My shift from Nikon to Fujifilm

I have been a Nikon user for since 2011 so after over ten years of using a DSLR, camera usage had become second nature to me. Adjusting the settings for different scenes had become almost instinctual. However, technology advances rapidly and after almost twelve years, it was time to upgrade my camera.

I had a few criteria in mind for my next camera:

1. Tilting screen for low level and high level shooting

2. Smaller and lighter camera so that it can be taken with me all the time.

3. Occasional video shooting requirements needs to be fulfilled.

As an engineer, research is often long and extensive, lasting months. I have been a loyal Nikon user with multiple full-frame lenses (20-70mm F/2.8, 70-200mm F/2.8, and 50mm F/1.8). Though my camera body was APS-C (Nikon D7000), I chose full-frame lenses to ensure they could be used when I eventually upgraded to full-frame. Unfortunately, Nikon replaced the mount on their mirrorless cameras, requiring an expensive adapter to use these lenses. Coupled with the weight of my existing lenses led me to explore other brand options. Sony was the most recommended option, followed by Canon. However, after trying both at stores, I found issues with ergonomics and complicated menus in Sony, and the placement of dials was not intuitive in Canon (coming from Nikon). These issues led me to consider Fujifilm. After reading many reviews and watching numerous YouTube videos, I was impressed with their technology and also loved the retro look of their X-T series. As someone who started photography in film, the film simulations were also an interesting point.

Despite no one in my photography circle shooting with Fujifilm (mostly Nikon and Canon), I decided to give the new generation of Fujifilm cameras a try. One weekend, I visited a nearby camera store and tried the X-T4, which was on display. I was instantly attracted to the look and feel of the camera. The command dials were almost similar to Nikon and physical exposure dials meant that I wouldn't miss the LCD display on my Nikon as all the settings were directly visible. Unfortunately, I couldn't try shooting with it as the battery in the unit was completely depleted. The price of the camera was also high, even though the X-T5 was already released. Since I was changing brands, I had to budget for new lenses as well, so the price was too high for a full transfer. My mind wasn't able to justify spending this much money, especially since I needed to get all new lenses as well.

During this dilemma, I noticed an unused open box X-T3 with its kit lens (18-55mm F/2.8-4) for a great price (more than 50% less than the X-T4 with the same kit lens). As the price was almost the same as the Nikon Z50 with a kit lens, I had to do another detailed comparison between the two. The X-T3 was a better choice due to its higher resolution sensor, higher resolution and magnification EVF, more autofocus points, higher speed mechanical shutter, better video resolution, and dual card slots. So, I finally purchased the X-T3 with its kit lens. To my surprise, the item was brand new with zero shutter count, and the lens packaging wasn't even opened.

Basically, I bought into a camera system without trying any of their cameras in operation. My decision was purely based on online reviews, YouTube videos, and discussion forums. The camera system I chose ticked all the criteria I had, and the bargain price almost made it an impulse buy. As a result, I became a Fujifilm shooter but since the entry price was comparatively low I still have all my Nikon gear with me.

Firstly, it was quite straightforward to replicate my Nikon shooting settings with the command dials on the Fujifilm. Secondly, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) was a real revelation - a game changer, to be precise. I will be writing two separate articles on these topics, so keep checking...