DPReview Enthusiast Camera Recommendation

[Mike Farley]

AP is now weighing into the debate. I don't agree with many of the points made either by the enthusiast photographers the magazine interviewed nor the manufacturers' and vendor representatives. People continue to buy DSLRs because they are currently more capable than CSCs, have better backup systems and, as is pointed out at the end, are cheaper. When manufacturers stop pricing frequently less capable models at a premium, they will see an increase in sales. The buying public is more savvy than they are given credit for in this report.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/ph ... with-video

[Mike Farley]

While at The Photography Show this last weekend, I took the opportunity to look at the Fuji X-T1 and spent some time with it. All the major controls are readily accessible on the top plate and AF is now much more responsive than a few years ago when the X-Pro 1 first came out. However, most of the controls are quite stiff and a couple, ISO and camera mode (i.e. PASM) have locking buttons. That's not too much of a problem, since I mainly shoot with Auto ISO and aperture priority. Turning the exposure compensation is really a finger and thumb operation and not as convenient as other systems I have used. The rep reckoned Fuji has tightened up the controls following complaints that they move too easily on other cameras, but I feel might have gone a bit too far in the opposite direction.

There are also control wheels back and front on the right of the top plate, but they do not fall naturally to hand, the front one especially being quite awkward. The camera has an angular design and really needs some sort of grip so that the wheel can be located more conveniently next to the shutter release. Overall, I would say that although this is the best X series implementation to date, Fuji is not quite there yet and some further refinements are required, especially on the ergonomic side of things. There is also the nagging feeling that third party Raw converters are not yet getting quite the best out of the non Bayer Fuji sensor.

Michael Reichmann has chimed in with his comments based on using the camera. He welcomed the stiffer exposure compensation dial which, unlike me, found could be operated with just a thumb. He did feel, though, that there were some additional features which he would like to see if were to consider buying the camera for his own use, but that the camera will be a deserved success for Fuji.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/revie ... _age.shtml

[Mike Farley]

Fuji seems to be pleased with demand for the X-T1.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/ph ... -interview

[davidc]

It's a cracking camera and seriously turned my head. In the end, I had to give my final birthday decision to my wife yesterday and I went with the 6D - it arrives from Hong Kong tomorrow

Sadly I need to wait three weeks until I can use it, torture!

[Mike Farley]

It's a cracking camera and seriously turned my head. In the end, I had to give my final birthday decision to my wife yesterday and I went with the 6D - it arrives from Hong Kong tomorrow

I think that you made the right choice. Both are undoubtedly good cameras, but Canon has the edge for now. Fuji has a well deserved reputation for its lenses and innovative sensor design, but does not have the same breadth of experience when it comes to camera design compared to Canon. Having handled the X-T1, it did not feel quite right for the reasons I have already described. That said, Fuji has come on considerably since it launched the X-Pro 1 and in a couple of years the situation could be quite different.

Sadly I need to wait three weeks until I can use it, torture!

What's preventing you from taking photographs in the next three weeks?

[davidc]

I don't get it until my birthday in three weeks time

[Mike Farley]

I don't get it until my birthday in three weeks time

It looks as though it is going to be a great birthday. Enjoy.

[davidc]

A tongue in cheek/irreverent look at this ongoing debate using two of the best-in-class SLR and mirrorless cameras -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=13x4gF1RPBQ

Don't be fooled by the larking about though, they do know their stuff and the conclusions are extremely valid.

[Mike Farley]

A tongue in cheek/irreverent look at this ongoing debate using two of the best-in-class SLR and mirrorless cameras -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13x4gF1RPBQ

Don't be fooled by the larking about though, they do know their stuff and the conclusions are extremely valid.

Yep, that neatly sums up the current position. I would only add that Sony really needs to introduce a mount to which it commits and develops a good range of lenses, rather than thrash around as it is doing currently. Based on the four lens mounts it currently has, who knows if FE is going to be that system, or will there be something else a year or two down the line?

Interesting that DigitalRev has 5D MkIIIs to burn and sufficient a sense of humour to give us "full flame".

[davidc]

Looks like leica are joining in the fun -

http://petapixel.com/2014/03/06/leica-s ... ore-131064

I wonder if this will be a genuine new camera or another shoddy rebadging, ideally it'll be the former!