Meet Fujifilm GFX Shooter Luca Locatelli, 2020 World Press Photo Award Winner

As you might know, photographers using Fujifilm cameras creamed off all the top awards at the World Press Photo Awards 2020.

Fujifilm X/GFX shooters’ triumph put even the most hardcore Fujifilm APS-C mockers like Mr.”LOL Fuji” into an uncomfortable position.

In fact, after tons of videos celebrating the infinite virtues of full frame and the horrible shortcomings of APS-C, when commenting the World Press Photo Awards, suddenly Mr. LOL Fuji showed a momentary lapse of reason, and said that the camera does not matter, but the results matter.

Sure, he was not yet able to say “damn, also those APS-C Fujifilm cameras can deliver bloody awesome and professional award winning results. Maybe I was wrong all the time“. But he will eventually get there, one day.

Deconstructing wrong believes and notions that are calcified deep in our nerdy brains can take time. But Fujifilm X shooters are cool cats, and will hug Mr. LOL Fuji big time, when this happens.

Just one tip, read the manual first, Mr. LOL Fuji… and be creative. Creativity is like having a 8×10 digital sensor in your brain. Trust me, inspiration matters more than which image is sharper if seen at 500% magnification ;).

Anyway, Fujifilm is continuing to interview the photographers behind those Award Winning images.

The first interview was with Alain Shroeder (we reported here), winner of the World Press Photo overall stories category. It’s an interesting one, make sure to check it out here.

This time they interview Luca Locatelli, 1st Prize for environment story in 2020 Word Press Photo Contest.

Fellow Fujifilm shooter Luca used a Fujifilm GFX100, hence a camera with a sensor 70% bigger than full frame (that’s for the nerdy folks able to read until here ;)).

He is interviewed by one of the most popular Fujifilm managers, Makoto Oishi.

Here is a summary of the interview:

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Fringer EX-FX (Pro) II Smart Autofocus Adapter Firmware 1.70 Released

Fringer has released firmware 1.60 for the Fringer EF-FX Pro II and Fringer EF-FX II smart autofocus adapters.

As requested by many users, Fringer finally found a Sigma 500mm F4 OS Sports lens and optimized it. Fringer says it performs very well on X-Trans IV cameras. A good choice for wild life!

The main improvements of firmware v1.70 include:

Version 1.70

  1. Fixed PDAF issues for some lens of the following models: Lens didn’t get recognized by the adapter due to different lens firmware version.
    – Tamron SP 15-30/2.8 VC A012
  2. AF performance of following lens has been improved further.
    – EF24-70/2.8L
    – EF24-70/2.8L II
    – EFS17-55/2.8 IS
  3. Added following lenses to the tested and optimized lens list:
    – SIGMA 500/4.5 EX DG APO HSM
    – SIGMA 500/4 DG OS HSM SPORTS
    – SIGMA 500/4 DG OS HSM SPORTS + 1.4X
    – SIGMA 500/4 DG OS HSM SPORTS + 2X
    – SIGMA 14-24/2.8 DG HSM Art
    – TAMRON SP70-300/4-5.6 Di VC USM A005
  4. Introduced smooth video AF for the following lens:
    – SIGMA 14-24/2.8 DG HSM Art
  5. Fixed IBIS issues on X-H1 and X-T4:
    – ZEISS Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZE

You may download new firmware and its release notes from the Fringer website. Read the release notes or user manual to understand how to upgrade.

via Fringer

Camera GP Japan 2020 Awards: Sony Wins Big and Fujifilm GFX100 Grabs the Editors Award

The Fujifilm GFX100 won the Camera GP Japan 2020 Editors Award, said to be the most prestigious camera award in Japan.

Now, I don’t know much about this specific award, but overall I wrote an article in the past about the dubious meaningfulness of such awards. But hey, better to win something than not to win.

It is totally subjective, but personally I rejoice much more when other awards are won, for example when photographers using Fujifilm cameras win hands down at the 2020 Word Press Photo awards.

Think at this:

None of the Fujifilm X shooters creaming off all the top awards at the World Press Photo 2020 used the most powerful camera on the market: an X-Pro2, an X100F, an X-H1 and others. But each of these cameras has its character, its peculiar look and feel, build ergonomically around the different needs of different photographers, and hence the tool many chose, to go out and grab award winning images.

Personally I also prefer to use a camera that fits my shooting style, rather than one with the power of a playstation, as I know I will get better results out of the first one.

This is also the reason, why the Fujifilm GFX100 made me salivate on specs level, but personally (as a guy, who does not make a penny out of his photography) I would not buy one, at least not until it looks like this Fujifilm GFX concept.

When I picked up the Fujifilm GFX100 and tested it, it was the first Fujifilm camera I ever hold in my hands, that I had to spend time just to figure out how to operate it.

You know what I mean?

I mean, give me an X-Pro2, X100V or X-T4, and thanks to their intuitive layout and manual controls, I can shoot right away, without any need of a manual or even setting up anything at the menu.

Specs are nice and good. But esthetics, ergonomics, feel and usability are more inspiring for me than mere specs, and therefore help me to keep my passion, fun and inspiration for photography high and fresh.

With that said, here you get it: the list of Camera JP Japan 2020 winners.

The big winner is Sony.

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Fujifilm Press Release

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Fujifilm X-T4 vs Sony A7III IBIS Comparison, Viltrox EF-FX2 on X-T4, Peak Design Anchor Mount Solution, NP-W235 Battery Analysed & More

Here is a Fujifilm X-T4 roundup. It includes

  • an IBIS performance comparison between the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Sony A7III. Clear win for the Fujifilm X-T4 here
  • Marteen noticed X-T4 lockups, particularly when the vertical grip and external power source is connected
  • Cameralabs X-T4 review
  • a test of the Viltrox EF-FX2 on the X-T4
  • since the Fujifilm GB-001 screw does not really fit on the Fuji X-T4, a solution can be found on the Peak Design Anchor Mount (images below)
  • & More

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→ Top X-T Community: Fujifilm X-T facebook group
→ Top X-T Page: Fujifilm X-T Page

Fujifilm X-T4 Roundup

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Cameralabs Fujifilm X-T4 Review

Gordon from Cameralabs published the full Fujifilm X-T4 review.

I know many of you will probably see this in a hurry on their smartphones, so I will provide the full written summary below.

  • same form factor of X-T3
  • in terms of size, the biggest difference to X-T3 is the thickness, due to IBIS and more powerful battery
  • a bit heavier
  • more comfortable grip hold
  • controls look familiar to X-T3
  • movie mode now has its own switch
  • Fujifilm is gradually understanding the needs of videographers
  • now camera is much easier and practical when switching between stills and video
  • luckily it keeps the D-Pad
  • hard to press Q button accidentally, that’s good
  • articulating screen, a delight for vloggers
  • more rigid eye-cup
  • viewfinder has a boost option for clearer low light view
  • removable SD-card slot great if you work on a cage
  • headphone jack is gone, but you can adapt it via USB-C port
  • new battery is very welcome, rated for 500 shots
  • he exceeded the given battery life, by taking  550 shots using mechanical shutter and IBIS enabled and a few minutes with IBIS stabilized 4K video clips
  • he filmed 3.5 hours clips in 4K 25p with IBIS, with battery expiring 18 minutes and 40 seconds into the 4th clip
  • after the first clip, the X-T4 became very warm, but only became a little bit hotter as the test proceeded
  • at no point it overheated or became uncomfortable to hold
  • total of 109 minutes of 4K25p video on a single charge vs 62 minutes with X-T3
  • X-T4 IBIS is more effective on almost all lenses compared to X-H1
  • X-T4 is slimmer than X-H1
  • on of the best benefits of IBIS is having a stable view while composing your image with non stabilized lenses like the XF16-55mmF2.8, XF56mmF1.2 and XF90mmF2
  • he got sharp results at 1/5th of a second using XF16-55mmF2.8. Without IBIS he could have shot only at 1/80th of a second. That’s 4 stops of compensation (a bit less than what Fujifilm claims, but still great results)
  • IBIS + DIS (digital stabilization) applies 1.1x crop at all video formats, except for 4K@50/60p, where the crop is 1.29x
  • he does not notice any additional advantage using DIS
  • If you use IBIS with Boost mode (best used with static subjects), you see a small improvement over IBIS only. Applies no crop
  • impressive 15 fps mechanical shutter
  • quieter shutter than X-T3. It is incredible silent
  • eye autofocus does a good job, but maybe not quite as sticky as the latest Sony cameras, but certainly now amongst the best out there
  • no animal face/eye detection
  • Eterna bleach bypass is ideal for stylized video
  • annoying: the large color array (where you select your color temperature) can be navigated only with D-Pad (no joystick). It would have been better if one could use the joystick for faster selection
  • images have plenty of detail, but it’s the colors and tones that continue to be a highlight of owning an X series camera
  • X-T4 will be one of the last, if not the last model to use the X-Trans IV sensor
  • recording times: 30 minutes at 4K/30p and 20 minutes at 4K/50-60p
  • X-T4 support ExFAT (does not split longer video files in multiple clips)
  • ETERNA is a great allround use film simulation for video
  • during panning IBIS is easy to catching up on itself, delivering some jarring stumbling effect. To be fair, this effects also many other stabilized systems, but it is something to be aware of
  • walking while filming is more successful (compared to panning)
  • autofocus while filming is OK, but with occasional hunting or overshooting, and lacks the ultimate confidence of Sony and Canon latest systems
  • might not be the best in class AF in video, but it is still pretty good
  • overall the X-T4 is a compelling high-end option for vloggers
  • having 24o fps slow motion is rather impressive, when most rivals top out at 100 or 120 fps.
  • 240 fps footage looks softer than 120 fps. Horizontal resolution is essential the same, but dramatic reduction in vertical resolution
  • Fujifilm Japan confirmed to him, that 200/240 fps use only about half of the vertical data
  • this is not an unusual technique, as lots of other cameras do the same at higher frame rates. Actually, few rivals even offer more than just about half of 240 fps
  • 4K/60p quality is as good as his full frame 4K in his resolution tests.
  • 4K/60p maintains sound
  • Fujifilm says the X-H line will continue
  • Gordon suspects the X-T4 will be the last body to use X-Trans IV sensor. But the X-Trans IV sensor is only 1.5 years old and delivers great results
  • the 6×6 X-Trans filter array makes it hard to implement pixel shift than the 2×2 Bayer pattern (which is what the GFX100 will get)
  • high end APS-C cost about the same of mid-range/budget full frame bodies. The Canon EOS RP costs less (even with lens) and the Canon R costs the same. But neither of those full frame cameras has IBIS, dual SD-Card slot nor 4K/60p video
  • Nikon Z6 and Sony A7III (no 4K/60) are priced a little bit higher, but still within reach of the X-T4
  • Personally Gordon would not trade a bigger sensor for the overall feature set of the X-T4 at least at this price point
  • Fujifilm enhanced a popular mode without compromising its charm
  • arguably the best crop sensor camera to date

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→ Top X-T Community: Fujifilm X-T facebook group
→ Top X-T Page: Fujifilm X-T Page

Fujifilm X-T4 Top Seller at Mapcamera (Japan)

The Japanese store MapCameras published their top selling camera rankings for last month.

The Fujifilm X-T4 leads the pack, and we find other 3 Fujifilm in the top 10. I am surprised to see the Fujifilm X-H1 in there, not because it would not deserve that spot, but because it is discontinued on so hard to find anywhere.

Of course thet Mapcamera data is not representative for overall sales.

With that said, if big retailers share their sales data, it might not be representative for the overall market, but it can still give an approximate indication of what the market wants and how different markets react to different products.

So, down below is Mapcamera ranking for April 2020

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  1. FUJIFILM X-T4
  2. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III
  3. FUJIFILM X100V
  4. FUJIFILM X-H1
  5. FUJIFILM X-Pro3
  6. SONY α7III
  7. SIGMA fp
  8. Canon EOS 90D
  9. SONY α6400
  10. RICOH GR III

 

 

Fujifilm X-T4 in USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / FocusCamera
Fujifilm X-T4 in EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore
Fujifilm X100V: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
Fujifilm X-H1: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, Focuscamera
Fujifilm X-Pro3: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, FocusCamera

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via mapcamera

Fujifilm X-T4 LUT Now Available with Bleach Bypass Film Simulation LUT

A few days ago, Fujifilm has released the Fujifilm LUT v.1.30 for F-Log. Now also the Fujifilm X-T4 is listed.

Fujifilm added F-log to Bleach Bypass film simulation LUT and it can be used on F-log footage from all other Fujifilm cameras.

Overview

This LUT file is to edit the movie data below when the data is edited by a movie editor on your PC or Mac.

*4K movie data of X-T2 recorded in external HDMI devices with the mode of the “HDMI F-Log” under the “4K MOVIE OUTPUT” in the “MOVIE SETTING”
*4K and Full HD movie data of GFX100, X-T30, X-T3 , X-T4 ,X-Pro3, X-H1 and X100V recorded on SD cards or in external HDMI devices with the mode of the “F-Log RECORDING” in the “MOVIE SETTING”

F-Log 3D-LUT file (Last updated: 4.23.2020)

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via fujifilm

World Press Photo Camera Brand Statistics: Fujifilm Grabs the Top Awards, Canon Most Represented but DSLR Declining

We just reported, how Fujifilm X shooters just grabbed the top winning awards at the World Press Photo Award.

Now the Spanish site photolari made its usual World Press Photo statistic, where they sum up all the winners by brand.

Canon is still the most represented, but Fujifilm X shooters are those, who won the most prestigious awards.

FujiRumors has listed all winning cameras for each category in this post here.

Down below you can see all the stats, also compared to previous years. From 2017 to 2020, DSLR passed from 88.8% to 64.3%, and in the same period, mirrorless grew from 5.55% to 23.7%.

Overall there were 45 images awarded (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) for 8 categories. FujiRumors has listed them all here.

Again, the two most prestigious overall awards went to Fujifilm X Shooters ;).

Camera Brand Charts

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It’s a Triumph: FUJIFILM Wins Top 2 World Press Photo Awards and Even More… Despite not Being Full Frame ;)

Forget TIPA… there are other awards that count!

And I must come back to talk about the World Press Photo Awards, because we missed to highlight something in our previous post here.

In fact, not only Yasuyoshi Chiba won the World Press Photo Award with an image he took with his Fujifilm X-H1.

But in the stories categories, it was Romain Laurendeau to win, with his Fujifilm X100 series cameras.

Hence, the top 2 World Press Photo awards go all to fellow Fujifilm X shooters!

  • World Press Photo of the Year – Yasuyoshi Chiba – Fujifilm X-H1
  • World Press Photo Story of the Year – Romain Laurendeau – Fujifilm X100, X100T, X100S

And if that’s not good enough, Fujifilm X shooters won the first, second and third prize also in other categories!

Hey Jared… are you really sure about that Fuji, LOL? ;)

General News

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