Overview of the Fujifilm X-T1 compact system camera. So more reliable. Fujifilm X-T1 weatherproof mirrorless review fujifilm x t1 studio shooting

Fujifilm continues to consistently develop its line of X-series mirrorless cameras. And today we will introduce you to the top (today) model called Fujifilm X-T1.

Specifications Fujifilm X-T1

From a technical point of view, the X-T1 is a slightly improved version of the Fujifilm X-E2 camera, which we already wrote about. There are really few differences: a higher magnification electronic viewfinder (but the same resolution), a dust and water resistant body, more controls, a folding screen and a slightly higher burst speed (8 fps versus 7).

Externally, the X-T1 differs markedly from the X-E2: if the second one is made in a rangefinder style with an electronic viewfinder located in the corner of the camera, then the X-T1 is a “skew” to a classic film DSLR. The workmanship of the body is very high, the camera feels like a kind of "monolith" and fits perfectly in the hand. The dimensions of the X-T1 are almost the same as those of the X-E2, but the “body weight” has grown by 90 grams and is 440 g.

Visually, the viewfinder in this model is simply huge, even larger than in the Canon EOS 6D full-frame DSLR. The flip side of the coin is a slight offset of the ocular point, so it will not be easy for bespectacled people like me to use the camera. The viewfinder has a very smooth picture and displays 100% of the frame area, and the refresh rate does not fall below 50 Hz even in poor lighting.

Due to the central location of the viewfinder on the camera body, there is room on the left for another switch dial, which is responsible for ISO sensitivity. Two similar discs located on the right, as before, are responsible for shutter speed and exposure compensation. By the way, did you pay attention to the round “pimples” in the center of the sensitivity and shutter speed switches? These are the release buttons. Moreover, if the button must be pressed in any case to rotate the sensitivity dial, then in the case of shutter speed, it is only needed to switch between manual and automatic modes. The exposure compensation disk of such a lock is deprived, but in any case it rotates very tightly (apparently, this is done so that it does not accidentally get lost in the bag).

On the same axis as the sensitivity and shutter speed dials, there are switches for the drive mode (single and serial shooting, bracketing, self-timer, etc.) and exposure metering, respectively. In earlier Fujifilm cameras, these settings were configured through the menu.

There are also changes on the back: the column of keys to the left of the screen has disappeared due to the flip screen. Partly the need for them disappeared due to the new controls, partly they were scattered in other places. Finally, there is also a new key that calls up the manual focus assist mode. Menu navigation buttons can be assigned shortcuts for quick access to frequently used functions, as are the Fn1 and Fn2 buttons on the front and top of the camera.

The X-T1 has finally fixed the autofocus switch: now the most frequently used modes (manual and single focus) are in the extreme positions. Previously, a single focus was located in the middle, because of which I constantly “flyed” past it. By the way, pay attention to the sync contact visible in the same photo for connecting studio flashes.

The flip screen design on the Fujifilm X-T1 is similar to the early Sony NEX, with the screen tilting up 90 degrees or down 45 degrees. This is more than enough for shooting "from the hip" or, conversely, overhead.

There is no built-in flash in the X-T1, but in the box with the camera, the buyer will find a small external one (model EF-X8). This flash has no battery compartment and is powered by the camera. It is also very easy to control: in the lowered position, the flash is off, in the raised position it is on.

From the point of view of the menu, we did not find any significant differences from the Fujifilm X-E2.

Camera in action

With a feeling of deep satisfaction, I can report that the X-T1, like the X-E2, boasts quite fast autofocus. The latest Micro 4/3 or Nikon 1 cameras are still far away, but the Samsung NX or the relatively old Sony NEX models have already managed to catch up. Seriously, during the time that I talked with the camera, autofocus never let me down, that is, there was no such thing that the camera simply did not focus for unknown reasons.

Like other Fujifilm cameras of the current generation, the X-T1 is great for shooting with older non-AF lenses. The user is offered a choice of three types of manual focus assistance: magnification of the selected area of ​​the frame, focus peaking (highlighting contrast transitions with color) and Digital Split Image. The latter option is the most interesting in terms of the convenience and speed of manual focusing, while the phase AF sensors integrated into the matrix are used.

In addition, Fujifilm cameras allow you to specify the focal length of a non-autofocus lens mounted on the camera in the menu. This does not affect the shooting process, but the specified focal length is recorded in EXIF, which later allows you to understand which lens was used to take a particular frame.

With image quality, everything is very simple: the X-T1 uses the already well-known 16-megapixel X-Trans II matrix with integrated phase detection autofocus sensors. Therefore, it is not the slightest surprise that the image quality of the X-T1 is entirely similar to the X-E2. In short: the entire range of sensitivity (from 200 to 6400 ISO) can be considered working, especially if you are willing to tinker a bit with setting image parameters in the RAW converter.

Noise level when shooting in JPEG ():

Noise level when shooting in RAW (gallery):

I really liked the dynamic range of the camera. Although overexposures are quite easily "knocked out", the well of shadows is unusually deep and allows you to easily restore useful information without a significant increase in the noise level. So in case of shooting excessively contrasting scenes, feel free to set the exposure compensation to minus, and then stretch the shadows in the graphics editor.

I also note that the line of Fujifilm lenses continues to grow with very interesting specimens. The camera came to me for a test with a Fujinon XF 10-24mm f / 4 R OIS ultra-wide-angle zoom and a Fujinon XF 56mm f / 1.2 fast portrait lens. Both are characterized by excellent image quality even wide open, minimal distortion and the almost complete absence of chromatic aberration. In my opinion, Fujinon 56 / 1.2 is so good that you can change the system for it (provided, of course, that you are interested in this type of lens).

In general, the Fujifilm X-T1 shoots something like this (gallery with full-size files):

Like the previous cameras of the Fujifilm X line, video recording in the X-T1 is implemented purely for show: both the service functions provided by the camera and the quality of the final result are clearly inferior to any competitors, so if you are interested in video, then this camera is not for you.

In the dry matter

Personally, I really liked the Fujifilm X-T1. The camera is positioned as the top of the line, which is confirmed by an excellent viewfinder, as well as a dust and moisture-proof housing. In my opinion, it has only two obvious disadvantages: a terrible video mode and a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 second, which, combined with a minimum ISO sensitivity of 200, seriously limits the ability to control depth of field when shooting in good lighting conditions.

Comparing the X-T1 to the X-E2, the former offers a number of minor improvements: a flip-out screen, a higher magnification viewfinder, slightly more controls, and dust and water resistance. In terms of photo quality and electronics, these cameras are completely identical. At the same time, the difference in cost between the kit kits X-T1 and X-E2 (both with an 18-55 mm f/2.8-4 lens) is about 8,000 hryvnias. Whether the changes listed above are worth such a price difference is up to you.

5 reasons to buy Fujifilm X-T1

• excellent photo quality, including at high ISO
• flip screen
• dust and moisture protection
• best in class viewfinder
• stylish look

1 reason not to buy a Fujifilm X-T1

• mediocre video quality

Fujifilm is famous for releasing stylish advanced compact cameras such as the X100S or X-E2, but they are all completely defenseless against water drops, sand and other external troubles. Protected models from Fujifilm are available only in the class of budget compacts, as well as in the class of ultrazooms.

Fujifilm X-T1 official portrait

A quick look at the Fujifilm X-T1 specifications is enough to realize that a lot has been borrowed from the X-E2 mirrorless. At the same time, the novelty is positioned as a device of a higher class, it costs more and is able to compete even with Olympus OM-D E-M1. Last year we remember the release of budget mirrorless cameras, such as X-M1 and X-A1, and now it seems that the time has come for flagships. However, there is still no reliable information about the replacement of the X-Pro 1. Fujifilm X-T1 was not only the first weatherproof system camera in the family, but also the first camera with the appearance of a film SLR of the last century.

Specifications, equipment, accessories

Fujifilm does not have a wide selection of accessories for its cameras. It mainly offers various cases, optional grips and flashes. With the release of the X-T1, this kit has been expanded with the VG-XT1 portrait-capable battery grip, as well as another MGH-XT regular grip. This pair of accessories is only compatible with the Fujifilm X-T1. However, all subsequent cameras will certainly receive their support.

Fujifilm X-T1 Package Contents

The camera comes with a charger and an NP-W126 battery, a set of caps and plugs, a shoulder strap, an external flash, a USB cable, and a CD with software and a user manual. It's also worth noting that the Fujifilm X-T1 comes with an advanced 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 zoom lens. True, this lens is not weatherproof - this should be remembered first of all.

Design and ergonomics

It is difficult to unequivocally determine what exactly the Fujifilm X-T1 looks like. Most likely, this is a 1970 Fujica ST701 camera. However, one can also see similarities with recent Olympus cameras. For the first time, Fujifilm mirrorless has a more pronounced grip, a pseudo-pentaprism with a viewfinder unit, and an optional battery grip. In general, everything is like a classic DSLR-like camera. Cameras in this form factor have long been in the collection of Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung. Durable magnesium alloy acts as the main material of the case, and its protection against moisture and dust is provided by gaskets at 80 points. The robust housing also guarantees stable operation of the camera in ten-degree frost.

Fujifilm X-T1 paired with fast optics

The front panel, in addition to the ergonomic ledge, contains a number of important controls. At the top of the handle is the front scroller. Next to it is an autofocus backlight LED and one of six programmable keys. The mount is equipped with a latch, and on the right side of the panel you can see a sync contact plug for external flashes and a focus mode switch lever, already familiar to us from previous Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. The entire front panel, including the handle, is covered with a textured synthetic material that is pleasant to the touch. The handle itself is not particularly ergonomic, but in any case it is better than nothing. In addition, there is an optional grip and even a weighty battery grip on sale.

It should be noted that the scroller is not convex enough - the contact area with the finger is small. Therefore, when scrolling, you literally have to iron the rubber of the case. The same drawback was found in the rear scroller, but we will talk about it below.

Fujifilm X-T1 without lens

The top panel is literally cluttered with large selectors and buttons. None of Fujifilm's mirrorless cameras could boast such an abundance. The ISO setting dial is located on the left side, and the drive mode switch is built in one floor below. On the left side of the viewfinder block, a diopter correction wheel is planted, and on its top is a standard “hot shoe”. On the right side, there is a shutter speed dial similar to the left one with a metering type switch. On the right edge of the panel sits the exposure compensation dial. The shutter button is combined with the camera power lever, and to the right of it, the video recording start button is recessed into the body. Another small button next to the exposure compensation dial is responsible for activating Wi-Fi.

All selector discs are made of aluminum, and shutter speed and ISO discs are equipped with position locks. This is generally one of the most controversial elements of ergonomics. Fixing the position is useful in a number of cases, but in the end it is more difficult to control such a scroller. This inconvenience will manifest itself especially clearly when shooting in shutter priority mode. In our opinion, the best thing to do is to make the scrollers tight enough to avoid accidental shifts.

On the top panel, you can notice the absence of a dedicated shooting mode switch. In top-end Fujifilm cameras, the shooting mode is changed by setting the aperture or shutter speed to “A” mode. On the right slope of the pseudo-pentaprism is the screen / viewfinder switch button. It is possible to completely turn off the display, and turn on the viewfinder only when the proximity sensor is triggered. This will significantly save battery power, especially since the main shooting parameters can be changed by mechanics.

Fujifilm X-T1 top panel

On the rear panel, the first thing that catches your eye is a large viewfinder with an impressive rubber eyecup. Fujifilm claims the X-T1's viewfinder is the largest viewfinder of any mirrorless camera. According to subjective feelings, its area corresponds to the size of viewfinders in top-end full-frame cameras like Nikon D800 / D800E. To the left of it are buttons for entering playback mode and deleting images. On the right is the exposure lock button, rear control wheel, and a separate autofocus lock button. The protrusion slightly interferes with the work with the scroller, as it slightly protrudes beyond the body. This, as we have already said, forces you to stroke the case with your fingers and apply more effort to scroll. A trifle, but we hope that the company will take this moment into account when developing the next cameras.

To the right of the display are the Focus Assist, Q and Disp/Back buttons. The first one launches various manual focus assist tools, such as focus peaking. The second is responsible for calling the quick menu, and the third switches the types of information displayed on the display. The button for entering and entering the main menu of the camera is surrounded by four navigation keys without any signatures. The extreme right part of the panel is rubberized and has a noticeable protrusion at the place where the thumb fits.

The left side is occupied by a door that hides the HDMI and USB connectors, as well as a 2.5mm jack for connecting an external microphone or remote control device. The opposite side includes a slot for a memory card. Incidentally, the Fujifilm X-T1 is the first digital camera to support the latest high-speed UHS-II SD cards.

Memory slot on the right side of the Fujifilm X-T1

Compartment for external connections on the left side of the Fujifilm X-T1

On the bottom panel in the area of ​​the handle is the battery compartment, and next to it is a tripod thread. For mounting the battery handle there is a special connector closed with a rubber plug.

Fujifilm X-T1 bottom panel

The camera is available exclusively in black, at least for now. The dimensions of the camera are 129x90x47 mm and the weight is 440 grams. The nearest competitor, Olympus OM-D E-M1, has approximately the same parameters.

Display, viewfinder, interface

Back of the Fujifilm X-T1

Note that so far none of Fujifilm's high-end cameras have had a tilting screen. Only budget mirrorless cameras were equipped with such displays.

The viewfinder remained the same as that of the Fujifilm X-E2, that is, fully electronic and even retained a resolution of 2.36 million dots and 100 percent frame coverage. Most likely, Fujifilm saved their hybrid viewfinder for a higher-ranking model, which has not yet been heard from. In the menu, you can turn off both the viewfinder and the display at the same time, which is useful in astrophotography. The viewfinder is equipped with a diopter adjustment wheel and a proximity sensor. This is one of the best electronic viewfinders we have come across. In terms of image quality, it outperforms its analogue in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and subjectively looks better than in the Sony A7/A7R. In addition, the X-T1's viewfinder has a record-breaking 0.77x magnification, as well as fairly low image lag.

The menu hasn't changed much. Were only added new items for programming keys. As already noted, six mechanical buttons are reprogrammable.

Functionality

The Fujifilm X-T1 borrows the 16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor from the Fujifilm X-E2 unchanged. The same sensor is installed in the Fujifilm X100S. Its main feature, we recall, is not only the absence of an AA filter, but also the support for hybrid autofocus thanks to phase sensors in the structure of the matrix itself. In addition, RAW files are recorded at 14-bit resolution for better halftone reproduction.

The standard ISO range is ISO 200-6400 but can be extended up to ISO 100-51200. The camera allows you to set the minimum shutter speed when working in Auto ISO mode, which is 1/500 of a second. The exposure compensation dial allows you to make adjustments ranging from -3 to +3 EV. And when shooting video, the ISO limit is 6400.

X-Trans CMOS sensor and EXR II processor

There are no changes in comparison with the X-E2 in the processor part either. The already familiar EXR II chip is installed here. The burst rate is 8 fps with active autofocus, and the buffer depth reaches 47 frames in JPEG format or 23 in RAW format when using UHS-II class memory cards. Shooting with continuous focus and active live view reduces the rate of fire to three frames per second, and the depth of the buffer in this case is limited by the volume of the memory card. The shutter lag is only five hundredths of a second, and it takes about half a second to turn the camera on and off.

One of the important features of the EXR II processor is the Lens Modulation Optimizer algorithm, which eliminates aberrations and optical diffraction effects. This is how it is implemented - the camera contains data for each compatible lens in memory and programmatically compensates for distortion taking into account such data. This function, if desired, can be turned off, and all the resulting distortions can be edited later manually in the RAW converter.

A focal-type shutter with vertical shutters is capable of operating at shutter speeds up to 1/4000 s, as well as operating in manual shutter speed (Bulb) mode. Strictly speaking, 1/4000 of a second is a fairly slow shutter speed when shooting wide open on a bright sunny day, and the camera does not include a built-in neutral density filter to reduce exposure. The shutter itself seemed noisy to us, and the electronic shutter, as in Lumix GM1, is not provided here. The shutter is synchronized with the flash at shutter speeds no shorter than 1/180 s, which is a rather modest value today. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 can sync at shutter speeds up to 1/320s.

It is impossible not to note the Fujifilm focusing system, which made a leap forward in just a year. Until recently, Fujifilm cameras were associated with extremely slow autofocus, a modest set of video modes and the lack of Wi-Fi. But with the release of the X-E2 and the budget X-M1, the situation improved dramatically. The Fujifilm X-T1 has a 49-point hybrid focus system with object tracking. Thanks to high-speed autofocus, it was possible to achieve the above rate of fire. In addition, this is one of the few cameras that offers three tools at once to help with manual focusing - focus peaking, zooming in on a fragment of a frame, and a Digital Split Image tool (peeped, apparently, from rangefinder film cameras).

It is worth adding that the focusing speed is highly dependent on which lens is installed on the camera. With the complete "glass" 18-55 mm, the camera focuses very quickly and practically does not make mistakes. And when using a 35mm F1.4 lens, focusing becomes much slower. The reward for such inconvenience is excellent picture quality. This is our favorite Fujifilm camera lens, no kidding.

The Fujifilm X-T1 does not have a built-in flash for its size, but it is still included. Its guide number is 8m at ISO 100. The included flash mounts in a standard hot shoe, and there is a sync pin on the front of the camera for connecting external strobes.

For Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, the presence of in-camera RAW processing has already become the standard, from which the X-T1 has not departed. Also included are features such as panorama shooting (2160x9600), a set of ten film simulation effects, eight creative filters, ISO bracketing, white balance, dynamic range and film simulation effects, multiple exposure, and interval shooting (with burst limitation, no more than 999 frames).

As already mentioned, Fujifilm X-T1 supports Wi-Fi thanks to the built-in module. Using a smartphone or tablet, you can control the shooting process, receive captured images, upload data to social networks, and even assign geotagging. The set of wireless functions here is far from the richest, but all this is implemented intuitively and simply. There are two camera apps for Android and iOS devices - Fujifilm Camera App and Fujifilm Camera Remote. The latter allows you to use your smartphone as a remote viewfinder, change settings, focus and even record video. Basically, the Fujifilm Camera Remote includes all the features of the older Fujifilm Camera App. By the way, Fujifilm X-T1 was the first camera to support remote shooting functions.

And now we come to the most delicate moment. Namely - a park of compatible optics. The X-T1 was Fujifilm’s first weatherproof mirrorless camera, but the company simply didn’t have time to release at least a couple of corresponding lenses. Recall that Nikon 1 AW1 went on sale simultaneously with two sealed "glasses". All that remains for Fujifilm is to publish their plans for the release of optics for the next year or two. Protected lenses will be marked WR and in 2014 there will be three such models. This trio looks like this: 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R OIS WR, 16-55mm F2.8 R OIS WR and 50-140mm F2.8 R OIS WR. The first zoom lens will be released in June this year. But, of course, the camera is fully compatible with ordinary, unprotected lenses, among which there are very high-quality specimens.

Test shots, videos, battery life

Since we have already dealt with the X-Trans CMOS II sensor, the expectations regarding the noise level were quite high. But despite the fact that the sensor here is the same as in the X-E2, we still did a test shooting, as the result may depend on the internal image processing algorithms. Recall that test shooting is carried out at night, under artificial lighting with a 40 W incandescent lamp. Noise canceling functions are completely turned off or - if it is impossible to turn off completely - they are activated with minimum power.

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 100

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 200

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 400

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 800

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 1600

Fujifilm X-T1 @ ISO 3200

02.02.2014 25138 Tests and reviews 0

Fujifilm has unveiled the X-T1, an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. The new X-T1 was one of Fuji's most anticipated products at the start of 2014, and was already known to photography enthusiasts in the last weeks before the announcement - from photos to specs.

So, what is the Fujifilm X-T1. Design. The novelty looks very good, like all the latest Fuji novelties. The camera only has a black body color option, which is molded from magnesium alloy and has 80 sealing points. This sufficiently protects the camera from external factors.

Behind the camera is a screen that has a resolution of 1040 thousand pixels, and it is completely identical to the screen of the X-E2 - the same 3-inch diagonal with an aspect ratio of 3:2. The screen, however, has a "chip": it is tilted, which should be very convenient for photographers, and has a tempered glass protection. The built-in tilt sensor in the camera, in addition to the standard indication of the horizon and adding information about the rotation to the frame, also knows how to rotate the interface.

The 2.36 million-dot viewfinder makes the camera look like a DSLR the most. The viewfinder is fully electronic. The viewfinder display is very good in terms of performance and can update the picture 54 times per second. For comparison, this characteristic is equal to X-E2 only 20. The increase index is 0.77 versus 0.64 for X-E2.

The viewfinder display has four modes of operation:

The FULL mode uses the high magnification of the X-T1's viewfinder, allowing the photographer to see the scene as fully as possible.
- The "NORMAL" mode provides optimal viewing, including shooting settings.
- The "DUAL" mode is specially designed for manual focusing, while the display is divided into two areas. At the same time, the normal viewing area and the manual focus area can be controlled simultaneously thanks to the Digital Split ImageTM or Focus Peak Highlight functions)
- For portrait shooting in NORMAL and FULL modes, the interface automatically rotates when the camera is held vertically.

The camera will really appeal to fans of retro. On the top panel there are as many as five mechanical dials, two control dials on the front and rear panels, and six customizable function buttons. Top-mounted dual machined aluminum dials control shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, and select shooting modes. Each dial is designed to change modes with a clearly audible click, and the embossed surface makes it easy to set frame parameters.

There is no flash on the camera, but the manufacturer promises a small mini-flash on the hot shoe in the kit. The camera accepts UHS-II SD cards with a maximum recording speed of 240 megabytes per second, the internal memory stores up to 23 shots at maximum JPEG + RAW recording quality.

But the most delicious, of course, is hidden inside. Characteristics, of course, are not revolutionary, but quite decent. The sensor is identical to the X-E2 and X100S cameras - this is the X-Trans II with 16 megapixels. The new X-Trans II™ sensor features phase-detection autofocus with a record-breaking 0.08 second. The camera also allows you to shoot bursts up to 8 frames per second with working autofocus. The X-Trans II sensor minimizes moiré and color distortion with an original color filter with high pixel irregularity. This eliminated the optical low-pass filter (OLPF), which leads to loss of detail.

Processes the picture the same as in the X-E2 and X100S - EXR Processor II. The Optimal Light Modulation (LMO) system for interchangeable lens cameras further enhances image quality. This technology, which takes into account the optical characteristics of individual lenses, was made possible by the joint development of the lens, sensor and processor. The company talks about improvements that make the X-T1 the fastest camera in the series: the processor allows the camera to go to the shooting position in 0.5 seconds, the shutter is released in 0.05 seconds and the interval between shots is 0.5 seconds. In this case, the minimum shutter speed is limited to 1/4000, and the flash operation to 1/180.

Other new features are as follows: a Wi-Fi wireless adapter, a stereo microphone, USB 2.0 and HDMI interfaces, support for recording video with a resolution of 1920x1080 (30p, 60p) or 1280x720 (30p, 60p) pixels. The free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app and the wireless function allow you to shoot remotely using smartphones and tablets. The device weighs 440 g, dimensions - 129x90x47 mm.

Specifications Fujifilm X-T1

• High quality one-piece magnesium alloy body
• Weather seal and frost resistance
• Logical design and intuitive operation
• Excellent electronic viewfinder with minimal lag (except continuous shooting)
• tilt display
• Good screen visibility even in bright light or direct sunlight
• Superior image quality
• Wide sensitivity range
• Best-in-class ISO performance, with low noise levels
• Improved de-mosaicing when shooting small and high-contrast subjects
• High shade accuracy
• Very good dynamic range in RAW files
• Film Simulation Mode
• Separate light and dark settings
• Very fast autofocus (although tracking focus is not at the level of top-end DSLRs)
• High burst shooting speed up to 8 fps
• Good buffer depth
• Very good kit lens
• Decent battery life (350 shots per charge)
• Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to easily send photos to the Internet and has a good range for remote control
• Support for fast memory cards (UHS-II), high responsiveness of the camera; lightning fast playback.

Flaws:

• It's easy to accidentally hit the exposure compensation dial
• The buttons on the 4-way navipad are too small and slightly "recessed"
• Viewfinder lags significantly during continuous shooting
• The viewfinder eyecup is small and does not block out unwanted light well enough (although an optional eyecup is available)
• Continuous autofocus is not quite on par with the best DSLRs in terms of tracking accuracy
• Slightly muted default color
• Very limited dynamic range in JPEG with default settings
• In some cases, the color rendering is lower than its predecessor
• RAW files are not supported above ISO 6400
• Warm white balance indoors in Auto and Incandescent mode
• Saturation (Color) setting has little effect except for red
• Panorama function does not handle moving objects
• Interface for Wi-Fi remote control is not convenient and not logical
• The geotagging feature relies on the mobile phone and is not the most user-friendly.

Almost everything about the design of the X-T1 system camera suggests that this is a "high-quality photographic device." It does not look like a modern plastic camera. You will love holding it in your hands, you will want to take photos with it and just own it. But perhaps the biggest selling point for the Fuji X-T1 is its incredibly low latency viewfinder compared to most electronic viewfinders. You will feel in the same plane with the subject, as it should be with a high-quality camera.

But that doesn't mean the Fuji X-T1 is perfect. It's great for framing in single shots, but the viewfinder lags far behind in bursts at high speeds. It gives the impression that it is showing a slideshow of just taken photos, and not showing a real live picture. This is a bit confusing and makes framing difficult. Tracking autofocus does not respond quite as quickly and accurately as in high-end DSLRs. There are also a few quirks in the physical controls: it's too easy to hit the exposure compensation dial, and the tiny four-way joystick buttons are small and slightly recessed, making them hard to press with your thumb.

Nevertheless, communicating with this camera you will enjoy and really high-quality photos. And last but not least, the X-T1 is less bulky than a DSLR, so you're more likely to have it with you when you need to take the shot most.

The Fujifilm X-T1 system camera is waterproof and frost-resistant. But in order to shoot with it in the cold and in the rain, you will have to take care of the same protected lens. In July 2014, the first dust- and waterproof X-series lens (Fujinon XF 18-135 mm) appeared on the market, and the manufacturer plans to release several more protected lenses in the near future.

Formally, the Fujifilm X-T1 is ranked below the flagship X-Pro1, which boasts an original hybrid viewfinder. However, the flagship processor is much weaker, burst shooting is slower, and when recording Full HD video, only 24p mode is supported, and besides, it does not have the now popular built-in Wi-Fi module. In general, it's time for the flagship to retire - it has been presented for a long time and has already become outdated.

The Fujifilm X-T1 has a new, much more powerful processor, a new matrix, a continuous shooting speed of 8 frames / s versus 6 for the flagship, 1080 / 60p video recording is supported, and there is a Wi-Fi module with wide functionality. The body of the camera is protected from moisture and dust ingress. The viewfinder, of course, is not as innovative as in the X-Pro1, but also quite good - an OLED matrix with a resolution of 2,360 thousand dots, that is, no worse than that of Sony's competitors.

⇡ Specifications declared by the manufacturer

⇡ Scope of delivery and additional options

Unfortunately, a trial sample for the press was provided for testing, the kit of which included only a battery, a charger, a standard lens and plugs for a hot shoe and a battery pack connector. According to the manufacturer's website, a complete boxed sample includes the following: NP-W126 lithium-ion battery, BC-W126 charger, EF-X8 external flash, shoulder strap, software disc (Viewer, Raw File Converter), and covers for bayonet, hot shoe, battery grip connector and sync contact.

As options, two vertical handles are available, one of them with the possibility of installing an additional autonomous power supply, a retro-style leather case, as well as an external microphone, an adapter for threaded lenses, three flashes - with a guide number of 20 for younger solutions and 42 for senior. In general, there are traditionally few options. But the lenses in the company's model range are no longer so few, and everything is as good as a selection.

⇡ Appearance and usability

Externally, the Fujifilm X-T1 looks more like a classic DSLR than a rangefinder, with which most mirrorless cameras have an external resemblance. Closest in design to it are the Olympus OM-D family cameras. More specifically, the appearance of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 also uses retro motives and it also looks like a DSLR, and in addition to this, it is also protected from moisture, like the tested camera. In general, he is one of the main competitors of the X-T1.

The body of the Fujifilm X-T1 is cast from magnesium alloy for high strength. In addition, the camera is protected from moisture and dust ingress into the housing. According to the manufacturer, 80 sealing elements were used for this.

The handle on the front, which makes it easier to operate the camera, is much smaller than that of the main competitor, however, holding the camera with the complete zoom lens is quite easy. And it is quite convenient to work with all the controls, of which there are many. The only exceptions are the two-story dial for selecting the sensitivity level and drive mode, as well as the focus mode selection lever, for which you have to use your second hand. However, this should not be taken as a drawback, because thanks to the presence of a sensitivity control dial, the efficiency of work is higher than in the case of using a hot key and control dials, and you don’t have to follow the value on the screen.

There are quite a few different functional elements on the front side, but this does not make it seem overloaded. In addition to the mount, there is an autofocus assist lamp, a front command dial, a programmable function key, a focus mode selector, and a synchronization port, which is extremely rare in mirrorless cameras.

There are also quite a lot of controls from the rear. Most of the surface is occupied by a tilted display, above which is the viewfinder, as well as the delete and view mode keys. To the right are the rear control dial, separate AE and AF lock buttons, the Focus Assist key, buttons for calling the quick menu and changing the display display mode (it is also return one level back in the menu), as well as four programmable navigation keys, which are combined into a schematic ring and supplemented with a button to enter the menu / enter in the center.

The upper part of the Fujifilm X-T1 body is replete with a variety of functional elements, which is why an unprepared user's eyes run wide at first. However, even the same unprepared user does not need to get used to it for a long time, because all the controls are very convenient to use. In the center, on a small pedestal, reminiscent of DSLRs, is a “hot shoe”. To the left is a diopter correction dial, as well as a two-story dial for selecting the drive mode and sensitivity, and to turn the latter, you must press the lock key in the center.

To the right are the key for switching between the viewfinder and the display, the shutter speed dial, supplemented by the metering mode selection lever, the exposure compensation dial, the shutter button with the power lever, as well as the function programmable key (by default, responsible for switching to wireless control mode) and the video record button. It is worth noting here that the release key has lost the ability to install a mechanical release cable. Of course, there is no urgent need for it, especially in light of the support for wireless control using a smartphone, but because of this, the Fujifilm X-T1 loses some of the charm of old film cameras. But the possibility of using a cable release in cameras of the Fujifilm lineup is found not only in expensive cameras made in retro style, but also in quite ordinary ultrazooms. All in all, it was possible to leave this "chip" at least as a tribute to tradition.

Below, in addition to the usual battery compartment and tripod connector, there is a port for connecting a battery grip, hidden by a rubber plug.

On the left side surface, under the rubber door, there are connectors for connecting USB and HDMI cables, as well as a combined connector for connecting a microphone or a wired remote control. On the right, under the plastic door, there is a slot for installing a memory card, which in the case of mirrorless cameras is usually found only in the most expensive devices.