Might move from Sony Alpha System, but have Questions

[MikeNannie]

I've been anxiously waiting for the new Sony Alpha cameras (a-mount) to be announced, but I'm growing impatient. Was a long time Minolta photographer who ended up moving to Sony due to already owning some Minolta glass and accessories. I was / am holding out for the a77 replacement, or a mid-priced full frame Sony with the EVF, but like I said, growing impatient. I'd like something new by summer (end of April).

I mainly shoot landscapes, some wildlife when the opportunity presents itself, and travel / family photos. Each year, I do a family photo shot for my 5 siblings and their families.

I currently own the Sony a580, (16 mb sensor) with the optical viewfinder, and some good glass - DT 16-80 mm Ziess. I also have a 70-210 mm F4 Minolta (beercan), and a newer Tamron 70-300mm USD that I bought last summer.

Here is what is important to me in my new camera.

1. EVF advantages. I know some will find that odd, but the idea that you can see the exposure prior to the click, intrigues me.
2. Accurate, fast, auto focus. I don't shoot sports, other than nephews playing soccer occasionally.
3. Outstanding image quality.
4. Low noise, good high ISO performance. I've never had good luck with indoor flash shots, so I'd like to avoid using a flash whenever possible. Or, have a system that can create decent flash images either on camera, or wireless off camera. For the annual family photo shoot, I use off a off camera wireless flash in manual mode (sometimes with an umbrella).
5. Camera size isn't that big of deal to me, but obviously, smaller is better IF I can get my other important items in a smaller package.
6. Lightroom 4.3, Photoshop 5.1 workflow options.

I've read with great interest the information and reviews on the new X-T1. I really like what I hear about Fuji firmware updates and listening to their customers. It looks like a good fit for me, but I have a few questions about it and Fuji in general.

1. It looks like the X system only offers a 55-200 mm zoom currently, what is everyone doing for a longer telephoto lens? I assume anything else requires an adapter and manual focus? Would my Tamron work?
2. How good is the high ISO noise in the Fuji X system? I'm a fan of Bill Fortney (www.BillFortney.com) who is very impressed with the lack of noise in his Fuji cameras. He is / was a Nikon pro for decades and has moved to a smaller system. His comments are what pointed me to the Fuji system in the first place.
3. Is the high ISO noise in the Fuji X system close to full frame noise? (I know, very subjective question ) I shoot raw now for better control of the image.
4. How good is the Fuji flash system? Or not? Are after market flashes an option? What do you use?
5. With the X system EVF, I assume you can see the final exposure in the viewfinder, with any adjustments that you make, before the shutter click? Thereby removing the need most often for chimping?
6. Can Lightroom process X trans raw files. I've got version 4.3 currently.
7. Anyone else who has made the switch from Sony (or any other system) have some thoughts on your experience with the Fuji system? What do you like with Fuji? most surprising? what do you miss in your old system?

Sorry for the long list of questions, any feedback on any of them would be appreciated. I'm not one to switch systems often, it will be expensive so if I make the move, it will be a long term commitment. I'd still be using Minolta if they were not bought by Sony. I'd consider Nikon, but no EVF yet.

thanks much for your feedback!

Mike

 

[MrChristopher]

I currently own a Sony a57 and previously had an a100 and a55. I've relied on a Sony since the a100 was introduced (a decade or more I guess). The SLT is faster than a mirrorless. The current firmware upgrades to the XE1/2/pro and the new XT1 narrows that speed gap.

With the current firmware updates to the x100 (I own) it is still measurably slower than an SLT. In fact no comparison. If I need speed I use the Sony, if I want Fuji magic I turn to my x100.

People don't buy Fuji's for their speed (though no XT1 owners are complaining about speed). I shot with a Pro1 not long ago and was impressed by it's near DSLR performance, but there is still a gap. I would not hesitate to own a Pro1, XE1/2 and I plan to buy the XT1.

My Sony will become my back up or head shot camera (85mm f/2.8) until Fuji makes a longer prime (75mm+).

The Sony alpha line allows you to charge your battery and then start firing away. Fuji's don't shine as point and clicks, the people who get the best results are the ones who spend time learning their cameras. A Nikon (DSLR) will likely feel much more similar to your Sony.

edit: I use a Fuji EFx20 and a Youngnou 560II flash both on camera and off (wireless). I love this set up. I plan to buy a Godox system with triggers soon.

--
http://chriscurnutt.tumblr.com/

 

[tesilab]

• Yes you can preview with the appropriate settings
• You'd either have to update your Lightroom to the latest version that supports XT-1 or fiddle with the raw files to fool lightroom into thinking they are from a supported Xtrans camera.

 

[MrChristopher]

I can't edit my post - this is the Godox flash system I meant to link to.

 

[Macintosh Sauce]

Lightroom 5 is soon getting an update that will support all Fujifilm's color profiles and the new X-T1 as well.