The Dark Knight wrote in post #18154319
dalto wrote in post #18153799I switched in Canon over 10 years ago. I have flirted with m43 on and off for years until I got a Olympus e-m5ii last year. I used it almost exclusively since picking it up. It is great until you hit scenarios needing higher ISOs where sensor size become a problem. I recently ended up adding a Fuji X-T2 and seems to be a good supplement to my m43 kit.
Would love to hear more of your thoughts on Fuji vs M43.
I've built out a fairly minimal kit with both systems in the attempt to try to commit to one after trying them out for a while. Initially I thought Fuji was the one until I got into M43 recently and have been really impressed.
I am really trying to just commit to one system and sell off the other.
First, let me say I like both cameras a lot and am glad that I can have both and choose the one more suited to my purpose at the time. Here would be my comparison of key differences focusing on the things I tend to care about it.
Camera Differences between the x-t2 and e-m5ii:
I think that EVFs have reached the point where they are viable for most situations. Both cameras have good EVFs but the x-t2s is noticeably larger and easier to acquire quickly. The x-t2's EVF is also faster with minimal blackout. The Fuji uses a rear screen that tilts along both axis while the e-m5ii has a full articulating touch screen. This seems to be really controversial topic but personally I prefer the latter. A fully articulating screen allows virtually any angle you can think of and with a little practice can be manipulated rapidly. I find it especially useful on the tripod where space or angle constraints can put the camera in odd positions. The two way tilt screen is more flexible than a normal tilt but still has some constraints. It tilts up, down and right. I cannot tilt left but it can be pulled out from the body a little so it clears the eyepiece or other obstructions. Shooting portrait orientation up high is very difficult with this setup.
This is utterly subjective but I am definitely someone who prefers having lots of programmable buttons, knobs and dials. I like direct access to everything and Fuji is the king of direct access. The Fuji also feel more solid. I have nothing to back that up but when you hold it just feels well put together. Both cameras have decent autofocus systems when shooting static subjects. The Oly is not great when it comes to tracking a moving subject while the x-t2 does this quite effectively from my limited testing. I am looking forward to seeing what the e-m1ii will deliver for autofocus since it seems like it should be a big improvement. The e-m5ii leverages the touch screen to select focus points which is fast when taking photos using the screen. The x-t2 has a dedicated joystick for selecting focus points which is great when using the EVF. At the end of the day, I am finding the Fuji to be a more engaging platform to interact with and since photography is a hobby for me that is a pretty big factor.
System differences between m43 and Fuji APS-C:
I tend to prefer the 3:2 ratio of the Fuji to the 4:3 ratio. It is probably just because I am accustomed to seeing that resolution for so many years. IS is pretty important to me and Oly's IBIS is fantastic and effective. Having IS even with small and inexpensive primes is really useful in many situations. On the Fuji side, most of the XF zoom lenses have OIS(excluding the 16-55 2.8) but the prime lenses do not. Fuji's sensor provides noticeably better high ISO performance in my experience. When comparing prints ISO 3200 on the on m34 is probably closest to ISO 12800 on the Fuji. Even at 12800 the there is more detail to work with in the shadows than with m43. To me, high ISO performance is the biggest limitation of m43. The decreased resolution is not a big deal to me.
The Fuji lens selection is limited but filled with mid-to-high level lenses. Everything I have used in the Fuji line-up has been fantastic, especially the 18-55 kit lens. Unfortunately, inexpensive lenses are few and far between with Fuji. On the other hand, m43 has something for everyone from ultra-inexpensive to the wallet breaking. There is also a huge difference in size with m43 lenses with many being comparatively tiny. No other ILC system offers lenses like the Olympus 9-18mm UW zoom which you can drop in your pocket. The first time I saw the 14-150mm lenses I was blown away by how small and light they were. On the other hand, if you want high build quality, high performance, fast glass that is available as well. The amount of high-end lenses for m43 seems to be growing rapidly.
Lighting options for Fuji, especially off camera, are currently fairly dismal. Even the upcoming, long delayed, "new" Fuji flash is barely on-par with what the big systems offered 10 years ago. It seems like there is a decent amount of 3rd party support on the near horizon but we will see if anyone can really deliver.
Which system is "better" depends on what your priorities are. Unless high ISO performance is an absolute requirement I think that m43 is the better choice for travel. The ultra portable lens options make packing light easy. Other than that, you have to weigh the trade-offs which are plentiful. Which would I choose if I had to pick one? Probably Fuji at this moment in time. We will see what future m43 bodies bring.
