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| Small Japaneses Red Maple in Snow (click to Enlarge) |
This reminds me of the question, "which of your two children do you love more?" Of course, the answer is "neither." The two are loved equally but differently because of their different personalities and needs.
The Fuji will remain my mainstay. Not because of any special look the images may have. Not because of the Fuji film simulations. Not because of the color rendition of the Fuji palate. Not because the Fuji has an APS-C sized 24mp sensor versus the Olympus M4/3 sized 20mp sensor. Not because one is better or more deserving than the other. Then why?
I don't think that I have owned a modern autofocus SLR (film) or digital camera, DSLR or otherwise, that has controls that are so intuitive to me as first was the Fuji X-T1, and now the X-T2. This is particular to me, and probably others with my age and experience, as I photographically "grew up" in the film era and almost every film camera I had every owned had controls as Fuji designed them for the X-T1/X-T2. Additionally, the camera just "fits" in my hand perfectly and is a joy to use.
Everything about the camera is straightforward. The camera isn't cluttered with 1000 capabilities, which for the most part, I don't use or would only want to use only on occasion. It is fully capable of producing excellent images with fast focusing and controls/menus that are intuitive to change without having to dig deep.
On the other hand, when I want special features, such as focus stacking, high resolution images, 18 fps and even up to 60 fps, pre-recording images upon half-press of the shutter, etc., the E-M1 Mark II cannot be matched at the price, size or weight.
Both camera systems have superb lenses. Both cameras have superb autofocus capabilities. Capability is not the issue. It comes down to ease of use, not having to try to remember or to fumble to find and change settings as well as how a camera fits my photographic style. Fuji for everyday, fast, intuitive use and Olympus for special cases or measured use.
Don't get me wrong. I really like the E-M1 Mark II. I really like the X-T2 as well. Truth be known, I will probably find myself, more often than not, picking up both bags and throwing them on the floor of the backseat of my car as I go out to photograph. Why both? Because I can and they are both there to use and enjoy. Both are wonderful tools and should be used and not just admired.
I look forward to a beautiful spring and summer and to the possibilities that lie ahead in making wonderful photographs.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Dennis: I'm a happy Fuji X-t1 user, but am considering a lighter system because I often travel internationally. My main interest is nature and so I need a long lens. I currently use the Fuji 100-400 which is truly excellent, by the way. I've considered the Panasonic Fz1000 and Sony Rx10iii, but am not sure I'd be satisfied with the files. I've been thinking about an Olympus EM1 Mark II or a Panasonic G80 with the Lumix 100-400 which would shave off about a pound and be considerably more compact. I've been so happy with my Fuji files, I'm a bit skittish to change, to be honest, but dragging heavy equipment overseas has begun to annoy me. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteDoug, thanks for the comment and question. I can't advise on the G80 as I've never had nor used one. As for the Mark II, I think it is every bit as good as the X-T2, let alone the X-T1. IMO, the focus is just as fast and the files are robust. There may be a tad bit more noise at high ISOs, but it is minimal and can be editec out if desired. The cameras are the same size so you won't be saving anything there. As far as the 100-400, I, too, am amazed at how good that lens is, even wide open and with the 1.4x tele-converter. I have a friend with the Panny 100-400 and it is somewhat smaller and lighter. Very well made. He makes some really nice waterfoul and birds-in-flight images with the combination. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I was going to use my Mark II for wildlife.
DeleteAll that being said, my best advice is to rent the body and two lenses and try them out for at least 1 week. Besides the Panny 100-400, I would also rent a normal range zoom for general use as well. That will give you an idea of how they all handle for you, the weight and size and a good look at a variety of image files. I've done just that in the past and was happy I did. It was worth a hundred and fifty bucks or so to have the gear that long and be able to find out if I would be happy with them.
Thanks, Dennis. Amazing that micro 4/3 is so good these days! Renting is definitely a good idea.
DeleteGood morning Dennis...I'm thinking the relationship you have with the E-M1.2 might shift somewhat after you get the 12-100 F4. Or not. :)
ReplyDeleteIt might... We shall see if the lens ever gets back in stock!
DeleteDennis, thanks for the recent set of articles about the XT2 and EM1m2. Very interesting and appreciated. As an owner of the XT2 and EM1 (original), I'm curious about your thoughts on upgrading the EM1. Honestly, as with you, and for the same reasons, I find the XT2 more frequently used. So is the upgrade worth it for a less frequently used body?
ReplyDeleteRudiger, thanks for the kind words. I'll have to say that I believe the upgrade to the Mark II is worth it. Greater dynamic range, less digital noise, a bit more resolution, faster frame rate and those special features such as the Pro Capture combined make for a significant improvement, in my opinion. That doesn't even mention the video side of things. I'm not a video guy but the 4K ability is extraordinary.
DeleteI just listed my X-T1 and 18-55 kit on EBay and will use my Olympus for my backup camera. In all honesty, I don't see much difference at all in image quality between the Olympus and the X-T2.
Very helpful. Thank-you.
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