Day 1 with the X-T2

[backtofuji]

I picked up the camera yesterday and have had a great day today getting to know it. Already, I love it. The only disappointment (not the camera's fault) is that I have to use DNG Converter to make the files ready for Bridge (I've got CS6 and, whereas the X-T2 needs ACR 9.6.1, my CS won't go any further than 9.1.1). Until I upgrade my software, I'm stuck with the extra DNG conversion stage; unless someone on the forum knows any different.

 

I had a Sony A7rii and, because it had no soul, I cut my considerable losses and went for the X-T2. Spent most of the day running round after a small nephew with the X-T2 and the 50-140 f2.8. The kit matched him in speed, his mum's delighted with the shots, and I'm rediscovering my photographic mojo.

Edited September 11, 2016 by backtofuji

[Naddan28]

Great post.  Interesting comment about the A7Rii, i've been tempted a couple of times to make the jump but always been put off by something when playing with one, a "lack of soul" is probably a great way of describing it!

[backtofuji]

Thanks, Naddan28. Yes, the A7rii produced some lovely pictures, but it always felt like a mere means to an end - it didn't offer much in the way of an experience, if you know what I mean. The X-T2 is, on the other hand, real photography from start to finish. I'm surprised by how well-balanced the camera feels with the 50-140, too - I'd been expecting it to be a bit cumbersome, but it's perfect.

[gordonrussell76]

Its interesting the Sony is obviously a very capable camera, in fact on paper more capable than the X-T2 but in my opinion its all about the difference of design ethos. I get the impression Sony design to a spec there mission statement seems to be give the absolute best technical spec for less money than the traditional contenders ie Canon and Nikon and in all fairness to them its working and its doing all mirrorless manufacturers a favour as people are starting to take them seriously as proper camera's

I always feel like the Fuji is designed to use cases, its engineered to solve problems, to meet needs. Therefore it may not have the best specs (although its pretty damn good on that front as well) but that all the specs have a purpose and more importantly it is designed holistically as a whole with each feature considered and integrated with the other features. I think its this that gives it the soul the sony lacks.

 

PLease note I am not saying one approach is inherently better than the other, for some technical ability is everything even if they have to work round some quirks or it does not 'feel' good, for some the above would just be touchy feely gobbldygook and thats fine its nice that there is somethign for everyone.

 

Just my 2 pennyworth.

[bestbyte]

Very encouraging news

[Carlos Mendes]

I've also moved from Sony to Fuji X-T2. Could you share your settings for tracking your nephew? Specifically, which custom setting did you use? Preset 5: Erratically moving subjects? Thanks in advance

[backtofuji]

Carlos, I experimented with presets 3 and 5: both performed very well indeed and I'm not sure I could tell the difference between them (although time and further extermination will tell). To be honest, I was also seriously impressed even by the AF-S speed. it was hard going back into work today after the weekend with the X-T2!

 

I suspect that any of us who have switched from Sony will be very pleased to have made the change.

[Carlos Mendes]

Thank you, backtofuji. I'm very pleased so far!

 

The only thing that is bothering me is that my camera gets uncomfortably hot just with a few minutes of shooting.

 

Other than that, I'm really pleased.

[El Lawrence]

Been running my new X-T2/ Booster Pack through its paces since yesterday and I'm happy to report that so far the camera is simply phenomenal in every way. The feel with the new Verticle grip is improved and my X-T1's Lensmate Thumb Rest fits perfectly. The new information readout character size on the LCD is smaller and not so intrusive. The new dial locks are pure genius and the read and write speeds seem much faster while using my same Sandisk Extreme Pro 280mbs/sec UHS-II card in slot #1. Auto focus much improved overall and focus selection toggle a dream to use. Image quality much better than the X-T1 when viewed on Apple 5K screen with a slight color difference with the red tones. Picture review and detail enlargement button on the same wheel a much improved method of reviewing your images, and the clarity of the LCD and the brightness of the EVF is exactly as good as rumored and so easy to use in brightly lit outdoor situations. Battery life seems a bit better, but the body does feel slightly warm after a few hours of use. When the Verticle Booster Pack is attached I don't notice and change in temperature. New door covers feel much more solid and safer and charging the unit last night via the new AC/DC charging system very convenient to use with two small convenient green LEDs mimicking the LED on the charger unit telling you when charging is complete. The difference in size is negligible and the hold ability is slightly improved over the X-T1 for my hands. New menu interface was easy to learn and more logical than X-T1, but it will take some time to change habits from daily use of old X-T1 menus for over a year. EVF blackout not noticed but I'll really get to test this feature shooting surfing this weekend. Over all Fujifilm has done another terrific job of listening to our needs and suggestions and making the changes quickly instead of waiting years like I was forced to do with Canon. This camera is simply too good to ignore and I can see a lot of serious photographers jumping over to the X System and the X-T2. A year ago I put my trust into Fuji that they would release a serious professional tool, and I'm happy to report they've done exactly that. Mahalo nui loa Fujifilm from Hawaii.

Edited September 16, 2016 by El Lawrence

[El Lawrence]

I take people out daily on mini one in one photo workshops teaching them how to best photograph one of the most beautiful islands on this planet, and when I get my clients to a beautiful location and start teaching them how to use polarizers, ND and Reverse Grads etc, I'm amazed at how time consuming and awkward it can be watching my clients searching through menus after menus when the Fuji I'm using to demo the techniques is so simple and straight forward. Everyone I've ever taken out into the field has been mesmerized by the Fuji's weight and size, and especially having all your controls visible at in a single glance. After we shoot and I down load our files to my Mac Book Pro on the hood of the car with the sunsetting they can't believe how beautiful the JPGs are right out of the camera let alone what we do with the RAW files back at the resort. With the release of the X-T2 I'll never give the other brands a thought, and when the MF line is released next year, that's it for the rest of my gear. You've really got to love what Fuji is doing these days.