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One of the amazing features of the new X100T is the electronic rangefinder OVF. Since now we have read great things about it. For example Kai (digitalrev), who called it a “bloody brilliant feature“.
Now it’s time for Chris (TheCameraStoreTV) to test the X100T, and he is not so enthusiastic about this new feature:
“The electronic rangefinder OVF is a nice little feature. That being said, a lot of people who looked at it found it very distracting […]. It’s fun, it’s a novel, but honestly you’ll probably gonna turn it off, because that full EVF is just so good. I don’t know even use the OVF, the EVF’s are getting so good now, that they basically make optical viewfinders redundant.”
But the end of the hands-on test, Jordan, the Video-Guy, says: “I have to say, my favorite thing in the Fuji line are the cameras with a HVF, because they are fun to shoot. You know, are they practical? Lot of the time, no. But it does really remind me of the old rangefinder experience.” Chris: “Fair enough, it’s really about the charm of it.”
Chris also misses a tilt screen, would have liked a new sensor, but there are also many things he appreciates, like the new ergonomics, the controls and how customizable the camera now is (7 function buttons and customizable Quick Menu):
“What they did is to keep all the things that worked well, change all the things that didn’t… it’s fantastic, it’s a big plus on this camera. Of course the great thing about Fuji is, if you are an X100S user or have an older X-camera, they’ll probably update and fix those things on those cameras as well through firmware updates… it’s fantastic that way, a big bonus as well for using this company“
The video includes also an untechnical AF-speed comparison between the X100S and X100T. “Not a big difference, but the X100T focusses a little bit faster.”
69 Responses
They were drunk when they write this obviously.
Yes, they porbably were! 🙂
Every so often I switch my X100S into OVF mode because I feel like I should try and be a proper photographer and also because I feel I am not making use of the lovely viewfinder I paid for. But then I immediately lose confidence in the OVF’s ability to *definitely* focus on the thing I want it to, like someone’s eye, and I want to check, and I want to check the exposure, so I just give up and flip back to EVF because I am quite simply not gaining anything other than a sense of smugness by using the OVF. If this camera didn’t have an OVF I’d be perfectly happy with it – and that’s the X100S!
This. Exactly.
I agree!
If the X100s didn’t have OVF, I wouldn’t have bought it. Why?
1. doesn’t slow down in low light
2. doesn’t induce vertigo
3. doesn’t compress dynamic range
4. isn’t limited to crazy low resolution screen
and more than I can count.
But that is just me. 100% accurate focus being the only parameter, I’d understand the EVF being important, but EVFs are like a decade behind being even partially usable VS the human eye.
The OVF in the X series is hampered by poor implementation. But if it can be fixed, it is the most important piece of tech to come AFTER point&shoot digital non-SLR digital cameras.
No, I just think it’s his opinion and his personal preference (he prefers a good EVF over an OVF), nothing wrong with it.
And note that even Chris said that the electronic rangefinder “is fun, but…”
Well, it’s fun, stop! that’s all I need to know, and that is what the X-series is also about… bring back fun into photography… and with fun comes inspiration, creativity and passion.
But where is the ‘fun’ without the OVF? How is the X-T1 more fun than, say, a Leica T, or an EM1? I’ve got the X-pro 1 and X-T1 and X100s and the X-Pro 1 is the funnest. The X-T1 feels like every other post-film SLR: confused. AT least it is sized the same as an old SLR. But its various poorly assembled parts, poorly thought-out user interface (auto-opening doors, auto-turning dials, impossible-to-press-and-same-feel-interface buttons) are as bad as every single other Japanese digital camera.
If Fujifilm were fun, it wouldn’t matter whether X-Pro 1 or X-T1. But the two are mutually exclusive.
I completely agree about the optical viewfinder being useless. It makes sense on x100 and even on x100s.. but the quality of EVF on x100t makes it useless.
The whole point of the rangefinder style OVF is its ability to see what’s just outside of the frame. I usually shoot with both eyes open, so I am well aware of the situation outside of the shot, but the hybrid viewfinder gives me a very precise control of the timing in dynamic spontaneous scenes.
fully agreed – that’s the reason I bought X100 and then X-Pro1 (and still shoot RF film cameras)
Exactly!
You know what will be in your shot BEFORE you even lift the camera up to your eye. If you dont, I suggest leaving your camera at home for a few weeks and just walk around taking photos with your eyes. Having that extra 5% or whatever around your actual frame just makes the frame smaller, it doesnt help you in any way. If you have a dynamic element going through your frame, such as someone walking, the new evf has no lag so you cant say its worse in that way. Overall, the EVF really helps you to make adjustments to your photo that are beneficial to the final image, something OVF cant do. It also lets you see the photo as it will appear so you can avoid taking it in the first place if you dont find it appealing by looking at it, instead of blindly shooting and then reviewing the “surprises” in post production.
Ignorance is a bliss. Ever heard of photojournalism?
you are one blissful individual Trenton, you just radiate bliss all around you. First of all you have too much bliss about photojournalism in the 21st century, mainly about its nonexistence. All publications moved online a long time ago and they just buy photos from whoever sells them. Second, who the hell uses a 35mm in this day and age, lmao, seriously dude, enough bliss. It’s all about paparazzi style zooms, shooting from helicopters etc, or just plain shooting video. Your vision of some trenchcoat leica rangefinder journalist with a cigarette hanging from his lower lip is full of bliss and very 60ies. 3rd, ___HOW___ does OVF benefit documentary photography? Have a blissful day 🙂
Joey, thank you for trickle charging my misanthropy, bless your heart. I was one of the pioneers in the field of UAV (mostly called “FPV” nowadays) aerial photography, yet I still like shooting what you might call “rangefinder style” from time to time.
BTW, I’ve quit working for the media more than 15 years ago, but my private clients absolutely love exactly the thing that obviously doesn’t exist in your world: photojournalistic, candid photography.
…and speaking of 35mm (or equivalent) primes, I have 5 of them (including X100 _and_ X100s). That’s right, five.
You’ve missed one more important detail: who smokes cigarettes this day and age? I, for one, don’t smoke; I vape.
Now, where the hell is my trenchcoat?!
Trickle charging my misanthropy. That’s a good line. Mind if I steal it?
Sure.
it’s probably already a stolen line
LMFAO!!!! Vape = EVF, cigarettes = OVF, so you get on with the times in one area of your life but refuse to do so in another? The rest of your post makes even less sense as none of it is pertinent to the conversation. You havent answered my main question. Also, ive checked your flickr…
This one? https://www.flickr.com/photos/trentontalbot/
Good, I’ve posted a few test shots when I got an X-E1, then a few from the other X cameras (friends asked me). Glad you’re impressed, troll. Now take a hike.
Thanks for saying it Trenton. I was about to go on a long rant OY!
“dynamic spontaneous scenes” i’m sorry, this doesnt seem like a good practice. If you are not putting thought and planning in your shots it really shows 🙂 If you are referring to something like Cartier Bresson street photography then you are wrong, his shots are meticulously composed BEFORE the action in them unfolds. OVF doesnt help there, EVF does as your exposure and focus will be exactly like you want them, avoiding mistakes that could cost you a once in a lifetime shot.
Agree! Fully!
That is PART of OVF’s goodness. The rest is way more interesting:
1. No lag
2. No auto normalisation
3. No dynamic range breaks
4. No resolution limitations
5. No slowing down the view in dark light
6. No darkening in bright light
7. No vertigo-inducing jello or wobble or FPS cutting
8. 100% saturated colours.
The list is way, way longer.
EVF’s advantages:
1. 100% accurate representation of focus and/or exposure (if set for those parameters)
2. You won’t blind yourself looking at the sun.
If Fujifilm abandon OVF some day, they will have nothing really unique to offer the camera world anymore. That is it.
I was agreeing with what you said up to the last paragraph. IF they abandon the ovf, they would not have a single unique point but the way they put together the whole package (from handling to IQ and in the end the pleasure/joy to use and take picture ) is and I believe will remain for the time being really unique. No other camera I’ve held recently has had /to me/ the same kind of appeal – and although that really still surprise me – by a long stretch
I appreciate that you can pick up some Fujfilm X cameras (not all) and handle it mostly without using the manual. But there are many, many holes and poor designs.
1. Exposure: can’t select half or third-stops; must then use the rear dial just like any other digital camera
2. Like all other non-M cameras, all native lenses are fly-by-wire; no manual feel at all
3. horrible wait times from shot-take to shot-display because the camera wants to reset the lens, reset the electronic aperture, and then display it for you; and after you go back to shooting, the same process happens all over again
4. Obsession with dials has made the X-T1 an overly bristly camera. And none of the rear buttons is differentiated from its neighbours by feel. Poor placement, too many, and same feel: poor finger/thumb interface.
5. Why not make different cameras for different users? Why make a camera that is supposed to do everything?
I would love for Fujifilm to advance design specific to the use of a camera. Design users for a camera and cameras for a specific group. Remove unnecessary, complication, streamline.
Don’t play the enthusiast game.
1. Use labelled dials to their full extent and don’t rely on other interfaces to do the same thing.
2. If you have to put in a button, make sure it can be used by feel.
3. Think about what isn’t necessary and remove it.
Design a camera for _a_ person, not _every_ person.
Make real, tempered decisions rather than settle all decisions on _let’s just do it! because we can!_
Good point, Trenton.
Thanks, but holy cow! Is there a wifi in the afterlife?!
Actually I have to disagree here. While you are right to a certain extent I was drawn to the X100S because of the OVF but ended up using the EVF more. On the X100T that I got to try, the smaller EVF inside the OVF really makes the hybrid system very useful and is a different experience from either the EVF or OVF alone.
You really have to try it. When I saw it on the spec sheet I thought it was another gimmick but Fuji really made the feature unique and special.
yeah but there is just no need for it. why have 2 in 1 when you can have 1? Try the ovf in low light my friend 🙂
Yes there is a need for it. I really like Fuji’s implementation of this.
At least you can save battery life using the OVF
Yep. That’s the only check mark on the left side. Don’t get me wrong, I would love for it to work properly, and I absolutely admire Fuji for trying things, their ingenuity and creative solutions, they obviously know that people want OVF’s but it just doesnt work from a practical standpoint. If the lens was truly mechanically coupled and not fly by wire, with a classic rangefinder patch that is precise and with the same auto adjust framelines based on the evf readout, and real time histogram – THAT would be useable. But right now, EVF is king. Good thing Fuji absolutely nailed it since XT-1, that viewfinder is amazing, so much to love about it 🙂
The only advantage of EVF is that it frames 100% accurately and you can focus it just as well. In all other metrics, it is behind the human eye; and since the OVF doesn’t ruin the view in any way, your eye works just the way it always has.
I use EVF and LCD often on medium format and 35 and APS-C, but only because I have to, and only at magnification. Using polarising filters, looking at sky, even a bright outside world, or a passing cloud causes the EVF to go dark, or light, or barely change its view (when using polarising filter). There are years and years to go before the EVF is even close to giving the clear representation of the world that a shyte quality OVF does.
Focus accuracy, yay. But the only time that matters 100% (and not 90% or 95%) is when you are doing advertising photography.
I don’t feel Fujifilm make useless things. If you enjoyed the X-Pro1, or film camera, you surely will enjoy the OVF. Sometimes, even if the EVF is really great, you need to see the reality thru a piece of glass.
you DONT need to. Can you elaborate why?
Well, there is nothing wrong to stick to EVF only. If you don’t care about such things, why not? But Fuji is more than tech. It’s design mixed with charm and nostalgia. The OVF is in this same category. But X-T1 is a fantastic camera with such a great EVF – so this could be a great choice for you. Or else, you could just buy a Sony with no “feel” and also no OVF.
How is is that the EVF of the X100t makes an OVF useless?
Wouldn’t it make sense to use something such as a hybrid viewfinder to appeal to both camps? Oh wait, they did just that!
I saw the review of the Leica M, and Chris just doesn’t like optical viewfinders. Other than that this is the best review of the Fuji X100T yet IMO.
I personally don’t see the appeal on the x100T….
It will benefit an interchangable system used with vintage lens such as a Sony A7 series. Why would I need one with a fixed l lens that can AF is beyond me.
It’s cool, but it has very little use IMHO.
Depends, if you have a interchangeble lens camera like x-e2 with say 56mm lens, you just could have a quick 35mm camera ready whenever you need it.
it might not appeal to you because the lens is only f2, but for most of the time that camera cuts it for me
I don’t have an X100T, I do have an X-Pro1 and an X-E2. I love the OVF on the X-Pro1, it’s not perfect though. Even with a state of the art EVF I still think I would really appreciate an OVF, there is still nothing quite like seeing the real world IMO. But you do have to have the confidence with focusing and framing has to be close. It sounds to me that they are heading in the right direction and I hope that the X-Pro2 has a refined version of this.
“very distracting […]. It’s fun, it’s novel…charming”…there’s no need to be condescending and dismissive of features you don’t get or don’t use. I happen to use the OVF for very different reasons or cases, in addition to the EVF, as I’m sure many others do. It is an amazing feature to have this CHOICE. I’m glad you find that “fun and charming” …oppinions…everybody’s got them.
HAHA! Only true fanboy insecurity could possibly turn “fun and charming” into bad thing.
refering to a thoughtful feature that Fuji and many users appreciate as “distracting” or “redundant” is dismissive and condescending, and makes him look amateurish and puerile in his “review”, It’s like saying that WiFi is distracting and redundant because you can always download images via a card reader; therfore who needs WiFi? I personally dont use WiFi but I wouldnt call it useless and redundant just becase I personally don’t have a use for it…
1. You first took issue with the use of the words “fun and charming”, then you went back and edited your absurd comment.
2. Referring to a feature that blocks a portion of the viewfinder and tends to draw the eye away from the scene as “distracting” is essentially axiomatic. By definition, “distracting” would be the most appropriate word to describe how he feels about it. You should take that particular issue up with dictionary publishers, and you are the first person I have ever seen classify the use of the term “distracting” as being dismissive or condescending, and certainly the first to label a person as amateurish and puerile for using the term.
3. He was clearly referring to EVFs in general as being so good these days as to make OVFs in general a “redundant” feature. Perhaps a vocabulary refresher is necessary for you, but again, he is describing the resolution and the refresh rate as being so good (a compliment to the camera by the way which you obviously miss because you are looking for something to cry foul about) that it is able to, in most cases, perform with such effectiveness as to essentially mimic much of the advantages of the OVF, thereby making it a “redundant” feature. Once again, the use of the term is axiomatic, and once again, you have turned a completely acceptable term into a bad word and an excuse to refer to a very capable reviewer as “amateurish and puerile”.
Call people whatever you like, but your grasp of vocabulary is appalling and is a glaring indictment of whatever education system you attended. Your fanboyism and need to fabricate a problem out of perfectly valid opinions and perfectly acceptable and professional terminology clearly demonstrates your insecurity as well as your overzealous and unreasonable emotional attachment to a consumer electronic product.
You have to keep in mind that Chris, like some of the reviewers on DPR, seems to prefer the LCD on the back the camera to even an EVF. So seem to prefer a highly-processed view, and probably not so into something as low tech and natural as the view through an OVF anyhow.
+1 I groaned upon seeing how he was holding the camera.
Yes, I think some of the younger reviewers have spent a lot more time taking pictures with phones than with actual cameras, lol.
given fujis reputation for top quality glass. i agree with the comment why couldnt they improve the lens. it seems a bit cheap to stick with the same lens. a f1.4 or f1.2 would have been amazing and surely allowed you to take advantage of the electronic shutter more. even the fact it would have to be a bit bigger would be ok – it would give room for pull to manual focus idea which is a good one. im not so fussed about tilty screens as i tend to use the eye piece.
I would not be willing to trade the compact/lightwight dimensions for a bit more f speed. On the other hand, if they improved the current lens wide open at f2, and at close distances, that would be nice.
I have no desire to enter the OVF versus EVF discussion. No very productive in my opinion. What I do find is that the last releases of Fuji with the X30 and X110T are failing to innovate. They will not convince many people to upgrade. Also, about the image quality and the low light performance, it was very good 2-3 years ago and it is still very good but in the meanwhile the competition like Sony has put out new products as well. The A7s has amazing low light performance and excellent image quality as well. IMO if Sony delivers on the lenses in the next 6 months they will basically take the mirrorless market and both Fuji and Olympus will be scratching their heads.
I call bs!
Lo . Yes. Obviously you love Sony, good for you. Go for it and when that mythical lens shows up I’ll feed it to my unicorn after it mates with my chimera.
Yes go to Sony and enjoy zero software updates.
Innovation, my arse 🙂
u dont need so often a firmware when everything is working, thats the problem with fuji. the firmware is half done, and they brag about updates all the time but its only because they couldnt get it 100% the 1st, 2nd time etc..
what is the connection between tech innovation and software updates huh? no software update doesn’t omit the innovation they do, but with software update certainly will increase customer satisfaction , usability and the user experience.
As far as implementation is concerned, I very much prefer the ovf on my XPRO to the one on my M6. Plus I get AF and functionality with the kit zoom lens. Try moving the focus patch on a Leica.
But I rarely use AF while in OVF mode. OVF mode is perfect, in my opinion, for pre-focusing or zone focusing. The snap focus on the 23mm and 14mm works well for this. I can instantly go from EVF/AF to OVF/Zone focus. I do understand that many shooters don’t (or don’t know how to) use other focusing techniques and only rely on AF.
Also the ability to see outside the frame IS VERY important for me, at times, depending on what I am shooting. If you can’t see the benefit here then please just accept that others who work differently than you might need this feature.
Fuji has given us great choices. Those who like LCD only cameras have two choices. EVF lovers can choose either an SLR or Rangefinder style body, and those who need/want an OVF have two choices- and those can use the OVF, the EVF, or the LCD. SWEET!
I find it very childish to criticize those of us who find a use for OVF’s just because you don’t.
electornic?
Must be a new fangled sort of contraption. I like electronic viewfinders, prefer optical but I absolutely refuse to use any type of electornic viewfinder as I find them too strenuous and believe they could in fact cause diarrhea
Learn to spell before deciding to write.
ordered the x100s from digital rev last sunday. it was dropped off on my doorstep on tuesday, and stolen before i got home. was really looking forward to that camera for the worldwidephotowalk tomorrow.
oooh darn! Hope it will get sorted soon for you? I can’t believe delivery men still do that
It’s a beauty!
Oh God. Just hearing Chris mention that there is really nothing new about the camera, that its all “a firmware push” and then go on to mention the new screen and rangefinder options…shit, the contradiction alone pisses me off.
And yes, many seem to enjoy using the LCD and the EVF…BUT if you have the option to go OVF with the rangefinder options IMO many people are going to use it because the option is there. Its like saying because you can switch the camera to “P” no one is going to use shutter or aperture priority or go full manual because, well, “its just so great!”
I wish the review was better scripted because maybe they would have caught the fact that in one moment they’re basically making it seem as though its just firmware with no new hardware upgrades and then they’re mentioning upgrades…ugh.
Fair review I think. What is lacking, and the main reason I sold my x100s, is a low light AF test. The x100s AF was slow and unreliable in low light (not a lot faster than the x100). It doesn’t seem to have improved with the x100T if I’m looking at the specs. Switching to manual focus in low light was still slow, given the focus by wire. Every camera can focus in bright sunlight, waiting for low light focus improvement.
So true, sold mine too. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I read they had done nothing to improve it in this iteration.
And it’s not the only Fuji X that is ‘low and unreliable in low light’. But this kind of criticism makes people nervous and angry on this forum, while it is indeed a problem. Fuji seems to be welded in this position now, to repackage one of the cheapest, completely written off Sony APS/C sensor concepts in a premium branded camera-line, starting at 500$ (…) and ending at 1300$, basically each time the same camera. Nothing moves, 2.5 year of hyping and debugging but some major problems like the resolution-killing RAW conversions remain. I don’t understand it – how people start comparing this kind of misery with real professional workhorses & the according workflow. Yes, the X-series are quite good but not thàt good, too many compromises. And buying, updating, rebuying, buying, rebuying…updating, rebuying… if that’s the Fuji lifecycle, well this system is costing an arm and a leg – it’s extremely expensive. Fuji need to take a next step and care more about the true legacy aspect in their concepts if they want to secure the X-series future.