Pre-orders
X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
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First off: there are many ways to support Fujirumors: share images and stories, send me links to latest reviews and news, share rumors… and, as you know, purchase the gear that suits your needs using one of the shoplinks on this blog (no extra costs for you). In 2014 I’ve already shared with you 98 posts (in 49 days)… and with your support I can keep it up! So feel free to purchase the X-T1 (or anything else) using one of the links in this post. Thanks, Patrick.
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1) Is the X-T1 worth all the hype? Well, it seems so. Here is the next review site (after pocket-lint, photographyblog and ephotozine) that assigns 5 out of 5 stars to the X-T1: it’s expertreviews here:
“Phase detection also helps with autofocus performance. We measured times of between 0.3 and 0.7 seconds to focus and capture a shot, with 0.4 seconds being typical. Shot-to-shot performance in normal use came in at 0.7 seconds. These are solid results, but not outstanding. Continuous mode was far more impressive, delivering speeds up to 6.3fps with tracking autofocus. This lasted for 40 JPEGs or 20 RAW frames before slowing to the speed of the card. Continuous shooting with fixed focus was even faster, at 8.3fps. This level of performance compares well with the fastest SLRs at this price. […]
[as other APS-C X-Trans cameras] This is the best image quality we’ve seen from an APS-C sensor by quite some distance, with noise levels that are closer to full-frame cameras than other APS-C models.
[…] it’s hard to imagine a better CSC than the X-T1. We certainly haven’t seen one.“
image courtesy: expertreviews (Viewfinder size)
2) Snow days | a second look at the X-T1 at laroquephoto here: “In barely three years Fujifilm has built an entirely new camera ecosystem from the ground up, and when you stand back and look at this big picture the X-T1 not only makes perfect sense, it’s a spectacular addition. […] Having used the X-T1 for over a week now I can say with absolute certainty that this is no small release: if you earn a living with these cameras, you owe it to yourself to try it out — Everything is faster, more direct, more accessible. […] The X-T1 is obviously the latest and greatest Fuji has to offer and it shows. After this weekend I’m over the moon about this camera. But the truth is we are absolutely spoiled for choice these days.”
3) Fuji’s X-T1 – The “X” System Comes of Age at luminous-landscape here: “More surprisingly, the X-T1 absolutely kicked-ass in my (admittedly unscientific) focus-tracking test. With the 18-55mm kit lens mounted, I focused on oncoming cars and fired continuously at full speed while tracking the approaching car. Working at close to its rated 8fps for most of the run, the Fuji nailed almost every frame in four repetitions of this test. A very impressive performance. […] It has been fun to watch the “X” series mature into a full-fledged camera system. The X-T1 is definitely Fuji’s best “X” body yet, and their new lenses range from the superb to the truly remarkable. The package is tight, usable, and compelling. The results are excellent. Fuji has managed to grow its niche into a mainstream system that every photographer should consider, but has done so without losing too much of the magic which made the “X” special from the outset. This camera should be a real hit for Fuji, and deservedly so.”
4) Joshua Khoo: “Hi Patrick, I attended the X-T1 launch event in Kuala Lumpur here recently and did a write up on it. Feel free to share it with your readers.” Read it here.
5) Fujifilm X-T1 – Review + Tips & Tricks of Ralfs Foto-Bude on youtube video here (English Version)
X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
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XF deals
XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
39 Responses
Been saving up cash for this bad boy. As soon as the first batch arriving in New Zealand, I will get my hands on. Perfect compliment to my X-M1. 🙂
The 27mm lens deal is back on Amazon, bought one through your link.
Thanks again Patrick for your continuous updates!!
i cannot wait to get mine. i just hope the 56mm ships around the same time.
expertreviews: “However, it’s a little disappointing that the X-T1 can’t track subjects as they move around the frame – a feature that’s fairly common among compact system cameras. ”
I can only agree to this, in particular since AF frame tracking is available in the X20 and the X-M1 already!
I’m not sure to understand “The best IQ for APS-c size”. I mean, it’s the same sensor and processor than Xe2. So, it’s not new, and not surprising. Only a confirmation. And by the way, IQ also depends on what lens is used. If you want to compare seriously IQ of 2 different sensors, you have to do with an unic and same lens.
Oh yes, the EVF bigger than the D800 OVF, one of the best in the pro-DSLR world. But it are battery-power eating pixels where we are looking at, now. Just a maze of pixels like in all other MLIC concepts and how big or how small they ever will be, they will never be clear and sharp enough and have always time delaying electronics in between. Where did the magnificent hybrid OVF/EVF concept go? Has it really become so unimportant for Fujifilm? Just to say I still find it curious that people claim to like this X-T1 fake DSLR concept while they’re speaking all the time about ‘ditching the DSLR’. I see no difference: it’s like an eco-reactionist buying an electric car with a huge diesel generator in it. Like many we were waiting for a next gen X-Pro2 and we got a waterproof diesel generator with a top mounted injection pump. The best injection pump in the market, but I didn’t want one. Sorry Fujifilm, by Fotokina all your stuff will likely have disappeared out of my bag. Purely because disappointment in you made me look at other options. What a pity once I thought Fuji was going to compete with Leica M, THAT was a true benchmark.
Nice rant. The X-pro1 is as big as the X-T1 and EVFs are clearly improving to the point that the advantages of an OVF become negligible. Looking at the picture above, that EVF seems to be as big as on the A900, the bets OVF I’ve come across.
I just don’t agree. While an EVF is nice to have in 10% of the cases, an OVF is what we need in a precision tool. All the rest is marketing, blabla. Not to mention I hate to toast batteries in a camera. Maybe that’s something for the next Fuji, an X-D1 where the D stands for the diesel-generator delivered with it.
You say it’s marketing, I say it’s stubborn people who stick to OVF for no reason. I don’t see how an OVF is better for precision work, I find it worse.
The OVF is a nice option to have, used it quite a few times but I agree, a top notch EVF is the way to go.
It is a nice option, indeed. Certainly wouldn’t like it to disappear or go the way of the rangefinder.
I think it’s a matter of taste. I like both EVF and OVF.
OVF doesn’t dry out battery which can be quite an advantage. However, as much as I love the hybrid finder concept, I find it too small on the X-Pro1.
EVF allow stuff like peaking which is awesome, and gain allow low light photography where you can barely see with an OVF.
I’ll have to test the X-T1 to decide wether or not present EVF tech is up to the clarity and comfort of an OVF. If it is, I don’t see any more reason for OVF to survive in the coming years…
EVF have many advantages and a number of critical disadvantages, Because you do not see why so many people prefer an OVF does not change this fact. An EVF is in effect a TV screen regardless of how many pixels it has it displays shadow and highlights very poorly compared to good OVF.
“An EVF is in effect a TV screen regardless of how many pixels it has it displays shadow and highlights very poorly compared to good OVF.”
That doesn’t matter because what you are capturing is a digital image. What you see in the OVF is “reality”, but the picture you’re making is just a digital representation, just like what you see in the EVF.
Even if the EVF has lower dynamic range than the final image, it can show you where the shadows and highlights will be clipped. Even if the colors are a bit off, it gives you a better representation than the OVF, which only shows you the real colors, not the colors your camera is going to capture.
In dark situations, the EVF can boost the gain and show a closer approximation to the final image. In manual focusing, it can give you peaking, magnification, split image, etc.
A photo never looks quite like what you see in an OVF, but it comes close to what you see in the EVF. The EVF is the way of the future.
Of course, it has disadvantages. But, is it that I don’t see them or is it that nobody can give a proper argument for the OVF? In the end, for every disadvantage of the EVF, I can give you at least one for the OVF.
An OVF may be what YOU want 90% of the time.
I want an EVF 100% of the time.
What you see in the EVF is much closer to the end result, plus you get lots of useful stuff like highlights/shadows, peaking, magnification, etc.
“are clearly improving to the point that the advantages of an OVF become negligible” Good call. Except the D800 has a reflex viewer, and not an optical viewfinder as per the Leica M.
Good call to realize that what we call ‘improvement” in mirrorless viewfinders is the degree to which they increasingly become almost as good as reflex viewing has been for the last 60 years.
If we are not to have true reflex viewing so as to actually view the subject in real time and not through a little tv screen with tearing, hesitation, false colors, false contrast, can’t we at least pay less for what you admit is an inferior viewing system? That’s all I’m asking for.
The XT-1 is great, but too pricey. It’s virtually an XE-2 in drag, but somehow the hype machine has it as the bestest ever. Seriously all this transparent attempt by websites that make their livings off of click through sales while pretending they are giving ‘reviews’ is becoming a little over the top. The reviews seem more and more repetitious, more and more contrived, and less and less trustworthy as a result.
They are both optical viewfinders, because they use optics.
Your idea about EVF improvements being the degree to which they become as good as optical ones is only partially correct. There are several areas where EVFs are simply better. I also don’t consider OVFs to be an inferior viewing system, but an inferior photography tool.
I seriously don’t understand your points. Hesitation? False colors? False contrast? You may want to elaborate on those, because listed like that, I am not sure what to do with them.
Oh, I forgot. What’s the Leica a benchmark for? Overpriced cameras or AF performance?
That would be Full Frame, since 4 or 5 years now, and a camera that does not need constant updates … or price cuts … or a book explaining how the auto focus works (not really auto focus is it then).
But of course that kind of design excellence costs money and requires skill to use. Its therefore not for everyone 😉
Er… it’s better to use facts when making an argument.
1. The Leica M 240 actually is on the lower end of Full Frame camera sensor quality. DXO or various unbiased internet reviews will state the same.
2. Every major camera has a book or guide explaining how the autofocus works. Canon 1D-X offers a full manual on it’s autofocus. There’s even a Leica M manual focusing guide.
3. On design excellence – Leica does not have a good reputation in regards to reliability. Serious potential issues with the M8, M9 etc. Every camera manufacturer makes mistakes here and there. Part of the reason I’m drawn to Fuji is because they are committed to fixing their mistakes quickly and efficiently. I can’t say the same about Leica or Nikon to name a few.
Oh, requires skill to use, so it’s not for me? 🙂 What skill does a Lecia require more than operating a regular camera in manual? Don’t make me laugh.
DSLR performance in a smaller & lighter package,isn’t that what mirrorless all about?
I’m a little surprised that you’re disappointing that Fuji keeps releasing new upgraded cameras. They’ve already stated that an X-Pro2 is coming, but they only want to release it after a significant technological breakthrough (which might actually allow it to compete with the Leica M on more levels – as you state that’s what you’re wanting). In a recent interview with the senior sales and marketing manager at Fujifilm, he stated that they wanted to avoid future product confusion with their customer base (as what happened with the X-M1 and the X-A1). As such, they will be releasing less camera bodies, but further diversifying the differences between the bodies. The X-T1 is currently the top and when the X-Pro2 is released, it will reclaim its position as Fuji’s top end camera. I’m not sure what there is to be disappointed about; not every new camera they release will perfectly suit your needs. Fujifilm has developed an entire camera and lens ecosystem in three years. It may take them a little bit to fill in the rest of the gaps.
100% OK, what you’re saying. But remember the S-Pro line. Abandoned. I don’t think a lot of those S-Pro owners will ever buy a Fuji again. And now, 700000 X-cameras sold over 3 years, some where you don’t even want to know from. I’m really not impressed. All numbers show that MLIC are not selling well, only in Japan, but not in the rest of the world. Fuji has always been applying technologies different from the mainstream market but the success-rate was very low. Reliability hasn’t been their strongest point either. I had to find out myself: the X-Pro1 was merely a prototype when it was released. The X-E1 was barely better, just a cheaper camera, nothing more, abandoned only a few months later for the X-E2. The cycling and conception of models is just there to filly very small niches. I really don’t want to invest in Fuji anymore, until it’s proven that they really can do it (with this X-T1) and the market has confidence in them. If not… it will be e-bay.
In what way was the X-E1 abandonned?
And keep in mid the S-Pro was basically just a body, not a system. Nobody lost anything because the line was not continued.
The S pro was F mount… So who cares if they abandoned it, they can always use Nikon.
If Xpro 1 and XE 1 were that bad, why even buy it in the first place.
Go cry a river wah wah
I’m sorry, I’m a bit confused by your comment here: what’s wrong with the “cycling” of the Fuji bodies? The X-Pro 1 is still here more than 2 years after introduction, the X-E 1 was announced in September 2012 and the X-E2 in October 2013, more than a year later. The other models are still there, the only other models that have been replaced are the X10 and X100 with the X20 and the X100s. Have you had a look at Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Nikon, Canon, etc….with their reiteration of the same lower tier models? Have you noticed the speed at which they replace bodies in their line-up? Only the enthusiast and pro bodies are replaced less often. Fuji keeps on upgrading older cameras, and at the expense of sales of new bodies!! Look at the X100, for example: a complete revamp with the last firmware update, certainly stopping a few people from upgrading to the X100s and making their initial investment more worthy!
And the same happened for all the other X cameras, continuous upgrades are making them better and better.
Why are you so disgruntled with Fujifilm? Probably you are just better off with another system that suits you…what about your benchmark? Leicas have no issues at all right? Bah…
+1. The X-Pro1 had competences, the rest was niche-filling. The system has a lot of potential & competences, but is also facing a lot of challenges and boobytraps that may kill this beautiful hype one day (as it did for the S-Pro-line andalso the GX680 medium format range). Most of all because the X-series… is only a very small sub-niche even within the Fujifilm corporate org and surely not where they make money with. Let us hope history doesn’t repeat itself once again. And yes, the X-Pro1 has not really been a very strong professional performer due to reliability problems, shutter lag and AF issues, the still existing RAF-conversion problems, a completely missing third party support for accessories,… We need to keep Fujifilm sharp, the X-T1 is likely a good step in that direction. Now let’s focus on what we want for the X-Pro2.
I think he’s disappointed because Fuji, like all large corporate manufacturers of luxury consumer products designed to part you and your money, delivers an inconsistent story. Who cares what they say, he says, watch what they do. Or don’t do.
Little dramatic here. Fuji’s OVF concept needs some work. Its not nearly at a point where it can be used professionally. Its a big leap of faith trusting that green square means the correct focus was achieved. Personally, I loved the X-Pro1 but found the OVF mostly useless– and responsible for many out of focus shots. I am glad to see them focusing on making the best EVF possible.
I regularly go back and forth between a 5D Mk3 and X-E2. I have to say for the most part I prefer the EVF of the X-E2. With all of the different information that can be displayed in an EVF I find it to be much more useful. Especially for manual focus applications.
Where it still lacks is shooting action. A DSLRs optical viewfinder is still unbeatable for that purpose. Definitely looking forward to seeing improvements in EVFs for that purpose.
Has anyone seen any news on the battery performance of the X-T1? I love my X100s, but I don’t love having to switch between my 2 batteries for extended shooting.
As far as I know battery life is about the same as with the X-E1/2, which is not that great. I usually need just one battery per day when e.g. on holidays, but always carry a second battery with me just in case. This is one part of the Fuji X system that needs some work. With a DSLR (no matter what sensor size) you can take far more pictures with one battery. But then again, those cameras are much bigger and heavier.
It should however not be a problem to bring out a compatible battery with a higher capacity in the future…
The video from Ralfs Photo Bude again shows the different focus peaking colors. Patrick, any idea, when we get this option on other X-cameras via an update?
It’s a bit odd to compare the EVF against the one in the Olympus OMD E-M5.
The E-M1 is the one with the really great viewfinder (and from what I’ve been reading, the X-T1’s is still slightly bigger and better).
So it has a bigger and better little TV. I get that. It takes up more real estate, weighs more, costs more, and uses up more battery life. I get that too. Which is all part of the trend to make mirrorless seem more and more like DLSRs.
Olympus had great viewfinders in the OM film series. The image was huge for the tiny camera. They touted this in their advertising then.
Nikon had great film viewfinders in their F3. The image was a little smaller. Nikon called this ‘high-eyepoint,’ and touted in their ads that you could still see the entire screen even with eyeglasses or looking into the viewfinder at an angle from the side, unlike the Olympus.
Which was better? There were pluses and minuses to each. But of course each was better than a little tiny TV with delays, hesitation, smearing, jerking, tearing, false colors, false contrast, lesser resolution.
One of the big reasons why I got rid of my Canon 6D, was because of the OVF. I couldn’t stand it. I’m fully pro-EVF. I’d rather have all the info available in the VF, than correct lighting, as I make adjustments PP, anyways. The X-T1 has one of the largest viewing EVF out there, so I’m really looking forward to my first Fuji X camera.
Thanks Patrick for all your efforts! I’ve supported the site by clicking on some of your links especially with my recent purchases.
As much as I would want to send photos, I remember you telling me there was a long backlog. Still waiting for some of my shared images to show up. Or maybe they’re not that good. LOL
are you Mikey Huang? I have you in the X-shooter waiting list. But this one basically stopped to exist. People now feature their shots on the FR-facebook photostream, and the most liked ones are featured on Fujiurmors. Do you have facebook? in this case you can post them there.
and thanks for your kind words in your email. Hope you’re still having fun here on FR 😉