Thoughts on the Fuji X-T1
Fuji’s release of the much leaked X-T1has caused quite the buzz online. The X-T1 is the number one preordered mirror less camera on Amazon USA. Fuji’s entry into the “retro SLR styled compact system camera” looks like it has a lot going for it.
Inevitably, comparisons to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 will be forthcoming. I am selling my E-M1 review kit in case anyone is interested. If you don’t want the E-M1, please click on the “DONATE” button to right and give generously to help a struggling blogger (unlike Phil and Steve, I don’t get cameras for free). However, not having the camera in hand will not deter me from making some comparisons. Through the magic of Camerasize.com, I can provide some physical comparisons.
The images clearly show that the X-T1 and E-M1 are extremely similar and size and weight. Camerasize also provides comparison statistics:
- FujiFilm X-T1 is 1% (1.4 mm) narrower and 4% (3.7 mm) shorter than Olympus OM-D E-M1.
- FujiFilm X-T1 is 26% (16.4 mm) thinner than Olympus OM-D E-M1.
- FujiFilm X-T1 [440 g] weighs 11% (57 grams) less than Olympus OM-D E-M1 [497 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).
- FujiFilm X-T1 dimensions: 129×89.8×46.7 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 dimensions: 130.4×93.5×63.1 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)
The hand graphic at the end puts the whole thing in perspective: it’s a small camera.
PROS and CONS
Olympus OM-D E-M1
Pros
- Faster top shutter speed. (1/8000s vs. 1/4000s)
- 5-Axis IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization)
- Larger lens selection + more extensive 3rd party lenses (including Schneider-Kruznach lenses)
- Touch Screen control for focus point selection and camera triggering.
Cons
- Smaller sensor size (2x crop vs 1.5x crop – can be a pro for certain users)
- Worse High-ISO performance (ISO 2500 max usable in my tests, ISO 3200 with heavy post processing)
Fujifilm X-T1
Pros
- All lenses are extremely high quality.
- “Kaizen” – Fuji listens to customers and updates all models continuously.
- X-Trans II processor
- Superior High ISO performance with extremely clean images up to ISO 3200.
- In-camera RAW converter with access to some of the best film emulations on the market
- Support for UHS-II SDXC cards (over 250Mbps read/write speeds
Cons
- Limited lens selection. (but more lenses are being added, including Zeiss glass)
- Not all RAW converters support X-Trans well
Shared by both cameras
Pros
- Support for legacy glass (Olympus has an edge here with its IBIS)
- Best EVF’s in the business (Fuji may have an edge here)
- Rugged, Stupid-Prooftm construction
- Built-in WiFi hotspot with remote control apps for smartphones and tablets
- Hybrid CDAF/PDAF Autofocus
- Fast continuous frame rates (E-M1 10 fps, X-T1 8 fps)
Cons
- Not as well known as the Big Three
- Market is doing very well in Japan, but not as well in the USA.
- Pros are using them as backup/second shooter cameras, but adoption as primary camera hampered by lack of Professional Services Organizations
That’s about all i can think of for right now. More will come top me when I get the X-T1 in my hands.
- FujiFilm X-T1 is 26% (16.4 mm) thinner than Olympus OM-D E-M1.
- FujiFilm X-T1 [440 g] weights 11% (57 grams) less than Olympus OM-D E-M1 [497 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).
- FujiFilm X-T1 dimensions: 129×89.8×46.7 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)
Olympus OM-D E-M1 dimensions: 130.4×93.5×63.1 mm (camera body only, excluding protrusion)
– See more at: http://camerasize.com/compare/#520,482