Switching from Canon to Fuji questions

For portraiture and with the new X-Pro2 looking very compelling, I am looking to switching from Canon 60D to Fuji rather than upgrade to

the 6D. Can't quite swing the Pro2 but a X-E2, X-T1 or X-T10 with a couple of primes seems like the best way to enter the Fuji system.

My main objectives are to be able to print well-detailed up to 16X20 and get better high ISO performance in a more compact system. I

believe that the full frame Canons will probably print larger, but at my targeted print size, will the difference between the two systems be

more or less indistinguishable? Another consideration would be to eliminate, or at least minimize moire in clothing.

Thoughts of those who have made the switch or contemplating the same would be appreciated.

Thanks

<p>Hi Bob.<br>

As one who switched from DSLRs (Nikon, Pentax) to mirrorless, and the excellent Fujifilm X-system in particular, I can say without hesitation that it was a fantastic choice! I regularly print posters, and have successfully printed my Fuji 16 MB files to 24x30 inches, and the overall image quality, sharpness, and detail retention is stellar! If there is a discernible difference between it and my "old" 24 MB Nikon D5300 images,I don't se it, and indeed, the Fuji enlargements appears sharper and clean, possibly due to the superb Fujinon lenses, and always using a solid tripod for maximum sharpness, along with good exposure and post technique. Perhaps you can, as I did with my Nikon kit, take your Canon DSLR to a camera store, and shoot the same exact image with both kits and compare images at home. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the overall image quality and detail captured by the Fuji X-System. Good luck sir! </p><div></div>

<p>The Fuji X system will manage all but the largest print requirements. I made the switch in the X E-1 era and haven't looked back. I still have my D800E and periodically use it when I can't resist the lure of more megapixels or need to use a tilt shift lens (which cannot be adapted) but otherwise it's Fuji all the way. I currently use the 16-50 f/2.8 and 55-200 but have most of the primes as well. I bought the 56 f/1.2 for use as a portrait lens and it's sharp as a tack but a bit slower focusing than I'd like, especially with moving children. As Steve said, simply compare the files, not just pixel peeping on a screen, but with a print made at the largest size you'll likely use. I find my most common print size is 9x13.5" but often print 13x20 and no one has asked me how many megapixels my camera has. Soon there will be an X T-2, presumably with the 24MP sensor of the X Pro-2 but realistically there's not much difference between 16 and 24MP. Take your time, be careful and good luck.</p>

I shoot Fujis, having previously shot Nikons from a D60 up to a D800 and D750. While the Fuji at 16mp APSC won't show

as much detail in huge prints as the high res full frame cameras, it's going to be fine at 16x20 (which would print at 200

PPI). Right now Adorama has the X-E2 with the grip and the 18-55 lens at $699 - I'd jump on that if I were looking to get

into the system and install the v4 firmware.

<p>one difference is that the Fuji's have no anti-aliasing filter. so images might seem sharper than the 60D just based on that. however, there may be increased chance of moire as well, although that hasnt really been an issue for me so far. </p>

Yeah it's looking like I'm going to start selling my Canon stuff and ease on over to Fuji.

Eric, you bring up a point - I thought the layout of the X trans was supposed to break up the repeating patterns to

produce LESS moire. Am I wrong?

Thanks for all the help

Eric, I am also under the same impression that Bob is; namely, that the structure of the Fuji X-Trans sensor is quite different than the

Bayer sensor, thus making the occurrence of moire possible, but extremely rare. (So said a Fuji rep at a trade show I attended in Texas

last year.) I've not seen it in my landscape, architecture and product images, but then again, I don't often shoot fabrics. In terms of

absolute sharpness and clarity though, I can state that I've been extremely pleased with the output of the Fuji XT-1 and their superb XF

lenses! As said earlier, I've made poster prints that are quite nice. (For example, please see my previous post's attached Mt. Hood

image.) Thank you.

The X-Trans sensor is less likely to produce moire than a bayer sensor without AA is, and I've really never found moire to

be a problem with it - I'm not sure I've ever actually seen any with a Fuji - but it's still possible.

<p>Bob and Steve... did I mention moire? I just re-read my post and don't think I mentioned it. In any case moire has not been a problem for me with the X T-1 and actually not with the D800E either. </p>

<p>Switched from Nikon to Fuji and never looked back. Great optics, portable, good build quality. Lack of a good, professional dedicated flash is a bit frustrating, though. FWIW, if you're just starting a Fuji system, it might pay to grimmace a bit and pop for the new XP2 body. It seems to have solved the bulk of the niggling details of previous models, but one would likely be very pleased with any of them.</p>

Craig, yes, I agree that the Fuji X-System, while lacking a "Pro" level flash, is an Awesome, high-quality photographic

system! One could also argue that because of the good high-ISO performance of the X-Trans sensor, that flash is rarely

"required" for a good exposure, though I realize there are many creative uses and scenarios in which a flash would be

useful! That said, I've found that the Nissin i40 electronic flash is an excellent companion to my XT-1. Of course, it's not in

the same league as Nikon's or Canon's high-end units, but it's quite versatile nonetheless. As for the new X-Pro 2, while

it's a superb rangefinder-style camera, I personally love the ergonomics (and of course, the superb image quality!) of my

XT-1, and look forward to testing and reviews of the eventual XT-2 upgrade.

<p>After 30 years of humping big Nikons around, I switched to Fuji X. I have the XT1 and XE2, plus the 18-55, 55-200, 35 f1.4, and 56 f1.2. No regrets at all. I also have the Nissin gun. It is good.</p>

<p>The XE2 viewfinder is not too good if your wear glasses - I do. The XT1 is very good.</p>

<p>Image quality with all lenses is first class. I could have paid four times as much for Nikon bodies and lenses. Would they have been better performers? Technically yes. In practice, I doubt it, at least for my use.</p>

<p>How a camera 'feels' has nothing to do with the quality of images it produces, but it is bonus to enjoy handling the XT1. It reminds me of Nikons such as the F2.</p>

i'm leaning toward the X-T10. The thing is so small, I hope I can use my Cactus trigger on it!

It will become my backup camera when the X-T2 with 24mp sensor comes out.

Still need to watch the $ so for glass, I'll start with the 35mm f2 and 60mm macro.

<p>Bob, that sounds like an awesome choice! As for your lens selection to start...great choice as well! I have the 60 Macro, 16-55, and the 35 f/2 (after a brief period with the also superb 35 f/1.4), and frankly, they are absolutely superb in terms of build quality and most importantly, image quality! The 16-55 f/2.8 WR Zoom, while a bit heavy for a mirrorless system lens, is still smaller and lighter than its' DSLR counterparts, and the image quality is virtually like that of a prime lens! In fact, as I've said before, I've used numerous DSLR and large format systems over my 35+ years in photography, and am quite pleased to find that with the Fuji X-System, sharpness enhancement in post is really "optional"! This, coming from an admitted "Sharpness Fanatic"! If you have any specific XF lens questions, please feel free to also contact me via my site. Thank you, and best of luck with your new Fujifilm X-System, sir! </p>

 

<p>Mervyn, you certainly have a nice collection of lenses! Regarding your comment about Nikon lenses being "technically better performers", I frankly find the opposite...my Fujinon lenses are stellar performers, both in image and build quality, and the detail and clarity of the images I'm getting from this X-System is the best I've seen thus far. I've been able to print to 20x34 while maintaining superb color fidelity, detail and sharpness! This, from the XT-1's 16 MB sensor. That said, I am anxiously awaiting an eventual XT-2, with the updated sensor and engine of the X-Pro 2. I can only imagine what improvements in image quality I'll see with that camera, combined with the stellar Fujinon XF lenses! Thank you. </p>

<p>Down the road I considered the 16-55 2/8 but frankly, that's one of the reasons I don't like my 60D. I have the 17-55 2/8 and it's such a horses leg I hate carrying it around despite great image quality. I'm always happy when I look at the images but the taking is not much fun. Maybe the fuji version won't feel so bad and I'll love it. It will give me everything in portraiture from environmental to close in headshots in one lens. That would be nice and I could effortlessly frame from one to the other.<br>

How's the bokeh at the long end compared to the 60mm? f stops are pretty much the same so I might guess the bokeh is comparable.</p>

<p>Bob, well, perhaps I'm not the best one to ask about bokeh, since I'm a landscape and product photographer, and I generally strive for maximum sharpness and depth of field. That said, the few images I've shot at wider apertures seem pleasing "to me", with regard to out-of-focus areas, but I realize this is all subjective. In terms of overall sharpness however, that I can talk about...and this lens is stunning, and IMHO, worth the "extra' weight! (Plus, most of my images are shot on a tripod anyway, so I'm generally not carrying that kit on my shoulder. Have fun! </p>

Bokeh is one of the strong points for the 60mm.

 

If you're looking for something to start with that's not big, the 18-55 is a good bet. Don't be fooled by its focal length - it's

much better than your average 18-55 kit lens. Add the 60 or 56 for portraits if you want.

<p>I have both an x pro 1 and a Nikon 800E and would like to offer a minority report. I'm not sold on either the optical view or the EVF as a satisfactory substitute to SLR technology. I love the Fuji Lenses and size and have absolutely no complaints about the image quality but the evf (which I understand to be much improved in the later Fuji's) just doesn't give me as good a view as the the mirror technology in the SLR and, let's face it, photography is all about looking through the viewfinder, A minor point is that I use many wide angles (love the Fuji 10-25) but the Nikon gives me a 2 directional level and the xpro1 just provides artificial horizon. Getting into the Fuji system is inexpensive enough to buy a body and lens and try it for a while.</p>

Did it!

Brought all my Canon gear to B&H. They gave me a really competitive price.

They had a great used, mint, black X-T10 with 18-55 and a mint 60mm. I also picked up a brand new 35mm f2.<br /> Oh my God, what have I done?<br /> Just kidding. Really excited to get up to speed and enjoy the new equipment.

One thing I noticed when I got the kit home is the Silkypix disk is not in the box.

Does anybody know if I can download a free version of the bundled software?

 

Thanks for all your input.

<p>Congratulations Bob! I think you'll find your Fujifilm X-System capable of amazing image quality, sharpness, detail, and of course, the "color palette" that Fuji is known for. Regarding the missing SilkyPix CD, don't worry about it! There are several MUCH better options for processing your Raw and jpeg files. I use Affinity and Lightroom on my iMac, and this article gives a good comparison of converter apps: http://www.fujivsfuji.com/best-xtrans-raw-converter/<br>

Best of luck, sir!</p>

 

Do a google search for Fujifilm raw converter EX 2.0. You want the updated version from the wen instead of the CD

anyway. The old version doesn't include the Fuji film simulations. And make sure you update the camera and lens

firmwares. If you get sick of Silkypix (the Fuji software) try Lightroom and Capture One. Capture One does a better job of

rendering a sharp image from Fuji files but some people prefer the Lightroom interface and it makes it easier to use Fuji

film modes.

<p>I've drifted away from Fuji. For me, the Olympus OM-D line is far preferable because I like to use lots of adapted lenses and every one has image stabilization with the OM-D bodies. I've owned the XT-1 and XT-10 and just never really picked them up much. If you're willing to invest fully in the Fuji system you can get some very nice lenses and several have image stabilization.</p>

<p>And you look cool shooting with one. So important.</p>

<p>Patrick, that's the only reason I shoot. Looking cool is better than being cool : )</p>

<p>Both the 60D and the X-T10 are APS-C, so the image quality at 16x20 will be nearly the same. Neither Canon nor Fuji has a better image; it comes down to which you prefer. Fuji will definitely be smaller. If, however, you are into "the decisive moment" you will be disappointed by any EVF system. There is lag, plain and simple, that isn't there in an SLR. Probably not important for portrait work, but you should at least be aware it exists. Some people like EVFs, some never will.</p>