7 Reasons why I prefer the Dƒ over the X-T1 …

X-T1 with XF50-140/2.8WR and Dƒ with 70-200/2.8VRII and ONA Bowery bag

X-T1 with XF50-140/2.8WR and Dƒ with 70-200/2.8VRII

In March 2014 , I had to choose between the Fuji X-T1 and the Nikon Df to add to my Gear. You can check my gear HERE.

Before the launch of the Df I was planning to downgrade my Nikon system and replace it gradually by the Fuji system. But when the Df was introduced, my plan was set to ground zero. I am a Nikon user since the late nineties (F70 and F90X, D70, D200, D300s, D700, D3s, D800E, Dƒ) and invested a lot in the F system. At one point I had a D700 as my main camera. I replaced it later with D3s and D800E …. But both Nikons stayed on the shelf while I was enjoying my ex Leica M8 and the Fuji X-Pro1. At one point the X-Pro1 was my main cam … And that’s for about 18 months. Until the launch of the XT and Df. So I had to choose between the 2 for an upgrade. I wouldn’t go wrong in choosing any of the 2 cameras….

I ended up choosing the Df for the following reasons :

1. AF on The Df is more reliable although it has the most primitive Nikon AF system ; I wish it had the more advanced system of the D800E
2. Nikon system is more complete and mature especially concerning the wireless flash system – well, now Fuji seems to prepare a similar one –
3. ISO capabilities of the Df are unbeatable especially when shooting RAW. and I always shoot RAW.
4. the size of the Df is more comfortable in my “big” hands. Although I wished it was lighter.
5. I already invested a lot in the F system … I even converted my beloved D200 to Infrared.
6. It’s a Full Frame Camera after all
7. It has one of the best – if not the best- sensors in the world : D4 sensor

Nikon is still playing it right

Nikon approach was to introduce a 1″ sensor mirrorless system in 2011 along their DSLR lineup. Today I believe they did the right choice : both systems are very reliable and complementary. The N1 system is a very compact system (especially the lenses) and one of the most responsive ones in the market today. Well you may say that a 1″ sensor is very small compared to the competition : M43, XF and E systems. This is where the Nikon F system comes.
After trying too many systems  in the last couple of years I can say that no system is complete : Nikon F is not compact ( although it’s becoming more compact than before , especially when we see that Nikon is able to make a 300/4 for 750g only ). Fuji X produces astonishing IQ but has some electronic quirks and flaws and AF restrictions (even the X-T1 AF with 56/1.2 hunts in low contrast areas) . Sony E Is very compact but lacks good quality glass. Nikon N1 is very responsive but has a smaller sensor and lacks some fast lenses (although I love the 32/1.2) …. etc…

HERE  is why I love the Nikon 1 system

You can read my Df review HERE and my XT review HERE. and the comparison samples HERE.

Will I go back to Fuj one day ?

I still believe that the X system is the best Mirrorless non FF system around today; better than M43 and E systems.
I think Fuji needs at least 2 more generations to truly compete with the features of a DSLR , that is if they will be able to fully compete.
For a compact system , and when I want to go light , I usually use my Leica M or Nikon 1 system , for different purposes of course.
My eye is Still on the upcoming XPro 2 though. And HERE is what I wish for in the XPro2. One day , my 2 main systems might be Leica M and Fuji X …. 🙂

Coming Soon : 7 Reasons Why I prefer the X-T1 over the Dƒ