USA: AmazonUS  / eBay / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / DigitalRev EUROPE: AmazonUK (via DR) / DigitalRev / eBay

1) We know it, the X-A1 doesn’t feature an X-Trans sensor and has an AA-filter… but don’t worry, the image quality is still impressive! According to trustedreviews there isn’t a camera in the X-A1 price range that delivers better ISO results than the cheapest X-series camera. Outstanding ISO performance and details, good battery live (Fuji quotes 350 shots but trustedreviews shot almost 400 “including usage of the Wi-Fi feature and several shots with flash“), impressive operational speed:

“Indeed, the sharpness of the Fujifilm lenses and the camera’s impressive image processing combine to deliver a level of detail some way ahead of expectations.”

2) steve-digicams X-A1 review is online here: “Low light performance was outstanding. As you will see on our Samples page, noise is not much of a concern with the X-A1. The camera offers a very impressive ability to shoot in dimly lit situations without introducing a distracting amount of digital noise. […] The biggest disappointment with the auto focus is that it does not operate in burst mode. […] The mirrorless camera market has a serious contender in the X-A1. Its APS-C sensor, high image quality, and stellar low-light performance make it a very attractive option. Fast burst shooting in both JPEG and RAW formats sweetens the deal.”

3) It’s again: Fuji X-M1 vs Fuji X-A1. This time it’s the Spanish site dslrmagazine that compares them here (translation). As already shown by Rico (here and here) and Max (riflessifotografici here), the X-M1 with X-Trans sensor delivers better results also according to dslrmagazine.

So the X-Trans is “superior” to the Bayer sensor. You’ll notice the difference especially at higher ISO’s and if you set the NR at its minimum (and especially if you pixel peep!). But if the better image quality is worth the $200 extra is another question. Both cameras deliver great results. The X-A1 seems to be the better deal for dslrmagazine: loose a bit of image quality, but save $200!

image courtesy: dslrmagazine

first bunch of lenses is shipping

The Spanish site dslrmagazine shared its XF23mm review (mounted on a X-E2). Read the result of their field test here (translation). It’s a high quality lens with “character”, beautiful bokeh, no distortion, very little lens flare… lot of great feedback! For their technical test click here (tranlsation). They say it’s worth every cent: “From a technical point of view, image quality, those opting for this lens will soon discover they have made a good investment with € 929.”

photzone‘s XC 16-50 review can be read here: “The Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS is a fairly good standard zoom lens but it doesn’t really stand out due to a number of weaknesses. In terms of resolution, the quality is generally high in the image center and decent in the outer image field. The lens relies heavily on auto-correction with respect to its native distortion characteristic which is nothing short of extreme at 16mm. Since most users will never notice this, this is probably an acceptable compromise (albeit a lossy one). The original vignetting is rather heavy at large apertures but also corrected behind the scenes. Lateral CAs are an issue at 16mm at large aperture settings especially in the image corners.”

Kevin Mullins

A wedding shot with the X-E2 here at Kevin Mullins website: “Focusing: Snappy. That’s the word I’m going to use. Compared to the X-Pro1 and the X-E1 the camera focuses very quickly in my opinion. […] There is something I’m sad to see lost though, which is the View Mode button.  I really use that a lot and I’m hopeful that can be added as a Fn button toggle in a future firmware update.”

soundimageplus

Uk citizen can already enjoy shooting with the X-E2. Stores as wexUK has it already in stock. Therefore soundimagplus is already able to test the X-E2, and he seems to be pretty impressed by the latest release of Fuji.

“Well it might have been argued that the E-M1 has faster AF and a better screen and EVF. However from my initial time with the X-E2 those arguments might be dissipating somewhat. The X-E2 AF is certainly an improvement over the X-E1. Much snappier. It is in fact now pretty quick. As quick as the Olympus? Well I have no way of knowing but its fast enough for me.”

Soundimageplus is also very happy with the EVF. “In fact the best I’ve ever used in very dark conditions.”

Then there is the spectacular High-ISO performance of the X-Trans sensor “that allows me to shoot beautifully clean images up to ISO 800, with all that implies for fast shutter speeds and narrow apertures“, the outstanding image quality. It lacks of a body IS and tilting screen (the E-M1 has them) but is it enough to justify the £500 you have to pay more for the Olympus E-M1?

Of course, also this camera has some CONS as: “battery life, fiddly processing, gaps in the lens range being three of them.”

Last but not least, Fuji’s Kaizen philosophy:

“[…] they do concentrate on what is useful for photographers and image quality above all else. […] However, the recent massive update to the X100, a camera they don’t make anymore, shows a real commitment to their customer base, which is both unusual and refreshing. […] I can’t think of any company that’s offered such a comprehensive upgrade to a discontinued camera.”

But this is only part 1 of his review! The good first impressions are confirmed in part 2 of his review here.

Feel free to support FR by purchasing your gear using the shoplinks on this site. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it’s a big help to keep this site running. Thanks.

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore / AmazonDE (via DR)

PCHstore X-E2 unboxing video here (for the XQ1 unboxing click here)

image courtesy: Max Angeloni
Fujifilm X-Pro1 Fujinon 23mm 1/40 f/1.4 Iso 200 – JPEG SOOC

– Is it sharp wide open? In the reviews I’ve read until now there are some saying that it is a bit soft in the centre of the image, others say it is sharp. Now I got feedback from Max Angeloni (riflessifotografici). Judging from this image taken by the professional photographer I’d say that there is really no reason to worry about soft results wide open… of course if you know how to set your lens and camera properly.

_ _ _

– the photographyblog review of the 23mm is online here. They confirm that:

“The Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R lens is remarkably sharp in both the image centre and edges virtually throughout the entire aperture range. The fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 makes it incredibly easy to creatively throw the background out of focus, with the seven-blade iris diaphragm achieving some lovely bokeh effects. Vignetting is practically a non-issue, and chromatic aberrations are present but well-controlled. There is no barrel distortion worth mentioning.

Perhaps the only real fly in the ointment is the price – at around £849.99 / $899.95 this isn’t exactly a cheap lens. Compared to a similarly specced DSLR lens with an equally fast aperture, however, it could be viewed as something of a bargain. In summary the Fujifilm XF 23mm F1.4 R is another very high-quality optic in the XF lens range and definitely worthy of our Highly Recommended award.”

Fuji XF 23mm: [shopcountry 16128]