Why This Guy Shoots ISO 500 Most of the Time — And Says You Should Too (If You Shoot Fujifilm)

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 go to minute 10:28 of the video for the part where the useful feature to reduce editing is covered – includes sample images

Down below there are a few YouTube videos covering the DR expansion features on Fujifilm cameras.

In the first video, the guy straight out recommends you to shoot ISO 500 most of the time, which unlocks the DR400 feature.

In short: Fujifilm offers a few options to expand dynamic range:

  • DR200/DR400
  • DR Priority
  • HDR

They all work a bit differently and if you want to know all the details (as well as tips and tricks on how to make the best out of them), I can highly recommend Rico Pfirstinger’s excellent Fujifilm books.

I personally use DR200/DR400 most to get the most JPEG dynamic range in-camera which is perfect for travel or family shots where I don’t want to spend hours editing later.

Of course this requires me to shoot often at ISO 250 (DR200) or ISO 500 (DR400), but noise at those levels is negligible.

Also, I feel that with every sensor generation, Fujifilm has improved on how DR200/DR400 files look like (more natural) and with the 40MP sensor the results are the best so far.

Overall, the combination of Fujifilm film simulations, DR200/400 (and another feature that I might touch on in another article), are a game changer for me as far as reducing editing time on the computer.

Just to be clear: I still—and always will—shoot JPEG+RAW. As much as I trust the in-camera results for most of my needs, there are always a few images I might want to print. And for those, I like having the RAW backup, in case I need the full flexibility of a RAW converter to handle a particularly challenging shot.

Finally, as a reference, here are the minimum ISO requirements for the DR-function on different X-Trans sensors:

DR on 40MP (X-T5 & Co)
DR200 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 250 and above
DR400 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 500 and above

DR on 26MP (X-S20 & Co)
DR200 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 320 and above
DR400 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 640 and above

DR on 24MP (X-E3 and Co)
DR200 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 400 and above
DR400 is available at sensitivities starting from ISO 800 and above

The Videos

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Will Fujifilm’s Upcoming Second Price Increase Revive Interest for the Original XF16-55mmF2.8 R WR?

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We reported that Fujifilm will again increase prices on plenty of Fujifilm X and GFX gear (full list below).

Not affected by any increase is the original Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R WR.

In fact, it is still sold for $999 at BHphoto here and $989 Amazon here (via third party). Other stores like Adorama here and Nuzira still sell it for $1,199.

So starting August 30 we will have a $400 price difference between the two lenses, which might revive the interest for the original XF16-55/2.8, which really struggled to sell even at rebated price after the launch of the XF16-55mmF2.8 MK II.

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

X Series Camera Bodies

GFX Series Camera Bodies

X Series Lenses

GF Lenses

Accessories

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

 

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Fujifilm X-T30 III – More Than Just a Name Change?

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So, we told you that the Fujifilm X-T30 II successor won’t be called Fujifilm X-T40, but Fujifilm X-T30 III.

And this made some panic. So let’s talk about it.

At a first glance this might seem like a very negligible detail, but let’s try to understand why Fujifilm picked X-T30III over X-T40 or X-T300.

Take a look at the Fujifilm X-T30 vs X-T30II specs comparison.

You will notice that the specs are identical, except for one minor detail: the X-T30II has a better LCD screen.

So, at least with the jump from X-T30 to X-T30II, the “MKII” indicated a negligible specs bump.

Now, some feared that following the same scheme, also the jump from X-T30II to X-T30III will mean a negligible specs boost. But I don’t think that will be the case.

You see, the X-T30II was born during the global parts shortage caused by COVID. To keep production of the X-T30 running at a steady pace, Fujifilm had to adapt and use whatever components were available—in this case, a higher-resolution LCD. That small change was enough for Fujifilm to rebrand the camera as the X-T30II.

In short: it was just a name change… and I think this won’t be the case this time.

You see, unlike the X-T30II, the upcoming Fujifilm X-T30III isn’t the result of a parts shortage. It emerges from a clear need Fujifilm has identified: a more affordable, lower-tier model that still offers an electronic viewfinder.

That’s why I believe this time the upgrade will be more significant. Most of all, I expect it to feature Fujifilm’s 5th-generation processor, the latest firmware, and an overall boost in specifications—all driven by these two key improvements.

But since price matters, Fujifilm could choose to save costs in other areas—for example, by keeping the X-T30II’s exact same body, with no design changes like those seen on the X-T50. The trade-off? No IBIS.

But that’s all just speculation.

What’s sure is that it will be called Fujifilm X-T30 III and it will be launched in 2025.

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Godox AD400PRO II Announced

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The Godox AD400PRO II has just been launched.

Key Features

  • Compatible with Most TTL Systems
  • 400Ws, 1/512 to 1/1 Power Output
  • Up to 460 Full-Power Flashes
  • Freeze Mode: 1/3470 to 1/27,770 sec
  • 1/8000 sec High-Speed Sync
  • 0.01-1 sec Recycling Time
  • Group Color Capability
  • 30W Bi-Color LED Modeling Lamp
  • 2.4″ Color Screen for Onboard Control
  • Includes Battery & Charger

You can get it at BHphoto here, Amazon here and Adorama here.

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