UPDATE – Adobe and Fuji working together for a native RAW-files support of the X-Trans sensor?

We received a new rumor, that seems to confirm what we have written in our previous post (click here). Fuji really seems to collaborate with Adobe to develop the software-programs and make them compatible with the X-Trans technology.

Our source had a conversation with Fuji staff at the Photo Plus Pro in NYC. Fuji told him that the X-E1 system has been delivered to Adobe, Apple and DXO and is now working with them towards tweaking the RAW file processing from the new Fuji X-Trans sensor. According to this new rumor we can be confident that Fuji is really moving to solve this problem.
He also told us that at the Photo Plus Pro there was a really big interest of photographers to check out the X-E1 (stealing the show to other cameras). He checked out the camera with the new zoom lens, and enjoyed this “sweet package“.
Thanks T. ;-)

Adobe and Fuji working together for a native RAW-files support of the X-Trans sensor?

A reader of Fujirumors directed our attention to a post in the dpreview-forum (click here). According to this rumor, Fuji is working with Adobe and Apple to make their software compatible with the RAW-files of the X-Trans sensor. Maxster writes: “Just came back from D-Clic photo show in Montreal and had the chance to talk with Billy from Fuji Guys. He asked me if I was happy with my X-Pro1 and I said yes, very happy BUT would like Adobe and others to better support it (or at all in the case of Aperture…). I expected him to play it safe but he actually acknowledged the problem right away and told me that they recently signed a non-disclosure agreement with both Adobe and Apple and provided them with specs for supporting the X-Trans sensor! He said he is also pushing strong with Fuji to add support for TIFF in the camera so that could be another good thing for some. Lets hope this leads to progress…

But recently Apple released a new update for Aperture 3 and there is still no support for Fujifilms X-PRO1. And again, Fuji users were quite disappointed. Just read the comments to this dpreview post (click here). As Jaryl says: “Why nothing for Fuji X-Pro 1? Is it later or never?”

In the last months the voices grew louder, and the “RAW-problem” became a serious problem for Fuji and for photographers using the X-PRO1 (click here)  and the new X-E1 (click here).

No doubt, the jpegs of these cameras are really good, ISO is excellent, the sensor has a great potential, but many programs that work with RAW-files do not support the new X-Trans sensor technology. This is a real struggle for the normal workflow of photographers. As soundimageplus.blogspot.it says: “We have an existing workflow. We don’t want to be forced to change that workflow and our software mix to get good results from our raw files.

Until now, the very low sales of the X-PRO1 didn’t push software companies to spend time and money to develop software solutions for the new X-Trans sensor. So sansmirror.com suggests: “Fujifilm needs to do everything under the sun to make sure that Adobe’s conversions are optimal for X-Trans, then they need to make sure they do that for the #2, #3, #4…et.al makers of converters. Failure to do that puts them in the same corner Fujifilm was in with DSLRs and never got out of: an interesting and oddball choice that has no optimized workflow most users would embrace.

Finally, if the rumor of Maxster is correct, Fuji is really doing “everything under the sun” to make the X-Trans files compatible with the most important photo-software products. The X-Trans sensor is now in use for several months, and there shouldn’t be still such a big lack of software support. But Fuji has demonstrated to listen to feedback from photographers in developing his cameras. Let’s hope that they will do it also this time, and that rumors are going to be confirmed soon!

If you have some news or rumors to share, just contact us by email.

Are you using any software to work with X-Trans RAW pictures? if so, leave a comment.

take care, and thanks mike ;-)

 

 

 

Samys already accepting preorders on the still to announce XF1!

 

Tomorrow (Monday) Fuji will announce the new XF1 compact camera but you can already preorder it on Samys (Click here)!!! There is also the red (Click here) and Black (Click here) version. Here is the press text:

 

The Fuji XF1 Digital Camera (Brown) is a new approach to camera design, with high-end styling and high-quality photographic features in compact body. It has a lightweight, durable aluminum body parts and synthetic leather covering enhance the feel of the camera in the hand, with texture that resembles genuine leather. Perfectly matched to the lens is a 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS for superior image quality, fast operational speed and exceptional low-light performance. New Advanced Filters and Film Sim modes, Panoramic Shooting mode, and Full HD movie recording round out the brilliant features of the XF1.

Features:

  • 12 megapixel 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
  • OIS: Optical Image Stabilization
  • Fast processing and response times
  • 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear scratch-resistant LCD monitor
  • Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots
  • Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording

 

The XF1’s fast f/1.8 lens allows poorly-lit subjects to be photographed without raising sensitivity levels, keeping noise to a minimum. Locking on to your subject in as little as 0.16 seconds, High Speed Contrast Detection AF captures even spur-of-the-moment shots with sharp clarity at maximum 4x zoom. And unlike conventional premium digital cameras, the XF1 autofocus system reacts quickly even in low light, making it possible to shoot high-quality hand-held photos indoors or at night.

 

Full HD Movies NEW Movie Scene Recognition

The XF1 takes the guesswork out of recording movies with a new Movie Scene Recognition function. Automatically optimizing settings for a variety of shooting conditions, Movie Scene Recognition combines with Face Tracking AF to give you crisp, colorful HD movies with impressive stereo sound.

 

Large 12M 2/3-inch EXR CMOS Sensor adapts to ensure high quality images, whatever the situation

In the XF1, FUJIFILM brings its unique EXR CMOS pixel array to a larger 2/3-inch sensor. Because each pixel is larger, it can capture more light, dramatically reducing false color artifacts and noise at high sensitivities. Plus, thanks to further speed improvements in high-performance CMOS technology, you’ll enjoy rapid continuous shooting as well as high-resolution video.

 

EXR Processor for superior resolution, wide dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low noise

Working in tandem with the 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor, the EXR processor helps take image quality to a new level. The fast, powerful twin CPU EXR Core is reconfigurable, meaning it instantly adapts to complex processing needs. The benefits: superb quality still photographs, rapid-fire continuous shooting, and true high-resolution video.

NEW Customized control: The E-Fn button

The E-Fn extended function button lets you customize your XF1 to offer immediate access to your most-used controls. One touch and the monitor displays a menu of six items of your choice. Full control, at your fingertips!

Quick-response command dial

The conveniently located Main Command Dial gives you easy access to Shutter Speed and Aperture settings.

Histogram

Before shooting, the built-in histogram display provides an at-a-glance confirmation of brightness levels. Together with the exposure compensation dial on the top control deck, this tool makes it simple to confirm you have the right exposure setting, and take great photos.

Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge

When composing a shot in the spacious LCD, the built-in electronic level display makes it easy to align the image with the true horizon.

More Creative Photography for You

For creative needs, various shooting options and functions are available. With a new feature Advanced Filter, you can select out of six special effects.

NEW Advanced Filter

A selection of six special filters lets you create distinctive photo effects. Filter effects can be verified on the LCD monitor to ensure you get exactly the results you’re shooting for.

Multiple Exposure

Multiple exposure function lets you superimpose two different exposures in a single frame to create artful, one-of-a-kind photos.

3D Shooting with “Individual Shutter 3D”

Two exposures of the same scene are saved in Multi-Picture Format (MPO) to create convincing images that appear to have been shot in real 3D. An overlapping guide on the LCD screen provides assistance for positioning the exposures, making it easy for anyone to create impressive 3D effects. And FUJIFILM’s proprietary high-resolution 3D print system produces natural, beautiful 3D prints from images captured with the FUJIFILM XF1.

Motion Panorama 360

Just sweep the camera right-left or up-down to shoot giant panoramas up to 360°. When you view the panorama playing back on your camera or personal computer, you can enjoy a seamless panorama image with both ends stitched together to create a “cylinder” view.

Super Intelligent Flash

Now you can take flash photos — even macro shots — without flash washout. Smart flash control captures all subjects in clear detail over an extended flash range, from 7.4m for wide-angle shots to 2.7m when using the telephoto zoom.

Film Simulation Mode

Simulate the distinctive look of 5 different types with just a touch of a button. Modeled on Fujifilm brands loved by professional photographers, each breathes life into your image with a quality that previously only film could capture.

Pro Focus Mode with Face Detection

This focus-bracketing mode emulates the gentle, out-of-focus background look of a DSLR when shooting portraits or macro subjects. A single press of the shutter first takes an exposure focused on the main subject, then additional exposures at different focus points*. This produces a final image emphasizing the sharply focused subject against a soft, out-of-focus background**.

Advanced Pro Low-light Mode

Ideal for shooting non-moving subjects in low light, this mode automatically takes a series of four high-sensitivity & low-noise exposures and then combines them into an image with less noise than the single exposures.

Share your images with built in social networking

Don’t wait until you get home to start choosing which pictures to upload to FACEBOOK. Start the process in camera by tagging the pictures you want to share. The next time you connect to your home computer your images will upload automatically. The same goes for movie clips too, which can also be uploaded to YouTube™.

Photobook Assist

Create a photo album in your camera. Easily accessible and mobile, you can share images with family and friends anytime, anywhere. Installed in-camera, you can create a Photobook folder where tagged images will be stored and organized accordingly. Your Photobook can also be ordered online for print when connected to the internet, as well as when you go to stores to get your photos printed***, images can easily be sorted when tagged.

RAW+JPEG Mode

Simultaneously record captured images in both RAW format for post-processing on your personal computer and JPEG format for easy distribution.