I’ve been seeking simplicity, and after reading a few Zak Arias posts about the Fuji X100T, I decided that I’d sell some of the camera gear I mostly wasn’t using and order myself a new camera, with the possibility that it could replace some or all of my DSLR gear. I sold my backup camera (Rebel T3i), my canon macro lens, a couple of camera bags (there’s a fetish!), and a bunch of lens filters that I’ve replaced with better ones over time.
So how does it compare?
So I headed out on Sunday morning in unremarkable weather to my usual haunt, with two cameras. Around my neck, the X100T and its fixed 35mm (equivalent) lens. Slung across my body, my Canon 6D and the new Canon 16-35mm F4 lens, which is spectacular.
I am no scientist
I kept the Canon lens at 35mm, shot them both in Aperture priority mode, evaluative metering, etc. Again, I’m not a pixel-peeping reviewer, I just wanted to compare them the way I want to use them. For example, I shot the Canon in raw mode, as I usually do, but I shot the Fuji using the film simulations in JPEG, because that’s how I want to use the Fuji – simply. Most of these shots were taken using the Velvia simulation, which has vivid colors suitable for landscape images.
I composed and shot dozens of scenes the same with both cameras. It was cold and extremely windy, but the trail was in fairly good condition with some very icy patches.
More work is needed
I threw all the images from both cameras in a Lightroom collection, did some light editing, and then looked at each pair of images side-by-side to choose the one I liked best. When I got down to the end, I had 13 images I decided to keep; 7 from the Canon and 6 from the Fuji. I had never expected that I’d be able to decide immediately that the Fuji could be the only camera for me, so this isn’t a surprise. However, after three days shooting the X100T, I’m already in love with this camera.
Great “simple” review.
You did what many fail to do. Test as they would use the cameras.
I began my digital life with a Canon 40D, I then upgraded to the 7D. I took my cameras everywhere and tried to improve my technique and overall quality of prints. I fard misserably. I could never achieve on paper what my eye saw.
I struggled that is, until I left Canon and bought an X100T.
This camera just gets out of way. I am constantly blown away by it’s results. I have said in many occasions, “this camera uses black magic”…
for years I struggled with focusing issues and horrendous dynamic range. No more.
This camera is easy, and just gets out of your way as you capture life.
Thanks Juan.
I’ve actually sold off all my Canon gear over the past month or so and gone all Fuji. I got the XT-1 and a selection of lenses, and have downsized my backpack, shoulder bag, and just about everything else. The pictures are great, and the gear is smaller and lighter than what I used to carry. I’ve quickly become a Fuji fanboy.