I had very little interest when the rumors of the X-T1 started to appear. A pentaprism stuck on the top of the camera was exactly what I didn't want. But seeing both the leaked (allegedly) photos and the teaser picture from Fuji, I started to get a little interested. So I waited eagerly to see if the rumored specs matched that real specs when the camera was officially announced. As usual they were pretty accurate, especially the ones on FujiRumors. Although I'm an out and out Fuji shooter, I still have a Nikon D800 and all the top 1.4 G glass and a 70-200 f2.8. The long zoom is probably my main reason for keeping the Nikon system, followed by faster focusing than my X-Pro1 or X-E1. The X-T1 looks like it will probably out focus the D800 (which has it's anoying little pause before firing), and with a 16-55mm f2.8 (24-82mm in full frame) and a 50-140mm f2.8 (75-210mm ) being added to the Fuji Lens Roadmap recently. Add to that the new lenses and X-T1 are weather sealed and this is looking like the final nail in the DSLR coffin.
Here are a few of the great features of the X-T1. Click HERE for a full list of specs. * Weather sealed body. * 0.77x magnification EVF with 60fps refresh rate. * EVF has picture in picture option and automatically changes for vertical shooting. * 6 Fn Buttons. * View Mode button (left out of the X-E2) is on the pentaprism. * comes with small (camera powered) Flash included. * PC Sync port * Top plate ISO dial. * Dedicated video button. * Drive Mode is on a top plate dial. * Photometry (Metering Modes) is on a dedicated dial on the top plate. * Tilting LCD Screen. * WiFi can shoot tethered. * Can use UHS II cards. * Side slot for memory cards. * Dedicated DSLR style vertical battery grip (optional extra). * dedicated Focus Assist button. * 3 stop exposure compensation either way.
CONCLUSION Sometimes I think Fuji are bringing out too many bodies for the X-Series. I was surprised when they announced the X-M1, but it is a great backup body to slip into your bag. I'm not so sure about the X-A1 - why buy a regular APS-C sensor when you can have the X-Trans in the X-M1? When I heard about the X-T1 I thought "not another one", but now that I'm seeing information about it, I think Fuji has once again took the X Series to another level! I still prefer the Rangefinder style (especially for documentary photography), but this mini DSLR style will be more than at home on more commercial shoots. The X-T1 with the new 56mm f1.2 will be an absolute dream combination for portraits and I'm looking forward to a new project with this setup.
This camera has took me by surprise. I thought I was holding off buying any bodies until the X-Pro2 arrived, but the X-T1 looks like a solid workhouse that will get the job done in all conditions and I can't wait to put it through it's paces. Watch this space.
Marc Horner takes a first look at the X-T1 on Fuji Uk's blog Fuji Guys first look video X-T1 Microsite
All photos curtesy of Fujifilm.