“None of the top camera brands make bad cameras or lenses,” says Todd Vorenkamp, Senior Creative Content Writer for B&H’s Explora blog. “If you love Nikon, you can stay with it and be happy forever. That goes with any other camera brand. But, if you’re looking to shake things up, you may want to change systems,” he adds.
“The Fujifilm X-T1 made shooting fun for me again—it made it kind of new and different. And, because the system is small and light, I carry my camera around much more than when I was in the DSLR world.”
This is the second part in our series featuring the many stories and myriad reasons prompting users to switch brands. For more of Vorenkamp’s reflections on switching, read our interview below.
All Images © Todd Vorenkamp, http://www.trvphoto.com
What brand of gear did you switch from and how long did you work with your former brand?
After using Nikon SLRs and DSLRs for 25 years, I switched from a Nikon D300 to a Fuji XT1.
Were you an exclusive user of your former brand or did you dabble with multiple brand options?
I was virtually an exclusive user of Nikon SLRs and was very happy with Nikon cameras and optics. But after I started working at B&H, I began to use different systems—Olympus, Panasonic, Canon, and others—for hands-on Explora blog reviews.
What are your opinions of the other camera brands you’ve tried?
I knew that I would not consider switching to Canon as I was never an admirer of their lens and body designs, or a fan of their digital menu systems. I was always impressed with the Micro Four Thirds cameras I used—especially the lens quality—but these systems never really attracted me enough to dive in.
What was your most important consideration in switching?
It was primarily size and weight; along with price, optics, and image quality. I was getting tired of humping a camera bag around with a DSLR body and several large lenses. I had been doing it for years and had accepted it as a necessary evil, but the advent of digital mirrorless changed that equation.
How long did your decision take? Give us some backstory.
After the X-T1 was announced in January 2014, it took me over a year, and a lot of thought, to make the jump. I had not really considered Fujifilm before then. The X-Pro1 and other Fujifilm cameras were getting rave reviews, but I was happy with my Nikon D300, and patiently waiting for the arrival of the D400 replacement. That arrival seemed to be taking forever (in fact, it never really happened—the D500 was eventually launched).
Did you try any other Nikon models before switching?
In late 2013, the buzz surrounding the launch of the Nikon Df prompted me to consider this model as a switch to full-frame digital, even though my workhorse lens was a DX only Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED. I played around with the Df at the office and, while I was excited about the retrograde controls, I couldn’t help thinking the ergonomics and control layout were a swing-and-a-miss. In my mind, Nikon sacrificed too much modern convenience to go ‘retro’. A few months later, I used the Df for a hands-on lens test, and found it cumbersome and often difficult to use.
What were your first impressions of the camera you switched to?
When the Fujifilm X-T1 arrived in January 2014, my first reaction was, “This is the camera the Df should have been—Small, efficient, retro controls done right. I spoke to several Fujifilm owners, who all loved the camera, and I read some reviews online—all positive. Everyone was raving about the optics.
But I wasn’t completely sold on switching systems because of the cost, and the thought of an electronic viewfinder. I wasn’t convinced that I was ready to stop looking through my lenses and start looking at an electronic screen.
How did you get over your hesitancy to switch?
I took an in-depth look at my lenses and made a list of everything I owned. I quickly realized that all of my favorite primes—Nikon 105mm DC, Zeiss 21mm Distagon, and Leica 28mm PC—would lend themselves well to adapted Fujifilm X-T1 use. My DX 10.5mm fisheye and 200mm macro would be fine on the X-T1 when needed, and my favorite 50mm f/1.8 lens, would also be adaptable.
I knew my 17-55mm workhorse and my 80-200mm zoom would likely not make the switch, mostly because of the size and bulk. If I went small and light, these lenses would probably see retirement. Knowing that I did not have to replace every piece of glass I owned helped make the cost of the new system more manageable.
How significant were the following factors in your decision to switch brands?
Precision and accuracy: I grew up knowing that Fujinon made some of the world’s premier binoculars, and using them for maritime purposes, so I was familiar with the reputation of Fujinon lenses before I got the X-T1. But I assume all cameras will focus properly and deliver crisp photos when the optics allow it, so I didn’t really consider this, per say, when thinking about switching.
I also knew that, although mirrorless companies advertise fast autofocus, the DSLR is still king when it comes to that task. Sensors and the rest of the stuff is all on equal footing these days.
Technical innovation: The Fujifilm X-Trans sensor is innovative, but not the selling point that swayed me.
Design and look: I think Nikon camera design is second-to-none in terms of looks—they make gorgeous cameras. The Fujifilm is a good looking camera as well, but the “prism” housing is a little flat-chested for my tastes, making the camera not as attractive to me. But, I got over it.
In terms of the X-T1’s retro design, I like retro design when done right and Fujifilm did it right with the X-T1. Tasks are either just as convenient, or even more convenient. You get retro dials on top, and front and rear command dials like a modern DSLR. Also, selecting aperture on the lens is a fantastic throwback to the old days.
Ergonomics and feel: The Fujifilm X-T1 loses the ergonomics war with the DSLR. Nikon has always fit great in my hand, and many photographers like having a solid camera grip to hold while shooting.
The size and feel of the Fujifilm camera is more akin to an older manual film SLR like the Nikon FM2 or Canon A-E1. Gone is the thick grip for holding batteries and computers. Without a mirror, the Fujifilm is thin—even where you hold it—no more dangling the camera from the grip with your forefingers. That takes a little getting used to, but small size is the selling point, so a super-ergonomic grip is what you give up.
Performance/Durability: This was another a sticking point when convincing myself to make the switch. I tend to think of my Nikon gear as bulletproof, as it has been through a lot of abuse. “Tried and true” would be an apt description, although I once broke a D100.
How does the Fujifilm hold up and how much abuse can it take? Not long after I got the camera, I had to shoot an event. I was tempted to take the Nikon, due to my familiarity with the camera and my trust in its durability, but I packed up the Fujifilm and decided to put it through its paces. So far, it hasn’t missed a beat. After many commercial assignments and events, and numerous trips—nationally and internationally—I’ve had zero reliability issues.
Brand perception/equity: The psychology of branding is interesting. Carrying a smaller camera with “Fujifilm” in a relatively small font is a journey into the brand unknown. Since shooting with Fujifilm, I am often asked what kind of camera it is, and if I am shooting a film camera.
I was recently asked on a commercial shoot why I wasn’t shooting Canon or Nikon. The read-between-the-lines impression I got was that my client was worried I wasn’t using “pro” gear, because Fujifilm wasn’t on their “pro” radar. But, it doesn’t matter, they loved the photos.
Bottom line—once you realize you’re getting better images, and using a camera that inspires you to take great photos, it doesn’t matter what name is on the outside.
What are your favorite features of your new gear?
I instantly fell in love with the Fujifilm lenses and the results I get from the sensor. I also love the fact that my camera bag weighs half of what it did before. I can throw my camera and a lens in a backpack and not know it’s there, because it is so unobtrusive compared to a DSLR.
What features do you miss the most from your former gear?
I miss the speed and accuracy of the DSLR. The mirrorless camera is almost there, but not quite. When photographing rambunctious children, you will get more hits with a DSLR than with a mirrorless. The speed just isn’t there yet. I also miss looking through an optical viewfinder, but I enjoy the amount of information afforded by the electronic display.
How does your new gear compare with your former gear based on the following image quality factors:
Resolution/pixel count: The X-T1 has slightly more pixels than the D300 (16MP vs. 12MP). I would be happy with 12. More MP is not a selling point for me. I was happy at 6MP!
Image sharpness: I was convinced that I owned the sharpest 50mm lens on the planet (the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8)—until I compared it to the Fujifilm XF 56mm lens. All the Fujinon lenses are outperforming their Nikon counterparts. I still have my Nikon 105mm DC, but it’s hard to convince myself to use that instead of the Fujinon 90mm—unless I want the aesthetic of that DC lens.
Digital noise/Dynamic range: Not a fair comparison with the D300, which was very long in the tooth by the time I switched, but the Fujifilm X-T1 always amazes me with the amount of shadow detail available after capture.
Color accuracy: Fujifilm is the hand’s down winner. When I bring Nikon files (from any Nikon body) into post processing and hit the “Auto Levels” function, there is usually some kind of “jump” in color, brightness, contrast, and so on. The Fujifilm files are much better straight out of the camera and, as far as I can see, the color accuracy of skin tones is unsurpassed.
CA/distortion/vignetting: I have no complaints about the optical quality of the Fujinon lenses. I would tweak the design and feel if I could, but optically they are amazing. I have shot interior architecture with the Fujinon 14mm lens and it shows zero distortion. I am able to put walls and door frames on the edge of the frame without worry. It’s amazing.
Under what circumstances does your new gear outperform your former gear?
The Fujifilm system outperforms the Nikon both optically and as far as the sensor is concerned, but the sensor comparison isn’t realistic, since the Nikon is a much older model.
What, if any, challenges have you encountered with your new gear?
I have the challenge of deciding what to do with my Nikon camera and lenses.
Has switching gear required any changes to your workflow?
My workflow is basically the same. When I upgraded from Lightroom 6 to Lightroom CC, the processing time of the Fujifilm raw files slowed dramatically. I am not sure why. Uploading into the Lightroom catalog is a slow process.
As far as image making, I shoot primes a lot more with the Fujifilm system. I use the Fujinon 18-55mm lens for events and when versatility is needed, but otherwise it stays on the shelf. I carry at least four prime lenses in my bag and that has changed my shooting style—making it more deliberate—and it has improved the image quality of my photographs.
Why might users of your former gear want to remain loyal to that brand?
None of the top camera brands make bad cameras or lenses. If you love Nikon, you can stay with it and be happy forever. That goes with any other camera brand. But, if you are looking to shake things up, you may want to change systems. The Fujifilm X-T1 made shooting fun for me again—it made it kind of new and different. And, because the system is small and light, I carry my camera around much more than when I was in the DSLR world.
What does the future look like for your switch?
I recently got the Fujifilm X-T2 and am excited to explore its power. I finally sold one of my D300 bodies to B&H’s Used Department, but I still have another, in case I need to shoot a sporting event or something lending itself to the Nikon. I haven’t parted with any Nikon glass yet, because I still have the body.
In case you missed it, click to read Why I Switched from Nikon to Sony, the first article in our Switcher series.
Do you have a story or some insights to share about switching brands? If so, please add your voice to the Comments section, below.
