens are fabulous. except 18-55, it is decent but the IQ is meh, just OK.

Advantage: Lens are very well build, lightweight, and 10-24 is surprisingly sharp and small and lightweight. AF is fast and super sharp. The camera is designed and made so well, that you just have the confidence and sheer pleasure to use it. A wide range of lens to choose that cover almost anything.

Fuji has great color rendation when shooting people.

Disadvantage: Battery life is too short on X-H1, it comes with 3 battery and a grip though. Also sometime the Fuji JPEG looks not good in terms of color, in my own taste though. High ISO performance is just OK, and sometimes I feel Fuji pictures' DR is not very good in certain indoor conditions, the transit between dark and light is a bit harsh. Some time when I look Fuji photos I feel they all sorta underexposed or bleached for some reason. I just feel that Fuji's color depth is not as good as D610, and this difference for me is very visible.

Then saw the Nikon Z6 deal, return my Fuji, get the Z6, love it so far. Still I feel Fuji is best for people skin colors. But Nikon Z6 weighs the same as X-H1, and have better screen EVF, better mid range zoom, more shallow DOF, and better battery life as well.

But still it is more expensive, the lens are more expensive, more heavy, and so far Nikon Z system only have 3 lens........ I don't regret switching back to NIkon but man I miss my Fuji X-H1..

My detailed thoughts are here.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4372348

Additionally, the only reason to go Nikon FF is for very serious landscape, other wise you get more with Fuji system tbh.

jhorse said:

57even said:

A local cafe ... and I get free coffee and croissant every morning for breakfast.

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That's the best reason for a Fuji I have heard to date! I need to explore that one.

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You'll need an Xpro2 first, though I guess an X100 or Xpro1 would do as well ;-)

I've been very happy with my switch. I was a Nikon user for 10 years before making the switch. Mainly for portability, lens selection, and OOC jpgs to reduce workflow. It's my third year, portability is out the window with the 50-140 but I still really enjoy using it with just only the prime in my daily life.

57even said:

David Lumsden said:

Nikon to Fuji switchers: are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? In your reply, please mention your Nikon and Fuji gear, and the specific reasons for your feeling.

Click to expand...

Could not be happier. No longer need to haul 3kg of gear around in a stupid backpack looking like the paparazzi.

I actually get people coming up and asking if my Xpro2 is a film camera, and stopping for a chat. A local cafe owner asked for some images for his cafe because he was interested in the camera and we got chatting. He gets 20% commission and I get free coffee and croissant every morning for breakfast.

Everything I carry now fits in a regular canvas satchel (£40 at the local shop plus £20 for some home-made inserts) along with phone, tablet, and other walking around stuff, and now I don't have a flapping mirror I can use a lightweight travel tripod for long exposures.

In fact, I would say the Xpro2 is the nicest camera I ever owned, not just because it looks quirky, but because it doesn't separate me from people, it's pleasant to use, easy to carry, and produces prints that are just as good as the D800 and much better than my old Pentax 645.

Sure, there are better cameras on paper, but who cares? I honestly don't see any difference from the prints I made with the D800, but I'm much more likely to take better images because the camera is nearly always with me.

In fact, we are long past the point where the technology makes much difference to image quality, unless you expect to shoot everything on auto. It's all down to experience and good workflow practices, so you might as well enjoy the process.

My one disclaimer is that I don't shoot fast action, or distant critters. Strictly landscapes, street and travel, and some low-light work at music gigs.

I didn't sell my D800 right away. It was only when it had been sitting on a shelf for a year that I realised I never looked forward to using it. It was a tool, but never any fun, so I sold a D800 and 9 lenses and never regretted it for a second. Someone else is enjoying it now.

Oh, and I haven't suffered a bout of GAS in 4 years.

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This comment:

“Sure, there are better cameras on paper, but who cares? I honestly don't see any difference from the prints I made with the D800, but I'm much more likely to take better images because the camera is nearly always with me.”

Well said. If the camera gets you passionate about shooting and is compact enough to carry around all the time then you will become a better photographer. I would sooner be a better photographer with an XT1 hanging from my neck strap than a lesser photographer with a 45mega pixel behemouth to use.

As Ted Forbes once said in his Art of Photography channel on Youtube, every significant photograph ever taken in history was shot on a camera that wasn’t as good as the one You have right now!

Makes me wanna go out and shoot.

Yes, I am happy. I abandoned Nikon in of the spring 2014.

• Earlier I owned a D200 and D300.
• I was using two D700 bodies; the 16-35/4 the 17-35/2.8 zoom and five prime lens.
• I replaced these with two X-T1 bodies, the 12-24/4,14/2.8 and five other Fujinon primes.

I have absolutely no regrets.

• The reduction and size and weight is significant. For my work this was a significant advantage.
• Back then, the X-T1 technical IQ was a bit better than the then six year old D700s'.
• Every single Fujinon lens I owned out performed it's Nikon counter part.
• For commercial gigs (interiors photography and events) I saved a lot of time in post-production because the FUJIFILM raw files required less work. This was due to a combination of the dynamic range (signal-to-noise ratio) and lens renderings.
• I have owned six FUJIFILM bodies (X100, X100T, X-Pro1, X-Pro 2 and the two X-T1s). All of then were as reliable and robust as the Nikons.
• For personal projects I enjoy using the X100, X-Pro hybrid finders much more than a DSLR.
• The FUJIFILM firmware updates add value beyond eliminating operational issues.

To be complete, if I had been a sports or action photographer I would have needed Nikon's AF-C performance.

David Lumsden said:

Nikon to Fuji switchers: are you happy with your decision? Any regrets? In your reply, please mention your Nikon and Fuji gear, and the specific reasons for your feeling.

Click to expand...

went from a d700 and f2.8 zooms from 20 to 200 mm plus several primes. The weight reduction is amazing and I made the switch to anX-e2 so I had to work a little harder for focus. I still loved it. Now I am using an X-t30 and i am awed

Reading comments from happy switchers I don't read much about different dynamic range and objective (not subjective!) lens drawbacks.

I shoot lot of my photography on a boat in harsh direct sunlight and I gotta say that a camera with higher DR does better, FOR MY NEEDS, than my Fuji X-Pro1.

Lenses wise, again, FOR MY NEEDS, the out of focus rendering of my (old) 50mm is (to me) more pleasant than the one off the 35/1.4 and, generally, I like it better along other focal ranges not to mention that, price wise, Fujinons are quite expensive to match the same focal length and max aperture of a FF one but, again, the rendering is a subjective quality and as such I understand those who like the Fujinon one vs other brand's one.

Portability wise there is no competition, be it Fuji or other ML brands size wise, until you go onto the long end lenses the advantage is there but once dealing with tele lenses saving 100-200g to a better balance (and an OVF which seems to still be doing well with action photographers) narrows the ML vs DSLR advantage (regardless of the brand).

I think that at the actual tech level there still is room for both systems, I love my X-Pro1 with the little 35/1.4 and I took some great shots I would have not taken with a full size SLR for many a reasons but I can tell the same also other way round, at the end of the day they both have a spot into my bag, when I can, like yesterday, I take both, the Fuji with the little 18-55 as a do-it-all and the SLR with an 85 (which is way cheaper then the XF56!) for some headshots.

Price wise there is very tough competition now, Sony, Canon and Nikon with FF ML cameras are becoming really tempting not to mention third part lenses which give cheaper option than brand ones, Fuji sure deserves the medal to have started such trend and be it for Fuji, Canon or Nikon shooters we all have to be grateful for shaking the market!