Camera review
25
Often the continuous shooting rate of a mirrorless camera when combined with autofocus is relatively limited, or the performance is poor, but the X-T1 makes big claims about its ability in this area. We tried it to see how well the X-T1 could follow moving traffic, and found that the hit Continuous AF and drive
rate in terms of pin-sharp frames was about 70%. Except for the odd few images that were completely off, the rest were pretty close. Although it still wouldn’t be my first choice of camera for fast-moving action, it’s a pretty impressive performance for a mirrorless camera when shooting at this speed.
The verdict
Contrast, shadow and highlight
The X-T1 is a demonstration of just how far mirrorless cameras have come and how close they are to seriously challenging DSLRs. With the APS-C sized sensor, X-Trans technology and Fujinon lens range, image quality from the X-series has always been on a par with DSLRs. But in the X-T1, the quality of the viewfinder, the focusing speed, the top shooting rate and the controls raise it to another level and bring it extremely close to a DSLR experience. Fujifilm says that the X-T1 doesn’t oust the X-Pro1 from the top of the X-series tree, and the X-Pro1 will continue alongside its new sibling. But there’s no denying the X-T1 beats it in every way, and for existing X-Pro1 users, it may be time for an upgrade. This camera should be at the top of your shopping list if you’re new to the mirrorless market. It seriously challenges the only professionally targeted mirrorless camera out there, the Olympus OM-D E-M1: focusing speed of the Fujifilm isn’t far behind, and it has the advantage of an APS-C sensor along with a price that’s lower by £250. It’s smaller and lighter too, which after all are the main benefits of a CSC. If mirrorless hasn’t been your thing up until now, the X-T1 could be the camera that changes your mind.
DR AUTO
DR 100%
DR 200%
DR 400%
FUJIFILMX-T1
24/25
FEATURES
Fully loaded, viewfinder is the highlight HANDLING
24/25
A delightful experience to use it PERFORMANCE Excellent in almost every way VALUE FOR MONEY
H-2 S-2
H-2 S+2
H+2 S-2
H+2 S+2
23/25
the highlights and shadows independently, with settings for each ranging from -2 to +2 in steps of 1. Somewhat confusingly, the plus and minus don’t indicate lightening and darkening, rather intensifying and diluting. Plus brightens highlights and darkens shadows, minus does the opposite. This has a more dramatic effect than Dynamic Range, and allows you to fine-tune overall contrast; the effect is seen in the viewfinder or LCD before taking the shot. This can equally be used to add contrast to a flat scene, or control contrast in any other scene.
When shooting high-contrast scenes, you can use two X-T1 features to control the shadows and highlights in JPEG files. The first is Dynamic Range, which can be set to Auto, 100, 200 or 400%, depending on what ISO you’re using; 200% and 400% only become available at ISO 400 and 800 respectively. The effect of this is subtle, and in our test shots mainly pulled in the highlights rather than lifting the shadows. The second option is to use the Highlight and Shadow Tone controls, accessible via the quick menu. These can be used to lighten or darken
23/25
A lot for your money in the mirrorless market
OVERALL
94/100
A seriously nice camera with performance to match
PROS Handling, size, viewfinder, image quality CONS Focusing failed on rare occasions
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