p.1 #1 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
Hey Everyone.
I am looking to grab my first Fuji camera. I shoot primarily Canon for digital and a smattering of point and shoots and slrs for film, but looking to find a camera that I can take with me most everywhere that is not my larger Canon set-up or film.
I am probably looking at an older set-up when it comes to Fuji, and just looking for a little more guidance than what I can find on Youtube and facebook groups.
I THINK I have nailed it down to either the X100F or the X-E3. I have thought about an X-Pro 2 but still think I want something a little smaller even though the X-Pro is still smaller than my current canon line-up of primes and 70-200, etc.
I am looking on input for anyone who has shot with one or both...is there something that I should consider? I like that the X100F is a fixed lens, all in one package. The OVF is nice, and the ND filters are nice, but not 100% needed for me, just nice to have. I also just like the overall look and "vibe" of the X100 a little more. The X-E3 is smaller, and I can choose the prime lens I want and am not stuck to the 35mm equivalent. I shoot a lot of 28mm or 50mm on my full frame canon, and a use the 28mm a lot on my older crop bodies. The other nice thing about the X-E3 is if the X-Pro 4 ever comes out, I would at least have glass that could be used on that body.
Looking to just document family life, throw in a bag when we travel, and take pictures when I see an image that needs to be captured. I hate using my phone camera and just want something that will either be in my bag or around my neck most of the time.
p.1 #3 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
I would ultimately prefer the V over the F, but I am trying to keep my cost sub $1K at the moment. I have heard that the lens on the F is a little soft, so that is what has me considering an X-E3.
I know I could just wait longer and save up a bit more, but there are things going on this summer that ideally I would have the camera for.
p.1 #4 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
X-E3 is a very capable option. Small and powerful. Being able to use all Fujicrons (16/23/35/50) on the camera sets it apart from the X100. Unless you are absolutely into an OVF, take a closer look at he X-E3. I still have two, though the X-E5 has pushed them into the background a bit.
p.1 #5 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
Yeah, the OVF isn't a necessity, just a nice to have. There will by times where I just shoot from the back screen too, BUT I do still want a viewfinder, that is why the X-M5 isn't really an option.
p.1 #6 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
stvnleesmth wrote:
Hey Everyone.
I am looking to grab my first Fuji camera. I shoot primarily Canon for digital and a smattering of point and shoots and slrs for film, but looking to find a camera that I can take with me most everywhere that is not my larger Canon set-up or film.
I am probably looking at an older set-up when it comes to Fuji, and just looking for a little more guidance than what I can find on Youtube and facebook groups.
I THINK I have nailed it down to either the X100F or the X-E3. I have thought about an X-Pro 2 but still think I want something a little smaller even though the X-Pro is still smaller than my current canon line-up of primes and 70-200, etc.
I am looking on input for anyone who has shot with one or both...is there something that I should consider? I like that the X100F is a fixed lens, all in one package. The OVF is nice, and the ND filters are nice, but not 100% needed for me, just nice to have. I also just like the overall look and "vibe" of the X100 a little more. The X-E3 is smaller, and I can choose the prime lens I want and am not stuck to the 35mm equivalent. I shoot a lot of 28mm or 50mm on my full frame canon, and a use the 28mm a lot on my older crop bodies. The other nice thing about the X-E3 is if the X-Pro 4 ever comes out, I would at least have glass that could be used on that body.
Looking to just document family life, throw in a bag when we travel, and take pictures when I see an image that needs to be captured. I hate using my phone camera and just want something that will either be in my bag or around my neck most of the time....Show more →
For the use you describe, unless you are completely certain that you will always be happy with one the 23mm focal length, I'd lean toward the XE3.
When it comes to size you can make an XE3 kit very small by putting the 23mm f/2.8 or the 27mm f/2.8 pancake lenses on it. IIRC it may actually end up being slightly lighter and smaller (in at least some dimensions) than the X100 options. Plus you retain the option to choose the lens or lenses that suit your photography the best.
You can also better match your favorite 28mm FF vocal length with the XE by using the very small 18mm f/2 lens.
The X100 bodies are very nice — I have used one of the earlier models a bit and I was quite tempted by them. They have a more complete set of manual controls than the XE bodies and feel a bit more solid. But I've also had the opportunity to use a couple of the XE models (my original XE1 and later on the XE3 — and I’ve used the XE2 and XE4 a bit), and they are also very competent cameras, especially for the use you describe.
I relied on the XPro2 as my primary camera for street and travel photography for several years and I liked it a lot. But I would not recommend it in your case, since nothing you describe suggests that the desire for the hybrid viewfinder would override your desire for a smaller camera for your described uses.
If you wanted a slightly larger, very flexible, and somewhat higher level option — and I'm not sure that you do — you could also take a look at the XT5, which is what I use these days.
p.1 #7 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
gdanmitchell wrote:
For the use you describe, unless you are completely certain that you will always be happy with one the 23mm focal length, I'd lean toward the XE3.
When it comes to size you can make an XE3 kit very small by putting the 23mm f/2.8 or the 27mm f/2.8 pancake lenses on it. IIRC it may actually end up being slightly lighter and smaller (in at least some dimensions) than the X100 options. Plus you retain the option to choose the lens or lenses that suit your photography the best.
You can also better match your favorite 28mm FF vocal length with the XE by using the very small 18mm f/2 lens.
The X100 bodies are very nice — I have used one of the earlier models a bit and I was quite tempted by them. They have a more complete set of manual controls than the XE bodies and feel a bit more solid. But I've also had the opportunity to use a couple of the XE models (my original XE1 and later on the XE3), and they are also very competent cameras, especially for the use you describe.
I relied on the XPro2 as my primary camera for street and travel photography for several years and I liked it a lot. But I would not recommend it in your case, since nothing you describe suggests that the desire for the hybrid viewfinder would override your desire for a smaller camera for your described uses.
If you wanted a slightly larger, very flexible, and somewhat higher level option — and I'm not sure that you do — you could also take a look at the XT5, which is what I use these days....Show more →
Thank you for the input. The main draw of the X-Pro 2 for me is it being weather sealed (my main Canon bodies are) and the more tactile, manual controls.
I enjoy my Canon bodies and glass. IDEAL set-up would be a new X-Pro 4 (if and when) paired with a smaller camera for everyday carry. My photography has changed through out the years and I am not focused on sports as I once was. My current personal Canon R6 is mainly used for video and a second body to my work R5c. I find that I don't take it out much for photos any more. I tend to take an old Canon 10D or 30D if I am taking digital lately for personal photo work. I feel something like a newer X-Pro would really fit the bill as a main photo camera, but that has yet to come out.
You are right that I think size is more important to me at the moment than hybrid OVF/EVF (although nice). I still want to feel somewhat connected to the photo process even thought this is going to be more of a family/travel camera, but I feel the x-e3 has enough manual controls that I should feel that.
p.1 #8 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
The lens of the x100f is soft when shot wide open and close to minimum focus distance. Some say that was intended to get softer portraits, some say it is a poor design. Either way, deal with a softer image, don't shoot close to MFD or shoot at f/4. I think the 100f is still a good choice, especially when you don't want to invest in the 100v.
I also agree that the xe3 would be a good choice. Pick up the legendary 35mm f/1.4 and a 23mm f/2. Be aware that the 23mm f/2 also has soft rendering at f/2 and MFD. The 35mm and 23mm can be bought at a good price used if that's fine for you.
The x pro2 would be a good choice, but I don't think that you will find a cheap one seeing how it is sought after. X pro3 prices are also high, but you might not enjoy the screen.
p.1 #9 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
stvnleesmth wrote:
Thank you for the input. The main draw of the X-Pro 2 for me is it being weather sealed (my main Canon bodies are) and the more tactile, manual controls.
I enjoy my Canon bodies and glass. IDEAL set-up would be a new X-Pro 4 (if and when) paired with a smaller camera for everyday carry. My photography has changed through out the years and I am not focused on sports as I once was. My current personal Canon R6 is mainly used for video and a second body to my work R5c. I find that I don't take it out much for photos any more. I tend to take an old Canon 10D or 30D if I am taking digital lately for personal photo work. I feel something like a newer X-Pro would really fit the bill as a main photo camera, but that has yet to come out.
You are right that I think size is more important to me at the moment than hybrid OVF/EVF (although nice). I still want to feel somewhat connected to the photo process even thought this is going to be more of a family/travel camera, but I feel the x-e3 has enough manual controls that I should feel that. ...Show more →
You really sound like someone who should take a good look at the XT5.
p.1 #10 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
stvnleesmth wrote:
Looking to just document family life, throw in a bag when we travel, and take pictures when I see an image that needs to be captured. I hate using my phone camera and just want something that will either be in my bag or around my neck most of the time.
Given this statement, I would think a Fuji 40mp camera would be a great choice. I guess it is a bad time considering Gen 6 is coming soon. My assumption is that this fall, with the launch of X-T6, two things will happen. First, we get to see if the Gen 6 is worth upgrading too. Second, it will likely drive used prices of Gen 5 down which are still surprisingly high. My X-T5 is my daily, all-around use camera and it continues to serve me really well. I don't constantly switch brands and can't claim to have hands on experience with the latest from other makes. In fact, constantly switching seems like a horrible distraction to me over getting to know what I have. I use my X-T5 with mostly later lenses which do AF better than older but almost never have an issue with Fuji AF anymore. I don't shoot sports but have had pretty good success with the occasional BIF. I think its great that Fuji packages the same sensor in different configurations to suit individual needs.
p.1 #12 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
I enjoyed the X-E3 while I had it. The main drawback was the fixed screen, which limited the ability to do overhead or low to the ground shooting. It also lacks built in flash. As a daily snapper it was great. The AF is a bit old school for tracking but in single shot works fine. The X-T series have better ergonomics as you would expect but I never struggled with the X-E3.
If you want flash, an X-T20 might suit.
You could pair either with the 18mm f2 and the 35mmf2 or f1.4 for a small setup.
p.1 #13 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
OP, I think you mentioned the XE3 in your first post. Do also consider the XE4, too, if you decide to go the XE route.
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Also:
SGinNorcal wrote:
I guess it is a bad time considering Gen 6 is coming soon. My assumption is that this fall, with the launch of X-T6, two things will happen. First, we get to see if the Gen 6 is worth upgrading too. Second, it will likely drive used prices of Gen 5 down which are still surprisingly high. My X-T5 is my daily, all-around use camera and it continues to serve me really well. I don't constantly switch brands and can't claim to have hands on experience with the latest from other makes. In fact, constantly switching seems like a horrible distraction to me over getting to know what I have. I use my X-T5 with mostly later lenses which do AF better than older but almost never have an issue with Fuji AF anymore. I don't shoot sports but have had pretty good success with the occasional BIF. I think its great that Fuji packages the same sensor in different configurations to suit individual needs....Show more →
Good advice. (I use my XT5 as my "daily camera," too.)
I'm commenting on my own comment here!
I meant to share a couple of links with you to articles I wrote.
This one is about my experience moving from the XPro2 to the XT5, so it might be relevant to your concerns. (It explains why I am no longer interested in the XPro option, even though I was pretty passionate about it earlier on.)
The second one may be a bit less relevant to you, but it is about the XE5. It is more of a general discussion of the camera's features.
For some reason, even though I entered the URLs using the FM tool in the forum, they don’t seem to work. Here they are in raw form in case ou want to copy and paste:
Also, in addition to the XE3, you might look at the XE4. It is an upgraded version with a few improvements over the earlier model, but it should be a lot less expensive than the XE5.
p.1 #14 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
The X-E3 is going to be a better long term proposition I think.
The ability to try different lenses and adapt the camera to different situations/tasks is valuable.
I've had my X-E3 since around 2018 and I still use it more than any other camera. With a couple of small prime lenses that fit your use case it's excellent.
p.1 #15 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
I really appreciate the help!
I think in an ideal world I would have an X-Pro 4 (if/when it comes out) as a main body and something like the XM5 for video and grab and go photos. My Canon R6 has been demoted to basically just making some videos for social and the odd sports event with the 70-200 F2.8.
There is an X-Pro 2 on the forum for sale that is tempting based on the price. I know it is a bit larger but the idea of weather sealed still speaks to me for some reason.
Thanks again for all the input and help. Glad I found this forum!
p.1 #16 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
I also vote for the X-E series over the X100 series, because for all intents and purposes, and X-E IS an X100, only you can change lenses and you're not stuck on 23mm, like people have said.
I'd also encourage you to try an X-T, like an X-T5, or X-T50. Having used an X-E5 for a few months, it's quite austere in the controls... fine for a walkaround rangefinder, but you may want to play around with the both of them and see what feels best.
p.1 #17 · A Tale As Old As Time - Help me find my first Fuji
nineblade wrote:
I also vote for the X-E series over the X100 series, because for all intents and purposes, and X-E IS an X100, only you can change lenses and you're not stuck on 23mm, like people have said.
I'd also encourage you to try an X-T, like an X-T5, or X-T50. Having used an X-E5 for a few months, it's quite austere in the controls... fine for a walkaround rangefinder, but you may want to play around with the both of them and see what feels best.
I generally agree with you.
The X100 models are such sexy little cameras that I think people take leave of their senses and think, “yeah, I’ll be fine with just a 23mm lens.” They might, but unless you have some experience with different focal lengths for the way you shoot, you won’t know until you get the camera… and there’s a very good chance (I’ve talked to people in this situation) that a month or two later you’ll which you had more flexibility.
I understand that the X100 models may be perfect for some people, but jumping into that _hoping_ that it will can lead to problems.
So now the obvious solution, as you point out, is to get the XE5 with the 23mm f/2.8 and see how it goes. (Or the 23mm f/2 if one is concerned about the aperture difference.) Or for really new photographers, it might even make more sense to get a small standard zoom and discover their focal lengths preferences.
I’m not familiar with the XT50, though I’ve heard positive things about it. I use the XT5 extensively. For those who want a slighlty more robust feature set and a more full set of controls (and longer battery life) it can be a great alternative.
