Thinking of switching systems

[whettam]

I’m thinking about switching my “main” camera system away from Nikon to FujiFilm. For context: I’ve been an amateur photographer for a long time, although how serious I’ve been has ebbed and flowed over the years and what else has been going on in my life. I’ll be retiring in next couple of years so will have more time, looking to focus a bit more on my photography, maybe a few more documentary projects, want to try some new genres and maybe do some further education. My photography interests are varied portraits, travel, documentary, street and dog photos.

When I first switched to full frame, it was definitely much better than the ASPC camera I had at that time, but (I must admit obviously sucker for marketing) I continued to consider full frame as much “better” than ASPC, without really revisiting this thinking. The X100VI performance and sensor has made me reconsider this. I think the images are very slightly noisier than my Nikon at high ISO, but the image quality (especially colour) is great and ASPC would have other benefits e.g. weight (especially when you look at lenses) and crop factor would have benefit as I want to try some other photography genres e.g. sports (rugby, surfing) and wildlife (mammals seals and deer, etc.)

I recently got a Fuji X100VI (partly thanks to you lot as a camera I can carry with me more often, it’s only been a couple of months, but I’m really enjoying the camera the whole experience of shooting with it, physical dials, OVF, etc and although I shoot RAW I really like the Fuji look film sims, as starting point to edit from.So I’m leaning towards Fuji ASPC, because of my experience of the X100VI, plus seems the most serious manufacturer about ASPC.

Considering which camera its probably between the Fuji XT-5 and Fuji XH2, I’m interested in peoples opinions of the EVF’s especially compared to the X100VI. I’m asking because although I particularly love using the X100VIs OVF (reminds me of my Nikon D700 which was my fav DLSR), but I’m not so keen on its EVF compared to my Nikon Z6ii EVF. The EVF resolution is the same on both cameras, so I’m guessing the difference is the magnification (0.8 vs 0.66) and / or brightness. I think the XT-5 has the same magnification as my Nikon, so interested how it's EVF compares against the X100VI.

The better EVF is also why I mention the XH2, although I’m not that interested in video so probably leaning more towards the XT-5 size / weight and photography experience. But does the better EVF mean I should consider the XH2 as well? How much better is the XH2 EVF vs the XT-5?

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

 

[Morris0]

The best thing you can do is visit a store and try then side by side. Even better is to rent and try side by side including in bright sunlight. Asking others is interesting yet we are all different and what somone likes another may not.

Morris

 

[dmartin92]

About 10 days ago I took a real interest in the new FujiFilm X-E5, and then I was wondering what lens I would get for it. After looking at different lenses, different reviews, I realized that the "Fujifilm XF 33mm F1.4 R LM WR" is, no doubt, a great lens.

The X-E5 isn't yet quite available, but I noticed the store where I buy my photo equipment from is having a 100 Euro discount on the 33mm lens. But they only have 1 in stock.

I was thinking to myself, that would be a lousy day when the X-E5 becomes available, but maybe the lens I want, the 33mm, won't be available. I'll have the body, but not the lens.

At the end of my workday, 5pm, last Wednesday, I went into the city unsure of what I was going to do. Finally, around 6pm, I found myself sitting on a bench in center of Paris, realizing this would be insanity.

The 33mm lens, even after 100 Euros off, would still be 669 Euros, and the X-E5, just the body, will be 1549 Euros. But the real thing is that the last thing in the world I need is another camera. I am sure that 33mm on the X-E5 will take great photos, but for over 2200 Euros will it be better than what I have already ? Maybe a tiny bit, but maybe not, and in any case, not really so very much.

I never made it to the camera store. Soon they will sell their one copy of the 33mm, quite probably, but in any case, the "100 Euros off" deal on the 33mm will expire. And that's fine. What I decided while sitting on that bench is that if I am going to do anything, it is going to be to push myself a bit harder to use the equipment that I have already.

 

[DarnGoodPhotos]

I’m thinking about switching my “main” camera system away from Nikon to FujiFilm. For context: I’ve been an amateur photographer for a long time, although how serious I’ve been has ebbed and flowed over the years and what else has been going on in my life. I’ll be retiring in next couple of years so will have more time, looking to focus a bit more on my photography, maybe a few more documentary projects, want to try some new genres and maybe do some further education. My photography interests are varied portraits, travel, documentary, street and dog photos.

When I first switched to full frame, it was definitely much better than the ASPC camera I had at that time, but (I must admit obviously sucker for marketing) I continued to consider full frame as much “better” than ASPC, without really revisiting this thinking. The X100VI performance and sensor has made me reconsider this. I think the images are very slightly noisier than my Nikon at high ISO, but the image quality (especially colour) is great and ASPC would have other benefits e.g. weight (especially when you look at lenses) and crop factor would have benefit as I want to try some other photography genres e.g. sports (rugby, surfing) and wildlife (mammals seals and deer, etc.)

I recently got a Fuji X100VI (partly thanks to you lot as a camera I can carry with me more often, it’s only been a couple of months, but I’m really enjoying the camera the whole experience of shooting with it, physical dials, OVF, etc and although I shoot RAW I really like the Fuji look film sims, as starting point to edit from.So I’m leaning towards Fuji ASPC, because of my experience of the X100VI, plus seems the most serious manufacturer about ASPC.

Considering which camera its probably between the Fuji XT-5 and Fuji XH2, I’m interested in peoples opinions of the EVF’s especially compared to the X100VI. I’m asking because although I particularly love using the X100VIs OVF (reminds me of my Nikon D700 which was my fav DLSR), but I’m not so keen on its EVF compared to my Nikon Z6ii EVF. The EVF resolution is the same on both cameras, so I’m guessing the difference is the magnification (0.8 vs 0.66) and / or brightness. I think the XT-5 has the same magnification as my Nikon, so interested how it's EVF compares against the X100VI.

The better EVF is also why I mention the XH2, although I’m not that interested in video so probably leaning more towards the XT-5 size / weight and photography experience. But does the better EVF mean I should consider the XH2 as well? How much better is the XH2 EVF vs the XT-5?

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

If PASM doesn't bother you then the X-H2 is great; however, a lightly used X-H2S would get you a stacked sensor and Fuji's fastest AF for around the price fo the X-H2.

--
www.darngoodphotos.com

 

[Mountaingrapher]

How much better is the XH2 EVF vs the XT-5?

I unfortunately cannot compare, but I can say the X-T5 is great. Specs of the X-H2 are similar to your Nikon Z6III so I think you know the experience?

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

Think about what lenses you'll want, especially in the telephoto range. The biggest like the 100-400, 150-600 or 500 prime will balance better on the X-H2. The X-T5 with the 70-300 is perfect.

You might also want to think about X-H2 vs X-H2S, if you're looking after action and wildlife shooting.

On the other weight range, take a look at X-T50 and X-E5: same image quality as X-T5 / X-H2 / X100VI but lighter and smaller, could that be your sweet spot since you want to downsize ?

Finally, think about your overall lens park, and the important question: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II or Sigma 17-40 f/1.8 Art? Such a difficult choice.

 

[Maoby]

And you are absolutely right

 

[FujiJon]

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

The X-T5 can't take a battery grip, if ithat's important to you.

 

[whettam]

The best thing you can do is visit a store and try then side by side. Even better is to rent and try side by side including in bright sunlight. Asking others is interesting yet we are all different and what somone likes another may not.

Morris

Thank you Morris, I definitely shall before making any purchase (at least unlike my X100VI these are in stock) but I was just interested in other’s opinions, especially with regard to the EVF if people had experience vs the X100VI or the Nikon Z6ii.

 

[whettam]

But the real thing is that the last thing in the world I need is another camera.

Thank you it’s good advice generally and in my case my Nikon is as “good” as the two Fujis I’m considering, so it’s a fair challenge maybe I should just stick with my Nikon. But (1) based on my experience with the Fuji X100VI, I really like the experience of using the Fuji therefore I’m maybe more likely to use more, (2) with lenses system will be considerably lighter so more likely to be carried and (3) if I do try more sports / wildlife crop factor will help. I don’t have a telephoto for my Nikon so will probably be buying something even if I stick with Nikon.

 

[whettam]

If PASM doesn't bother you then the X-H2 is great; however, a lightly used X-H2S would get you a stacked sensor and Fuji's fastest AF for around the price fo the X-H2.

This is really good point, I’m OK with PASM (coming from DLSRs), but for experience like the dials of XT-5, so do need to consider this. Sports / wildlife will be new genres for me, mainly interested in portrait, travel, street, documentary, etc so AF not main priority as long as it’s OK, but thank you I’ll look at X-H2S too.

 

[whettam]

How much better is the XH2 EVF vs the XT-5?

I unfortunately cannot compare, but I can say the X-T5 is great. Specs of the X-H2 are similar to your Nikon Z6III so I think you know the experience?

I have the Nikon Z6ii not the iii so spec of the X-H2 EVF is better hence my question, as I said prefer my Nikons EVF to the X100VI, resolution is the same, so I’m assuming magnification is making difference for me.

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

Think about what lenses you'll want, especially in the telephoto range. The biggest like the 100-400, 150-600 or 500 prime will balance better on the X-H2. The X-T5 with the 70-300 is perfect.

You might also want to think about X-H2 vs X-H2S, if you're looking after action and wildlife shooting.

On the other weight range, take a look at X-T50 and X-E5: same image quality as X-T5 / X-H2 / X100VI but lighter and smaller, could that be your sweet spot since you want to downsize ?

Finally, think about your overall lens park, and the important question: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II or Sigma 17-40 f/1.8 Art? Such a difficult choice.

Really good point about lenses, I’ve not fully thought that through yet, I like using primes, currently mainly use 35 and 85 on FF. Definitely one of the 56 1.2s, will probably skip the 35 to start as covered with the X100VI, maybe one of the 16s and 33. But will also probably look to a standard and telephoto zoom, not decided which yet, but good point about balance.

I think the XT-50 EVF is worse than the X100VI so probably rejecting that on that basis and as new main camera, happy to go bigger than X-E5

 

[Joachim Gerstl]

Hi,

From someone who switched recently but in the other direction.

You should have a clear idea which lenses you want to get. Fuji lenses are excellent but not all are small and light. If you go Fuji I would recommend the 16-55/2.8 II as a standard lens.

The fast primes are rather big and not really smaller than the f1.8 primes from Nikon. Their top wide angle zoom 8-16/2.8 is heavier than Nikons 14-24/2.8. I think Fuji X makes most sense if you stay with the smaller primes.

The X-H2 bodies are also rather heavy and if you like the Fuji X100 shooting experience the X-T5 is a closer match or the Nikon Zf of course.

 

[a_c_skinner]

I'm really pleased with Fuji, replacing my Nikon F mount full frame stuff after years with Nikon.

Stick with Nikon. Spend a bit of time tweaking the colour etc settings. But a huge expense will gain but little.

 

[Mountaingrapher]

I think the XT-50 EVF is worse than the X100VI so probably rejecting that on that basis and as new main camera, happy to go bigger than X-E5

I understand you on that, the EVF is one of the reason I went for X-T5 rather than X-T50 after 7 years with a X-T20.

For lenses: for portraits the latest XF 56mm f/1.2 WR is the one you'll want, much better optics than older versions. In light and great there is the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7. You might also want to take a look at the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, flawless but heavy; the Sirui 75mm f/1.2, I have it it's near flawless etc. don't expect shooting action with the AF; the Samyang 75mm f/1.8; and the Fuji XF 90mm f/2.

The 33mm f/1.4 is the lens I got with my X-T5, it's a perfect combo, very fun to use. The 33mm is both very clinical and can exhibit great gentle character in portrait, I really love this lens.

 

[whettam]

Anything else I should be considering in making the decision?

The X-T5 can't take a battery grip, if ithat's important to you.

Thank you, I’ve never used a grip so probably not a big factor for me. Briefly used a Z9 and the portrait shutter was nice, but not nice enough to justify the extra weight/ cost for me

 

[whettam]

Hi,

From someone who switched recently but in the other direction.

You should have a clear idea which lenses you want to get. Fuji lenses are excellent but not all are small and light. If you go Fuji I would recommend the 16-55/2.8 II as a standard lens.

The fast primes are rather big and not really smaller than the f1.8 primes from Nikon. Their top wide angle zoom 8-16/2.8 is heavier than Nikons 14-24/2.8. I think Fuji X makes most sense if you stay with the smaller primes.

The X-H2 bodies are also rather heavy and if you like the Fuji X100 shooting experience the X-T5 is a closer match or the Nikon Zf of course.

Thank you, interesting perspective, I do need to consider lenses more, but as I said want to add a telephoto at some point and with Nikon those are expensive beasts for a decent lens and no crop factor. Can I ask why you made the switch the other way and which Nikon body you have?

 

[whettam]

I'm really pleased with Fuji, replacing my Nikon F mount full frame stuff after years with Nikon.

Stick with Nikon. Spend a bit of time tweaking the colour etc settings. But a huge expense will gain but little.

Thank you Andrew, but are you are saying you are happy with switch to Fuji, but I should stick with Nikon? I’m a bit confused, I always shoot RAW and edit everything with my Nikon, so not sure that’s the issue.

 

[DNBush]

Considering which camera its probably between the Fuji XT-5 and Fuji XH2, I’m interested in peoples opinions of the EVF’s...

I'm new to Fuji and have been exploring the X-S20 (for travel), the X-H2, and the X-T5.

By all means definitely visit a shop and handle these for yourself. That being said...

Firstly, do you need glasses to look through the EVF? If you don't wear glasses, or need them for looking through the EVF, you'd probably be fine with the X-T5, otherwise, read on...

The EVF for me is a big deal. I need glasses to see, to see anything, and so how the EVFs work for me is critical. And it's not about resolution really, it's all about eye-relief or eye point as they like to call it in the camera world.

The X-H2 is great. I can gently push into the eyecup with my glasses and comfortably see the whole screen, image and data.

The X-T5 is not so good. Even pushing in, it's not possible, for me, to see all the data.

 

[whettam]

I think the XT-50 EVF is worse than the X100VI so probably rejecting that on that basis and as new main camera, happy to go bigger than X-E5

I understand you on that, the EVF is one of the reason I went for X-T5 rather than X-T50 after 7 years with a X-T20.

A few people recommended the XT-50 when I was thinking about X100VI, I rejected it on basis of EVF, they are important for me, I wish mirrorless cameras had OVFs

For lenses: for portraits the latest XF 56mm f/1.2 WR is the one you'll want, much better optics than older versions. In light and great there is the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7. You might also want to take a look at the Viltrox 75mm f/1.2, flawless but heavy; the Sirui 75mm f/1.2, I have it it's near flawless etc. don't expect shooting action with the AF; the Samyang 75mm f/1.8; and the Fuji XF 90mm f/2.

The 33mm f/1.4 is the lens I got with my X-T5, it's a perfect combo, very fun to use. The 33mm is both very clinical and can exhibit great gentle character in portrait, I really love this lens.

Thank you that’s all useful, I think for action I’d mainly be considering zooms, with primes for portrait/ documentary.

 

[dmartin92]

But the real thing is that the last thing in the world I need is another camera.

Thank you it’s good advice generally and in my case my Nikon is as “good” as the two Fujis I’m considering, so it’s a fair challenge maybe I should just stick with my Nikon.

For myself, I have hesitated a few other times, and then gone through with the purchase, and then over the years been really happy with the decision... to buy whatever it was. Every situation is different.

But (1) based on my experience with the Fuji X100VI, I really like the experience of using the Fuji

I think this is how it often goes. It's like eating apple. We get one slice, and it's really good, and we start thinking about another shortly after. Cameras are the same way, we get one Fuji X100VI or whatever, and we feel good about it, but after a few months we start wondering what we can get next to continue on with the fun.