Does the X-T1 meet your needs?

 Then feel free to purchase it using one of the links below. You will at the same time support this blog and my daily work on it with no extra costs for you… with your support, we could have an exciting rumor year in 2014.

 X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

[Vote the ultimate Kaizen firmware poll here]

_ _ _

– The X-T1 Field Test is online at thecamerastoreTV here. For those who are right now at work and don’t have 13 minutes of time to look at it, here is quick summary:

a damn sexy looking camera […] really esay to use in the field […] gorgeous and huge EVF, the first EVF I really can work with […] great refresh rate […] 8fps shooting tracking with predictive AF really works […] “Fuji really looks at what users wants in improvements, and then they just do it! I don’t know why other companies don’t do it!” […] WiFi: works quick and nice. […] What’s not so great? Video! […] It is one of the best, if not the best, APS-C sensor on the market […] the menu order could be better […] Autofocus: “I was blown away about how the camera focuses, especially continuously, and it’s fast!”

– Hands on video of PhotoNewsReviews on youtube here.

– Interview with Kevin Mullins: first impressions of the XF10-24 and XF56 lenses and the X-T1 camera of Kevin Mullins at fujifilmblog here: ” [56mm] I’m really impressed with the handling of the lens, especially the speed of focus. The depth of field at f/1.2 is remarkable for an APS-C sized sensor CSC. I’m really looking forward to using it at a wedding where I’m sure it will become a permanent fixture in my camera bag”. [10-24mm] Not being a regular user of a zoom lens, I was really keen to get my hands on the 10-24 and the ability to shoot as a the wide end of the zoom really introduces a new dynamic into the way we can use the X series cameras. The lens handles really well at both ends of the zoom, is very fast and the weight of it doesn’t unbalance the camera. [X-T1] I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the X-T1 for a while and I’m certainly not disappointed. Although I’ve only used it for a few hours, the viewfinder is simply amazing and the manual controls are well positioned – the camera feels really good in my hands. Well thought out features like the tilting screen, the side loading card and the vertical battery grip really make this a camera that’s going to enhance my everyday shooting.”

– Ω image: “Many Japanese customers are picking up our X-T1 cameras. I have taken a few product-style images for review, which show the X-T1 with a Nik-FX Speedbooster and the ultra-sharp Nikkor 50/2 Ai. You may find them interesting or helpful for reference. Here they are.”

– Write up on the Fuji Camera Remote App with X-T1 at f-sunny here: “I can see this being useful in the studio, for tethered shooting with live image preview and also image retrieval over WiFi. I could see in really harsh conditions that remote tethering would due a huge bonus, keeping the shooter warm and dry. Also in the field for nature photography, where the camera is remote controlled from a hide in order to get the camera closer to the subject without direct human presence. Also in sports, where you could put the camera in ‘harms way’, perhaps trackside, or behind a soccer goal, and not only trigger it, but remote control it’s settings, and retrieve files for upload to the media – before the event has even ended.” More X-T1 shots, including a covert street test here.

[UDPDATE: X-T1 Full Size Sample Images at danbaileyphoto here]

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

XF deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

The Spanish site dslrmagazine just posted its hands on review on the Zeiss Tuoit 50mm macro lens for your Fuji X-camera (with 1:1 ratio) here (translation). “Below are some samples taken with a final version of Touit 50 Macro mounted on a Fujifilm X-E1 body, incorporating a sensor X-Trans “old” generation without phase detection pixels. The images are taken at different apertures (f / 2.8 f / 5,6), the last three shots are 1:1. ”

You can pre-order it at BHphoto.

For Fujinon lovers, almost the entire XF-line is now very cheap due Fuji’s latest deal-attack. I read of German FR-readers, who order them in the States and pay shipping and taxes on it… and apparently it’s still cheaper than in Europe! Anyone out there who can confirm it?

[UDPATE: arkona said in the comments: “@patrick I live in Germany and ordered the 55-200 last week from amazon.com. I paid $453 for the lens + $138 import taxes and shipping, so that’s currently 432€. The lowest price I could find in Germany is 628€, so I saved about 200€ :) With the current deals in the US, the prices without taxes and shipping are 50% of the MSRP in Europe. It’s absolutely insane.“]

XF deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

[UDPATE: Rico posted some X-T1 samples, showing 16 samples of X-T1 AF-tracking at 3fps on flick here. You can compare it with his X-E2 AF-tracking flickr set here (taken under the same conditions).]

1) X-T1 WiFi: Set the aperture on the X-T1, touch screen focus, press the shutter release button… all on your smartphone, as demonstrated in the video above! (youtube). Amazing! I want this on my X-E2 too ;-). C’mon, Kaizen!

[UPDATE: A day with… Fuji X-T1 and Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 at sebimagery here: “Lets be real here…just like every modern digital camera, you know it takes damn good pictures.  You know it has a super fast and accurate AF system (like the X-E2).  It’s the little things that make a difference between cameras.  Ergonomics, ease of use, function, menu’s, size, and slight…..EVER so slight picture quality (contrast, dynamic range, sharpness, etc) differences often depending on shooting conditions and only when viewing images at 100% or higher.  Every new Fuji camera that hits the market seems to be better than the last and this thing is no different.  The build quality is great overall.”]

2) We know it since Rico’s X-T1 first look here, when he photographed a running horse with the X-T1: AF-tracking (8 fps) works! After this, also michaelrcruz confirmed that the predictive AF “is quite effective actually”.

And now it’s Dan Bailey’s turn to test the AF-tracking on the X-T1. He owns it since a week now, and says:

“YES, the new Fuji X-T1 AF system really tracks. Quite well indeed. This is what sets the X-T1 apart from the rest of the lineup. […] I have to say that the first time I put the X-T1 on CH mode, I was blown away. 8 fps is VERY FAST! It’s as fast as any DSLR that I’ve ever owned. […]

Birds against a blue sky are tough. […] I shot at with the XF 55-200mm lens zoomed to 123mm, ISO 400 and an exposure of 1/2200 at f/4.5. In this six frame series shot at 8 fps and varying levels of background contrast, the X-T1 nailed every single frame. Once it locked on, it stayed right there and didn’t get temped by those nice high contrast waves on the black sand beach in the background. […] In addition, if you’ll notice, while the first frame has the bird close to the center of the frame, by the last shot, it’s well outside where those 9 phase detect points are located, which seems to indicate that the X-T1 will continue to track, even when the subject leaves the coverage of the phase detect array.”

Check out Dan Bailey’s whole tracking-review here.

[UPDATE: A look at the X-T1 image quality, with full size example images by Dan Bailey here] [UDPATE: X-T1 high ISO shot with the 10-24mm F4 at the.me here]

P.S.: The X-series is my passion, and Fujirumors the place where I try to share it with you. I love to bring you the latest news, deals and rumors… but it’s sometimes also a pretty hard job. In fact this is the 83th post in 2014… all written, as you know, in my spare time and, as now, in my short breaks at work. But with your support, I can keep this site running.

If you use one of the shoplinks on FR to purchase your gear you’ll at the same time support FR, as a small commission is valued back to this blog with no extra costs for you.

And thanks to those who used the links in the past, your support is essential… this site is still running thanks to your support.

cheers
Patrick

X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BHphoto (shows when added in cart), AmazonUS and BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

Lens deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

[UDPATE 1:] The Scenic Route | A review of the Fujifilm X-T1 at laroquephoto here: “Blown. Away. Guys, this EVF is something to behold. And looking through it is one of those crap, I can’t go back moments. […] As reluctant as I initially was when I first saw the prototype, this camera has won me over. It’s the highest performing and most customizable X body to date, all of the enhancements adding up to an extremely enjoyable and capable image making machine.”

1) X-T1 first look at wilzworkz here: “I won’t say much about weather sealing because I do shoot using cameras that has no sealing at all in all types of weather including rain and sand/dust in the desert. [EVF] Do believe a bit of the marketing hype – the EVF reacts fast and shooting this camera continuously don’t have that black out effect that most mirrorless cameras are suffering. For the X-T1, I can actually keep track the subject pretty comfortably and I didn’t get disorientated. […] So the X-T1 has the same sensor [X-E2] and along with it, the same speed in focusing. What’s the main thing I would get it over the E2 would be the huge EVF and with it, a fast refresh rate while doing continuous shots such as for sports or nature shooting is certainly a boon. Coupled this with the Ultra High Speed UHS-II SD cards and this camera do perform really snappily. […].”

2) After ephotozine and photographyblog, now also pocket-lint here assigned 5 out ot 5 stars to the X-T1. I’ll skip the part with the “X-cellent image quality” and emphasize what they think about the AF-speed and the EVF:

Has it really the fastest AF-speed in its class? Pocket-lint says:

“If you’ve used one of the earlier X-series models and thought they were too slow then we’ve got some very good news: the X-T1 is a lot faster […] but we would still put the Micro Four Thirds Panasonic and Olympus systems a step ahead throughout the variety of conditions and lens’ focal ranges available.”

And the EVF:

“the viewfinder is huge. The 0.77x equivalent magnification means its physical size is bigger than anything else out there. […] However, when the light dips there’s certainly some ghosting that’s visible, like a “stutter” of the image because the framerate adjusts to compensate. The claim of 0.005-second lag relates to how quickly what you see is relayed in the viewfinder – which is great – but this can’t counter for some ghosting.”

At the end they conclude that:

“[…] the X-T1 is a shining example of how a retro style camera should be done. Just take a second to look at it and it’s hard not to fall in love. Those physical mode dials are well made, as is the all-metal and weather-sealed body; it’s a melting pot of design that gives the Fujifilm a distinct edge that other manufacturers have since started to try and cash in on.”

Rico (read his X-T1 first look and see his samples here), who’s shooting with the X-T1 for several weeks now, said: “I can’t find a single image or series in this review that would demonstrate the speed, slowness or accuracy of the tracking AF. Where are the test samples? Plus, I can’t confirm a blurry EVF in low light. You will only get blur when you set the shutter speed to 1/15s or slower, which is perfectly normal and is true for all light conditions.” He also updated his X-E2 Flickr set with AF-tracking samples using predictive AF (also the X-E2 uses predictive AF tracking). Check it out here.

3) Also kenreston had the opportunity to spent just 10 minutes with the X-T1. Here are his impressions.

4) Thomas Reiss: “The photographer Eric Bouvet is using his X-T1 in Kiev at the moment, please visit his Facebook page. Nice to see him handling a Linhof Technika alongside his Fuji Xpro1 and X-T1 :) I think it would be interesting to see this pictures here (facebook).“

[UPDATE 2] Carlos Muralhas: “Hi. I have been using Fuji X-E1 since its launch and loved it so much I sold all my Canon gear to buy mores lenses and, recently, the X-E2. I had the oportunity to hold the X-T1 in my hands for about 1 minute and got so excited about its feel in the hands, looks and the little usability I could perceive that I had to write about it. This article, that started as a set of my opinions about the X-T1 has grown to be a description of mirrorless advantages and disavantadges specially focused on the context of Fuji X series that took Fujifilm until the X-T1. Hope you like it, although it’s rather big. Best Regards” Read the translated version of his article here.

X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

Lens deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

X-cameras

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BHphoto (shows when added in cart), AmazonUS and BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

X-E2: save $100 on the kit ($1,299) and also on the body ($899) at AmazonUS.
X-E1: get the black kit for $719 AmazonUS and BestBuy or for $799 at BHphoto (4% reward) at and Adorama (6% reward). The body comes for just $549 at AmazonUS and BHphoto or for $599 at Adorama
X-M1: Save $200 (price $599) on the kit and $200 on the body (price $499) at AmazonUS, BHphoto (+4%reward) and Adorama.
X-A1: get it for $499 with kit lens (save $100) at AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama.
X-PRO1: get the body for $999!! (save $200) at AmazonUS,  Adorama (+4%reward) and BHphoto (+4%reward).