Considering going back to Canon

I've been using the Fuji X-T1 now for a year. There are some things I love and some things I don't, but it's the things I miss from the 5Dc that don't seem to exist currently on the Fuji system that bug me the most.

I'm going to list my main pros and cons for each system, mostly just thinking as I write, for my own sake. Maybe this chimes with someone else?

Canon 5Dc w/fast 50mm
Pros (the things I really miss while being on Fuji)
1) Full frame DOF
2) Sheer number of good quality affordable compatible lenses
3) Fuji colours are nice, but the Canon colours have a different more pleasing quality to them.
4) So easy on Canon to pick a focus point, as quick as a flick of the joystick - about 3 button presses on the Fuji
Cons (why I jumped ship in the first place)
1) Viewfinders do not remotely help when trying to use manual wide aperture lenses
2) An end to mis-focusing shots - the on sensor detection ensure focus before releasing shutter
3) Lack of 'toys' - those things you get from an EVF, the levelling display, the auto rotate, the camera app... all of which I've never used!

Fuji X-T1 w/35/1.4
Pros (the things I enjoy that I couldn't do with the 5Dc)
1) Less obtrusive, smaller size, electronic shutter etc
2) ISO noise much lower at equivalent ISO and colours coupled with Photo Ninja are pleasing and easy to manipulate.
3) More pixels (that was pretty much a given, whatever I replaced the 5Dc with)
Cons (the regrets)
1) Major headache getting used to PhotoNinja. Never have used Lightroom, but was a diehard DPP user. Naturally, lost that.
2) Battery life is abysmal.
3) Cannot use DXO Optics Pro - I've never used it, but saw a demonstration at a trade show and was blown away.
4) The control layout is no longer unfamiliar on Fuji - but it is definitely not as quick to drive as the Canon.
5) While the body is smaller and lighter, it means my hands are cramped around it and find it uncomfortable. The hand grip is GBP 100, which is frankly ridiculous for some mass-produced machined aluminium.
6) I've stuck with two of the smaller lenses, but the latest beast being released by Fuji are no different in size and weight to Canon's FF offerings.

If I switched back, I'd be selling off the X-T1 with a 35/1.4 and a 60/2.4 macro.

I'd be looking for a used 5D2 or 6D, with probably a 50/1.2 if money stretched. Saying that, I got on very well with the 50/1.8, some of my best shots ever with the 5Dc and 50/1.8 combo. I have a pile of SD cards now, which is frustrating for me to have to change back to CF.

Anybody else been through this thought process?

If you choose the 6D then your SD cards will be OK as that's what it uses.

You could get it new with a 50 f1.8 STM for less than £950 ( Hdew for the 6D at £815 and any Jessops for the 1.8 STM at £97), used is a bit more hit and miss with the STM not about really about as used, and the 6D won't be much cheaper than Hdew for the 6D.

Or there is the 40 STM which is smaller if not cheaper but only f2.8.

Macro/Tele lenses would be the Canon 100 f2.8 ( or the 2.8L IS more expensive) or Tamron 90mm either the older Di lens (secondhand) or newer VC, both of which are very sharp.

You can change the focusing screen in the 6D (and 5D MkII) for the one that is better for manual focus. The 6D will allow you to fine tune the AF focus for each lens as well in camera (as will the 5D MkII).

I've not really bought into the smaller fuji is best debate yet - I'm sure they will get better, but they have a bit to go yet. The Canon is generally a sorted and well thought out system, although not perfect. I do have an X100 as a small lightweight travel camera, but won't make the crossover as they are not there - not yet at least.

It must cost a fortune going from one system to another, so this thought has always bugged me, if people can afford that sort of financial hit, and can then afford to take that hit again going back, why don't they just have both systems??

Costly but a good move

Thanks for the replies.

Nalauk wrote in post #17697160
If you choose the 6D then your SD cards will be OK as that's what it uses.

You could get it new with a 50 f1.8 STM for less than £950 ( Hdew for the 6D at £815 and any Jessops for the 1.8 STM at £97), used is a bit more hit and miss with the STM not about really about as used, and the 6D won't be much cheaper than Hdew for the 6D.

Or there is the 40 STM which is smaller if not cheaper but only f2.8.

Macro/Tele lenses would be the Canon 100 f2.8 ( or the 2.8L IS more expensive) or Tamron 90mm either the older Di lens (secondhand) or newer VC, both of which are very sharp.

You can change the focusing screen in the 6D (and 5D MkII) for the one that is better for manual focus. The 6D will allow you to fine tune the AF focus for each lens as well in camera (as will the 5D MkII).

I've not really bought into the smaller fuji is best debate yet - I'm sure they will get better, but they have a bit to go yet. The Canon is generally a sorted and well thought out system, although not perfect. I do have an X100 as a small lightweight travel camera, but won't make the crossover as they are not there - not yet at least.

Wow, I thought I'd found the best 'new' price at one stop digital - £880. I'm a keen used buyer - there's decent copies on eBay selling for £750, so that's my real benchmark price.

I've used the 40STM on the 5Dc - the STM is quiet and reliable, but I wasn't keen on the 40mm FL. I'm a real 50mm fan! I did have the Tamron 90mm, but didn't use it freqently. My father has one - I can always borrow it. I miss two lenses in particular; the 24TSE and the 135/2. They're 'sort-of' available on the Fuji, but not in the same way - the effective aperture of the 90/2 is f/3 and you need a Kipon tiltshift adapter to get any sort of image plane control.

Money-wise, I hope I can get £1230 for the Fuji kit. With that I'm almost certainly going to pick up a 6D, as they appear to be cheaper than the 5D2, and every review appears to have it down as a better camera than the 5D2. That leaves £480 for glass. Lose £100 for the 50/1.8 STM which appears to better than the current 50/1.4 and there's £380 to spend on something. I may top it up myself and get back one of my previous favourites, the 135/2.

welshwizard1971 wrote in post #17697194
It must cost a fortune going from one system to another, so this thought has always bugged me, if people can afford that sort of financial hit, and can then afford to take that hit again going back, why don't they just have both systems??

Hi welshwizard - I know what you mean, but having used the Fuji cashback schemes and replacing with used gear will deaden the blow - I'll probably be £200 down when all's said and done. It's not something I do frequently - I'd used Canon gear since I started the hobby over 5yrs ago.

welshwizard1971 wrote in post #17697194
It must cost a fortune going from one system to another, so this thought has always bugged me, if people can afford that sort of financial hit, and can then afford to take that hit again going back, why don't they just have both systems??

i see your point, but if you buy used, and buy smart, you can do pretty good.

for instance, i bought my 70-200 about 5 years ago, there is a copy of it posted here asking the same i paid 5 years ago.

welshwizard1971 wrote in post #17697194
It must cost a fortune going from one system to another, so this thought has always bugged me, if people can afford that sort of financial hit, and can then afford to take that hit again going back, why don't they just have both systems??

I have both systems because I never sold my Canon gear. I am curious what others may say on this subject as well, because I love my Fuji XT1 with 10-24, 18-55, & 55-200. But also enjoy my 6D system at times. I have a hard time deciding which actually produces better images, both do extremely well IMHO. I do believe the focus system on the 6D out-performs the Xt1 when movement and action is involved, but that is not that often and the EVF of the XT1 is just a joy to use.

I do find myself using the Xt1 the most as it is just so much lighter and easier to carry about. The whole system fits in one bag and is very easy to carry around. The size and weight factor is minimal while the 6D is fairly heavy and large to lug around with the lenses that go with it. If I were forced to make a decision between the two I would keep the Fuji, but that decision is very subjective based on user preferences.

So last year I ditched the 5dII and went with a XT1 with a 35 1.4.

The 5dII was just too bulky for everyday use. I took it to Yosemite last year, and it stayed at camp while my EOS-M came along. So I went with the XT1. To me its like a mini 5D, in regards to build, and all the toys are awesome. I have since purchased a X100T. My problem is I usually just use the X100T! Its an amazing camera.

I am going to Yosemite again in 3 weeks and I now I want a wide angle. I really didnt want to drop 900 on something awesome for the Fuji, so I purchased a 450 dollar 5DC. I still have a 16MM and a 28-105 US, so it covers wide angle. Plus I will be shooting in the day so I am not worried about the relatively low ISO. And when I hike half dome this time, I can take the fancy Xt1 and leave the 5d behind.

I would tell you I did love my 5DII, but it no longer fit my needs. I wanted something I can take on 14 mile hikes and it not be a anchor. But those are my needs. I would say get a 6D body and you would have best of both worlds.

I've got both 5DIII and X-T1. Different tools. The Fuji is really nice and small that produces great images. The 5DIII excels in AF and has more lens selection.

The Fujinon 10-24 and 16-55 kick ass.

windpig wrote in post #17697420
I've got both 5DIII and X-T1. Different tools. The Fuji is really nice and small that produces great images. The 5DIII excels in AF and has more lens selection.

The Fujinon 10-24 and 16-55 kick ass.

^^^^^
This. Until there is a perfect one system solution, I will have both. I know not everyone wants (or can afford) that, but for me they both have their purpose.

Jeff Hanson wrote in post #17697559
^^^^^
This. Until there is a perfect one system solution, I will have both. I know not everyone wants (or can afford) that, but for me they both have their purpose.

Absolutely, but you're right - it's a cost thing to me, I can't keep both.

I think there's a degree of disdain held toward people who try something and realise they don't like it, then go back to what they had before, like it's whimsical or something. Ultimately I now know exactly what it's like owning and using the Fuji and know it's not right for me. I'm richer for having tried it.

UKmitch86 wrote in post #17697911
I think there's a degree of disdain held toward people who try something and realise they don't like it, then go back to what they had before, like it's whimsical or something.

Not by me. Better to make an honest assessment and go back to what you had before than be unhappy with what you have. Or, even worse, be the type of person that believes the system they have is the best thing ever, and everyone must own it!!

UKmitch86 wrote in post #17697911
Absolutely, but you're right - it's a cost thing to me, I can't keep both.

I think there's a degree of disdain held toward people who try something and realise they don't like it, then go back to what they had before, like it's whimsical or something. Ultimately I now know exactly what it's like owning and using the Fuji and know it's not right for me. I'm richer for having tried it.

Not me, I admire them, I'm too much of a coward to take the plunge! Been plagued by thoughts of going over to Nikon or Sony for months, but, I'll never do it, too scared! Stcik to what iIknow, I haven't got the time in my life to learn about a new lens range

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17697265
i see your point, but if you buy used, and buy smart, you can do pretty good.

for instance, i bought my 70-200 about 5 years ago, there is a copy of it posted here asking the same i paid 5 years ago.

This.

I've basically switched systems 3 times (never fully switched into Fuji) in the past 3 years... hasn't really cost me much at all.

Lumens wrote in post #17697267
I have both systems because I never sold my Canon gear. I am curious what others may say on this subject as well, because I love my Fuji XT1 with 10-24, 18-55, & 55-200. But also enjoy my 6D system at times. I have a hard time deciding which actually produces better images, both do extremely well IMHO. I do believe the focus system on the 6D out-performs the Xt1 when movement and action is involved, but that is not that often and the EVF of the XT1 is just a joy to use.

I do find myself using the Xt1 the most as it is just so much lighter and easier to carry about. The whole system fits in one bag and is very easy to carry around. The size and weight factor is minimal while the 6D is fairly heavy and large to lug around with the lenses that go with it. If I were forced to make a decision between the two I would keep the Fuji, but that decision is very subjective based on user preferences.

I also kept a pair of systems. I initially went from Canon to Fuji (X-T1) and I have recently added a Sony A7RII. So far I love shooting with both for different reasons. I'm finding it hard to choose between Fuji's compact system, preferred controls, excellent lenses, and colors vs. Sony's glorious full frame, AF, and low light performance. There's night and day size and weight difference between the X-T1/23 1.4 and the A7RII/ 35 1.4.