Have a great Saturday… and keep up dreaming here ;)

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X-stock&deals

[shoplink 19210 ebay][/shoplink]

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

– Top rated Plus ebay reseller cameraland has both, the [shoplink 19210 ebay]black XQ1[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 19211 ebay]silver XQ1[/shoplink] available for $439 $409 [price dropped to $409], which is $10 $40 cheaper than anywhere else. Limited number available.

– Up to €70 cashback on the X-M1 and X-A1 for our French readers. Check it out here (via photoblogue)

– Save $160 on the X100S and purchase the DEMO X100S at [shoplink 19200 ebay]top rated plus ebay reseller kenmorecamera here[/shoplink].

Fuji-X meet-up

After the Italian Fuji X Series Club Italia, there is now also a Canadian meet-up in Toronto, the FujiTuesday. Join them here and see more about their first meeting. Do you know other meet-ups. Share them in the comments.

X-E2
USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

– At the FR-facebook page Bryan wrote: “I absolutely LOVE my Fuji X-E2, and here’s the story behind it. I also talk about why learning as a photographer is the most important thing you can do.” From the article: ” I am photographing 35% of my client work with my Fuji X-E2, and 100% of my personal work with it. I love everything about it from the image quality, the feel, and the mechanics of it to how it makes me think as a photographer.”

– Tom Grill has now given the X-E2 a true pro workout in a beauty shoot. Here is a review of it and the results: “Two important changes in the X-E2 over the X-E1 made this shoot easier to pull off. The first was the ability to move the auto-focus point in AF-C (continuous focus) mode. When photographing models I strive for a pinpoint focus on the eyes, which means having a small focus point coupled with the ability to move it around for placement on the eye. The full screen grid of focus locations on the X-E2 was very helpful in achieving this. Most cameras have focus points congregating in a central area so it is sometimes hard to position one over an eye that is located in the corner of the image frame. The second important change was in the refresh rate of the EVF finder in the 3fps drive mode. This allowed me to actually see what was changing in almost real time.”

– rafagarciaphoto brought his X-E2 in the pinewoods here: “I’m impressed with the shutter lag, there’s no such thing with this new camera. This is great for people who (like I do) shoot in the streets and for whom burst mode is not an option. No more missed shots because of that.”

– Japanese dc.watch review here (translation).

XF 23mm
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– Admiringlight XF23mm review here: “It’s one of the most anticipated lenses for the system, and Fuji did not disappoint.  The XF 23mm f/1.4 is extremely sharp, and even provides high image sharpness at f/1.4 across the frame.  Bokeh is excellent and the lens has surprisingly few flaws in any category, with only a bit of chromatic aberration worth noting.  Autofocus is generally fast and accurate, though capable of hiccuping under the right circumstances.”

– Fuji vs Fuji… or better, X100S vs 23mm at fujivsfuji.com here: “Overall, the Fujinon 23/1.4 outperforms the X100S in my tests. This is to be expected given the lens retails for 70% of what the X100S does at the time of this writing. The X100S holds its own though. And this test doesn’t take into consideration the difference in size and weight yet.”

X100S
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– photographyreview X100S review here: “It feels great, it’s fun to use, and the image quality is excellent. The X100S is a fabulous compact street, people and travel camera. There are smaller cameras with comparable features and performance, though ([shoplink 13349]Ricoh GR[/shoplink] and [shoplink 13071]Nikon Coolpix A[/shoplink]). What sets the X100S apart and makes it special the traditional rangefinder-style design with the hybrid viewfinder, the solid build, and the outstanding image quality.”

– Dennis Berti says that the Fujifilm X100s is good not only Street Photography here: “I also tried twice to use the Fuji to shoot a wedding and I’m so happy with the final product. Nobody realized when you press the shutter, it’s so silent. And also the wedding guests don’t point at you as the photographer in charge but as a guest, because the small camera.”

– findingrange XF23mm review here: “Here’s the bottom line: this is an amazing lens!  If you want a 35mm equivalent lens for your Fuji, do not hesitate to buy this lens.  I returned the XF 23mm F1.4 last week but I’m still thinking about it, and there’s a big part of me that’s considering purchasing a copy as I’m writing this.”

– The X100S in Venice with Roger here: “Thankfully I’d flown Ryan Air (never thought I’d use those words in the same sentence) which meant my carry on baggage was extremely limited, and so I’d taken only one Canon 5d MkIII and 3 lenses to cover the job. I’d decided to pack my Fuji X100S as a backup camera which turned out to be a great decision. I put my heavy DSLR and lenses in left luggage, along with my lighting equipment and hopped on a train to Venice with only the X100S and two batteries.”

– French test of the X100S here (translation).

– Mathieu is using the X100S for over six months and he published his consideration about it here: “With the Fuji X100s, I just pick it up, turn it on and start shooting. I don’t have to care about anything else.”

– [shoplink 14323]Leica X2[/shoplink] or Fuji X100s – Which to Take with Me? Read more at outdoorimagesfineart here: “So, which one will I take?  I’ll decide in the morning before I leave, but it will probably be the Leica….”

– Scott’s two week road trip with the X100S here: “The auto-focus on this little guy is a dream! It’s nice to finally have camera that doesn’t hunt for focus. If you’re coming from the Canon world, be warned that there is slight learning curve. The different setup that Fuji presents took some time to grasp before it finally felt right.”

– “The X100S + Long Exposure = Really good.” Read more at Donovan’s website here… Read also his blog post “Former Fuji Fanboy?” here. “A couple weeks ago, I turned the X-E1 on and brought the camera to my eye, but the electronic viewfinder stayed black. I thought maybe it was a setting or something, but no, the EVF wasn’t working.”

– fujixfiles says that the X100S made him a better B&W photographer. Read why here: “And in case you don’t have a lot of experience with B&W photography the Fuji X cameras with EVF will take you by the hand and guide you to your first successful exposures. When you switch your JPG to B&W you will see a B&W image in the EVF preview. Now use the exposure compensation dial (in Aperture priority mode) to increase or decrease the exposure in order to get the amount of contrast in your subject that you desire.”

– Mehrdad and his X100S in Neaples. See his shots here.

– Five Cameras To Bring With You to Tour Big Cities at thephoblographer… of course the list starts with the X100S ;).

X-E1
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– X-E1 vs X100S shootout at philippabele here: “I found the X100s to be the overall better camera, more convenient to use and better performing. Still I have decided to keep the X-E1 and get the 23mm f/1.4 because I’m a low light freak. If there was a big ass 23mm f/0.95 lens for the Fujifilm X system I’d probably get it.”

– Photographing Cyclocross with the Fujifilm X-E1 and X20 at danbaileyphoto.com here: “Overall, I had lots of fun shooting this race. Especially whenever the guy in the viking costume rode by. Both X cameras held their own, they were really fun to use, and I’m super happy with the feel and mood of my photographs; I think they tell a great story of what happened over at Goose Lake last Saturday afternoon, and that fact shouldn’t be camera dependent.”

– The love affair with the X-E1 continues at markschuelerphoto.com here. Read his practial review: “I can’t speak for every­one, of course, but I can tell you that for me, that just hap­pened. I finally have the cam­era that con­vinced me to let go of all that weight. A cam­era that reminds me to focus on the moment, the the pho­to­graph, and the idea. To com­mu­ni­cate the emo­tion, to con­vey the expe­ri­ence. I’m not sug­gest­ing a DSLR can’t do that… I’m sug­gest­ing that ANY cam­era can do that, if it works for you.”

– pixelogist X-E1 review can be read here: “And the X-E1 is one such camera. Superb design, build, good performance (except for the AF system, alas!) and absolutely excellent image quality – what more would you want? A better AF system, perhaps, yes – but it’s quite brilliant as it is. My favorite mirrorless camera? Definitely. Until I check out the X-E2, at least!”

X-PRO1
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image courtesy: alexlagarejos

– “Fujifilm X-pro 1, travel companion” at alexlagarejos here: “There is a real freedom to having such quality in a compact form. Firstly, the x-pro 1 goes everywhere with me, I don’t even think about it any more. […] I love fuji for making the x series of cameras, the quality is exceptional, they are a joy to use, of course they have their quirks, I’ve yet to use a camera that doesn’t have something that could be better, but the fuji x-pro 1 gets most things right. Fuji also seem to really listen to their customers, every firmware update has addressed issues that people raised and added features that have been of real use, the recent peak focusing upgrade for the x-pro 1 being an example.”

– Sometimes Karim really loves his job… especially when goes to the Caribbian with his X-PRO1. See his shots here.

– “The Fuji X-Pro 1 – Is It a Landscape Photographers Camera? Some Initial Thoughts.” Read more at dougchinnery here.

– thekagecollective at the SOS Children’s Villages here.

– Views of Berlin taken with the X-PRO1 at refro.at here: “So let me take you through a journey with expressive pictures –  all taken with my Fuji X-PRO1 with the 18-55 zoom. I really like the image quality of the X-TRANS sensor.”

“A new interview that is part of our series of 100 interviews we will be holding with professional photographers who use mirrorless cameras for work! This week’s interview is with freelance photographer Patrick La Roque from Montreal, Canada. He uses the Fuji X-Pro1 and X100 to shoot a variety of subjects, including “people, spaces, street and products.” Read the interview here at mirrorlessons.

– The X-PRO1 in Havana de Cuba at handcarryonly here.

– Street: Fuji X-Pro1 vs [shoplink 16850 ebay]Canon 5D MKII[/shoplink] at krysalisphotography: “To conclude, this model is not the DSLR killer that people may have been hoping for, but the mirrorless systems are definitely heading that way at an amazing speed.”

– X-Pro1 – Replichrome Kodak B&W Film by Totally Rad at ikphotography here.

– – Step aside Leica, the Fuji X-Pro1 is here! at paulkomarek here: “This is one of those cameras you need to pick up and try out for yourself to truly appreciate. I can’t say enough positive things about it but it has definitely earned a rightful spot on my “Recommended List” and is quicklybecoming the camera I carry around day-to-day and on vacations and outings. While it won’t replace a full-frame DSLR in terms of functionality (ie: wildlife and sports photography), it will fill in all the spots where lugging around that big DSLR becomes less and less practical.”

image courtesy: paulkomarek

X20
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– Optical Viewfinder Matters – Fujifilm X20 Compact Camera at thedigitalstory here: “Fujifilm’s viewfinder zooms with the lens so I have a relatively accurate field of view. Plus its readouts keep me apprised of the current camera settings. It’s not as accurate as the framing with a DSLR. But then again, the X20 fits in my front pants pocket and only weights 12 ounces.”

X-A1
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– A Day with the Fujifilm X-A1 and the Rockettes at thephoblographer here: “Overall, I shot 357 photos over the course of an hour. We were ushered out at 11:00 a.m. The X-A1 paired with the 35mm f1.4 performed admirably. I imagine I’d have had a harder  time with the kit lens. Of course, I haven’t seen images from the other photographers there, but the quality of the X-A1′s images are wonderful. The RAW files provided a great degree of information to work with, and almost no editing was needed.” You can also read their full review here.

– yodobashi beautiful shooting report can be seen here (tranlsation).

– the X-A1 at mapcamera.com here (translation).

– pocket-lint X-A1 review here: “That’s the key thing about the X-A1: at £499 all in – including the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens – the camera is a bit of a bargain. Great to use – and there’s built-in Wi-Fi for saving images straight to your PC, managing them via an Android or iOS app – it’s also the camera that represents Fuji’s expanding platform. But it is more basic than the original models in the range that pushed “pro” aspirations.”

– Some studio shots at the Polish site optyczne (tranlsation)

X-M1
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– X-M1 review at digitalphotographyschool here: “Quality: above average. Why you’d buy the Fujifilm X-M1: good quality, small form factor. Why you wouldn’t buy the Fujifilm X-M1: no panorama mode.” Another review on the same site can be read here.

– “Hi Patrick, Here is our most recent review about the X-M1. We came to the conclusion that the X-M1 is one of the best in its category thanks to overall IQ but it remains a less attractive option than other Fuji X cameras due to the lack of VF, certain extra features and a price tag just $200 off the X-E1. Cheers! Mat & Heather.”

– X-M1 review at bestmat.ch here: “The image quality of the X-M1 is excellent, a predictable result as it uses the same sensor and lens as the X-Pro1. Fuji’s X-mount lens system will be very appealing to professional photographers; the lenses have excellent build and optical quality, though it comes at a rather high price.”

– X-M1 review at cameras.about.com here: “You certainly can find other DIL cameras that offer slightly less power and performance than the Fujifilm X-M1 for a couple hundred dollars less, but its stylish design and large image sensor are valuable aspects of this model.”

X100
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– “Picture-perfect Paris – A weekend shooting in the streets – Fuji x100 Firmware 2” at Morgan’s website here.

– “Simon Burgess is a talented photographer based in the Hampshire Village of Nether Wallop. After a recent dose of inspiration, he took to his favorite London markets for a unique project. Armed with a Fuji X100 and Replichrome, film presets for Lightroom, he began creating compelling images, reminiscent of classic film street photography, but updated for the modern era.” See and read more here at gettotallyrad.

lenses

– 18-55mm vs 14mm at regislessent.com: “On the technical side, I was surprised how the AF of the 18-55 felt so different from the 14mm or the 35mm I own. I would say it’s less « brutal » and less noisy.”

– soundimageplus XF55-200 review and user experience here: ” It actually balances really well with both the X-E2 and X-Pro 1. I carried it around for a couple of hours yesterday on a cold day and actually found the experience easier than I imagined it was going to be.” Part II can be read here.

– The Polish site tested the XF14mm here (translation)

– A lot of kind words to Fujifilm’s decision to deliver, together with the high end X-cameras an awesome, fast kit lens with aperture ring. Read the article “How Fujifilm is Reimagining the Kit Lens; And Others Should Look to Them” here: “This is less a review and more of an ode. “

– Zeiss Touit 12 vs. Fuji 14 vs. Zeiss ZE 21 at mfoto.ca here.

– “Here is a gallery of pictures taken by Damien Lovegrove with the fabulous Fujifilm XF 60mm f/2.4 macro prime lens. All the pictures were shot on the Fujifilm X-Pro1 camera.”

– Switching Gears – Fuji 55-200mm walkabout at chadwadsworth here: “I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the 55mm-200mm. Coming from a background of fixed, fast aperture zooms with shallow DOF and creamy bokeh, I was expecting to be disappointed, but that was not the result. The 55mm-200mm Fuji is priced competitively for what it offers and as an all-purpose zoom, it is absolutely capable in almost every regard.”

– XC 16-50 review here: “I give this lens a blue rating since it is a superb value. Step it down to f/5.6-7.1 and you will get a nice sharp lens across the range. This makes it a great lens to take on a trip and take landscape shots, and other general purpose shots.”

– Fuji X-M1 with the [shoplink 13829]XF 27mm[/shoplink] and [shoplink 12888]XF 14mm[/shoplink] at flixelpix here: “The X-M1 was the perfect powerhouse of portability as we ventured over Fair Head and the long way back to Ballycastle.”

– paulkomerek 18mm review here: “[…] it is a good all-around lens that fills the wide angle spot needed for landscape, indoor candid, and up close and personal street photography.”

RAW-conversion

– soundimageplus RAW conversion with Photo Ninja here: “Regular readers will know that’s how I like my images to look anyway, but for the first time I’ve got this without having to do a lot of post-processing and it’s nice to have this as pretty much the ‘default’ look.”

Fuji Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic
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– At filmdigital.tumblr.com you can read a quick review about the Fuji Instax Mini 90: “Overall, it’s a pretty basic camera with features you don’t really need to use but are helpful if you want to take a bit more time in creating your instant photos. There’s something special about being able to hold a print of a photo you just took and physically passing it around to everyone in the room. Or use it as a bookmark in your journal or favorite novel. Thanks to companies like Fuji for still keeping instant film alive and still making instant cameras for the masses.”

– First Impressions: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 at thephoblographer here: “While the Mini 90 is a cool camera, we’re not sure who else it may appeal to besides the hipsters, wedding photographers, and a handful of creatives. If Fujifilm really wanted to create a classic, they should have added full manual control.”

The black X-E2 kit is in stock at Pictureline. AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama have only the silver kit in stock.

The body is still unavailable at the major online retailers… if you find it somewhere, share it on in the comments or at dealsrunner.com.

To upgrade or not to upgrate? That is the question at the moment. Mike Kobal will upgrate. The X-E2 will replace his X-E1. Not only, but will he sell also his X100S? Decisions, decision… read more here: “This might finally be the camera I have been waiting for, fast, small, lightweight, unobtrusive. Personally, I think the X-E2 is one of the best examples of the form follows function principle. I am seriously considering giving up high speed sync and the inaudible shutter in favor of interchangeable lenses. And it is black. Hmmmm. Only time will tell, for now I am planning to keep mine :) Check back by the end of the week for an update with images!”

An update to what belongs the X-E2 French double kit offer (18-55 + 55-200): It should be available at the end of December/start of January.

And here is B&H deal on the X-E1 with kit lens: For $1,099 you get the X-E1, 18-55, 16GB SD-card and Ruggard Streak 25 Shoulder Bag (save $55)

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X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

X-E2
USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

– Dan Bailey’s first impressions of the X-E2 here: “Autofocus on the XE-2 is considerably faster, which dispels any notion that it’s not a sports camera. It’s fast, responsive, accurate and with the new EVF, it’s a real pleasure to use. I usually hate using EVSs, but this one has a much faster refresh rate, which makes a big difference.”

– FR-reader Othman shared his Flickr set at the FR-facebook wall: “Some shots with the new Fuji X-E2 and XF 23mm lens – what a marvelous combo!” Go to his Flickr here.

– X-E1 vs X-E2 AF-speed and Continuous Shooting test on youtube here. I’d also like to see the tester compare the centre AF points, where the camera uses Phase Detection.

– It’s not a dealbreaker, but the View mode button is gone… and Mark isn’t happy at all with it. Read here: “[…] it is a major annoy­ance on an oth­er­wise stel­lar cam­era. The X-E2 is such a great refine­ment on the X-E1 in vir­tu­ally every mean­ing­ful way, except for this regression. […]  I love you, Fuji, and right now you have me 90% com­mit­ted. Give me back my view mode choices, and we can make some beau­ti­ful music together. I can just feel it.”

– X-E2 RAW processing with the LR 5.3 RC at soundimageplus here: “I was thinking that this latest update might have finally ‘unlocked’ the potential of the Fuji raw files, but no, its still pretty much the same. For me it’s not that much of a problem, but for non-Mac users, who can’t use Iridient Developer or Aperture both of which produce ‘better’ raw file conversions, i.e. ones that let this detail through, it is. […] Will this ever get ‘solved?’ Well, we are up to eighteen months and counting since the X-Trans sensor appeared and still no satisfactory Fuji / Adobe solution. It’s unwise to say it will never happen, but as I’ve written before, I’m not holding my breath!” For part 8 of his review, X-E2 with [shoplink 16275 ebay]Speed Booster[/shoplink], click here.

– This is a love story about a Premature Infatuation with the Fuji X-E2. You can read it here at fujishooter.com: ” Maybe I’m crazy but I think the noise handlingIs even better on the X-E2, that or I simply can’t get used to how good ISO 6400 looks on the Fuji X cameras. I’m sorry but this is simply insane to me.”

– An Australian Fuji rep visited the Fujifilm HQ and presents us not only the X-E2, but also the people who forged it. So, if you wanna see the faces of those we always bother with our hardware and software wishes ;), take a look at the following X-E2 series: AF-speed – Digital Split image – Lens Modulation Optimizer – Concept – Designer’s Talk.

– Ben’s initial impressions of the X-E2 on youtube here.

– The question is if the AF-speed is really improved over the X-E1 and how much faster it is. Read the answer at gadgetguy here: “WHOA! – there’s your improvement right there. In broad daylight the Fuji X-E2 is just as good as any of the Micro Four Thirds cameras I know, including the OM-D […] in not-so-perfect light, the X-E2 is letting me down and does not benefit from the PDAF on the sensor. And yes, I only tested on the center focus point.”

XQ1
USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

– XQ1 field test at the Spanish site dslrmagazine (translation): “Checking pictures taken with the Fujifilm XQ1, we note that the results, even in the most demanding conditions of low light, fully satisfy the expectations and even exceed in some cases. […] In conclusion, as anticipated at the beginning, a camera agile, versatile, practical and with many possibilities to not disappoint even the most advanced fans.”

– Fuji Guys part 2/3 (getting started) and 3/3 (top features).

– Fujistas XQ1 Spanish first impressions here (translation): “I’m sure this Fuji XQ1 can be a great photographic companion, in many situations, even the most advanced users will forget the need for larger equipment.”

– dc.watch review here (tranlsation).

XF23mm
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– Martin has tested the XF23mm and presented the results on his website here: “The question arises whether this price is justified for the XF23. As a basis for my comparison I have used Fuji’s standard zoom XF18-55mm and the XF35mm. The latter also comes with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. […] It may be difficult to accept the high price point of the new XF23. But those who buy the lens will enjoy a truly excellent performance both mechanically and optically. Mechanically, this may very well be considered the best X-series lens so far. Optically it is also excellent, but narrowly beaten by the XF35.”

– Comparison shots XF35 vs XF23mm at the Chinese site Xitek here (tranlsation)

X100S
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– “What I originally wanted from my X100s, and what I got from it are two very different things. What I wanted was the camera that would be the extension of my will, a camera that would make great images as long as I had it with me.  What I got instead was the message that my will was weak, that I was spoilt from having too many great photographic subjects handed to me on a platter without having to go after them myself. There’s a Japanese phrase that goes 「初心に戻る」Shoshin ni modoru, which means to go back and remember the feeling of being a beginner. It means that no matter how far you’ve come you shouldn’t forget the humility of starting out on something new. The Fuji X100s is a camera that will make you live that phrase. It’ll remind you that you still have a ways to go with your photography. The fixed 35mm equivalent lens forces you to get close and shoot, or not even bother. It won’t listen to your excuses. It’s a great camera if you’re hard on yourself and willing to do something about it.” Read more at irwinwong here.

– Mike Kobal’s long term user report “the streets of NYC with the Fuji X100s and the Ricoh GR” can be read and seen here: “Fuji, please integrate a snap mode like in the GR and you will be the undisputed champion on the streets of this world!”

– “Hi Patrick. First of all thanks for this website which is a real source of informations for us, Fuji shooters ! Unfortunately I don’t have any rumors for you to work on but let me share the link to a user review of the Fuji X100s that I wrote for the website called “The inspired eye”. It’s a street photography website so the review of the X100s is orientated that way too… I tried to explain briefly why I’ve chosen the Fuji X100s for street photography instead of other models or brands. I tried also to point out some pros and cons, what I like the most about this camera and what I dislike. I think it may help out some folks and also there are some street photos I shot with it along the article. So if you think it could help some people (who maybe are kind of hesitating between the Fuji X100s and another camera), feel free to post it on Fuji Rumors. The link. Cheers, Stéphane.”

– “Hi, I wanted to share this story about Fuji repair with your readers as a cautionary tale.  Love your website (been reading it daily since the X100S came out) and the camera, but after this experience, I can’t recommend Fuji anymore. Read it here! Thanks, Josh”

– “Fujifilm X100s: The Best Damn Camera I’ve Ever Owned“. Read why at Mark’s blog here.

– This is the dilemma of many of us: X100S or interchangeable lens X with 23mm? f2northfultonphotoblog’s “Thoughts on the Fuji 23mm f1.4 VS the X100s 23mm” can be read here.

– The X100S beautiful real-life review in Istanbul here at mitchellkphotos: “One thing I found somewhat annoying with the Fuji X100S is the fact that the maximum 4000s shutter speed requires you to turn on the built in ND filter when shooting in bright situations outdoors (if you want to shoot at f/2.0). It is easy to forget that you have the ND on and, if the camera is set on Auto ISO, which it was for me. You end up shooting at much higher ISOs than needed. While the camera does well with this, it is still not ideal. […] The old saying is that “The best camera is the camera you have with you“. For me, this shot is a great example. This wedding party was going up a fairly regular street in Tarlabasi. I saw the whole thing on my walk back to my room. Had I had the DSLR with me, it’d probably be packed away by now and I wouldn’t have taken it out in time. I was able to get the Fuji X100S ready for a shot within seconds and got this image. It’s not an amazing photograph, but, something that tells a bit of a story and, something that made me realize yet again the importance of having a smaller, accessible camera always at your disposal. Having a camera that’s always by your side and ready for action is great! ”

X-E1
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– X-E1 vs Sony A7r at frankdoorhof.com here: “The pricing is much higher than the FujiFilm X-E1, the fact that it does great video, works with small flash, replaces a full blown DSLR and has amazing image quality would warrant the price difference for many people (including me) however it really depends on what you’re shooting. If you’re a 100% street shooter and need that fast response and a small camera the FujiFilm X-E1 still shines. If you’re an allrounder and travelling a lot I think the A7r is an amazing travelling companion and if you’re willing to spend the money I think the A7r will be the choice.”

– Shared on the FR-twitter page, and now shared with all of you; Bryan’s “Back to the Basics”: “I have re-discovered a passion for the artistic side of photography that I haven’t had in years. It is refreshing and exciting. I have fallen in love with my Fuji and everything that it represents.”

– Travelling with the Fuji X-E1 at photographymonthly here but … “But it’s not just for holidays. I’ve used the Fuji for portraits and fashion shoots, in the studio firing strobes and on location and never once felt short changed. What I will say is that for 90 per cent of the things you want to shoot, the X-E1 does the business. Okay, you’re not going to shoot sport, wildlife or such like, but for everything else, especially street photography, I can’t think of a better camera – well, maybe its bigger brother, the X-Pro 1, but then again, maybe not. I did find the X-E 1’s pop-up flash surprisingly useful. Then again, you never know what’s just around Fuji’s corner.”

X-PRO1
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image courtesy: vk.photo

– “When I switched to digital the foliage season here in Ontario has become a very challenging photography exercise for me. I just couldn’t capture the palette of colours when nature explodes and leaves beginning to change from green to fiery hues. I’ve tried various  cameras from every leading brand but never got it done right. Until the Fuji X-Trans is arrived. After using X-Pro1 for more than a year, I have to say that this camera+sensor+lens(s)  is truly a perfect “colour capturing” combination.” Read and see more here at vk.photo.

– focus-numerique posted it’s OM-D E-M1 review. For an ISO comparison between the [shoplink 17516]E-M1[/shoplink] / [shoplink 13887]E-M5[/shoplink] / [shoplink 16816 ebay]GX7[/shoplink] / [shoplink 12882]X-Pro1[/shoplink] / [shoplink 15036]NEX-[/shoplink]7 click here.

– “Family at play – they could be the most important photographs you have ever taken” at olafblog.com here: “We put a lot of effort and time in shooting for our clients or for our portfolios but when we photograph those close to us we act as if it was not as important as other assignments. I believe this is a mistake. In fact, the images of those we love may one day become the most important work we have ever done.”

image courtesy: olafblog

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X-A1
USA: AmazonUS  / eBay / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / DigitalRev EUROPE: AmazonUK (via DR) DigitalRev / eBay

– The X-A1 review of TJ Donegan: “Good afternoon, Just wanted to pass on a link to our Fujifilm X-A1 review. We put it through the paces in our lab and it came through very well, scoring 8.3 out of 10—right in line with the X-M1. The X-A1 takes great images and has plenty of nice features, though for $599.99 you sacrifice the build quality that has been the calling card for cameras like the X-E1.  The link to the review is here if you’d like to share it with your readers.” From the review: “But there’s no cheaper way into the X-mount system. If you like prime lenses with premium build quality and sharp optics, few can rival what Fujifilm has done with its portfolio. With the X-A1, you finally have a true entry-level way of getting these gems into your arsenal. Lenses like the [shoplink 12889]XF 35mm f/1.4[/shoplink] and new [shoplink 16128]XF 23mm f/1.4[/shoplink] really show off how special the Fujinon lens system is. Curious owners of other systems who wish to dabble in X-mount glass can rest assured—the X-A1’s imaging quality is good enough to properly express the greatness of Fujifilm’s lens lineup.”

– Great results again at high ISO’s for the X-A1. See this ISO comparison at dpreview here.

X100
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– “I thought I would share this with the Fuji community. I’ve loved the Fuji camera series, using both the X100 and the XPro1 (35mm lens) pretty religiously. When my friends and I took a trip to the White Mountains in NH I used the X100 for documentation as well as landscapes. Here are my photos. Cheers, Marc Sadowski.”

–  X100 wedding here: “Will I continue to use the X100 despite it’s short-coming? Yes, I will! To me, the benefits of a light weight, discreet camera outweighs the disadvantages. From hindsight, Fujifilm’s continual commitment to improve their product range with firmware updates had me convinced to be a future “X” system customer.”

 Switch to the X

image coutesy: thedigitaltrekker

– To switch or not to switch? This is the eternal dilemma. Here is Brandon’s answer: “So, have I switched? This may sound odd, but I think so.  If I sound hesitant it is partly because my relationship with Canon cameras is decades old.  […] Leaving Canon is like moving away from old friends, there might be good a reason to leave, but it doesn’t make it easy.”

– “Why, after twenty years of staying put, am I selling a Canon 5D, buying three Fujis and then a Nikon? It’s been something gradual and from my point of view, something necessary“. Read the 10 things harryfish likes about the X-series here.

– From Nikon to Fuji or DSLR at the light traveler here: “To be honest it could have been Canon to Fuji, it’s a change that needed to be made and the main reason was size and weight. […] So what do I think so far! I am in love with Fuji; I have seen every one trying to jump on their bandwagon Olympus etc and good luck to them. But for me Fuji is where it is and I hope Fuji stick to their amazing customer focused business! When you buy a Fuji and you open the box you know you have just made the right decision, even the box is stunning! (Take note Nikon and Canon).”

– You’re thinking about the switch to the X? Light Diprose will help you to find out which X-Series samera you should buy? Read more the the Fujifilm Australia website here.

– Many people already switched to the X. It’s a good thing the new X-photographers can find places where to exchange their experience about the X-series. So, if you are located in Italy, consider to do it as Matt&Heather, who joined the Fuji X Series Club Italia on facebook. They say here that “this is not your run-of-the-mill article about cameras. This is a story made up of friendship, photo walks, delicious Italian meals, selfies in the elevator and, above all, an unconditional love for Fujifilm cameras. Meet the Fuji X Series Club Italia Facebook.”

Best Gear of the Year

The X100S has already been selected top gear of the year by dpreview. But the year is slowly going to end, and other sites declare their favorites. So also popphoto here. “We inspected it, we tested it, and we fell in love with it. This is the best new equipment money can buy; photography’s oustanding products of 2013.” Now, what Fuji X-gear is in the ranking? The XF 35mm: “This lens for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras proved hugely sharp in our tests, with league-leading control of light falloff and distortion.” and the X-E1!

lens turbo
[shopcountry 17130] speed booster
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– Full Frame X-Pro1? – The Mitakon Lens Turbo Review with [shoplink 18120 ebay]Minolta Rokkor[/shoplink] lenses at jonasraskphotography here: “There you have it! This adapter is VERY fun. It gives a full frame experience on some great old minolta rokkor glass. Real shallow DOF, wider FOV… All of it, its there. Just like real full frame. Combined with the EXCELLENT IQ of the X-Pro1, and at a price of only a measly $130, this thing is a no-brainer. Try it out. You will not regret doing so.”

– Admiring Light posted a review of the new FD to Fuji X Speed Booster from Metabones here: “[…] if you are using the Speed Booster with faster aperture lenses, it is absolutely worth the extra cost over the Zhongyi Lens Turbo, though the absolute cost of the Speed Booster is still a little higher than I’d like.  All things considered, however, the Speed Booster is an amazing little accessory that can be wonderful for getting that full-frame look on your mirrorless camera.  Highly recommended!”

Which X-mount lens should you own?

– Over at thephoblographer Chris posted the ranking of the three lenses every beginnin X-shooter should definitely own for his X-series here. The [shoplink 12892]XF 55-200[/shoplink] (we’ve been impressed by the photos that we’ve seen from the lens despite not calling it in for a full evaluation), the [shoplink 13829]XF 27mm[/shoplink] (this lens is the company’s first prime lens without an aperture ring around it. If you’re a total beginner to photography, that’s cool) and the [shoplink 12889]XF 35mm[/shoplink] (Then there is the bokeh that you’ll get from the lens–by far it some of the creamiest that we’ve seen in a mirrorless system lens).

What about your favorite X-mount lenses? Vote the poll!

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