MrSMW

Right, S5 is back on my radar as a very viable option for a multitude of reasons I will not bore you with, but having been an APSC (Fuji) user in regard to mirrorless only, I have a very specific question... Panny states they are bringing out a series of f1.8 lenses in the 'near future'. I am reading that as being by Spring 2021 latest, but we will wait and see in that regard. My specific question however is as follows: I am a hybrid shooter. I currently have one body set for video and another body set for stills. I would like at a flick of a switch to alternate between two identical bodies with different lenses. Ideally to keep my kit as compact as possible, I'd be looking at a pair of S5's for hybrid use and a single Sigma FP for static video duty. Ignore the FP though, it's not part of this question. I shoot 4k 50p for filming/video purposes and wish to continue with that so in the case of the S5, that means shooting APSC crop. No problem, I do that already and actually prefer it because it gives me tighter framing which for my needs is preferable. So I am getting to it now 😉 Let's say I purchased the 24mm f1.8, the 35mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8, at another flick of a switch, I could shoot these (stills) as either FF at those focal lengths, or APSC stills at equivalent 36/53/128mm yes? Call me tight...but actually it's not that, it's more a case of most compact kit with max flexibility and it's really only the 85mm I'd want to ideally shoot longer (at times), even if it means shooting APSC, because 85mm (FF) is not always long enough for my needs and an extra lens such as a 135mm, is more cost, more weight to carry around, more lens changes etc. The summary is I think most if not all FF mirrorless cameras allow you the choice of FF or APSC crop for stills, but worth asking the question before I make any major financial decisions. Let me know if I'm right because I am new to FF mirrorless so it's a bit of a learning curve. And I'm a bit thick.

I am...and I wouldn't be using any Leica M lenses. Nah... It's all a juggling act, - specific needs + budget mainly... I could 'upgrade' my XT3's to XT4's but even if I had the money now, I wouldn't because as things stand, when I come to upgrade that pair for my current work stills & filming needs, it will either be XH2 or Panasonic S5 and either Metabones focal reducer adapted on the Fuji, or Fotodiox adapted on the Lumix. The XT4 doesn't give me enough or really anything I need over XT3 and I much MUCH prefer the XT3 tilt screen. Otherwise I can't see how the FP would be able to meet my needs as a replacement. In fact I already know it can't, because for work needs of combined photography & filming at weddings, I need reliable AF because that reliable AF acts as another pair of hands and brain, ie, if one unit is on a freestanding mono right in front of me capturing couple walking towards me, I can be shooting stills at the same time. And by reliable AF, I don't necessarily mean stellar because of course the Canon and Sony kick it's arse in this regard, but it's actually quite good and fairly reliable with the Fringer Pro adapted glass I use. But the FP capturing 4k 25p on a tripod, manually focused, just speeches and ceremony, - well it should work pretty well for that and replace my 1" camcorder and I do wish to replace that as the quality in low light is...well a bit shit. For personal, I don't shoot kids or rabbits or airshows or anything that needs rabid AF. In fact I could shoot all my personal stuff quite happily manual focus and with the FP, may very well do just that. But I did think...just for a minute, "what if I really liked the FP, could I use it instead of XT3?" For my work needs, nah and at the same time, an XT3 doesn't encourage me to shoot personal stuff. To me it's just a tool. I like and respect what it can do and at this point in time and it's the right tool for me but it does not inspire me to go out and shoot. A Leica Q2 would, but I don't have the budget and it isn't dual purpose, ie, can't switch from being my personal stills camera to being a long form video camera which the FP can be. Ditto a few other compacts and quirkier cameras, - nothing quite fits the purpose.

The usual thing then... I have actually looked at it several times previously from just before it came out to a few months back but ended up dismissing it each time because I was looking at it as a hybrid replacement for my XT3s and in that regard, it did not and still does not work. For my needs. But as a static video unit at work and as a personal stills camera for considered work in my own time, a lot of boxes.

Absolutely. As you say, if Sony do not cock it up, as a hybrid pair especially, the former shooting video and the latter stills, has to be the best combo out there. If I’d had even a semi-decent year this year, it’s where I’d be headed for 2021 and sticking with for many years after...but it’s too much cashidos for me to switch. I do think that Nikon is going to have a really decent alternative with the Z6S and hope the company as a whole is not in trouble. We need serious players to give us choice and keep the competition on their toes.

1949 euros with 45mm f2.8 open box from Germany...

Not related to Cilla, but yes my surname is also Whitten. Always has been 😀

I actually prefer...at least at the moment, my APSC crop Fuji XT3's because of the extra 'reach' of the equivalent FF lenses. Such as my Sig 18-35 in 4k 50p crop is more like a 32-62mm lens yet still an f1.8 for light gathering purposes. If I had a need for wide(r) angle, I think I'd go FF though. For low light stuff, XT3 suits my needs more than well enough, at least in regard to video which is a bit more forgiving than stills. But other than that, for me it's not 'necessary'.

Are we related? Seriously. My surname is also Whitten! Otherwise found some decent prices from ebay Germany. Small external SSD may very well be an option for me as the ONLY time I will shoot video is statically, at weddings, ceremony & speeches only because I use XT3 for everything else and happy doing that. But we must be related...

Hmmm, no used ones for sale on ebay UK or second hand with any of the usual suspects. I have found however the Fotodiox Canon-L Mount autofocus adapter...with variable ND filter, ie, behind the lens and built in! Wow, stick either my Sigma or Tamron lenses on that for my intended video use. I'd still like a tilt and better AF, but otherwise, for my two very specific needs, I can't think of anything else more suited. Just need to find one now...

Ideally, I will get a used kit. Looking...

@BTM_Pix yes I knew about those and I might just end up getting that trinity over the the 45mm f2.8 I guess the 16/30/56 have the equivalent focal lengths of 24/45/84 then but are still f1.4 for light gathering purposes? If so, that's a photographers kit right there...plus I think I'd sell the Sig 18-35 and Tamron 45 to help fund that as this trinity are smaller, lighter and faster and being properly native, has to be a bonus in the AF department?

Well I don't know about them being in trouble, but first Canon and then Panasonic, lost about 10k in regard to gaining a new customer. No biggie for them, but multiply by several thousand prospective punters... Canon for all the recent shit and Panny for falling short on the AF and too low res EVF on the S5. Olympus of course sold/being sold and there are rumours about Nikon all the time. No idea what the truth of any of it is but don't build (or deliberately cripple) what I need, then I don't spend my money with you. Simples.

I didn't! So with an L-EF adapter, I can use my Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 and Tamron 45mm f1.8? That would open up some options to me as I don't mind shooting pics or video APSC. And do anyway being a Fuji user! Without checking, 1.5x crop then? I need to do some further research and know there is digital stablisation, but is that only for Jpeg, ie, not for raw (pics) or video capture? Again, I don't mind cropping but won't be shooting Jpeg.

This. I have ‘agonized’ over what I should get as a personal camera and the Leica Q2 would be my first choice other than price. The Sony RX1 series was a contender as was the Fuji X100V and also the latest Ricoh, but ultimately I am after something a bit more versatile than a ‘street photography camera’ and the fact that the Sigma can earn it’s keep at weddings for static video, seals the deal. Otherwise yes, the 45mm f2.8 is the only lens I am considering for photography, partly for the purity of the ‘fixed lens’ approach and partly to retain the smallest footprint. The only option I would get is the smallest grip. All my personal work/needs are ‘considered’ ie, no need for blazing fast AF and the only other contender I have been considering is getting a (used obviously) original X100. The latter would not fill the dual purpose video role however which would mean keeping the camcorder, plus I have already been there and done that 3x with that original Fuji already so something new and different would be fun. Great pics @BTM_Pix

I am currently looking at rationalising all my kit for 2021 on the basis that I will be working again. (1/25 jobs completed in 2020). I have 5 needs: 1: Photography, which needs no explanation. 2: Filming, which for me is either handheld stabilised or monopod approx 10 second clips throughout the day. (Weddings mainly). 3: Video: The static capture, ie, tripod of just 2 parts of the day in their entirety; ceremony & speeches. With audio. 4: Personal camera. Currently iphone 8+ but I'd like to go back to having a small, fun and 'different' personal camera. I was at the coast just yesterday and was wishing for something more... 5: After the year we have had and uncertainty about the future, I'm keeping an eye on the budget. I have looked at and considered all the current options, the known about and available very shortly options (Panny S5, Sony A7S3) and the near-future likely options (Sony A74, Nikon Z6S) and keep coming back to Fuji, my current workhorse. If the thing ever materialises and it suits my needs, XH2's could be a 2022 option but doubt if anything will be available end of March 2021 max. All factors considered, I have decided to stick with my XT3s plus various lenses for my photography and filming needs and was going to get and use a third XT3 body for the video role, running off Anker power bank and recording to a Ninja V and SSD. But I have a Sigma FP itch. I know it's flawed in so many ways and is not 'THE' camera by any means, but I think it ticks a number of boxes, but I have a few questions... As a 'personal', ie, family trips & events, I think it would work for me paired with the 45mm f2.8 and it ticks the 'different' box. E shutter, lack of a viewfinder etc, non-issues to me. But I reckon I could double up it's use and not get that third XT3, Ninja V and SSD and instead use the FP? This would be static, 15-90 minute sessions, on a tripod, manually focused, recording internally 4k 25p. I think I'd stick with the 45mm f2.8 to keep things simple or maybe consider the new 56mm f1.4, but have no greater need than that. Cost-wise, there's no difference to be concerned about taking into account Sigma body, spare battery, lens vs XT3 body, Ninja V, SSD. It's about the same. So my 2 questions are...and specifically to users; A: It is more than up to the static video purpose I intend as it can record internally for up to 2 hours? and B: What's it like for stills if you have used it for such? One of the problems I have living in rural South-West France is that there are no rental places and not even any local places that stock the thing so I could play so it would be very much a case of buy the body & lens and have a play on the basis I was going to keep it. I'm close to pushing the button to have a play and do some personal projects over the next 8 months, but I'd be interested in hearing from some users here just in case there is something I have not considered but should be aware of? Thanks in advance.

So is this another Philip Bloom bashing thread just to carry on where the previous one ended/was locked? I have no opinion one way or the other in regard to P.B. No personal knowledge or opinion in regard to his personal life as it's none of my business whether he is Jesus reincarnated. Or John Wayne Gacy. I suppose I don't have to read these threads but sometimes you just do not knowing what it's about but it's like stepping unwittingly into a sloppy dog turd and then trying to shake it off your shoe. On that note, I'm out.

I’m with @Emanuel on this as I have no real idea what this thread is even about... Is it serious? Or is it some kind of ‘in joke’? All I know is that tit for tat, back and forth sniping is just one big negative. At what point does anyone ever in these situations ever say, “OK hands up, you have me. I’m just a big fucking Muppet and I apologise”. Never is the answer but instead it turns into my gang against your gang. Let’s just get back to dissing Canon and Panasonic’s AF. All this personal animosity that most do not even understand the back story on just needs dumping. Be the bigger man and just let it go. Unless you are 100% incontrovertibly fact backed being attacked/abused and then it which case, defend yourself. But as for attacks... No place IMO. Just personal opinion.

I don’t know the answer to this for sure, but suspect that with anything non-native, the answer is not as I am not aware of this happening with any brand?

This is what I suspect will happen... I think Nikon will produce the Z6 they perhaps should have done at it’s birth and it won’t be so much late to the party and will in fact be very good...but the Sony A74 I’m fairly confident just have that edge most places that count over the comp. The only real weaknesses of the A73 are the EVF, the IBIS and maybe the colour and for most they are more niggles with workarounds than major flaws. Some of the firmware upgrades for the S5 and older S1 and S1H do have some potential and actually the S1H is back in my radar in that regard. I’m just hoping Fuji spoil the party and think they might just other than not having the FF sensor some crave... As with all these things, time will tell!

Yes. So are fish eye lenses. 😝

Actually, I might... OK, in 2020, 12mp is not considered competitive, but you know what, when I was shooting my Nikon D3S’s circa 2009-2012, I thought the pictures they produced were everything I needed. And then some. And err... 12mp! But I have to admit I’d need to test one (A7S3) to be totally confident because other than maybe a need for a lot of cropping (I don’t) I think 12mp probably would cut it for my wedding needs.

And that for me personally is not a biggie as it seems ‘good enough’ for my pretty static needs. Gimbal-like, vlogging whilst walking or panning around stuff is not a need for me so suspect it’s OK though not class leading. Same for the XT4. Looks pretty decent for my kind of static needs.

Serious question! You mentioned you wished that Fuji would go full frame and then asked why by another member said because 90% of your lenses are FF. Not really sure what you mean?!

@BTM_Pix you too huh? 🤣

@Geoff CB are we going to need a bigger boat? 😀 I’ve said it before but it’s always worth repeating and that is I have no brand loyalty as such but instead more of a commitment as it were to companies that produce what I need and keep on doing so. Fuji for 7-8 years have earned my commitment and my least favoured brand has been Sony...but there comes a point when it’s hard to argue against capability as a total package.