Skip to content

EXR, anyone?

by Rico Pfirstinger

Hello and Happy New Year!

While the topic of Friday’s column appears to be set in stone by now (I have already uploaded several samples on “extended ISO settings” to my Flickr Photostream), I’d like to know about your interest in a different subject matter: EXR sensors. Plenty of Fujifilm cameras are using them, including three X-series models: X10, X-S1 and XF1.

To be clear: This is not about “EXR Auto” mode, which is basically kind of a “dummy mode” where the camera automatically decides which scene program to choose and what settings to establish, so the only thing the user has to do is press the shutter button. Nope, it’s about EXR DR and EXR SN: how it works, what it means (practically!), how to use it, when to use it, and when not to use it. Plus, how does your EXR camera actually use EXR? Do you really know? Do you even care to know?

Having spent several years with at least five different EXR camera models, I may have gathered some knowledge and experience that could be instrumental in answering some of these questions. I had to do it all by means of “reverse engineering”, as Fujifilm doesn’t disclose any kind of useful technical information about the inner workings of the EXR camera logic. So the question is: Do you want to know (more) about EXR?

Kindly answer the poll below:

Do you agree with the position of Fuji about IBIS?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Rico Pfirstinger studied communications and has been working as journalist, publicist, and photographer since the mid-80s. He has written a number of books on topics as diverse as Adobe PageMaker and sled dogs, and produced a beautiful book of photographs titled Huskies in Action (german version). He has spent time working as the head of a department with the German Burda-Publishing Company and served as chief editor for a winter sports website. After eight years as a freelance film critic and entertainment writer in Los Angeles, Rico now lives in Germany and devotes his time to digital photography and compact camera systems. His book “Mastering the FUJIFILM X-Pro1” is available on Amazon.

X-mini roundup

Capture One vs Lightroom

Photo By 夏天: see more ot them on Flickr

  THE X-PERT CORNER – Poll: What should Rico write about in his next article?

The Best Locations for Streetphotography are... (max. 2 selections)

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Capture One Beta

Take a look at all the Capture One Beta vs Lightroom comparison pics here on flickr (Photo By 夏天).

There is another “new product” in the Beta version. It’s AccuRaw Beta. Just take a look at chromasoft’s post here.

The Trinity Comparison (part 3): the EVF comparison

Alexander of fujifilm-x-opinions.net posted his third part of the Trinity Comparison (X-PRO1 vs X-E1 vs X-100). It’s an important part, where he compares the EVF. Just click here and read it. Remember, he will sell the “looser” of this comparison. Which camera would you sell? And which one will be the winner?

X-PRO1

All in all, I’m impressed. I’m pretty sure I’ll get used to the quirks and come to really love this camera.  It has only been two days, and like I said, I haven’t used strobes with it or really shot much in the way of people yet. I’m sure the sync speed slowness with frustrate me, once I do. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, this can replace my D700 for that sort of work. That isn’t why I got it, but it is the cherry on top if it works out.” This are some thoughts from the first impressions of rodneyboles.com (click here)

X-E1

Brandon Remler posted some shot taken with the X-F1 (needle) and with the X-E1 14mm and 18-55mm (pigeons). Click here to see them.

We all share the same passion: photography! It’s this passion that brought David to start his blog composinghands.com and write about his experience with the X-E1. So click here an take a look at his site (first time with X-E1) and his clear PROS and CONS post here.

image courtesy: composinghands.com

candle

X-F1 video review


allthingsd.com came out with his review about the new X-F1. For those who prefer to read the review, just click here. You know, there are a few ongoing deals. Just take a look below!

have a nice day!

X-F1 in stock status check

Amazon US (save $ 50) / Amazon GER (save 70 €) / Amazon UK (save £ 51) / B&H / Adorama (save $50) / Jessops UK / Wex photographic (save £64) / Amazon ITA (save 56 €) / Amazon FR / Amazon ESP (save 35 €) / ebayEUROPE  / ebayUS

$100 price drop: X-10 (and bundle) + XF1 new price drops

 

We already reported that there is a rebate on the X-F1 at different online stores. Now there are new price drops, and you save even more money! Check the in stock status here:

Amazon US (save $ 50) / Amazon GER (save 70 €) / Amazon UK (save £ 51) / B&H / Adorama (save $50) / Jessops UK / Wex photographic (save £64) / Amazon ITA (save 46 €) / Amazon FR / Amazon ESP (save 35 €) / ebayEUROPE  / ebayUS

Now it’s also time for the X-10 to have some interesting rebates. You can save $100 at AmazonUS (click here) or Adorama (click here). You can also purchase, for just $ 501 a X-10 bundle at Adorama (with 8GB SD Memory Card, Spare Lithium-Ion Type Battery, Camera Case, USB 2.0 SD Card Reader).

Fuji X-10 price drops Europe: AmazonUK (save £ 98) / AmazonGER (save 130 €) / AmazonITA (save 64 €)

As we reported, the X-10 recently won the StuffUK award (click here to read the post). A very good review can be read here at riflessifotografici.it (translated version)

Sexy X-E1 Gariz case announced and available on eBay.

Unlike so many other cases Gariz (korean design company) is know to make elegant and let me say sexy looking cases! Just check the pictures of the [shoplink 2169 ebay]Black case (on eBay)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 2170 ebay]Brown case (again on eBay)[/shoplink].

Doesn’t the X-E1 look even nicer than before? I want it :)

found via Slidoo eBay.

 

 

X-F1 review at photographyblog

rotate to 25, pull, step 1, step 2, rotate until it clicks, pull… is it all too complicated?

We have already posted the link to the 49 sample JPEG photos at the end of this post (click here). Now the photographyblog.com posted the full review (click here). This time no translation is needed :-).

I know, “De gustibus non est disputandum” (literally “In matters of taste, there can be no disputes”). And in this case there is no dispute. Every review I’ve read, every comment, simply agrees: this vintage-styled camera looks great. Also photographyblog says: “The Fujifilm XF1 is a classically styled camera with a beautiful retro design that can’t fail to impress everyone that sees it. In an age where digital cameras are virtually ubiquitous, the Fujifilm XF1 stands out by a country mile thanks to it uniquely clean styling and solid build quality, not to mention a wealth of photographer-friendly features.” It’s a “very well-built camera, with absolutely no flex or movement in its chassis.” Only the supplied wrist strap isn’t quite as luxurious as the rest of the package.

Also this camera has his PROS and CONS and the conclusions of photographyblog are:

Although not quite on a par with the X10 and X100, the XF1’s build quality is very good, and the image quality from the large 2/3-inch CMOS sensor is markedly better than virtually all other compacts. Noise is noticeable only by its almost complete absence from ISO 100-800, with the faster full-resolution settings of 1600 and 3200 also being very usable. The 4x lens is commendably sharp and distortion free at both ends of its focal range, while the f/1.8 maximum aperture at 25mm makes it easier than most compacts to creatively throw the background out of focus (although it does quickly slow to f/4.9 at full telephoto).”

The manual lens ring didn’t convince the testers. Although they appreciate the possibility to zoom quickly and set the focal length by turning the ring with a short and tactile movement they say that “we’d much prefer a simple on/off button to the frankly convoluted way of turning the camera, with the Standby mode feeling redundant.” It only adds complexity to the handling of the camera.

The auto-focus is pretty quick. According to Fuji the camera focuses in 0.16 seconds. “In practice there’s a very slight delay as it locks onto the subject, but it’s more than fast enough for everyday shooting.”

So whereas the Fujifilm X10 got the combination of retro style and a photographer-friendly approach largely right, the new XF1 feels a bit less well-realised. Not to say that it’s a bad camera – and it is also the cheapest X-series model in the now extensive range – but overall the Fujifilm XF1 doesn’t have quite the same appeal as the rest of the range…

Read much more in the detailed review (click here).

The X-F1 is still not available in USA. We will inform you immediately when we find this camera in stock. In the meantime you can pre-order it here:

Amazon US: (preorder here) / Adorama (preorder here) / B&H (preorder here)

 

Samys already accepting preorders on the still to announce XF1!

 

Tomorrow (Monday) Fuji will announce the new XF1 compact camera but you can already preorder it on Samys (Click here)!!! There is also the red (Click here) and Black (Click here) version. Here is the press text:

 

The Fuji XF1 Digital Camera (Brown) is a new approach to camera design, with high-end styling and high-quality photographic features in compact body. It has a lightweight, durable aluminum body parts and synthetic leather covering enhance the feel of the camera in the hand, with texture that resembles genuine leather. Perfectly matched to the lens is a 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS for superior image quality, fast operational speed and exceptional low-light performance. New Advanced Filters and Film Sim modes, Panoramic Shooting mode, and Full HD movie recording round out the brilliant features of the XF1.

Features:

  • 12 megapixel 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
  • OIS: Optical Image Stabilization
  • Fast processing and response times
  • 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear scratch-resistant LCD monitor
  • Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots
  • Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording

 

The XF1’s fast f/1.8 lens allows poorly-lit subjects to be photographed without raising sensitivity levels, keeping noise to a minimum. Locking on to your subject in as little as 0.16 seconds, High Speed Contrast Detection AF captures even spur-of-the-moment shots with sharp clarity at maximum 4x zoom. And unlike conventional premium digital cameras, the XF1 autofocus system reacts quickly even in low light, making it possible to shoot high-quality hand-held photos indoors or at night.

 

Full HD Movies NEW Movie Scene Recognition

The XF1 takes the guesswork out of recording movies with a new Movie Scene Recognition function. Automatically optimizing settings for a variety of shooting conditions, Movie Scene Recognition combines with Face Tracking AF to give you crisp, colorful HD movies with impressive stereo sound.

 

Large 12M 2/3-inch EXR CMOS Sensor adapts to ensure high quality images, whatever the situation

In the XF1, FUJIFILM brings its unique EXR CMOS pixel array to a larger 2/3-inch sensor. Because each pixel is larger, it can capture more light, dramatically reducing false color artifacts and noise at high sensitivities. Plus, thanks to further speed improvements in high-performance CMOS technology, you’ll enjoy rapid continuous shooting as well as high-resolution video.

 

EXR Processor for superior resolution, wide dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low noise

Working in tandem with the 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor, the EXR processor helps take image quality to a new level. The fast, powerful twin CPU EXR Core is reconfigurable, meaning it instantly adapts to complex processing needs. The benefits: superb quality still photographs, rapid-fire continuous shooting, and true high-resolution video.

NEW Customized control: The E-Fn button

The E-Fn extended function button lets you customize your XF1 to offer immediate access to your most-used controls. One touch and the monitor displays a menu of six items of your choice. Full control, at your fingertips!

Quick-response command dial

The conveniently located Main Command Dial gives you easy access to Shutter Speed and Aperture settings.

Histogram

Before shooting, the built-in histogram display provides an at-a-glance confirmation of brightness levels. Together with the exposure compensation dial on the top control deck, this tool makes it simple to confirm you have the right exposure setting, and take great photos.

Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge

When composing a shot in the spacious LCD, the built-in electronic level display makes it easy to align the image with the true horizon.

More Creative Photography for You

For creative needs, various shooting options and functions are available. With a new feature Advanced Filter, you can select out of six special effects.

NEW Advanced Filter

A selection of six special filters lets you create distinctive photo effects. Filter effects can be verified on the LCD monitor to ensure you get exactly the results you’re shooting for.

Multiple Exposure

Multiple exposure function lets you superimpose two different exposures in a single frame to create artful, one-of-a-kind photos.

3D Shooting with “Individual Shutter 3D”

Two exposures of the same scene are saved in Multi-Picture Format (MPO) to create convincing images that appear to have been shot in real 3D. An overlapping guide on the LCD screen provides assistance for positioning the exposures, making it easy for anyone to create impressive 3D effects. And FUJIFILM’s proprietary high-resolution 3D print system produces natural, beautiful 3D prints from images captured with the FUJIFILM XF1.

Motion Panorama 360

Just sweep the camera right-left or up-down to shoot giant panoramas up to 360°. When you view the panorama playing back on your camera or personal computer, you can enjoy a seamless panorama image with both ends stitched together to create a “cylinder” view.

Super Intelligent Flash

Now you can take flash photos — even macro shots — without flash washout. Smart flash control captures all subjects in clear detail over an extended flash range, from 7.4m for wide-angle shots to 2.7m when using the telephoto zoom.

Film Simulation Mode

Simulate the distinctive look of 5 different types with just a touch of a button. Modeled on Fujifilm brands loved by professional photographers, each breathes life into your image with a quality that previously only film could capture.

Pro Focus Mode with Face Detection

This focus-bracketing mode emulates the gentle, out-of-focus background look of a DSLR when shooting portraits or macro subjects. A single press of the shutter first takes an exposure focused on the main subject, then additional exposures at different focus points*. This produces a final image emphasizing the sharply focused subject against a soft, out-of-focus background**.

Advanced Pro Low-light Mode

Ideal for shooting non-moving subjects in low light, this mode automatically takes a series of four high-sensitivity & low-noise exposures and then combines them into an image with less noise than the single exposures.

Share your images with built in social networking

Don’t wait until you get home to start choosing which pictures to upload to FACEBOOK. Start the process in camera by tagging the pictures you want to share. The next time you connect to your home computer your images will upload automatically. The same goes for movie clips too, which can also be uploaded to YouTube™.

Photobook Assist

Create a photo album in your camera. Easily accessible and mobile, you can share images with family and friends anytime, anywhere. Installed in-camera, you can create a Photobook folder where tagged images will be stored and organized accordingly. Your Photobook can also be ordered online for print when connected to the internet, as well as when you go to stores to get your photos printed***, images can easily be sorted when tagged.

RAW+JPEG Mode

Simultaneously record captured images in both RAW format for post-processing on your personal computer and JPEG format for easy distribution.

Fuji XF1 press release and more X-E1 pics from Vietnam

Next leak series. A vietnamese website leaked more X-E1 info while google cache again captured some info about the new small XF1 compact camera (images via Nphoto and specs via PR):

  • Compact, high-end, with the appearance of three kinds of colors (black, red, brown)
  • 12 million pixel 2/3 inch EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
  • High-speed processing and high-speed response time
  • 4 times Fujinon optical manual zoom lens (equivalent to 35mm camera 25-100mm), combined with digital zoom up to eight times
  • F1.8 (Wide) – F4.9 (Telephoto)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Full manual feature
  • Bright, clear 3.0 inches / 460,000-pixel LCD screen
  • 360 ° seamless mobile panorama function
  • 11 Art Filter effects and 5 “film simulation modes for creative shooting, plus the relative displacement of the two 2D photos to create a 3D photo 3D shooting
  • Full HD video capabilities, camera support manual optical zoom and Auto Scene Recognition
  • Dedicated camera bag is optional
Announcement soon! Stay tuned on FR!