Fujifilm X-T1 vs Nikon D750

The Fujifilm X-T1 and the Nikon D750 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2014 and September 2014. The X-T1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D750 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-T1) and a full frame (D750) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-T1		Nikon D750
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
16 MP, APS-C Sensor		24.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 200-6400 (100-51200)		ISO 100-12800 (50-51200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.2" LCD, 1229k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second		6 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge		1230 shots per battery charge
129 x 90 x 47 mm, 440 g		141 x 113 x 78 mm, 750 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-T1 and the Nikon D750? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-T1 and the Nikon D750 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-T1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D750 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D750 is notably larger (37 percent) than the Fujifilm X-T1. Moreover, the D750 is substantially heavier (70 percent) than the X-T1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-T1) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D750). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Fujifilm X-T1, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the X-T1 gets 350 shots out of its NP-W126 battery, while the D750 can take 1230 images on a single charge of its EN-EL15 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-T1»	129 mm	90 mm	47 mm	440 g	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Nikon D750«	141 mm	113 mm	78 mm	750 g	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	141 mm	83 mm	46 mm	495 g	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	133 mm	92 mm	49 mm	507 g	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	350 g	410	n	Jan 2015	399	-		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X100T« »	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Nikon D500« »	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	860 g	1240	Y	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Nikon D7100« »	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199	-		Nikon D7100
	Nikon Df« »	144 mm	110 mm	67 mm	760 g	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon D610« »	141 mm	113 mm	82 mm	850 g	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	141 mm	113 mm	82 mm	850 g	900	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
	Olympus E-M1« »	130 mm	94 mm	63 mm	497 g	350	Y	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic GH4« »	133 mm	93 mm	84 mm	560 g	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Sony A7« »	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	474 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X-T1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 43 percent) than the D750, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-T1 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D750 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D750 is 134 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24.2MP, the D750 offers a higher resolution than the X-T1 (16MP), but the D750 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 4.80μm for the X-T1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D750 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the X-T1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-T1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D750 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D750 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20.1 inch or 76.4 x 51 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16.1 inch or 61.1 x 40.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.4 inch or 50.9 x 34 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm X-T1 are 24.5 x 16.3 inch or 62.2 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inch or 49.7 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.3 x 10.9 inch or 41.5 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-T1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-T1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D750 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-T1 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D750 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the X-T1 has a higher magnification than the one of the D750 (0.77x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm X-T1 and Nikon D750 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One feature that is present on the D750, but is missing on the X-T1 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The Fujifilm X-T1 and the Nikon D750 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-T1 and the D750 write their files to SDXC cards. The D750 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X-T1 only has one slot. The X-T1 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the D750 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-T1 and Nikon D750 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the D750 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The X-T1 lacks such a headphone port.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The D750 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the X-T1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-T1 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-T2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-T1 or the Nikon D750 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm X-T1:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.70x).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (129x90mm vs 141x113mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 310g or 41 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (43 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2014).

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D750:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24.2 vs 16MP), which boosts linear resolution by 23%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1230 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (7 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D750 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-T1 and the Nikon D750 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-T1 and the D750 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-T1»	+ +	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Nikon D750«	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399	-		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X100T« »	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Nikon D500« »	+ +	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Nikon D7100« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199	-		Nikon D7100
	Nikon Df« »	-	81/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon D610« »	+ +	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	+ +	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
	Olympus E-M1« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic GH4« »	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Sony A7« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-T1 vs Nikon D750

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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