X-T1 vs. X-E1 for long exposure photography

One thing I love about where Fujifilm are with their cameras, and where I really hope they continue to take them,¹ is that almost their entire line of X Series cameras have the same 16 MP X-Trans sensor. All we have to do is choose the body that’s right for us. Want a super compact street shooter? Grab an X100S. Need to change lenses? The X-E2 is probably right for you. Shooting in poor weather or need continuous AF? X-T1. As you move up or down the line, there is no improvement or, more importantly, compromise in image quality. I love that. Even crazier, the same image quality reaches back to cameras that have already been replaced.

Case in point, I made the images in this post just this morning. Three are made with an X-E1, one with the new X-T1. If you can tell which is which without looking at EXIF data, you’re lying.

Being able to just grab the right camera and go, without any regard for the kind of image quality you’re going to get is awesome. This makes switching between bodies trivial as well.² You can have two bodies with different styles and capabilities, but the same image quality. Got your 35mm f/1.4 on your other body? No problem. Grab that body and shoot.³

Now, this doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to tell the difference between the two bodies while shooting. The X-T1 comes with features and niceties that can’t be had on the X-E1 (or X-E2 for that matter).

Here are just a few ways I noticed how the X-T1 is a little nicer to use for long exposure work:

1. The tilt screen: This is actually my first camera with a tilt screen. It is so nice to have my tripod almost at ground level with the screen tilted up and easily viewable. If you do a lot of low shooting, the tilt screen might be reason enough to go with an X-T1. No hyperbole. Your back will thank you.
2. The dials: When I have my shutter speed set to Time (“T”), being able to change the shutter speed with the dial is great and easier than multiple presses of the D-pad. I couldn’t imagine having to use the X-T1’s D-pad for that.
3. More dials: Switching from ”T” or ”B” directly to “A” without having to go all the way round the dial is nice too.
4. Dual screen mode: I said in my review that I like this mode more the more I use it and that hasn’t changed. I love focusing manually with this camera.

That’s just what I can remember consciously noting while I was out there today. I’m sure there are more, but one way the X-E1 still tops the X-T1 is the threaded hole in the shutter release. I really wish the X-T1 had one of these. We’d probably be hearing a lot less about the light leak issue if it did too.⁴

The most important take-away from this post is, no matter what Fujifilm camera you own, you have the potential to make as good images as anyone with any other Fujifilm camera.⁵ That’s really what it’s all about.

1. The obvious implication here is that if the X-Pro2 arrives with a better sensor as it’s rumoured to, Fujifilm should refresh the rest of the line as quickly as possible. There has to be serious economies to fab’ing the same sensor of every camera in their lineup. ↩
2. Strictly from an image quality perspective. There are odd inconsistencies between the bodies, but hopefully they will be brought more inline with one another with firmware updates. ↩
3. I also realize not everyone has the luxury of owning more than one body, but as more and more pro photogs switch over, this is an important thing to consider. ↩
4. Sadly, I am a recipient of an X-T1 that leaks. I’ll have more on that soon. ↩
5. I am intentionally avoiding the fact that a few MP one way or the other makes little discernible difference in final image quality. ↩

Buy a Fujifilm X-T1

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Amazon Germany, B&H Photo

Grips, ergonomics, and the E-M1

With the X-T1 hitting the streets,¹ a lot is being written about how it compares to the Olympus OM-D E-M1. I don’t own an E-M1, and I’ve done little more than try it out in the store, but I had an opportunity to directly compare the grips of the two cameras immediately after one another pretty extensively. Here are my findings.

My opinion on one-handed grip ergonomics in order of preference is:

1. Olympus OM-D E-M1
2. Fujifilm X-T1
3. Fujifilm X-T1 with Fujifilm hand grip

Yep, the E-M1 comes out on top for me in grip comfort. One thing worth noting, I don’t have large hands. I suspect that most people with hands about my size and smaller would prefer the E-M1 because the grip fills the palm nicely. I’ve heard from people with larger hands that the grip protrudes too much for them.

One option excluded from the list is the X-T1 with the Vertical grip. As noted in my review of the X-T1, I actually prefer the ergonomics of the vertical grip, so it would be tied for first place with the E-M1. The X-T1 with Fujifilm’s Arca Swiss compatible handgrip is awkward for me. It adds too much, but folks with larger hands will really appreciate it, as seen below. For them, the grips adds just enough for all fingers to wrap comfortably around the camera.

Yes, there is a hand grip under that meat hook

On a decidedly less cerebral note, there’s no question the the X-T1 feels better than the Olympus. The camera is just somehow nicer to hold. It feels more premium. I’m not quite sure what to make of this as both bodies have magnesium alloy frames. Perhaps Fujifilm’s external material simply has a better feel to it.

Things change a little when you start trying to access all the buttons within range of your right hand. The E-M1’s “Multi Function” and “Record” buttons are perhaps the worst offenders. When I hold the camera comfortably, I can’t access those buttons without using my left hand to steady the camera while adjusting my grip to access those buttons.

The X-T1 simply does not have this problem. In fact, the only Fujifilm camera I’ve used that does is the X-E2 which has an AF point selection button that’s a little tough to access with the camera held comfortably or without moving it from your eye.²

Ergonomically, it will come down to preference. It’s an extremely subjective issue, but I believe there are ways of doing things that are just wrong. Sony’s A7(r) is a good example. Gripping that camera naturally results in having to pull your index finger uncomfortably to get to the shutter release, no matter what size your hand is. This leaves you with discomfort in your finger, or adjusting your grip more vertically to get the shutter release in line with your finger, which results in lots of hand/grip shimmying.

The last comment I’ll make on the whole X-T1 vs. E-M1 debate (in this post) is the glaringly obvious, yet superficial issue of appearances. Can there be anyone on the planet who thinks the E-M1 is a good-looking camera? As much as our rational minds tell us function trumps form, the reality is, fashion matters. I don’t think Fujifilm would be where they are today if the X100 and X-Pro1 didn’t look as good as they do.³ We all want a camera that looks cool to a degree. For some it matters less than others, but for me, the E-M1 is ugly enough that I wouldn’t want to own it as my primary camera. The good thing is, Fujifilm’s function is now keeping pace with their outstanding tastes in form. People who want a DSLR inspired compact can finally have the best of both worlds.

1. Everywhere, but Canada it would seem. ↩
2. Here’s hoping the next firmware update for the X-E2 lets us configure all Fn buttons like the X-T1 does. Shame about the labels, but nothing a little Sharpie action can’t fix. ↩
3. Something they should keep in the very forefront of their minds as they conceive the X200 and X-Pro2. ↩

X-T1 vs. X-E2 size

In my X-T1 review, I showed an image comparing the X-T1 with the 27mm f/2.8 to a X100S to demonstrate how small a package the X-T1 could be with the right lens attached. However, there’s been some confusion surrounding the size of the X-T1 compared to Fujifilm’s other cameras, particularly the X-E line.

No, the X-T1 is not approaching DSLR sizes. It’s essentially a slightly thicker X-E camera with a hump, and more of a grip. Here are some additional images to help illustrate the differnce.

Bottom view. 

Unless you have both cameras on hand, you’ll hardly notice a difference in size, if at all. You will notice a slight difference in weight, and a significant difference in feel. As mentioned in my review, the magnesium X-T1 feels better in the hand.