X-T1 Autofocus Speed

A disappointing showing from the Fujifilm X-T1 in The Camera Store’s “Great Mirrorless Camera Autofocus Shootout,” in which they pitted the X-T1 against the Sony A6000, Olympus’ OMD E-M1 and the Panasonic GH4.

While Chris Niccols assures us that they they’ve chosen the best glass available on each platform, I don’t think the variable aperture FUJINON XF 55-200mm has any business being in an AF speed challenge of any kind, and I have a feeling Fujifilm would like him to redo this test once their FUJINON XF 50-140mm f/2.8 hits the market. It’s tough to fault The Camera Store for choosing the 55-200mm though, as the only other option for them would have been the “consumer grade” FUJINON XC 50-230mm, which is likely to perform even worse. Still, a disclaimer or two might have been appropriate.

Another thing I think they should have touched on in the video, is that the GH4 has an MSRP that’s just shy of 50% higher than the X-T1 or the E-M1. If I were spending another $600 on top of the X-T1’s price, you better believe I’d be expecting better AF speeds. Then there’s the A6000. At half the price it shouldn’t be able to leave both the X-T1 and the E-M1 in the dust, but that’s exactly what it did. Impressive. The big surprise for me was the E-M1’s poor single point performance. Every time I handle that camera, I almost marvel at how quick it seems to lock on focus.

Most remarkable is that the GH4 apparently held it’s own against the D4S. That is astounding considering you could get every mirrorless body in the comparison for the price of a D4S and pro zoom. Twice.

The key takeaway is that mirrorless cameras have caught up to, and surpassed DSLRs in their price-point. This has to make you wonder what just about any camera manufacturer¹ could do with a $3,000+ mirrorless camera body—let alone one that costs $7 grand—and it makes me excited to see what the X-Pro2 will be capable of.

1. Aside from Sony’s A7r, but that full frame sensor eats up too much of the MSRP to afford much opportunity for blazing AF speeds. ↩

Grips, ergonomics, and the E-M1

With the X-T1 hitting the streets,¹ a lot is being written about how it compares to the Olympus OM-D E-M1. I don’t own an E-M1, and I’ve done little more than try it out in the store, but I had an opportunity to directly compare the grips of the two cameras immediately after one another pretty extensively. Here are my findings.

My opinion on one-handed grip ergonomics in order of preference is:

1. Olympus OM-D E-M1
2. Fujifilm X-T1
3. Fujifilm X-T1 with Fujifilm hand grip

Yep, the E-M1 comes out on top for me in grip comfort. One thing worth noting, I don’t have large hands. I suspect that most people with hands about my size and smaller would prefer the E-M1 because the grip fills the palm nicely. I’ve heard from people with larger hands that the grip protrudes too much for them.

One option excluded from the list is the X-T1 with the Vertical grip. As noted in my review of the X-T1, I actually prefer the ergonomics of the vertical grip, so it would be tied for first place with the E-M1. The X-T1 with Fujifilm’s Arca Swiss compatible handgrip is awkward for me. It adds too much, but folks with larger hands will really appreciate it, as seen below. For them, the grips adds just enough for all fingers to wrap comfortably around the camera.

Yes, there is a hand grip under that meat hook

On a decidedly less cerebral note, there’s no question the the X-T1 feels better than the Olympus. The camera is just somehow nicer to hold. It feels more premium. I’m not quite sure what to make of this as both bodies have magnesium alloy frames. Perhaps Fujifilm’s external material simply has a better feel to it.

Things change a little when you start trying to access all the buttons within range of your right hand. The E-M1’s “Multi Function” and “Record” buttons are perhaps the worst offenders. When I hold the camera comfortably, I can’t access those buttons without using my left hand to steady the camera while adjusting my grip to access those buttons.

The X-T1 simply does not have this problem. In fact, the only Fujifilm camera I’ve used that does is the X-E2 which has an AF point selection button that’s a little tough to access with the camera held comfortably or without moving it from your eye.²

Ergonomically, it will come down to preference. It’s an extremely subjective issue, but I believe there are ways of doing things that are just wrong. Sony’s A7(r) is a good example. Gripping that camera naturally results in having to pull your index finger uncomfortably to get to the shutter release, no matter what size your hand is. This leaves you with discomfort in your finger, or adjusting your grip more vertically to get the shutter release in line with your finger, which results in lots of hand/grip shimmying.

The last comment I’ll make on the whole X-T1 vs. E-M1 debate (in this post) is the glaringly obvious, yet superficial issue of appearances. Can there be anyone on the planet who thinks the E-M1 is a good-looking camera? As much as our rational minds tell us function trumps form, the reality is, fashion matters. I don’t think Fujifilm would be where they are today if the X100 and X-Pro1 didn’t look as good as they do.³ We all want a camera that looks cool to a degree. For some it matters less than others, but for me, the E-M1 is ugly enough that I wouldn’t want to own it as my primary camera. The good thing is, Fujifilm’s function is now keeping pace with their outstanding tastes in form. People who want a DSLR inspired compact can finally have the best of both worlds.

1. Everywhere, but Canada it would seem. ↩
2. Here’s hoping the next firmware update for the X-E2 lets us configure all Fn buttons like the X-T1 does. Shame about the labels, but nothing a little Sharpie action can’t fix. ↩
3. Something they should keep in the very forefront of their minds as they conceive the X200 and X-Pro2. ↩