Getting to know the camera
Not so long ago, a new product from Fujifilm, the latest Fujifilm X-T1 system camera, has already visited our test studio. Then, being limited in time, we were not able to take as many test shots as we would like. Many interesting features and new features of this model were left overs. Therefore, we again return to Fujifilm X-T1, but this time we will test it in the extended format “Week with an Expert”, every day publishing new parts of a large test devoted to a particular shooting situation or camera features. Stay tuned and don't switch!
Photo taken with Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R
By the way, this time we have at our disposal a complete fleet of optics Fujifilm. In the comments, you can ask questions about the lenses you are interested in, and we will try to answer them during our test.
The main features of the model:
- 16-megapixel APS-C matrix format X-TRANS CMOS II;
- the absence of a low-pass filter on the matrix and the unique patented arrangement of X-TRANS color filters;
- hybrid autofocus using phase detection sensors on the matrix;
- burst shooting with tracking autofocus at speeds up to 8 frames / s;
- OLED-viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million points and the largest increase at the moment x0.77;
- inclined 3-inch display with tempered glass and a resolution of 1.04 million dots;
- Full HD video shooting at up to 60 frames / s;
- magnesium housing with dust and splash protection;
- the ability to work with color profiles of films.
So, get acquainted: Fujifilm X-T1 is the new flagship of the Fujifilm compact system camera line and at the same time the first truly reportable camera in this line. If in previous models the bet was still made on image quality, then in X-T1 along with fast hybrid autofocus, high-speed burst shooting and a modified electronic viewfinder, moisture protection and a truly advanced control appeared. And the quality of the pictures remained at the same high level, because the camera still uses the proprietary X-Trans CMOS II matrix.
But most importantly, the camera completely inherited from all its predecessors the branded design of Fujifilm with a slight bias in retro style and high build quality. The X-T1 case is made of magnesium alloy and is almost completely coated with non-slip rubber inserts.
Camera with Handle MHG-XT
However, I can’t say that holding the X-T1 with one hand is one hundred percent comfortable for me. I have a large palm, and the little finger tries to jump off the handle - the case was clearly created under the smaller palm. But the Japanese developers decided to bother the larger-armed Europeans. An optional MHG-XT handle can be purchased with the camera. It increases the influx under the right hand and the skyscraper of the camera itself. With her, the X-T1 fits perfectly in my hand! By the way, the lower part of the handle has the shape of an Arca Swiss standard, which makes it possible to mount the camera on compatible tripod heads. At the same time, the handle does not block access to the battery.
Holding the camera with a handle is much more convenient
The MHG-XT handle is a purely ergonomic solution. If you need a truly functional grip with a vertical grip, duplicate control buttons and a battery compartment, then such a Fujifilm X-T1 is available. This is a VG-XT1 . But with it, the camera becomes bulky enough for everyday wear. I will save this accessory for reportage shooting.
What about management? A classic approach reigns here: each function has its own selector. All exposure settings are set using separate rings and dials: shutter speed, aperture (all lenses of the professional XF series except the XF 27 mm are equipped with the corresponding ring), exposure compensation, photosensitivity, and metering mode. However, nobody canceled the automation work either: shutter speed and ISO disks, as well as the aperture ring, can be set to position A, having a full auto mode or shutter speed or aperture priority mode.
XF lenses have an aperture ring
Shutter speed drum combined with metering mode selector
Sensitivity is set using a separate drum
Under the thumb - exposure compensation dial
Also, individual selectors were awarded the shutter mode and focus mode. The remaining settings will have to be changed either in the main menu, or in the quick access menu (called by the Q button), or using programmable hot buttons. Also, the photographer has two control disks. But I used them only for viewing pictures: with the front wheel I was leafing through the frames, with the back - I was enlarging a fragment on the display. But if you shoot in shutter priority, then you can entrust one of the disks with just shutter speed control in increments of ? step.
Autofocus mode selector on the front of the camera
The Fujifilm X-T1 has two control discs: on the front and on the back
Q button on the rear panel brings up the on-screen menu
I talked about programming buttons, and immediately want to share one trick. Fujifilm X-T1 can be reprogrammed with a total of six buttons, four of which are navipad buttons. To all these four buttons, I assign a function to select the focus area, thus getting a direct choice of the focus point when I click on any of them - something I'm used to in DSLRs. The button on the front panel gets the white balance adjustment. That's it, now I have one-touch access to any important functions!
But there is another way to control the camera - using the Wi-Fi interface and your smartphone or tablet. In one part of our large test, we test this feature in more detail.
Fujifilm X-T1 is a compact system camera, also called “mirrorless”, cameras without a mechanical unit with a movable mirror, necessary only to ensure the operation of the optical viewfinder. Fujifilm X-T1 uses an electronic viewfinder instead of an optical viewfinder. But its size is even slightly larger than the viewfinder of the best full-frame DSLRs, the resolution is extremely high by modern standards - 2.36 million points.
Of course, we will test it in real shooting conditions. But even a single look into the viewfinder is enough to say: it works great! The image does not strob and does not slow down even where the light is already not enough for handheld shooting. However, if you do not like to build the frame according to the viewfinder or you are shooting from a not very convenient position, then the image can also be displayed on the main camera display. The hardly noticeable button on the top panel of the camera is responsible for this. By default, the choice between the display and the viewfinder is carried out automatically using a special sensor that detects when the photographer brings the camera to the eye.
