Thoughts on switching from Sony to Fuji..

jay_burgess · Sep 30, 2019

Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Fuji 35mm f1.4

Fuji 10-24mm f4

Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

Cheers

JayPhizzt · Sep 30, 2019

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Fuji 35mm f1.4

Fuji 10-24mm f4

Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

Cheers

1. Fully depends on you and what you shoot.

2. The lenses are one of the main reasons to shoot with Fuji, they basically don't have a bad lens in their line-up and several of their lenses are absolutely fantastic.

I have a Fujinon 16/1.4 and it's an absolutely amazing lens. Very sharp and incredibly high contrast.

I don't have any personal experience with either the 35/1.4 or the 10-24/4, but from what I've seen and read about them they both seem like great lenses.

And I would say that the X-T3 is an upgrade over the A6500, especially in terms of ergonomics and handling.

tokumeino · Sep 30, 2019

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

Coming from M43 where IBIS is a thing, that was actually my biggest uncertainty when switching to Fuji. You could try disabling IBIS on your Sony during a couple of months, and focus on handling your camera properly (there are even tutorials on youtube ;-) ). By doing so, you could make your own idea provided your own style.

My very own findings for my very own needs is that IBIS is handy for still but not as much as expected. However, for light video without a gimball, IBIS really rocks.

jay_burgess said:
2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

I used to own an APSC NEX and AFAIK, the Sony APSC lenses offering didn't increase dramatically since then. I would say that Fuji is a lens paradise when compared to Sony ;-)

jay_burgess said:
The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Fuji 35mm f1.4

There are many f/14 vs f/2.0 threads in this forum, and the same is told and repeted all the time. Try a search and figure out what's better for you. In each case, pros and cons.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 10-24mm f4

Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

Just have a look at the APSC lens development last years by Sony and Fuji, and figure out which manufacturer takes APSC seriously ? I have an XT30 and wouldn't trade it for a A6500. So a XT3...

Ben Herrmann · Sep 30, 2019

...there are so many ways to go answering all of these questions, so here goes my take on it all:

1. First of it all, there's more to just switchin' camera brands on a whim. Just pondering the thought about perhaps switching to another brand (just for the purpose of switching), doesn't hold much weight in my book. Why? There has to be something about that other brand that will make you begin the transition process, such as:

Camera appearances (regardless of what some folks may say, how cameras look are not only subjective, but it plays as a major role in any choices). In each instance where I elected to "add another brand (I don't just switch out)," it first was how the cameras looked to me - the ergonomics and everything associated with that.
Performance issues - reading up on the various technical aspects of the cameras.
Color tonality - this is another big consideration. Every camera today is capable of netting you superb IQ levels (and colors), yet if you were to compare images side by side, taken by different cameras of the same scenes, you will see some very distinct color differences (yet all look great when viewed individually). For example, I was drawn to the color tonality of the likes of Fuji, Olympus, and Canon because of their warm skin tones. In the end, what we'd like to see in color tonality becomes a very subjective scenario.

2. As far as lenses are concerned, Fuji has the widest (largest) selection of APS-C lenses available for a given APS-C camera system - and all of them range from quite good to superb. Even the kit lenses can have you smiling from ear to ear.

3. There are other considerations also - such as the Fuji Kaizen (I think that's how you spell that) philosophy, in which they offer continuous FW updates, and in some cases, still release FW updates for cameras that have been out of circulation for 3-5 years - now go figure.

4. If you are primarily a "stills" shooter, then any of the camera models prior to the X-T3 will do the trick. If you definitely want video, then I'd go with the X-T3, X-T30, and the previous X-H1 (although that has the largest DSLR-like signature among the Fuji line of cameras). Not having a Sony camera to make comparisons, I'd still venture to say that the X-T3 will put a smile on your face. But hey, what do I know 'cause I'm just a camera slut. ;-)

Doug MacMillan · Sep 30, 2019

Jay,

If at all possible, I suggest you rent the X-T3 and a few of the lenses you mentioned. Try to spend a long weekend shooting with it and your Sony side by side.

Also, calculate your lens map prices for both systems.

I rented the X-T2, X-Pro2, X-E2, 18-55, 16 1.4 and 23mm f2 for a week. I also bought a cheap Leica M to Fuji adapter and tested shooting manual with my Summicrons. I immediately pre-ordered the X-E3. Later I picked up the X-E2 body for a great price.

I just took advantage of the X-H1 sale. The price was just too good to pass up, though I though long and hard about giving up the newer technology of the X-T3. I felt that for me, IBIS was worth it. I've been testing the H1 and just took a photo with the fantastic 16mm f1.4 at 1/15 sec. It is tack sharp! With your lens list, you might want to think about IBIS, especially if you shoot in less than optimum conditions. Just remember IBIS or OIS does nothing for subject movement.

Steve Bingham · Sep 30, 2019

I have the X-H1 because of the fantastic IBIS.

It works - really, really well. Pick a lens, any lens - love it. Had the X-T2 before. Loved it but no IBIS. Before that I had 3 Sony cameras. The clumsy menu system drove me crazy!

markusw · Sep 30, 2019

I went from Sony to Fuji as well, because of the Fuji colors and its much more consistent lenses.

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

You may get some OIS lenses, like the 10-24 you have mentioned. IBIS won‘t help for moving subjects, but adds of course a better low-light capability. It‘s a matter of your sceneries...

jay_burgess said:
2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Brilliant decision.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 35mm f1.4

Brilliant decision as well.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 10-24mm f4

Another brilliant decision

As an alternative and to avoid the overlap with the primes, you may consider the Zeiss Touit 12mm. The Touit rendering is not as „bold“ as with the Batis/Loxia line.

You can‘t go wrong with most Fuji lenses. BTW, the 56mm f1.2 would be a good addition to your setup.

jay_burgess said:
Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

For sure. As mentioned, the lens lineup is much more consistent as with Sony. For instance, comparing the Sony/Zeiss 35mm f2.8 with the Sony 28mm, you will recognize a different color rendering. Which is nice for the Zeiss, but requires different post processing and is a nightmare for video. With Fuji (at least the primes), the rendering looks much more equal.

jay_burgess said:
Cheers

markusw · Sep 30, 2019

+1 for X-H1.

Doug MacMillan · Sep 30, 2019

Even though the sale is over, $1299 is still a great price for a gripped X-H1.

Apa Macam · Sep 30, 2019

I'm a convert from Sony (a6000) to Fuji (XT20). Let me give you some of my thoughts after the switch as regards to your concerns..

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

With your lens choices (Wide to standard Focal length) , I think the lack of IBIS is not much of an issue. Stabilization is much more significant for telephoto focal length such as the 56mm or above. With good handheld techniques, I believe you can manage.

jay_burgess said:
2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

Fuji lens line up should be the best for any apsc camera system. However, the 3rd party supports (autofocus lenses) can be lesser than Sony (especially Sigma) but the good news is, Viltrox will be releasing new lenses (23, 33, 56) on top of the very good 85mm f1,8 for fuji X mount.

jay_burgess said:
The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

It is a very good option, but be mindful that it cost more than the sigma counterpart.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 35mm f1.4

'Magic lens' according to some forumers, I own it myself. Sometimes, it does display the 'wow' factor that I never saw in the Sigma 30 F1.4 (that I used to own before the switch). Again, it cost more than the sigma counterpart.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 10-24mm f4

Again, higher priced than Sony E 10-18 and larger.

jay_burgess said:
Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

Cheers

It really depends what you're after. What are the things that XT3 giving you that's missing in a6500? Image quality wise, yes, Xt3 offers 2 more megapixel, but would you able to notice the difference ? There are of course other reasons that may be important for you that warrant the switch, such as better video specs (4K60P)as you've already mentioned, the analog dials and the highly praised Fuji jpeg colors and of course, the most extensive lens coverage for any APSC system out there. OTOH, a6500 does offer IBIS. And in general, it is believed by many that Sony has better AF than fuji, which is inline with my own experience shooting XT20 compared to Sony a6000. Despite being older, I have more keeper rate with the Sony.

I've switched because I knew exactly what I want that Fuji system offers yet lacking in the Sony : Film simulation. I assume to many this may sound very trivial as colors can be tweeted in post in the likes of LR or C1P. But for me, I don't want to post process every single photos I'll be taking.

But the irony is, the fuji jpegs are so good SOOC, it makes editing so much more fun because it is easy to get good results, so after the switched, I ended up editing more than I was with Sony. Because, when I was editing Sony files, it was more like trying to correct every wrong color settings the camera made, which totally killed the fun of post processing.

dc_tonk · Sep 30, 2019

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

For wider lenses, not really, but it does come down to personal preferences. The 1.4 lenses you mentioned will help offset when low light would push you towards IBIS/OIS shutter speeds.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

Sticking with a Fuji glass won’t be a problem - they’re that good. There are third party options, but even the Zeiss offerings rank as “on par” or “different flavor”. There are some gaps in the lineup (eg UWA prime, überlong zoom), but in the majority of cases, the native lens is the preferred lens.

jay_burgess said:
The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Argued to be one of, if not the best Fuji lenses. Own it and love it. A bit wide for street (IMO), but stonkingly good for landscapes and near macro close up stuff.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 35mm f1.4

One of the magic/mojo brothers along with the 23mm f/1.4. AF is generally fast enough for a 2 year old with an X-T3 down to questionable light; definitely so in good light. Would love to see a MK2 version, but it would have to have the exact same rendering for me to consider replacing it. The f/2 is also good, but renders differently. Between the two, my f/2 collects dust except for when I need weather sealing.

jay_burgess said:
Fuji 10-24mm f4

Don’t own this one, but it is short listed. Have a buddy with one, and he digs it quite a bit for stills. I’m more interested in how it performs for video.

jay_burgess said:
Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

IMO APS-C hits a sweet spot that other manufacturers tend to ignore, and Fuji doesn’t treat it as a stepping stone into a FF system. The transition here is more personal though.

If it helps, a car analogy: the difference is akin to moving from a Mitsubishi Evo to a Subaru WRX. The former has all of the modern widgets and aids needed to make it a incredibly high performance machine, the latter is a an elegant brute that creates poetry in the hands of a skilled driver. Both are excellent, but one is more about the machine, the other is more about the human.

Rent one and you’ll know pretty quickly if it is for you. Personally, I wouldn’t trade the dials for marginal pixel peeping upgrades and larger files of FF without an associated paycheck, and to be fair, if I’m needing 61MP, it won’t be on a FF sensor. YMMV, etc etc.

It’s also worth noting that the X-T3 is at least good enough for the cover of Elle magazine, though I’m sure the A6500 could also lay the same claim with the right glass / hands.

jay_burgess said:
Cheers

Same to you, good luck! You’ve got good kit already, hopefully you find the experience you’re looking for.

Maxx787 · Sep 30, 2019

Having switched from Sony to Fuji it all depends what you consider important. For me it's colour quality which differs a lot comparing Sony with Fuji. Fuji has gone the Leica route with less sharpening and more classical tones. Selecting the right lens which covers your needs should be high on your list. For me Sony camera design lacks the experience of the genuine article. Many people critical of Sony menu system. Fuji lenses are not that compact as with their 90mm which for me is too big. So use 50mm f2 on XT-3. 16mm f1,4 on XT-2.

jay_burgess · Sep 30, 2019

Ben Herrmann said:
1. First of it all, there's more to just switchin' camera brands on a whim. Just pondering the thought about perhaps switching to another brand (just for the purpose of switching), doesn't hold much weight in my book. Why? There has to be something about that other brand that will make you begin the transition process, such as:

Not really considering the switch on a whim just for the purpose of switching. Sony's lack of commitment to APS-C E mount lenses has bothered me and the latest a6xxx didn't wow me at all. I love the look of the XT3 and ergonomics look like a big improvement, plus it has 4k60fps with 10 bit internal, dual SD card slots and after doing some research what appears to be a superior lens system.

I don't see myself upgrading to FF any time in the future so want to consider an APS-C lens system that I can see myself with long term before I get heavily invested in Sony E.

I guess the glass is more important than body as I can always upgrade easily enough to a body with IBIS later on if Fuji release an X-H2.

markusw · Oct 1, 2019

jay_burgess said:
jay_burgess said:

1. First of it all, there's more to just switchin' camera brands on a whim. Just pondering the thought about perhaps switching to another brand (just for the purpose of switching), doesn't hold much weight in my book. Why? There has to be something about that other brand that will make you begin the transition process, such as:

Click to expand...

Not really considering the switch on a whim just for the purpose of switching. Sony's lack of commitment to APS-C E mount lenses has bothered me and the latest a6xxx didn't wow me at all. I love the look of the XT3 and ergonomics look like a big improvement, plus it has 4k60fps with 10 bit internal, dual SD card slots and after doing some research what appears to be a superior lens system.

I don't see myself upgrading to FF any time in the future so want to consider an APS-C lens system that I can see myself with long term before I get heavily invested in Sony E.

I guess the glass is more important than body as I can always upgrade easily enough to a body with IBIS later on if Fuji release an X-H2.

Sounds reasonable. But why don't you get a X-H1?

PoetDoc · Oct 1, 2019

I switched from Sony A6300 to the XT 2 a couple of years ago. The glass is the difference. The Sony apsc lenses that I had were not nearly as good as Fuji. If you are willing to buy into Sony’s full frame glass for an apsc body that would work. I had the Sony 70-300 and I loved that lens but the apsc glass was sub par. I hated the Sony menus. Ergonomics better on Fuji. Menus better on Fuji. Any new system will have a learning curve, be ready for that too.

Jostian · Oct 1, 2019

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future? Once I have invested in this lens system I would like to stick with fuji.

The lenses I would plan on attaining would be.

Fuji 16mm f1.4

Fuji 35mm f1.4

Fuji 10-24mm f4

Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500? But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

Cheers

I recently got a X-H1 and the 16 55 f2.8, still have my 5DIV and until recently was a Nikon guy with the D810 and D500, and imho the Fuji glass is exceptional noticeably better than anything I had on my Nikon's, tack sharp but in a way I've never seen. So I'm loving my Fuji stuff and my 5DIV is seeing less action, I think the Fuji lens system is well worth the investment based on the results I'm seeing.

Cagey75 · Oct 1, 2019

IMHO the Fuji X-H1 remais the best APSC body out there, if you really want IBIS and fancy a Fuji then get one. Coupled with the 16 1.4 it's an exquisite combination. This is what I used most of the time, with a 50F2 for portraits or when I just want more reach. I wouldn't even look at Sony APSC, the lens line up is miserable, the bodies are ergonomically terrible and I see no advantage to them in terms of end IQ. Their FF cameras are amazing, but APSC seems an after thought to them, where it's Fuji's main focus.

biza43 · Oct 1, 2019

jay_burgess said:
Hi guys,

Currently own an a6500 and was a little underwhelmed with the a6600 announcement. I'm not heavily invested in Sony E Mount lenses so a switch now would be relatively pain free and I've been really impressed with the XT3 as a flagship apsc that is a little more future proof (4k60fps). I really like the look of the form factor (slr style) and the retro look with dials for ISO, shutter speed and aperture ring.

Main concerns are;

1. No IBIS? Would this be an issue?

Personal decision.

jay_burgess said:
2. Fuji lens line up - how is it compared to Sony E

APSC realm - Fuji X is more complete.

jay_burgess said:
and will there be more 3rd party lenses in the future?

No one knows really. Personally, I don't think so, at least from the likes of Zeiss, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina. Not enough dough to be made.

jay_burgess said:
Do you see the XT3 as a worthy upgrade from the a6500?

Personal decision. What in the A6500 is holding you back?

jay_burgess said:
But bodies aside, is this a lens system worth investing in for the future?

I don't see photography as an investment, as I don't make my living with it.

jay_burgess said:
Cheers

toxotis700 · Oct 1, 2019

Do you want to shoot video too?

if yes, then you have to go for xh1.

i had xt3 and I could not shoot with primes like 35 1.4 , 50 f2 and viltrox 85 1.8...handheld.

tcgoetz · Oct 1, 2019

I just made this change:

a6500, 10-18mm f4, 16-70mmF4

to

X-T3, 10-24mmF4, 18-55mmF2.8-4, 55-200mmF3.8-4.2 and might get 16-80mmF4

I have no regrets. I shoot nature stills, almost no video.

Here's my thoughts on the switch: https://blog.tom-goetz.org/2019/10/changing-from-sony-a6500-to-fuji-x-t3.html

Thoughts on switching from Sony to Fuji..

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