From that size comparison, we saw that the size of the XF18mmF1.4 R WR is somewhere in between the one of the Fujinon XF16mm f/1.4 and the XF23mm f/1.4.
The additional information we got about the XF18mmF1.4 R WR is that it will have a 62mm filter size. As a reference, the XF16mmF1.4 R WR has a 67mm filter size, whereas the XF23mmF1.4 R has also a 62mm filter size.
These days everybody is making its list of the best and worst gear 2020, as well as best and worst trends of 2020.
And it’s on the latter one, the “trends”, that I would like to focus on today.
Because it is clear: one of the hot trends in the photography industry is putting selfie screens on cameras.
And guys, we have to talk about it!
I Am NOT a Selfie Screen Hater
To be clear: I do not hate selfie screens.
And in fact, during the various COVID-19 lockdowns, I often have to teach online and record my lessons, and the selfie screen is a true blessing!
A fully articulating screen is not the photography-evil of our times. It still works fine, it’s still flexible, and I have rather rapidly learned to accept it on my Fujifilm X-T4, sometimes even to love it (especially during my online lessons).
So, if you are one of those, who loves the fully articulating screen, I get it. Maybe I don’t love it as much as you do, but I could totally accept a selfie screen on cameras like the future Fujifilm X-H2 for example.
But….
But it’s getting a bit out of control, with selfie screens just popping up on so many cameras, that we have to talk about it.
And why is this happening?
Tony Northrup
“Selfie Screen? Pleasing Youtubers is Higher Priority than Pleasing Customers” Vs. Jonas Rask “I have no count as to how many shots I missed becauseof the Selfie Screen”
Because it touches the wish expressed by Michel, Willy and Kenneth, I invite you to check out also our big Fujinon XF wildlife photography survey and other long telephoto primes articles we have previously shared (list below).
Overall, there seems to be a strong wish by the FR-community for longer primes.
But we know the stellar Fujinon XF200mm f/2.0 did not sell well, and hence it’s obvious that Fujifilm is now a bit reluctant to invest further in long lenses.
But keep in mind, the XF200mmF2.0 comes with a 1.4x teleconverter designed specifically for this lens, which transforms the XF200mmF2 lens basically in a 280mmF2.8 lens. So, with 1 single lens, here is what you get:
XF 200mmF2.0 = full frame 280mmF2.8 (f/2.8 DOF equivalent)
XF 280mmF2.8 = full frame 420mmF4.2 (f/4.2 DOF equivalent)
If you want to, you can check out our previous “long telephoto primes” related articles.
As you know, I am a teacher, and usually it’s me, who has to judge and give votes to others.
But not today, as it’s time for our yearly 2019 rumors check, and to see if I did my homework well or not.
Also, there will be an accuracy rating of those rumors, that still could not be verified.
Keep in mind, there could be further rumors before the end of the year, in which case I will update this list!
Ready? Cool, so let’s start,
But be warned: I will be incredible severe to myself, as I will include in the wrong rumor section, rumors that were actually correct at the time of sharing, but just turned out wrong because Fujifilm changed plans.
It’s the case for example of the new lens roadmaps. In fact, just a few days after our rumor, top Fujifilm manager confirmed here, that indeed there would have been new roadmaps in 2019, but 2019 is now ending, and nothing came. So I was wrong, but so was the top Fujifilm manager.
UPDATE:Venus Optics is now taking pre-orders on their latest lens, the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D (zero distortion). The first 100 people buying this lens will get a set of 49mm filters (ND 1000 + CPL +UV ) for free. First comes first, so order now to be high on waiting list. The lens is not yet available at BHphoto & Co.
Jonas Rask just published his Laowa 9mm F2.8 Review… and it comes with tons of stunning samples at jonasraskphotography.
Here some excerpts:
absolutely tiny and stelar build quality
rectilinear lens, nice straight lines right to the corners
It is really sharp in the 3/4 central part of the frame, but it loses a little bit of sharpness towards the edges, there’s also a fair bit of vignetting when shot at f/2.8
some gorgeous sun stars
vibrant colours and some great contrast
this lens is pure fun, fun, fun!
It’s such and amazing performer, especially when you take the small size into account.
suggest retail price of $499
Easily one of the most usable lenses I’ve ever mounted on my X-series system (And I have mounted A LOT over the years!)
Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic samples Jonas Rask took with this lens at jonasraskphotography.
There is also a review of the Sony E-mount version at thephoblographer and an Interview/Review about the Laowa 9mmF2.8 Lens with lens designer Dayong Li at fujilove.
TODAY ONLY:
This one runs today only: You save 15% on eBay.com when using the promo code “PSPRINGTIME” on checkout (max $50). This is valid also on all Fuji gear (Click here).
DXO Film Pack 7* *needed in have access to Fujifilm film simulations profiles in DxO PhotoLab
New in PhotoLab 9
Al Mask: for advanced selections
Accelerate your editing with Al-driven subject detection and selection.
Automatically select key subjects such as sky, people, clothes, background, hair, vehicles, and more. You can also use click or bounding box to manually select your subject.
Al masks can be combined with all other masking tools for the most challenging needs
Refined Local Adjustments with vastly improved masking system
Enjoy greater flexibility and precision in localized edits with a unified and intuitive masking structure.
Combine all masking tools together (Al Mask, Control Points, Control Lines, Gradients, Brushes…).
Sub-masks let you create more precise masks for each image.
Easily access actions such as Invert Mask Effect and Duplicate Mask.
Gizmo displays have been redesigned for clarity and usability.
A one-time engine migration is required to edit local corrections created in earlier DxO PhotoLab versions.
Localized Noise Reduction and Lens Sharpness capabilities
Target specific areas for denoising and lens sharpness using masks.
With the Local Denoising and Local Lens Sharpness Optimization, it’s now easier than ever to fine-tune your most challenging images.
Images stacking in the Filmstrip
Organize your images more efficiently through stackable thumbnails.
Virtual copies are automatically grouped into collapsible stacks.
Manual controls include: create, group, ungroup, sort by date, and re-stack virtual copies.
Stack display states (collapsed/expanded) are preserved across filtering and project navigation.
Advanced Batch Renaming Tools
Rename images (inputs and outputs) consistently and efficiently using a flexible token-based system.
Leverage metadata tokens (e.g. EXIF, IPTC, shot date, counter) and custom text to build naming schemes.
Create, save, and reuse custom renaming presets.
A Find & Replace function is now available in the export dialog, with optional case sensitivity and live preview.
Support for Apple ProRAW and HEIF/HEIC Image Formats
PhotoLab 9 offers full compatibility with Apple ProRAW and HEIF/HEIC
ProRAW images from iPhones can now be opened and processed, with built-in tone mapping enabled by default.
HEIF/HEIC image formats are now fully supported.
Enhanced Noise Reduction with DeepPRIME 3 & DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans
DeepPRIME 3, introduced in PhotoLab 8.5, takes our machine-learning based approach to RAW conversion one step further: our new neural network performs denoising, demosaicing and the correction of chromatic aberrations all simultaneously and with unprecedented efficiency.
DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans follows the same approach but utilizes a significantly larger model and more training data. As a result, it retains eXtra Detail, while also delivering silky-smooth bokeh at the same time.
After 6 months of public beta, PhotoLab 9 contains the final version, which is faster and produces cleaner images than the beta. The older DeepPRIME XD was removed.
The original PRIME denoising, revolutionary when introduced back in 2013, but now obsolete, was removed.
A live preview option allows you to visualize both global and local denoising effects at any zoom level.
Lens Sharpness Optimization V2
Experience enhanced image detail thanks to the latest improvements in DxO’s lens correction engine.
The calibration process and the sharpening algorithm were reworked from the ground up to ensure homogenous results across all camera gear and shooting conditions (feature will roll out progressively).
The intensity slider now runs from 0 to 200, with 100 being our recommendation of “just the right” amount of sharpening for the given image.
Quick Access with Favorites
Add folders, projects, or drives to your favorites for quick access. This makes navigating to your most-used destinations faster and more efficient.
U Point feathering control
Diffusion slider has been added to fine tune your masks using U Points.
Projects accessible in Customize tab
In this version you can access your Projects directly from the “Customize” tab. With this improvement, managing and switching between Projects is easier than ever, streamlining your entire workflow.
Known Limitations
Bayer RAW files are not supported yet by DeepPRIME XD3 (X-Trans only).
HEIF/HEIC SUPPORT
Lightroom IPTC tag not read
GPS coordinates are displayed as 0 in Samsung HEIC image
On MacOS 15.6 and Tahoe beta 6, predefined Al masks are not returning any result in GPU/ANE modes.
Current workarounds are to switch to CPU mode or to use MacOS 15.5 or earlier.
Earlier today we reported how Fujifilm said to some news outlets that prices for certain Fujifilm gear will go up on August 30.
Well, I think we can now share the full list of price increases that will come into effect August 30.
Not all X cameras and lenses will get a price increase. What’s not in the list below is safe.
On the GFX front, pretty much everything will get a price bump.
The biggest price jump (+30%) will go to all sorts of Fujifilm accessories, which I guess are still all made in China.
Of course that’s for now just a rumor. All I can say is that last time we were spot on with the list of price increases. It does not mean that we will be also this time, but it might explain why I am confident enough to share it.
Also introduced with DxO PureRAW 5: DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans Beta. DxO writes:
Fujifilm fans will be delighted to see what’s included. X-Trans images have never looked this good
I also went though the launch material of DxO and noticed three before/after images taken with Fujifilm gear. For your convenience I have uploaded them on my Dropbox here.
Especially the X-H2S before/after looks quite impressive.
