DSLR replacement X-Trans II or better

Many years ago I bought a Canon 5D MK2, and went through several kit lenses. In 2015 I ‘traded up’ to a pair of super-fast Tamron lenses (24-70mm f2.8 Di VC USD SP, and 70-200mm f2.8 SP Di VC USD). These lenses were used for a single shoot, after which life and divorce killed my photography. Around this time travel (ha, remember that!) meant I picked up a fantastic deal in Sharjah on a X100S.

I recently picked both of these up to start shooting again and the X100S gets me 7 in 10 excellent shots right out the camera. The 5D gives me maybe 3 in 10, and even then they need processing or are marginally sharp at best. I’m finding myself picking up the X100S all the time, but then wanting a bit more reach in places, or missing the weather sealing. I love the feel and ergonomics of the X100S, and the look of the resultant images are vastly better than the 5D.

I wear glasses - not thin ones either, so the EVF is important to me. The X100S one works (mostly).

Having been offered a pretty good deal on trade-in, I can’t work out which would be a good ‘replacement’ for the 5D to augment the X100S. My options available in budget are (used)

• X-H1
• X-T3
• X-T2

The X-Pro1 is available but it uses the older sensor to that in the X100S. Not sure of the shooting feel would be the too similar to the X100S that I feel like one os then redundant.

So: does anyone else have experience moving from a DSLR + X100 series to any of the above, that could provide some advice on feel, weight and experience? I know the glass is good, and the kit will do what I want. I also know I’m after Fuji (hence this forum) It’s mostly the feel vs the X100S and ‘traditional’ DSLR that I’d like feedback on please.

eabeukes wrote:

Many years ago I bought a Canon 5D MK2, and went through several kit lenses. In 2015 I ‘traded up’ to a pair of super-fast Tamron lenses (24-70mm f2.8 Di VC USD SP, and 70-200mm f2.8 SP Di VC USD). These lenses were used for a single shoot, after which life and divorce killed my photography. Around this time travel (ha, remember that!) meant I picked up a fantastic deal in Sharjah on a X100S.

I recently picked both of these up to start shooting again and the X100S gets me 7 in 10 excellent shots right out the camera. The 5D gives me maybe 3 in 10, and even then they need processing or are marginally sharp at best. I’m finding myself picking up the X100S all the time, but then wanting a bit more reach in places, or missing the weather sealing. I love the feel and ergonomics of the X100S, and the look of the resultant images are vastly better than the 5D.

I wear glasses - not thin ones either, so the EVF is important to me. The X100S one works (mostly).

Having been offered a pretty good deal on trade-in, I can’t work out which would be a good ‘replacement’ for the 5D to augment the X100S. My options available in budget are (used)

• X-H1
• X-T3
• X-T2

The X-Pro1 is available but it uses the older sensor to that in the X100S. Not sure of the shooting feel would be the too similar to the X100S that I feel like one os then redundant.

So: does anyone else have experience moving from a DSLR + X100 series to any of the above, that could provide some advice on feel, weight and experience? I know the glass is good, and the kit will do what I want. I also know I’m after Fuji (hence this forum) It’s mostly the feel vs the X100S and ‘traditional’ DSLR that I’d like feedback on please.

Would you say the reason why you pick the X100S so often is due to its weight/size? If so then you should probably orient yourself towards the X-T3. Don't get me wrong, the X-H1 is fantastic, but if you want the smallest kit get the X-T3.

yayatosorus wrote:

• X-H1
• X-T3
• X-T2

Would you say the reason why you pick the X100S so often is due to its weight/size? If so then you should probably orient yourself towards the X-T3. Don't get me wrong, the X-H1 is fantastic, but if you want the smallest kit get the X-T3.

That’s one school of thought. I could also see someone going the other way and having different but complementary cameras. The X100 can be the thin and light and the X-H1 can be the WR IBIS. If you do go with the X-H1, consider the higher end lenses like the 16-55 and 50-140 are not really small.

Personally I think some of the smaller zooms like the 55-200 better complement the spirit of a compact APSC kit. You might consider something like the X-E3 and 18-55 and 55-200 for more versatility and the x100 can be your prime. Then maybe throw in a portrait lens or wide angle and you should be good for almost anything.

In reply to your subject line, these days I’d always recommend someone go with an X-Trans III body or better (eg 24mp or above) as that generation of Fuji’s fixed a lot of the earlier quirks and was a good step up in IQ and performance too.

That would still include any of those cameras in your list... but I wonder whether you should be considering one that it isn’t. If you really enjoy the X100S style of shooting, but want the wider reach of interchangeable lenses, then why not look at the X-Pro2? It’s hugely improved over the X-Pro1 and has similar performance to the XT2 and XH1 for example, but is closer to the X100 line in its form factor and compactness (although still larger). You might even find it can replace the 5D *and* the X100S.

EDIT - you mentioned that the X100S viewfinder works for you “mostly” - the eye point on the X-Pro2 is 16mm so barely any better, but certainly no worse.

I had a 5D iii and iv and left DSLR World for the XT-1, then XT-2, then XH-1 and a never-used XT-3.  The XT-3 was never used because I liked the XH-1 so much better.

The XH-1 was by far my favorite.  Try it.

I'm shooting all GFX now, but I will get the XH-2 the moment it announces, which means I will also have to buy 5 lenses that I already sold.

You are on the right track. You are thinking clearly.

But read up and also go put both the XT-3 and XH-1 in your hands.

If you like the feel of the XT vs XH, then do it.  But the XT's not having IBIS (until the XT-4) is a big deal and weighs heavily on the decision).

X-T3 has a very good electronic viewfinder with 23mm eye relief.  I'm a glasses wearer, also have a X-E1.  X-E1 also has 23mm eyepoint.  I have a X30 and it has a shorter eyepoint (17.5mm) and I find the viewfinder a little harder to use.

Eyepoint info is in the X-T3 manual on page 298 (23mm).  X-H1 is the same (manual page 285).

X100S has 15mm, according to the manual on page 121 here:

https://dl.fujifilm-x.com/support/manual/x/fujifilm_x100s_manual_en.pdf?_ga=2.166476286.1759663819.1606838499-1326389411.1606838499

Good luck with your decision!

I’m not sure if it helps but I’ve recently upgraded from a Pentax K5 DSLR to a Fuji X-H1 and I really like it. Fuji cameras used to have grips that were rather too small for my liking and no IBIS and then I saw the X-H1 which ticked all the boxes for me. I’m also used to having a top screen and the one on the X-H1 is really nice.

eabeukes wrote:

Many years ago I bought a Canon 5D MK2, and went through several kit lenses. In 2015 I ‘traded up’ to a pair of super-fast Tamron lenses (24-70mm f2.8 Di VC USD SP, and 70-200mm f2.8 SP Di VC USD). These lenses were used for a single shoot, after which life and divorce killed my photography. Around this time travel (ha, remember that!) meant I picked up a fantastic deal in Sharjah on a X100S.

I recently picked both of these up to start shooting again and the X100S gets me 7 in 10 excellent shots right out the camera. The 5D gives me maybe 3 in 10, and even then they need processing or are marginally sharp at best. I’m finding myself picking up the X100S all the time, but then wanting a bit more reach in places, or missing the weather sealing. I love the feel and ergonomics of the X100S, and the look of the resultant images are vastly better than the 5D.

I wear glasses - not thin ones either, so the EVF is important to me. The X100S one works (mostly).

Having been offered a pretty good deal on trade-in, I can’t work out which would be a good ‘replacement’ for the 5D to augment the X100S. My options available in budget are (used)

• X-H1
• X-T3
• X-T2

The X-Pro1 is available but it uses the older sensor to that in the X100S. Not sure of the shooting feel would be the too similar to the X100S that I feel like one os then redundant.

So: does anyone else have experience moving from a DSLR + X100 series to any of the above, that could provide some advice on feel, weight and experience? I know the glass is good, and the kit will do what I want. I also know I’m after Fuji (hence this forum) It’s mostly the feel vs the X100S and ‘traditional’ DSLR that I’d like feedback on please.

You do not have to compare sensors of these three - IQ is just the same. Other things differ. Like H1 - it has IBIS and T3 is probably focusing little faster ( ? )

I have X-E3 (did not sell it - it is tiny and pocketable) - it is almost like using X100 - it is good to have a pocketable camera too !

X-H1 is more like DSLR - size and feel.  5DMkIV  (I use it a lot) is not much bigger than X-H1 - of course FF lenses are.

X-T3 is a great camera and if you do not use primes it is OK with OIS lenses - it does not have IBIS. If you sell X100 this T3 is a good smallish camera. Not pocketable...

If you take H1 it might be a good idea to keep X100 for certain traveling needs

IF you shoot videos H1 with IBIS will be more usable.

Many things to consider - you know what you can/want to  do with a camera  

yayatosorus

I’m not 100% certain what keeps puling me back to the X100S, but I don’t think size is totally it. I think its a subconscious knowing that the shots will be so much better than what I get from the 5D. Bear in mind that the Tamron 70-200 is 3.2 lbs and I’ve shot that one-handed*

*Don’t ask for the photos though.

vcxz

II thought this too, but I’m worried I’ll end up with one fo the camera’s not having a full purpose. The X-E3 looks like its an X100F but with interchangeable lenses - going down this road and adding the X100S to the trade-in and getting a 23mm F2 (or even the F1.4) gives me the same thing but with some increase in versatility and a single camera. Definitely something I may consider. Now if there was an X-E4 … I hear rumours its due in Q1’21…

Threaded

I’d like to include it, and it might still be an option but its just not available on the trade-in. The X-Pro1 and X-Pro3 are, but the 3 is only in budget if I don’t get any lenses 🤣 ROFL I wonder if that’s a sign - nobody trading them in as they’re just that good/loved?

Greg7579

Personal feedback like this makes mes lean towards the H-1, as it seems past the X-Trans3 series theres a lot of love for this range. Not a huge benefit outside of G.A.S. to upgrading either (apart from IBIS on the T4 but the H1 has this for half the price).

Tom Schum

Good to know - see above, the E-series sounds like it could be a possibility but with caveats.

21William

Does the H1 ‘feel’ like a DSLR in your opinion?

Claes

Given that the UK can (right now, for a limited period only) open retail, I am going to head into the store next week to do exactly the tactile-testing to see. Not having been able to do this for weeks makes it hard to come to a conclusion!

KariP

Do you have a ‘grab-cam’ that you instinctively reach for when you leave the house, like the E3?

I switched from a Nikon D750 to a Fuji X-E2s and would like to weigh in here. My Nikon D750 had a 50mm F1.8D attached to it 95% of the time and as such it was very light, very compact for a full frame camera. I could also go months without having to charge the battery.

I loved the size and handling of the X-E2 but soon as you attach an F1.4 lens and lets face it --- without IBIS you are going to want fast lenses. You will have this tiny range finder body with a front heavy 23mm F1.4 or 56mm F1.2 and if that be the case you should get an X-H1 instead. If you want a subtle street cam the X-E3 with any of the F2 lenses would be fantastic. My 23mm F2 is very small, light, weather sealed. Its IQ doesnt wow me like the F1.4 glass, but if i am stuffing my camera in a bag not knowing what i am going to shoot its the F2 that i want with me.

IQ wise i dont think your going to see any difference between X-T2, X-T3, X-T4 -- its mostly just autofocus and video improvements. I have never handled an X-pro body, but i believe they are more meaty then the X-E2 -- so it might be a nice compromise for F1.4 lenses.

If you are comfortable with a DSLR style body then I have to say the X-H1 is the best camera in the fuji line up factoring price. Mine with vertical grip was $999 new last year.

Buttons252 wrote:

IQ wise i dont think your going to see any difference between X-T2, X-T3, X-T4 -- its mostly just autofocus and video improvements.

That is true when talking about pure IQ, which is why the XH-1 is still such an attraction.  It has the XT-2 sensor plus IBIS with a much better grip and feel.  I never saw any real difference in pixel peeping IQ on models newer than the XT-2.  But there were plenty of other improvements that make it worth it.

eabeukes wrote:

KariP

Do you have a ‘grab-cam’ that you instinctively reach for when you leave the house, like the E3?

It depends ... If I can take a shoulder bag I will  absolutely take X-H1

E3 If it is something like just  a possibility to take photos... in the winter I have a big coat and X-E3 fits in a pocket.   It can also be useful to have it with me when I'm taking 5D - X-E3 with 18-55 weights less than some FF  zoom lens alone

5DMkIV when i can take the backpack - and  100-400 lens  - and when I know what I'm trying to do .

The X-H1 feels very solid. Fuji say it has an extra thick magnesium body and a reinforced lens mount and it feels like it. As soon as you look through the viewfinder though it’s obviously not a DSLR.

Go with the X-H1. It's the most DSLR like and all the sensors after it are a step backwards in image quality.

Thanks to all who chimed in - I picked up the X-H1, 16-80 f4, XPro-1 and 18-135. 
I promptly offloaded the XPro, as it’s nothing like the X100 and it didn’t feel great.

The X-H1 and I bonded right away - what a fantastic camera, and with either of the lenses I had a 70% keeper rate SOOC which I’m really happy with. I think some fiddling with the autofocus should get me to 90% or higher, as those I missed were fast action and movement (vehicles 🚜), and 2 that my nose moved the focus points on.
Technically they were in focus I suppose! 🤔