The Fujifilm X-T1 is still a professional grade, mirrorless camera with a retro design that feels very much like an older, film camera. Even though it’s now several years old, it still competes with today’s cameras with it’s beautiful styling and fabulous sensor.
When Fujifilm released the XT1 in 2014, it was brought out to compete with DSLR cameras, but offering a much smaller footprint and lower cost. But, the image quality from the Fujifilm X-Trans 2 sensor was amazing, and so for many people, including myself, it was the first time we could realistically consider leaving our heavy DSLR cameras behind and choose to buy a Fujifilm X-T1 for our professional workflow. The Fujifilm X-T1 is like a miniature version of a DSLR.
It was the camera that looked like DSLRs that we’d all been shooting with already, so there was something familiar with it from the beginning. I had been shooting with the Canon 5D models and the Fujifilm was similar to a mini canon, and yet it looked really retro and very much like the film cameras I grew up using, with the beautifully machined dials for ISO, and shutter speed. It was the first I’d changed the aperture on the lens for a long time, and it was refreshingly fun.
I remember shooting with the Fujifilm X-T1 for the first time and being utterly astounded at the quality of the sharpness of the image. It competed with my Canon 5D 3 and every department that mattered, and so I quickly bought more Fujifilm lenses and adopted the system for my professional work.
Looking back, it was the landmark camera that changed everything. I’ve taken all kinds of professional shots with the Fujifilm X-T1, from food photography, product photography, landscape photography, interior photography, portraits, events and everything in between. It’s versatile and a joy to use.
I remember using it to photograph whiskey bottles in Iceland, literally on the ice bergs and I was amazed at how well it drew in the available light, as well as captured the detail of the bottle.
If you are looking at getting into professional photography and you feel like the level of your photography is ready for a wider paying clientele then you could get into the photography business with the Fujifilm X-T1, which would save you a lot of money.
It’s just crazy how cheap these cameras are today, now that they’ve been replaced by multiple models along the X-T range. It may now have the AF speed of the X-T4, or IBIS (stabilisation) but that doesn’t matter. We’ve been shooting with cameras without these improvements for generations and we managed just fine.
The RAW files on this camera are wonderful, and easily manipulated to achieve great results. The Fujifilm X-Trans 2 sensor was arguably one of the best sensors of it’s time for APSC cameras. The colours were very filmic and full of texture. I loved the images from this camera.
The X-trans 2 sensor and the great lenses Fujifilm made produced very sharp images too. I still use many of these images on my website today for paying clients. Many people would overlook this camera due to its age, but don’t be fooled, it’s still a class act that would serve you well.
These days, camera manufacturers are moving ahead with new gear so quickly that it’s really difficult to keep up with them. Costs are skyrocketing and for many people, new cameras are nearly out of reach. In steps the Fujifilm X-T1. It’s got everything you need to take amazing, professional quality images for a fraction of the price. The Fujifilm X-T1 is very well built and feels very solid in construction. I used it in all kinds of weather and it never gave me any problems.
