Why I Switched From Canon to FujiFilm Cameras

Do I Regret That I switched From Canon to FujiFilm Cameras? – No

Right now, my camera bag carries two FujiFilm cameras; X-H1 & X-T2. From where did it come from, the switch? It was Greenland. I had the opportunity to switch one of my Canon cameras to a FujiFilm X-T1 in my bag. FujiFilm Switzerland lent me their new camera at that time, the FujiFilm XT-1 and 3 lenses; XF 16-55mm/2.8 / 50-140mm/2.8 / 10-24mm/4.0. Wow, my bag was surprisingly a few kgs lighter, what a bliss. I got to spend some time learning the camera and using it to capture iceberg photographs.

After FujiFilm brought the follower model, the FujiFilm X-T2, I sold all my Canon gear, even that I was a CPS member. I switched from Canon to FujiFilm cameras for good. Well, for quite some reasons you can read below. As a professional landscape and wildlife photographer, I need my cameras to take high-quality photographs. Undoubtedly, as well as being weather-sealed, robust, light-weighted for traveling also for quite some other reasons. My bag carries now solely FujiFilm cameras, of course, all my filters I used as well with my Canon gear before.

Why I switched to FujiFilm Mirrorless Cameras

As a nature photographer, I need my camera gear to take high-quality photographs. They need to be weather-sealed, robust, and a few more things I am asking for. The FujiFilm cameras I use right now are X-H1 & X-T2. These have nearly all the features I need for my nature photography, for my photo prints. The 24 MP sensor, gives me high image quality, provides impressive details in the photographs, in Jpeg and RAW files. The FujiFilm lenses give me more freedom for the compositions of my wildlife and landscape photographs.

  • Weight and size.
  • You can customize your display.
  • EVF shows you an electronic level, histogram, highlights while taking photos.
  • EVF shows you a very close final photograph.
  • Solid weather sealing.
  • More AF points and focuses on AF performance.
  • Excellent Image Quality for both Jpeg and RAW.
  • The camera takes 14 frames per second, for the birders some fun.
  • Wifi and Bluetooth inbuilt, no extra costs were involved for new filters or any other gear.

LCD Camera Monitor Settings

Switched From Canon Cameras to FujiFilm, FujiFilm X-H1 LCD Monitor showing camera settings on screen, same you see when you look the viewfinder

FujiFilm X-H1 LCD Monitor Camera Settings I have right now. These settings I see as well while taking pictures through the viewfinder. The green line going from the right to the left is the electronic level. When you hold the camera in level, the line changes its color to green! All this is also viewable through the viewfinder, well actually even more. I just did not set up all, only what I need.

Switched From Canon Cameras to FujiFilm, the FujiFilm X-H1 LCD Monitor showing it's Focus Frame on the rear display, also be viewable through viewfinder

The Focus Frame/focus point display of the Fuji XH1 looks the same as in the X-T2. You have a single point, zone, and extensive tracking. With each selection, the square gets bigger. The white squares are your selection points. When I compare that to my old Canon cameras, I prefer the Fuji XH1. Yes, the mirrorless also has a back focus button, which you can assign to a button of your choice, of course.

Menu and Features

Undoubtedly, the menu and features of the cameras are easy to use. The histogram in the viewfinder, highlights, and the auto-horizon level are helpful with every composition and setting of a photograph. FujiFilm’s EVF is big, nearly all the changes I make in the camera settings show in the viewfinder. The EVF of these mirrorless cameras will show you a very close final photograph. Well, a DSLR cannot!

You program your EVF to show level, histogram, highlights, exposure compensation, ISO, aperture, and shutter settings. Indeed, you can set just all up to see in your viewfinder what you need or want. Compared to a DSLR, which you cannot see all in the viewfinder. Like showing the level while taking photos. Or it shows the histogram while pushing the shutter release. Why can’t a DSLR do this? Simple, it has a mirror! Oh well. I know Canon and Nikon have the level inbuilt, but you do not see it while taking pictures! That is an excellent add-on when hand-holding your camera.

When I switched from Canon to FujiFilm cameras, I was also able to keep using all my landscape photography gear; filters, filter holders. That saved me quite a sum of money by not having to buy any extras, what I have owned already.

One thing that I dislike is; I cannot download my menu settings to the memory card further to my PC. That is something that I would love to have. Can I live without it? Of course, but it would be nice to have. It saves me the time to set up two menus and whatever comes along my way with settings, of course.

From Canon to FujiFilm Mirrorless Cameras

Swop to Lightweight Gear

As a traveling landscape and wildlife photographer, the weight of my camera bag matters, especially when flying to different countries. Carrying a heavyweight camera bag through the knee-deep snow in Greenland or the jungles of Asia or Peru! Who wouldn’t like to avoid that? With the 2 FujiFilm X-T2 and lenses, I was able to complete the 4-day hike of the original Machu Picchu Inca Trail without any problems. Millions of steps to climb up and down (I accelerate with the step number!), it was fine, as I had not to heavy gear in my bag.

Even Getting to My Destinations By Airlines Have Became Difficult

Airlines claimed my camera bag was too heavy to be a carry-on at the check-in counter. Canon cameras were in my camera bag! The airlines started to ask for overweight payments for the equipment, and my camera bag would still end up in the belly of the aircraft! I didn’t like that option at all. Who does? Yes, some individual protective cases help you with such further, but why buy protective cases for bulky gear. It can be quite a never-ending story with purchasing. By now, I can put my camera bag on the weight scale without worrying about getting into any discussion for “overweight” at a check-in counter.

Firmware Upgrades and Extra Purchases

Many camera manufacturers make certain features available only by buying upgrade models and extras. They also make users “buy firmware upgrades,” which is, in some cases, an upgrade to the follower model. Fujifilm releases firmware upgrades more often than other camera companies and makes them available for their customers right away. The company has continued to do so even after releasing new camera models in an ordinary matter. What I have noticed, they indeed listen to their customers very well!

FujiFilm releases extra gear, such as lenses, at a price that is affordable and reasonable. Canon and other companies make their extra gear quite expensive. To get the technology you need or want, you have to spend more money. Aren’t our wallets the closest to us? Indeed. With FujiFilm, even an upgrade to a new camera body is now very affordable for us photographers!

The new Fuji XH1 is an incredible camera that a sports or wildlife photographer would enjoy capturing photographs. Also for landscape photography, this camera is optimal.

The next question comes up: What has the new Fuji XH1 camera to offer?
Also, some excellent points for using a RAID as a wildlife and landscape photographer. Read more posts about testing camera gear or gadets for nature photography.

Additional Information

All my photographs I sell via my online store photo galleries as photographic prints and stock photographs for website use, editorial for magazines, books, and more.

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