I have been a fan of the Fujifilm X cameras since I bought my first X100 back in June 2011. It was a big change from my DSLR, and although it had its quirks it was a joy to use. Fast forward a few years and I am hooked on the form factor, versatility, performance and image quality offered by the growing Fujifilm X range of cameras.
I regularly receive emails from photographers asking advice on things like, “Would the X range replace my DSLR?”. They are hard questions to address as, everyone’s needs are different. I don’t own a DSLR camera as it’s been replaced by my Fujifilm cameras. For this reason I have decided to list ten reasons why the Fujifilm X range is my first stop camera.
1. Portability : Fujifilm X Camera
One of my initial attractions to the X100 was the ability to travel light. No more hefty camera bag and no more heads turning when I pulled out a large DSLR camera. Since owning the X100 camera I’ve been able to carry a FujiFilm camera everywhere without effort or being aware of the bulk.
The X100 range also has a fantastic little leather case. The case is not only beautiful but also allows me to carry the camera around 24×7 in an everyday bag.
Even on long hikes my dslr and wide angle have been replaced by one Fuji body. It’s a simple set up of 3 lenses and some Lee Filters. I’m actually still travelling lighter with no compromise on image quality. Check the best accessories for the Fujifilm X100V
2. Versatility
The big thing for me is the versatility offered by the Fujifilm X range of cameras. The X100V is one such example. I’ve used it for everything from panorama photography, portraits and long exposure landscapes. All this from a fixed 23mm f/2 lens. With the built-in ND filter, great high ISO performance the X100V is ready for anything.
The following images were captured with the original X100 range :
See also : 30 photographs captured with the original X100 series and 100 photographs captured with the Fujifilm X100 Series.
3. Fujifilm X Camera Lens Quality
I haven’t used a Fujifilm lens yet that hasn’t impressed. The sharpness at large apertures even out to the corners is amazing. The lenses also tend to be fast around f/1.4, even the “kit lens” starts with an initial aperture of f/2.8.
I love all the lenses and I have my favourites such as the 23mm f/1.4 and the bokehmaster 56mm . Fujifilm have worked to cover the range of focal lengths with fast apertures. Even the little 27mm pancake lens is f/2.8 and produces sharp images with smooth bokeh wide open.
10 Years of the X-Pro1
Is the Fujfilm X100V the ultimate travel camera?
4. The Electronic Viewfinder
The Electronic Viewfinder on the X cameras is stunning and remarkably useful. Like something from a Sci-Fi movie the ability to see exactly how your image will render superimposed with histograms and camera information is a sight to behold. It can take a bit of getting used to but it has really changed how I capture images and I can control all aspects of the capture process without taking my eye away from the viewfinder.
More : The Long Exposure
5. Camera Control
As I already mentioned accessibility is a big plus of the X range cameras. All the essential controls are available on the body without the need to tackle complex menus systems. The X-Range features an ISO dial. The exposure and image modes are physical buttons or dials and, as is a common feature on all X cameras. The exposure compensation is a large dial easily accessible on the top of the camera. This accessibility is perfect when using the electronic viewfinder. I can literally change settings quickly without really even thinking about.
6. Photography Features
Most X range cameras offer a little more than just the standard still and video capture modes. Multiple exposure and film simulation are two examples but my favourite has to be the panorama capture mode. Simply select this mode from the ‘drive’ menu. Focus, then capture the image in a sweep direction (all linear directions (left, right etc). The camera will then stitch the JPG files together to create a stunning panorama.
Click for a larger view.
See More : 50 Photographs of the Mourne Mountains.
I have gone as far as having these images printed up to 40inches long and they look simply stunning. The latest camera releases feature wifi improving mobile workflow. Some also include weather sealing for when out in the wind and rain.
7. X-Trans Sensor & FujiFilm colours
When first released the Fujifilm X-Trans sensor was a leap in technological development rewriting how images were captured and recorded. It even took some software developers a few months to catchup and support the RAF RAW filen. The sensor captures a remarkable dynamic range as well as the stunning colours Fujifilm are renowned for. Even when working in mono the RAW files are simply amazing in terms of the range captured in each shot. [Tip: In the Lightroom Develop module you can change from Adobe colour management to the Fujifilm film outputs.].
8. Lowlight performance
I tend not to use flash for general documentary photography. Many of the X range of cameras come with a built-in flash however low light performance is already great. Locking in at ISO3200 produces little noise. Pair this with a large aperture 23mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/1.4 and you will be amazed at the lowlight performance of these little cameras.
9. Fujifilm Listen
Fujifilm build cameras based on feedback from their customers and are exceptionally loyal to the photographic community. One example is the original X100. The original X100 was something special which can be seen through numerous firmware updates to enhance functionality. Even when the original X100 was discontinued a massive firmware upgrade was released.
The Fujifilm user community is fantastic. A growing group of photographers keen to share their experiences and what they’ve learned from using the Fuji X system. From workshops and tutorials to Lightroom presets dedicated to the X-Trans sensor. There are Facebook groups and forums full of Fuji X photographers all willing to share their knowledge and experience.
10. The Fujifilm X Looks
There is no word to describe the Fujifilm X range cameras other than simply “beautiful”. Rarely do I take my X100s out that someone doesn’t comment on its appearance. Physical appearance has obviously no bearing on performance or image quality. That said if you get bored capturing images you can also bask in the reflective beauty of these stunning little image makers.
Conclusion
There are plenty more reasons why you might want to add a Fujifilm X camera to your collection. As the Fujifilm lens catalogue grows the need for my DSLR diminishes rapidly. The X-range of cameras are a joy to use and bring photography into everyday life. The performance and image quality is unquestioned and they are a sight to behold. What are you waiting for?
Feel free to add any points I have missed via the comments.
Links
X100 Series Links
Fujifilm Links
Learning Photography
Lightroom Presets
