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:

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First image of the X-E2 and additional specs of the X-E2/XQ1? (anonymous source)

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Take it with a grain of salt, as it has been sent to me by an anonymous source:

This could be the first image of the X-E2. [UPDATE: to see the rear side of the X-E2 click here]

I’d love to see an image also of the back/top of the camera, as trusted sources told me that there will be some changes there, as the new position of the Q button.

The anonymous source also sent me some specs. Here is his list:

X-E2

16mega pix
3 inch screen
Lens modulation optimizer
0.08 sec autofocus speed
Exr II

XQ1

4 optical zoom
12 mega pix
12800 Max I so
F1.8-4.9
0.06 sec AF

I’ve already shared the image/specs with my trusted sources and if I’ll post an update if I can confirm or not this rumor.

cheers
Patrick

You can contact me via email at fujirumor@gmail.com, facebook, twitter and also completely anonymously via rumor box.

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Iridient Developer now with X-A1 support + Rico’s shootout update X-A1 vs X-M1

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Version 2.3 of Iridient Developer is available now! Brian told me that the latest version of his software:

“includes support for the Fujifilm X-A1 and also adds support for automatic chromatic aberration corrections based on RAW image information for almost all recent Fujifilm cameras (all the X-Trans models plus many others like the [shoplink 12885 ebay]XF1[/shoplink], X10, F900EXR, [shoplink 14383 ebay]HS50EXR[/shoplink], HS35EXR, SL1000, etc). This release fixes a Fuji related bug with DNG image converted from some of the EXR sensor models. Most all of the recent Fujifilm models now have all RAW lens corrections (distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting) enabled by default.”

The new version can be downloaded here.

The full release notes for this and all previous version are available here.

X-A1 vs X-M1 Shootout update

Rico didn’t lose any time and already updated his X-A1 vs X-M1 Shootout with the latest version of Iridient. Check it out on Flickr here. Feel free to leave a comment about what some call “the best X-Trans converter software” up to date.

cheers
Patrick

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Will and Louie testing a Fuji “top secret camera” (video). First (blurred) image of the X-E2?

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“We can’t talk about it, but we are talking about it“! It seems that photographers Will and Louie are right now testing “a top secret Fuji camera” (X-E2?) in the streets of New Orleans… and they are impressed by it. They shared a 6 minute video about “how do you test shoot a camera BEFORE it’s released?“! Check it out here.

Thanks Raf for sharing your finding with Fujirumors… every help I get from FR-readers is very appreciated! Keep it up! You can contact me via email at fujirumor@gmail.com, facebook, twitter and also completely anonymously via rumor box.

all the best
Patrick

P.S.: Rico told me that he is preparing a first look for October 18th about “a new Fuji X-mount camera“. So stay tuned that on Fujirumors that day!

P.P.S.: pre-order the X-A1 now also at AmazonDE (via DR)

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XF 23mm: “Damn, another winner” (Patrick La Roque) + “The Trend Continues” (Riley Joseph)

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Fujinon XF 23mm

USA: eBay / AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / DigitalRev – EUROPE: AmazonUK (via DR) / eBay / DigitalRev / wexcamerasDE / wexphotographicUK / PCHstore

1) “The balance, the size, the weight, the focusing, the build… Everything about this lens feels exactly right to me. Soul mates, baby. […] how does this 35mm compare to the X100s 35mm? Is this worth purchasing if you already own that camera? Is this worth switching to? Truth is there are and always will be compromises to be made. On the one hand you gain on speed (f1.4 vs f2) and you also gain on sharpness: the 23mm is seriously sharp wide open while the X100s is always a tad softer at f2 (although like everything else, this can be used as an advantage) BUT… You lose what the X100s is all about: size, stealth, total silence, sync speed. […] Unless I’m crazy, I think you’ll immediately understand what I mean. There’s something about this combo that quite simply gels. As I said in the first paragraph: damn. Another winner.” Read more about the Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 at laroquephoto here.

2) Riley Joseph shared via FR-twitter his review of the XF 23mm. Read it here: “The quality of Fuji optics are amazing. Especially for the price. Sometimes when I zoom in Lightroom to check focus it is unreal the detail the lens captures even wide open. That is the one big difference with the lens compared to the 23mm on the X100(s).. that it is sharper wide open.”

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