Fujifilm….Doing it right…..
Excitement and confusion. Excited to see a really neat product coming from Fuji and confused at the reaction various people have to their choice in cameras! Let’s get that out of the way first! When I worked for Nikon I found it amazing that users of various brands are like tribes.
tribe |trīb|noun1 a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader: indigenous Indian tribes | the Celtic tribes of Europe.
In the Indian Nations tribes could be either allies or bitter enemies. Sadly in the world of photography some people fall into that pattern. Among some circles Canon shooters hate Nikon shooters, and visa versa. It is no less true among Olympus, Fuji, Panasonic, Leica etc, etc. I understand the dynamic. You study and study, you try different brands and then you make a decision with both head and heart and then you “commit”! Once you commit to a brand you become surrounded by friends and associates that use the brand you chose! Now the fun begins, the teasing, the joking, the debating, most is harmless but some folks just take the whole exercise to seriously! For me, no harm – no foul. I never took any of this very seriously even when I represented one of the 800 pound gorillas in the room!
Cameras and lenses are made to make photographs, that’s it. Some do it better, or worse but they all get the job done. Is a D800 higher resolution that Canon 5D Mark III? Does a Fuji X Sensor have incredibly low noise at super high ISOs? Does the Panasonic GH3 make incredible video? Sure, sure, sure! Doesn’t matter, pick one, and make images.
Regardless of brand loyalties, sooner or later you have to find what helps you make the image. I’m not going to go through the whole shoulder surgery story again, let’s just say I’ve found my everyday, walk around system, Fuji’s X System, and here’s why;
(1) The weight is just right. Not heavy, but with a feeling of real substance.
(2) The image quality is absolutely incredible.
(3) I can shoot at any ISO up to and including 6400 and not worry about noise, in 90% of the cases, not even notice any!
(4) I own the 14, 18-55, 23, 35, 60, and the 55-200, and everyone is of the highest quality, absolutely stunning glass. All of my lenses, and the ones that are coming from Fuji, are faster than almost any other brands, and cost substantially less!
(5) After years of using DSLRs, I’m loving the quiet shutters, and lack of mirror vibration.
(6) I shot Fuji film in the old days, and always loved their color renditions, and the X cameras have those say lovely colors.
(7) Photography is tactile, I love the feel of the X system, it just fits my hands!
(8) I’m very impressed with Fuji’s commitment to continue to improve their products with constant firmware updates that make genuinely significant improvements to their products.
(9) Most of all, they listen to their customers! A number of Firmware updates have addresses specific recommendations from their customers, that’s golden!
(10) And lastly, they have developed a philosophy to produce products that are designed for photography, not the specs race!
So, I’m anxious to feet to try the XT-1, the 56 f 1.2 and the 10-24 f4 OIS, it’s going to be an exciting start to 2014!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
ADDENDUM: Believe it or not, I had not seen Scott Kelby video on his blog about switching from Nikon to Canon before I wrote this blog entry!!!!! I may have been the only guy in the photo world who hadn’t!! The reaction to his video with Rick Sammon got as variety of responses, some pretty nasty! This was my point in my own blog entry, and remember once again I had not seen Scott’s video!! A number of pretty blunt charges were leveled at Scott, and I feel bound to respond in blanket form.
(1) Scott is a great guy, and an honest guy, and I believe a sincere guy! If he says he really liked the Canon stuff for what he does, I’m sure he does.
(2) I am sure that Canon made a good offer ($$$) to NAPP, (now KelbyOne), to be “more involved” with them. I’m sure they probably really wanted Scott to give their stuff a good try. That Scott really liked the gear for sports, or for that matter any other kind of shooting, does not surprise me. Remember I used to work for Nikon, and I can tell you that both Nikon and Canon make dang good stuff! Why did Nikon not offer to become a bigger part of KelbyOne too? I have no idea, you would have to ask the people in marketing at Nikon, they are the only ones that would know the answer to that. I wish they had, I would love to see equal representation at KelbyOne between both brands, but they didn’t, and that’s that! Case closed. However, that is not Scott Kelby’s fault!
(3) Does it really matter what camera brand you shoot? I’m going to go out on limb and say that Jay Maisel could shoot all our pants off with a low end Samsung camera! I really believe that it’s the photographer, not the camera, and that is not being disrespectful of Nikon, Canon, Leica or anyone else!!!!!!!! I think we need to grow up and start acting like adults on this whole brand thing! Surely we are not so insecure that we have to roll in the mud over this subject?
(4) I really respect and care for Scott Kelby, he has been a great friend to me, and it doesn’t bother me in the least if he makes good money doing what he does, he has earned it, and I can tell you I’ve seen him shoot superior work with anything you hand him. All of you can infer anything you would like about the “brand wars” , but for me, I won’t disrespect his ability with a camera, to reduce it down to Canon vs Nikon!
(5) Want to take someone on, come after me, I don’t shoot either brand, and I’ll shoot it out with you anytime, anywhere. Just be sure to tighten your belt, to keep your pants in place!
Sorry, I was a little ticked off after reading all this, but that was pretty good line!!!!
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 at 3:09 pm
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I really love my Nikon products, but I don’t have any animosity towards anything else. I do defend Nikon when people say untrue things about it online though, even though I know I shouldn’t get baited by trolls.
Let it go, not worth the trouble, anyone that has nothing better to do than argue about cameras needs to get a life!
very true
So glad I have not yet made my purchase. Just had a feeling something would be announced during or shortly after CES. Now, I know my choice is between an Olympus M1 and the new
Fuji XT-1. Now I just have to make sure I get the most $$$ for my D600 and all that 2.8 glass.
The D600 is a fine camera, but I love the lighter Fuji!
Hi Bill,
You have really sparked my interest in the Fuji X Series of cameras! But having been a Nikon shooter for the last 24 years and seeing the many camera’s that Fuji offers in that line, would you mind recommending the one you like most? After shooting the new XT-1 that is.
Do you also have a small tripod/ball head recommendation for the Fuji system?
Thanks and I like that you are updating your blog frequently!
Jack
I think some would say with the high ISO range on these things you can run your shutter up pretty high and you don’t need a tripod. 🙂
But, yes, I am curious about tripods for this smaller generation of cameras?
I use a mid size Induro with the largest RRS head!
I promise to review it as soon as I get one!
Tyler / I love my 7D i know the update is next month but i still check Canon’s webiste every day just hoping the firmware is ready cant wait
You once weighed 800 pounds???????? You hid it well! Love you, my friend.
You didn’t notice?
It’s like artist arguing about what brush makes the better painting. The painting is the work not the brush. Argument with HDR. To HDR or not to HDR! PC or Mac?? Let the work speak for itself.
You got it!!!!!!
Bill, I’m looking forward to your review of the Fuji X-T1. I’m hoping it will be what I have hoped for years the Nikon D400 would be – at half the size and weight. Sounds like its going to be a winner.
I expect it to be pretty special. Each new model has been a
big leap and the X-E2 is mighty special!
I have both the Canon 5D MK3 and Nikon D800 systems. After reading a zillion reviews on the Fuji X series, I went out and got the X100S. It is now my favorite camera and take everywhere camera. The camera produces gorgeous digital files. Now I am hoping to get the new Fuji and some lenses and move away from my heavy dSLRs. Thanks for all your posts on the X series. I think Fuji has hit a home run here.
Out of the park, Bob, out of the park!!!
Bill,
Thanks for your perspective and commonsense approach to this non-problem. When I see a great photo, I never think about which brand of camera it was taken with anymore than wondering what brand of oven a great chef uses to fix a 5-star meal. Good grief!
By the way, really looking forward to Moab. I’ll try to get Cathy to make another batch of cookies.
Don’t tease me!!! I can’t wait, be great to see you guys too, pass the cookies!
You know I really care more about seeing you guys, but don’t forget those cookies!!!!
Too funny! But I’d better bring some cookies, I see.
Glad you understand! .
I read your posts for a few years on the many aspects of photography including carrying the the gear and needing a lighter kit. I’ve seen Scott Kelby’s posts and video about the the Canon and his switch. All these things reminded me of a something I saw a little over 30 years ago when I bought my first 35 mm SLR. At that time I read about a prestigious award had gone to a photo taken by an entry level SLR (Nikon EM) with the 50 mm kit lens. (The photographer behind the camera was GOOD, really GOOD.) The details have faded but the take away lesson has not: It’s not the equipment, it’s the person operating the equipment. The equipment just makes the process easier.
Sometimes, a change is needed to stoke the creative fires and restore the excitement of shooting. That change can be a major change in work (like a job change or retirement) or a change in the tools one uses (cameras, studio space, post processing hardware and software). It may be seeing the work of others. It may be trying something different. Maybe the person does not need the change for their professional success but finds some changes makes the work more fun or more satisfying. The end result is that the person produces better images and/or has greater enjoyment in producing the images.
I think you hit on some real wisdom , and I agree with your last sentence, it is what matters most to me!
Great take on what usually ends up an ugly situation.
When I got serious about wanting to make photographs and went into my local camera store to buy a new SLR, I picked up the cameras that were available to me at my price point. One felt better than the others. Seemed to fit my hand better, seemed to just feel more comfortable to me. Thats the one I picked. As I grew as a photographer and started to discover my style and what I wanted to spend my time shooting I also made sure that when I upgrades cameras I still went into the store, picked the camera up to see if it fit my hand before putting down my hard earned money.
I think a lot of people would be a lot happier if they stopped looking at what other folks are using and just took some time to actually pick up and use the camera.
I have seen your fantastic work and sat in your classes at Photoshop World and if I went out tomorrow and bought the exact same camera system you have, it would do nothing to make my photography more like yours.
Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta
You hit the nail on the head, stop worrying about gear and start working on our vision and technique! Looking forward to Atlanta too!
Bill, May I respectfully suggest that some of this is self-inflicted. You have made multiple posts that don’t vary much in content and are somewhat redundant about how well and how much you like your Fuji equipment. I’ve made a few jests as others have, but that’s all they are, jests. We like what we like, I’m not going to be influenced one way or the other by anyone but my own experience.
I am hoping you move on to talking more about shooting and not what you’re shooting with. I enjoy the fellowship and I’ve learned a good deal about photography from you and your posts. Maybe since the photographer is what’s important perhaps we can all stop talking about how great Fuji is or why we’re not switching from Nikon/Canon. I like my Nikon, it is an electronic device that I use to take pictures. Funny thing is the more I practice and the more I learn the better photos it seems to take.
I don’t know Scott, but I read his stuff and respect the business he’s built. I’d think with his experience he knew what would happen making that video, so that too was self-inflicted. Whatever business or personal decision drove his change he should have kept to himself. Can’t really expect to light a bonfire and not expect to draw every bug in the vicnity.
Matt K also had a recent post about using Canon now. Fortunately he didn’t seem to draw out the trolls as Scott did, maybe because he said he’d keep his D800 around. Hopefully the next post isn’t RC confessing he’s changed too.
Humbly submitted,
Glenn
Guilty as charged! My enthusiasm for my switch has been too well documented! I will humbly take my medicine and when I come out of the corner, will start hitting the more important subject of getting the most of what you have! ……….and I do enjoy your fellowship too!
No, no Bill,
Don’t let all this switching camera gear fuss stop you from recommending and getting excited about new photography equipment such as the Fuji System you so enjoy! That is part of the fun of this great hobby. Sometimes we photo buffs do get caught up more in gear instead of focusing on getting the shot but to say gear is not part of this hobby/profession and one should leave it of the discussion is not right either.
Please don’t change a thing!
As long as it is coming from your HEART and not because you’re trying to please a sponsor let it fly!
Thanks Jack, and rest assured you will always find gear talk here, I am however, re-committed to talking about photography itself as well!
I agree with Jack F. This is your site Bill, and you should be able to post whatever you want. I for one, as a hobbyist, enjoy hearing why Professionals choose one product over another. Those reasons provide me with some insight to make choices for my own photography. I can’t understand why others feel betrayed when someones opinion differs from their own. It would be a boring world if we all did the same thing. How would we improve if everyone’s images were the same. Keep doing what you’re doing. Love the site, the pics, and the stories. The good Lord willing, I hope to join one of your classes this year. God bless.
Sensible words Bill. Ironically, I started following your work because of Scott Kelby’s Training and have thoroughly enjoyed your classes. I use Nikon gear having progressed last year from D300 to D800 both of which are excellent cameras but I recently took advantage of reduced prices and promotions (in the UK) for a Fuji XE1 to compliment my setup. I’m currently on holiday in New Zealand (next week Australia) and did consider bringing just the Fuji but as I had only owned it for a couple of days before leaving the UK I thought it too much of a risk, i.e. needing to ‘learn’ the camera first. Been using them both on alternate days and I think in future for travel / landscapes the Fuji will do me fine, excellent camera. I’ll be keeping my Nikon gear for a long time to come especially for my Motorsport photography where I prefer the focus tracking etc. I also think the heavier weight is better for panning etc but who knows what the future holds e.g XT1?
Thanks again for your articles / advice!
It’s always a good idea to move slowly when making big “system ” decisions, sounds like you have a solid plan! Thanks for following my KelbyOne classes!
Bill… As always you hit it right out of the park—– Hemmingway’s typewriter will not make you a good writer!—–just took my 1st image here in Reykjavik—its on my Facebook page…out my hotel window—FUJI XE-2/ ISO 3200/ F8 55-200mm / ran through NIK DEFINE—basically noiseless!–AMAZING—cant wait for the new puppy next month ! –Jack
Have a great time in Iceland my friend, send us many more signature Jack Graham images!!! Knew you would love it!
I’m intrigued and look forward to seeing what the new Fuji will be. I love reading your blog Bill – you’re a mentor for me and I rely on all that you share, to the point that I will probably get a Fuji mirrorless of some kind in the future as my carry everywhere camera (to work etc.). Right now my iPhone is the carry everywhere and I want something more high quality for that.
I am currently without any camera as I wore my Nikon D7000 out and it is in the Nikon hospital getting evaluated and most likely getting a new shutter – evidently I used up all the actuations :):). I am going to go Nikon full frame in the future. My main focus is becoming a better photographer and I am so thankful for all I’ve learned from you Bill. I have so many photos that David took of us at the His Light workshops where you are showing me how to see and take the shot. I treasure those times and know my photography wouldn’t be where it is now if it weren’t for your influence in my life. Thank you so much.
About the Canon switch by Scott – I understand it and respect it. I’ve learned so much from Scott, Matt & RC. I actually rented both the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D800 – and I loved them both. I loved shooting with the Canon though the buttons were lacking and it was more menu-driven to me. But the ultimate proof was in the final result of photos for me – the D800 had much better photos to my eye. A big part of that could have been the fact that I am much more familiar with Nikon than Canon when it came to shooting with them both. I’m a Nikon girl and just love the feel of a Nikon in my hands – I know instinctively where all the buttons are etc. Also, I love talking and reading about camera gear so I enjoy reading all these different posts and articles. But it’s all with the goal that I want to become a better photographer – all to the glory of God. So thanks Bill for being such an incredible teacher – I can’t wait to learn more.
First, it is always a joy to spend time with you and David, especially in spectacular places!!!! But then, anyplace is spectacular in such great company!
Second, you hit on a valuable point for everyone to ponder; Since most major camera makers are offering us cameras and lenses that are “capable” of yielding wonderful results, maybe the most important decisions are budget, and more importantly what feels “right” to you. The way in which a camera operates; setting parameters, making adjustments, and general ergonomics all play into the “it just feels right narrative”!
Third, the overriding factor, other than affordability, at least in my opinion, must be image quality! Any camera and lens system that you can afford, feels great in use, and yields wonderful files, is a winner, and it doesn’t matter what the name is on it!!!!!
I love these comments and that is one of your best lines ever! If someone takes you up on the challenge, they better bring some suspenders too…they don’t want a clothing malfunction! My money is on you and whatever camera you have in your hands Bill.
As you know, I’ve long hated the Canon vs. Nikon or vice versa debates as they’re usually dumb and counterproductive. I do think, however, that Canon and Nikon have in various ways stagnated a bit and other manufacturers such as Fuji and Sony have been moving forward more aggressively. The camera is but a tool and the photographer is the talent, as noted. That said, we all work better with tools that meet our individual needs. For four years my primary tool was a Canon 7D — a workhorse camera that is now quite long in the tooth yet still capable of great images. For the last year my play camera has been a Nikon V1. I have four of them: one with the 10-30 “permanently affixed” and ready to shoot at all times, another that I use with the 30-110, a spare and the one I bought my wife. I use the RRS L-brackets. The 7D was “scaling down” from and EOS 1D2 and I wanted to see what mirrorless and far less weight could do. Since then I have produced some great images with a system that has its share of limitations. The V1 focusing is great. Flash sucks. Image quality is variable — I note a lack of detail in some highlights that easily blow out and, of course, forget those out of focus backgrounds. Accessories are limited and Nikon seems ambivalent about further support or updating this line which is too bad because if those limitations were addressed this system has a lot of potential. Canon, for its part, seems to have neglected this market as well (the EOS M is a nice idea but needs a lot of work) and the 7D update is long overdue, if only to keep it competitive. I am hungry for Canon and Nikon to give me more innovative tools addressing my needs but so far it’s been a one-way conversation That said, I am keeping an eye on Fuji and Sony. They could easily own the mirrorless market if the big boys don’t wake up.