[UPDATE: set shutter speed limit in Auto ISO?] IT BEGINS NOW! X-M1 announcement: Pre-orders, first looks, specs, samples, new firmware and more… please reload this post

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[UDPATE] MJr carefully read the official FujiUSA page about the X-M1 and noted this: ” ISO100 – 25600 Sensitivity setting range Select from the broad sensitivity range of ISO100 – 25600 for shooting at a full 16-megapixel resolution. The FUJIFILM X-M1 also lets you set the AUTO ISO range (up to ISO 400 – 6400) and the shutter speed limit. For quick access to ISO settings, you can assign this function to the Fn or Q Button.” Is that what we all waited for? Read it here.

PLEASE RELOAD THIS POST to see the latest links.

PRE-ORDERS

BODY ONLY

X-M1 silver: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 black: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 brown: BHphoto / Adorama

BODY + KIT LENS + LENSES

X-M1 silver with XC 16-50: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 black with XC 16-50: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
X-M1 brown with XC 16-50: BHphoto / Adorama

XF 27mm black: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama
XF 27mm silver: BHphoto / Adorama

XC 16-50:  BHphoto

FUJIFILM USA X-M1 official page

fujifilmusa X-M1 website

 FIRMWARE

On 25th June and on 23rd July Fuji will upgrades the firmware. They will provide improved AF performance for all Fujinon XF lenses and add a ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing. Check the firmware update site here. More details at dpreview here. Read Fuji’s announcement here.

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IMAGE SAMPLES

Fuji Japan sample shots: X-M1 with 16-50mm / XF 27mm

PRESS RELEASES and FIRST LOOKS

X-M1 (16-50mm):  dpreview / imaging resource / FUJIFILM press release /

XF27mm: FUJIFILM press release /

dpreview conclusions: “it looks very much as though it might be one of the most usable, photographer-friendly small mirrorless cameras on the market. Other companies have generally made their small models as externally-simple as possible, for fear of driving away beginners, but Fujifilm has instead gone ahead and covered the X-M1 with more controls than you’ll find on some entry-level SLRs. We’re not sure if it’s the smallest twin-dial interchangeable lens camera ever made, but it has to be close. […] Overall, then, the X-M1 combines a compact form factor with proper twin-dial controls, Fujifilm’s lovely JPEG colour rendition, and a full range of exposure modes which means it can be used by a novice while still offering enough manual control to keep enthusiasts happy. The new XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 kit zoom offers a usefully wider-angle view than typical 18-55mm kit zooms, and impressively fast focusing. This makes for a pretty mouth-watering package that looks very close to the [shoplink 13800 ebay]Olympus PEN E-P5[/shoplink] at a distinctly lower price point”

VIDEOS

FIRMWARE press release

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) today announces the release of two new firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras, one on 25thJune and a further one on 23rd July.

25th June firmware update:

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.2.05, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.1.06

1.  Additional functionality to improve “one-handed” camera operation

A ‘Focus Frame Selection’ option has been added to the ‘Fn’ (function) button.
This offers easier/quicker operation when setting the Focus Frame Selection using only your right hand.
A second ‘Fn’ button can be allocated.
This enables you to allocate a function to the selector “down” button. The default setting is ‘Focus Frame Selection’ but this can be changed to whatever suits your shooting style.

2.  Enable aperture control for lenses without aperture rings (XF27mmF2.8 / XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS)

If you are using either of these lenses which do not feature aperture ring, this firmware update allows you to adjust the aperture setting by using the command dial.

23rd July firmware update:

FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.3.00, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.2.00

1.  Improvement of AF speed. Improves AF speed on all existing XF lenses, thanks to the updated algorithm throughout the full range of focal length. Lenses covered:

XF14mm F2.8 R
XF18mmF2 R
XF35mmF1.4 R
XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS

NOTES:

The AF Speed on the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS lens has been already optimised.
For all lenses other than the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS, the firmware for each lens must be also updated.

2.  ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing

A ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function, which features on the X100S and X20 cameras, can be added via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.

3. Improvement in ‘Checking Focus’ operation: how to change magnification ratio in manual focusing

The process to check focus by selecting manual focus magnification has improved. Just press and rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate magnification between 3x and then 10x , whichever way you continue to turn it.

To download the new firmware files & instructions on upgrading your cameras:

Please visit Fujifilm’s global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/

full specs: XC 16-50mm + XF 27mm

[UPDATE] According to PR, the  X-M1 will have focus peaking, but no digital split image focusing.

Digicame just leaked the specs for the 2 new Fuji lenses here.

The price of the 27mm should be of 45,000 yen (converted: $460 – € 350) and released in July. The XC 16-50 should cost 40,000 yen (converted: $407  – €310) and released together with the X-M1 brown version in September.

From readers, we have to provide information specs and price of the interchangeable lens of two new Fujifilm, on the Release Date.

Specifications XF27mm F2.8 are as follows.

– Seven five groups, lens configuration is one glass mold aspherical lens
– Seven pieces, feathers aperture circular aperture
– HT-EBC coating
– Focusing feeding of five four front group
– Minimum focusing distance Standard: 0.6m, macro: 0.34m
– 0.1 times maximum magnification
– Filter diameter 39mm
– Total length 23mm, maximum diameter of 61.2mm
– 78g Weight
– Expected Release Date July 27
– Estimated retail price 45,000 yen

Specification of F3.5-5.6 OIS XC16-50mm are as follows.

– 12 pieces in 10 groups, 3 aspherical lens, lens configuration is one ED lens
– Seven pieces, feathers aperture circular aperture
– Optical image stabilization
– Minimum focusing distance Standard: 0.6m, Macro: Wide Angle 0.3m, 0.4m telephoto
– 0.15 times maximum magnification
– Filter diameter 58mm
– Total length 65.2mm, maximum diameter 62.6mm
– 195g Weight
– Will be released in September
– Estimated retail price of around 40,000 yen

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?

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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

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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

$100 price drop + Fuji X-F1 and X-10 win Design Award

Photobucket
From the Fuji Press release: “The premium compact digital cameras, the XF1 and X10, by Fujifilm Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) have been commended in the iF Product Design category of the iF Design Awards 2013. The iF Design Awards, which are organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH, were established in 1954 and are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious industrial design awards in the world.”

via PhotoRumors via Fujifilm

X-F1 in stock status check

Amazon US (save $ 100) / Adorama (save $100) / B&H (save $100) / Amazon GER (save 70 €) / Amazon UK (save £ 60) /  / Jessops UK (save £50) / Wex photographic (save £84) / Amazon ITA (save 72 €) / Amazon FR / Amazon ESP (save 35 €) / ebayEUROPE  / ebayUS

X-10

AmazonUS (save $100) / Adorama (save $100) / Adorama X-10 bundle for $ 501(with 8GB SD Memory Card, Spare Lithium-Ion Type Battery, Camera Case, USB 2.0 SD Card Reader) / B&H (save $100 until Dec.22) / AmazonGER (save €130) / AmazonIT (save €64) / AmazonUK (save £98.43) / ebayUS (slidoo) / ebayEU (slidoo)

X-mas gift ideas + San Disk Extreme price drops

 

Hi

Today I woke up, early, as usual, but when I looked out the window I saw, that for the first time this winter, the whole little village where I live was covered with snow. What a view from my window at the last floor, over all the white roofs and mountains! Everything was so silent in the dawn. Some warm light flickered in the houses of my neighbours and the smoke of the chimneys rose up into the dark grey sky. It’s maybe the first time, after all the really hard works of this last time, that I realized that soon X-mas is here. And I still didn’t purchase any gifts. But I don’t want to put myself under stress again…

Coffee and Mac, check the web… and I immediately found mingthein.com x-mas blog post! It’s a nice list for all those, like me, who have photographer friends, and are looking for an interesting gift. Compacts, CSC, DSLR, Lenses, Accessories, Books and more.

Well, for obvious reasons, I excluded expensive cameras from my gift list. I’m still saving money to purchase for myself the… But it’s interesting to see what mingthein included in his list.

So you’ll find the X-F1, which he calls “superb”, and perfect for non photographers who don’t do any postprocessing. There are price drops (see here this post) right now on this cam, so hurry if you’re thinking to buy one.

The X-E1 is not in his list. He says that “truth is I haven’t spent enough time with either to form an opinion. There are things I like, and things I don’t, which mean that I can’t make an objective recommendation either way.”

Also the Accessories are interesting. A cheaper but useful present. I’ll just pick out one of the mingthein list. Look at the price drops on the fast San Disk Extreme PRO and the slower SanDisk Extreme HD sd cards at amazonUS! You can save 66% on the Extreme PRO 32 GB version here and purchase it for $ 69! You can save even more if you purchase this card through B&H (click here). Thanks to Josh who told me about the B&H price through facebook!

So read the full list at mingthein.com.

But also petapixel made his list of what should not miss under the X-mas tree. PetaPixel Photography Gift Guide 2012 includes the X-E1 and much more!

And here an accessory that could be useful for the everyday use of your X-E1. I looked for a hand grip for the X-E1 (see worldwide hand grips for X-E1 here). There are not many until now. The hand grip will add a bit of weight to your camera, but some reviews says that the X-E1 is too easy. So maybe this is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course there are some for the X-PRO1 also here.

So, hope I made your gift-hunting a bit easier.

Have a pleasant day… it’s time for me to go in the snow!

Patrick

P.S.: and don’t forget the book “Mastering the X-PRO1 (X-PRO1 Handbuch)”. I’m sure X-PRO1 photographers would appreciate it. It’s still to have with a 47% rebate at AmazonUS.

PPS.: share your gift ideas in the comments!

 

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)