Does anyone have any thoughts on making this investment? I love the design and feel (very mechanical/manual) of the Fuji X (XE-1/PRO) but I just haven’t been able to get over the focus speed. I have the GH3 right now, but am probably gonna sell it for the GX7 or the Fuji system. Will fuji always struggle behind olympus/panasonic in AF? Or should I jump ship now while it’s cheap and while I have not invested too much in Micro 4/3? Would love to hear some honest opinions! Thanks all!
I think it’s something that will steadily improve in time. Fuji already knows that the AF speed is a major weakness of their cameras. The company so far has shown a willingness to listen to their customers and unlike several other companies they usually make useful firmware updates. With that said, I think the AF in m4/3 cameras is going to better for sometime.
I bought a XE-1 and zoom for now to trial and feel mixed. I rented a X100s last spring and for the hype of the improved AF I was underwhelmed. I hope a successor to the XE-1 or Xpro1 offers more of an AF improvement than what the X100s offered over the X100, otherwise I’d say that the AF will still be lacking for certain subjects. Shooting kids for example is just frustrating, it is almost as if you should just not even try, get a Canon SL1 and a 40mm pancake and call it a day and make that the “camera for shooting people”. Unless you can pose your subject and they can remain still and you have good light, it is a step backwards from any SLR. On the other hands I love the small size and the fact that the lenses are great, and shooting posed people or city or architecture is fine.
You just don’t know how to shoot, take an advice me, I’m a pro Fuji photographer, I post my pics here all the time in this site and they are just great.
shoot only still life and don’t have children!
I have the X-E1 + 18-55 and I appreciate the sensor size (I do not want smaller than APS-C due to IQ and DOF), the jpeg image rendering, the user interface and last but not least the high quality optics from Fuji.
You will have to look at Nikon or Canon fullframe pro optics to match most of the XF lenses including the 18-55. I do not trust other brands than these three to be able to make optics of that high quality. Fuji has even made optics for Hasselblad.
That said, I agree that it will be nice when Fuji has improved AF speed even more. I do not know how close they will be able to come fullframe PDAF, but today I only shoot
subjects that do not require high speed AF with the X-E1. If that is Ok with you, Fuji with X-trans sensor is IMHO the best CSC available today.
I should add that I think that Fuji with X-trans sensor is IMHO not only the best CSC, but also the best APS-C camera available today (provided that you can live without DSLR PDAF). To be able to beat the Fuji image quality you need to step up to modern fullframe (Nikon in my taste), but Fuji comes very close especially in decent light.
I bought the X-Pro1, 14mm, 35mm, and 60mm during the last round of discounts. I sold a Nikon D600 and three lenses to make the switch. I had already had the X100 (which I recently replaced with an X100s), so I wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with the X system.
I spent probably a week or so chasing my kids around with the XP1 snapping away and playing with the different methods for getting a high hit rate: the AF-S “mash”, AF-C, focus and recompose, predictive focusing in manual, and back-button manual. What I learned is that after enough practice, focus was simply not an issue anymore. I just do what works in the moment. The focus rarely feels slow, especially with the latest firmware.
I know the XP1 still loses side-by-side speed comparisons to other systems, but I just don’t care. It’s fast enough for my needs, and it’s superior to other systems in most areas that I do care about.
Of course, all of this has been discussed elsewhere ad nauseum. What’s important to you in a camera?
I had your problem until recently. One thing is I have owned a Panasonic m4/3 and a Sony NEX-7 before I settled on Fuji. The reason I switched is because I found the optics in the mirrorless segment to be far superior with Fuji. The Sony had a lot of features that made it a nice all around camera but their lenses are lacking imo. The Panasonic was very good and I had a nice collection of lenses including the superb 45mm macro Leica. My problem with the m4/3 was the low light ability which I can attest that the Fuji is excellent it in low light.
AF with Fuji is my only gripe but after some time with the camera it is not as big of a deal as when I first started using it. Based on how good Fuji is to responding to customers needs and desires I would say AF is probably going to be better with the newer cameras (If and when they are available).
My thoughts on purchasing camera gear is simple but takes discipline to make it work… That is: buy what is available now and what you can afford. There are a lot of people waiting for the Sony nex full frame, or the large sensor 4/3 model, or the Nikon D900 but to me those people are just consumers and not photographers… Always waiting and not doing.
My friend just picked up a X-E1 kit and 35 f1.4 and is blown away at the value they got with the deal. The body is replaceable but the lenses are the real investment and with the current deals you can’t go wrong!
My decision was similar to yours, but I decided to sell my Sony gear, buy a decent Fuji body and start investing in the lenses. I am out shooting every day with my Fuji and couldn’t be happier. If you wait, what you want will never be here and you won’t be out doing what you want to do with a camera which is making photographs.
This is similar to my question above. It’s nearly impossible to know how the x series will improve. However, seeing what olympus and panasonic are capable of the last month, fuji has got to come up with something amazing to stand out.
Thanks for everyones replies. I did some calculating and I think I am gonna spend a little more to stay with micro 4/3. Here is my breakdown:
XE-1, 18-55mm f2.8-4, 18mm f/2, 27mm f2.8, 35mm f1.4, 60mm f2.4 = Grand Total of $2650.
Equivalent Purchase:
GX7, 12-35mm f2.8 (already own), 12mm f2, 20mm 1.7, 25mm f1.4, 45mm f1.8 = Grand Total of $2690
The difference is only $40. (For the micro 4/3 lenses I looked at lightly used or refurbished prices to stay competitive with Fuji’s discount).
That all being said, the GX7 has a few advantages:
Includes 3 year warranty from Henry’s (in Black!).
Three lenses have faster aperture.
Micro 4/3 has more lenses I am interested in (60mm Macro, 75mm f1.7, 35-100mm f2.8, Voigtlander, etc).
In Body Stabilization for Legacy lenses.
Fuji does have better IQ, better low light performance, better DOF. However, these advantages are only marginally better then the micro 4/3 system. I will be sad to not have aperture ring and other tactile buttons on the Fuji, but even if the next-gen fujis are much better (particularly with AF), I still think the lenses available for Micro 4/3 gives it the edge. Plus, if I ever get really into video, there are lots of amazing options for 4/3s as well.
Feel free to persuade me otherwise… you have about 48 hours left! =]
Any modern camera will do fine. You choose the Fuji system for it’s feel and “character”. It’s not about raw AF speed — it’s not a drag race — I don’t have AF issues but I’m not a spray-n-pray shooter either. If AF speed and cost are paramount to anything else, a DSLR rules compared to mirrorless — ANY mirrorless. A nikon D7100 with a few good lenses will outpace any mirrorless for shooting fast moving stuff and cost less overall than a complete high-end mirrorless, with the tradeoff of increased size.
So go with what makes you feel good. I love my XE-1 and 14, 18-55, and 60mm. Nothing I shoot that this combo can’t handle — if I need to shoot bats in flight in the pale moonlight I’d need something else…..hahaha….some people here….
See my reply to Chelsey above… You can always sell the body but the deal on the lenses is awesome. You would probably come out even if you bought say an X-E1 kit with 18-55 and added a 35 f1.4 at the current discount then sold the body later and upgraded to the X-E1s/2 or X-Pro2 body.
But it is your money and you have to choose what you do with it… In other words, if you are not happy you cannot sue! 😉
I ordered the full set of lenses, it was really cheap, only costs as much as a full frame with some nice primes.
Now, can anyone tell me which is the best software for converting from RAW to avoid the famous smearing effect?
Where can I buy spare batteries? I’ve heard that the camera runs low on batteries before you even take the first pic.
Where can I buy an adapter from X lenses to Sony NEX camera so I can focus?
Best software depends on what you need to do with them, LR works for me, the other gaining momentum is called http://www.iridientdigital.com. Spare batteries- I found a guy on Ebay in USA selling them for 29 each so bought 2 more. Three has been plenty for a day of shooting, often times two will do it.
The famous smearing effect is discussed a lot more on the internet then by people actually taking photographs with Fuji cameras. That being said Iredient has gotten the best votes so far. Good luck with the adapter. Not many mirrorless to mirrorless adapters, if any, out there since the flange to sensor distance is so close.
Really? If I bought a Nex FF a year ago, all my Fuji XE-1 gripes disappear? Or are you saying the Nex FF will cause spontaneous bugfixes across a range of cameras? Or has it not been released yet, so to take a photo today with it I would also need a time machine?
21 Responses
Wow, that’s a great deal. Worth buying now and putting those lenses away to use with the X-Pro 2 next year!
Does anyone have any thoughts on making this investment? I love the design and feel (very mechanical/manual) of the Fuji X (XE-1/PRO) but I just haven’t been able to get over the focus speed. I have the GH3 right now, but am probably gonna sell it for the GX7 or the Fuji system. Will fuji always struggle behind olympus/panasonic in AF? Or should I jump ship now while it’s cheap and while I have not invested too much in Micro 4/3? Would love to hear some honest opinions! Thanks all!
I think it’s something that will steadily improve in time. Fuji already knows that the AF speed is a major weakness of their cameras. The company so far has shown a willingness to listen to their customers and unlike several other companies they usually make useful firmware updates. With that said, I think the AF in m4/3 cameras is going to better for sometime.
I bought a XE-1 and zoom for now to trial and feel mixed. I rented a X100s last spring and for the hype of the improved AF I was underwhelmed. I hope a successor to the XE-1 or Xpro1 offers more of an AF improvement than what the X100s offered over the X100, otherwise I’d say that the AF will still be lacking for certain subjects. Shooting kids for example is just frustrating, it is almost as if you should just not even try, get a Canon SL1 and a 40mm pancake and call it a day and make that the “camera for shooting people”. Unless you can pose your subject and they can remain still and you have good light, it is a step backwards from any SLR. On the other hands I love the small size and the fact that the lenses are great, and shooting posed people or city or architecture is fine.
You just don’t know how to shoot, take an advice me, I’m a pro Fuji photographer, I post my pics here all the time in this site and they are just great.
shoot only still life and don’t have children!
I have the X-E1 + 18-55 and I appreciate the sensor size (I do not want smaller than APS-C due to IQ and DOF), the jpeg image rendering, the user interface and last but not least the high quality optics from Fuji.
You will have to look at Nikon or Canon fullframe pro optics to match most of the XF lenses including the 18-55. I do not trust other brands than these three to be able to make optics of that high quality. Fuji has even made optics for Hasselblad.
That said, I agree that it will be nice when Fuji has improved AF speed even more. I do not know how close they will be able to come fullframe PDAF, but today I only shoot
subjects that do not require high speed AF with the X-E1. If that is Ok with you, Fuji with X-trans sensor is IMHO the best CSC available today.
I should add that I think that Fuji with X-trans sensor is IMHO not only the best CSC, but also the best APS-C camera available today (provided that you can live without DSLR PDAF). To be able to beat the Fuji image quality you need to step up to modern fullframe (Nikon in my taste), but Fuji comes very close especially in decent light.
I bought the X-Pro1, 14mm, 35mm, and 60mm during the last round of discounts. I sold a Nikon D600 and three lenses to make the switch. I had already had the X100 (which I recently replaced with an X100s), so I wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with the X system.
I spent probably a week or so chasing my kids around with the XP1 snapping away and playing with the different methods for getting a high hit rate: the AF-S “mash”, AF-C, focus and recompose, predictive focusing in manual, and back-button manual. What I learned is that after enough practice, focus was simply not an issue anymore. I just do what works in the moment. The focus rarely feels slow, especially with the latest firmware.
I know the XP1 still loses side-by-side speed comparisons to other systems, but I just don’t care. It’s fast enough for my needs, and it’s superior to other systems in most areas that I do care about.
Of course, all of this has been discussed elsewhere ad nauseum. What’s important to you in a camera?
Hi Chelsey,
I had your problem until recently. One thing is I have owned a Panasonic m4/3 and a Sony NEX-7 before I settled on Fuji. The reason I switched is because I found the optics in the mirrorless segment to be far superior with Fuji. The Sony had a lot of features that made it a nice all around camera but their lenses are lacking imo. The Panasonic was very good and I had a nice collection of lenses including the superb 45mm macro Leica. My problem with the m4/3 was the low light ability which I can attest that the Fuji is excellent it in low light.
AF with Fuji is my only gripe but after some time with the camera it is not as big of a deal as when I first started using it. Based on how good Fuji is to responding to customers needs and desires I would say AF is probably going to be better with the newer cameras (If and when they are available).
My thoughts on purchasing camera gear is simple but takes discipline to make it work… That is: buy what is available now and what you can afford. There are a lot of people waiting for the Sony nex full frame, or the large sensor 4/3 model, or the Nikon D900 but to me those people are just consumers and not photographers… Always waiting and not doing.
My friend just picked up a X-E1 kit and 35 f1.4 and is blown away at the value they got with the deal. The body is replaceable but the lenses are the real investment and with the current deals you can’t go wrong!
My decision was similar to yours, but I decided to sell my Sony gear, buy a decent Fuji body and start investing in the lenses. I am out shooting every day with my Fuji and couldn’t be happier. If you wait, what you want will never be here and you won’t be out doing what you want to do with a camera which is making photographs.
What I want to know is does anyone think it’s better to buy now or wait for the new series X-E1s/2 or XPro1s/2?
This is similar to my question above. It’s nearly impossible to know how the x series will improve. However, seeing what olympus and panasonic are capable of the last month, fuji has got to come up with something amazing to stand out.
I totally agree!
The new E-M5, GX7 and E-M1 are so good that I am really torn between M43 and Fuji X.
If the price of the M43s was small like the lenses are then there would be no problem choosing Olympus. I think the IBIS is fantastic.
Luckily for Fuji the X-E1 is cheaper than the latest M43s (E-P5, GX7) and the X-Pro1 is cheaper than the E-M1.
However, the X-Pro2 is going to have to be really good to stop my moving my GAS to the E-M5 successor.
Thanks for everyones replies. I did some calculating and I think I am gonna spend a little more to stay with micro 4/3. Here is my breakdown:
XE-1, 18-55mm f2.8-4, 18mm f/2, 27mm f2.8, 35mm f1.4, 60mm f2.4 = Grand Total of $2650.
Equivalent Purchase:
GX7, 12-35mm f2.8 (already own), 12mm f2, 20mm 1.7, 25mm f1.4, 45mm f1.8 = Grand Total of $2690
The difference is only $40. (For the micro 4/3 lenses I looked at lightly used or refurbished prices to stay competitive with Fuji’s discount).
That all being said, the GX7 has a few advantages:
Includes 3 year warranty from Henry’s (in Black!).
Three lenses have faster aperture.
Micro 4/3 has more lenses I am interested in (60mm Macro, 75mm f1.7, 35-100mm f2.8, Voigtlander, etc).
In Body Stabilization for Legacy lenses.
Fuji does have better IQ, better low light performance, better DOF. However, these advantages are only marginally better then the micro 4/3 system. I will be sad to not have aperture ring and other tactile buttons on the Fuji, but even if the next-gen fujis are much better (particularly with AF), I still think the lenses available for Micro 4/3 gives it the edge. Plus, if I ever get really into video, there are lots of amazing options for 4/3s as well.
Feel free to persuade me otherwise… you have about 48 hours left! =]
Any modern camera will do fine. You choose the Fuji system for it’s feel and “character”. It’s not about raw AF speed — it’s not a drag race — I don’t have AF issues but I’m not a spray-n-pray shooter either. If AF speed and cost are paramount to anything else, a DSLR rules compared to mirrorless — ANY mirrorless. A nikon D7100 with a few good lenses will outpace any mirrorless for shooting fast moving stuff and cost less overall than a complete high-end mirrorless, with the tradeoff of increased size.
So go with what makes you feel good. I love my XE-1 and 14, 18-55, and 60mm. Nothing I shoot that this combo can’t handle — if I need to shoot bats in flight in the pale moonlight I’d need something else…..hahaha….some people here….
See my reply to Chelsey above… You can always sell the body but the deal on the lenses is awesome. You would probably come out even if you bought say an X-E1 kit with 18-55 and added a 35 f1.4 at the current discount then sold the body later and upgraded to the X-E1s/2 or X-Pro2 body.
But it is your money and you have to choose what you do with it… In other words, if you are not happy you cannot sue! 😉
Ordered x-e1 kit with the 35 yesterday. Very nice sale.
I ordered the full set of lenses, it was really cheap, only costs as much as a full frame with some nice primes.
Now, can anyone tell me which is the best software for converting from RAW to avoid the famous smearing effect?
Where can I buy spare batteries? I’ve heard that the camera runs low on batteries before you even take the first pic.
Where can I buy an adapter from X lenses to Sony NEX camera so I can focus?
Thanks!
Best software depends on what you need to do with them, LR works for me, the other gaining momentum is called http://www.iridientdigital.com. Spare batteries- I found a guy on Ebay in USA selling them for 29 each so bought 2 more. Three has been plenty for a day of shooting, often times two will do it.
The famous smearing effect is discussed a lot more on the internet then by people actually taking photographs with Fuji cameras. That being said Iredient has gotten the best votes so far. Good luck with the adapter. Not many mirrorless to mirrorless adapters, if any, out there since the flange to sensor distance is so close.
I also understand that there is a solution to this problem:
http://www.fujix-forum.com/index.php/topic/7380-strange-freeze-when-half-pressing-button/
It’s called the NEX FF
Really? If I bought a Nex FF a year ago, all my Fuji XE-1 gripes disappear? Or are you saying the Nex FF will cause spontaneous bugfixes across a range of cameras? Or has it not been released yet, so to take a photo today with it I would also need a time machine?
Very nice sales from Fuji for awesome technology and glass to match. Thanks for the heads up on this sale, Patrick and keep up the good work.