Recently I’ve been lucky enough to have several cameras to work with including the Olympus Pen F which I reviewed here
and the Nikon D7200 Review Here
I’ve been testing them out for a while now shooting portraits, street photography and a few landscapes too.
This weekend I was asked to photograph a wedding here in the Philippines and I thought it would be a great chance to test these three cameras against each other in a fast paced, unforgiving environment.
Now I’m not a professional wedding shooter. I’ve shot landscapes, portraits and commercial work professionally but wedding photography is a whole different ball game. I made it clear what the couple could expect from me and that they really should hire a pro wedding photographer. However budget was a concern and so I offered to help out as they are friends of my Fiancée.
I also wouldn’t recommend shooting a wedding with a bunch of different cameras as it was really hard work switching between three systems and still trying to get shots of the couple’s big day.
I shot all cameras with prime lenses.
For the Fuji I used the 23mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2. On the Pen F I had the 17mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8. On the Nikon I mainly used the Nikon 50mm f/1.4 and the 20mm f/1.8.
Handling
In terms of handling I found all three to be well suited to fast paced shooting where you don’t get a second chance to capture the shot. The Nikon feels solid and well-built but you do start to feel the weight after a full day. I’m writing this article up 2 days later and my arm still feels a little sore so less weight is always better in my eyes as long as I don’t feel I’m compromising on image quality too much.
The Pen F is fantastic for blending in to the crowd and not intimidating subjects thanks to its small size and beautiful looks. Although as the only foreigner at a Filipino wedding it’s pretty much impossible to blend in despite the Pen F’s best efforts.
The Olympus Pen F also offers a fully articulating touch screen and touch to focus which is great for getting shots at interesting angles.
The Fuji XT2 was and is my favourite camera to handle of the 3 because it offers quick access to ISO, shutter speed and aperture via external dials. When you’re trying to photograph constantly changing and moving subjects it’s great to be able to see and change your settings as you bring the camera up to your eye. I can’t tell you how great the Fuji is for that reason alone.
The Nikon feels the most like a workhorse and it certainly is fast to use and solidly built. However during the ceremony I was aware of its louder shutter going off and I opted to use the more discreet Pen F and Fuji XT2 a lot of the time. That’s one of the major benefits of shooting mirrorless. The mechanical shutters are quieter and they have the option to use a totally silent electronic shutter. The Nikon D7200 does have a quiet mode but it’s not that quiet and it slows the camera down.
Some people deride Micro 4/3 because of the smaller sensor but I really don’t think these people use the cameras in the real World. I’ve shot loads of photos with all three of these cameras and as you can see in this article the difference in image quality between M4/3 and APS-C is very small now.
The only real benefit I see to larger sensors is the ability to create more shallow depth of field and the better high ISO noise performance but you only really see a big difference when you jump up to full frame.
Image quality from all three cameras is superb and certainly good enough for professional work. Of the three I prefer people images from the Fuji XT2 because at high ISO’s it does have slightly less noise than the other two. Just be sure to turn down in camera noise reduction to -4 otherwise any Jpegs you shoot will make your images look like mush. I shot raw at the wedding to give a little more leeway to edit the photos later on so it wasn’t a problem.
I also appreciate the ability to throw the background out of focus a little more than you can with the Pen F. This was especially useful as the locations I was shooting at didn’t always have pleasing backgrounds, in fact some would have quite easily ruined shots had the background been in focus. Obviously the new Olympus 25mm f/1.2 Pro gives us micro 4/3 users a great choice for shallow depth of field shots but I don’t have that lens yet despite it being on my Christmas list.
I had planned on shooting a Nikon D750 at the wedding too but thanks to the postal system here it didn’t arrive in time. I’ll be comparing it with the others once I get my hands on it.
For me the most important aspect of the cameras on the day was auto focus performance. This is where the mirrorless cameras actually kicked the DSLR’s butt. Yes, I know this is where DSLR’s still reign supreme according to most but in reality both the Pen F and Fuji XT2 focus really quickly and only slow down a touch in bad light. They lock on fast and when they give focus confirmation you can be sure you got the shot.
What I found frustrating with the Nikon D7200 when reviewing the photos after was the amount that were out of focus. It just isn’t as accurate to focus as the mirrorless bodies. It may be a millisecond faster but what’s the point if focus isn’t spot on.
The Nikon 50mm f/1.4 is not sharp until you stop it down so the benefit of a larger aperture is lost. Whereas the Fuji 23mm f/1.4 and 90mm f/2 are sharp wide open and combined with the more accurate focus of the XT2 gave a far higher hit rate. The 17mm and 45mm on the Pen F are both perfectly sharp too.
The Pen F in my opinion has the best S-AF of the three cameras as it is quick, silent and deadly accurate. The only down side to the Pen F is that you don’t have direct access to change AF points. Instead you need to press the left D-pad button and then press one of the direction buttons to move the focus point around. It’s only when you are shooting something like a wedding that you notice this tiny delay but it does make a difference occasionally.
I also can’t overstate how useful I find an electronic viewfinder in my photography. I love the WYSIWYG nature of EVFs. It is so much better to use as you don’t need to take a shot then chimp on the LCD screen after to check it. For me the constant chimping needed on DSLR’s does ruin your flow and gets irritating after a while. With the large EVFs on the Pen F and particularly the Fuji XT2 I could quickly change to Acros or the Pen F’s black and white modes and see what my shot would look like in black and white. It also showed me whether the exposure was correct and if focus was spot on.
So which one would I choose if I had to do it all again?
Before I shot this wedding I have to be honest and say that I had a preconception that although I prefer mirrorless cameras for personal use, I would in fact find that the DSLR was still better when it comes to Professional use in a fast paced environment like a wedding.
Well, I was wrong. For me mirrorless cameras have caught up and in fact overtaken DSLR’s in every area that matters and if I was buying just one camera now it would be mirrorless and it would be from Olympus or Fuji.
If I could only have one of these cameras and I thought I may be shooting further weddings then it would be the Fuji XT2 because of the external control dials, slightly better high ISO performance, ability to deliver more shallow depth of field and fast accurate AF performance. I also happen to think the Fuji lens line-up is fantastic. Mind you, so are the micro 4/3 lenses.
If I was buying one camera just for personal use it would be the Olympus Pen F all day long. It is simply beautiful and a joy to use. Lightweight, great AF, excellent image quality and I haven’t even mentioned how much fun the colour dial is for black and white photography. That’s the camera I take with me when I go out with family and friends.
If you are going to shoot a Nikon I’d opt to jump up to full frame because the DX lens line-up is pathetic. The Nikon bodies are very good but I just prefer using mirrorless cameras these days and with the Fuji XT2 the AF is now quick enough to do its job.
If I was shooting another wedding with a Fuji XT2 I’d be buying a lot of spare batteries though as I fully drained 2 before the reception had finished. In fact I would buy the VPB-XT2 grip so you don’t have to worry about battery changes.
The Nikon D7200 after a full day was still showing 80% remaining and the Pen F about 40%. I took roughly the same number of shots with each Camera. That’s the only benefit the Nikon had over the others.
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Hi!
Nice comparison. Thanks! I am torn between the Fujifilm XT2 and the Pen….I travel a lot and size weight matters… but really prefer/like having the dials on the Fuji for changing the ISO, SS and Aperture; also have been wanting a camera with the ACROS monochrome for a long while. I don’t always feel technically intuitive and the Olympus menus can be frustrating… I guess it boils down to image and ease of manipulating the camera… the other issue is the look… the XT2 is a really attractive camera… as is the Pen. It would be great to know which images were taken with Fuji XT2 and which with the Pen…. and your thoughts about the ACROS b&w versus the new Pen monochrome b&w…..
I also tend to shoot street photography and primarily b&w.
Thanks much and Happy New Year!
Michele
Hi Michele,
Thanks for commenting.
Seeing as though you like external dials I would go with the Fuji XT2 for that reason along with a few others below.
The Fuji has better image quality at ISO 3200 +.
Across film suimulation gives more natural black and white results with smoother tones although the Pen F offers a little more customisation via the colour wheel on the front.
The Fuji while a little larger is not big by any means and when paired with a lens like the 35mm f2 it is still as portable a package as the Pen F. Weigjt between the two cameras is very similar as the Pen F feels very solid for the size.
The Pen F has better S-AF but the XT2 is good enough for every situation I have encountered.
Tracking af is better on the XT2.
The XT2 is weather sealed.
I genuinely don’t think you would be disappointed with either but considering your preference for external dials I would recommend the XT2 as it’s as close to perfect in this regards as I can think.
I’ll be interested to hear which way you go and your thoughts.
David
Very nicely presented article . thanks ! . ! question , how would you compare the low light performance of the xt2 with the d7200?
thanks again..
Hi Jim,
The XT2 is slightly better, by maybe 1/3 of a stop.
Hi David,
Great article! It’s always nice to see real-world reviews of cameras without the pixel-peeping technical stuff. I’m currently invested in M4/3 with a bunch of lenses and an E-PL5 and I’ve been seriously shopping for a new body as I really want an integrated EVF. I originally thought of “moving up” to DSLR or a Fuji X camera but articles like yours make me rethink everything and perhaps I should just stay with the M4/3 system. I know that, at the end of the day, the Fuji would provide me with better overall IQ but I’d be looking at a substantial financial investment in new lenses as well and, like you said, I think that with the rights lenses, M4/3 files can still look pretty good.
Having said all this, I am now seriously looking at the Pen-F but was wondering if you played with a Panasonic GX85 and if you did, what were your thoughts? The Panny is so much cheaper than the Pen right now.
One last question, your wedding pics are gorgeous but I’m not sure which camera was used for each picture, can you tell me or am I missing something?
Thanks!
Hi Simon,
Thanks for commenting.
I’m away in Asia right now but when Im back in the UK on 24th of this month I’ll add the info to the pics so you can see which camera shot each photo.
I haven’t used the Panasonic but by all accounts it is very good and as you say, quite a bit cheaper.
There is something about the Pen F which makes it a joy to use though. From the great construction through to the black and white modes.
I’ll be selling mine once I’m back in the UK to fund other cameras though as I have too many right now.
If you’re from the UK give me a shout if you’re interested in it.
Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing which camera shot which picture as they are all fantastic images!
I’m Canadian but thanks for the offer. So are you moving away completely from M4/3 since you’re selling your Pen?
Hi Simon,
No not at all. I really enjoy Micro 4/3 but I have to fund other camera purchases. I plan on getting the EM1 II in at some point and it’s not cheap so I need to sell gear to fund that purchase. I’m back in the UK no so will be updating the website more regularly now. I’ll add the info to the images later today too.
Hi David,
Thank you for a great article. I have been searching for a “real world” comparison between the XT2 and the d7200.
I currently own a d7200 and it’s a great camera, but since the early days of “digital era” (and I did resist switching from film as long as I possibly could), I was saying that I want my old Olympus OM1 or OM3, or a Nikon FM2 with a digital back…
I wanted manual control dials and simplicity of use rather than all the buttons and menus and redundant shooting modes. All you really need is 4 controls – shutter, aperture, ISO and focus (oh… white balance too 🙂 ). And of course the rugged metal bodies, small size and weight as well as attractive retro looks that accompany all three of the above great old mechanical cameras.
My wife laughed when I excitedly showed her that pictures and info of Fuji XT2 – “Your fondest dreams finally came true” she said.
Now, after this long-winded intro, I have a couple of questions…
1. How does XT2’s dynamic range and weather and dust proofing compare ? I have seen conflicting reviews, some claimed that these were not up to par with D7200. I often shoot outdoors, at the beach, sporting events, often in quite dusty or drizzly conditions and in high contrast lighting.
2. How does image stabilization in Fuji lenses compare to Nikon’s lenses? I mostly handhold my camera, only occasionally using a monopod.
3. Do you think it is worth it for me to switch to Fugi? I know that this one is an unfair question to ask you as only I can truly answer it, but I am interested in your opinion (based on the above info and background). I must admit that the desire to switch is more emotional than practical. I do like my D7200 and my Nikkor lenses and I am somewhat invested into the Nikon system.
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike,
In terms of pure value, the Nikon D7200 has to be the winner. It offers similar image quality, features and strengths for around half the price in the UK. However I would choose the Fuji XT2 over the D7200 everyday of the week and here are a few reasons why.
The Shooting experience is much more pleasurable because of the external dials. This inspires me to take photographs when I wouldn’t do so with the D7200.
I like beautiful objects and the Fuji XT2 is stunning.
I prefer the Fuji Lenses over Nikon lenses in general.
The EVF of the XT2 is excellent and I find it really helps when envisioning a shot to be able to see a live preview. For example switching to the beautiful Fuji Acros film simulation allows you to see the image before you press the shutter button.
Finally focus accuracy is better with the XT2. No need to calibrate lenses.
To answer your specific questions.
1. My testing shows dynamic range is slightly better on the XT2 (very similar). Weather proofing seems to a very high standard on the XT2. Having handled them both extensively I have no concerns with the XT2 here assuming you pair it with Fuji’s weather sealed lenses. Saying that I was out in the Cotswolds Yesterday with the XT2 and a D750 in continuous drizzle and had no issues with either camera.
2. Fuji IS is actually a little more effective in general.
3. This depends. Are you looking for improved images or an improved experience? If you are looking for and expecting large improvements in the images that you create by switching to Fuji I think you should save the money as the D7200 is already a very capable camera.
However if you are looking to improve your shooting experience, joy and pleasure gained from photography and value the dials and design of the Fuji then the purchase is well justified.
I currently have a Pen F, XT2, D7200, D750 and D500 and I doubt I will be keeping the Nikons Long term. The Fuji is the one camera I will definitely keep for myself as it is the one I feel offers the best balance of IQ and shooting experience.
A good idea might be to wait for the recently announced XT20 as it will offer 90% of what the XT2 does at a much lower cost.
Hi! I agree with Simon, “real-world reviews of cameras, without the pixel-peeping technical stuff!” I am torn between the Fuji XT2 and Nikon D7200. After reading your article, I am getting closer to making a decision. Thanks again for your article. Goodluck and more power to you! I hope you enjoyed your stay in the Philippines.
Hi Marie,
Which way are you leaning in your decision?
Hi David! I am buying the Fuji XT2. Your article really helped a lot:). Thanks!
Hi Marie,
That’s great. I’m sure you will love it. I’m just about to put the XT2 up against the Nikon D500 for wildlife and sports. The results should be interesting.