…..and the answer is?
I’m working on a new set of classes for a program I’m doing in Corbin next month, and I’m discovering some interesting things! I was attempting to find some of my favorite images and use them to emphasis the importance of image quality. After assembling 30 images that I felt were the best both aesthetically and technically. I checked the file info in Photoshop and was floored when I discovered that 28 of the 30 images were all shot with one camera and 20 of the 30 with one lens!
The X-T1 and the 18-135 zoom!!!!
What is going on. I’ve owned X-T1’s, X-T2’s, X-T3’s, X-T4’s and the current X-T5 and of course lots of other X-Pro models, X100 models and the X-H1! For years we’ve been told that the more mega pixels, the better! Well…….. I’m rethinking that! What do you gain with higher mega pixel sensors? For a start more resolution, more pixels more detail, no question. But how much more detail? That is your call but in some serious pixel peeping, I found the difference is not as great as I thought it would be. The X-T5 sure has a lot of resolution (40 mega pixels) The 16 megapixel X-T1 still has a ton of sharpness and detail! How about noise at higher ISO? The image below is shot at ISO 6400 with the X-T1, if I had shot it on the X-T5 the background out of focus green area would have shown more noise f or sure. High ISO winner: X-T1!
So, is the X-T1 the best Fujifilm camera? I can’t say that, I can say that if today I was required to shoot only the X-T1 as my main body, I’m not sure the I would be disadvantaged! Considering that the X-T1 is a 10 year old camera body with 16 mega pixels and they can be bought for $500. or less……… It’s a great time to be a shooter in the Fujifilm system!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Friday, December 15th, 2023 at 1:59 pm
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Interesting thanks for sharing.
I was not shocked but a little surprised, I’m like everyone else chasing the latest and greatest, but this causes you to pause and think! Merry Christmas Ken!
That doesn’t surprise me at all Bill. I have Fuji’s 10-24mm, 18-135mm and 100-400mm lenses for use with my XT-2. That said, I use the 18-135mm lens 99% of the time. It’s a very versatile and incredibly sharp lens.
It really is, it shouldn’t be, but it is!!!!! I tested lenses for Nikon for years anfbtge real dogs from everyone was the wide range zooms (approx. 28-200) Fujifilm got it right! By-the-way, that is a
Terrific lens package 15mm to 600mm wow, in just three lenses, well done!
I have you to thank for my migration from Nikon (27 years) to Fuji’s X system. I couldn’t be happier.
Me too!!!!!
So interesting Bill. I went from the X-T2 to the X-H1 and the 16-55, 50-140, and 100-400 and have not found a reason to upgrade or change. I love my photos, print up to 17-22 (mostly 13 x 19) and love the sharpness and quality. I really wanted to go to a more megapixel camera but when tried it, could not see that it helped me in any way except maybe cropping (if I needed to). I do think that for me, the X-H1 stabilization help me handholding (which I like doing more of these days). But, like you and Jack have taught me, I still get the sturdy tripod out for the best photos. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights.
Bill I keep looking at new cameras, and frankly for my end use I see little image quality upgrade if I do everything right. I see upgraded quality from newer cameras because they make getting “everything” right easier.
One thing to consider as well is, the quality of your processing software improved vastly since then as well. My old Pentax raw, Fuji Raw etc all have a new life with the DXO Photolab software past v6. It is literally like getting a new camera, and makes it a joy to go back into the past. My old K-5 16mp files are glorious.
I only had problems with the X-E1 to T3 due to AF not keeping up with my street/family/event/ focus. T4 and beyond finally seemed to solve that. Quality was never the issue. I don’t need advanced video or anything too complicated…just straight forward quality stills in a tight production timeline.
After Nick Curry loaned me an X-T5 for an afternoon though the Fuji Bug is back. I would be able to shoot not only the content I make reliably, but also cut down on post processing time. The colors are at a better starting point (although Panasonic’s current range is wow too) for what has become my “style.”
We’ll see…all time and money! Until then it is back to shooting and creating!
God Bless! Good to see you back on the blog!
E
Remember the workshop you and Jack put on in Acadia (2014?), when I had just bought an XT-1 and the 18-135, and let you borrow the 18-135? I remember you saying “Damn you, Mike!” as you went online and bought one. That was the trip where I realized I was a different photographer with the Fuji in my hand, and marked my migration away from Nikon. Sadly, my 18-135 broke during a workshop with Jack Graham in monument valley. It was my favorite lens. I was hesitating about buying a new one because the 18-120 is on sale and $200 cheaper. You have just made up my mind, and I will get the 18-135. Thanks!!!