I've been "X"ed!

Out of the blue a camera comes along which makes one think that yes, I'm carrying too much gear and beginning to overlook the joy of photography. This isn't helped by the constant stream of new innovations, improved technology and of course marketing which leads to gas.

I'm talking of Gear Acquisition Syndrome, and not "wind", and which I believe many of us have become afflicted with over the last several years, particularly the last two or three.

But quietly, one firm has been developing and improving a new breed of camera (lets not go into techie details) and which has culminated (so far) into a little marvel, negating the weight and bulk of the equipment I've simply been stockpiling as I need this lens, or that or those . . .

I've been following this firm's progress, waiting to decide when to jump in, and now's the time. Yup, I've gone "X".

Recently I acquired a Fuji X-T1, and boy, has its performance surprised me . . massively. This is the camera that'll make me sell all my DX lenses, bodies (d80, d300, d7000),  add-ons, and add-ons, and add-ons and . . .

I won't belabour things here - each day brings a new review, and a new "follower" of the camera, to the internet . . a quick search of "Fuji X-T1 review" will bring you all the up-to-date info you need. Almost universally the reviews are good; like all cameras there are a few flaws, but in my view they are minor.

The best thing is to put one in your hands, and play.  And see what it can do.


Some examples: 

This series was shot at 1/640th, into bright sunlight.  No compensating flash.




f4, 1/30th at ISO 6400 in a dull room:
 


Old habits die hard, and HDR/digital blending is easy, i.e. in taking the several images you want is as easy as on a dslr - maybe easier.
 


f8, 20secs at ISO 100 - even night shots are "cool":
 


f4, 1/90th, ISO 200 - shot as jpg, not raw.
 


And for really low light: f2.8, 1/45th, ISO 6400. I was impressed.
 


As the song goes, "I'm a believer" . . My task now, "should I choose to accept it" is to ensure I don't go mad and start buying lenses, filters, flash units, etc . . BEFORE I have sold my (or elements of) DX gear. That said, this "tape will self-destruct in 5 seconds".