miXed zone: Silkypix, X-M1 (with ISO comparison) and more

Silkypix

Thanks Justin for sharing the following news with Fujirumors (facebook – twitter).

“Hello Patrick, I have just spotted that a new version of Silkypix RAW File Converter for Windows and Mac has been posted by Fuji, under the Application Software tab on the Download Drivers & Software page. The new version is 3.2.17.0. This is a further update from the version supplied (on CD) with the X100S, 3.2.15.0, which has never, to my knowledge, been offered as an online download. Best regards, Justin“. You can download Mac / Windows version. From the Fuji Global site:

The firmware update Ver.3.2.17.0 incorporates the following issues:
Image quality is improved for models in which “X-Trans CMOS sensor” or “X-Trans CMOS Ⅱ sensor” is incorporated.

Applicable models for the raw file converter are added as follows
FUJIFILM X-M1 / X100S / X20
FinePix F900EXR / HS50EXR / SL1000

X-M1

(XF 27mm pre-order available at AmazonDE)

X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm) – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonDE

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: AmazonDE / DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore

_ _ _

– Rico Pfirstinger updated his X-M1 flickr set with a lot of new images. Click here to see them!

– The French site focusnumerique posted the following ISO comparison: [shoplink 13828]X-M1[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 12881]X-E1[/shoplink] vs [shoplink 13800]Olympus PEN E-P5[/shoplink] at their website here.

– Dave Kai Piper does not agree with the statement that the X-M1 lost the X-series soul. He is testing it with the Zeiss lenses: “There are some interesting elements to this camera, which you can read all about after I have finished the Review.” Check out Dave’s post here. Oh, and as usual, Dave will spoil you with beautiful images!

– Randall Cipriano posted his first impressions (and samples) of the X-M1 with 27mm lens here. His conclusions: “The X-M1 and the XF27mm F2.8 are great additions to the Fujifilm X Series ecosystem. With these, Fujifilm has addressed not only the entry level market but also for those who already own an X series camera who may want a second (or third or fourth) smaller and lighter body especially when paired with the XF27mm that does not compromise image quality from the top of the line models. The XF27mm F2.8 is very sharp even wide open. And despite being tiny it’s also fast and quiet. It’s the first XF lens to not have an R designation which signifies that it doesn’t have an aperture ring. My guess is it’s the same with the X-M1, to make it smaller and make it even more affordable. It’s a great walk around lens and anyone with an X series wanting to add more stealth to their already inconspicuous cameras will enjoy this lens a lot.”

– The Japanese site camera.itmedia posted its X-M1 review here (translation)

– The Spanish quesabesde X-M1 hands on and samples can be checked out here (translation)

– X-M1 shooting report at yodobashi.com (translation).

X100S

[shopcountry 12883]

– Documentary Photographer Jack Picone was in Myanmar and he chose the X100S as his travel companion. See how the X100S works on the field here at vimeo.

– “YES” That’s the unequivocal answer of fujix-files to the question if it’s worth to sell the X100 and get the X100S (click here). From the conclusions:

“After using this camera daily for more than 3 month with roughly 5000 photos taken, I can answer this question with a big “YES!” for myself. […] And it is also worth a second look for people who had operating issues with the classic X100. But I must also add that this does not make the classic X100 an obsolete camera. If you don’t want to spend the new price on a X100S and don’t mind the minor operating issues that I had with the classic X100 (mainly close focus distance before having to switch to Macro, MF in low light and two handed AF point selection) it is still a camera with wonderful image quality at a very interesting used price. […] Only the difference in image quality from the new sensor would not have been my reason to upgrade…”

– Is the X100S the best manual focus camera ever made? Yes, according to Neil! Read why here.

– FR-reader Justin sent me his X100S review and I’m glad to share it with you here. It feels good, it’s fast and WOW, these image quality. According to Justin the battery life could be better and, well, it’s not weather sealed!

X20

[shopcountry 12884]

– Matt Golowczynski published his comprehensive X20 review here. From the verdict: “[…]. Although it may be difficult to distinguish any extra detail in real-world images from those of other enthusiast compacts, lab testing confirms the sensor’s ability to record detail beyond what would ordinarily be expected for a 12-million-pixel compact. Furthermore, the inclusion of a viewfinder immediately heightens its appeal, with the addition of the Digital Trans Panel making it considerably more useful in low-light. […]. Naturally, the X20 is not perfect. Its noise-reduction system illustrates why shooting and manually processing raw images is often the best approach in terms of image quality, and it’s a shame that the LCD screen’s resolution hasn’t improved since the X10. […].”

X-PRO1

[shopcountry 12882]

– Fun & Frustrating Fuji X Pro-1 at foto-gizmo: “The “Q” button, a great idea, but in the wrong place. It is too easy to hit the button with the lower part of one’s thumb when gripping the camera for an shot, bringing up the quick menu instead of an image on the LCD or within the hybrid viewfinder. […]” Read more here.

– Here is another one who moved from the DSLR to the Fuji X-system. Read thebigpicturegallery’s post here. “I usually see the grumbles about autofocus speed to be the main gripe, and one that leads folk to stay with the DSLR. However if you persevere and learn how to use the camera, learn how to overcome its focus issues, you will be so pleased with the image results. Once focus is found its totally bang on. I have always loved Fuji for their approach to applying their knowledge gained in film development, and applying this to their digital camera systems.”

[shoplink 15181 ebay]Fuji GW 690 III[/shoplink]

Daniel Stocker from stockografie (nice X shots on his blog!) told me via email:

“Many people think that Fuji was inspired by the Leica cameras at the time they designed the [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink]. I think differntly. Take a look at  [shoplink 15182 ebay]this ebay.de auction[/shoplink]. Well if that´s not our beloved [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] then I don´t know what is. www.stockografie.blogspot.com. Thanks, Daniel”

see the Fuji GW 690 III available at [shoplink 15181 ebay]your ebay here[/shoplink]

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Fuji X-E1 – upsized compared to Nikon D800E (Iridient) + best postprocessing in Windows

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image courtesy: soundimageplus

Here again, talking about Iridient Developer. The last time, after processing his images with iridient, soundimageplus wrote that “I’m not saying that upsized Fuji X-E1 or Leica X Vario upsized files are as good as native D800E files, they are not, but they are pretty damn close. Close enough in fact to suggest that I would be better off selling the Nikons and concentrating on the Fuji X system.”

Now, how close can the X-Trans files come to the [shoplink 14519]D800E[/shoplink] files (read it here)?

“With some careful processing and post-processing I could probably get the two even closer, but this will show just what the X-Trans sensor is capable of once its files are processed in a software package that attempts to do them justice. […] the test is primarily for me to see if a Fuji X camera can ‘replace’ the Nikon D800E for my purposes. I must repeat again I’m not saying the Fuji is even the equal of the Nikon in terms of image quality at this size, it isn’t, but its probably close enough for virtually any commercial use, as far as I’m concerned and this test encourages me to try some other combinations out to see just what I can achieve.”

For those wondering how Iridient works with high ISO, check this soundimageplus post here. “I’m once again impressed.”

Last but not least, soundimageplus shared also his Iridient Developer workflow here.

_ _ _

If you do not own a Mac and therefore can’t use Iridient, here is the “Best practice postprocessing X-trans files in Windows” sent to me by FR-reader Per K (thanks for sharing with FR):

“Hi Patrick

I made a comment on your Irident thing with reference to Soundimageplus. The later asked for more information about my process. Thought the best way to share was via Fujirumors.

My first intention was to compare the performance of my Nikon MF 200/4 [ebay worldwide via slidoo] on X-E1 vs Nikon D800. Purpose was also to verify that the adapter was OK.
Setup: A huge rockwall close to me. Cameras, lens and a sturdy tripod. Distance to subject about 80m. The D800 was set to DX (APS-C) sensor crop = NO downsampling. Almost as many Mpix as on the Fuji.
Fuji test  images were postprocessed using Capture One Express and Lightroom 5. Nikon testimages in Lightroom 5 only.

Process
C1: Sharpness 192, 0.2, 0.3. Noice reduction (color and luminance) set to 0. No other adjustments. Export as TIF 24bit ProPhoto RGB.
Lr5: Import of TIF files. Normal post processing.

Comments:
C1 RAW converter produces nice, punchy images. It has some powerful tools that may create atrifacts and halos. When X-trans files are imported directly to Lr5 they cannot take much sharpening beforr the image falls apart. After the pre-post process in C1 there is no such problem. The file reacts to sharpening in the same way as D800 or [shoplink 13127]Sony RX100[/shoplink] files.
I do not understand why C1 is set to heavy noise reduction (50 on a scale 0 – 100) in the standard setting! Setting it to 0 makes a clear, positive difference in sharpness and detail. My take on noise reduction is to use it only when you absolutely need it. Sharpness, detail and looking natural is important in most of my images.

Results:
Examining files from both cameras shows: a) The 200/4 performs equally well on both cameras. b) At 100% the Nikon file is only just a little sharper and smoother. Difference will not show on an A3 print. (The [shoplink 14518]Nikon D800[/shoplink] “Image quality engine” is currently state-of-the-art i guess meaning that X-E1 post processed this way is very close. This makes me happy! I have two excellent cameras, like both a lot, usability and image quality. They are different though and serves different purposes.
About “Image quality engine”: Many believe it is all about the sensor, but that is very wrong! Other electronics are as important and the most important factor is the programming. Remeber that Bayer sensor based solutions have been developed for more than a decade by the strongest in photo industry. X-trans concept is very new and only developed by Fuji, one of the smaller players. I expect that X-trans will evolve and further improve image quality over the coming years.
Here is a link to images made with postprocessing in C1 and Lr5. Some are heavily cropped.
http://perkylberg.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/A-trip-to-the-city-centre/30551330_xfrR48#!i=2636083621&k=vqVJVnB
BR Per K

image courtesy: Per K

photo PerK_zps3f7e616e.png

After the (flawed) firmware: X-PRO1 gains editor’s choice award and wins comparison (phoblographer)

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[UPDATE] FR-reader Justin dropped me this email: “Hello Patrick, I happened to be talking to Fuji UK this morning (Thursday), and they said that Fuji hoped to have the amended firmware available “by the end of the weekend“.

As you know from this FR-post here, because of a malfunction on the movie function with the latest firmware ver. 3.00, Fuji disabled the update. But a lot of photographers already upgraded their camera and, those who use the X-PRO1 for stills, didn’t notice the problem and enjoy the overall improved performance of the X-PRO1.

So, after the latest major firmware update thephoblographer took a look at their “old” reviews and updated them. They decided to award the [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] with the Editor’s Choice for the best mirrorless camera available at the moment, to update the [shoplink 12889]XF 35mm[/shoplink] review and the X-PRO1 now wins the comparison vs the [shoplink 13887]OM-D E-M5[/shoplink] and [shoplink 15036]Sony NEX 7[/shoplink]. phoblographer says: “Olympus and Sony haven’t done this [firmware updates] as much, and the OMD would have clearly won this if the company would just put focus peaking in the camera. But Fujifilm has done it, and its beautiful.” Get the links to the updated comparisons and reviews at thephoblographer here.

Now let’s hope Fuji will solve the video-gate ASAP. Follow FR (also on facebook and twitter) and I’ll notify you when the new firmware is available.

The Day After: focus peaking on the X-E1/X-PRO1

FR-reader George is one of many photographers who updated the X-camera in order to get the focus peaking. Now he posted his “interim conclusion” on his website as it is “not fair to make complete judgment without more time using the feature“. He tried this “welcome addition” on his [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] with [shoplink 14969 ebay]Voigtländer Color Skopar 35mm f2.5[/shoplink]. Read his blog post here.

EVF: “The focus peaking white lines seem to be visually much less obvious than the lines in the [shoplink 12883]X100S[/shoplink] at normal magnification. Highly textured surfaces or contrasty edges give the best results, while obviously peaking lines are hard to see on white/bright edges. Unfortunately that last bit is important as the EVF is quite contrasty. This makes it quite difficult to determine the plane of focus accurately.  The X100s is much easier to use in this regard, but so long as there is a single colour I think this will always be a limitation on the Fuji implementation. Zooming in to 3x or 10x magnification and then focusing works really well, there is no doubt as to what is in focus.”

Keep in mind that at the Fuji event in Canada the reps said to vkphoto that more focus peaking colours will come in future… this would make it even more useful. Read again this KAIZEN post here.

best
Patrick (FR: facebook, twitter)

focus peaking: [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] with [shoplink 14969 ebay]Voigtländer Color Skopar 35mm f2.5[/shoplink]

Fuji XF 27mm review + 16-50mm and 27mm full size samples

 

1) Photographyblog just posted the last part of his trilogy; after the X-M1 and XC16-50, now they published also the XF27mm review. Quite fast and accurate focusing (but rather loud), pleasing bokeh, remarkably sharp wide open but “the edges are soft though from f/2.8 through to f5.6, only sharpening up at f/8, with f/11 the optimum setting.” For this reason (and more) the XF27mm gained 4 out of 5 stars. Read the whole review here.

2) Matti Sulanto just posted 5 full size samples taken with the 16-50 and 3 with the 27mm. Click here to see them.

PRE-ORDER

X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm) – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonDE

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore