Fuji X-T1 shootout against Nikon D810 -- round 2

It was the first lifestyle shooting we had planned since the Nikon D810 returned from Nikon Service where it was being repaired for the thermal dot recall. The success of using the Fuji X-T1 on lifestyle shoots while the D810 was away, made me pull it out last minute and put it on the equipment cart along with the Nikon system. I decided to shoot almost every scene with both cameras and compare the results later.

Keep in mind that this shooting is intended for traditional stock, and which requires a fixed file size of 50MB. That means down-sizing the 36mp D810 files and slightly up-sizing the 16mp X-T1 files. I do all resizing of the RAW files when saving them from Adobe Camera Raw. Having to down-size the D810 files is something of an equalizer to keep in mind when analyzing the results.

The models were really good, able to change expressions in a nanosecond.  It took a speedy and accurate AF system to keep up with their rapidly changing expressions and positions, particularly because I like working with mostly wide open aperture settings and try for a pin point focus on the eyes.

I put some of the side-by-side comparisons below. There are links below them to download the larger files. These photos are not retouched other than some tweaking in ACR while converting from RAW. After seeing some of the comparisons I included another image from the scene to see if you can guess which camera took the photo in a blind test. The results are posted at the bottom of this blog.

Have fun.

See how much of a difference you can see between these two images.  Click here to download the D810 file.  Click here to download the X-T1 file.  And then see if you can tell which camera was used for the photo below. (Answer at the end of this post)

Click here to download this file.   Can you tell which camera took this photo? Answer is at the end of this blog post.

For this scene the Fuji X-T1 was my only choice -- first because the tilt screen makes down angles from overhead a piece of cake, and second because its super-wide lenses (in this case the 10-24mm zoom) are sensational. 

Here's an indoor scene lit by daylight. Click here for the X-T1 photo.  Click here for the D810 photo.  Then try to determine which camera took the two file versions below.  Answer is at the end of this post. 

Click here to download photo A.  See if you can guess which camera was used for "A" and which for "B" below.

Click here to download this photo B. 

This scene and the one below are severely back lit with daylight from a window and no fill. This photo was taken with the X-T1.  Click here to download the high res version.  

Click here to download the high res version of this D810 photo.

In this situation the Nikon camera with its easily maneuverable AF points was a clear winner. I had to put the X-T1 aside because it really couldn't keep up with the fast changing action. The models were moving very fast, darting in and out, and changing positions. I was constantly having to change the focus points from one model to the other in a very fluid situation. Frankly, the X-T1 could not handle this, primarily because changing its focus points is a much slower process than it is on a Nikon where you have a very responsive thumb wheel. 

In this situation I naturally went for the X-T1 because its tilting screen that enables me to quickly and easily switch my vantage point from below to above the scene -- an advantage that may be equalized with the advent of a tilt screen on the new Nikon D750.

As far as I'm concerned, the results are so close for the type image I am aiming to produce that my choice of camera boils done to the particular ease of use characteristics in individual circumstances. There doesn't appear to by much advantage to the full frame and high MP sensor of the D810 when the file is limited to 50MB. The X-T1 APS-C 16MP sensor gets the job done with no apologies needed. 

The X-T1 tilt screen makes it very convenient to quickly grab an overhead view of the scene -- an advantage equalized by the new Nikon D750.  Another Fuji advantage is the super-wide angle lenses. Fuji's line up -- the 14mm, 12mm Zeiss Touit, and Fuji 10-24mm zoom -- is far superior to any other manufacturers lenses in this category. 

The ease and speed of AF of the Nikon is hard to beat, especially by a mirrorless system. If speed of focus is an issue, then Nikon is far and away the best choice, not only against the X-T1, but against any other camera out there. 

Fuji X-cameras still do not have the convenient flash systems that are available for most Pro-level DSLR's. 

Bottom line is that I find I have no doubts about using the X-T1 as my main shooting camera, and, in fact, enjoy the smaller size, optical quality of the superb lenses, ease of RAW processing, Nonetheless, I still like keeping a DSLR near by for those occasions when there are focusing issues, and extra speed is needed. At the rate at which the mirrorless cameras, and especially the Fuji X-system, are improving, it is only a matter of time when it will be able to keep up with the big boys. 

If you haven't seen my post on the new Fuji X lenses already available for pre-order, you can check it out here.  A new pro-type lens like the Fuji 75-210mm f/2.8 zoom is exactly the kind of support that is going to make the Fuji X-cameras a very real alternative to a full DSLR. 

Answers: Photo of couple against wall taken with X-T1. Couple on couch: Photo A is D810, Photo B is X-T1. 

Fujifilm X100T, XF 50-140mm f/2.8, XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD, X-T1 Graphite/Silver announced and available for pre-order

No sooner has Fuji announced the additions to its new X-camera lineup than they are already available for pre-order from B&H Photo. The popular X100T has a newly updated hybrid optical/electronic rangefinder window with  real-time parallax correction allowing more accurate framing.

The new bokeh version of the excellent 50mm f/1.2 lens with APD designation incorporates an apodizing filter producing controllable and aesthetically-pleasing bokeh characterized by sharp main subjects and more extremely blurred backgrounds.

Fujifilm's XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens is a weather-sealed zoom covering the popular pro-lens range of 75-210mm equivalent focal length range with a fixed f/2.8 maximum aperture. Fast f/2.8 zooms have long been the staple optics of professional DSLR pro camera users. With this announcement, Fuji bumps the X-camera format up a notch to becoming a very real replacement for a DSLR camera system.

If you are planning on buying any of these items, you can help support this site at no extra cost to you by clicking the links below and purchasing from one of our affiliate sellers listed below -- and thanks for your support.

Fujifilm - X100T Digital Camera (Black)  $1,299 Available for Pre Order Fujifilm - X100T  Digital Camera (Silver) $1,299 Available for Pre Order Product Highlights §  16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor §  EXR Processor II §  Fujinon 23mm f/2 Fixed Focal Length Lens §  Hybrid Optical and Electronic Viewfinder §  Parallax-Correct Electronic Rangefinder §  3.0" 1.04m-Dot LCD Monitor §  Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps §  Intelligent Hybrid AF System §  Continuous Shooting to 6 fps §  Electronic Shutter & Built-In ND Filter

Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens $1,599 Available for Pre Order Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD Lens  $1,499 Available for Pre Order New Kit & Color for x-t1 Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-135mm Lens (Black) $1,899 Available for Pre Order Fujifilm - X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Graphite/Silver)  $1,499 Available for Pre Order

A tale of two camera bags -- perfect for a Fuji X or small DSLR system

Let me confess to something right up front: I am a sucker for a tailor-fit camera bag, especially if it is compact, convenient, and easy to carry. I already own too many camera bags, but that didn't stop me from looking at some of the newer models.

This is a tale of two camera bags I found on my recent search. One is a smaller, relatively inexpensive model, perfect for a mirrorless camera body with 2-3 lenses, plus some accessories. The other is a bit larger, considerably more expensive, stylish, and very well-made.

Tenba DNA 8:

I have to say that when I stumbled upon the Tenba DNA 8 bag in the camera store, I was immediately impressed, and the more I examined its qualities, the more impressed I became with its well-thought-out design.

Note how the zipper enclosures have a finger grip on them making it convenient to open with only one hand. The top zipper is a second opening for accessing the interior of the bag without having to lift the front flap.  The second slanting zipper provides access to yet another accessory pocket. The rear carry handle is balanced so you can lift the bag even when the front flap is not fastened. 

This is a small bag, only 10.5" wide, meant to be worn messenger-style. It can fit a Fuji X camera with 3-4 lenses, depending on which lenses you pack. My X-T1 with three zooms, one on the camera, the other two in the bag, were a comfortable fit without much room left over in the main compartment. The interior dividers are cleverly designed to fold sideways a bit to accommodate a camera with its lens facing down. The slanted divider protects the other two lens slots from being rubbed by the camera body.

The front accessory pockets are divided in two making it much easier to stuff gear without having items rub up against one another.  A small 8" tablet can fit inside or in the outside, rear pocket. In this photo you can see the zipper for access to the interior without opening the flap. There are two mesh side pockets. One can hold the rain-cover accessory that comes with the bag. Note also how the flap hinge is sewn to the main body to offer even more protection from the elements. 

This bag has one of the cleverest designs for fasteners. One feature I always want in a bag is that its fasteners can be opened using only one hand. I always assume that my other hand is holding the camera. Tenba has invented a patented magnetic clip that allows blind, drop-on magnetic attachment and a fast unique slide release. It must be the quickest most convenient clip in the world. If you've ever wasted time fumbling around to open or close your bag while juggling your camera in another hand, you'll know why I like this feature.

The top of the bag flap allows zipper access to the interior without having to open the flap. Tenba's patented clip make for easy but secure one-handed use without looking. 

Specifications of the Tenba DNA 8:

Weight:  1.3 lbs(0.6 kg)
Exterior Dimensions:  10.5W X 7.5H X 5D in. (27 X 19 X 13 cm)
Interior Dimensions:  9W X 6.5H X 3.5D in. (23 X 17 X 9 cm)
Laptop Compartment:  9.25W X 5.5H X 0.5D in. (23W X 14H X 1D cm)

Check out how even the inside divider has an extra accessory pocket on its side. This bag is loaded with little niceties like that.

The Tenba DNA 8 messenger style bag is priced at $79.95 -- very reasonable when you consider the many extra features the bag offers.

Need something a little larger? Take a look at the Tenba DNA 11 for $129.95. It can accommodate either a mirrorless or DSLR camera with 3-5 lenses, plus an 11" tablet of laptop.

Tenba DNA 11 Specifications:

Weight:  2.4 lb (1.1 kg)
Exterior Dimensions 13.0 x 9.5 x 6.5" (33.0 x 24.1 x 16.5 cm)
Interior Dimensions 12.0 x 9.0 x 5.0" (30.5 x 22.8 x 12.7 cm)


ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger bag:

The stylish design of the new ONA Prince Street camera bag jumps out at you immediately. Upon closer examination you realize it is not just another pretty face, but a very rugged, practical messenger style bag for a compact DSLR or full mirrorless camera kit.  It comes in two styles -- waxed canvas with full-grained leather trim, or full leather. In both styles the fine materials and workmanship of the bag is quite apparent.

The ONA Prince Street bag finished in Slate, water-resistant waxed canvas and fine leather trim. You can see the beautiful tooling of the bag even in the photo. It has both a removable clip-on handle and shoulder strap.

The over-all design is fairly basic with three dividers (more available as accessories), two large expanding front pockets and a rear laptop or tablet slot. Two front leather straps hide the actual brass clasps that are easily fastened or un-fastened with one hand. The straps are adjustable to allow for expansion.

The two front clips are hidden under a leather strap and snap into place. They are easily released by pushing in the front of the spring clip. 

The underside of the bag is heavily padded and quilted for protection. 

At $269 for the waxed-canvas model and $389 for full leather the bags are a bit pricey. The price is fully justified by the workmanship and materials in addition to the stylish good looks that are only going to get better as the bags age.

The interior is deep enough to accommodate long lenses and a camera with lens attached. A slot in the rear can hold up to an 11" tablet or computer. 

The ONA Prrince Street comes in four varieties. Clockwise from top left: Antique Cognac full leather, Dark Truffle full leather, Field Tan waxed-canvas with leather trim, and Smoke (my favorite) waxed-canvas with leather trim.

If you are looking for a durable, basic travel bag with a lot of style but not many unnecessary bells and whistles, the ONA Prince Street is something to consider for either a small DSLR kit or mirrorless camera system. It's built tough, is practical to use, and looks great -- a combination not always easy to find.

Specifications for the ONA bags:

Weight: 2.6 pounds
Exterior dimensions: 12.5"L X 10"H X 4.5"D
Interior dimensions: 12"L X 9"H X 4"D

If you are planning on buying one of these bags, you can help support this site at no extra cost to you by clicking the link and purchasing from one of our affiliate sellers listed below -- and thanks for your support.

The Tenba DNA 8 in graphite color can be ordered from:  BH-Photo   Amazon 

The Tenba DNA 11 in graphite color can be ordered from:  BH-Photo  Amazon

The ONA Prince Street in Antique Cognac can be ordered from:  BH-Photo  Amazon  

The ONA Prince Street in Dark Truffle leather can be ordered from:  BH-Photo Amazon  

The ONA Prince Street in Field Tan can be ordered from:  BH-Photo   Amazon

The ONA Prince Street in Smoke can be ordered from:  BH-Photo   Amazon

Eastern Woodlands with the Fuji 10-24mm zoom

While visiting a forested area near a lake in Connecticut this weekend, I lucked out with the weather. The early morning started out with a slight haze and a little later the sun began to break through providing a bright misty glow to the forest. I had the Fuji X-T1 with me and, fortunately, the Fuji 10-24mm f/2.8 zoom, an absolutely perfect lens for landscapes.

Below are a few of the images I took while there. All were hand-held and shot at varying focal lengths and almost all at f/8 with ISO of 200. I hadn't expected to be photographing this morning and didn't have a tripod with me. Fortunately, the morning light was bright enough to allow for some fast shutter speeds.

I intend to add the photographs as platinum prints to my "Eastern Woodlands" portfolio.

If you've been thinking of buying the Fuji 14mm f/2.8 lens, now may be a good time to do it. They are currently $100 off, selling for $799 at:  BH-Photo  Amazon

Close-up stills with a Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8 macro on the Fuji X-T1

Seems like this was a week for taking still life photos. This time the theme was seashells where we wanted to create a very light, pastel feeling, like being near the seashore on a calm, bright day. The photos were taken in out daylight studio, side-lit with a soft window light and a bright background.

The camera I chose was the Fuji X-T1 coupled with the Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8 macro lens, one of my favorite combinations. The lens itself is a perfect focal length for this type shooting -- not too long and not too short. I worked mostly with wide apertures, but occasionally had o stop down to the f/16 range when I wanted everything to be sharp, especially in the flat, straight down shots.

One thing very nice I am discovering about working with the X-T1 one is that the RAW images from it require the least amount of post-processing correction and tweaking, which has been making my workflow much easier and faster -- definitely a big plus.

I took a lot of photos during this session. Here are a few of them:

Putting my Fuji X-Pro1 back to work

I have been using my X-T1 so much that I have neglected the X-E2 and X-Pro1, both of which are great cameras, but lack some of the newer, convenient features of the X-T1. I was heading out to the local farmers market to pick up some things for dinner and decided to dust off the X-Pro1 -- somewhat literally -- and take it with me sporting only the original 18-55mm zoom.

The X-Pro1 is one of the best looking cameras out there, bound to be a classic. 

I've photographed at the farmers market enough to be completely jaded by it as a subject.  So, in addition to carrying a different camera with only one lens, I decided to impose some restrictions on how I would proceed. I often do this as an exercise. It forces me to see too familiar subjects in a new and interesting way.

My idea was to compose the produce in relation to the thing holding it -- a basket, box, tablecloth, crate, bag -- where the texture of the container would add a defining character to the produce.  I wanted to convey that this was country produce straight from the farm. In many of the photos below the focus is on the texture of the container with the actual subject, the produce, being left in a softer, background role, although I primarily kept the aperture at f/5.6 and f/8 to maintain a good depth of field.

Vintage images from another life

Recently, I was going through some of my older film negatives and scanning them as an alternative way of making platinum prints from them. Originally, they were all printed on a matte paper and then selenium toned, a process having a similar look to platinum but not the extensive tonal range.

Working with film negatives seems very far removed to me now that digital imaging has come to dominate photographic life in the 21st century. Recently, my son, Daniel, was on a shoot where his camera LCD finder stopped functioning and he lost the ability to immediately analyze what he was doing. His camera worked otherwise and he continued the shoot with it. Later he mentioned he thought of me and the way photography used to be without the instant analytic gratification allowed by digital technology. I suppose its a bit like life before sonograms when we didn't know the sex of a baby before it is born.

Here are a few old favorites I came across last night:

A 4x5" photo taken in 1981 of a jeffery pine and rock with shadow on Sentinel Dome in Yosemite, This is the same tree Ansel Adams made famous in a 1940 photo. It was already on its way out when I took this photo and finally passed away forever in 2003.

Taken with a Hasselblad in 1981 showing the fading light of sunset just hitting the top of Half Dome and the water fall behind it.

This 4x5" image was taken in North Carolina in 1988 of an abandoned store called, "Mull's Grocery".  I always like to photograph this store whenever I was in the area. It was still there and abandoned when I passed through a couple years ago.

A 4x5" time lapse photo of a stream in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, 1988.

A cropped 35mm photo taken with a Nikon in 1990 of a lone saguaro and cloud in New Mexico.  The blackened sky is the result of using a deep red filter on the lens.