Ultimate RAW Converter Shootout

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – RAW converter comparison Flickr set (private set, must use this link) – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages)

Hello, again! Remember me?

It’s been a while, but to my defense, I have been busy finishing my new book Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1. It went to the printer yesterday (it will be printed in the U.S.A), and it’s expected to hit the stores by the end of October. You can preorder it by clicking here (currently with a 30% discount).

Of course, there’ll also be an eBook version for Kindle, iBooks and the likes. I’ll try to prepare a new set of reading samples for one of the next editions of this column. One will feature a first look at Fuji’s new X-A1 entry-level system camera (I have been testing a pre-production camera for several weeks), another one a look at the XF23mmF1.4 R lens that has just been officially announced (I am currently testing a pre-production sample).

As for this X-Pert Corner edition, it appears like I am promising you an “ultimate” RAW converter shootout, but of course, that’s just stupid marketing blah to lure you in. I was told that this kind of language attracts readers (hey, it worked on you, didn’t it?), and by the way, did I mention that the DSLR is dead and that Fuji is the new Leica?

Relax! Just kidding! ;)

What I am really going to do in this column is offering you a humble comparison of eight different X-Trans compatible RAW converters with respect to critical detail rendering at higher sharpening levels. My goal was to use AccuRaw 1.1.1, Aperture 3.4.5 with Apple Camera Raw 4.0.8, Capture One Pro 7.1.3, Iridient Developer 2.2, Lightroom 5.2RC, RPP 64 4.7.1, Silkypix 5.0.45 and the internal RAW converter of an X-Pro1 to extract as much detail as possible from two proven RAW sample files, then presenting the results without telling you which sample was made with which converter. This means that you’ll have to drop your preconceptions. Just look at the files without a safety net of hearsay! Spooky, huh?

Let flowers speak!

Enough introductory talk, let’s have a look at the first demo file:

By clicking here, you will get to a private Flickr set showing you eight different renderings of this image, labeled DSCF0544-1 to DSCF0544-8, displaying the results from RAW converters 1 to 8, respectively. I didn’t care about matching colors, contrast and the likes (you can change those anytime and anywhere to your personal taste). Instead, I focused on revealing as much sharp detail as possible, so for some of you, the results may look a tad too sharp. That’s intentional, as weaknesses tend to reveal themselves at critical sharpening levels (think “watercolor effect”).

Here’s how it goes: Look at the samples 1 to 8, then vote in the poll below for the one you like the most. I did my best to set each RAW converter to maximum effect with respect to revealing as much detail as possible, but hey, I’m only human (aka not Ken Rockwell). That’s why you’ll also find links to the original RAW files in Flickr’s image descriptions. Go ahead, knock yourselves out and do a better job with the RAW converter of your choosing!

Poll for DSCF0544-1 to DSCF0544-8:

Which two Fujinon Prime Lenses are the Most Sold ones until December 2015? (max. 2 selections)

View Results

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Personally, I think it’s interesting to not only see how differently the RAW converters are rendering the overall image, but also how different parts of the image reveal quite different levels of fine detail depending on which converter the file was processed with. If you click on the “original size” versions of the samples in Flickr, you will get 100% magnification views in lossless JPEG format, so prepare yourself for extended loading times. Many files are 20 MB+ in size. Yay!

Green is mean!

Our second sample is a particularly tough one, as it contains foliage and grass in all shapes and sizes. It’s a genuine X-Trans nightmare. I love it!

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

XF23mm unveiled: pre-orders, press-release, hands-on reviews! LIVE-BLOGGING (reload this page)

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore /

Samples

Fujfilm just uploaded the first official samples of the XF 23mm here!

Hands-on

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R Hands-on Photos at photographyblog here.

Press-releases

German Press Release (via systemkamera-forum) here (tranlsation). They say the lens will be available in Europe for €899 starting from the beginning of October.

Fujifilm GLOBAL press release!

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R lens for Fujifilm compact system cameras.

FUJINON XF lenses represent the pinnacle of Fujifilm’s optical design technology, with top quality all-glass construction which includes an aspherical lens element. Their fast maximum apertures increase versatility for low-light photography and create scenes with a beautiful bokeh effect, while Fujifilm’s HT-EBC coating reduces reflections over a wider range of wavelengths, thereby controlling flare and ghosting. These advanced optical engineering techniques combine to deliver full-frame sensor resolution and noise level performance in the highly detailed APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS sensor in Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

With a focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format, the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R is suitable for a wide range of applications including portraits and landscapes as well as more general photography. The fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows you to shoot hand-held in low light conditions, where zoom lenses would introduce camera shake, plus it creates beautiful bokeh for artistic images.
• Dedicated lens design for use with Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensors

The new lens design provides enhanced resolving power with high contrast to draw the maximum performance out of the highly descriptive X-Trans CMOS sensor.
The fast f/1.4 aperture allows the user to create images with beautiful bokeh and helps reduce blurring in low light conditions.
Lens distortion has been reduced to the absolute minimum using only optical rather than digital correction, thereby delivering the highest possible picture quality.
The rounded seven-blade diaphragm ensures smooth bokeh even when shooting portraits or product shots at a medium aperture to maintain reasonable depth-of-field.
All lens elements are treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) which delivers enhanced durability and ensures an even spread of light across the sensor.

• Ideal focal length for day to day shooting

The versatile focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format means you can enjoy both a wide-angle and telephoto approach by using your own feet to adjust the distance or angle with the subject matter.

• Distance indicator suitable for quick shots

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R features a camera-to-subject distance indicator and a depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Both are useful when manually pre-focusing to capture a fast moving subject, or minimize the shutter lag to capture a fleeting moment.
The minimum working distance of around 28cm also makes this lens ideal for close-up shots.

• High speed autofocus

The lens uses an internal focusing system for high speed autofocus. The focusing lens group consists of three cemented lens elements and one aspheric lens element to keep weight down while the built-in high-torque DC coreless motor delivers ultra-fast AF performance.

• Compact size and premium design

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R weighs 300g and measures just 63mm in length making it the most compact and lightweight lens of its class.
Metal parts are used for the focus and aperture rings, which are designed to give just the right amount of torque and feel in use.
The large front element gives the premium look of a fast lens, reminiscent of classic lenses from the past.

 

travel-X: Peru, Cuba and 4 months around the world

X-DEALS (save up to $1,150)

AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1

X-E1 + 18-55 + 2 batteries + 32GB SD-card and more

There is an X-E1 with XF 18-55 zoom lens at ebayUS (via top rated reseller 6ave) for just $1,092. You save $100 on the camera+lens bundle and you also get 2 batteries, 32GB SD-card & more. [shoplink 16015 ebay]Check this deal out here[/shoplink]! Limited quantity available. (This deal was found via dealsrunner).

_ _ _

Eric

photo eric_zps6743b407.png

Hi Patrick

I did a trip to the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash this July and August and shot with my X-E1. Mostly shot with the 14mm, but some with the 35mm. I’m starting to post on flickr here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15358623@N08/sets/72157635275678271/

I  don’t have a blog yet.

I think you might like the photos and I have not seen high mountain shots on your site yet. Most of my shots were at 4200 meters (13,779 ft.) or above.

I only have 3 shots up now, but I probably have 10 or so nice ones coming. [admin: Eric just upload more amazing pictures!]

Thanks for your site, I visit often.
Best,
Eric

Eric

photo peru_zps7a1484bc.png

Kevin

FR-reader Kevin linked me his to his blog post about his travel in Cuba. I’m happy to share his images with you (thepictorial.com/general/havana-cuba-with-the-fuji-x100s/). His travel equipment? Here it is:

“Equipment wise, this trip had me very excited. As usual I juggled various camera ideas and setups in my head before leaving Canada and in the end settled on the combination of the New Fuji X100s with the [shoplink 12893 ebay]WCL-X100 adapter[/shoplink], and the Fuji X-E1 with 35mm f1.4 lens attached. Coupled with these I had the usual spare batteries, a lightweight tripod (that I ended up not using), an Infra Red pass-through filter, and an excellent [shoplink 15975]“Think Tank Retrospective 7″[/shoplink] bag to carry it all in. My bulky DSLR and lenses stayed at home.”

Kevin

photo KLP13-1-Cuba-2_zps96298ffa.jpg

Ira

Dear Patrick,

I bought my X-E1 about five months ago and have been loving it. I learned photography when I was in high school using old Pentax film cameras and I still remember the clicking aperture ring on those babies. I really like how the X-E1 feels like a manual camera but with modern conveniences.

Great job with the site; I check it regularly to get tips and ideas and find out what’s new. I was inspired to email you because of a recent post you did about someone traveling for a year with their X-Pro1 [see here]. My partner and I are also traveling, but not for quite so long, our adventure is 4 months and coming to an end soon. We’ve been to the Middle-East, Africa, and Asia. We’ve been keeping a blog with some of our shots from the trip and thought you might be interested to see it. I actually did a post today about our photography workflow on the road.

Here’s the blog:
http://jessandira.tumblr.com

Here are 3 of my favourite shots:
http://31.media.tumblr.com/7633532d6cb483f633a8459f1b560bee/tumblr_mqnkzbKXsE1spxqrro3_1280.jpg

http://31.media.tumblr.com/6ce9628ebe23000ec6a71e0ba2283256/tumblr_mp253qDwIM1spxqrro3_1280.jpg

http://24.media.tumblr.com/64677866363eb6147b7eedac11ab03ab/tumblr_mq6bn8VUea1spxqrro3_1280.jpg

Cheers,
Ira
(Canadian now based in London)

I forgot to say one thing – I really hope Fuji announces a multi-purpose zoom for the X system, something like 16-80mm comparable to [shoplink 16005]Canon’s 24-105mm[/shoplink] which is a great travel lens.

Ira

photo tumblr_mqnkzbKXsE1spxqrro3_1280_zps4046072d.jpg

miXed zone: Apple RAW X-M1 support, admiringlight and phoblographer 27mm review, comparisons and more

X-DEALS (save up to $1,150)

AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1

X-M1

[shopcountry 13828]

– Apple RAW compatibility update adds support for X-M1 here.

– The Phoblographer published the X-M1 review here: “What happens when you take the best APS-C sensor in the business that just so happened to be in your flagship camera and put it in your entry level camera? Well, you get some damned good image quality that can rival that of a full frame camera’s performance. […] The camera’s JPEG conversion engine is also worthy of talking about–especially when converting an image to a black and white. pixel for pixel at higher ISOs, the engine crushes absolutely any noise issues and delivers a superbly sharp image with film grain that looks completely organic.”

– digitalcamerainfo’s review of the X-M1 can be read here: “Putting an X-Trans sensor in a plastic body is a bit like putting a Ferrari engine in a Toyota Camry. Yeah it’s got a lot of get up and go, but at the end of the day, the beige paint and cloth seats diminish the overall experience. And the handling? Not so sporty. If you’re willing to spend $800 on a Fuji X-series camera, chances are you’re the kind of shopper who’s looking for ultimate quality, both in image quality and build. So do yourself a favor: Spend a little more and pick up an X-E1. For the extra coin, you’ll get improved controls, the confidence of an all-metal build, and the same great image quality.”

– The comprehensive optyczne X-M1 review is online here (translation).

– A little bit of street photography with the X-M1 at dslrmagazine.com (translation).

– A quick take of Mike Kobal’s favorite compacts: Fuji X-M1, Ricoh GR and Sony RX100II here.

X100S

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– Fuji X100s Long Term Report at photofocus.com: “I guess it goes to show you that no camera is perfect. And no tool can be expected to do EVERYTHING well. But the X100s comes close.”

– neocamera X100S review here: “The Fuji X100S is an extremely capable premium compact camera. It features a unique 16 MP X-Trans II CMOS sensor without anti-alias filter that delivers image-quality which competes with the best APS-C DSLRs on the market.”

– wired posted its X100S review here: “WIRED: Compact size. Amazing photo quality. You look cool using it. – TIRED: Controls take longer than usual to master. Battery life and meter can cut a planned long day shooting too short.

– Three Guys With Cameras Part II of the comparison of the X100S with the GR and Coolpix A is now up. You can find it here.

– See Florence through the eye of the X100S at alessandromichelazzi.com.

– X100 vs X100S at thevisualexperience.

– focus-numerique’s review can be read in French here (translated version)

– The Fuji X100S makes an appearance at the James Beard Awards (click here)

– A short feedback with some samples checked out here at thelifeofm.com.

X-E1

[shopcountry 12881]

– X-E1 review at photoxels here. They posted some sample shots taken with the 27mm: “The Fujifilm X-E1 inherits the DNA of the X-PRO1 with image quality that rivals and even bests that obtained from some enthusiast and top-end DSLRs. It swaps the Hybrid optical/electronic Multi Viewfinder for a very high resolution OLED EVF and adds a built-in flash. It accepts all the XF and XC lenses and, with the M Mount Adapter, can also use LEICA M lenses. If you like the X-PRO1 but can’t afford it, the X-E1 may just be the one for you.”

– Fuji X-E1 and Sigma 12-24mm samples at soundimageplus here: “Its not pretty. In fact its ugly, heavy, huge and difficult to use, but the Sigma 12-24mm takes a great picture on the Fuji X-E1.”

– Leica M9 vs Fuji X-E1 at frankdoorhof here. From the conclusions: “Now when we know that most people will use the Leica on the street and that you need some speed there I think that the Leica is a great/sexy/cool and awesome to shoot with camera BUT… due to the lack of focussing speed it’s not the camera I would advise, even if it was the same price…….. However seeing the fact I can buy 6x X-E1′s for one M9 (and I don’t even talk about glass)… well I will advise the X-E1 without a doubt in my mind. Also take into account the dynamic range in the X-E1 and the much better handling of noise I’m more and more convinced the Leica is not the better choice.”

– “photo shoot: take a rapper and the X-E1” here.

– Forbes X-E1 review here.

– Some testings with the X-E1 can be seen here at thomasfitzgeraldphotography.

lenses

Fuji XF 27mm: [shopcountry 13829] Fuji XF 55-200mm: [shopcountry 12892]

– thephoblographer’s XF 27mm review here: “PROS: Compact size – Sharp image quality – Low profile look – Fast to focus CONS: An aperture ring would have been preferred – Macro focusing doesn’t really work out so well

– Also admiringlight posted its XF 27mm review here: “Overall, the Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 is a pleasant lens to use and a great option when you want the smallest possible package for your Fuji X camera. It pairs especially well with the tiny X-M1, creating a very portable package capable of very good image quality. The 27mm f/2.8 is sharp at most any aperture, and while the edges are a little softer than the center, they are plenty sharp enough for most any use. This little pancake controls chromatic aberrations and fringing extremely well, and I feel that overall image quality is quite good, though bokeh is rather unremarkable. Ultimately, if you want a very small lens with very good image quality in a nice all-purpose focal length, the XF 27mm f/2.8 will fit the bill quite nicely. I was left wanting for a few things, however. For the $450 asking price, I would have much rather seen a faster aperture, as an f/2.8 prime lens isn’t exactly a speed demon. I would have much preferred this to be an f/2.0 or even f/2.4 lens given the price.”

– The exhibition at the old hospital and the zeiss touit 12mm for x-pro1 at suspectphotography.com.

– Getting close with the 55-200 at byjansen.com here: “The building quality is solid with an all-metal barrel construction like all Fujinon lenses and although it’s a big lens it feels really good on the camera, […] The image sharpness overall is superb, stabilisation (4x) works fine, it has smooth bokeh (!!) […]. I love using it and the image quality is superb compared to the dslr zoom lenses I’ve owned before. I can’t wait to try the 55-200 out when my kids start playing hockey again.”

– And here is World Superbikes race shot with the 55-200 and X-PRO1: “All in all, a superb combination of kit. Lightweight, compact and unbelievable quality.”

First day with the XF14mm at rolandlim: “[…] f2.8 aperture is good for indoor and night shots – Although it is certainly not a macro lens, but with a closest focusing distance of 18cm, the macro ability is not bad in emergency use […]”

The Spanish quesabesde tested the 14mm here (translated version)… looks good, and it is!

The Japanese camera.itmedia review (translated version) of the XF14mm.

Fujixfiles XF14mm review here.

X-PRO1

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– rezaevol X-PRO1 first impressions here: “To be honest I would love to say everyone should buy this camera but that’s not true. The people who should buy this camera are camera enthusiasts, street photographers and or photographers who have a DSLR and want something smaller to carry around everyday with them. I would be brave enough to say that you can use this for fashion photography if you wanted. If your looking to capture fast moving action I suggest you stay away from this camera, unfortunately it’s not fast enough to capture those moments that need fast focusing.”

– X-PRO1 review at mirrorlessons here: “It still needs some improvement, but seeing how the camera has evolved in this year and a half, I really believe that the system can attain perfection and become something completely different from any other system. Not only am I waiting to become just that bit richer, but I am also awaiting a new model and new lenses, like the recently-announced 23mm f/1.4 and the 56mm f/1.2. At that point, I really won’t need a DSLR anymore.”

– Fuji X-Series Cameras For Astrophotography at Jonesblog here.

X-E1 +VSCO Film 4

Fuji X-E1 + VSCO Film 4: A Quick Review at thomasfitzgeraldphotography.com here: