Upgrade my X-T1

jimmyjamjojo

jimmyjamjojo

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Hi all,
I'm looking for suggestions/inspiration for upgrading my X-T1. I love the camera, love the sensor, love the system in general, but it's getting on a bit now. I have no idea how many shots it's taken and I bought it second hand 3-4 years ago. It's starting to regularly lock up, re-flashing firmware and using different cards hasn't helped, and the only way to fix it is to eject the battery.

I'm planning trip to Japan once they open the borders again (after maybe waiting a year for the rush to die down). This is a once in a lifetime trip, the one and only thing on my bucket list, so I want to feel confident that my camera isn't going to give up while there.

I tend to shoot a little of everything, leaning more towards street/portraits, with a little wildlife. I don't shoot video, at all. I currently own the Fuji 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and a Samyang 12mm. The 18-55mm sees the most use.

Obviously, any of the X-Tx range are going to be a big step up in terms of autofocus. I'm not too fussed about the bump in resolution as I rarely print, and try to get the framing right in camera. The main things I'm coveting are the AF improvements, the flippy screen in portrait, perhaps the IBIS of the X-T4, and just the reliability of a newer camera.

I imagine I'll want a fast 1.4 prime for the dark Tokyo alleyways etc, and I've convinced myself the IBIS will be a massive help there. Am I fooling myself? Just how useful is it for stills? If I don't need the IBIS then it seems an X-T2 would be best for me. I don't need any of the video features of the X-T3 or X-T4.

I'm also not averse to switching systems if I get a better stills experience from it.

Budget wise, I'm kind of flexible. I guess I'm currently hoping to spend £500-800 to upgrade just the body (maybe I'll trade in the X-T1 with MPB for the £130 they offered, or maybe just keep it as a rough and tumble body).
I could stretch a little if it meant something quite special (which is why I'm eyeing the X-T4). I don't know if I can go full frame with that kind of money plus the ~£500-600 I'd get from my current lenses. I get the feeling I could trade it all in and end up with a full frame body and 1 lens, in which case I'd probably lose the long end of my range.

Any advice? I really just want another X-T1 with better AF and a low shutter count...
 
X-T3 is the obvious choice. Massive step up from the X-t1 in terms of autofocus, handling, iso performance, functions, speed, performance and just about everything else.
I don’t think the X-T2 is a worthwhile upgrade from the X-T1 personally.
 
X-T>1 or X-H? would be my choice. The X-T2 is an upgrade from the 1 but not a huge step forwards (except in handling - being able to keep the SS and ISO dials unlocked is a boon to me) so the 3 is the obvious step forward. The X-H1 is a bit more SLR like in terms of handling and has IBIS which works nicely with OIS when required.
 
For landscape, the X-T2 has the benefit of a screen that tilts both ways, which is invaluable. As well as the higher MP count, which is a more debatable benefit, depending on how large you print. I tend to think the X-T3 is only worth it over the X-T2 if video is important to you, or maybe AF if really critical. Oh and maybe low light stuff. But I'm maybe not the average user, as my number one wish for the Fuji X series is that I'd like them to preview in 5:4 aspect ratio!
 
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The X-T2 is a significant step up in usability and handling, IMO its where the Fuji Mirrorless range reached some level of maturity. It just feels like an X-T1 but on steriods, everything is familiar but that much better and the joystick for moving the AF point just adds to the experience - one the favourite cameras that I've owned.

The X-T3 is very similar handling but has significantly faster AF - eye tracking is almost usable whereas with the X-T2 its a bit hit and miss - X-T3 ups the video game.

The X-T4 is more of the same but gives you IBIS - just remeber when shooting with IBIS if your scene is moving its not much help (ie Toyko street scenes with peopel are likely to be better shot with a faster shutter speed)

The X-H1 is a great camera but very different handling to the X-T series, its also starting to get a bit bulky and lardy

The X-S10 might prove to be a halfway house, but again the shooting exeprience is different to the X-T cameras and its not weather sealed.

With your budget, I would go for a decent X-T2 and spend the rest on some nice 1.4 glass (either the XF16mm/XF23mm/XF35mm), perosnally I'd get the XF16mm F1.4 which is a stellar lens, and it will make you leave your 12mm behind. If you need a bigger field of view, shoot a handheld 2/3 shot vertical pano. 16mm in vertical gives the same angle of view as the vertical of a 12mm in horizontal format.
 
Loved the T1 when I had it first time out with Fuji, switched to M43 for a couple year though mostly for the IBIS - returned to Fuji with the XH1, always said I would once they had affordable IBIS bodies] and still using. For me it was the perfect upgrade, I like bulkier bodies and the H1 is still smaller/neater than most DSLR, I like a chunky grip. I don't need a camera to be teensy or even light, it'll be the lenses take up more room and weight in your bag, the difference in body sizes for me at least, is insignificant. Mush rather have the comfort - it's also the cheapest way to have Fuji with IBIS. The H1 can be had for very small monies in good nick used these days.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think the X-S10 is out just because of the ergonomics - i like my dials.

I know i'm being fussy, but i've never been particularly well off, so I tend to agonise over large purchases like this. Whatever I go with will likely be with me for at least 5 years, likely 10 unless it goes pop.

I'm leaning towards the X-T3, just because i'm not entirely sold on IBIS (having never had it), and to be honest the flippy out screen of the X-T4 seems worse from a photography standpoint. I like to shoot from waist height, and doing that with the flippy screen means holding the camera weird, one handed, or holding onto the screen. The two-way tilting screen would suit me better.

The X-H1 seems... Interesting. It seems to tick all the boxes for me but i'm not sold on that grip/shutter button. I'll see if i can get one in my hands in a store.

The wildcard option is to switch systems. Fuji have outright said that their camera division won't be their focus going forward, and to be honest i've not been liking the direction they're taking with regards to unclear upgrade paths, removing dpads etc, pushing video, and locking things out of older cameras solely to push the newer ones (classic neg on xt3?). They're not the same company that focused on the joy in the process of photography rather than the result, and their support for previous models has waned to just AF improvements and lens compatibility.
 
Funnily enough I have just sold my x-t3 to fujilover and bought an x-h1 from Mr Perceptive (a bit lardy?) the x-h1 is so much nicer to handle, the larger grip fits my hand just like my old Nikons used to do. The way your hand is opened up on the grip means that the front and rear dials fall more naturally under your forefinger and thumb and the shutter button is in a more natural position as well.

I have not used it enough yet to comment on the IBIS but I am liking it very much so far.
 
The only thing I dislike about the X-H1 is that I keep pressing the Q button with my right thumb. I expect there's an easy fix but I'm not sure where the manual is (and don't like reading manuals on screen!)
 
TVRTim said:
Funnily enough I have just sold my x-t3 to fujilover and bought an x-h1 from Mr Perceptive (a bit lardy?) the x-h1 is so much nicer to handle, the larger grip fits my hand just like my old Nikons used to do. The way your hand is opened up on the grip means that the front and rear dials fall more naturally under your forefinger and thumb and the shutter button is in a more natural position as well.

I have not used it enough yet to comment on the IBIS but I am liking it very much so far.
Click to expand...

It's 'lardy' for APS-C

Nod said:
The only thing I dislike about the X-H1 is that I keep pressing the Q button with my right thumb. I expect there's an easy fix but I'm not sure where the manual is (and don't like reading manuals on screen!)
Click to expand...

Didn't have this issue, but smallish hands may help

jimmyjamjojo said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I think the X-S10 is out just because of the ergonomics - i like my dials.

The X-H1 seems... Interesting. It seems to tick all the boxes for me but i'm not sold on that grip/shutter button. I'll see if i can get one in my hands in a store.
Click to expand...

The X-H1 may have dials, but it works better when using the front/rear command dials, so it is perhaps more X-S10 than X-T like
 
Nod said:
The only thing I dislike about the X-H1 is that I keep pressing the Q button with my right thumb. I expect there's an easy fix but I'm not sure where the manual is (and don't like reading manuals on screen!)
Click to expand...

I was the same, until I disabled it ;)

Haven't missed it once since.

Button dial setting > Lock > Function setting > Q button

I'm delighted that the H wasn't to everyone's taste btw, otherwise I'd never have gotten it so cheap :D It was close to £2K when it first arrived and I got one in 'like new' con for 800 2years ago, they're even cheaper now used. A steal IMO, wonderful camera.

As for the shutter, it was a touch too sensitive for my liking for the first few hours of use, I would accidentally fire here and there, I like to rest my trigger finger on the shutter between shots as I only ever half press - but once it 'clicks' with you, you'll never go back , I love how soft and quiet it is too
 
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Thanks for that, Keith. Pretty sure I've never used the Q button to change any settings so disabling it is a very viable option.
 
Nod said:
Thanks for that, Keith. Pretty sure I've never used the Q button to change any settings so disabling it is a very viable option.
Click to expand...

I remember being so frustrated by that stupidly placed Q button, was not enjoying the camera as much as I should - locking it up completely enhanced the experience for me, hopefully it does for you too :)
 
:(

Doesn't seem to have worked for me.
 
At least a quick press of the shutter button (or another dab of the Q button) returns the thing to normal.
 
Nod said:
At least a quick press of the shutter button (or another dab of the Q button) returns the thing to normal.
Click to expand...

Try this [again taken from another forum] I honestly forget what worked for me but I know it's worth trying

1) Setup Menu -> Button/Dial Setting -> Lock -> Lock Setting -> Selected Function

2) Setup Menu -> Button/Dial Setting -> Lock -> Function Selection -> Q Button
 
The box that tells me these thing has a tick in it so I reckon the button should be disabled but pressing it still opens the quick menu.

FOUND THE SOLUTION on the F**i forum!


Capture.jpg
 
And thanks for the help and pushing me towards finding the solution!


To the OP, Topsy's suggestion of keeping the X-T1 as a backup/2nd body is a very good one, especially if you use 2 or more lenses. I try not to change lenses on my X series bodies unless absolutely necessary; they seem to be dust bunny magnets!
 
Nod said:
The box that tells me these thing has a tick in it so I reckon the button should be disabled but pressing it still opens the quick menu.

FOUND THE SOLUTION on the F**i forum!


Capture.jpg
Click to expand...
Ha, same as I found just above, once it works, that's what matters :D (y)
 
I bought the X-T3 this week and with the latest firmware i think its the first time i ever felt good about Fuji performance.

I have always loved them for the retro look and feel with the dials etc, but always felt the performance needed a lot of work.
 
I'd get a used X-T3. If you can afford it (which you can with that budget) I wouldn't mess around with X-S. If you love your X-T1, upgrade it and skip a generation.
 
As an X-T2 shooter, I would go X-T3, for the jump in AF performance.
 
The X-T1 started a slippery slope on Fuji Mountain for me and I never thought that it could be bettered……until the X-T2 came along. Then the 3 and then the 4. I still have the 3 and the 4.

If IBIS is not an essential then I would save a few pennies and go for the X-T3 which is a truly superb camera. But, and it may be a question of added bulk/size which precludes it, have a look at the X-H1.

Of all my Fuji’s it is the one that ticks all the boxes (for me). A cracking camera.
 
Depends on your budget I’m using a X-T4 along with a number of other Fuji X bodies including 3x X-H1 bodies they are a good buy compared to when they were first released and it shares the X-T2 sensor.
yes the Xpro1 X-E1 & X-M1 all share the first generation sensor AF works but it’s slow but I adapt old MF lenses and use on them but it is a rather lovely sensor :)
 
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