Overview and features
The Fujifilm X-T1 is a compact system camera, but unlike models such as the Fuji X-E2 and Fuji X-Pro1, it has an SLR-like design. In essence this means that the electronic viewfinder (EVF) has moved to a central position in the top-plate. However, this new location allows the viewfinder to be bigger than those in the company’s rangefinder-style cameras.
Knowing when it’s on to a good thing, Fuji has stuck with the X-series’ traditional design principles for the X-T1 and its host of direct control dials mean it looks rather like the Nikon Df.
Fuji has also made the camera weatherproof and given it a tilting LCD screen.
Features
The vast majority of the X-T1’s specification is the same as the Fuji X-E2’s. This means that it has the APS-C format 16.3-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II (also seen in the Fuji X100S).
Despite using the same processor as the X-E2 and X100s, the X-T1 is compatible with UHS-II SD format cards and can shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 8fps (frames per second) for up to 47 Fine JPEG files or 23 simultaneous raw and JPEG files. Rather than stopping after the buffer becomes full, the X-T1 can still continue to shoot at 3fps until the card fills up.
Slower SD cards are also compatible.
Like the X-E2, the X-T1’s start-up time is 0.5 seconds and it has a shutter lag of 0.05 seconds. However, the 2.36-million-dot EVF has a refresh rate of 54fps in normal and low light conditions and it has a claimed response time of 0.005Sec for a smoother view of moving subjects. This compares favourably with the X-E2 and Olympus E-M1, which Fuji claims have response time of 0.05 and 0.029sec respectively.
Although the X-T1’s viewfinder has the same dot-count as the X-E2’s, it is bigger and has a magnification factor of 0.77x – according to Fuji the highest of any digital camera. This makes it possible for a dual image to be shown to help with manual focusing. The whole image can be displayed on the left in the finder while a magnified section on the right shows Fuji’s Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image view.
Like the X-E2, the X-T1 has a three-inch 1,040,000-dot screen, but it is mounted on a tilting bracket for easier viewing when shooting landscape orientation images from high or low angles. This screen can also display the split image view mentioned above.
The LCD has a tempered glass cover for additional outdoor protection.
Fuji has included its Lens Modulation Optimiser technology in the X-T1 and this tailors the processing of each image depending upon the specific lens, focal length and aperture used. This corrects diffraction blur for sharper images from edge to edge, and it’s compatible with Fuji’s whole XF lens line-up.
One of the key benefits introduced with the X-Trans CMOS II sensor is its dedicated phase detection pixels that are used by the camera’s hybrid autofocus (AF) system. Consequently, the X-T1 can use either contrast or phase detection depending upon situation – it makes the selection.
When the X-E2 was launched Fuji claimed that at 0.08sec it had the world’s fastest phase detection autofocus speed of amongst digital cameras with a 4/3-inch or larger sensor. This honour is now shared with the X-T1.
The X-E2’s AF system improved dramatically upon the X-E1‘s and the X-T1 has the same technology, including the ability to select points around the frame when shooting in a continuous AF mode – something not possible in the first X-series CSCs.
Like most new cameras, the X-T1 has Wi-Fi connectivity built-in. In addition, there’s a new Fujifilm Camera Remote app for iOS and Android devices that allows the camera to be controlled remotely by a smartphone.
Other specification highlights include a native sensitivity range of ISO 200-6400, with JPEG only expansion settings taking it to ISO 100-25,600; full HD movie recording at 60 and 30fps and the usual collection of Fuji Film Simulation modes and Advanced Filter options.
In addition, an external microphone may be connected for better sound recording during video, but the X-T1 has a 2.5mm port rather than the standard 3.5mm port.
Build and handling
Whereas the Fuji X-Pro 1 and X-E2 have a rectangular rangefinder-like shape, X-T1 has traditional SLR-like styling. Instead of the flat top, there’s a pronounced hump where the EVF sits and the fingergrip is more prominent and rounded.
Another key difference is that the X-T1 has more direct control dials on its top-plate than the X-E2, more about these later.
Fuji has used cast magnesium alloy for the X-T1’s bodyshell, and this gives it a solid feel. In addition, there are 80 seals to keep out dust and moisture to make the camera weatherproof when a weatherproof lens.
Fuji is set to launch three weather-resistant zoom lenses to complement the X-T1 during 2014. These are the XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R OIS WR, XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R OIS WR and the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R OIS WR. The XF 18-135mm is expected to go on sale in June.
The X-T1’s rugged credentials are further boosted by the tempered glass over its LCD and its ability to function in temperatures as low as -10ºC, the same as the Olympus OM-D E-M1.
This durable build should give the camera extra appeal to landscape photographers who like to go out in all conditions. These users may also appreciate that Fuji has produced an optional battery-grip (Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT1) for the X-T1 that is also weatherproof. This takes one battery and there’s no need to remove the camera battery or remove the battery-bay cover to connect it.
The fingergrip and thumbrest on the back of the X-T1 have a textured rubber-like coating which has a high quality feel and gives great purchase, so the camera feels very comfortable and secure in your hand.
A preference for a rangefinder- or SLR-style design is personal, but some would argue that the fatter grip and more squat shape of the X-T1 makes it better suited for use with longer lenses. According to Fuji UK, we can expect the company to introduce more telephoto optics in the not too distant future to support the X-E2 and X-T1’s improved suitability for sport and action photography.
I’m looking forward to using a full production sample of the X-T1 outside and testing the viewfinder with a moving subject. The device in the pre-production camera I used at Fuji’s UK headquarters provided a very clear view and had no sign of texture, but gave a slight boost to contrast. Significantly, there was no sign of lag or juddering as I moved the camera around and took shots.
Helpfully, the exposure information and shooting data displayed around the image in the EVF rotates to remain readable when the camera is turned for shooting upright images. It’s a simple thing, but very helpful.
If you prefer, however, the information display can be turned off so the image fills the screen. Alternatively, there’s the dual view which enables Fuji’s Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image to be seen on the right of the screen when focusing manually. This works well making it clear which areas are sharp while allowing the full scene to be seen on the left of the EVF.
Having a tilting screen is useful when shooting landscape format images from low or high angles – or even when shooting a table-top still life. It’s not quite as versatile as a vari-angle or fully articulating screen, as it offers no benefit for upright images, but it’s much better than a fixed screen.
Thanks to its 1.04 million dots the X-T1’s three-inch screen gives a nice clear view when reviewing or composing images. It doesn’t appear to suffer excessively from reflections, but I need to use it in bright sunlight outdoors before I can be certain.
As we would expect with a camera in Fuji’s X-series, the X-T1 has traditional-style exposure controls and the top-plate has dials aplenty. On the left as you hold the camera for use, there’s a sensitivity dial that runs from L1 to H2 with numerical settings labelled from 200-6400, plus an A for automatic option. There are marks for the 1/3-stop points between the whole stops.
While L1 equates to ISO 100, H1 and H2 can be set via the menu to ISO 12,800, 25,600 or 51,200 – I believe these to be JPEG only options, but this needs to be clarified.
A lock button at the centre of the sensitivity dial must be pressed before it can be rotated to prevent accident changes to the exposure settings.
Underneath the sensitivity dial, a second dial allows the drive mode to be selected. As well as single and continuous (high and low) shooting this give access to the bracketing, self-timer and Advanced Filter options plus Motion panorama mode.
This dial doesn’t have a lock, but it is quite stiff to operate and it seems unlikely to be knocked out of position. I want to use it more before I decide if it’s too stiff.
There are two chunky dials on the right of the camera’s top-plate. Nearest to the EVF is the shutter speed dial. Like the sensitivity dial this has a central lock button, but it only comes into play when the dial is rotated to A for Automatic. The dial can be rotated unfettered between the numeric values (1-1/4000sec with whole stop-markings but 1/3stop settings) and T (Time) and B (Bulb) settings.
Another dial under the Shutter speed dial allows the photometry (metering) mode (multi, spot and centre-weighted average) to be selected. This is similar to the drive mode dial under the sensitivity control and seems unlikely to be knocked out of position despite the lack of a lock.
Towards the far right end of the top-plate, within easy reach of the thumb, is the exposure compensation dial. This has settings running from -3 to +3EV. Again, this has no lock, but seems designed to stay in position.
Like Fuji’s other X-series cameras pressing the Q button on the back of the X-T1 activates the Quick Menu. This provides a speedy route to key features such as the Film Simulation and white balance modes. You simply navigate to the option you want and then use the rear command dial to adjust the setting. It’s quick and easy.
Naturally, this is backed up by a full menu which has the usual Fuji X-series design and is fairly straightforward.
Although it’s not NFC enabled, after initial set-up, the Wi-Fi system of the pre-production sample X-T1 I used quickly connected with an Android smartphone. Fuji’s new Camera Remote app (also available for iOS devices) can be used to adjust a pretty extensive array of camera settings including shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, sensitivity, Film Simulation mode, white balance and Macro (closer focusing) as well as the flash and self-timer options. The AF point is set with a tap of a finger on the phone’s screen.
Once the app is in control of the camera, the dials are over-ridden. It’s also possible to switch the camera to shooting video via the phone.
After shooting using the remote control app, the images on the card in the camera are displayed on the phone’s screen ready for selection and download as required. From here they can be shared as if they were an image from the phone.
Performance and early verdict
As it has the same sensor and processing engine as the relatively recently announced X-E2 we can reasonably expect the X-T1 to produce very similar images. Naturally, we will still test the new camera fully when we get a full production sample. It’s possible that more than just the continuous shooting speed has changed with a tweak to an algorithm.
When I tested the X-E2 I found that some out of focus areas in JPEG images have a watercolour-like appearance when inspected at 100%. This appears to be caused by the camera attempting to sharpen areas that should not be sharp. Happily, the images generally look very good at normal viewing sizes, but it could limit print sizes and the extent of cropping. We will check the results from the X-T1 carefully to see if it has the same issue.
Fortunately, simultaneously-captured raw files don’t suffer from the same problem.
The X-E2 controls noise very well throughout its native sensitivity range: ISO 200-6400. I expect the X-T1 to be the same, with little coloured speckling being visible.
As nothing has changed with Fuji’s automatic white balance system we can anticipate natural-looking colours from the X-T1 in a range of lighting conditions. However, the Fine Weather setting is likely to be a better choice in overcast and shaded conditions.
Fuji is very proud of its Film Simulation modes which replicate the look of some of its most popular film emulsions. As a rule I find that the standard Provia mode is a good choice, but Velvia is useful for boosting colors.
I particularly like the results in BW mode when the contrast is boosted via the Highlight and Shadow tone control and I’m looking forward to using it on the X-T1.
While JPEG images from the X-E2 look great in most situations and have a nice level of contrast, they also have a fairly low dynamic range and this can lead to burned out highlights in high contrast lighting. As the X-E2 and X-T1 are most likely to appeal to experienced photographers who like to take full control over their images and shoot raw files, this is unlikely to be a major issue. However, it’s important to bear it mind when reviewing an image to assess exposure and we’ll investigate the X-T1’s dynamic range fully when we get one in for testing.
The AF system in the pre-production sample that I used wasn’t functioning correctly, but it should perform as well as the X-E2’s system. While this pretty quick and capable of getting a fast moving subject sharp, it’s not quite as fast as the systems in the Panasonic G6 or Olympus E-M1.
However, as Fuji has managed to improve the processing time of the X-T1 over that of the X-E2 it’s possible that the AF system has also been improved. I’m looking forward to finding out.
We’ve found in the past that Fuji’s X-series cameras have capable metering systems so that the exposure compensation dial is only required in the type of conditions that you’d reasonably expect to have to reach for it. Hopefully it will be the same with the X-T1.
Early verdict
Although it’s compact system camera and therefore has an electronic viewfinder, the Fuji X-T1 looks every bit as old-school as the Nikon Df. Fuji also has a little more experience of integrating such controls into a digital system than Nikon. First impressions after using a pre-production sample of the Fuji X-T1 indicate that it’s a little slicker in this respect than its considerably more expensive full-frame competition.
The new, larger, faster viewfinder on the X-T1 gives a very nice clear view and it looks very promising for use with moving subjects and developing action. The ability to see an enlarged section to one side of the whole scene could be very popular with manual focus fans – especially given that there’s Fuji’s Focus Peak Highlight and Digital Split Image view available.
Some photographers are still uncertain about moving to an electronic viewfinder, but they are improving all the time and the X-T1’s looks excellent. As well as allowing an enlarged view for manual focusing, EVFs have the benefit of showing the image as it will be captured with all camera settings taken into account. I’m looking forward to giving it a thorough test to see if it really can take the place of an optical viewfinder.
Some may be a little surprised that Fuji has effectively brought out two variants of the X-E2. The X-E2 with the rangefinder form and the X-T1 with an SLR-like shape and greater provision of control dials. However, the X-T1 is likely to have greater appeal for photographers that are more familiar with using SLRs and those who want plenty of direct control.
These users are unlikely to be put off by the lack of a touchscreen and the X-T1’s dials give them very quick way of checking and adjusting the exposure settings – especially when a lens with an aperture ring is mounted.
While some may be disappointed that the X-T1 only has one card slot, it is compatible with UHS-II SD format cards for faster writing times. According to Fuji UK, adding a second slot would have had a significant impact on the depth of the camera, and it was felt that users would prefer a slimmer profile. I think this is a fair point given the ready availability of large capacity cards these days. Although UHS-II cards are currently expensive, there price will drop during 2014 and the slot is backwards-compatible.
Although we will test the X-T1 thoroughly when we get a full production sample, as it has the same systems, processor and sensor as the X-E2 we anticipate it producing very similar, high-quality results.
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