BAD START & LOW SALES: Fujifilm X30

Share

photo low_zpsd32728dc.jpg

It’s packed with a lot of great new features that make it, in many aspects, better than Fuji’s flagship, the [shoplink 21553]X-T1[/shoplink], it has many of all the firmware improvements we desired for other X-series cameras, it has the best JPEG engine of any X-series camera ever produced, it’s Fuji’s most sophisticated X-camera up to date, but..

… but it has an 2/3 sensor, which, apparently, is a deal breaker for many! Or maybe is it as Don suggested in the comments: “Nobody in their right mind would preorder a camera a few weeks before Photokina hits the camera market.”

Fujirumors recommends: Wait a bit… maybe we could soon have a nice price drop on Fuji’s most sophisticated camera up to date. And in the meantime, check out Rico’s First Look here (and understand why I say that it’s Fuji’s most sophisticated camera up to date).

But if you can’t wait, here is where you can pre-order it:

Fujifilm X30: USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / BestBuy /   EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore /

Share

First Look: Fujifilm X30

Share

PRE-ORDERS (and support FR)

Today you can support my work here on Fujirumors. If you choose to pre-order it using one of the shoplinks in this post, FR will get a small commission on it. It won’t cost you a single penny extra on your X30. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support this FR… because it’s your support that keeps this blog running.

Fujifilm X30: USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / BestBuy /   EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore /

LIVE BLOGGING HERE

_ _ _

First Look: Fujifilm X30

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual – Rico’s X30 Sample Images – X30 Specs

—

[UPDATE: if you want to read this first look in German, click here]

With the release of my new ebook in the X-E2 finally out of the way, I’m happy to preview Fuji’s first “third generation” X camera: the Fujifilm X30. This is a weirdly interesting device: When it comes to features and usability, it is Fuji’s most advanced camera to date, easily leaving the X-E2 and even X-T1 behind. So even if you aren’t interested in buying or using a compact camera with a 2/3″ sensor, this camera is worth a look, as its new features will also appear in future X-series models with larger sensors.

SOOC JPEG

Click here to access my album of 100 sample images taken with prototype and pre-productions cameras using beta firmware. These samples also include several sets comparing all eleven film simulations.

With the exception of a missing built-in ND filter, this little camera isn’t holding back with features that will please many X enthusiasts.

Here we go: The X30 features the same “real-time”, 2.36 M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) as the X-E2 (with only 0.005 seconds display lag), a 920 K-dot tilting LCD (twice the resolution of the X20), a multi-purpose lens control ring that can serve as a focus, aperture or shutter speed ring, a much improved user interface, better WYSIWYG capabilities (what you see is what you get) that include DR200%/DR400% previews, a dedicated RAW shooting mode, fast hybrid tracking AF, improved Instant-AF, multi-point Single-AF, six user-configurable Fn buttons, a fully configurable Quick menu, vastly improved movie/video options with full manual control, a critically improved JPEG engine with a new “Kodak-like” film simulation called Classic Chrome, wireless remote control and Instax printing, interval shooting for time-lapse photography, optional AF frame and spot metering frame coupling, ± 3 EV exposure compensation in manual mode when Auto-ISO is active (“misomatic”), and several more small but welcome improvements that make our life much easier. Phew!

Of course, the X30 is still using the same Fuji-engineered and Toshiba-built 2/3″ X-Trans sensor as its X20 predecessor, so if cameras with a sensor size below 1″ are beneath you, don’t bother reading any further. Or maybe do bother, because everything new that’s described in this preview will also be featured in Fuji’s upcoming APS-C camera models. So on second thought, this may just be the preview you’ve been looking for.

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

Fujifilm X30 LIVE BLOGGING: pre-orders, press release, samples, first looks and more! (refresh this page for updates)

Share

refresh this page for the latest updates

PRE-ORDERS (and support FR)

Today you can support my work here on Fujirumors. If you choose to pre-order it using one of the shoplinks in this post, FR will get a small commission on it. It won’t cost you a single penny extra on your X30. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support this FR… because it’s your support that keeps this blog running.

PRE-ORDERS

Fujifilm X30: USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / BestBuy /   EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore /

 FIRST LOOKS and SAMPLES

RICO’s Fujfilm X30 FIRST LOOK is online here

RiflessiFotografici with many “Classic Chorme” Sample images / ephotozine hands on preview / dslrmagazine (Spanish) / dpreview First Impressions / photographybay hands-on photo /

FUJIFILM: Click here for X30 press release / Click here for the Classic Chrome film simulation press release / Official full-size Fujifilm Sample Gallery at Fujifilm.com

VIDEOS

Fuji Guys / Downtown Camera / Promotional Video / Jessops First Look /

Press-release

Click here for X30 Fuji’s official press release / Click here for the Classic Chrome film simulation official press release /

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES CLASSICALLY DESIGNED PREMIUM COMPACT X30 WITH NEW CONTROLS AND FASTER PERFORMANCE

X30 features Real Time Viewfinder, dual control rings, and new ‘Classic Chrome’ Film Simulation for dramatically colored photos

Valhalla, N.Y., August 26, 2014 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X30, a premium compact, fixed lens camera aimed at enthusiast and professional photographers. The FUJIFILM X30 has an all new Real Time Viewfinder and innovative dual manual control rings for composing and taking pictures quickly and easily.

The FUJIFILM X30 gives enthusiast and professional photographers a vast array of new features, and delivers the same award-winning image quality and design that the FUJIFILM X-Series is known for around the world. The new X30 features a Real Time Viewfinder – which is the largest, brightest, fastest and highest resolving viewfinder in its class*1 – a large 12MP 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II and a new ‘Classic Chrome’ film simulation mode that delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction for beautifully dramatic images.

The X30 also includes a large tilting 3.0” 920K-dot premium clear LCD monitor, increased battery performance, and a strong, yet lightweight, die-cast magnesium alloy body that is superbly designed to add a real sense of style and elegance to the camera.

Vision and speed

The new FUJIFILM X30 uses an innovative Real Time Viewfinder with a large magnification of 0.65x*2 and a display lag time of just 0.005*3 seconds that is the largest and fastest viewfinder in its class. It offers a clear, high-definition Live View with a new 2.36M-dot organic EL viewfinder and dedicated lens that improves visibility by automatically controlling the viewfinder’s brightness according to the ambient light levels. The Live View display can also be set to reflect shooting conditions, or offer a natural view close to what is seen with the naked eye, while the viewfinder’s eye sensor automatically switches the visible information when the camera is positioned vertically or horizontally.

Fuji-X30-EVF

Left: real time viewfinder with five glass elements, right: X30’s expanded viewfinder size

The FUJIFILM X30 uses the award-winning X-Trans CMOS II sensor with phase-detection AF and the EXR Processor II to give photographers high-speed performance, amazing resolution and low noise for extraordinary images. The X30’s phase-detection system focuses in just 0.06*4 seconds, has a startup time of 0.5 seconds*5, shutter time lag of 0.015 seconds, and shooting interval of 0.5 seconds.

Fuji-X30-X-Trans-CMOS-II-sensor

Left: X-Trans CMOS II sensor layers, Right: X-Trans CMOS II sensor size comparison

High precision F2.0-2.8 4x manual barrel zoom lens

The FUJIFILM X30’s lens is made up of 11 glass elements in nine groups, including three aspherical lens elements and two ED lens elements. The result is an ultra-bright lens with a wide-angle maximum aperture of f/2.0 and telephoto maximum aperture of f/2.8 for beautiful, high resolution images. Additionally, the X30’s lens incorporates seven diaphragm blades for stunningly soft ‘bokeh’ to make your subject stand out from the background.
The X30 has an optical 4x manual zoom lens that allows quick and precise control over composition. The X30 also has a unique image stabilization mechanism that shifts five lens elements to compensate for camera shake by up to four stops*6. The innovative image stabilization system also effectively prevents motion blur while stopping vignetting and loss of image resolution that usually results from shake compensation.

The new FUJIFILM X30 now includes two rings on the lens: a manual zoom ring and control ring. The control ring is positioned behind the manual zoom control and allows the immediate change of aperture and shutter speed settings while fine-tuning image composition. Functions such as ISO sensitivity, film simulation, white balance and continuous shooting can be assigned by pushing the control ring setting button at the front. Two top-plate dials and six function buttons positioned on the back of the body also offer faster access to regularly-used features for a more instinctive operation.

Left, Middle: X30 Dual Ring controls, right: X30 large tilting 3.0” 920K-dot premium clear LCD monitor

Left, Middle: X30 Dual Ring controls, right: X30 large tilting 3.0” 920K-dot premium clear LCD monitor

New “Classic Chrome” film simulation

Fujifilm’s unprecedented image quality has been cultivated through the development of photographic films over the past 80 years and helps to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green trees, just as photographers remember the scene. The X30 features the new ‘Classic Chrome’ film simulation mode, which delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction. Users can also choose from eleven different modes that simulate the effects of traditional Fujifilm films. These include color reversal film effects (Velvia / PROVIA / ASTIA/CLASSIC CHROME), professional color negative film (PRO Neg.Std / PRO Neg.Hi), monochrome filters (MONOCHROME, Ye filter, R filter and G filter) and SEPIA.

FUJIFILM X30 key features:

  • 12MP 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor
  • EXR Processor II
  • NEW Real Time Viewfinder with 0.005 second lag time, 0.65 magnification and 2.36M dot OLED
  • Intelligent Hybrid AF in 0.06 seconds
  • Fast start-up time of 0.5 seconds
  • Shutter time lag of 0.01 seconds
  • High speed continuous shooting of 12fps (11 frames continuously in JPEG at full resolution)
  • FUJINON F2.0-2.8 lens 4x manual zoom lens with HT-EBC coating
  • NEW Tilting 3.0” Premium Clear LCD (920k dots)
  • NEW ‘Classic Chrome’ and other film simulation modes
  • NEW Long lasting battery with approximately 470 photos per charge. Charges using supplied micro USB cable
  • Pop-up Super Intelligent Flash
  • Super Macro mode to .039”
  • Focus Peaking function
  • Motion Panorama 360
  • Advanced Filters
  • “Q” button for frequently used menu items
  • Multiple Exposure
  • Full HD video 1080p at 60fps; bit rate of 36Mbps for clear capture of delicate movements
  • Manual focus available during video recording*7
  • Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote application and Wireless Communication function allows users to remotely shoot images from smartphones and tablets
  • Output for Stereo Microphone
  • Electronic level
  • Live histogram
  • Interval timer shooting (1 second to 24 hours up to 999 frames)

FUJIFILM X30 Accessories:

  • Leather case LC-X30 – made of premium genuine leather.
  • Lens Hood and Protector Filter LHF-X30 – protective filter with Super EBC multi-layer coating technology. Available in black or silver. The dedicated lens hood features slits to ensure a full angle of view for the viewfinder.
  • Shoe Mount Flash – three types of FUJIFILM external flash, capable of high-precision TTL auto flash control: EF-20 and EF-X30 with the guide number 20, and EF-42 with the guide number 42.
  • External stereo microphone MIC-ST1 – for recording real sound with impact to go with premium-quality images and Full HD movie.

The FUJIFILM X30 will be available in late September 2014 for $599.95.

*1: Fujifilm research as of August 2014. Compared with other compact zoom digital cameras, being 500g or lighter in weight.
*2: Market leading viewfinder magnification ratio. Approx. 0.65x magnification 50mm (35mm format equivalent) at infinity and diopter set to -1.0 m-1.
*3: Fujifilm research as of August 2014.
*4: Fujifilm research as of August 2014. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 2/3” sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and conducted in High Performance mode.
*5: Quick Start and High Performance mode.
*6: CIPA standard.
*7: Aperture and shutter speed can be changed during shooting. Only shutter speeds faster than the set frame rate can be set

press release layout by photorumors

Share

[PRICE: £479 in UK at Jessops] Digicame-Info confirms: Fujifilm X30 to be announced tomorrow and available September 20 (Japan).

Share

photo price_zps70242a9c.png

[UPDATE: The English store Jessops had the X30 already listed on their website. It will cost, according to their site, £479. And again the rumored specs seem to be confirmed. Oh, and again the claim of worlds fastest AF – via DPreview, via Photorumors]

Digicame-info now confirms some of the Fujifilm X30 rumors posted here on Fujirumors in the past. Announcement August 26, Available September 20, Tilt screen, Control ring, new Film Simulation, available in black and silver and price around ¥ 70,000. Nothing really new, a part from the shipping date, that should start September 20.

As you know, Rico will also publish a first look tomorrow, here on Fujirumors, about a “new X-camera“. Given Fuji’s announcement history, I’d expect Fuji to officially launch the camera early in the morning in London (around midnight in USA).

NOTE: You’ve patiently waited and finally Fujifilm X-E2 shooters can download the English version of Rico’s book “The Fujifilm X-E2, Beyond the Manual” at Rocky Nook here. And for a few days (until the 10th of September) you can grab it with a 40% discount (use Coupon Code “XE240″ – using PayPal).  Also, Rocky Nook offers PDF, ePub and Kindle all together… DRM-FREE!.

Sample Pages (PDF)

photo raico_zps59042176.png

FYI, here is the Fujirumors rumored spec-list:

– Announcement 26th of August (AS)
– 2/3 sensor, 12 MP, X-TRANS 2 (TS + NeS + AS)
– EVF only (TS + NeS)
– EVF specs: 2,36mp, x0.62 magnification and 100% coverage (TS)
– Announcement“this summer” (AS – shared in Febraury 2014)
– Battery: more than 400 shots with one battery and USB-charging (AS)
– Same battery of X100/S, the NP-95. (AS)
– Lens 28-112mm f/2-2.8 with dual ring (Zoom Ring + Control Ring) (SRP + AS)
– WiFi with remote control capability, +/-3 exposure compensation. (NeS)
– 3“ Tilt Screen (AS)
– 6 functions buttons and view mode button (SRP)
– New Film Simulation “Classic Chrome” (AS)
– Quite a different design compared to X20 (AS)

Share

AVAILABLE NOW :: download Rico’s book “Fujifilm X-E2, Beyond the Manual” with 40% discount until 9/10

Share

photo Fuji-Rumors-Available_280_zpsca36152f.jpg

You’ve patiently waited and finally Fujifilm X-E2 shooters can download the English version of Rico’s book “The Fujifilm X-E2, Beyond the Manual” at Rocky Nook here. And for a few days (until the 10th of September) you can grab it with a 40% discount (use Coupon Code “XE240” and using PayPal). Also, Rocky Nook offers PDF, ePub and Kindle all together… DRM-FREE!.

Sample Pages (PDF)

“This book focuses on insights that you won’t find in the manual, skipping tedious explanations of basic camera functions and operations. Instead, it cuts to the chase and provides readers with a plethora of tips and practical instructions that will enable them to fully explore the capabilities of the X-E2.”

It’s time to take the red pill, stay in wonderland, and Rico will show you how deep the X-E2 rabbit hole goes ;-). Download the English book here (for the German version click here).

Rico shares his knowledge not only in books, but also in his Fuji X Secrets workshops, which should be organized also in California later this year. German readers can also check out Rico’s article about Fujifilm’s ISOless sensor at fujixsecrets here.

photo XPCt_zps9a1e7e6c.jpg

Share