I hail from Northern VA originally. WELCOME!
My recommendations:
1. Take the camera with you EVERYWHERE.
2. Commit to shooting a certain number of frames each day (could be 3, could be 50+, depends upon your free time).
3. Experiment with the various settings (noting what you do so you can examine the effect later).
3A. Learn the ISO-Apetrure-Shutter Speed triangle first
4. When it is too dark or rainy to shoot, read KNOWLEDGABLE articles about the craft.
5. As long as it shoots a picture, what gear you have is ultimately unimportant. YOU are the true instrument of good photography.
6. Have fun and cultivate a sense of divine dissatisfaction regarding your own work.
Take a look at this for some good info:
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz1000
Buy the cheaper camera. However, while the XT1 is a fantastic camera it's tracking system is outdated. A Fuji XT-20 has the latest and greatest and is under $1k. Choose what works best for you, but I wanted to offer the thought as someone who just spent 6 months researching cameras and selected Fuji Mirrorless. Welcome!!!!
Fuji x-t20 or Only om-d E-m10 ii
PLEASE do not straighten the lighthouse! The angle and force of the perspective are part of the wonderful dynamic of the image.
GREAT stuff!
I'd recommend 1, 2, 4.
Bennadad wrote:
Or save a bundle and look at the XT20 before buying. A lot to learn but wow! What a camera.
I have owned both and decided finally on the X-t20 for size, weight and $ considerations. You will not regret either purchase!
You date your camera, you marry your glass.