Rico Pfirstinger, Author at Fuji Rumors

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This Thursday (18 DEC 2014), Fuji is releasing new firmware for the X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2 and X-T1. This is the second of three articles explaining the changes and enhancements brought to you by these updates. In this edition, I am going to cover the main feature of firmware 3.00 for the X-E2: Camera Remote control via wifi. This article also applies to users of the X-T1, X30 and X100T, as these cameras offer pretty much the same remote control functionality.

What is Camera Remote?

Camera Remote allows you to control the camera from a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS and Fuji’s Cam Remote app. The connection is based on the camera’s and smartphone’s wifi function.

How to use Camera Remote

In order to use Camera Remote, you have to download and install the free Cam Remote app on your smartphone or tablet. You can find download links and additional information here. Of course, your X-E2 needs to run firmware 3.00 or newer.

Make sure that you use the Cam Remote app and not the older Camera App.

Here’s how Camera Remote works with iOS devices (and it shouldn’t be much different for Android users):

New Firmware Features (1): Using AF+MF

December 17, 2014
X-Pert Corner
47 Comments

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New Firmware Features (1): Using AF+MF

by Rico Pfirstinger

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This Thursday (18 DEC 2014), Fuji is releasing new firmware for the X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2 and X-T1. This is the first of three articles explaining the changes and enhancements brought to you by these updates. Let’s begin with the single new feature that affects all four X camera models: AF+MF.

What is AF+MF?

AF+MF allows you to autofocus in AF mode, then adjust the focus manually by turning the focus ring while holding the shutter button half-depressed.

In order to access this feature, the camera needs to be updated with the latest firmware (at least version 3.40 for the X-Pro1, 2.40 for the X-E1, 3.00 for the X-E2 and 3.00 for the X-T1). Then select SHOOTING MENU > AF+MF > ON to enable the new feature.

How to apply AF+MF

In order to use AF+MF, your X-T1 or X-E2 have to be in AF-S autofocus mode. Users of X-E1 and X-Pro1 cameras may also select AF-C using the focus mode selector switch that is located at the front of the camera.

Here’s how AF+MF works, step by step:

First Look: Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

December 2, 2014
Reviews, X-Pert Corner
115 Comments

First Look: Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR

first impressions / practical review / shooting experience by Rico Pfirstinger

Rico’s XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Sample Images – Specs

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A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a pre-production copy of Fuji’s new “professional grade” tele zoom lens, the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR. Since the lens is already available in many regions and will soon start shipping in North America, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my observations during a brief period of testing.

Using the Fujifilm X100T

November 12, 2014
Reviews, X-Pert Corner
94 Comments

Using the Fujifilm X100T

first impressions / practical review / shooting experience / tutorial

by Rico Pfirstinger

Rico’s X100T Sample Images – X100T Specs

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As the Fujifilm X100T is about to become available all over the world, I think this is a good time to share my first impressions with this classic, modern camera. I was able to evaluate a pre-production model for several weeks, going through a few revisions of beta firmware in the process.

Same, Same, But Different

The X100T uses the same 16.3 MP X-Trans II sensor and 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent) lens as its predecessor, the X100S. Despite that, it often feels like a different camera—in a good sense. How’s that even possible? It appears that Fujifilm kept what made the X100 and X100S popular (and also quite unique), so the DNA remains intact. On the other hand, there is a plethora of enhancements affecting both hardware and firmware. They all seem to share one common goal: to make the camera more accessible and user-friendly, to make sure that the camera doesn’t get in the way between you and your photography, and to be a genuine pleasure to work with.

X100T – Lightroom 5.6.
Click on the image for larger sizes.

First Look: Fujifilm X30

PRE-ORDERS (and support FR)

Today you can support my work here on Fujirumors. If you choose to pre-order it using one of the shoplinks in this post, FR will get a small commission on it. It won’t cost you a single penny extra on your X30. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support this FR… because it’s your support that keeps this blog running.

Fujifilm X30: USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / BestBuy / EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore /

LIVE BLOGGING HERE

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First Look: Fujifilm X30

by Rico Pfirstinger

The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual – Rico’s X30 Sample Images – X30 Specs

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[UPDATE: if you want to read this first look in German, click here]

With the release of my new ebook in the X-E2 finally out of the way, I’m happy to preview Fuji’s first “third generation” X camera: the Fujifilm X30. This is a weirdly interesting device: When it comes to features and usability, it is Fuji’s most advanced camera to date, easily leaving the X-E2 and even X-T1 behind. So even if you aren’t interested in buying or using a compact camera with a 2/3″ sensor, this camera is worth a look, as its new features will also appear in future X-series models with larger sensors.

SOOC JPEG

Click here to access my album of 100 sample images taken with prototype and pre-productions cameras using beta firmware. These samples also include several sets comparing all eleven film simulations.

With the exception of a missing built-in ND filter, this little camera isn’t holding back with features that will please many X enthusiasts.

Here we go: The X30 features the same “real-time”, 2.36 M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) as the X-E2 (with only 0.005 seconds display lag), a 920 K-dot tilting LCD (twice the resolution of the X20), a multi-purpose lens control ring that can serve as a focus, aperture or shutter speed ring, a much improved user interface, better WYSIWYG capabilities (what you see is what you get) that include DR200%/DR400% previews, a dedicated RAW shooting mode, fast hybrid tracking AF, improved Instant-AF, multi-point Single-AF, six user-configurable Fn buttons, a fully configurable Quick menu, vastly improved movie/video options with full manual control, a critically improved JPEG engine with a new “Kodak-like” film simulation called Classic Chrome, wireless remote control and Instax printing, interval shooting for time-lapse photography, optional AF frame and spot metering frame coupling, ± 3 EV exposure compensation in manual mode when Auto-ISO is active (“misomatic”), and several more small but welcome improvements that make our life much easier. Phew!

Of course, the X30 is still using the same Fuji-engineered and Toshiba-built 2/3″ X-Trans sensor as its X20 predecessor, so if cameras with a sensor size below 1″ are beneath you, don’t bother reading any further. Or maybe do bother, because everything new that’s described in this preview will also be featured in Fuji’s upcoming APS-C camera models. So on second thought, this may just be the preview you’ve been looking for.