Thinking of starting a Fuji kit

So, if I knew what I know now about photography, I could have saved myself a lot of wasted buys, and possibly have a Sony kit. Well, fact is I am not going anywhere from canon as I am invested at this point too far and frankly I am happy with my canon stuff, I just didn't realize that buying my rebel xsi meant I was choosing a team for life, well, you know what I mean.

So I really want a discreet more carry around and have on you like no big deal camera(system?). I looked at the x70 and x100, I looked at the Olympus pen f and Omd something or other, I have read a ton of stuff online, and I think I have down to the x-e2 and more importantly the Fuji x system. I don't like the idea of not shooting ff, especially since I like wide, and dof control, and playing with post, and pretty much everything FF does better, but having what looks like an aps c that is way better than I had on my rebel and 60d in such a small rig is what it is. and frankly, the images I have seen of this have that ff feel, which has me leaning Fuji over the very tempting Olympus products/m43 lens selection.

So that leads me to my questions for you Fuji guys.

1. I could care less on the body as I know I am getting a system. I want small, but a viewfinder. I am not sure how weird an evf is, but I will take it over nothing and smaller, or optical and larger body. So that sounds fine to me. I have spent a lot of time on this, and I believe for what I want, the best value to get into Semi current Fuji excitement is the e2. I am looking used and 16mpx one. Does this sound about right? Any suggestions here? The xpro1 I am sure is nicer and same money or less used but the camera size is a huge factor in this for me. Plus a body is whatever, I assume the x mount is keeping me in fujis best body line so the starting body just needs to be the cheapest possible "Glad I did this".

2. the glass seems pretty expensive. It is what it is, at least it looks quality, but the cost is a bummer. Especially since the lenses that appeal to me are the 23 1.4 and the 10-20 f4....like I seriously can get big camera glass of similar or same for same or less. Especially apsc sized glass. This I was not expecting, I was sorta expecting like I don't know $450 or so for a 10-20 zoom lens, maybe $5something. Anyway, the glass seems to be nice and I wouldn't care except as a companion kit that hurts a bit.

3. Anything else I need to know or should consider? Anything you can say from your experience to push me to Fuji? Anyone wish they got another system like Olympus m43 or canon m3?

Thanks guys!

Hi Nick,
I tried Fuji about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and have since sold all my canon dslr gear. I have gone thru a x100>x100s>currently own a x100t..
Also have had a xe1 then the xe2. If your shooting non moving objects, these camera will give you very close to what Canon FF gives you, my opinion. Moving things, a xt1/2, or a xt10 would work better. The iQ, and colors are beautiful. I loved the xe2, but found the x100t works for me best, along with a Sony rx100 iii. I would suggest picking up a used xe2 with the 18-55, for around $650.
I'm sending you a pm also.

I've just started a Fuji kit too with a XT-1 and a 35mm f1.4 & 90mm f2...all I can say is that the glass just blows me away. The colours, tones and rendition of the Fuji glass is simply stunning and I thoroughly look forward to experimenting more with it.

The EVF is brilliant as it shows you what the image will look like before you take the shot, this means less chimping, and more time thinking about composition and framing.

As with all mirrorless systems the AF is not quite up to DSLR standard, but in general it works fine for portrait sessions and anything not moving crazy fast.

I'll probably offend people here, but the reason I chose Nikon over Canon originally was because the Canon lacked "character" in my eyes. For this exact same reason I chose Fuji over Sony when starting my mirrorless kit.

Thanks guys, also thinking the X-e1 may be the better start? About $200 less used and some people like the renditions better?

Is the evf lag difference that bad or are the benefits to e2 worth $200? With the experience I have now, I am least concerned about bodies. Also, I am a happy 6d user with no need to look at 5d options for my needs. I was going to grab a Helios 40-2 lens for my 6d because I literally want for zero else in my kit, then thought a true stealthy rig would add so much more to my photography and went on the mirrorless hunt that seems to be ending at Fuji. My problem now is I have a 55 1.4 Pentax I will use, and the 23 1.4/23 2 are very appealing. Also just found out about the samyang 12, that looks like it is up my alley and loads less, but either way, the Fuji glass is not cheap as I expected, not doubting how nice it is at all. I guess in my mind I was expecting all ef-s pricing on lenses, not ef pricing......

I can understand why the price disparity between Canon APS-C and Fuji APS-C may give you pause, but the two are very different. Keep in mind Canon's business model. With few exceptions it markets the EF-S line as budget lenses, and they have every reason to hamstring the line in order to persuade consumers to buy up-market. That's not so much the case with Fuji.

Also, I wouldn't bother with the X-E1. Any claims as to the difference in rendition between it and the X-E2 are overstated IMO. The difference in performance OTOH is far more meaningful.

Nick3434 wrote in post #18233362
So, if I knew what I know now about photography, I could have saved myself a lot of wasted buys, and possibly have a Sony kit. Well, fact is I am not going anywhere from canon as I am invested at this point too far and frankly I am happy with my canon stuff, I just didn't realize that buying my rebel xsi meant I was choosing a team for life, well, you know what I mean.

So I really want a discreet more carry around and have on you like no big deal camera(system?). I looked at the x70 and x100, I looked at the Olympus pen f and Omd something or other, I have read a ton of stuff online, and I think I have down to the x-e2 and more importantly the Fuji x system. I don't like the idea of not shooting ff, especially since I like wide, and dof control, and playing with post, and pretty much everything FF does better, but having what looks like an aps c that is way better than I had on my rebel and 60d in such a small rig is what it is. and frankly, the images I have seen of this have that ff feel, which has me leaning Fuji over the very tempting Olympus products/m43 lens selection.

So that leads me to my questions for you Fuji guys.

1. I could care less on the body as I know I am getting a system. I want small, but a viewfinder. I am not sure how weird an evf is, but I will take it over nothing and smaller, or optical and larger body. So that sounds fine to me. I have spent a lot of time on this, and I believe for what I want, the best value to get into Semi current Fuji excitement is the e2. I am looking used and 16mpx one. Does this sound about right? Any suggestions here? The xpro1 I am sure is nicer and same money or less used but the camera size is a huge factor in this for me. Plus a body is whatever, I assume the x mount is keeping me in fujis best body line so the starting body just needs to be the cheapest possible "Glad I did this".

2. the glass seems pretty expensive. It is what it is, at least it looks quality, but the cost is a bummer. Especially since the lenses that appeal to me are the 23 1.4 and the 10-20 f4....like I seriously can get big camera glass of similar or same for same or less. Especially apsc sized glass. This I was not expecting, I was sorta expecting like I don't know $450 or so for a 10-20 zoom lens, maybe $5something. Anyway, the glass seems to be nice and I wouldn't care except as a companion kit that hurts a bit.

3. Anything else I need to know or should consider? Anything you can say from your experience to push me to Fuji? Anyone wish they got another system like Olympus m43 or canon m3?

Thanks guys!

As someone who once had (and loved) a 6D system then migrated to Sony (a7R,a7S) and now fully invested in Fuji I'll start by answering the 3 bullets you posted;

1) All of the MILC Fuji cameras are either 16mp or 24mp. All of the 16mp sensors are essentially the same (the gen one sensors in the X-Pro1 and X-E1 are slightly different) and the two cameras that sport the 24mp sensor use the same sensor (X-Pro2 and X-T2).

The X-Pro1 isn't a "better" camera than the X-E2... in fact, for most users it's worse. The thing that sets it apart is the hybrid VF. If size is more important to you, the X-E2/X-T10 or X-T1 are the better choices, all of those are about the same size, though the X-T1 is slightly larger (still much smaller than a DSLR).

2) The glass is expensive because it's quality glass. It's not the cheaper EF-S type glass, it's high grade optics, think of Canon made "L" lenses for EF-S mount, that's essentially what most of the XF lenses are. That said of course, you get what you pay for. If you're not opposed to buying used you can still find excellent deals on just about any Fuji lens. My most expensive XF lens (so far) was my XF 55-200mm and I only paid $300 for it.

3) As I said at the top, I'm a full convert. In my opinion there's nothing else out there that offers what Fuji offers.

mark2009 wrote in post #18233425
Hi Nick,
I tried Fuji about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and have since sold all my canon dslr gear. I have gone thru a x100>x100s>currently own a x100t..
Also have had a xe1 then the xe2. If your shooting non moving objects, these camera will give you very close to what Canon FF gives you, my opinion. Moving things, a xt1/2, or a xt10 would work better. The iQ, and colors are beautiful. I loved the xe2, but found the x100t works for me best, along with a Sony rx100 iii. I would suggest picking up a used xe2 with the 18-55, for around $650.
I'm sending you a pm also.

^Ditto. I don't regret selling my Canon or Sony gear one bit, I love my Fuji gear

Nick3434 wrote in post #18233500
Thanks guys, also thinking the X-e1 may be the better start? About $200 less used and some people like the renditions better?

Is the evf lag difference that bad or are the benefits to e2 worth $200? With the experience I have now, I am least concerned about bodies. Also, I am a happy 6d user with no need to look at 5d options for my needs. I was going to grab a Helios 40-2 lens for my 6d because I literally want for zero else in my kit, then thought a true stealthy rig would add so much more to my photography and went on the mirrorless hunt that seems to be ending at Fuji. My problem now is I have a 55 1.4 Pentax I will use, and the 23 1.4/23 2 are very appealing. Also just found out about the samyang 12, that looks like it is up my alley and loads less, but either way, the Fuji glass is not cheap as I expected, not doubting how nice it is at all. I guess in my mind I was expecting all ef-s pricing on lenses, not ef pricing......

I wouldn't recommend the X-E1, I had one prior to my X-E2 and there was a huge difference between them. The X-E2 has less lag, faster AF, better customization for menus (not sure if this was fixed for the X-E1 via firmware) and WiFi (which is crucial for me, others not so much).

As for glass, as I said above, getting lenses used can make them a lot cheaper especially on forums (where I buy most of my camera gear). I can also vouch for the greatness of Samyang lenses, I have the 12mm f2, 21mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4 and I love all 3.

As for the look you can get with Fuji cameras... full frame is grossly over-rated in my opinion, I don't miss it at all.

I dug around and found used Fuji glass for $300. Initially I looked at the 23 1.4 and 10-20 and that is what freaked me out for a "secondary" small camera, and yes I only buy used camera gear so no problem there. It is crazy to hear all the converts though, I mean, I hope it is that good right? I am going to start looking out for deals now and I am in no rush but I will go ex2 over the ex1 unless an ex1 can be had for nothing. Really just had to make a choice before stalking used stuff.

Thanks guys, looking forward to seeing how amazing the Fuji system is.

Nick3434 wrote in post #18233500
Thanks guys, also thinking the X-e1 may be the better start? About $200 less used and some people like the renditions better?

Is the evf lag difference that bad or are the benefits to e2 worth $200? With the experience I have now, I am least concerned about bodies. Also, I am a happy 6d user with no need to look at 5d options for my needs. I was going to grab a Helios 40-2 lens for my 6d because I literally want for zero else in my kit, then thought a true stealthy rig would add so much more to my photography and went on the mirrorless hunt that seems to be ending at Fuji. My problem now is I have a 55 1.4 Pentax I will use, and the 23 1.4/23 2 are very appealing. Also just found out about the samyang 12, that looks like it is up my alley and loads less, but either way, the Fuji glass is not cheap as I expected, not doubting how nice it is at all. I guess in my mind I was expecting all ef-s pricing on lenses, not ef pricing......

This is what I did, I bought a used xe1...image quality was great, but I found there was lag, focus speed was slow, no wifi or face detection, which face detection I do like when I hand my camera to someone for a family shot. I did upgrade to the xe2, and found it was worth the extra money. I would just go for a xe2, save you the time, because you will want to upgrade. Off the top of my head, the upgrade gives you faster general focus, no lag, bigger LCD, face detection, wifi, and 7 presets vs 3.

I switched from Canon to Fuji with a X100S. I eventually bought an x-e2 used and then sold it to partially fund an X-T1 and X-T2. I started with the 18-55 and 55-200 both of which are excellent and at the top of their game - second to none. This truly is getting what you pay for (or in the case of used lenses getting more than you pay for.) I then got the 27pancake and 60 macro and most recently the 10-24 - I have carefully chosen which lenses to get to round out my set. I think I'm there and have found the fuji cameras and lenses exceed anything I have ever used (Nikon, Leica, Alpa, Canon). I also think their constant firmware upgrades are amazing and they keep enhancing their system and not making it obsolete.

My .02

Al

In the coming months, I'm going to add Fuji to my hardware lineup. I'm going to purchase a X-Pro2 and a 23mm f2 lens. This camera will be used for international travel, street photography and some event photography. My big Canon's will remain (5DMiii, 60D and associated L-glass). The Canon's will remain my main go-to for big domestic shoots. Each camera/lens has a specific notch in my shooting scheme.
For me, IQ is a huge requirement so I'm not willing to compromise on lower quality (aka cheaper) glass or marginalized bodies.

Good Luck,

-Tim

IndyTim wrote in post #18251121
My big Canon's will remain (5DMiii, 60D and associated L-glass). The Canon's will remain my main go-to for big domestic shoots. Each camera/lens has a specific notch in my shooting scheme.

As a 60D and x-t2 owner I can tell you that the x-pro2 will kill the 60D. IQ with good lenses will be better and if the x-pro2 focuses as fast as the x-t2 then it will kill it in AF as well. Fuji lenses are on par with canon L glass.

Have you thought about maybe replacing the 60D with the x-pro2 as your second body?

Honestly, the 60D is sitting on the shelf since I got the 5DMiii. There is virtually no re-sale market for the camera anymore. Holding onto it as one of my relatives may jump into dslr at some point, would make a good starting point. If that doesn't materialize, I may donate to some charity that can re-deploy it to someone with a keen interest in photography.

-Tim

Nick3434 wrote in post #18233362
So, if I knew what I know now about photography, I could have saved myself a lot of wasted buys, and possibly have a Sony kit.
I looked at the x70 and x100, I looked at the Olympus pen f and Omd something or other, I have read a ton of stuff online, and I think I have down to the x-e2 and more importantly the Fuji x system. I don't like the idea of not shooting ff, especially since I like wide, and dof control, and playing with post, and pretty much everything FF does better, but having what looks like an aps c that is way better than I had on my rebel and 60d in such a small rig is what it is. and frankly, the images I have seen of this have that ff feel, which has me leaning Fuji over the very tempting Olympus products/m43 lens selection.

We all learn about saving money in different ways!

I am a new Fuji convert from the Canon 6D and I too was chasing full frame for years as the answer to taking better pictures or making it easier to take better photos. I learned that technique > gear is what ultimately makes great images.

Also I was put off by crop sensors because the last one I had was a 50D. But technology has made huge advancements in the APS-C field and Canon was the one late to the party, thus brain washing me into thinking APS-C was inferior.

I have an X70 now as my carry everywhere camera and the images are simply amazing. I preordered the XT20 and will slowly put together a fuji system this year.