It’s been some time since I switched from Sony to Fuji. At this level, I’m prepared to offer 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 totally the other of my expectations. I acquired excited by Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater person 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 completely different motivation. I used to be not solely dissatisfied with Canon however with DSLR expertise generally. I used to be desperate to discover the mirrorless realm and didn’t have a selected digicam 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 principle causes:
1. Person Expertise
Whenever you mature as a photographer, you develop a novel images routine and habits. You realize precisely what you need to see in a digicam that’s carefully 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.
Once I determined to modify to Fujifilm, I solely thought of the highest of the road XT2 mannequin, however I had issue discovering dependable opinions. Why? The explanation was due to Fuji’s distinctive method to firmware updates.
Since Fujifilm launched its XT2 mannequin in August 2016, it has launched three main firmware updates that reach the digicam’s performance by including tons of–that’s proper, tons of–of recent and up to date options.
By the top of 2017, a lot of the preliminary XT2 opinions had been outdated as a result of it was a really completely different digicam.
Associated: Fuji XT2 vs XT3 – Facet by Facet
I discover Fuji’s method to be distinctive and refreshing, making them extra like a software program startup than a shopper electronics firm. It seems like a contemporary method to images when an organization listens to customers and makes enhancements to present 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. Generally, they reward Fuji a lot that it seems 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 fully completely different design of Fuji cameras with their numerous mechanical dials and gazillions of customizable buttons.
Additionally, as a photographer and educator, I assumed it could be good to study one other system so I can intelligently talk about it.
3. Want for the Final Journey Digicam
For a very long time, I needed the final word journey digicam setup. I craved for a mix of a compact climate sealed digicam and lens.
I used to be additionally in search of a contemporary twin reminiscence card performance that may give me a totally redundant backup workflow from begin to end.
And at last, I needed my journey digicam to have a dependable and simple GPS tagging performance.
Associated: Prime Equipment for
I couldn’t accomplish all the things 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
Once I switched from Canon to Sony, essentially the most vital 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 pictures was over.
Since then, I all the time take note of the dynamic vary of any digicam that I consider and make it one of the crucial vital paraments of my images.
The issue with Fuji is that it makes use of an X-Trans sensor, and it appears that evidently nobody can precisely measure its dynamic vary. This made it not possible for me to match the dynamic vary of the XT2 to my present 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 digicam.
So, as a substitute of switching immediately, I made a decision to first take a look at the Fuji. When an area fellow photographer was promoting his virtually new Fuji X-T2 physique, I knew it was the proper alternative for me to match it to Sony.
I purchased the digicam 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, based mostly 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 recuperate in highlights and shadows is staggering.
That is one thing I didn’t anticipate.
2. Picture High quality
Presently, I’ve two lenses: Fujinon 10-24 and Fujinon 18-135. The mixture 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 information that Fujifilm lenses are good, and I had a basic concept of what to anticipate.
However, I need to consider Fujinon 18-135 lens. It isn’t the preferred 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 upfront that I might go on an prolonged journey with solely that lens.
After utilizing Fujinon completely for two weeks, I noticed that just about all of the Fujinon 18-135 opinions I learn had been inaccurate and deceptive. Most of them concluded that it’s a respectable lens however you can’t anticipate a lot from a brilliant zoom lens.
I don’t agree with these conclusions. I discover this lens to be excellent. The picture high quality is superb and when taking pictures at f/8 – f/11 I hardly can inform the distinction between Fujinon 18-135 and everyone’s favourite extremely broad Fujinon 10-24.
The Fujinon 18-135mm has one of the best Optical Stabilization I’ve ever skilled. I managed to shoot at focal size 135mm utilizing shutter pace 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 unlimited quantity of knowledge, and you may customise it in any manner you need. It has already modified the way in which I take images.
I assigned the entrance perform 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 shade channel. Now when I’m able to shoot, I press the AE-L button to lock the publicity; subsequent, I activate the histogram within the EVF, and eventually, I tweak the publicity by adjusting the publicity compensation utilizing Entrance Command Dial. And I all the time have 4 histograms in EVF to judge my changes.
Like 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 totally agree with the conclusion. I suppose for those who examine XT2 ISO efficiency to a full body sensor digicam just like the Sony 7r, it could be the case, however I discover the ISO efficiency is superb for the APS-C digicam. I used to be stunned that at ISO 12800, pictures are nonetheless usable with loads of particulars.
The mixture of fantastic ISO efficiency with improved and prolonged Auto ISO performance permits me to shoot in circumstances I might by no means contemplate taking pictures earlier than.
The Negatives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
1. Ergonomics
The day I obtained the digicam and the lens I went on a day-long journey to shoot winter landscapes. After taking pictures for two hours, I noticed I had cramps in my fingers.
Sony a6000 is a small digicam, nevertheless it has a beefy, not very deep, however fairly broad grip, and I might comfortably carry the digicam utilizing my whole palm. However the Fuji XT2 is an even bigger and heavier digicam with a tiny grip, and I all the time needed to squeeze it with my fingers placing pointless pressure on them.
After 5 minutes of Googling, I noticed the small grip was a typical difficulty for a lot of Fuji cameras. And naturally, I discovered the answer quick. I ordered the thumb grip, and it virtually mounted the issue.
I additionally purchased a reasonable L-Bracket with a metallic grip.
Fujifilm XT2 Vertical Shoot Hand Grip
Now after I shoot handheld, I take advantage of a thumb grip solely, and when I’m on a tripod, I additionally connect the L-Bracket Grip.
However, I’m nonetheless not totally comfy. I hope, over time, I’ll get used to it.
I’m an enormous Again Button Focus person, and the AE-L and AF-L buttons are tiny, and it’s laborious to make use of them. I needed to assign Rear Command Dial to lock the concentrate on a press down. It isn’t totally 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 perform 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 possibility, and I prefer it rather a lot.
However, I cannot assign Drive choice to a customized perform button or perhaps a Fast menu. The one manner for me to vary from single mode taking pictures to bracketing, which I do rather a lot, is to make use of a mechanical subdial beneath the ISO dial. I’ve to make use of my second hand to vary it.
The identical goes for the Metering choice; it’s important to use a mechanical dial and no perform button or Fast Menu choices.
When taking pictures in Aperture Precedence mode, the one method to change the aperture worth is to make use of a lens aperture ring. It is rather comfy when taking pictures handheld, however when on a tripod, as soon as once more, it requires a second hand. There isn’t any method to change the aperture utilizing the Rear Command dial.
I hope that in future updates, Fujifilm offers us the power to assign any perform to any perform buttons or at the very least to a Fast Menu. I might love to have the ability to customise the XT2 so I can change any settings with one hand and with out shifting the attention away from EVF
3. Customized Setting
I discover that one of the crucial helpful customized configurations on any digicam 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 may save as much as 7 customized configurations, plus you may give every configuration a novel title. And it’s straightforward to recall every saved configuration from Fast Menu.
However after I began to customise it I noticed the one following settings an out there for reminiscence recall:
Dynamic Vary, Movie Simulation, Grain Impact, White Stability, 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, all the Customized Setting module is totally ineffective to me.
I discover it to be one of the crucial stunning 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 acquired excited by Fujifilm due to the necessity for a greater person 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 don’t have any regrets. I’ve already bought all my Sony gear and will certainly follow Fujifilm for a yr at the very least, however I think will probably be longer.
And I’m having a blast studying the brand new digicam system. Plus, Fujifilm retains us on the toes with the fixed firmware upgrades.
Additionally, it proved once more there isn’t a such factor as an ideal digicam.
Fujifilm vs Sony (2019 Replace)
It’s been virtually 18 months since I switched from Sony to the Fujifilm digicam system. I made a decision to offer you a fast replace.
To begin with, I’ve grown even fonder of Fujifilm gear over time. I like its aesthetics, the standard of drugs, and the standard of pictures Fujifilm produces. Plus, I like Fujifilm’s photographer-centric method to enterprise.
At this level, I’ve no plans to search for another. I’ll follow 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 desperate to improve. However after I checked the specs of the X-t3, I noticed there was nothing for me there.
The Fujifilm X-T3 presents drastic enhancements in video specs and autofocus, neither of which I take care of 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 likely one of the oldest fashions within the Fujifilm line and has a really outdated autofocus motor. The autofocus is noisy and never very quick, however the lens produces unimaginable pictures with distinctive seems.
In accordance with Fujifilm’s chief engineer, after they designed the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 lens, they’d the choice to make it optically good or make it distinctive and distinctive. They selected the latter. It’s now one among 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 take advantage of it for many of my panorama images. Its solely weak spot is its lack of climate sealing. When I’m within the discipline within the rain, I’ve to modify 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 sort of the proper lens for my wants, nevertheless it has one shortcoming. It’s too huge and heavy for lengthy and demanding hikes. Just lately, Fujifilm introduced a brand new lens—the 16-80mm f/4 —that’s smaller than the 18-135mm lens, has one of the best picture stabilization within the business, and is climate sealed. It has the potential to be the final word journey lens. I completely plan to test it out when it turns into out there.
That’s it for now. Let me know when you have any questions within the feedback beneath. I’m completely happy 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% optimistic expertise.
I acquired used to the digicam, 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 things was good in paradise.
I used to be not loopy about Fujifilm’s route 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 invaluable for my images. I didn’t need to pay for a brand new digicam 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 noticed that the brand new digicam had turn into larger and heavier. They needed to enhance the dimensions to accommodate an even bigger battery and IBIS. Plus, I despised the flip-out display. The Fuji XT line turned a hybrid digicam line. And I used to be not loopy about it.
I made a decision to skip XT4 as soon as once more and follow my outdated and trusted XT2 for 2 extra years.
The plan was to attend for the following iteration of the XT digicam, and if Fuji wouldn’t change its route, to search for another elsewhere.
However Fujifilm acquired scared to lose me as a buyer and got here up with the proper journey digicam the way in which I needed.
The corporate realized the XT line was initially designed as a photography-centric digicam, not a hybrid. They returned to their roots and created a real successor to XT1 and XT2 fashions.
First, they lowered the digicam’s measurement, which was my favourite change. XT5 is akin to the dimensions of XT2, even barely smaller. However, since they nonetheless needed to match an even bigger battery and IBIS, they made it somewhat deeper.
Plus, over time, I modified how I take a look at IBIS. As a substitute 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 scale back the burden I’ve to hold when touring. That’s the plan. Let’s see the way it goes.
The smaller kind issue, return to the lean display, larger battery, new sensor and processor had 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 a substitute, I discovered it in a small native retailer in Montreal. It was refreshing to purchase picture gear in particular person 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 digicam. But it surely turned out to be a optimistic change. Once I switched from Sony to Fuji XT2, I used to be stunned that RTF recordsdata had 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 rather a lot. Now, I don’t need to return to 26MP outdated sensor.
Plus, on the final second, I made a decision to get a equipment as a substitute of a digicam physique solely. Now I’ve a model new lens, Fujinon 16-80mm f4, and I would like to check it to see if I need to hold it.
In a few months, I’ll publish a Fujifilm X-T5 evaluate outlining my expertise with Fuji XT5.
It additionally implies that I’m sticking with Fujifilm for the foreseeable future.
