Nikon SLR user, also considering X-T1. Advice?

[solamnus]

So i use Nikon and have been an old Canon user but have been very satisfied with the Nikon F100 and now the D700 since a few years back. I shoot mostly outside but also sometimes in studio then using my speedlights and also bringing those to locations from time to time.

As backup or maybe just a compliment i have always had a compact enthusiast compact with me to my travels and using that or let my wife use that while i carry all that Nikon gear around.

I now own the Fuji X20 and before that my LX5 Panasonic. Nowadays i notice i rarely use my X20 even though its a very nice little camera. I find myself not completely satisfied with it and mainly cause of the image quality and that its something in between of a camera than either or. Its either too big to pocket and bring with me or i find i think the quality isnt good enough as a backup for my SLR( which i know it isnt).

So after all those thoughts i am now considering either get a slightly bigger camera as real backup and that i know the image quality will be great. OR get something really small as a fun play camera that i know i can bring in my pocket but im then aware that it doesnt keep up with my SLR at all.

I really like the design and feel of the Fuji system. And from what i have read the X-T1 might be the answer i am looking for.

What are your experience with the camera thus far and what would you recommend?

/Martin.

 

[woodsfortysix]

I have used Nikon DSLRs (started with a D100 and now have evolved to a D7100 and a D4s) for a number of years for sports and photojournalism, and have been looking for a smaller camera system for travel / family photos.

Had the XE-1, XE-2, and now the XT-1 (which is not only the best camera for a variety of reasons, it is also the most comfortable in my hands). It is not a complete replacement for the Nikons, especially for fast moving objects, but for much of my photography, it is excellent. While still a little limited in lens selection compared to Nikon, the Fujifilm optics are outstanding - in fact, I did a somewhat simple comparison of my Nikon 70-200 VRII f2.8 lens to the Fujifilm 55-200, and when stopped down to f7.1, I can see no difference.

I think there are several very good mirror-less system available now...I also had earlier versions from Sony and Panasonic, and while the cameras are all somewhat similar, the Fujifilm lenses are noticeably better in my opinion.

Good luck...

 

[photoreddi]

I have used Nikon DSLRs (started with a D100 and now have evolved to a D7100 and a D4s) for a number of years for sports and photojournalism, and have been looking for a smaller camera system for travel / family photos.

Had the XE-1, XE-2, and now the XT-1 (which is not only the best camera for a variety of reasons, it is also the most comfortable in my hands). It is not a complete replacement for the Nikons, especially for fast moving objects, but for much of my photography, it is excellent. While still a little limited in lens selection compared to Nikon, the Fujifilm optics are outstanding - in fact, I did a somewhat simple comparison of my Nikon 70-200 VRII f2.8 lens to the Fujifilm 55-200, and when stopped down to f7.1, I can see no difference.

I really like Fuji's 55-200mm but it's also true that if I shoot my 70-200mm VRII Nikkor and the 70-300mm VR Nikkor at the same focal lengths at f/7.1, there's also little to no difference. The 70-200mm lens's attraction is that even if it's used at its widest apertures, it still provides excellent resolution. It's been a while since I used the 70-300mm VR but I think that it focuses a little quicker than the 55-200mm, but both are slow compared to the 70-200mm Nikkor.

.

I think there are several very good mirror-less system available now...I also had earlier versions from Sony and Panasonic, and while the cameras are all somewhat similar, the Fujifilm lenses are noticeably better in my opinion.

Fuji's stabilization is also excellent although I have to admit that I've only looked closely at the 55-200mm's IS. Another point for the OP is that if performance is a big factor, then the X-T1 would be a good choice. But if image quality is the main reason for upgrading from the X20 to a Fuji X-camera used as a backup, then they're all good choices, X-E1, X-E2, X-M1, X-A1 and the others.

For better AF performance I guess that the X-T1, the X-E2 and maybe one of the soon to be introduced new Fuji cameras would be the way to go.

 

[slimandy]

I am a long-time Nikon user and now primarily use a Fuji XT-1. I still have my Nikon F3 for old-times sake and because I love it (though no longer use it). I had an F100 too, and D100, D200 and D700. I have kept the D700 and a few lenses and I have converted the D200 to IR.

I use the Fuji 95% of the time now. I like the size and quality of the body and lenses. I like the layout and dials. It's the nearest thing I have had in the digital world to the aforementioned Nikon F3.

I could sell the Nikon D700 and lenses and not really miss them but there are a few gaps in the Fuji line-up that stop me from doing that, particularly macro lenses and the 70~200 f2.8 VR. Another area where Fuji lags behind Nikon is the flash system - and you mentioned in-studio strobes.

If you want to use the XT-1 as a compliment to your Nikon D700 I'd say go for it. You might be suprised just how often you use it in preference to the Nikon. It can't quite replace it though, at least not yet. Many people won't feel Fuji lacks anything they need but given your requirements I think you would.

 

[Daniel Lauring]

IMHO, the Fuji XT1 and APSC lenses are going to be a little big for backing up your Nikon system. If you are considering that route you might as well buy a small Nikon DX body and marry it some lighter DX lenses.

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Other cameras to consider.

Fixed lens. Fuji X100S, Nikon Coolpix A, Ricoh GR, Sony RX1

Zoom. Sony RX100,1,2 or 3. Panasonic LX8. Sony RX10 (big but married to equivalent lens still smaller.)

ILC. Olympus EM10. Panasonic GX7.

 

[solamnus]

Some really nice responses and just the kind i was hoping for hehe. I have thought lot about it and read alot of the camera, but i wanted some stories and tips from people that have actually used the camera and maybe that had the same line of thinking as myself before changing or buying it as a backup

So great to hear that you have basicly gone the same rout as me before deciding on buying it.

And i agree with you that i will probably lack in some areas if i would solely rely on the Fuji and sell the Nikon. I still also like my D700 alot, and love the lenses that i have now. So i wont part with it. But i think as a backup it will work quite nicely

Cheers!

/Martin.

 

[solamnus]

Some good input there, it sounds like i would be very satisfied with the Fuji!

/Martin.

 

[solamnus]

wow, i did not know the lenses were that good to be honest. I saw that they were quite pricy, so it feels good to know they have some great quality as well!

How is the 18-55?

/Martin.

 

[El Chubasco]

Have you seen this thread? http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3721786

 

[solamnus]

Interesting read, thank you

/Martin.

 

[wy2lam]

While still a little limited in lens selection compared to Nikon, the Fujifilm optics are outstanding - in fact, I did a somewhat simple comparison of my Nikon 70-200 VRII f2.8 lens to the Fujifilm 55-200, and when stopped down to f7.1, I can see no difference.

Honest question - I use and love the Fuji system - i believe almost all non-mediocre lenses give good images when stopped down to f/7.1 - so seeing "no difference" there doesn't sound like a testament of quality.

Does the lens work at f/4 near 80mm? Put both at 80mm f/4 on APS bodies, if the outputs are still comparable, it's a great lens.

 

[nearly-an-old-codger]

You will see from my gear list that I have several systems including Nikon D800e and great f1.4 G lenses and really good zooms along with a good selection of flashes. Also I have a Fuji X-E2 (started with an X-E1) and more than a few primes and the 55-200 zoom.

I still have a few uses for my Nikon gear including landscape for printing large, birds in flight, portrait (in studio with Nikon CLS(prefer this mode of working)) and copy work for artists original work (including high quality printing).

For everything else (and that is a lot of everything) I now use my Fuji X-E2 system. (I held off the X-T1 as I am expecting a 24mpx sensor Fuji in the future which will probably also enable me to leave the D800e at home for large landscape printing).

So my advice, unless specialized requirements, go Fuji.

Brian

 

[solamnus]

Good advice Yes i also use the CLS system which i will also continue with, and usually works fine

What lenses would i want for starters. I Was thinking about the 18-55 and maybe the 56 one i i can afford or something else around portrait lens size. Not totally sure yet though!

/Martin.

 

[nearly-an-old-codger]

Good advice Yes i also use the CLS system which i will also continue with, and usually works fine

What lenses would i want for starters. I Was thinking about the 18-55 and maybe the 56 one i i can afford or something else around portrait lens size. Not totally sure yet though!

/Martin.

Hi Martin

I started with the X-E1 with kit zoom (18-55 f2.8/4) and quickly added the 14mm 2.8 and the 55-200 zoom.

When the X-E2 came out I traded the X-E1 and 18-55 and ended up with the 18 23 35 primes. (I like primes a lot) No regrets however the 18-55 is a good lens. The Fuji primes are all excellent although some people do not rate the 18mm f2.

My Fuji Bag is the X-E2 (I would have got the X-T1 if available at the time), 14 18 23 35 primes and 55-200 zoom. Plus EF42 flash and Canon fit extension cord which is TTL compatible.

At some point I may add the yet to be launched f2.8 zooms plus the 56 f1.2 (great portrait/general lens judging by the results people here are getting) and a new higher mpx body when available. I'm hoping Fuji will make more improvements in Auto Focus and Flash which will finally enable me to leave the heavy realm of DSLR.

To partly answer you question, for lenses there are really no bad choices in quality. Just the usual zoom/prime/size/price trade offs.

Brian