DULLY LIT BEACH (MY FIRST DAY WITH THE FUJI X-T1)

Fujifilm X-T1 - Fujinon XF 35mm (50mm eq.)
1/150" f11 ISO 200
Converted into monochrome with Silver Efex Pro 2

Yes, the much acclaimed Fujifilm X-T1 is now hanging from my neck, along with the already classic Fujinon XF 35mm f1.4 and, most of all, the new, mind blowing Fujinon XF 56mm f1.2. The latter proofs once again that a camera body can (should) be choosen based on the lenses one can attach to it. A single outstanding lens like the XF 56mm is more than enough to buy Fuji. Exactly like the M4/3 "holy trinity" (PanaLeica Summilux 25mm, Oly 45mm and Oly 75mm) is more than enough to make an Olympus O-MD the inevitable camera.
What made me trade the Oly E-M1 in and purchase the last X-Trans sensor camera from Fuji? This will be the intro to my real-life review of the X-T1, coming soon on this blog.

Fujifilm X-T1 - Fujinon XF 35mm (50mm eq.)
1/4000" f2.8 ISO 200
Converted into monochrome with Silver Efex Pro 2

Fujifilm X-T1 - Fujinon XF 35mm (50mm eq.)
1/220" f11 ISO 200
Converted into monochrome with Silver Efex Pro 2

Comments

[Jim]

First of all your photos are terrific and I have to believe that the camera and even the lens you use is almost irrelevant.

Having said that (and lacking your innate skill), I am thinking of getting either the OMD1 or the Fuji X-T1. I have a Nikon 800e that I love, but the size and weight are becoming an issue when traveling.

I look forward to your review and comparison, hopefully sooner rather than later.

[Gianni Galassi]

Jim,
thank you for your words of appreciation.
I really don't know how and to what extent gear can have an influence in a photographer's work. Though I think a camera or a lens can somehow address the imaging process towards a certain direction instead of another one. Or bias it, if you prefer.
I currently own five cameras: Canon G15, Sigma DP2M and DP3M, Fuji X-T1 and Fuji X100S. Well, none is my "main" camera. Whenever I go out -no matter the reason- I take the one that better meets my mood. That's all. Would that day's pictures be different if I picked up another camera? Probably, but not arguably.
As for my X-T1 review, I'm afraid it won't be ready too soon. What I can tell you right now is that both the X-T1 and the E-M1 deliver awesome image quality (APS sensor format makes the Fuji a tiny tiny tad better, of course, in terms of resolution and signal-to-noise ratio).
That said, speed and optical quality being equal, Fujinon lenses are bulkier than their M4/3 rivals. But, most of all, Olympus layout is for computer-thinking photographers, meaning that all those dumb or multi-function buttons and dials allow for an incredible level of camera customization.
Whereas the Fuji has been designed with film-era photographers (like me) in mind: aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, sensitivity, drive mode, focus mode and metering mode are selected via beautifully engraved, mechanical dedicated dials and switches. As soon as I had one in my hands I thought: "At last!"
Now choosing is up to you. Let PhotoGraphia readers and me know what you bought and why.

[Jim]

Thxs. I'll have to wait until I get to NYC in late summer to actually touch and feel both cameras at B&H. The issue is whether either will make me want to give up my D800e. Buying a new camera system requires selling the current one:(

[Gianni Galassi]

Definitely, Jim,
But I'm sure either will prevent you from missing the "big rig".