[UPDATE: set shutter speed limit in Auto ISO?] IT BEGINS NOW! X-M1 announcement: Pre-orders, first looks, specs, samples, new firmware and more… please reload this post

photo shutter_zps18bc729d.png
[UDPATE] MJr carefully read the official FujiUSA page about the X-M1 and noted this: ” ISO100 – 25600 Sensitivity setting range Select from the broad sensitivity range of ISO100 – 25600 for shooting at a full 16-megapixel resolution. The FUJIFILM X-M1 also lets you set the AUTO ISO range (up to ISO 400 – 6400) and the shutter speed limit. For quick access to ISO settings, you can assign this function to the Fn or Q Button.” Is that what we all waited for? Read it here.

PLEASE RELOAD THIS POST to see the latest links.

PRE-ORDERS

BODY ONLY

X-M1 silver: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 black: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 brown: BHphoto / Adorama

BODY + KIT LENS + LENSES

X-M1 silver with XC 16-50: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 black with XC 16-50: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 brown with XC 16-50: BHphoto / Adorama

XF 27mm black: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
XF 27mm silver: BHphoto / Adorama

XC 16-50:  BHphoto

FUJIFILM USA X-M1 official page

fujifilmusa X-M1 website

 FIRMWARE

On 25th June and on 23rd July Fuji will upgrades the firmware. They will provide improved AF performance for all Fujinon XF lenses and add a ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing. Check the firmware update site here. More details at dpreview here. Read Fuji’s announcement here.

photo firmware_zps08b65b11.png

IMAGE SAMPLES

Fuji Japan sample shots: X-M1 with 16-50mm / XF 27mm

PRESS RELEASES and FIRST LOOKS

X-M1 (16-50mm):  dpreview / imaging resource / FUJIFILM press release /

XF27mm: FUJIFILM press release /

dpreview conclusions: “it looks very much as though it might be one of the most usable, photographer-friendly small mirrorless cameras on the market. Other companies have generally made their small models as externally-simple as possible, for fear of driving away beginners, but Fujifilm has instead gone ahead and covered the X-M1 with more controls than you’ll find on some entry-level SLRs. We’re not sure if it’s the smallest twin-dial interchangeable lens camera ever made, but it has to be close. […] Overall, then, the X-M1 combines a compact form factor with proper twin-dial controls, Fujifilm’s lovely JPEG colour rendition, and a full range of exposure modes which means it can be used by a novice while still offering enough manual control to keep enthusiasts happy. The new XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 kit zoom offers a usefully wider-angle view than typical 18-55mm kit zooms, and impressively fast focusing. This makes for a pretty mouth-watering package that looks very close to the [shoplink 13800 ebay]Olympus PEN E-P5[/shoplink] at a distinctly lower price point”

VIDEOS

FIRMWARE press release

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) today announces the release of two new firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras, one on 25thJune and a further one on 23rd July.

25th June firmware update:

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.2.05, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.1.06

1.  Additional functionality to improve “one-handed” camera operation

A ‘Focus Frame Selection’ option has been added to the ‘Fn’ (function) button.
This offers easier/quicker operation when setting the Focus Frame Selection using only your right hand.
A second ‘Fn’ button can be allocated.
This enables you to allocate a function to the selector “down” button. The default setting is ‘Focus Frame Selection’ but this can be changed to whatever suits your shooting style.

2.  Enable aperture control for lenses without aperture rings (XF27mmF2.8 / XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS)

If you are using either of these lenses which do not feature aperture ring, this firmware update allows you to adjust the aperture setting by using the command dial.

23rd July firmware update:

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.3.00, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.2.00

1.  Improvement of AF speed. Improves AF speed on all existing XF lenses, thanks to the updated algorithm throughout the full range of focal length. Lenses covered:

XF14mm F2.8 R
XF18mmF2 R
XF35mmF1.4 R
XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS

NOTES:

The AF Speed on the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS lens has been already optimised.
For all lenses other than the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS, the firmware for each lens must be also updated.

2.  ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing

A ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function, which features on the X100S and X20 cameras, can be added via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.

3. Improvement in ‘Checking Focus’ operation: how to change magnification ratio in manual focusing

The process to check focus by selecting manual focus magnification has improved. Just press and rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate magnification between 3x and then 10x , whichever way you continue to turn it.

To download the new firmware files & instructions on upgrading your cameras:

Please visit Fujifilm’s global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/

miXed zone: X-reviews… and X-E1 with tilt screen! :)

photo flipscreen_zps63ef4b1e.jpg

shared at the Fujirumors facebook page

X-E1 with tilt screen!

Tilt screen, Yes or No? For those who’d like to have it, FR-reader Ken developed this solution: “It’s simply a small rectangle mirror taped to the bottom so it can be angled. Great for low angle shots.” So, spend a few dollars and upgrade the X-E1. ;)

thanks Ken

X100S

[shopcountry 12883]

 – Kevin has the X100S since a couple of months now. He published a blog post with his considerations. Low light performance, X100S or X-PRO1, with [shoplink 12893]WCL-X100[/shoplink], JPEG vs RAW, Custom settings, X100S and wedding photography… there is a lot to read and see here.

– Fstoppers X100S review can be read here: They liked: “Great Image Quality / Leaf Shutter / Plenty of Features / Manual / Focusing Options / Beautifully Designed” They disliked: “Complicated Menus / Bad Low-Light Focusing / 1/3rds Stops system for Aperture and Shutter Complicated”

– X100S review at cameralabs here: “While the biggest changes are of course the new sensor, improved AF and upgraded viewfinder, there’s a raft of smaller improvement and enhancements like faster start-up time, faster continuous shooting with a larger buffer, 1:1 aspect ratio, and a protective coating on the viewfinder. There are some minor niggles; the problem with unresposive buttons persists and the X100S can be difficult to wake from sleep. the new 1080p60 movie mode is a welcome addition, but movie shooting otherwise still feels like a bit of an afterthought. And though it supports Eye-Fi cards, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS would be a welcome addition. But it’s hard to be disappointed in the X100S, it’s a superb camera that’s, highly capable, beautiful to look at, and a pleasure to use.”

 X20

[shopcountry 12884]

 pcmag X20 review can be read here. From the conclusions:

“The Fujifilm X20 is an improvement over its predecessor, another camera that we liked. It’s got the same big optical viewfinder, but it now displays current shooting settings and visually confirms focus lock. There are plenty of physical controls, and a hot shoe if you’d like to use an external flash. It’s still easy to block the viewfinder when adjusting the zoom, and if you’ve got clumsy fingers like mine you may end up smudging it with frequency. The X-Trans sensor lives up to its promise of producing images with a more natural, film-like grain; but at this point in time, Lightroom struggles a bit with noise reduction of Raw files shot at ISO 1600 and above. We really liked the X20, but it doesn’t manage to edge out the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 as our Editors’ Choice for premium compact cameras. The RX100 has a larger 1-inch image sensor that gives it a one-stop advantage in terms of image noise control, records images at 20 megapixels, and it’s noticeably smaller. But if you value the optical viewfinder and manual zoom control, and if you can afford it, the X20 will pay you back with excellent images.“

– Read the test of expertreviews here.

“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 is a better video camera, and its even brighter f/1.4-2.3 lens makes up for its slightly smaller sensor to put them roughly level pegging for photo quality. The LX7 is also quite a bit cheaper, at around £330. However, the X20’s superb optical viewfinder, superior controls and sumptuous design mean it doesn’t seem overpriced. So while the LX7 remains our favourite premium compact camera, the X20 deserves nothing less than five stars.”

 X-E1

[shopcountry 12881]

– Steves-digicams comprehensive X-E1 review here: “The Fujifilm X-E1 is an outstanding ILC camera that is designed more for the photo enthusiast, rather than the average person. It has an outstanding set of features and hardware that provide amazing image quality and low-light performance, with relatively good shooting performance.”

– jrbernstein X-E1 review can be read here: “The X-E1 packs a lot of punch in a very small, mid-priced, interchangeable-lens, EVF camera. It get’s you 90% of the way to a X-Pro1, but at a decent cost, size, and weight savings.  However, in my mind, the lack of optical viewfinder would make this a tough sell to full-time pros, like myself. […] ”

– Dan Bailey flew out to the Knik Glacier and shot landscapes with the Fujifilm X-E1 under Alaska evening light (click here): “I’m finding the XE-1 to be a real joy to shoot with, and I think that it’s an really great camera for shooting landscapes. It’s got great resolution and the XF lenses give gorgeous, crisp images.”

lenses

Fuji XF 55-200mm [shopcountry 12892]

Photos and short commentary. Downtown Toronto with the X100s, X-E1, 18-55, 55-200. Check it out here. “This gear is so light, small and flexible! I’m no street photographer but I have been inspired by what I have seen from others. This gear-set lends itself to being mobile and discreet. Low light performance is excellent and JPG’s out of the camera are excellent. I shot both RAW and JPG and actually liked the JPG’s better. Fun factor is high.”

image courtesy: misturphotography
55-200 @ 67mm F/3.6 1/50 sec ISO 400

photo 55_zps119c9c5a.png

– Here are Bert Stephani first impressions of the 55-200: “The lens seems very well constructed, the build quality seems to be very similar to the excellent 18-55. […] The zoom action is very smooth and with the right amount of friction. I will however need some time to get used to a tele zoom that physically changes length (and therefor also balance) when zooming after years of working with the internal zooming Canon 70-200 L IS 2.8. […] The autofocus is completely silent and reasonably fast as long as there’s enough contrast in the area you want to focus on. I expect to see a firmware update soon to improve the AF in more difficult circumstances. […] The optical quality is excellent“

image courtesy: Bert Stephani

photo FT-20130613_test55-200_012-728x400_zps95cd5d13.jpg

Zeiss Touit

Zeiss Touit 12mm [shopcountry 13645] Zeiss Touit 32mm [shopcountry 13646]

– At Sulantoblog you can read the 12mm Zeiss Touit review: “In my opinion the Zeiss Touit 12 mm f/2.8 is an excellent lens, but it makes sense for Fuji only if 14 mm is not wide enough. For Sony Nex the Zeiss will be very interesting option, because there is really no alternative if you want a super wide E-mount lens.”

image courtesy: sulantoblog

photo DSF9338_zpse672af34.jpg

Fuji XF14mm [shopcountry 12888]

– admiringlight posted the sull XF14mm review here (with the shortest “con” list they ever posted :) ) From the conclusions: “The lens is very sharp from wide open and extremely sharp to the very furthest reaches of the corners when stopped down.  Chromatic aberration is controlled extremely well, and perhaps the most surprising element is the near total lack of distortion. About the only thing that bugs me about the lens is the relatively loose aperture ring, which is far too easy to accidentally knock out of your desired aperture position.  It’s very odd, too, as the aperture rings for Fuji’s other lenses are nowhere near as loose as the one on the 14mm.  However, in the grand scheme of the lens, it’s a minor inconvenience on what is otherwise just a stunning optic.”

XF 55-200: promotional video (with Max Angeloni) + hands on (Jim Siano)

Fuji XF 55-200: [shopcountry 12892]

1) Well, normally promotional videos aren’t the most exciting thing to watch. But this time Fujifilm has chosen Max Angeloni (riflessifotografici) for the promotional video of the 55-200. Just one sentence to present himself, another one for his city Rome, and then you will see Max working with the XF 55-200 in real life and many different conditions: interior shots, on the street, in the studio, in low light, you’ll see crops and hear about the strengths of this lens etc (Max really knows his job!)… and it’s all packed in a 2 minutes and 44 seconds snappy video and soundtrack appositely composed for this promo by Andrea Camilletti! Really not bad for a promotional video. But check it out by yourself by clicking here.

2) Jim Siano hands on the 55-200 here: “It is very sharp […] Much has been made of Fuji’s focus speed with the X-series of cameras… DSLRs are light speeds ahead. At least on a positive note, the accuracy of the autofocus is great. […] I can wholeheartedly recommend this lens for anyone with the X bodies that needs a zoom. As long as you are not anticipating shooting sports, this is a superb piece of engineering. And at US$ 699, it is incredible value.”

miXed zone: dcraw 9.18, best of… and reviews

 dcraw

Marius: “Hi Patrick, Just wanted to let your readers know that the latest dcraw (v9.18) has support for X20 and X100s. Thus far this is only solution for the few folks using Linux exclusively. It’s possible this support will be included in Darktable and RawTherapee soon. Thanks for all the interesting bits on your website.” They told me that interpolation for all X-Trans sensor cameras is much improved.

Best of…

– Who’s the king of the advanced compact cameras according to techradar? It’s the [shoplink 12883 ebay]X100S[/shoplink]. “Its image quality is also good, but it is surpassed by that of the Fuji X-Pro1, which is capable of producing pictures that aren’t far off those from some full-frame cameras.” Check it here.

– And techradar has also the answer to the following question! Which of these 6 high-end compact cameras is the best? The competitors are the [shoplink 12884]X20[/shoplink], [shoplink 13127]Sony RX100[/shoplink], [shoplink 13128 ebay]Panasonic LX7[/shoplink], [shoplink 13129 ebay]Nikon P7700[/shoplink], [shoplink 13130 ebay]Olympus XZ-2[/shoplink], [shoplink 13131 ebay]Canon G15[/shoplink]. Discover the winner here.

X100S

[shopcountry 12883]

– henrysmithscottage took his X100S and X-PRO1 to a trip in Baltimore. Read his considerations about these cameras here: “I have noticed, that compared to its predecessor the X 100, the X100s appears to have a decreased battery life.  This had been annoying to me before the trip, but I learned that if you keep the camera off (and not rely on the auto shut off feature), that the battery life was quite tolerable.  I did not need to change a battery over the three days of the trip (probably shooting 150 frames).”

– NY ist the Mecca for street photography, and rileyjoseph took some shots there with the X100S and X-PRO1 that you can check out here. “So will I be selling my dSLR and only using my X00s + X-Pro1? No. I will keep it for the times that I need a full frame, faster AF camera with the availability of a tilt shift lens. Primarily for when I am going to make a specific photo that would require it. It is a great tool. Great and heavy.”

– Roel has the X100S since two months now. Did he regret selling his X100? “As I started off saying in this article, I don’t want to have any regrets in life. Although I regretted selling my original X100, I have no regrets in purchasing the X100S and I will keep it in my bag until one of us dies.  It is an excellent fixed lens camera and I am sure it will give me many years of great service and images. Fujifilm has done a good job with their X series cameras.  In the beginning, new products (X10, X100 and X-Pro1 specifically) had a number of problems that needed to be sorted out, but now it seems that recent releases (such as the X-E1, X20 and X100S) have very few, if any initial issues – plus the Fujinon lenses are exceptional.  That is good news for all of us in the Fujifilm camp and I encourage them to keep innovating and listening to user feedback.” Read the whole review and see his shots here.

lenses

Fuji XF 55-200mm [shopcountry 12892]

– Tom Grill posted his hands on review (with many downloadable hi res image samples) of the new 55-200 here:

“Looks like Fuji produced another winner with the 55-200mm for its line of zoom lenses. It shows true professional qualities: no distortion, solid build, high resolution, image stabilization, and quick focus. This is a lot for a lens with a $699 price tag, much better than most zooms I have tested in this price range, and even better than some costing several times as much.”

image courtesy: aboutphography

photo 200_zps0e17afe5.png

– photogenykstudios posted his 55-200 impressions and samples here: “At $699 its not near as cheap as the 55-200 variations  from Tamron, Sigma and Sony. It is far better built though, and is stabilized. The IQ is also in a different league from the budget zooms. Its closest rival would be the [shoplink 13385]Canon 70-200/4[/shoplink].  The Canon is faster at the long end (barely), has less range,  and costs more, so again the Fuji wins here.”

– sgoldswoblog tested the Zeiss Touit 12mm lens here.

“The 12mm has some bad features compared to the Fuji 14, it has softer corners at wider apertures, it isn’t optically corrected for distortion and it is expensive. There is no question that fans of the 20-21mm focal length shouldn’t really go for the Zeiss. So it’s a Turkey? No way, it’s a very fine lens with some different design choices from the Fuji, that’s all. If you want the widest possible UWA then go for this lens. By definition it is wider but it is also a fine lens in its own right and I still suspect the centre is a hair sharper than the Fuji.[…] The only reason this lens doesn’t deserve superlatives left and right is the existence of the Fuji 14mm. If the Fuji didn’t exist or was a little bit more average, the 12mm would be a must buy lens, as it is it’s a very good lens that’s not as good primarily because of variations in sharpness in the corners. However there is no question in my mind that a person wanting the widest lens available shouldn’t hesitate in buying the Zeiss instead of the Fuji 14.”

image courtesy: sgoldswoblog

photo 9011762262_5240637934_b_zpsa6a335d4.jpg

Zeiss Touit 32mm in stock status check: USA: Adorama / BHphoto / AmazonUS / Uniquephoto / Pictureline / Europe: AmazonDE / ebayUK / PCHstore Brussel
Zeiss Touit 12mm in stock status check: USA: Adorama / BHphoto / AmazonUS / Uniquephoto / Pictureline / Europe: AmazonDE / ebayUK / PCHstore Brussel

the “unfair” comparison: X-E1 with 55-200 vs Canon 5D Mark III with 70-300 (and in stock at AmazonUK and US)

IN STOCK: A limited number of XF 55-200 is now in stock at AmazonUK here (shipped and sold by AmazonUK) and also three at AmazonUS, but via third party reseller here (you have to pay $100 more to purchase it).

Fuji XF 55-200mm [shopcountry 12892] photo stacks_image_6736_zps6c4ee6df.jpg

image courtesy: martin-doppelbauer

Martin made a quite unfair comparison between the [shoplink 12881]X-E1[/shoplink] with [shoplink 12892 ebay]XF 55-200[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 13457]Canon EOS 5D Mark III[/shoplink] with [shoplink 13458]Canon 70-300 IS L[/shoplink]. “But yet, Fuji claims itself to achieve the image quality of a full-frame camera. So let’s see“. You can read the whole comparison here (available in English and German). Some extracts:

“In direct comparison, I could not detect any significant drawback in the focus speed compared to the Canon 70-300 IS L at least in static, high contrast scenes. To run the focus from infinity to close range takes similar time on both optics. I already have noted the limitations of the X-E1 when recording fast-moving objects (birds in the air, or motor cycling, but also: Crawling babies head from the front) elsewhere. Because both the focus point and the viewfinder image freeze after the first shot in continuous shooting mode, there are little to no chances to get a good picture in such situations. Here, the DSLR is still unbeatable (and the EOS 5D Mark III shines in particular with its uber-autofocus anyway).

Somewhat disappointing is the vignetting of the XF 55-200 at maximum aperture. At least you can correct this well by software.

For a comparison of system resolution, I have run the X-E1 and the XF 55-200 against the EOS 5D Mark III with the excellent 70-300 f/4-5.6 L IS USM. Not quite a fair comparison, as I admit frankly, because the Canon lens costs easily twice as much as the Fuji zoom. And we don’t even talk of the camera body […] Compared with the EOS 5D Mark III, however, Fuji’s zoom has a significantly lower resolution. The Canon 70-300 L resolves about a third more lines across the board, occasionally even 50% more. An equivalence to the Canon full-frame system is beyond question.

The XF 55-200 […] convinces with a very solid overall performance. Across all focal lengths and apertures it has a good sharpness with minimal chromatic aberrations without significant weaknesses. Sure, it can not keep up with a very good full-frame camera and lens. But this is outweighed by price, weight and size.

Fuji XF 55-200mm [shopcountry 12892]

image courtesy: martin-doppelbauer

photo asd_zps6b6be870.png