I use my Fujifilm X-T1 right alongside my X-T5. Surely no competition, right?

These cameras are at the opposite end of Fujifilm’s X-T evolutionary journey. The X-T1 was the first attempt, with a 16MP sensor and no IBIS, while the X-T5 is a 40MP powerhouse with hybrid phase-detect AF, IBIS and 4K video. How could they be more different?

Well they may be different on the inside, but on the outside they are remarkably similar. The X-T5 has maybe put on a little weight around the middle (haven’t we all) but the physical exposure controls that have become a Fujifilm trademark are almost unaltered. You can pick up either camera and really not notice much difference.

Oddly, though, I found myself picking up the X-T1 to go shooting just as often as I did the X-T5, and I felt I had to figure out why. I actually think I know, and my reasons have nothing to do with specifications, performance or even ordinary logic.

So here goes.

First, the X-T1 does feel just a little bit lighter and simpler. It’s designed for photography, not hybrid content creation. I do shoot video for myself and for work, but I wouldn’t use a mirrorless camera like the X-T5. That’s another story.

Second, the autofocus is fine. It’s primitive by X-T5 standards but fine for what I would call everyday photography. It’s not going to be good at burst shooting and sports/action, and it’s not going to be effective at AI tracking when filming, but that’s not what I tend to use cameras like this for anyway. For single-shot photography I find the AF quite fast enough.

Third, yes, 16MP is a worry. Until I remind myself, that is, that it’s still more than I need for my professional work, which is all online, where even 16MP is an embarrasment. I need to downside my images for publication, even from the X-T1.

Fourth, yes, I would like to have IBIS, but I’ve spent plenty of years shooting without it, and it’s no great hardship. I find the benefit of IBIS quite unpredictable, including Fujifilm’s. I’d rather have it than not, but if I don’t have it I just need to keep an eye on the shutter speeds.

Fifth, I have this curious (and growing) feeling that simple cameras that do enough are somehow more satisfying – more honest, maybe – than complex cameras that do more than they need to.

The older I get, the less I like waste. I don’t mean I dislike spending money – I hate to think how much I’ve spent on camera gear over the years – I mean I don’t like to see things discarded that I think still have real value. And that, I think, is why I have such a soft spot for the Fujifilm X-T1.