Worth reflecting on mirrorless Fujifilm
Could the new Fujiflim camera be a DSLR killer? tests one to find out.
There is nothing worse as a photographer than seeing a great photo opportunity but missing it because you’re fiddling with your camera.
Getting to know your camera and becoming familiar with its user interface is an important factor in taking a good photo. If you find a camera simple to use and can understand how to get the image you want, then you’ll take better photos.
Camera manufacturers take different approaches to this, with options including buttons, menus, touch-screens and dials. Fujifilm puts an emphasis on dials, especially on its new X-T2 that is due to go on sale in New Zealand on September 8.
Dials for everything
Dials on the camera are used to adjust the ISO, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation. The tactile approach doesn’t end there, there are toggles and buttons and even more dials. Once you have done the initial setup, you can get away with just using the dials and rarely need to access the on-screen menu.
I really enjoyed this approach as I’ve always found menus time consuming.
It takes a while to adjust, especially when using the aperture ring on the lens. However, once I got used to it I found it more natural and faster than using a screen to make adjustments.
Who is it for?
This is a serious camera designed improvements such as a better electronic viewfinder and faster, more accurate focusing, produces great-looking images.
X-T2 has 4K (ultra-high definition) video capability which is an added bonus that helps future-proof the camera.
Verdict
Buying a new camera is about making compromises – there is no perfect camera.
Luckily for you, all the top companies make cameras that take great quality photos.
That means your choice shouldn’t be about mega-pixels, but rather about how easy you find a camera to use.
Fujifilm’s user interface and design are different from Canon, Nikon or Sony. This doesn’t automatically make it better for everyone, but it does give photographers more choice.
If you are coming from a DSLR, it takes a while to rewire your brain, but I find it more natural and found it jarring going back to my Canon. If you are considering a new camera I recommend you try several out in a store and make sure you include the Fujifilm X-T2 in your shortlist.