It’s been some time since I switched from Sony to Fuji. At this level, I’m prepared to provide you my causes for the swap and the way I examine Fujifilm vs Sony crop sensor cameras.
First, I need to admit that Fujifilm was not what I anticipated. It truly turned out to be completely the alternative of my expectations. I received keen on Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater consumer expertise, however I stayed with it due to its picture high quality and stellar Fuji lenses.
Let me clarify.
I switched from Canon to Sony 4 years in the past; I had a really totally different motivation. I used to be not solely dissatisfied with Canon however with DSLR know-how normally. I used to be wanting to discover the mirrorless realm and didn’t have a selected digital camera model in thoughts. I picked Sony due to the standard of digital recordsdata it produced in comparison with Canon.
Sony vs Fujifilm. Causes for Switching
As I thought of the swap this time, I had just one model in thoughts: Fujifilm. Listed below are the primary causes:
1. Consumer Expertise
If you mature as a photographer, you develop a singular images routine and habits. You understand precisely what you need to see in a digital camera that’s intently aligned along with your images workflow. With Sony, I felt that I couldn’t customise my picture tools how I needed. I hoped combining the streamlined Fuji menu system with the mechanical dials and customizable buttons would provide extra flexibility.
After I determined to change to Fujifilm, I solely thought of the highest of the road XT2 mannequin, however I had problem discovering dependable critiques. Why? The explanation was due to Fuji’s distinctive strategy to firmware updates.
Since Fujifilm launched its XT2 mannequin in August 2016, it has launched three main firmware updates that reach the digital camera’s performance by including lots of–that’s proper, lots of–of latest and up to date options.
By the tip of 2017, many of the preliminary XT2 critiques have been outdated as a result of it was a really totally different digital camera.
Associated: Fuji XT2 vs XT3 – Facet by Facet
I discover Fuji’s strategy to be distinctive and refreshing, making them extra like a software program startup than a client electronics firm. It looks like a contemporary strategy to images when an organization listens to customers and makes enhancements to current cameras via software program updates.
I needed to be a part of that have.
2. Curiosity
I do know loads of fellow photographers who shoot with Fujifilm and love the Fujifilm expertise. Typically, they reward Fuji a lot that it looks like they’re a part of a cult-like Scientology or CrossFit. I used to be curious to discover the cult-like expertise from the within.
I used to be additionally intrigued to discover the utterly totally different design of Fuji cameras with their varied mechanical dials and gazillions of customizable buttons.
Additionally, as a photographer and educator, I assumed it could be good to be taught one other system so I can intelligently focus on it.
3. Want for the Final Journey Digital camera
For a very long time, I needed the last word journey digital camera setup. I craved for a mix of a compact climate sealed digital camera and lens.
I used to be additionally in search of a contemporary twin reminiscence card performance that will give me a very redundant backup workflow from begin to end.
And at last, I needed my journey digital camera to have a dependable and simple GPS tagging performance.
Associated: Prime Equipment for
I couldn’t accomplish all the pieces with Sony.
4. Neglect By Sony
I bear in mind just a few years in the past when somebody from a photograph group predicted that Sony wouldn’t have the bandwidth to develop each full body and APS-C methods concurrently. This turned out to be true. Sony uncared for the APS-C methods and concentrated all its efforts on full-frame cameras and lenses. In 4 years, Sony has not created even one APS-C lens.
Fujifilm vs Sony. The Change
After I switched from Canon to Sony, essentially the most important change that impacted my images was the unimaginable dynamic vary of the Sony sensors. It modified the way in which I shoot and edit images.
It made me use HDR even much less. And, even when it was completely essential to make the most of HDR, I solely wanted three brackets. The time of taking 5 to seven bracketed photographs was over.
Since then, I at all times take note of the dynamic vary of any digital camera that I consider and make it one of the necessary paraments of my images.
The issue with Fuji is that it makes use of an X-Trans sensor, and evidently nobody can precisely measure its dynamic vary. This made it inconceivable for me to check the dynamic vary of the XT2 to my current Sony earlier than I made the swap.
It frightened me a bit as a result of I didn’t need to sacrifice the dynamic vary in my new digital camera.
So, as a substitute of switching straight away, I made a decision to first take a look at the Fuji. When a neighborhood fellow photographer was promoting his virtually new Fuji X-T2 physique, I knew it was the proper alternative for me to check it to Sony.
I purchased the digital camera and complemented it with the Fujinon 18-135mm lens. Over the following six weeks, I used each the Sony and Fuji methods aspect by aspect.
Associated: My Fujifilm Journey Images Gear
Here’s what I found.
The Positives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
1. Dynamic Vary
The dynamic vary of the Fuji XT2 sensor is unimaginable. I can’t measure it exactly to provide the actual variety of stops it covers however, primarily based on my purely empirical expertise; it’s higher than the Sony a6000, a6300, and a6500. In six weeks, I’ve not used HDR, even when taking pictures instantly into the solar. The quantity of element I can get well in highlights and shadows is staggering.
That is one thing I didn’t anticipate.
2. Picture High quality
At the moment, I’ve two lenses: Fujinon 10-24 and Fujinon 18-135. The mix of the Fuji XT2 and the 10-24 or 18-135 produces a lot cleaner and sharper pictures than the Sony a6000 or a65000 with a Sony 16-70 or Sony 10-18. The Fujifilm pictures are completely usable at 100% magnification. Unbelievable.
3. Fujinon Lenses
It’s common data that Fujifilm lenses are good, and I had a common thought of what to anticipate.
However, I need to focus on Fujinon 18-135 lens. It isn’t the most well-liked Fuji lens, however I picked it as a part of my final journey images setup. It’s climate sealed, and stabilized with a really helpful focal size. I knew prematurely that I might go on an prolonged journey with solely that lens.
After utilizing Fujinon completely for two weeks, I spotted that just about all of the Fujinon 18-135 critiques I learn have been inaccurate and deceptive. Most of them concluded that it’s a first rate lens however you cannot anticipate a lot from an excellent zoom lens.
I don’t agree with these conclusions. I discover this lens to be excellent. The picture high quality is great and when taking pictures at f/8 – f/11 I hardly can inform the distinction between Fujinon 18-135 and everyone’s favourite extremely large Fujinon 10-24.
The Fujinon 18-135mm has the perfect Optical Stabilization I’ve ever skilled. I managed to shoot at focal size 135mm utilizing shutter velocity 1/10s and produce a superbly sharp picture. It’s exceptional.
4. Digital Viewfinder
The EVF is to die for. It’s HUGE and shiny. It incorporates an infinite quantity of knowledge, and you’ll customise it in any approach you need. It has already modified the way in which I take images.
I assigned the entrance operate button to set off the Histogram show in EVF. With the newest firmware replace, it shows a mixed histogram plus three extra variations for every colour channel. Now when I’m able to shoot, I press the AE-L button to lock the publicity; subsequent, I activate the histogram inside the EVF, and eventually, I tweak the publicity by adjusting the publicity compensation utilizing Entrance Command Dial. And I at all times have 4 histograms in EVF to guage my changes.
Adore it.
5. ISO Efficiency
One of many shortcomings of the Fuji XT2 is taken into account to be not a stellar excessive ISO efficiency. However, as soon as once more, I don’t completely agree with the conclusion. I assume when you examine XT2 ISO efficiency to a full body sensor digital camera just like the Sony 7r, it could be the case, however I discover the ISO efficiency is great for the APS-C digital camera. I used to be shocked that at ISO 12800, pictures are nonetheless usable with loads of particulars.
The mix of wonderful ISO efficiency with improved and prolonged Auto ISO performance permits me to shoot in situations I’d by no means think about taking pictures earlier than.
The Negatives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
1. Ergonomics
The day I acquired the digital camera and the lens I went on a day-long journey to shoot winter landscapes. After taking pictures for two hours, I spotted I had cramps in my fingers.
Sony a6000 is a small digital camera, nevertheless it has a beefy, not very deep, however fairly large grip, and I might comfortably carry the digital camera utilizing my whole palm. However the Fuji XT2 is an even bigger and heavier digital camera with a tiny grip, and I at all times needed to squeeze it with my fingers placing pointless pressure on them.
After 5 minutes of Googling, I spotted the small grip was a typical problem for a lot of Fuji cameras. And naturally, I discovered the answer quick. I ordered the thumb grip, and it nearly fastened the issue.
I additionally purchased an affordable L-Bracket with a metallic grip.
Fujifilm XT2 Vertical Shoot Hand Grip
Now after I shoot handheld, I exploit a thumb grip solely, and when I’m on a tripod, I additionally connect the L-Bracket Grip.
However, I’m nonetheless not completely comfy. I hope, over time, I’ll get used to it.
I’m an enormous Again Button Focus consumer, and the AE-L and AF-L buttons are tiny, and it’s exhausting to make use of them. I needed to assign Rear Command Dial to lock the deal with a press down. It isn’t completely comfy.
2. Inconsistency with Customization
I just like the Fuji XT2 design and mechanical dials, however I anticipated to have the power to assign all mechanical dial functionalities to customizable operate buttons. That isn’t the case.
For instance, I can use Entrance Command Dial to regulate publicity compensation by setting the mechanical dial to the S choice, and I prefer it lots.
However, I can’t assign Drive choice to a customized operate button or perhaps a Fast menu. The one approach for me to alter from single mode taking pictures to bracketing, which I do lots, is to make use of a mechanical subdial below the ISO dial. I’ve to make use of my second hand to alter it.
The identical goes for the Metering choice; you must use a mechanical dial and no operate button or Fast Menu choices.
When taking pictures in Aperture Precedence mode, the one technique to change the aperture worth is to make use of a lens aperture ring. It is vitally comfy when taking pictures handheld, however when on a tripod, as soon as once more, it requires a second hand. There isn’t a technique to change the aperture utilizing the Rear Command dial.
I hope that in future updates, Fujifilm provides us the power to assign any operate to any operate buttons or a minimum of to a Fast Menu. I’d love to have the ability to customise the XT2 so I can change any settings with one hand and with out transferring the attention away from EVF
3. Customized Setting
I discover that one of the helpful customized configurations on any digital camera model is the power to save lots of a bunch of customized settings and recall them with one click on. I used it on Sony and Canon.
I used to be enthusiastic about Fujifilm customized settings as a result of I knew you possibly can save as much as 7 customized configurations, plus you possibly can give every configuration a singular identify. And it’s straightforward to recall every saved configuration from Fast Menu.
However after I began to customise it I spotted the one following settings an obtainable for reminiscence recall:
Dynamic Vary, Movie Simulation, Grain Impact, White Steadiness, Colour Sharpness, Spotlight Tone, and Noise Discount.
That’s is true, all of them associated to JPEG taking pictures. And since I solely shoot RAW, your complete Customized Setting module is completely ineffective to me.
I discover it to be one of the shocking shortcomings of Fujifilm Xt2 performance.
Fujifilm vs Sony: Conclusion
As I discussed earlier than, the swap from Sony to Fujifilm turned out to be not what I anticipated in any respect. I received keen on Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater consumer expertise and extra superior customization, however I stayed with it due to its picture high quality, dynamic vary, and stellar lenses.
I don’t complain and haven’t any regrets. I’ve already offered all my Sony gear and will certainly stick to Fujifilm for a yr a minimum of, however I believe will probably be longer.
And I’m having a blast studying the brand new digital camera system. Plus, Fujifilm retains us on the toes with the fixed firmware upgrades.
Additionally, it proved once more there isn’t any such factor as an ideal digital camera.
Fujifilm vs Sony (2019 Replace)
It’s been nearly 18 months since I switched from Sony to the Fujifilm digital camera system. I made a decision to provide you a fast replace.
To start with, I’ve grown even fonder of Fujifilm gear over time. I like its aesthetics, the standard of substances, and the standard of pictures Fujifilm produces. Plus, I like Fujifilm’s photographer-centric strategy to enterprise.
At this level, I’ve no plans to search for an alternate. I’ll stick to Fujifilm.
I nonetheless shoot with the Fujifilm X-t2. In 2018, I used to be very excited when Fujifilm introduced the X-t3, and I used to be wanting to improve. However after I checked the specs of the X-t3, I spotted there was nothing for me there.
The Fujifilm X-T3 gives drastic enhancements in video specs and autofocus, neither of which I look after a lot. The options I cared about essentially the most—picture high quality dynamic vary and low mild efficiency – didn’t change within the X-T3 mannequin.
I additionally hoped the X-T3 would introduce an even bigger battery to eradicate the necessity to carry a pile of spare batteries together with me. This didn’t occur.
Fujinon 35mm f/1.4
I added a brand new Fujifilm lens to my assortment. I bought the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4, which acts because the “nifty fifty” on APS-C sensor cameras. The lens is without doubt one of the oldest fashions within the Fujifilm line and has a really previous autofocus motor. The autofocus is noisy and never very quick, however the lens produces unimaginable pictures with distinctive appears to be like.
In response to Fujifilm’s chief engineer, after they designed the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 lens, they’d the choice to make it optically excellent or make it distinctive and distinctive. They selected the latter. It’s now certainly one of my favourite lenses I’ve ever owned. Plus, it’s tiny and extremely mild.
My working horse is the Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 wide-angle lens. I exploit it for many of my panorama images. Its solely weak spot is its lack of climate sealing. When I’m within the area within the rain, I’ve to change to the Fujinon 18-135mm. This lens is weather-sealed and offers me a really helpful attain of 135mm (200m full-frame equal).
The Fujifilm 18-135mm is nearly the proper lens for my wants, nevertheless it has one shortcoming. It’s too massive and heavy for lengthy and demanding hikes. Not too long ago, Fujifilm introduced a brand new lens—the 16-80mm f/4 —that’s smaller than the 18-135mm lens, has the perfect picture stabilization within the business, and is climate sealed. It has the potential to be the last word journey lens. I completely plan to test it out when it turns into obtainable.
That’s it for now. Let me know in case you have any questions within the feedback under. I’m comfortable to reply any of your inquiries.
Sony vs Fujifilm (Very Final Replace 2023)
Will probably be my final replace to Sony vs Fujifilm article.
It has been precisely 5 years since my unique swap from Sony to Fujifilm. And now, the swap is formally over.
Let me clarify.
Over the past 5 years, I took my Fujifilm XT2 on a few dozens of journeys all around the world. I captured with it many thrilling images I’m actually happy with. It’s been a 100% constructive expertise.
I received used to the digital camera, its controls, and the menu system. I personalized XT2 to my liking and actually loved the expertise. And I like Fuji lenses.
However not all the pieces was excellent in paradise.
I used to be not loopy about Fujifilm’s course with the XT line of cameras.
As I discussed above, I did non improve to Fuji XT3 as a result of I couldn’t see in it something beneficial for my images. I didn’t need to pay for a brand new digital camera to improve the video specs as a result of I didn’t use XT2 for taking pictures movies. I’ve GoPro for video functions. I made a decision to attend till the XT4 launch.
However when Fuji launched XT4, I spotted that the brand new digital camera had change into greater and heavier. They needed to improve the scale to accommodate an even bigger battery and IBIS. Plus, I despised the flip-out display. The Fuji XT line grew to become a hybrid digital camera line. And I used to be not loopy about it.
I made a decision to skip XT4 as soon as once more and stick to my previous and trusted XT2 for 2 extra years.
The plan was to attend for the following iteration of the XT digital camera, and if Fuji wouldn’t change its course, to search for an alternate elsewhere.
However Fujifilm received scared to lose me as a buyer and got here up with the proper journey digital camera the way in which I needed.
The corporate realized the XT line was initially designed as a photography-centric digital camera, not a hybrid. They returned to their roots and created a real successor to XT1 and XT2 fashions.
First, they decreased the digital camera’s dimension, which was my favourite change. XT5 is similar to the scale of XT2, even barely smaller. However, since they nonetheless needed to match an even bigger battery and IBIS, they made it just a little deeper.
Plus, over time, I modified how I take a look at IBIS. As an alternative of performance with restricted use for panorama images, I deal with it as a possible benefit. I made a decision to experiment with my taking pictures routine. I need to lower my tripod use and shoot extra handheld, counting on IBIS for stabilization. I plan to cut back the load I’ve to hold when touring. That’s the plan. Let’s see the way it goes.
The smaller type issue, return to the lean display, greater battery, new sensor and processor have been sufficient causes for the improve.
The one problem was to search out the XT5 within the retailer. Fuji introduced XT5 on November 15, however I solely managed to get it on the final day of the yr, December 31. I couldn’t get it from B&H, Adorama, and even Amazon. As an alternative, I discovered it in a small native retailer in Montreal. It was refreshing to purchase picture gear in individual once more and never on-line.
Initially, I used to be undecided what to anticipate from 40MP new sensor; I assumed it was overkill for an APS-C digital camera. But it surely turned out to be a constructive change. After I switched from Sony to Fuji XT2, I used to be shocked that RTF recordsdata have been usable even at 100% magnification. With the brand new 40MP sensor, RAW recordsdata are sharp and filled with particulars even at 200% magnification. I prefer it lots. Now, I don’t need to return to 26MP previous sensor.
Plus, on the final second, I made a decision to get a equipment as a substitute of a digital camera physique solely. Now I’ve a model new lens, Fujinon 16-80mm f4, and I want to check it to see if I need to maintain it.
In a few months, I’ll publish a Fujifilm X-T5 overview outlining my expertise with Fuji XT5.
It additionally implies that I’m sticking with Fujifilm for the foreseeable future.
