It’s been some time since I switched from Sony to Fuji. At this level, I’m prepared to present you my causes for the change and the way I evaluate Fujifilm vs Sony crop sensor cameras.
First, I have to admit that Fujifilm was not what I anticipated. It truly turned out to be completely the alternative of my expectations. I acquired focused on 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 totally different motivation. I used to be not solely dissatisfied with Canon however with DSLR expertise on the whole. I used to be desirous 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-about the change this time, I had just one model in thoughts: Fujifilm. Listed below are the principle causes:
1. Person Expertise
Once you mature as a photographer, you develop a singular images routine and habits. You understand precisely what you wish to see in a digicam that’s intently aligned along with your images workflow. With Sony, I felt that I couldn’t customise my picture gear how I wished. I hoped combining the streamlined Fuji menu system with the mechanical dials and customizable buttons would provide extra flexibility.
Once I determined to change to Fujifilm, I solely thought-about the highest of the road XT2 mannequin, however I had issue discovering dependable opinions. Why? The explanation was due to Fuji’s distinctive strategy to firmware updates.
Since Fujifilm launched its XT2 mannequin in August 2016, it has launched three main firmware updates that stretch the digicam’s performance by including a whole lot–that’s proper, a whole lot–of recent and up to date options.
By the top of 2017, a lot of the preliminary XT2 opinions have been outdated as a result of it was a really totally different digicam.
Associated: Fuji XT2 vs XT3 – Facet by Facet
I discover Fuji’s strategy to be distinctive and refreshing, making them extra like a software program startup than a shopper electronics firm. It appears like a contemporary strategy to images when an organization listens to customers and makes enhancements to current cameras by means of software program updates.
I wished 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 appears 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 utterly totally different design of Fuji cameras with their varied mechanical dials and gazillions of customizable buttons.
Additionally, as a photographer and educator, I believed it might be good to study one other system so I can intelligently focus on it.
3. Want for the Final Journey Digital camera
For a very long time, I wished the last word journey digicam setup. I craved for a mixture of a compact climate sealed digicam and lens.
I used to be additionally searching for a contemporary twin reminiscence card performance that will give me a very redundant backup workflow from begin to end.
And eventually, I wished my journey digicam to have a dependable and simple GPS tagging performance.
Associated: Prime Equipment for
I couldn’t accomplish the whole lot with Sony.
4. Neglect By Sony
I bear in mind a number of years in the past when somebody from a photograph neighborhood 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, probably the most vital change that impacted my images was the unbelievable dynamic vary of the Sony sensors. It modified the way in which I shoot and edit pictures.
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 some of the necessary 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 inconceivable for me to check the dynamic vary of the XT2 to my current Sony earlier than I made the change.
It nervous me a bit as a result of I didn’t wish to sacrifice the dynamic vary in my new digicam.
So, as a substitute of switching instantly, I made a decision to first check the Fuji. When a neighborhood fellow photographer was promoting his virtually new Fuji X-T2 physique, I knew it was the proper alternative for me to check 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 Pictures Gear
Here’s what I found.
The Positives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
Dynamic Vary
The dynamic vary of the Fuji XT2 sensor is unbelievable. I can’t measure it exactly to provide the precise 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 capturing instantly into the solar. The quantity of element I can get better in highlights and shadows is staggering.
That is one thing I didn’t count on.
Picture High quality
At the moment, I’ve two lenses: Fujinon 10-24 and Fujinon 18-135. The mix of the Fuji XT2 and the 10-24 or 18-135 produces a lot cleaner and sharper photographs than the Sony a6000 or a65000 with a Sony 16-70 or Sony 10-18. The Fujifilm photographs are completely usable at 100% magnification. Unbelievable.
Fujinon Lenses
It is not uncommon data that Fujifilm lenses are good, and I had a common concept of what to anticipate.
However, I wish to focus on Fujinon 18-135 lens. It’s not the most well-liked 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 prematurely that I may go on an prolonged journey with solely that lens.
After utilizing Fujinon completely for two weeks, I spotted that just about all of the Fujinon 18-135 opinions I learn have been inaccurate and deceptive. Most of them concluded that it’s a respectable lens however you cannot count on 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 capturing at f/8 – f/11 I hardly can inform the distinction between Fujinon 18-135 and all people’s favourite extremely huge Fujinon 10-24.
The Fujinon 18-135mm has the perfect Optical Stabilization I’ve ever skilled. I managed to shoot at focal size 135mm utilizing shutter velocity 1/10s and produce a wonderfully sharp picture. It’s outstanding.
Digital Viewfinder
The EVF is to die for. It’s HUGE and vivid. It accommodates an unlimited quantity of data, and you may customise it in any method you need. It has already modified the way in which I take pictures.
I assigned the entrance operate 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 colour channel. Now when I’m able to shoot, I press the AE-L button to lock the publicity; subsequent, I activate the histogram inside 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 guage my changes.
Find it irresistible.
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 completely agree with the conclusion. I assume when you evaluate XT2 ISO efficiency to a full body sensor digicam just like the Sony 7r, it is perhaps the case, however I discover the ISO efficiency is superb for the APS-C digicam. I used to be shocked that at ISO 12800, photographs are nonetheless usable with loads of particulars.
The mix of fantastic ISO efficiency with improved and prolonged Auto ISO performance permits me to shoot in situations I might by no means contemplate capturing earlier than.
The Negatives of Switching from Sony to Fujifilm
Ergonomics
The day I obtained the digicam and the lens I went on a day-long journey to shoot winter landscapes. After capturing for two hours, I spotted I had cramps in my fingers.
Sony a6000 is a small digicam, however it has a beefy, not very deep, however fairly huge grip, and I may comfortably carry the digicam utilizing my complete 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 spotted the small grip was a standard 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 cheap L-Bracket with a metallic grip.
Fujifilm XT2 Vertical Shoot Hand Grip
Now after I shoot handheld, I exploit a thumb grip solely, and when I’m on a tripod, I additionally connect the L-Bracket Grip.
However, I’m nonetheless not completely snug. I hope, over time, I’ll get used to it.
I’m a giant Again Button Focus person, and the AE-L and AF-L buttons are tiny, and it’s exhausting to make use of them. I needed to assign Rear Command Dial to lock the deal with a press down. It’s not completely snug.
Inconsistency with Customization
I just like the Fuji XT2 design and mechanical dials, however I anticipated to have the flexibility to assign all mechanical dial functionalities to customizable operate 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 choice, and I prefer it quite a bit.
However, I can’t assign Drive choice to a customized operate button or perhaps a Fast menu. The one method for me to alter from single mode capturing to bracketing, which I do quite a bit, is to make use of a mechanical subdial underneath the ISO dial. I’ve to make use of my second hand to alter it.
The identical goes for the Metering choice; it’s a must to use a mechanical dial and no operate button or Fast Menu choices.
When capturing in Aperture Precedence mode, the one solution to change the aperture worth is to make use of a lens aperture ring. It is rather snug when capturing handheld, however when on a tripod, as soon as once more, it requires a second hand. There is no such thing as a solution to change the aperture utilizing the Rear Command dial.
I hope that in future updates, Fujifilm offers us the flexibility to assign any operate to any operate buttons or not less than 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
Customized Setting
I discover that some of the helpful customized configurations on any digicam model is the flexibility to avoid wasting a gaggle 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 singular title. And it’s straightforward to recall every saved configuration from Fast Menu.
However after I began to customise it I spotted the one following settings an accessible for reminiscence recall:
Dynamic Vary, Movie Simulation, Grain Impact, White Steadiness, Coloration Sharpness, Spotlight Tone, and Noise Discount.
That’s is true, all of them associated to JPEG capturing. And since I solely shoot RAW, the whole Customized Setting module is completely ineffective to me.
I discover it to be some of the shocking shortcomings of Fujifilm Xt2 performance.
Fujifilm vs Sony: Conclusion
As I discussed earlier than, the change from Sony to Fujifilm turned out to be not what I anticipated in any respect. I acquired focused on 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 haven’t any regrets. I’ve already offered all my Sony gear and will certainly persist with Fujifilm for a yr not less than, however I believe it is going to 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 is no such thing as 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 present you a fast replace.
To start with, I’ve grown even fonder of Fujifilm gear over time. I like its aesthetics, the standard of drugs, and the standard of photographs Fujifilm produces. Plus, I like Fujifilm’s photographer-centric strategy to enterprise.
At this level, I’ve no plans to search for an alternate. I’ll persist with 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 desirous to improve. However after I checked the specs of the X-t3, I spotted there was nothing for me there.
The Fujifilm X-T3 gives drastic enhancements in video specs and autofocus, neither of which I take care of a lot. The options I cared about probably 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 remove 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 among the oldest fashions within the Fujifilm line and has a really previous autofocus motor. The autofocus is noisy and never very quick, however the lens produces unbelievable photographs with distinctive seems to be.
Based on Fujifilm’s chief engineer, after they designed the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 lens, that they had the choice to make it optically excellent or make it distinctive and distinctive. They selected the latter. It’s now considered one of 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 exploit it for many of my panorama pictures. Its solely weak point is its lack of climate sealing. When I’m within the area within the rain, I’ve to change to the Fujinon 18-135mm. This lens is weather-sealed and provides me a really helpful attain of 135mm (200m full-frame equal).
The Fujifilm 18-135mm is nearly the proper lens for my wants, however it has one shortcoming. It’s too huge and heavy for lengthy and demanding hikes. Not too long ago, Fujifilm introduced a brand new lens—the 16-80mm f/4 —that’s smaller than the 18-135mm lens, has the perfect picture stabilization within the business, and is climate sealed. It has the potential to be the last word journey lens. I completely plan to test it out when it turns into accessible.
That’s it for now. Let me know if in case you have any questions within the feedback under. I’m completely satisfied to reply any of your inquiries.
Sony vs Fujifilm (Very Final Replace 2023)
It will likely be my final replace to Sony vs Fujifilm article.
It has been precisely 5 years since my unique change from Sony to Fujifilm. And now, the change is formally over.
Let me clarify.
During the last 5 years, I took my Fujifilm XT2 on a few dozens of journeys everywhere in the world. I captured with it many thrilling pictures I’m actually pleased 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 really like Fuji lenses.
However not the whole lot was excellent in paradise.
I used to be not loopy about Fujifilm’s course 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 worthwhile for my images. I didn’t wish to pay for a brand new digicam to improve the video specs as a result of I didn’t use XT2 for capturing movies. I’ve GoPro for video functions. I made a decision to attend till the XT4 launch.
However when Fuji launched XT4, I spotted that the brand new digicam had turn out to be larger and heavier. They needed to improve the dimensions to accommodate an even bigger battery and IBIS. Plus, I despised the flip-out display screen. The Fuji XT line grew to become 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 persist with my previous 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 course, to search for an alternate 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 wished.
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 diminished the digicam’s measurement, which was my favourite change. XT5 is similar to the dimensions of XT2, even barely smaller. However, since they nonetheless needed to match an even bigger battery and IBIS, they made it a little bit deeper.
Plus, through the years, I modified how I have a look at IBIS. As an alternative of performance with restricted use for panorama images, I deal with it as a possible benefit. I made a decision to experiment with my capturing routine. I wish 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 type issue, return to the lean display screen, larger battery, new sensor and processor have been sufficient causes for the improve.
The one problem was to seek 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 an alternative, I discovered it in a small native retailer in Montreal. It was refreshing to purchase picture gear in individual once more and never on-line.
Initially, I used to be unsure what to anticipate from 40MP new sensor; I believed 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 shocked that RTF recordsdata have 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 quite a bit. Now, I don’t wish to return to 26MP previous sensor.
Plus, on the final second, I made a decision to get a package as a substitute of a digicam physique solely. Now I’ve a model new lens, Fujinon 16-80mm f4, and I want to check it to see if I wish to maintain it.
In a few months, I’ll publish a Fujifilm X-T5 evaluation outlining my expertise with Fuji XT5.
It additionally signifies that I’m sticking with Fujifilm for the foreseeable future.