Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Silver, Fuji 56mm F1.2 and vertical grip w/ Fujifilm X-E2

[@mjfalcon007]

Great review Jeff! I should be receiving my Xt1 black with the 56mm sometime within the next week. I cant wait to put it to use.

[@bray4940]

Thank you for the review of the camera Jeff. I drove 180 miles today to view this camera in Indianapolis at Roberts downtown. I am almost purchased it. After a few more days of consideration, I probably will. I love this camera and the style. Regarding the the focal length of the 56mm (on a crop camera), it isn't technically the same as an 85mm (on a full frame) It only makes the subject seem closer because (the "crop" effect). So the actual focal effect of a 56mm wouldn't seem to me be the same as an 85mm on a full frame. I hope that makes sense. It is only cropping the 56mm to fill the frame from the distance you are standing from the subject. I know when you work the math it is the same for the "crop", but it doesn't change the focal length which is where you get the visual effects of the lenses on the subject. So technically you would still need the 85mm focal length lens on the crop sensor camera, and step further from the subject to get the same effect as the 85mm on the full frame. I know the industry tends to make that assumption, but I don't. But I have not taken any shots to compare this. It only makes sense to me. Does anyone have a video they can share that helps explain to me?

[@ExposedChannel247]

It might just be me, but the current battery grip doesn't seem to harmonize aesthetically with the look of the Graphite Silver body. It looks like they made it with the black X-T1 body in mind. I'd say from the photos I've seen of it so far, it looks more "black" than the leatherette.

[@EDHBlvd]

All of the Graphite Silver firmware features came to the regular XT-1 today (12/18/14) in firmware version 3.00. I just updated my black XT-1 and love the features. So at this point the premium is purely for the multi layer coating, aluminum hot shoe cover and premium leather strap. #cheers

[@badlakan]

jupp and the higher price here in sweden.. like the silver version, looks nice. But the black x-t1 is hot as well :)

[@hfuffvnjvnijd8989]

nice review Jeff, i'm a nikon dslr shooter and next to my dlsr's i have an x30 for fun. the x30 delivers amazing results for such a small sensor!! its making me curious what fuji can do in its flagship camera. . i do not dare to switch (yet) but my experiences with fuji are very good. greets from Holland!

[@DrPinball]

Sir Jeff Kahn, thank you very much for your awesome review on the X-T1. Your honest opinion convinced me on buying it . (I ordered it with the vanilla XF56mm 1.2 lens). This is the best review I've seen so far. I ordered the X-T1 graphite yesterday and I am looking forward to get it this Tuesday. I will be ordering the grip hopefully soon. Question. I read somewhere that a fast card it's recommended. I just bought a Delkin 16Gb Read 90mb/s Write 45/s. Will that card be fast enough? Thank you for your time and the passion that you have to do this reviews.

[@jkahnfilms]

GaldinoPhotography I haven't had any issues with my cards, and the 90mb read/45mb write is fast. Write speed is most important with video or burst shots. I have no experience with Delkin though. I use mostly SanDisk and Sony. I hope you enjoy your new X-T1! I will do a review on the new Fujifilm X-T10 when they are released, as a complement to the X-T1.

[@DrPinball]

Jeff Kahn I got my camera and I am extremely satisfied! I own lots of Canon glass but I don't remember being this happy about opening camera equipment since my Nintendo 8 bit days. I did notice a few slowdowns taking bracketing shots using the Delkin 16Gb, but only for the continuous mode but it wasn't that bad. Here is the link to my first test walk with the camera. 97% of the shots I believe I took them at F/1.2 www.flickr.com/photos/130106923@N04/sets/72157653995420125

[@drumsanddance]

Great review Mr. Kahn!

[@jkahnfilms]

Thank you very much!

[@drumsanddance]

Jeff Kahn I very recently sold all my Nikon gear (after I had purchased an X Pro). I am now waiting till the first couple of months of 2015... depending on what happens... I will either go for an Xt 1 and the 56mm 1.2 and or an xpro 2 (fingers crossed).

[@marttisuomivuori3651]

sharmapulkitmukesh hat do you expect of the XPRO-2 that the XT-1 does not have?

[@maggiem.1055]

Thank you for sharing the information! :D

[@jkahnfilms]

+Maggie Jinxia Ma You are very welcome, thank you!

[@770827]

Hi Jeff, thanx for the great review. What's your comment on XT-1's focus tracking (vs other pro-sumer DSLRs)? What are your thoughts on the lens options?

[@jkahnfilms]

Hi Clarence. Sorry to take so long. I do not use focus tracking extensively. I watched a very good video by Camera Store in Calgary, AB about a year ago comparing the Sony A6000, the Panasonic Lumix GH3 or GX7, the Fujifilm X-T1 and a couple of high end DSLRs. I wish I could find the video to post a link. What I remember is the Sony about matched the DSLRs, and the Fujifilm was a little behind. The impression I got was the Mirrorless cameras were almost to DSLR standards, with the Sony and Panasonic the closest, followed by the Fuji. But Fuji has been hard at work with multiple firmware upgrades. So the bottom line is: I just don't know. If I can make some time, I will compare them and let you know. GREAT QUESTION though. There is so little to separate the performance of DSLRs and the best MILCs like the Fuji, Lumix and Sony. And additionally, the Lumix GH4's do phenomenal video, many say better than FF DSLR. But I am not going there . . . yet.

[@770827]

Thanx for your prompt reply and helpful input Jeff. Again, great videos!!

[@miamiredbird]

Jeff Kahn kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6GbfJKumcScrbc This is the AF test you mentioned.....Although looks arent everything, I didnt buy the Silver edition because the grip is only in black and didnt like the way it looked.

[@raygeary1698]

Love the dog shot

[@Murphy252000]

Great job Jeff!

[@giolee1274]

great video. are the beach and dog photos straight out of the camera or did you edit them in post?

[@carlosecabezas]

awesome Jeff !!!

[@jkahnfilms]

Thanks Carlos!

[@veteq101]

Great review.

[@jkahnfilms]

Thanks!

[@lancesaintpaul3423]

No "should's" apply to photography. Your comment about allocating a certain percentage of shots to the vertical format seems like a justification to get & use the vertical grip. As general advice it is meaningless.

[@kuliatv]

Agreed.

[@writenamehere0000]

I own X-T1 BLAQCK that I like more. Graphite is too shiny for my taste. The main thing I bought Fujifilm and not Sony A7 is the actual DIALS !!! That is such a step forward, even the old SLRs had only dials. Dials make you shoot faster, without looking and stupid buttons like on Canons, Nikons and othwer DSLRs. or mirrorles.. Olympus is my second favorite maker. I am waiting for their step forward in frame size. For now I am satiasfied with Fuji X-t1. I sold my d700 immediatelly and size matters. I carry Fuji every day and make more photos.

[@kevincarver4759]

I also have an X-T1 but I have to say physical dials and knobs are a lot slower to use than dials on traditional DSLRs that are already under your fingers. The X-T1 controls aren't as practical but they are definitely prettier.

[@writenamehere0000]

Kevin Carver I have other experience. So, my eye is constantly on viewfinder because of the info inside is showing every change, and i just move my fingers from dial to dial by feel. After 1 month use when I bought it I was already super fast user :). I am not a button person, but the main reason I am faster on XT1 is not only dials, but the EVF too. It is marvelous, shows all info, so thats why I thought shooting all together is faster than Nikon, Canon buttons. Sony A7 has few dials but not like Fuji XT1, and that is the reason I went with Fuji. i was in big doubt what to buy at that moment. I am glad I bought Fuji at least for the marvelous XF lens line they produce.

[@photomusicman9413]

Igor S Yep. And not forgetting the incredible EVF in the X-T1. I love my camera.

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

Hi, is there any big difference between the graphite vs the all black edition besides the color? I also wonder the xt-1 vs the omd em1

[@jkahnfilms]

+Mr. Poopchillan There is very little difference between the two when you upgrade the firmware. I think it was primarily a status piece with a little bit of utility thrown in. The Fujifilm is an APS-c format and all of the lenses are of superb quality and a good value. The Oly OM EM1 is Micro Four Thirds (MFT) which is a smaller sensor. It is good for it's size and the cameras are very portable. Depending on your use, it may be entirely satisfactory. The lenses are generally good, but they have both consumer focused and pro focused lenses, priced accordingly. You simply figure out which lens series is best for your needs.

[@bray4940]

Jeff, I purchased the XT1 with the 18 135 mm lens. I have to say, I am anything but impressed. Can't get decent focus, images are blurred. Looks like I am shooting with a point and shoot. I am going to contact Fuji support to see if there's a setting, but otherwise, I can't box this up fast enough to send it back... Not impressive at all.. And I did do the firmware updates.. wow.. very poor quality images...

[@jkahnfilms]

Bernard Hunt Something is wrong. Take it to a dealer and have them check it out. Something is amiss.

[@bray4940]

I am going to call Fuji support tomorrow to give it a chance. But, otherwise, I plan to box this up and sent it back as quickly as I can. Very poor quality images.. Not impressed.

[@jkahnfilms]

Bernard, did you find the problem?

[@bray4940]

Fuji support asked me to reset the camera to original specs. Which I did, and it does focus better. Honestly, I'm not sure this camera is right for my photography needs. I have an active child and plays soccer. It works fine when everyone is standing still for me posing. But when there is any movement in the subject, therein lies the struggle with a properly focused photograph. Lots of blur.The camera seems to capture the focus quickly, but there is shutter lag after that. and I need to pause for the next shot until it writes to the card. I like the color depth, even when shooting RAW, which I always do. Suggestions before I ship this back. I can't afford to have an luxury toy. I need a fully functional camera. Thank you Jeff..

[@jkahnfilms]

Bernard Hunt Bernard, I read a few threads regarding similar issues and found one that sounded very applicable from AndyS: a) Make sure High Performance mode is on (under power settings somewhere) b) For continuous focusing use one of the central 9 set of AF points c) Set the release mode to 'focus priority'. This ensures the camera only takes a picture when the image is in focus. d) Use either CH or CL e) In the lower-left of the view finder you should see a green circle appear when the camera has found focus (even if the view finder still appears to be hunting. The only other thing I would add is to select your focus priority mode, i.e. Single point, multi-point etc. depending upon how you naturally focus. I use single point focus; that requires me to pre-select where I want my subject's eyes in the frame before I compose my shot. It works for me, but others prefer using follow-focus features. Another point mentioned in the discussion forum was to remember that it does shoot differently than a DSLR and will take some adaptation to the differences. Give it a little time to become more natural to you. I hope you come to like it. I think it is a great system.

[@glennsmooth1243]

Although nice to look at, shiny camera bodies (graphite, silver, etc) may interfere with certain lighting conditions causing glare, added reflections, extra light bounces, etc. Personally i think cameras should be as unobtrusive as possible.. keep it matte black. After seeing what the Fuji can do I'm ditching my Nikon gear.. too bulky.

[@来骏杰]

good job

[@completelystupid87]

Hi sir. I just wonder if they will update this camera soon or not. I think the new version of this camera will be awesome, if they update the fully turnaround lcd, and a flash control dial.

[@jkahnfilms]

Hi '87. From the rumor mill, the next camera upgrade will be the X-pro2, likely Q1 of 2016. Fujifilm may consider building a medium format again, release date unknown. I'm not holding my breath for an X-T2, but look for more firmware upgrades which Fuji so graciously provides.

[@iam_nick]

is there a problem with the sound quality of your video? a suggestion too, dont wear the dull colour shirt same as your background colour (the couch) :)

[@jkahnfilms]

Hi Nickolas, thanks for the suggestion. I will try to use more contrast in my clothing. I don't hear any specific audio issues. But my hearing may be worse than yours. What is it and what can I do to eliminate it. I use a pretty good recorder with XLR inputs and mic. (Or is it just my fuzzy voice?)

[@jkahnfilms]

***** Thanks for your support and input.

[@BrainDesmo]

Liked & Sub'd sir. Nice presentation, please keep it up.

[@jkahnfilms]

Thank you very much.

[@BrainDesmo]

btw, the graphite looks awesome.

[@uscg2676]

Are you a Photographer - Dentist too? You remind me of my Dentist. And you seem to have lots of money for cameras too.. LOL

[@jkahnfilms]

uscg I am retired. I have been a photographer as a secondary income much of my life, but my career prevented me from pursuing it further. I have done some work for magazines and models, but mostly I teach and do photography for fun these days. I donate my images for charity auction, and I do event photography upon request. I do as much video as photography for compensation these days.

[@malthus101]

"Vertical shooting or GTFO" :)

[@mikemoore2791]

Dude. Forget it. Go Nikon or Canon. No issues. Buy a camera made by a camera manufacturer (!!) not made by a film maker. I wouldve thought a slr would be better than fujifilms cheap fixed lens point n shoots.

[@jkahnfilms]

michael moore Net Sales/Revenue (Trillion Yen) Canon: 3.727 Fujifilm: 2.492 Nikon: .857

[@mikemoore2791]

Jeff Kahn and this means what? I use Nikon. Im not gonna sell it because fujifilm sell more... Nikon is better.

[@mikemoore2791]

Ok do fujifilm sell lots of cameras. Market share is not a reason to buy. Pedigree and Pro usage is. Nikon and Canon.

[@mikemoore2791]

From watching and reading comments Um getting the idea that the XT1has great capabilities for street photography and portraits but that its AF is slow with shutter lag once locked on... um... some of us enthusiasts like sports. Wildlife. Ya know subjects that move. Fast. So yeah my original comment stands. Nikon or Canon. Like the guy in the camera shop said: "they both produce good images but the Nikons AF system is better. Especially for fast moving subjects...".

[@Carmerafe]

Then you should go to your nikon and canon mates and not here lol

[@bovver6092]

ZzzzZZZzz.....

[@jkahnfilms]

I know talking heads are pretty boring. I can't think of a more entertaining way to present the information. What would you suggest? More pictures? A companion for banter? Anything?

[@bovver6092]

Perhaps shooting outdoors would make it somewhat exciting.