First Look: Fujifilm XQ1

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PRE-ORDER

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore /

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore /

Did you know that…

… that you can support Fujirumors by purchasing your gear through the links shared on this blog? If the X-E2 or XQ1 is the camera you need, it would be a great support for this blog if you buy them using the shoplinks on FR. It won’t cost you a single penny extra, but FR get’s a small commission. This will help to keep the site running and allow me to continue to bring you the latest rumors, news, reviews, deals about the X-series. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support Fujirumors.

And if you own an X-series camera and want to read a lot of tips and tricks, you should consider also to purchase Rico’s NEW book (print or DRM-free eBook/PDF): Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 (use code FUJISAVES30 to save 30%!). Firstly you’ll do yourself a favor, the book is really very useful, and secondly you’ll support Rico’s work here on Fujirumors.

cheers
Patrick (google+, facebook and twitter)

… and now enjoy another great (p)review of Rico Pfirstinger!

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First Look: Fujifilm XQ1

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – XQ1 Sample Images Set – Expanded X-E2 Sample Images Set –  Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages) – Order my NEW book (print or DRM-free eBook/PDF): Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 (use code FUJISAVES30 to save 30%!)

Size does matter: Succeeding the stylish Fujifilm XF1 point&shoot camera, the full-metal XQ1 is even smaller and more lightweight than its already very pocketable predecessor. Solidly built, the XQ1 comes in either black or silver, and it features the same 2/3″ X-Trans sensor as in Fuji’s bulkier and more retro-styled X20 compact camera.

Exterior

Since many customers took issue with the manual zoom mechanism of the XF1 (and its unconventional on/off switch), Fuji equipped the XQ1 with a more conventional electronic “fly-by-wire” zoom and a standard on/off button.

The manual zoom ring has been replaced with a multifunctional “lens control ring” that can serve many different purposes. One of them, of course, is zooming the lens, so those of you who actually like to zoom in and out the “old fashioned” way can do so by setting the lens control ring to serve as a zoom ring.

In its “smart” standard setting, the control ring will assume different functions depending on which mode the camera is operating in. For example, in P exposure mode, the control ring handles the exposure shift. In aperture priority mode, you can use it to set the aperture. If you want to manually set the control ring function, you have a choice of controlling either exposure, ISO, white balance, film simulations, drive mode or zooming. In its default “smart” setting, the control ring offers even more variety, like picking an effect when in the Advanced Filter mode, or choosing a scene mode when the camera is set to Scene Position (SP).

Like in the XF1, six of the nine buttons on the back of the XQ1 have a second function layer that can be user customized. This basically gives you six different function buttons that can control any of the following features: face detection, intelligent digital zoom, ISO, image size, image quality, dynamic range, film simulation, white balance, drive mode, photometry (exposure measurement mode), AF mode, focus mode, focus area or wifi. To access this second button layer, simply press the E-Fn button.

A notable change is the camera’s new NP-48 battery, which is smaller (but not less powerful) than the NP-50A batteries previously used in the X10, X20 and XF1. The battery can be charged inside the XQ1 with a simple USB connection. The camera comes with a power supply and USB cable, but you can just as well use any existing USB (aka smartphone) charger. You can also use the supplied cable to connect the camera to the USB port of your laptop, or any car/airplane charger with a USB outlet. So if you travel with your smartphone or laptop, chances are you can save weight and space because you don’t have to bring an extra charger or power supply specifically for your XQ1. Of course, those who prefer to charge their batteries outside the camera can always purchase an external Fujifilm or third-party charger.

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

First Look: Fujifilm X-E2

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PRE-ORDERS

by purchasing your camera using the link below, you’ll support Fujirumors. You won’t pay a single penny more for your camera, but a small commision goes to FR. It’s big help for the site and keeps it ticking over.

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore /

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore /

 

 

  Click here for the LIVE-BLOGGING

 

First Look: Fujifilm X-E2

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – X-E2 Sample Images Set – X-E2 Tracking AF Samples (private set, must use this link) – X-E2 Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) Examples (private set, must use this link) – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages) – Order my NEW book (print or DRM-free eBook/PDF): Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 (use code FUJISAVES30 to save 30%!)

Good morning and welcome to this early edition of Friday’s X-Pert Corner. Today’s column is all about the new Fujifilm X-E2, the successor of the popular X-E1 mirrorless system camera. Here it is:

I was able to test drive an early pre-production unit of the X-E2 for the past 4-5 weeks. Don’t worry, compact camera fans: I will soon add another First Look article on the XQ1. If you aren’t yet familiar with Fuji’s X-E family of cameras, click here to access the official product information page explaining the features and listing the full specifications of the X-E2.


X-E2 SOOC JPEG (click on the image to access the full sample set)

The X-E2 is a camera many Fujifilm enthusiasts have been waiting for. Don’t let its almost unchanged exterior fool you: The X-E2 is an all-new camera on the inside, with object-tracking on-sensor PDAF, an almost twice as fast image processor with LMO (Lens Modulation Optimizer) support, 14 bit RAW processing, face detection, wifi networking (which is supposed to offer wireless remote control after a future firmware update) and dozens of small but important improvements that make shooting with this camera easier and more enjoyable, all without sacrificing its classic retro design and manual controls.

Exterior, Displays and User Interface

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

How Fuji could save the X-M1

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Mastering the X-PRO1 and X-E1:

 Book / Kindle edition / Apple iBook

Fujifilm X-A1

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

Fujifilm X-M1

USA: AmazonUS (save $72 on the silver version + kit lens) / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / [shoplink 17242 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] ($70 price drop) / DigitalRev EUROPE: eBay / DigitalRev / AmazonDE (via DR) / wexcamerasDE / AmazonUK (via DR) / PCHstore

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by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – X-A1 sample images set – X-M1 sample images set –  X-M1 vs. X-A1 shooutout set (private Flickr set, MUST use this link!) – Original X-A1 & X-M1 shootout RAW files for download – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages) – Order my NEW book: Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1

It’s been almost a week, but my  X-A1/X-M1 shootout is still fueling controversy, even more so since my samples now also include comparisons with different external RAW converters: Lightroom, Photo Ninja and Iridient Developer. Feel free to download the original RAW files here and play with them with the converter of your choice. Or have a look at the Flickr set by clicking here.

The 200 Dollar Question

A popular discussion point in forums and blogs is the significant price difference between the X-A1 and X-M1, given that both cameras are pretty much identical and offer the same firmware. Granted, the JPEG engines of both cameras are calibrated differently in order to suit the perceived needs of either entry-level (A1) or mid-level (M1) photographers. However, there’s no difference regarding features and controls. Nor everybody seems to understand that. For about 200 dollars more, many (potential) users apparently expect more than just an X-Trans sensor CFA.

In my opinion, Fuji could quickly add (or rather bring back) a few useful firmware features to enhance X-M1’s value and usability for the mid-level customers Fuji is targeting, and also for advanced photographers who want to use the X-M1 as their second X-Trans body. Here’s what I have in mind:

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

There is still hope: X100 firmware update could come!

130,000! That’s the number of photographers who purchased the [shoplink 15293 ebay]Fujifilm X100[/shoplink]. As you know, the other X-series cameras are constantly improved via firmware update, getting faster autofocus, focus peaking and much more (read the “amazing evolution of the X-PRO1” article here), but X100 owners were not that lucky lately. Well, it seems that there is still hope…

At dpreview user Mistur said: “There will be an update for the X100 that will add approximately 50% of the 72 new features found in the X100s. While there has been no official announcement yet, I heard about it at a recent Fuji event for the X-M1.”

Now, take this rumor cum grano salis ;).

No FR-source could confirm these rumors until now, but I suppose that an update for the good old X100 is nothing like improbable. But will there be really so many improvements as suggested by Mistur on dpreview?

As a reminder, here is the list of the actually 70 improvements of the X100S over the X100 (read also this post here). Choose the top improvements you’d like to see on your X100.

thanks for giving me these hints, Lukas
cheers
Patrick

Fuji X100: [shopcountry 15293]

1. 16-megapixel sensor, up from 12-megapixel
2. X-Trans CMOS II sensor eliminates the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter.
3. The resolution has improved.
4. S/N ratio has improved by over 30%.
5. Phase detection pixels allow 0.08 sec Auto focus
6. 1080p 60fps/30fps full HD movie
7. Improved start-up time. From 2.0sec to 0.5sec
8. Continuous Shooting from 5fps up to 6fps
9. Number of consecutive frames while using Continuous Shooting from 10 frames to 31 frames
10. Improved Shooting Interval from 0.9 seconds down to 0.5 seconds.
11. EXR Processor II Lens Modulation Optimiser reduces diffraction phenomenon and peripheral aberrations.
12. EXR Processor II features X-Trans processing & new noise reduction.
13. Outputs 14bit RAW files.
14. EVF has a 2.35 mil dot LCD.
15. A new protective coating on the surface of the viewfinder window prevents fingerprints and smudging.
16. The handling and response on focus ring has been improved.
17. The shooting range of the OVF has been expanded from 80cm to infinity, to 50cm to infinity.
18. The world’s first Digital Split Image Manual Focus system. It uses the phase detection to show assist accurate focussing.
19. Focus Peak Highlight function helps you to check the focal plane.
20. In Movie Shooting, it is possible to choose 3 kinds of focusing modes MF/ AF-C and AF-S.
21. Expanded AF shooting range from  40cm – infinity (X100) to 21cm – infinity (X100S). (not on Macro mode)
22. Quick (Q) Button for speed and instant access to shooting menus.
23. Multi Tab Menu easy and fast navigation.
24. Two new Film simulation functions added: Pro Neg.Std and Pro Neg. Hi.
25. F-simulation bracketing function – one shot can produce 3 different Film Simulation effects which can be pre-set.
26. ‘Advanced filter’ mode has been installed as standard.
27. Multi Exposure function. While viewing your first shot on the EVF or LCD as an overlay, you can shoot a second shot.
28. Shutter Counter counts every 100 times the shutter closes. (This not only counts shots taken, but also when the camera is turned on/off and put into playback mode)
29. The shape of the viewfinder window has been changed to help prevent dust build-up.
30. Strap attachment rings are reinforced with an inside stainless-steel layer.
31. Improved the shape of the Viewfinder lever.
32. Improved the layout of the Focus lever (goes MF > AF-C > AF-S now)
33. Improved the operability of the MENU/OK button.
34. Improved shape of the Q button.(was previously the RAW button)
35. Improved the shape of the Front Ring.
36. Improved the torque of the exposure dial.
37. Improved layout of the shutter speed dial.
38. Improved the design of the Battery-chamber.
39. Improved the shape of the Hot shoe.
40. Max ISO from 3200 to 6400 (ISO AUTO Mode)
41. WB shift available in any mode.
42. Variation of aspect ratio 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1.
43. Improved live view with wide aperture in MF shooting
44. Ability to reset the shooting menu and set-up separately.
45. No formatting on the setting when updating firmware.
46. Change the default LCD information setting -> standard.
47. Reset function added for every custom mode.
48. Added information on all F-simulation modes.
49. Added functionality allowing ‘MARK FOR UPLOAD TO’ MyFinePix.com.
50. Supports Eye-fi memory cards.
51. When you hold down the Q-button in the Q-menu it’s a short-cut function to edit and save.
52. Ability to set ISO-AUTO with Base and Limit ISO and Min. shutter speed in ISO menu.
53. Change the location of AF area select button.
54. Change the sub-function of  AF area select button.
55. Change the sub-function of AE button.
56. Add the sub-function of Fn button.
57. In low light scenes the LCD display is smooth.
58. After releasing the shutter button, the camera will immediately switch to playback mode.
59. After releasing the shutter button you can now immediately use some keys.
60. When holding shutter button, the LCD doesn’t freeze.
61. In Post-viewing after OVF shooting, the eye sensor works.
62. Supports external microphone.
63. Changed Flash settings including External Flash in right key.
64. The ND filter is now available in panorama mode.
65. Faster writing speed to SD memory cards.
66. Phase detection Autofocus now works during movie recording.
67. Added ‘ MF distance indicator ‘ in Display custom setting.
68. After half-pressing the shutter release in manual exposure mode, the live view displays the actual exposure level
69. Hot shoe shape was changed for easy connection to external flash.
70. The “S” badge has been added.

you can read the “Kaizen” posts 1, 2, 3 on FR

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FR-readers roundup: X-E1 top ten photos, night photography, niggles and wedding

The Fuji Guys posted part 1/3 of their X-M1 first look at youtube here. For a deeper look at the top features and the new lenses (16-50 / 27) we have to wait for part 2/3 and 3/3.

pre-orders

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

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

FR-readers roundup

Lawrence: “hi Fujirumors. It’s been a month since I got my Fuji X-E1. Here’s my top 10 photos so far! Feel free to link to it”

Lawrence

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– Brandon: “Hey there, Been reading your site every since I found out about the various new cameras that Fuji has been working-on– keep up the good work! I know the X-E1 is not exactly the newest camera at this point, but I’ve not seen very many examples of night photography taken with it.  I put it to the test this past weekend and thought maybe your readers would be interested in seeing some night photography shots (click here).”

“Overall, I came away VERY impressed with how the Fuji lenses and sensor performed when used for night photography.  The accuracy of the auto white balance in the X-E1 is simply in a category of its own.  The combination of Fuji lenses and its sensor produce amazingly colorful and sharp photos that to me are quite impressive.  Most night photos in color don’t do much for me but these blew me away in color. I would not hesitate to recommend the Fujifilm X-E1 and 14mm & 35mm lenses for night photography.”

Brandon

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– Andrew: “Hi, […] some thoughts on the X Pro 1 from an old pro.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the camera, but there are too many BUTS at the moment and not enough people are mentioning them.
I know 3 other pro’s using this camera and I am not alone in my frustration. So I hope you will print this to elicit some decent conversation. And by that, I don’t mean a whole lot of net trolls whinging about my Leica comments.
cheers Andrew.

With a little time on my hands the other day, I decided to drop into see the friendly Leica dealer on Ave Beaumarche in Paris and with SD card in hand, try a few shots with the new Leica M (240).
I’m no pixel peeper, so I won’t bore you with my results, but what struck me right away was how well it worked as a camera and how much quicker it felt than my X Pro 1. I do own an M6, but all the same, this camera felt intuitive in my hands.
Heresy I hear you Fuji owners say, but let me explain. I’ve been pounding the pavements of Paris this last few weeks and daily taking many hundreds of photographs in what I would call a street style. I’ve had some good success, but I’m bothered by the amount of shots I’ve missed whilst the camera is getting up and going or deciding on it’s point of focus. Street photography is by it’s very nature reactive and quick and I admit, that after 40 years in the business and a number of eye operations, I am slowing down a bit.

What struck me when using the Leica, was the speed, manually focussing and all, between seeing and shooting. So I thought I would make a few observations to Mr Fuji about his sometimes wonderful machine.

The positives of the X Pro1 we all know well, a great feeling camera, well made and with some great glass, as good as a Leica, I’m told. Compact, lightweight, a good optical/digital viewfinder and a great future lens roadmap. It’s a seductive list and it seduced me to lay out for the body and 4 prime lenses.

So, why aren’t I completely happy? Well here is a list of things that bother me that I feel should not be happening.
Battery life is woeful. I rarely use the EVF or leave the rear screen on and am constantly getting caught out with a flat battery. Ever owned a Canon 5D mk 2 or 3, then you will know what great batteries can be like. You can just about shoot all day with 1 Canon battery and I cannot see why the X Pro 1 with only a single processor and no mirror cannot match this performance. I’ve been caught out so many times by sudden battery death and I never leave home without them fully charged.

Whilst on the subject of batteries, why are all the Fuji models using different sized ones. There must be a heap of pros and advanced amateurs shooting both X Pro 1’s and X100’s and I bet it frustrates the hell out of them, having to run two sets of batteries and chargers. And who was responsible for designing a battery that could be put in backwards rendering the camera inoperable? DESIGN 101, a bit of forethought would have gone a long way.

Now we come to my real bugbear, the menu layouts. Is it just me or does everyone find themselves all of a sudden shooting away, only to find that the camera setup has changed, the auto level has gone, or the EVF won’t shut off. What the hell is going on and why does it have to be so hard???????
I’m an Apple Mac user and despite what my jealous PC mates tell me, I use Macs not because they look so much nicer than a PC, but because of their functionality.
Macs work, simply, efficiently and generally with little fuss, once you get the swing, there is an obvious logical workflow to using them and it’s that obvious logical workflow that seems to have gone astray with the X Pro 1….. It shouldn’t have to be so hard. Software engineers seem to think, that because they understand the logic of a process, their customers will too. Well using the X Pro 1 can be a bit like recording your favourite program with the TV remote and I’m sure you all know what I mean here.
Hey Fuji guys, why not second a few of those Apple software designers for a few months and rebuild the interface from the ground up. I’m feeling decidedly unsure of explaining myself properly here, but I know in my heart things can be a lot better.

And finally, is there any point to having a whinge about autofocus speed? You betcha there is. If we are going to have a serious contender as a street camera, then things have got to change. I know there is a rumoured X Pro 2 in the wings with a rumoured twin processor inside it, but there must still be a fair bit of latitude via software upgrades to improving things on the current model (the same goes for battery performance I suspect). Well, we shall wait and see what next July brings with it’s rumoured upgrade. Those of us who have put their faith in the X Pro 1, should not have to put our hands back into our pockets when the X Pro 2 arrives, just to get what we thought we were getting in the first place! [admin: read the updated rumor here. The X-PRO2 won’t come before late 2013, early 2014] When you look at the heritage of Leica cameras, even the 1939 model 3A I have still works so well, albeit a bit bruised and battered.

Fujifilm is hardly a small company with little resources available to sort out these teething issues. So, finally, what’s in all of this for Fuji? Well, they are sitting on the edge of greatness here with their cameras and they need to start asking themselves the hard questions. Do they want to play in the big sandpit with Mr Canon, Mr Leica and Mr Nikon, or do they want to be consigned to the trashcan of camera design history, just another camera manufacturer that nearly made it, a could have been…..  The ball’s in your court guys. Greatness awaits.

Andrew

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– Craig: “In case you can use this on the Fuji Rumors”… Fujifilm Xpro-1 – Wedding Photographs – The Beauty of Black and White here.

Craig

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First Look: X-M1 with New Kit Zoom and Pancake Lens

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – X-M1 sample images – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages)

Click here to read Andy Westlake’s excellent preview of the X-M1 on DPR – Click here to jump directly to my set of sample images taken with my pre-production camera and lenses

Edit [16/9/13]: Added additional findings to the “pro” section of this article.

Edit [1/8/13]: Added plenty of new samples, both JPEG and RAW (Lightroom & Silkypix) to the Flickr set. Updated Pro/Con comparison with X-E1.

Edit [30/6/13]: Added several SOOC JPEG portrait samples taken with the X-M1 and the two new lenses to the Flickr set.

Edit [29/6/13]: Added my experiences using an USB adapter to get RR-80 remote controls to work with the X-M1

Fujifilm’s new X-M1 mid-range system camera is targeting users and fans of premium compact cameras (like the Sony RX100 or Fujifilm X10, X20 and XF1) as well as users of entry-level DSLR cameras who do not want to compromise on image quality, but prefer a small, lightweight and still affordable package. It’s important to recognize that the X-M1 was at least as much inspired by the Fujifilm X20 and XF1 as was by its older and more expensive system camera sibling, the X-E1.

In other words: This is as much a smaller X-E1 as it is an APS-C sensor sized system camera version of the XF1 or X20. Believe it or not, but the X10/X20 is actually a little bit larger than the body of the X-M1.

A Little Bit of Everything

This turns the X-M1 into kind of a hybrid system: It features the mode dial, scene modes, additional AF modes (including face recognition and pattern tracking), an additional OIS mode and the “art filters” of Fuji’s premium compact and bridge cameras. At the same time, it records images with the same 16 MP APS-C X-Trans sensor found in the larger and more expensive X-Pro1 or X-E1.

In terms of image processing, the tiny X-M1 even surpasses its bigger siblings with the faster EXR Processor II engine already known from the X100S and X20, with conventional 12 Bit RAW image recording. This turns the X-M1 into a pretty responsive camera (at least in Fuji terms). A 95 MB/s SD card (such as a [shoplink 13681]SanDisk Extreme Pro[/shoplink]) certainly pays-off when used in concert with this camera. It takes the X-M1 just about 2 seconds to copy 3 FINE+RAW images from its internal buffer to the card. With its modest burst rate of 5.6 frames per second, this means that the camera can shoot 13 frames in a row at full speed, even though the buffer is just large enough to hold 10 FINE+RAW images at any given time.

Welcome to Plasticland!

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

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

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RAW for JPEG Shooters…

…and JPEG for RAW Shooters!

by Rico Pfirstinger

One of the most persistent flame wars on the “photographic Internet” is the endless fight between RAW and JPEG shooters. If it wasn’t so sad, it would be funny. Readers of my book know that I prefer a comprehensive approach to this hot topic by advising to shoot FINE+RAW (SHOOTING MENU > IMAGE QUALITY) at any time, no matter whether you consider yourself a part of the RAW or JPEG camp. There are plenty of good reasons for being inclusive instead of divisive.

Why “RAW only” shooters should use FINE+RAW

Even if you consider yourself a hardened “RAW only” shooter, FINE+RAW makes sense for you. Don’t forget that you can preview exposures on your camera only in JPEG format. This means that even in “RAW only” mode, your camera will produce a JPEG out of every RAW file it saves to provide you with a preview file. Otherwise there wouldn’t be anything to examine in playback mode.

However, these preview JPEGs in “RAW only” mode are low resolution—often so low that it is impossible to tell whether image details are in focus when you zoom-in to 100%. Shooting in FINE+RAW mode with an IMAGE SIZE of L obviates this problem. With this setting, the camera saves a high-resolution JPEG “print” in addition to the RAW “negative”: You can use this high-res JPEG for precise focus control immediately after you snap it by pressing the command dial, thereby enabling the 100% zoom function. Moreover, the high-res JPEG file is a good point of reference for developing the RAW file later in your personal computer.

Admittedly, you could also opt to shoot in NORMAL+RAW mode instead of FINE+RAW, which doesn’t actually affect the resolution of the JPEG. However, this setting produces files with greater compression, compromising image quality. Dedicated RAW shooters should pay attention to this fact, because in some modes, the camera saves only JPEGs without any RAW files! Think of motion panorama or of ISO, film simulation and dynamic range bracketing as examples for such modes. In all these cases, your X-Pro1 or X-E1 (or X100 and X100S) silently switch the image quality setting from NORMAL+RAW to NORMAL, which means the only image they write to the memory card is a quality-reduced JPEG! And what X-camera user likes to skimp on quality?

Wait, there’s more! The camera’s IMAGE SIZE settings (3:2, 16:9 or 1:1 format with resolutions L, M and S) aren’t available in “RAW only” mode. They are greyed-out. This feature can be valuable for RAW shooters, though, because the camera’s light metering is influenced by the current format settings. If you intend to shoot (and later crop) images to a ratio of 16:9 or 1:1, the light metering works more effectively when the camera’s image format is set accordingly. That’s because parts of the image that are superfluous will be automatically cropped out and won’t affect the camera’s exposure metering (which is based on the current live-view image). Furthermore, it’s easier to target your desired image area when the image format in the camera’s viewfinder matches up with your intended end result. Finally, the camera adjusts the size and shape of the autofocus fields and redistributes them according to your selected image format. This means that you can continue to use all 49 of the camera’s AF fields even when you are shooting in the exotic 1:1 format.

No worries: Independent from any IMAGE SIZE or IMAGE QUALITY settings you choose in the shooting menu, your X-Pro1 or X-E1 will always record a full-size L, 3:2 format RAW file. You will not lose a single pixel.

Why “JPEG only” shooters should use FINE+RAW

Now that the “RAW only” camp has been served, what about the “JPEG only” crowd? After all, this is what this article is supposed to mostly be about, right?

The reason to opt for FINE+RAW comes down to this: All X-series cameras feature an internal RAW converter (PLAYBACK MENU > RAW CONVERSION) that allows you to change an image’s JPEG settings anytime after you take a shot. However, before we examine the implications of this feature, let’s find out about those mysterious “JPEG settings” and let’s see what they actually are.

JPEG settings (or JPEG parameters) are camera settings that do not affect the RAW file. Instead, they only affect the look of any JPEG files your camera spits out. Thinking of RAWs as “digital negatives” and JPEGs as “digital lab prints”, the camera’s JPEG settings determine how the JPEGs actually look like.

JPEG settings are:

  • White Balance
  • WB Shift
  • Film Simulation
  • Color
  • Sharpness
  • Highlight Tone
  • Shadow Tone
  • Noise Reduction (NR)
  • Color Space

As you have probably noticed, there settings are scattered over the shooting and setup menus of the camera. With the exception of color space, they are also directly accessible via the Quick Menu and can be saved in sets known as custom shooting profiles. The same JPEG settings are available when you activate the camera’s internal RAW converter.

JPEG settings strongly affect the look of an image. The very same shot can look quite differently depending on what JPEG settings you have chosen. Here’s an example of a snapshot I took recently—the following pics all show the same RAW image (“digital negative”) processed with different camera JPEG settings to produce different “digital prints”.

Let’s start with three different color versions:

And here three different black&white versions, again all courtesy of the X camera’s flexible JPEG parameter settings:

As you can see, there can be both strong and subtle differences between different “digital prints”. There are virtually billions of possibilities of how you can combine these JPEG settings to generate an actual image. Quite overwhelming! With normal cameras and as a “JPEG only” shooter, you would have to know/guess and then set the “perfect” JPEG parameter combination for each image in advance. Can you actually do this? Honestly, I can’t.

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Roundup Fuji… some reviews and pics

 

X-F1

thenewcamera.com compared the specifications of the Canon G15 and the Fuji XF1. It’s not really a review, just a cold comparison of specifications. Bigger sensor for the Fuji, better ISO range for the Canon. Better shutter range for the Fuji, and OVF for the Canon. Look here for more. Tell me, who would gain a point for better appearance?

There is a review of photographybay.com. His conclusions are: “All in all, the Fuji XF1 has the makings of a nice point and shoot camera.  I will be curious to see how others receive the lens-twisting quagmire once the camera hits store shelves in the next few days.” Click here to read the review.

There is a XF1 hands-on review at DC.watch and a review on photographytalk.com.

Also danbaileyphoto.com could hold the camera in his hands for about one hour. Click here to read his impressions.

X-E1

There are some sample pictures taken with a X-E1 + Fujinon XF 18-55 mm f/2.8-4 OIS on optyczne (click here) and a detailed (Chinese) review with a lot of pictures on mobileo.com (click here)

And here a professional photograph, bertstephani.com, tested for the first time the X-E1 in his studio and writes about his first impressions (click here).

X-PRO1

Martin Hülle crossed alone a region between Norway and Sweden. He took images with the X-PRO1. Look at them here. And you can also read about his workflow, among other things how he works with RAW-files (click here). It’s in German. The Out-of-Cam JPGs are very good. So he focuses more on the “old school-photography” than editing images later. We know that’s not that simple to work with X-Trans RAW-files… until now.

Not a review, but I decided to link you to stephangeyer.com (click here) so you can see a X-PRO1 (click here) on safari in South Africa.

If you want a short review of the X-PRO1 take at look at theonlinephotographer (click here).

For a  declaration of love to the X-PRO1 click here.

Look at images taken with the X-PRO1 at the Shooting Street Fashion. “Shooting Street Fashion Sydney (SFS) is all about getting the image as quickly and efficiently as possible.” Click here to go to streetfashionsydney.blogspot.com

X-TRANS WORKFLOW

Kinematic Digit writes about the X-Trans sensor and the RAW-problem. After playing around for a few weeks he believes that “this is probably the maximum that we can get out of the Fuji RAF files until the other developers come up with better understanding of the unique X-Trans CMOS sensor.… Now this is still not the most ideal workflow for most people. Pixel Peeping aside, the Fuji X files are fantastic, even in Adobe Lightroom. My goal in this was to get a better understanding of what is going on.” Read about his workflow here.

Fuji FinePix F800EXR

New reviews of the compact Fuji FinePix F800EXR can be read on DSLRPhoto (click here) and on ePhotoZine (click here) with a few picture samples. The conclusions ePhotoZine makes are: “Like the versions before it, the Fujifilm FinePix F800EXR is one of the smallest cameras available with a 20x optical zoom lens, and its design with large front grip helps keep the camera steady when shooting. The camera takes pleasing photos with good colour reproduction and has a variety of useful options including the ability to get better dynamic range in bright or difficult shooting conditions, although this is at a lower resolution when using the EXR modes. The camera does a lot of things well, including Wi-Fi transfer, and has a wide variety of controls including RAW, however if you’re keen on recording video then you may be a little disappointed.”

At least a Fujifilm XS1– Preview at Photographic Central.

Have a nice weekend!

Fuji news roundup…(Double new firmware update)

It’s Sunday and time to catch up with some smaller news :) Here is the list:

Fuji X10 test at Focus Numerique (Click here).
Unpacking Fuji X-S1 at YouandMe (Click here).
Fuji X-S1 review at Photographyblog (Click here): “£699 / $799 is an awful lot of money to pay for what is a fixed-lens compact camera, easily making the X-S1 the most expensive super-zoom on the market. Having said that, it’s also easily the best-in-class super-zoom, offering a compelling mix of features, performance and image quality that no other rival can match. If you want one camera that can do it all, then look no further than the Fujifilm X-S1.”
Fuji X-S1 test in spanish at Quesabesde (Click here).

There is a new X10 Firmware Update (Click here to download Ver.1.03):

  • 1.New function for “RAW” button can be applied by customer’s preference
    By holding down RAW button for approx. 2 second or more, RAW button can be applied into new function similar to “Fn” button setting.
  • 2.Each value set on ISO sensitivity and Dynamic range can be maintained even if aperture setting mode (P / A / S / M) is changed.
  • 3.Face detection function is upgraded to keep tracking face by means of face-tracking AF function. As this function is activated even in movie recording mode, AF on detected face in the movie becomes more effective.
  • 4.Blooming (White disk) phenomena, which can be observed in EXR AUTO mode, is reduced.
  • 5.Compatibility on Mac OS 10.7
    When the camera is connected to Mac PC on Mac OS 10.7, the camera is effectively recognized. Additionally, compatibility on RAW FILE CONVERTER EX with Mac OS 10.7 has been confirmed.
  • 6.AF confirmation sound was controlled on “SHUTTER VOLUME” in the SET-UP menu. By this update, this sound is controlled on “OPERATION VOL.” in the SET-UP menu, just similar to another functions.
  • 7.The image area with high brightness might be recorded as “black-out” area, just in case of dedicated shooting condition, This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.
  • 8.When the flash is used under macro shooting condition, light-reflected area was shown in greenish. This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.

And also a new X100 Firmware Update (Click here to download Ver. 1.13):

  • Compatibility on Mac OS 10.7
    When the camera is connected to Mac PC on Mac OS 10.7, the camera is effectively recognized. Additionally, compatibility on RAW FILE CONVERTER EX with Mac OS 10.7 has been confirmed.
  • 2.When VIEW MODE is set to EYE SENSOR activated mode, the camera may be frozen after changing OVF/EVF at dedicated shooting condition. This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.
  • 3.After shooting images at A mode, if mode dial sent to other mode and returned into A mode during data recording, shutter of the camera may not work properly. This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.