X-Trans RAW Conversions at Jim Gamblin

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image courtesy: Jim Gamblin (part 3 – Iridient)

Some like it and others don’t: the X-Trans sensor (technology of the year according to imaging-resource). Well known blogger diglloyd expressed several times his doubts about the real quality of the X-Trans sensor files showing “artifacts” or smearing of fine detail (for example here).

So Jim Gamblin made his own tests (check it here) with various RAW-converters Part I (ACR, Raw Photo Processor 64, SilkyPix, Aperture, SOOC jpeg) and at the end he says:

“So I wonder how do some people manage to get RAW images that display so much smearing as it appears in Mr. Chambers review of the Fuji X100S?  There is no doubt in my mind that Lloyd Chambers knows what he is doing.  His excellent site speaks for itself, but . . . .  In no way am I slamming him, only I wonder what the difference is.”

In this post here he compared the already above mentioned RAW-converters again and includes also Iridient developer:

” Iridient Developer 2.2. (Mac Only – trial version) From the standpoint of extracting the most detail out of an image it is unsurpassed.  Also the interface is really quite easy to understand and work with.  However there is no adjustments brush (or at least I did not find one), the monochrome/B&W converter is not up to the some of the others and I don’t know if it is a good catalogue storer.  The price is really good and if you are then willing to use another program for certain of the above mentioned things, then it is a good investment.  However personally I am on the fence about buying it.  How many RAW converters do I really need.  So please excuse the watermarks.”

Share your experience and thoughts in the comments.

have a great day
Patrick

X-M1 reviews roundup (admiringlight and more), XF 27mm first impressions + X-M1 kit deal

price drop: at dealsrunner they found the first price drop on a DEMO X-M1 kit [shoplink 15680 ebay]at eBay here (save $70)[/shoplink]. ACT FAST, just 2 more available!

[shoplink 15680 ebay]cameraland X-M1 kit deal (just 2 available)[/shoplink]

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X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm)USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / Pictureline EUROPE: [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / DigitalRevAmazonITA / AmazonDE / WexUK / PCHstore

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / Pictureline EUROPE: [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / DigitalRev / WexUKAmazonDEAmazonITA / PCHstore XC 16-50: [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / WexUK / PCHstore

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– In depth X-M1 review at admiringlight here. From the conclusions: “I didn’t think I was going to like the X-M1 that much. I really prefer to use an EVF where possible, though I’m not completely averse to using a camera without one. They modified the truly outstanding old-school control scheme, and I didn’t think I would like that at all. Then, when I picked up the body, it felt quite plasticky. Yet, as I used the camera, I found myself really, really enjoying it. It’s by far the most responsive X-series ILC to date, the small size and outstanding image quality, combined with a well thought out control scheme has made me quite happy to grab the X-M1 and go shoot. Focus peaking works very well on the rear LCD, I enjoy using Wi-Fi to quickly share high quality photos, and certainly, the image quality seriously impresses. I actually found myself enjoying the X-M1 more than my X-E1 in most situations. It’s not all puppies and rainbows, of course. The autofocus speed still noticeably trails its competitors, though Fuji has made good strides over the past year to bring it up to a speed that is generally acceptable for most shooting.”

thedigitalcameraworld review here: “Fuji cameras can’t really compete with Olympus and Panasonic cameras in terms of focusing speeds, but nevertheless, the X-M1 is quick enough for the majority of situations. Both start-up times and shot-to-shot times are also very quick. We had pretty high hopes for the X-M1 with its proven sensor. Happily, we have not been disappointed by image quality, with shots containing plenty of detail and bright, punchy colours.”

– X-M1 review at trustedreviews here: “What the X-M1 may be lacking in specification – as well as in the value stakes – it more than makes up for it with striking design and the standard of image quality. If you’re in the market for an entry-level CSC, it’s well worthy of consideration.”

eyalg X-M1 review here: “The X-M1 would have been a tremendous hit, if only it was treated by Fuji as a photographer’s camera, rather than a checked flag in their lineup or a gadget to show off with. Some of these mistakes can be mended by future firmwares – adding AF/MF control to the AF button, adding an option for the silent mode to use the electronic shutter, adding all existing film simulations, as well as B&W filters. Sure, they managed to pull off a great technological achievement, and introduced a compact mirrorless camera with terrific photographic capabilities, but they left something out while doing it – the essence of the X family. The sensation of sheer greatness. Close, but no cigar.”

– rolandrim X-M1 impressions here: “Oh, I really have to rant about this. The X-M1 is the 3rd iteration of the X series bodies, and although I applaud Fujifilm for making constant improvement with each new camera and also bringing new firmware updates to improve old ones. There are somethings that still has not changed. I have not seen anyone ranting about this so far, but I am sure I am not the only one. Why on earth does Fujifilm thinks that +/- 1 stop exposure bracketing is enough??? Even before the days of HDR photos, all DSLR I have shot with allowed at least +/- 2 stops of exposure bracketing. Does Fujifilm know that HDR photo processing even exists?? Please, please, please give us at least +/- 2 stops, preferably even 3 stops exposure bracketing! It is all software really, I am sure Fujifilm can easily add this in new firmware!”

XF 27mm first impressions at thephoblographer here: “So far, we’re overall very impressed with the quality of this lens. It seems to be a bit too expensive for our tastes, but it surely doesn’t overall deserve to be bashed. While it had some quirks, it has some excellent positives such as stellar image quality, pretty fast focusing, and an itty bitty size to match.”

– And after reading all these reviews, if you think it’s the one camera that meets your needs, in this unboxing video you’ll see what’s inside the box and a size comparison X100 vs X20 vs X-M1 at the end of the video. (source PCHstore)

APS-C battle: X100S vs RicohGR vs Leica X2 vs Nikon A vs Sigma DP1

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image courtesy: mobile01

This one is a tough battle: [shoplink 12883]X100S[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 13349]Ricoh GR[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 13071]NikonA[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 14323]Leica X2[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 14387 ebay]Sigma DP1 Merril[/shoplink]!

It’s a comprehensive comparison with a lot of sample images: portrait, ISO, sharpness, moiree, bokeh and much more. Take your time to compare all the sample images and decipher the google translated text version.. Check it out here (translation) and then vote your overall favorite camera in the poll.

cheers
Patrick

Fujifilm's priority should be...

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XF 27mm: technical test at dslrmagazine and some impressions at sgoldswoblog

1) dslrmagazin tested the XF 27mm lens here (tranlsation). The lens is not cheap, but has the right “balance between size, weight, performance… and it’s an XF

2) Some impressions and images can be checked out here at sgoldswoblog: “In the final analysis: the 35mm will give you sharper pictures and a wider aperture, but is larger and slower to focus; whereas the 18-55mm is sharper in the centre, but is larger and has a narrower maximum aperture at 27mm. However, I think there is a good place for this lens, even if you don’t plan to use it all the time. It’s sharp enough, small enough and fast enough to AF that I plan to have it with me when I’m carrying my X-Pro1. The only real downside for me is the price, which was £379 at launch. I don’t feel cheated but I think £300-350 would be fairer, given the limitations of the lens. Other than that, I’m very happy with the 27mm.”

Fuji X-M1: [shopcountry 13828] Fuji XF 27mm: [shopcountry 13829]

 image courtesy: dslrmagazine

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miXed zone: X20 and street photography, ghost town, admiringlight 55-200 review and more

X-M1

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 – Some shots taken with the X-M1 in Bilbao. See them here at Reality Scanner’s Flickr.

– Hands on preview of the X-M1 at lensvid here. The bootom line: “Although we should emphasize again that we did test a sample camera and not a production one, we can say that if you are looking for a small and not extremely expensive mirrorless camera with the highest image quality currently on the market at this budget – the X-M1 is a very appealing choice. However if AF is a dominant factor (if you are shooting a lot of moving objects for example), if you have large hands or just can’t live without a viewfinder – there are better options on the market for you.”

X100S

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-FR-readers Olaf and Kasia were in Montana’s Ghost Towns with the Fuji X-series (X100S and X-PRO1). “Composition, light and creativity must always come before technical considerations.” So enjoy his pictures here.

threeguyswithcameras did a review that covers the [shoplink 12883]X100S[/shoplink], the [shoplink 13071]Nikon Coolpix A[/shoplink], and the [shoplink 13349]Ricoh GR[/shoplink]. The first part is here, and part two will be coming shortly. Check it out here.

X20

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image courtesy: riflessifotografici

Street photography (with the X10/X20): Another gratification for riflessifotografici and strepher Donato Chirulli (theartofphotography1). Italian readers can now read at the well known Italian magazine fotocult.it an interview in which Donato explains his way to deal with Street Photography and, in particular, on the use of compact cameras such as the Fujifilm X10 and X20. For a review of his latest book “discovering street photographyread this interview here (translation).

 X-E1

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– Old lenses, new tricks: using m42 lenses on the X-E1 at lightpriority.net.

– Ronmartblog’s X-E1 first part of his review (and many samples) can be read here. “This is a special camera that is extremely well built, and I really enjoy it!” And here is part two of his review. From his conclusions: “Overall, I give this camera a guarded recommendation to those who can afford to pay for the wonderful quality body and very good sensor that it offers. It’s sure to please as long as you keep yourself in good light and stay out of situations that require ISO > 800.

lenses

admiringlight XF 55-200 review here. “Overall, Fuji has created a truly outstanding zoom lens with the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. It’s a lens that is not only sharp throughout the range, but has excellent color rendering, beautiful bokeh and good control of lens aberrations.”

– findingrange published his Zeiss Touit 12mm review… a lot of PROS but also some CONS can be read here: “[…] optically, this lens is simply fantastic.  It renders very nicely, and it’s so incredibly sharp.  Optically, I don’t really think you could ask for more from a lens.  A super wide angle lens like this takes some time to get use to, so if you’re not sure if this is a lens for you, go to a good local dealer […], and ask them if you could try it out.

– FR-reader Tjeerd shared via FR-facebook his Zeiss 12mm fotoshoot and review. You can check it out here. His conclusions: “The Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 is a very high quality lens. It’s fun to use and gives you a lot of creative options. It’s ultra wide and should fill in the gap where the 18mm or 35mm can’t reach. It’s quite light, compact and feels very durable.  Even though 2 mm doesn’t sound like much, on a wide end it makes quite a bit of difference I presume. Should you get this one over the Fuji 14mm? Well with a price difference of 220 euros, it’s up to you if the extra 2mm and the Zeiss logo is worth it.”

X-PRO1 (and firmware 3.01)

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– Xavier: “Hello Patrick, Thank your for your great blog, It’s my first read each day :) I contact you because of a problem I have with my X-Pro1 since firmware update 3.0 (and still with the 3.01). It’s seems that there’s a little community who have the same issue, and I’m surprised that nobody talks about it on your website. It’s a problem of freezing when taking a picture, and the only way to shut the camera off, or to continue to use it,  is the removal of the battery. Then, when the battery is back in, and the camera switched on, it works normally. Until the next freeze. This happens very often. I say you that because of the impact your blog can have on Fuji, perhaps if you mention it, Fuji will give a look at the problem and work on a new update that fix it. Who knows… Thank you for your time, and thank you for your so useful blog ! Xavier (flickr)”

– “The Fujifilm X-Pro1 – A Year in Review” at binaryframe here: “The Fujifilm X-Pro1 has been an important camera in my life. It has fundamentally altered my lifestyle to the extent that I am now immersed in the art of photography. It is my constant companion for documenting life and carries the responsibility of capturing memories with the same vivid expression that I recall in my mind. In this task it succeeds spectacularly.”