Fuji X-T1- A Winner

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Fuji X-T1, 23/1.4, ISO 640 shot on a mini tripod

More to come when I have a good internet connection, but my read on this camera is very positive.  Shooting it for 5 days, in a mixture of conditions has given me a good feel for what it is capable of doing.  I would certainly not hesitate to recommend it for an adventure based camera, especially with the 23/1.4, and the 56/1.2, both of which are spectacular.  Jason would add that the 35/1.4 is a must have as well.  Once I obtain a better internet connection I will post a full writeup as well as more shots.

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You can order the Fuji X-T1 and a full assortment of lenses at B&H Photo. 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:

Fuji X-T1 available at B&H

Fuji 23/1.4 available at B&H

Fuji 35/1.4 available at B&H

Fuji 56/1.2 available at B&H

NAHBS Images

I started a quick Photo Essay on my trip to NAHBS. All the color images are shot with the X-T1 while all the B&W are with the Monochrome.  I have to say, looking at the Fuji files, I am pretty impressed.  These are straight out of the camera with only a slight curve adjustment done to them.  It will be fun to see what the Raw files can produce once LR supports them.

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.

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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. 

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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

NAHBS Bound - 2 Weeks and counting

With the show being on the East Coast this year, I am going to make the pilgrimage down to Charlotte with the MM and a rented (Lensrentals.com as always!!) Fuji X-T1 in tow.  I am looking forward to seeing all of the amazing creations from some fantastic frame and bike builders. 

While checking out this segment of the bike industry is my main goal, a secondary effort will be spent evaluating the new Fuji X-T1.  A camera that is really generating a ton of buzz and one that I feel could really make a great (rugged, weather sealed) bike adventure camera.  I shot the Lost Coast trip with two Fuji cameras and a little Nikon V1 with mixed impressions.  Both of those cameras had pros but a ton of cons.  I am excited to see what Fuji has done and give it a real chance.  I am really stoked to try out the WiFi component and do some live blogging while roaming the show.

After finishing up with NAHBS, I will head to the mountains of Western NC for some trail riding on the new Salsa Cycles Spearfish.  I need to learn how to set the bike up to go tubeless in preparation for a run on the AZT in April.  An area full of flat inducing Goatheads, I have to figure this whole thing out.  Sooner or later, manufactures will make the whole process of running tubeless easier...

If you are going to be at NAHBS or out in those western regions of NC and want to connect, please comment or drop me an email.

It appears that the Fuji X-T1 is in stock at BH Photo with the kit lens, while the body only is still on 'Pre-Order'.