Adventure Cameras, NAHBS Bound
I am on the road to see my first NAHBS show down in Charlotte and using this as an opportunity to test out the new Fuji X-T1. The camera has taken the mirrorless market, especially the Fuji faithful, by storm. I won't do a full detail write up as there are plenty of those types of reviews out there. Instead, I am focusing on how this camera would fit into the Adventurer's kit.
Does it offer up the feature set, image quality, and a robust lens family, that would warrant a $2000 investment. I have previously been hard on Fuji, even though the rest of the world seemed to be in love with them. I tried the X100s and while it was a very cute camera, it was too limiting for my needs. I rented the X-E1 and took it on a 10 day bikepacking trip and while it produced some nice images, I found its size and controls to be a bit lacking. Additionally, the lack of a grip and my inability to really get the Raw files to 'produce' for me led me to cast it aside.
So it is with a good bit of excitement that I get to play with the new X-T1 for a week. Shooting B&W has become mainstream for me, so switching my mind over to color will be a fun exercise in creativity and in 'seeing'. I will be posting images from NAHBS over on Facebook and on my Exposure site so be sure and stay tuned.
While on the road yesterday, the much anticipated Nikon V3 was announced. Anyone that follows along knows that i am a big fan of the 1 series. It has so many detractors, most of whom have never even tried the V or J series cameras. The V1 is a beautiful little camera. It is small, fast, and produces very nice images. On the Lost Coast bikepacking trip, it actually accounted for about 1/3 of my final selects, a number which is quite respectable for a camera with a 1" sensor.
Nikon has now introduced the successor to the V2 and I am very excited. They have gone with a more traditional styling and a modular approach. The camera options include a vertical grip and an external EVF along with the announcement of two new lenses. The 1 series lens selection is fairly decent and for those interested in video, word is the V3 has absolutely killer video capabilities. They are still lacking a couple of primes, but you cant argue with the quality of the existing lenses. Personally, I find shooting with the little 10/2.8 to be a real joy and I am itching to grab the 32/1.8.
I will have one of these new cameras in as soon as they are available. Right now you can pre-order the V1 kit from B&H by following this link. As always, it costs you nothing extra to purchase using my links but it does help me to fund the site and the rentals of cameras for reviews.
Place your pre-order with a trusted affiliate now:
NIKON 1 V3 with 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 NIKKOR 1 LENS at B&H
10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 NIKKOR 1 LENS at B&H
Fuji X-T1 available at B&H