6 Reasons Why I Bought The Fujifilm XT 1 In 2024 And So Should You

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses why they chose the Fujifilm XT1 camera in 2024 as a replacement for their XT2. They highlight the XT1's compact form factor, superior build quality compared to newer models, and the unique tonality of its X-Trans II sensor. Despite its limitations, such as autofocus and low-light performance, the camera offers excellent image quality and a nostalgic photography experience. The XT1 is praised for its value, costing significantly less than other models while still delivering professional results.

Takeaways

• 📷 The Fujifilm XT1 was chosen as a replacement for the XT2 due to sensor issues.
• 🔄 The user considered upgrading to the XT4 but found it bulky and not ideal for photography, opting for the XT30 Mark II instead.
• 📸 The XT1's form factor was preferred over the XT4 and XT30 Mark II, especially when used with heavier lenses.
• 🎞️ The XT1's build quality, produced in Japan, was favored over newer models like the XS20 and X100 V, which felt more plasticky.
• 📈 The user downgraded to the XT1 from the XT2 because of the sensor's unique tonality and color science, appreciating its imperfections.
• 🖼️ The XT1's image quality was noted to be sharp and, at times, superior to the XT30 Mark II.
• 🎥 The camera's limitations, such as autofocus and low-light performance, were seen as positive aspects that enhance the photography experience.
• 📹 For hybrid shooters, the XT1 is not recommended due to its HD-only video recording and lack of modern conveniences.
• 💰 The XT1 was purchased used for €310 with a grip and three batteries, making it a cost-effective option.
• 🔑 The XT1 was a prosumer camera in its time, offering a hidden gem for those looking to get into Fujifilm photography.

Q & A

Why did the speaker choose the Fujifilm XT1 in 2024?

The speaker chose the Fujifilm XT1 as a replacement for their XT2, which had a sensor issue, and they found the XT1 to be a better fit than the XT4 or XT30 Mark II for their photography needs.

What was the issue with the speaker's XT2 that led them to consider the XT1?

The speaker's XT2 had a sensor issue with speckles on it, which could not be recovered, prompting them to look for a replacement camera.

Why did the speaker not prefer the XT4 for photography?

The speaker found the XT4 to be great for videography but not ideal for photography due to its bulkiness and the limitations it presented when used with heavier or larger lenses.

What is one of the main reasons the speaker prefers the XT1 over the XT30 Mark II?

The speaker prefers the XT1 due to its form factor, which they find less obstructive when using heavier or larger lenses compared to the XT30 Mark II.

What specific features on the XT1 does the speaker appreciate?

The speaker appreciates the ISO shutter release button, the photometry meters, and the build quality of the XT1, which feels good in hand and is produced in Japan.

Why did the speaker downgrade to the XT1 from the XT2?

The speaker downgraded to the XT1 because of the sensor, specifically the XR 2 sensor, which they found to have a unique tonality and charm that they liked.

What is the speaker's opinion on the image quality from the XT1?

The speaker finds the image quality from the XT1 to be very sharp and at times even sharper than that from the XT30 Mark II, with a specific tonality they appreciate.

What limitations does the speaker see in the XT1's autofocus system?

The speaker notes that the autofocus in the XT1 is choppy in single mode and very choppy in continuous mode, which they see as a limitation but also something that adds to the photography experience.

How does the speaker feel about the ISO performance of the XT1?

The speaker is impressed with the ISO performance of the XT1, stating that they have shot at ISO 3200 and 6400 with good results, despite common opinions that it only performs well up to ISO 1600.

Why does the speaker not recommend the XT1 for hybrid shooters?

The speaker does not recommend the XT1 for hybrid shooters because it only films in HD and requires an adapter for an audio jack, suggesting that those looking for a good hybrid camera should consider other options.

What is the price and availability consideration for the XT1 that the speaker mentions?

The speaker mentions that the XT1 is a cost-effective option, costing them €310 for a used model with a grip and three batteries, making it a hidden gem for those looking to get into Fujifilm photography.

Outlines

00:00

📷 Reasons for Choosing the Fujifilm XT1 in 2024

The speaker shares six reasons for choosing the Fujifilm XT1 as a replacement for their XT2, which had a sensor issue. The XT1 was selected over the XT4 and XT30 Mark II due to its form factor and the limitations of the latter when used with heavier lenses. The XT1's build quality, made in Japan, is preferred for its materials and finishes compared to newer models like the XS20 and X100 V. The speaker also appreciates the XT1's shutter button, ISO, and shutter release button, which were missed on the XT30 Mark II. The XT1's sensor, despite being a decade old, produces sharp images with a unique tonality and charm, which the speaker finds appealing. The camera's image quality is praised as being sharp and clear, sometimes even surpassing that of the XT30 Mark I. The XT1 comes with basic film simulations, and while the speaker misses the ET mode, they are content with the available options. The camera is suitable for most genres except fast-moving subjects, where the autofocus system, rather than the sensor, is the limiting factor.

05:01

🎞️ Fujifilm XT1: A Hidden Gem for Photography Enthusiasts

The speaker discusses the ISO performance of the Fujifilm XT1, stating that despite common beliefs, the camera handles well up to 6400 ISO, with noise being manageable. They emphasize the camera's general photography experience as fantastic and note that it is not recommended for hybrid shooters due to its HD video capabilities and lack of modern conveniences like an audio jack without an adapter. The speaker highlights the camera's price and availability as a major advantage, having purchased it used with a grip and three batteries for €310. They compare this price to other Fujifilm models, positioning the XT1 as a hidden gem for those looking to enter Fujifilm photography. The XT1 is also noted for sharing the same sensor with other models, making it a cost-effective choice for those who value image quality over the latest features.

Keywords

💡Fujifilm XT1

The Fujifilm XT1 is a mirrorless digital camera released in 2014 by Fujifilm. It is known for its retro design and high-quality image sensor. In the video, the presenter chose the XT1 as a replacement for their XT2 due to its form factor, build quality, and sensor performance. The camera is praised for its image quality and specific tonality, which the presenter found appealing.

💡Sensor

In the context of cameras, a sensor refers to the light-sensitive component that captures images. The video discusses issues with the presenter's XT2 sensor, which led to the decision to switch to the XT1. The XT1's sensor is highlighted for its sharpness and unique color science, which contributes to the camera's appeal.

💡Form factor

Form factor in camera terminology refers to the physical design and size of the camera body. The presenter mentions that the XT1's form factor is more suitable for their needs, especially when using heavier or larger lenses, compared to the XT30 Mark II, which they found to be less ergonomic.

💡Build quality

Build quality pertains to the materials and construction of a product, affecting its durability and feel. The video emphasizes that the XT1, being produced in Japan, has a solid build quality with decent materials and finishes, which is a significant factor in the presenter's choice.

💡Shutter button

The shutter button is the button used to take a photo. The presenter misses the XT1's shutter button layout, which includes separate controls for ISO and shutter release, a feature they found lacking in the XT30 Mark II, influencing their decision to switch back to the XT1.

💡Image quality

Image quality refers to the clarity, sharpness, and overall visual appeal of photographs. The video discusses how the XT1, despite being a decade old, produces images that are very sharp and have a distinct tonality that the presenter appreciates, making image quality a key selling point.

💡Film Simulations

Film Simulations are digital modes in Fujifilm cameras that mimic the look of traditional film stocks. The presenter mentions missing the 'Eterna' Film Simulation on the XT1 but is satisfied with the available options like Classic Chrome and black and white, which are part of the camera's appeal.

💡Autofocus

Autofocus is the system that automatically focuses the camera on a subject. The video points out that the XT1's autofocus can be choppy, especially in single autofocus mode, which the presenter sees as a limitation but also as a feature that adds to the photography experience by encouraging a more deliberate approach.

💡ISO performance

ISO performance refers to how well a camera handles light sensitivity, especially in low-light conditions. The presenter challenges the common belief that the XT1's ISO performance is limited, sharing their experience of achieving sharp images even at higher ISO settings like 3200 and 6400.

💡Price and availability

Price and availability are factors that influence purchasing decisions. The video concludes by highlighting the XT1's affordability and availability as a used camera, making it a hidden gem for those looking to enter Fujifilm photography without breaking the bank.

Highlights

Fujifilm XT1, a camera released in 2014, is chosen as a replacement for the XT2.

The XT1 was selected over the XT4 due to its form factor and handling with heavier lenses.

The XT1's build quality and materials are praised, being produced in Japan.

The XT1 features a classic design with a shutter button, ISO dial, and shutter release button.

The XT1's sensor, the X-Trans II, is highlighted for its unique tonality and charm.

Image quality from the XT1 is described as sharp and sometimes superior to the XT30 Mark II.

The XT1 comes with basic film simulations, though the absence of Eterna is noted.

The XT1's autofocus system is described as choppy but adds to the photography experience.

The XT1's ISO performance is praised, with good results even at higher settings like 3200 and 6400.

The XT1 is not recommended for hybrid shooters due to its HD-only video recording and lack of modern conveniences.

The XT1 is considered a hidden gem, costing significantly less than newer models while offering pro-level features.

The XT1 shares the same sensor with other Fujifilm models, making it a cost-effective choice.

The XT1's price and availability make it an attractive option for those entering Fujifilm photography.

The XT1 was a pro user camera in its time, indicating its professional-grade capabilities.

The XT1 is recommended for its surprising image quality and the character it adds to the photography experience.

Transcripts

this is the Fujifilm xt1 a camera

released in back in 2014 it's a decade

old and in this episode I'm going to

share with you six reasons why I chose

this camera in

2024 the reason why I chose this camera

is as a replacement of my xt2

unfortunately it died down there is some

issue with the sensor there there's

spicles on it pixels whatever it is we

can't recover it so I thought to myself

you know what let's just upgrade from

the xt2 the xt2 the xt2 to the xt4 this

little beast of a machine and I didn't

like it for photography great for

videography um so I bought the xt30 Mark

I which is an awesome little camera

there's enough videos here on this

particular camera to see what I thought

of it but with this set one of the

limitations on the xt10 till 30 Mark I

series is that once you shoot with a

little bit of a heavier lens or a lens

which is slightly bigger the form factor

is kind of getting into the way here so

that's my second reason it's the form

factor if I look at both cameras here

you'll see here this is the

xt4 big bulky yeah the xt3 is an option

as well but it's a lot more expensive if

I look at both of these cameras my

preference will go to the xt1 for the

very simple reason shutter button sorry

ISO shutter release button those three I

I really missed that one on the xd30

Mark I you'll also have this little

thing here photometry meters so and on

the later models from the xt4 onwards

you got a film and a photography Centric

dial I mean overall I like the build

quality of this yeah it's just feels

good in the hand it's produced in in

Japan which a lot of people see like oh

produced in Japan it's perfect I

wouldn't say it's perfect but the one

thing that it has from Japan is that the

materials and the finishes are pretty

decent to what you see nowadays on the

xs20 for instance or the uh X100 V now

which is a lot more plasticky so the

build quality doesn't mean that all of a

sudden it's Superior that it comes from

Japan and crap because it comes from

China no it's just the materials used

are very very different reason number

three here and that's probably the

reason you're going to surprise is I

really kind of downgraded if you want to

call it that way to the xd1 because of

the sensor I love the sensor on the xd2

that was an x 3 Cent

with this camera the xt1 I have a bit of

history as I borrowed it once on a trip

from a friend of mine I completely

forgot about it and then I went into um

Lightroom here suddenly saw Fujifilm xt1

couldn't quite remember what was going

on looked at the pictures and I was like

wow this is not only sharp there's a

really specific tonality feeling charm

to these pictures what is going on there

and that's the XR 2 sensor it's a little

bit more yellowish the blues are

slightly different from a color science

perspective it's not perfect but that's

what I like imperfection so I really

think that XTR 2 sensor is a big selling

point which brings me to the fourth part

I just mentioned the image quality

coming out of the xt1 although 10 years

old don't be mistaken about this the

images are very sharp at times sharper

than they are on the xt30 Mark I at

times yeah let me know in the comments

below if you have a similar thing that

pictures on the xt1 in general come

out somewhat clearer sharper so the

image quality is a big thing you also

have the basic film Sims The Originals

and the only one I really miss is ET

turn not to be very honest that's the

only one I really miss but I'm I'm

normally very happy with classic Chrome

and a little bit of black and white yeah

I'm perfectly fine with it you can also

apply the film Sims in the menus the

only problem here is this is one of the

Limited ations is that you can't name

them so you really have to remember

which ones you've actually used yeah I

also think in terms of image quality

this camera will cater for any kind of

genre except fast moving subjects so

Sports Wildlife I don't think this is

the best camera for but that's got more

to do with the autofocus than it has

with the image quality itself so the

sensor is not to blame here it's more

the autofocus system which brings me to

my fifth reason it has its limitations

and that is something that you probably

wonder why is that so important well the

reason reason for me is limitations is

what makes photography great yeah the

autofocus is choppy in single but if you

go into continuous it's very choppy so

you can either shoot manual or single

it's a bit of a limitation if you're

used to newer cameras more modern

cameras I personally love it it brings

that thatti photography thing and then

there's the iso low light and let me

know what you think about this I've

often see oh the iso performance on the

xt1 is only good up until 1600 well I've

shot it between 3200 and 6 400 and I

think in general the images look very

sharp very tactile yeah you have a bit

of noise at times but nothing you can

fix impose so I personally think that

the iso handling for the camera for the

time it was released is phenomenal I

also think the general camera experience

General photography experience you have

here is fantastic now if you're a hybrid

shooter I cannot recommend this camera

because it only films in HD there is an

audio jack which requires an adapter I

would normally say then go to an xt3 if

you really want a good hybrid camera in

that way I would normally advise use

your smartphone now and last and not

least you've heard now that I love it as

a replacement camera I think the

features on it are pretty awesome I

think the image quality is surprisingly

good I think that the limitations here

actually add to your photography

experience and last but not least the

price and availability this camera cost

me with a grip and three batteries €

310 for a used Fujifilm camera people

this is the Hidden Gem what you're

looking for if you want to go into

Fujifilm photography and make no mistake

this was a pro user camera back in the

day this really was a pro user camera so

from my point of view I would always

always recommend this camera and it

shares the same sensor as the following

cameras and if you want an xe1 which

some of you probably want with a CCD

sensor you'll be paying 600 bucks an xd2

used 450 to 700 bucks an xt3 900 bucks

an xt30 Mark I 700 to 800 used and

you're lucky