Fujifilm XT2

[jphasia]

Hello,

Does anyone could tell me if this camera, Fuji XT2 is available in Thailand and where, in Bangkok or Phuket?

 

Thanks

[Kinnock]

Powerbuys in Central World and Central Chidlom has it in stock.  Also in Fortune Town - may get a small discount there?  It's a great camera, but it's not cheap!   There's also a new X-T20 due out soon - it's made in Thailand, so will cost a lot less - has most of the features of the X-T2, but not weather resistant and slightly fewer manual controls.  80% of the capability at 40% of the cost.

 

I keep looking at the X-T2, then think 'how can a camera body cost more than a scooter?

[jphasia]

Thanks for the feedback and the info (X-T20). I will compare it.


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[FracturedRabbit]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Powerbuys in Central World and Central Chidlom has it in stock.  Also in Fortune Town - may get a small discount there?  It's a great camera, but it's not cheap!   There's also a new X-T20 due out soon - it's made in Thailand, so will cost a lot less - has most of the features of the X-T2, but not weather resistant and slightly fewer manual controls.  80% of the capability at 40% of the cost.

 

I keep looking at the X-T2, then think 'how can a camera body cost more than a scooter?

Check out the new Leica M10 price; buy you several scooters!

[FracturedRabbit]

AVCamera have just got stock of the "graphite silver" XT2, whatever that means.

[FracturedRabbit]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Powerbuys in Central World and Central Chidlom has it in stock.  Also in Fortune Town - may get a small discount there?  It's a great camera, but it's not cheap!   There's also a new X-T20 due out soon - it's made in Thailand, so will cost a lot less - has most of the features of the X-T2, but not weather resistant and slightly fewer manual controls.  80% of the capability at 40% of the cost.

 

I keep looking at the X-T2, then think 'how can a camera body cost more than a scooter?

Sadly the fact it is made in Thailand is unlikely to make it comparatively cheaper. Under agreements with the BOI, manufacturers get tax breaks to import the parts they need to manufacture; but then they are obliged to export. Local sales get a tax burden to bring them in line with imports. Check Nikon for example,  made in Thailand but no cheaper.

[jphasia]

This is not for me actually but for my wife. I am not much about photography but my wife is. She is using an old dslr (Nikon) but she would like to get a mirrorless camera and she has been mentioning about the XT2.
As her birthday is coming soon, I am thinking to make her a surprise...
If you were willing to spend this kind of budget (i think XT2 price is around 70,000b without lens), will you go for this model or there are better options for this budget?


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[FracturedRabbit]

11 minutes ago, jphasia said:

This is not for me actually but for my wife. I am not much about photography but my wife is. She is using an old dslr (Nikon) but she would like to get a mirrorless camera and she has been mentioning about the XT2.
As her birthday is coming soon, I am thinking to make her a surprise...
If you were willing to spend this kind of budget (i think XT2 price is around 70,000b without lens), will you go for this model or there are better options for this budget?


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There are other options (my Olympus E-M1 II for example); but if your wife is keen on the XT2 then anything else might be a disappointment for her. It's a fine machine, and for the next occasion you can start buying her lenses!

[jphasia]

There are other options (my Olympus E-M1 II for example); but if your wife is keen on the XT2 then anything else might be a disappointment for her. It's a fine machine, and for the next occasion you can start buying her lenses!

Yes, i will include few lenses in the package.


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[Kinnock]

14 hours ago, jphasia said:

This is not for me actually but for my wife. I am not much about photography but my wife is. She is using an old dslr (Nikon) but she would like to get a mirrorless camera and she has been mentioning about the XT2.
As her birthday is coming soon, I am thinking to make her a surprise...
If you were willing to spend this kind of budget (i think XT2 price is around 70,000b without lens), will you go for this model or there are better options for this budget?


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It's a big investment to make as a 'surprise' gift.  As your wife is a keen photographer, the feel of the camera in her hand will be important, and the style of the manual controls will also be critical.  Suggest you get her to try a few in the shops, then buy the one she likes.

 

But if this is not practical - then here's my personal thoughts .....

 

Leading mirrorless models are the Fuji X-series, Olympus OM series, Lumix G-series and Sony Alpha.

 

Fuji:  X-T2 currently the top of the range, manual controls similar to old DSLR - great for people used to using old film cameras, excellent jpegs so no need to adjust in Photoshop, weatherproof, great lens selection.  But also look at X-T20 or a deal on the older X-T10, as they are smaller and well suited to smaller female hands.  X-Pro 2 also worth looking at - especially if she really likes the optical viewfinder on her old DSLR.  Don't get the cheaper XC series Fuji lenses - they are good, but the Fuji XF lenses are even better and well worth the bit extra.  The 35mm f1.4 XF lens is a classic!

 

Olympus OM-D - technically superior to Fuji if you look at the spec - they have excellent image stabilization in the camera body.  E-M1 Mk 2 is current king of the crop.  Compact body, great lenses, good manual controls - but not quite as 'natural' to use as the Fuji.  There's just one issue in my view (and this is why I changed to Fuji), the sensor in the Olympus is smaller than the Fuji, so you need specialist lenses and a bit of careful placement of subjects in relation to background to get that nice blurred background effect.  This is really only issue if portraits are her main interest.  Low light performance also not quite as good as bigger sensor Fuji's and Sony's.

 

Lumix G - Almost, but not quite, as good as Olympus.

 

Sony - There's a very impressive A7 series that have a big sensor like a professional DSLR .... but ..... the lenses are vast, heavy and some are not that special.  Controls take some getting used to, menu's are a bit quirky.  But there are many fans of the Sony A7, so worth a look.

 

Sony A 6500  Direct competitor to the Fuji - same size sensor, smaller lenses than the A7's - personally I find the Sony difficult to use as the controls are just weird and not like a DSLR, and lenses not very special.  Good on paper, not nice to use in practice.

 

So I'd get her to hold the Fuji X-T2 and X-T10 (T20 not out till next month) and the Olympus OMD and decide which 'feels' the best in her hand. 

 

Can't go wrong with either - but can go wrong if you buy her the wrong one!

[jphasia]

1 hour ago, Kinnock said:

It's a big investment to make as a 'surprise' gift.  As your wife is a keen photographer, the feel of the camera in her hand will be important, and the style of the manual controls will also be critical.  Suggest you get her to try a few in the shops, then buy the one she likes.

 

But if this is not practical - then here's my personal thoughts .....

 

Leading mirrorless models are the Fuji X-series, Olympus OM series, Lumix G-series and Sony Alpha.

 

Fuji:  X-T2 currently the top of the range, manual controls similar to old DSLR - great for people used to using old film cameras, excellent jpegs so no need to adjust in Photoshop, weatherproof, great lens selection.  But also look at X-T20 or a deal on the older X-T10, as they are smaller and well suited to smaller female hands.  X-Pro 2 also worth looking at - especially if she really likes the optical viewfinder on her old DSLR.  Don't get the cheaper XC series Fuji lenses - they are good, but the Fuji XF lenses are even better and well worth the bit extra.  The 35mm f1.4 XF lens is a classic!

 

Olympus OM-D - technically superior to Fuji if you look at the spec - they have excellent image stabilization in the camera body.  E-M1 Mk 2 is current king of the crop.  Compact body, great lenses, good manual controls - but not quite as 'natural' to use as the Fuji.  There's just one issue in my view (and this is why I changed to Fuji), the sensor in the Olympus is smaller than the Fuji, so you need specialist lenses and a bit of careful placement of subjects in relation to background to get that nice blurred background effect.  This is really only issue if portraits are her main interest.  Low light performance also not quite as good as bigger sensor Fuji's and Sony's.

 

Lumix G - Almost, but not quite, as good as Olympus.

 

Sony - There's a very impressive A7 series that have a big sensor like a professional DSLR .... but ..... the lenses are vast, heavy and some are not that special.  Controls take some getting used to, menu's are a bit quirky.  But there are many fans of the Sony A7, so worth a look.

 

Sony A 6500  Direct competitor to the Fuji - same size sensor, smaller lenses than the A7's - personally I find the Sony difficult to use as the controls are just weird and not like a DSLR, and lenses not very special.  Good on paper, not nice to use in practice.

 

So I'd get her to hold the Fuji X-T2 and X-T10 (T20 not out till next month) and the Olympus OMD and decide which 'feels' the best in her hand. 

 

Can't go wrong with either - but can go wrong if you buy her the wrong one!

 

Thanks a lot for taking the time to send detailed feedback. very helpful.

Yes, you are totally correct and I will follow your advise. I still have some time before the birthday and will take her around to  see and check by herself and will know which one she would go for it.

She is not a professional. We are travelling a lot and she likes to take a lot of photos. Mainly landscapes, ancient monuments, and also micro (flowers, insects...). She is doing some nice photos using only her phone. We have an old Nikon (D40) with which she is making nice photos but it's heavy and not practical to carry with her all time. We have been talking about buying a smaller camera, mirrorless, which she can play better than just a smartphone especially to have more options with lenses...and after discussions on the subject with different people, it came out with some options such as Olympus or Fuji. I know she will not buy any by herself as she will consider it as expensive but I am sure she would appreciate to have one. So, that's how it come to me to make a surprise to her and purchase it for her.

[Kinnock]

For landscapes, travel, buildings and macro work - I would go for the Olympus (even though I'm a Fuji fan).

 

The critical difference is the size of the sensor.  The bigger one in the Fuji means a shallower depth of field, which is good for portraits, and slightly better low light performance, but the lenses are bigger.

 

But the smaller one in the Olympus gives you a wider depth of field, which is good for macro, and the lenses are smaller - which is better for travel.

 

But whichever she prefers to hold and use is the real decider.

[FracturedRabbit]

1 hour ago, Kinnock said:

For landscapes, travel, buildings and macro work - I would go for the Olympus (even though I'm a Fuji fan).

 

The critical difference is the size of the sensor.  The bigger one in the Fuji means a shallower depth of field, which is good for portraits, and slightly better low light performance, but the lenses are bigger.

 

But the smaller one in the Olympus gives you a wider depth of field, which is good for macro, and the lenses are smaller - which is better for travel.

 

But whichever she prefers to hold and use is the real decider.

"But whichever she prefers to hold and use is the real decider. "
Seconded. All the cameras mentioned have their merits; it's the one that will make her happy that is the best for her!

[guzzi850m2]

Don't buy the XT10 now the XT20 is on the way. The new 24mp sensor is much better than the old 16 was. I think I get one later this year but will never part with my X-Pro1, I love it too much despite its not so good AF.
I want the XT20 because I am a casual photographer only and I love the tilting touch screen which will make street photography very stealth and the XT10/20 are small and with the pancake lenses XF18/27 no bigger than the new & very nice X100F.
I saw Fraturerabbit's photos and they are awesome and I will likely never get to that high level myself.
Don't forget that the camera don't make the good photos but the person behind the camera does, so buying the best and most expensive gear is often wasted money for many of us. It's a bit like buying a Ferrari car, how many can drive one of those to the limit?


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[jphasia]

24 minutes ago, guzzi850m2 said:

Don't forget that the camera don't make the good photos but the person behind the camera does, so buying the best and most expensive gear is often wasted money for many of us. It's a bit like buying a Ferrari car, how many can drive one of those to the limit?

Agree

[rhythmworx]

So I guess I cant tempt you in to one of these then? 

 

https://www.calphoto.co.uk/product/fujifilm-gfx/331-005A?cta=a1

[gobs]

May I suggest you give a visit to this shop in BKK:

 

http://www.avcamera.com/

 

Great classic (though modern) photography shop managed by reliable and trustworthy people.

As many others I use to buy gear and cameras here and I've never been disappointed: great advices, very helpful, and kind and patient staff.

And no I've no affiliation in any kind with this shop

 

* Pick your prefered brand on the LHS menu in the link above...

 

And good luck for your great idea!

[Heavenly bangtao]

Visarun penang

[jphasia]

11 hours ago, gobs said:

May I suggest you give a visit to this shop in BKK:

 

http://www.avcamera.com/

 

Great classic (though modern) photography shop managed by reliable and trustworthy people.

As many others I use to buy gear and cameras here and I've never been disappointed: great advices, very helpful, and kind and patient staff.

And no I've no affiliation in any kind with this shop

 

* Pick your prefered brand on the LHS menu in the link above...

 

And good luck for your great idea!

Thanks. I will have a look

[jphasia]

10 hours ago, Heavenly bangtao said:

Visarun penang

??

[guzzi850m2]

I bought a used XF18-55 mm from AV and a new dry cabinet too. Yes good service and I want to actually see the shop one day.
If somebody wants the new X100F, you will likely have to get it from AV as big chain shops like BigCamera stopped selling the X100T and only sells the outdated X100S. That being said, you can sometimes get a killer deal at BC, got the XF18 & 27mm for 7000 baht a pop, you can't find them cheaper anywhere else in the world.


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[jphasia]

For landscapes, travel, buildings and macro work - I would go for the Olympus (even though I'm a Fuji fan).
 
The critical difference is the size of the sensor.  The bigger one in the Fuji means a shallower depth of field, which is good for portraits, and slightly better low light performance, but the lenses are bigger.
 
But the smaller one in the Olympus gives you a wider depth of field, which is good for macro, and the lenses are smaller - which is better for travel.
 
But whichever she prefers to hold and use is the real decider.

As I am in Phuket today (travelling a lot but based in Phuket), we had to go to Central Festival and as we passed near a camera shop (Big camera), we entered and had a look inside. My wife started of course to look at the XT2, then the Olympus OMD 1 Mark II (which was recommended by the seller guy) She has a preference for the Olympus, especially to handle it.
When we were on our way back home in the car, she told me that after re-considering, if she would buy a camera, she will probably go for the Olympus.
I guess that give me a better idea on what to choose for her, in addition to your recommendation. Her birthday is in May, so i still have time to see if she change her mind.
The olympus price was about 76,000 THB body only and 103,000 THB with a lens (12-40 I think) in the package.



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[gobs]

Wow! That's great jphasia...

And yes the Olympus E-M1 MkII is a beast in itself. And once packed with the 12-40 f/2.8 it's a real killer. Your wife will be extremly happy with this camera I guess...

 

FracturedRabbit gave his first thoughts here:

 

http://www.pattayadays.com/2017/01/thoughts-on-the-olympus-e-m1-ii-after-one-month/

 

With great pics as usual...

[Kinnock]

Yes, the Olympus OMD is a very nice tool.  I'd also recommend the Olympus 45mm prime lens - it's low cost and it's great for people shots.

 

I think the Olympus Pen F is also worth looking at - new design, but compact with classic looks.  It has most the capability of the OMD, takes the same lenses, but looks cooler!

[guzzi850m2]

There is a very well written comparison test here of the Fuji X-T2 & Olympus OM-DE mk2:

 

http://mirrorlesscomparison.com/fujifilm-vs-olympus/omd-em1-mark-ii-vs-fuji-xt2/

 

There is no clear winner, the tester writes that those 2 cameras are the best mirror-less cameras launched in 2016.

 

Well anyway, I will be looking hard at the new X-T20 when it comes out, same sensor as XT2 but in a smaller housing, not weather prof.

 

The XT2 and OMDE Mk2 are professional grade cameras with weather sealing and 2 SD card slots so you can double record your files, making sure that you are not missing all those wedding shots you were hired to do, LOL.

 

I might have a problem with a center placed viewfinder since I am a left eye shooter and my X-Pro1 suits me well for that. Well a good friend of mine has the X-T10 so I will have a go with that and see how I like it.

 

[gobs]

20 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Yes, the Olympus OMD is a very nice tool.  I'd also recommend the Olympus 45mm prime lens - it's low cost and it's great for people shots.

 

I think the Olympus Pen F is also worth looking at - new design, but compact with classic looks.  It has most the capability of the OMD, takes the same lenses, but looks cooler!

I agree 200%

It's a very fine lens especially for portraits (but not only!). Subjects nicely pop out the background and if well used, bokehs are very nice too. Also with this lens, once printed, pics show a beautiful 3D effect: you are tempted to put your hand into the pic.

I use it mostly for street portraits, and wow!

But no matter: near all M. Zuiko lenses give wonderful results...

[Greenside]

The Canon M5 might also be a camera worth investigating.  It feels very good in my hands (better than the Sony a6000 and a6300, for example) and won't break the bank like the XT-2 which I believe is about 70,000 baht with the 18-55 kit lens and "only" 59,000 for the body alone.

 

 

[FracturedRabbit]

21 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Yes, the Olympus OMD is a very nice tool.  I'd also recommend the Olympus 45mm prime lens - it's low cost and it's great for people shots.

 

I think the Olympus Pen F is also worth looking at - new design, but compact with classic looks.  It has most the capability of the OMD, takes the same lenses, but looks cooler!

The Pen looks lovely, but falls short with its focus capabilities, and has none of the high speed features of the E-M1 II (if you need those kind of things).

[FracturedRabbit]

48 minutes ago, gobs said:

I agree 200%

It's a very fine lens especially for portraits (but not only!). Subjects nicely pop out the background and if well used, bokehs are very nice too. Also with this lens, once printed, pics show a beautiful 3D effect: you are tempted to put your hand into the pic.

I use it mostly for street portraits, and wow!

But no matter: near all M. Zuiko lenses give wonderful results...

The 45mm is great for the price; but if  you want the ultimate at around that focal length, the 42.5 Nocticron F1.2 is something very special.

[FracturedRabbit]

49 minutes ago, Greenside said:

The Canon M5 might also be a camera worth investigating.  It feels very good in my hands (better than the Sony a6000 and a6300, for example) and won't break the bank like the XT-2 which I believe is about 70,000 baht with the 18-55 kit lens and "only" 59,000 for the body alone.

 

 

Canon have a long way to go before they produce a mirrorless camera of note. The M5 is way behind the likes of Fuji and Olympus, and lens choice is abysmal unless you use an adapter.