Mickey Jetpur Loc: California

Hi, I am thinking of getting a mirrorless camera and saw this deal on the Fuji XT-20 with 2 lenses, XC 16-50 and XC50-230 with the XT 20 metal grip for $1200. I am a hiker and am thinking of going lighter. I have a Canon 70D with lenses, but find it too heavy carrying up mountain slopes! I love the camera, but just too heavy! So my first preference would be the Sony A7Rll, but it is expensive, lenses and all. Fuji is my next choice. I'm an intermediate photographer wanting to go mirrorless and light. Am hoping for some advice here so I can decide if I should get the Fuji XT-20, or just wait till the Sony drops in price!
Thanks for your advice in advance!

le boecere

Mickey, most hikers look for less weight, and more compactness (is that a real word? ;^).

Your Canon 70D employs an APS-C sensor, as does the Fuji XT-20 (whereas the Sony A7 series utilizes a "full-frame" sensor). The Sony that matches up with the XT-20 is their a6xxx series. Have you considered it?

I'm sure you know, lenses probably have more bearing on the weight and size of your hiking kit, than does the camera. If you're planning on packing both Fujifilm entry level "kit" zoom lenses, you might consider and compare the 2 Sony APS-C (kit zooms) for the Sony a6000-a6300-a6500. The Sony's weigh less and are smaller.

http://camerasize.com/compact/#703.421,535.360,ha,t

http://photoseek.com/2011/cameras-best-recommended-for-travel/

BTW, I shoot both the Sony a6000 and the Fuji X-E2S, which can be considered the "rangefinder" counterpart of the XT-20

If you go with one of the Fuji X-cameras, I strongly suggest you research the Fujifilm 18-55mm F/2.8-4 XF R LM OIS, rather than the XC 16-50.

Whichever you choose, Sony or Fuji, you're going to be delighted.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I own that same 18-55mm lens (24-80mm equivalent field of view on a Fuji APS-C camera) and found it to be fast, sharp, relatively compact and capable of capturing some great images. /Ralph

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Another "vote" for the18-55. The OIS is excellent (image stabilization).

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's gotten very good reviews.
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-t20-review

Some comparison sites. Take your time before you spend your money.

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

It's actually equivalent to 27-82 but an extremely sheep lens for th price. It's all I took on my trip to Europe a few years ago. Love my XE-2.!!

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

That's a great deal! I've been looking at the new Fuji x-e3 which basically has the same features and comparing the two. I like the swivel display on the xt-20. You can't go wrong with either camera.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

Here's where you can compare the X-E3 and the X-T20
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/compare/index.html?m=FUJIFILM%20X-T20&m=FUJIFILM%20X-E3

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

The Fuji XT20 is a wonderful camera that does about 80% of what the XT2 can do. The grip of the XT20 is not very deep, however, if you have a small lens it does not present a problem. The XC 16-50 is an OK lens but not as sharp as the other Fuji kit lens 18-55 stabilized. The CX 50 to 230 is a big lens on the XT20 but should not present a an issue if you support this lens with your hand. This package for the XT20 seems like a wonderful opportunity and I am sure that your hiking experienced will be considerably enhanced with this Fuji package.

Kuzano

The Fuji XE3 is just coming out, at a price point below $1000 ($800 body only) and a rise to 24 Megapixels. I have been a fan of the XE1 and XE2. This new 24 Mp sensor is calling out for me. The XE3 is just a bit smaller than the XE2s and has fewer buttons and more menu/touch screen activation.

I really like Fuji for the 7 custom profiles and the Fuji Film Simulation features. There are two very active Fuji X forums which will give you far more answers than this site and about five separate forums on the www.rangefinderforum.com web site. Far more Fuji X users because of the dedicated sites at RFF and the two forums.

AND YES THE 18X55 F2.8 IS SHARPER AND FASTER, ALL AROUND OVER THE 16-50. 16-50 ok but inferior to the 18x55. Reflected in the price, however. I would buy the 18-55 used on eBay from a high positive seller, or as a combo with the camera.

https://www.fujix-forum.com/forums/

http://www.fujixseries.com/forums/

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?forumid=211

le boecere

Completely agree with your lens advice to the OP. However (and, I've not shopped these cameras for nearly a year), $1200 for the XT-20 + the two entry-level kit zooms seems high to me.

Last October 23rd (2016) I purchased (eBay) a near new X-E2IV + the 18-55mm zoom for $565, including shipping. I later purchased (ebay) a near new 27mm "pancake" for $180, including shipping (making that camera my X100 wannabe;^).

On April 29, 2014 I purchased a Sony a6000 + new in package 16-50mm "pancake" kit zoom from a local semi-pro for $400.
A month or so, later, I acquired a mint 55-210mm kit zoom for under $200. Total: $600

These statements are not to tout my purchasing prowess, as I still see these "kits" for the same or less.

I'm still fascinated with the Fujifilm camera and especially that lens ~ yet, for hiking, I'll take the Sony kit; simply because it's more compact, lighter in weight, and quicker to get into operation. And, for an old man on a fixed income nobody seems to wanna "fix"; $600 for a (Sony) hiker's kit is mo' bettah than its Fujifilm counterpart for $1200.

P.S.: Thanks for those forum links!

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Nothing wrong with the Fuji. It and Sony are the only two MILCs that would even consider. Either Fuji or Sony will prove great cameras, way ahead of whatever is in second place. Go take a look on Kenrockwell.com to get a really good review or each.

I should have mentioned that I am now shooting an a6000 and an a6300. They do a great job.