Why I switched from a Canon 5D Mark III to a camera half the price (featuring a t-rex)
I have this uncanny ability to throw a wrench in my own machine when I find myself getting to comfortable with something. That wrench can be embodied in many ways. The latest of which was gear related. I was beginning to hate my work (a common occurrence in the creative world) so I decided to switch everything up. I read some articles about a new camera that was taking Australia's wedding industry by storm The Fuji X-T1. So I bought one.
and I loved it
and it was so beautiful, I mean just look at that sleek sexy silver body.
But I'm not here to talk about the X-T1 though. I'm here to talk about it's big brother the X-T2.
Meet the Créme De La Créme of Fuji. The Fuji X-T2 Mirrorless DSLR.
Unfortunately the silver editions weren't released by the time I ordered mine, in fact they were so popular at launch that they're still sold out most places. The one pictured above was ordered from Australia.
Here are it's stats:
- Sensor: 24.3MP APS-C (1.5x Crop) X-Trans CMOS III
- File Format: Stills - JPEG, RAW / Video - MPEG.4 AVC/H.264
- Video: UHD 4K
- Video Resolutions and Framerates:
- 3840x2160: 30 FPS, 25 FPS, 24 FPS
- 1920x1080: 60 FPS, 30 FPS, 25 FPS, 24 FPS
- 1280x720: 60 FPS, 50 FPS, 30 FPS, 25 FPS, 24 FPS
- ISO Range: 200-12800 (Extended Mode: 100-51200)
- AF Points: 325
- Ports: ⅛ Microphone, HDMI D, Micro USB, USB 3.0, 2.5mm Sub-Mini (2 Ring)
- Flash: Hot Shoe, Detachable External Unit (Included)
- FPS: Up to 14
- Lens Compatibility: Fuji X Mount (Lens Not Included)
- Memory: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC Slots (Cards Not Included)
- Live View, 3" Tilting LCD
- Electronic Viewfinder (Included)
- Built-In WiFi
- Weather Sealed
- Weight: 1.12 lbs
Here are some dope neat pics of it, featuring a t-rex cookie jar.
Not as sexy as the silver edition, but still a very beautifully designed camera. Only weighing at just over a pound, this camera was designed with wedding photographers in mind.
Here's a comparison with a 5D Mark IV (it's actually smaller than the 5D III).
I put this awesome leather grip on the X-T2 just to make it that much bigger in order to maybe make it as big as the 5D4. Now yes this is comparing a mirrored camera to a mirrorless camera so naturally it would be smaller. But that's not always the case (like the Sony A7).
PLUS THE CAMERA IS SO CHEAP:
Fuji X-T2 - $1599
Canon Mark IV - $3,299
Canon Mark III - $2,299
That's right, a brand new X-T2 costs half of a Mark IV and several hundred dollars less than a new Mark III (which was released in 2012).
A beautiful and large LCD that makes viewing images easy. Also the screen tilts in a bunch of different ways making getting an awkward angle shot way easier.
Let's talk about the sensor.
Yes, it's a Crop Sensor. I know what you're thinking, Yoni why did you go from a Full-Frame to a Crop?! Isn't that walking backwards? It is, and it's not.
You see, this sensor is simply a beautifully built and well designed sensor that performs like a mofo. The detail and dynamic range of this camera is something that absolutely blows the Canon 5D III out of the water.
Plus the ease of use that comes out of this camera is phenomenal, It's autofocusing capability is also just as incredible as the rest of it. I found myself taking less photos and retaining more sharp and beautiful images for my clients.
Why are the lenses numbers so funky?
A crop sensor, with a full frame feel. That's the thought process Fuji had when designing this camera series so they emulated that in their lenses too. With the 1.5 ratio. A 56 mm lens quickly become an 84mm (to compete with the 85mm). A 32mm becomes a 48mm and so forth. All of these lenses are fast, beautiful, sturdy, and sharp as hell.
Here are some images to back that.
Shot on a X-T2 with a 16mm 1.4 set-up
I have fallen in love with my X-T2, I don't think I can ever go back to Canon or the like again. Who knows maybe that will change. (JK it won't).
If any of this sounds like something you want to try I suggest borrowing, renting, or just flat out buying a set up. Don't knock till you try as they say.