X-E1 + XF 14mm

XF14mm [shopcountry 8628] / X-E1: [shopcountry 8614]

The photozone test report can be read here. Some PROS: “The Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 R is a highly attractive ultra-wide lens with few shortcomings. The most important factor for an ultra-wide lens is certainly image sharpness and the Fujinon delivers here. It is bitingly sharp in the image center and good to very good in the outer image region. […] very low CA [… ] Distortions are basically absent – even in RAW data – which is surprising for such a wide lens and even more so for a mirrorless one.” CONS: “The primary weakness of the Fujinon is the very high amount of vignetting. Most RAW converters as well as the camera (JPEGs) can (mostly) compensate this automatically though. […] lack of weather sealing”

image courtesy: photozone (XF 14mm distortion)

Ken Rockwell’s comprehensive X-E1 review can be read here: “The X-E1 is an excellent camera for people photos and for people who want a lightweight camera that performs as well or better than DSLRs. Its color rendition for people is superb, but not very good for nature and landscape snaps.” He also posted his XF14mm review here. “The Fuji XF 14mm f/2.8 ASPH is an extraordinary lens. When a lens is just about optically and mechanically perfect, there isn’t much to say, other than to get one.“

photographyblog XF14mm review (click here): “The Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 R’s auto-focus system is its minor weak-point, with a slight delay before locking focus and a rather loud mechanism. On the plus side it offers a generously wide focusing ring, a very welcome aperture ring which makes it quick, easy and precise to set this key element of exposure, and an innovative focus collar for quickly switching between auto an manual focus, the latter coming complete with a focusing distance scale with depth-of-field markings that makes it easier to zone-focus.“

XF14mm at ephotozine here. The PROS: Extremely sharp in the centre. Excellent sharpness towards the edges when stopped down. Lightweight. Useful hyperfocal scale. Excellent build. Virtually no distortion. Low CA levels CONS: Falloff of illumination towards the corners can be quite pronounced.

thephoblographer XF14mm review: some CONS: a bit slower than the 35mm f1.4 X – wish that the focusing and aperture rings were smoother – wish that it could focus closer, even with the macro setting activated and PROS: Excellent sharpness when stopped down. When using a studio light, the specular highlights really make this lens sparkle…

Lasse wrote me this email: “Hi, I thought you might like to link to the first Scandinavian review of the X-E1 with the [shoplink 8625]XF 18-55mm[/shoplink]. Earning six out of six stars, where image quality weigh’s a good 50 percent, when the total is added up. It’s published in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, and here’s a link to one of them. (english version)”

Nikon Coolpix A vs X100s specs comparison

Based on the specs comparison, thenewcamera recommends you to buy the X100s. Both cameras feature an APS-C sensor and don’t have a low-pass filter. The X100s beats the Nikon Cooplix A almost in every aspect, except the image stabilization and size/weight… oh, and it’s also cheaper. Click here to read more.

Check in stock info and price at
Nikon Coolpix A: [shopcountry 8820] Fuji X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA /

FinePix HS50EXR

From the conclusions of pocket-lint (read the review here): “We like the FinePix HS50EXR a lot: it’s an accomplished superzoom that’s put Fujifilm right back up there and in the mix and shown just what this brand can do. It can hold its head up side by side with the levels of its nearest competitors, it just ought to be a touch more cost effective by comparison.”

Check in Stock info and price at [shopcountry 8722]

1) The Polish site fotopolis posted some samples at different ISO’s. For the X20 samples click here (translated version) and for the X100s samples click here (translated version). On fotopolis you can also read the first impressions of the X100s here (translated version). They say that the X100s is a “very successful evolution of the already very good camera.” Thanks for the link Jakub.

You can also read and see samples at the Polish site optyczne. The X100s impressions here (translated version) and the X20 impressions here (translated version). They seem to be very happy with the X100s (compared to the X100 better speed, focus accuracy, start up time, EVF…). The first impressions of the X20 are “positive”.

2) FR-reader Adam made an interview with Fujifilm at the focus on imaging show (UK). At the beginning of the video the Fuji-guy demonstrates Digital Split Image focusing, and Focus Peaking on the new X100s, and then he answers a few questions about the possibility of silver XF lenses, release dates, and future firmware updates for the X-Pro1 for auto ISO and Focus Peaking… to what concerns the firmware updates the Fuji employee just said “I’m not so sure, I haven’t heard anything about it yet“.

He also takes a closer look at the upcoming lenses. Many thanks Adam.

X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK
X20: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / AmazonUK (black – silver) / ebayITA /  / AmazonDE / AmazonITA

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Keep the X100 or jump to the X100s? Brian says that, if you shoot in low light, you should definitely buy the new Fuji X100s. It’s a huge improvement to the previous model and “I have to say that I am quite impressed with the usability of these files.”

Click here to see the High ISO 25,600 shot with different noise reduction (NR) settings.

Remember that Brian updates continuously his X100s review with PROS and CONS and images.

X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK
X20: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / AmazonUK (black – silver) / ebayITA /  / AmazonDE / AmazonITA /

image courtesy: Brian Kraft – ISO 25,600 NR at 0