Topaz Deal
Topaz launched the new update on Gigapixel AI. It is also on sale until February 18.
🤖 Improved face refinement pipeline
Gigapixel AI will now do a much better job detecting human faces more often and delivering more realistic results. Tiny background faces especially should see a noticeable improvement in quality.
🖥️ Significant image quality improvements with Windows GPU
You’ll notice much better image quality across all models in Gigapixel AI when using GPU-powered Windows machines.
🧠 Reduced memory usage
We’ve streamlined how we cache and utilize image data through the entire editing pipeline, resulting in less memory usage and faster importing and exporting of image files.
⚙️ Lots of usability improvements and bug fixes
We’ve improved the post-processing resize algorithm, optimized how we compress JPG, PNG, and TIFF files when exporting, and squashed a bunch of annoying bugs.
Fujifilm Deals
Some FR-readers located in USA are a bit annoyed by the new trend of Fujifilm to offer cashback mail-in rebates instead of instant rebates (like the lastet GF lens deals with up to $500 savings).
Now, here in Europe cashback deals are the norm, but I can understand that for a customer getting the rebate instantly makes life a bit easier.
So why is Fujifilm USA following the steps of Europe?
Well, the reason is probably rather simple.
As you know, the Japanese fiscal year ends on March 31. Before that date, Fujifilm wants to show up in front of investors with the best sale figures possible.
One way to “improve” the numbers is to offer cashback deals, because:
- Fujifilm launches deals shortly before the fiscal year ends
- the deals boost sales
- customers initially pay full price for their gear
- Fujifilm will show up in front of investors with better sales numbers (it will result as if Fujifilm sold all their gear at full price)
- once the yearly financial report is out they will start to refund customers
This is probably also why Fujifilm writes that if you buy your discounted GF lens today, you will need up to 8 weeks to get your refund processed and delivered (hence you’ll get your money back in April, after the Japanese fiscal year is over).
Sure, then, in 2022, they will have to pay back the money and this will influence their next fiscal report. But that’s a problem for the following year. A problem that gear like the Fujifilm X-H2 will take care of, which hopefully for Fujifilm will sell very well. And if not, there is still the option for more cashback deals.
Look, if this helps Fujifilm, I am fine with it.
It’s really not that big of a deal to mail Fuji the invoice and the serial number and then wait a few weeks to get your money back. I literally just mailed them my latest purchase 3 days ago. Easy and smooth process.
Latest Deals per Category
GFX Gear
Buy within April 3 and submit your claim by May 3.
X Gear
Buy within March 27 and submit your claim by April 26.
