Canon M200 vs. Fujifilm X-A7

Ben Herrmann wrote:

My apologies for being so late in answering this. In fact, I ran across it by accident. You see, I have two hobbies - one is higher end audio and of course, then there's photography. Over the past one to 1.5 years, I've not visited DPReview much because I've been focused on blogging about audio gear.

OK - so this belated response will now address your questions:

1. Let's get one thing out of the way right away and that is "Dynamic Range." If you're interested in having lots of DR (more important for RAW shooters), then by all means, forget the Canon M system. Definitely go with Fuji. I tend to shoot RAW all the time because as you know, shooting in JPG - which is a lossy mode - affords you little to no DR adjustment capabilities with either brand. But when you want to coax the max image quality and DR out of your images, the Fuji wins hands down in my book.

2. Now as for overall IQ and attractiveness in the realm of color tonality, both camera systems will do the trick. I have never been disappointed with the EOS M system, other than the fact that Canon has dropped the line. This is the second time something like this has occurred to me - the first being Samsung dropping their camera division. The Canon EOS M colors are superb, and the older models - mainly the original M, followed by the M2, had that traditional (warm) Canon color tonality which is very appealing. I still maintain the M, M2, and M6.

3. Size-wise, the Fuji cameras will obviously be a tad larger in the hand than various Canon EOS M cameras. Fuji offers 2 lines of cameras that focus on how images are rendered. They being:

a. X-Trans sensor: This is unique to Fuji and with each successive brand release, that x-trans sensor has been improved. The models you typically find with this sensor are the more expensive versions like the X-TX, X-TXX, X-EX, etc.

b. Traditional Bayer sensor: Fuji also has a lower tier of camera model line known as the X-AX or X-TXXX. This is for folks who prefer the results from a bayer sensor.

I've been enamored with both lines for a long time. In fact, right now, the Fuji is my main camera system. Over the past year, I've sold most all of my cameras including the complete Micro Four Thirds system cameras, some of my EOS M cameras, all my Samsung cameras, and a few Nikon cameras. All I have left now are my Fuji X system cameras (which I prefer), along with the Canon EOS M, M2, and M6.

4. Let's talk buttons - both cameras will give you enough of those and the more you spend, the more buttons and options there are to be sure.

5. LCD's - the newer Fuji models have the full articulating LCD screens, whereas the older models have the standard flip up and down type.

5. Personal preferences: Let's face it, opinions are just that - opinions - but most are based on personal experiences with the gear at hand. IMO, the more you spend time with Fuji (every new system requires a tactile and mental adjustment), the more you'll come to appreciate that system. There are quite a few dual system (or more) users on the Fuji forums. Having said all this (yes, I tend to be verbose at times), invest in a Fuji X-A7 (or even an X-A5 if you can find one still new or in superb used condition. I love the X-A5. The IQ from the X-A5 and X-A7 are identical.

Ben

Hi Ben.

It is perfectly understandable that a member wouldn’t log in for a period of time for whatever reason.

Thank you for your extended comparison. I have noticed that, for instance, at high iso, a comparable Fuji model would outperform a Canon one. Noticeably less noise. I particularly like the colours of the older 16mpx sensors.
But my question specifically regarded the build quality of the cameras. If you take your m6 and X-A5 in hand, would you say that one feels more “plasticky” than the other? All those things that make a camera feel more substantial in use. The feel of the button and shutter presses, the screen and flash mechanisms, etc.
Thank you again.

Edit: the maximum brightness on both screens as well and visibility in sunlight. 
 Much appreciated.