Fixed! X-PRO1 firmware ver. 3.01 available

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Fujifilm fixed the flawed X-PRO1 3.00 firmware and just uploaded on their global site the firmware 3.01. Download it here. Now that was a quick bugfix!

Share your findings in the comments.

NOTE: If you have problems to see the firmware ver. 3.01 then you probably have to clean the cache! The easiest way is described in Rico’s X-pert corner post “Tips for Updating your Firmware”: “just delete your browser cache or force your browser to reload and refresh the page by, for example, holding the Alt or Option key while clicking on Reload.”

thx for telling me, Marco (fujixclubitalia)

The firmware update Ver.3.01 from Ver.3.00 incorporates the following issue

  • The phenomenon is fixed that a movie could not be recorded properly in some cases.

The firmware update Ver.3.00 from Ver.2.05 incorporates the following issue

  • 1.Improvement of AF speed on most existing XF lenses.
  • The updated algorithm will enable AF speed to become faster with the following XF lenses:
  • XF14mmF2.8 R
  • XF18mmF2 R
  • XF35mmF1.4 R
  • XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
  • XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS.
  • <Note>
  • To enjoy this improvement, firmware upgrade of those XF lenses are also required.
  • 2.”Focus Peak Highlight” function for manual focusing is added.
  • The function, which features on FUJIFILM X100S and X20, is added and assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.
    * With this update, “Focus Peak Highlight” function is selected as a default setting. Pressing the center of the command dial for a while enables you to switch the setting of “Focus Peak Highlight” and “STANDARD” (off of “Focus Peak Highlight”). And “MF ASSIST” is added in SHOOTING MENU where you can select “HIGH” and “LOW” in “Focus Peak Highlight” and “STANDARD”.
  • 3.Improvement of the method to switch magnification during manual focusing.
  • Press the “Command dial” to activate image magnification during manual focusing and then turning the dial in either right or left direction will enable you to alternate the magnification of 3 times and 10 times.
  • 4.Improvement of focus accuracy in various scenes.
  • The focus detection algorithm is improved to provide more accurate focus for low contrast subjects and scenes containing horizontal stripes.
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Fuji X-E1 – upsized compared to Nikon D800E (Iridient) + best postprocessing in Windows

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image courtesy: soundimageplus

Here again, talking about Iridient Developer. The last time, after processing his images with iridient, soundimageplus wrote that “I’m not saying that upsized Fuji X-E1 or Leica X Vario upsized files are as good as native D800E files, they are not, but they are pretty damn close. Close enough in fact to suggest that I would be better off selling the Nikons and concentrating on the Fuji X system.”

Now, how close can the X-Trans files come to the [shoplink 14519]D800E[/shoplink] files (read it here)?

“With some careful processing and post-processing I could probably get the two even closer, but this will show just what the X-Trans sensor is capable of once its files are processed in a software package that attempts to do them justice. […] the test is primarily for me to see if a Fuji X camera can ‘replace’ the Nikon D800E for my purposes. I must repeat again I’m not saying the Fuji is even the equal of the Nikon in terms of image quality at this size, it isn’t, but its probably close enough for virtually any commercial use, as far as I’m concerned and this test encourages me to try some other combinations out to see just what I can achieve.”

For those wondering how Iridient works with high ISO, check this soundimageplus post here. “I’m once again impressed.”

Last but not least, soundimageplus shared also his Iridient Developer workflow here.

_ _ _

If you do not own a Mac and therefore can’t use Iridient, here is the “Best practice postprocessing X-trans files in Windows” sent to me by FR-reader Per K (thanks for sharing with FR):

“Hi Patrick

I made a comment on your Irident thing with reference to Soundimageplus. The later asked for more information about my process. Thought the best way to share was via Fujirumors.

My first intention was to compare the performance of my Nikon MF 200/4 [ebay worldwide via slidoo] on X-E1 vs Nikon D800. Purpose was also to verify that the adapter was OK.
Setup: A huge rockwall close to me. Cameras, lens and a sturdy tripod. Distance to subject about 80m. The D800 was set to DX (APS-C) sensor crop = NO downsampling. Almost as many Mpix as on the Fuji.
Fuji test  images were postprocessed using Capture One Express and Lightroom 5. Nikon testimages in Lightroom 5 only.

Process
C1: Sharpness 192, 0.2, 0.3. Noice reduction (color and luminance) set to 0. No other adjustments. Export as TIF 24bit ProPhoto RGB.
Lr5: Import of TIF files. Normal post processing.

Comments:
C1 RAW converter produces nice, punchy images. It has some powerful tools that may create atrifacts and halos. When X-trans files are imported directly to Lr5 they cannot take much sharpening beforr the image falls apart. After the pre-post process in C1 there is no such problem. The file reacts to sharpening in the same way as D800 or [shoplink 13127]Sony RX100[/shoplink] files.
I do not understand why C1 is set to heavy noise reduction (50 on a scale 0 – 100) in the standard setting! Setting it to 0 makes a clear, positive difference in sharpness and detail. My take on noise reduction is to use it only when you absolutely need it. Sharpness, detail and looking natural is important in most of my images.

Results:
Examining files from both cameras shows: a) The 200/4 performs equally well on both cameras. b) At 100% the Nikon file is only just a little sharper and smoother. Difference will not show on an A3 print. (The [shoplink 14518]Nikon D800[/shoplink] “Image quality engine” is currently state-of-the-art i guess meaning that X-E1 post processed this way is very close. This makes me happy! I have two excellent cameras, like both a lot, usability and image quality. They are different though and serves different purposes.
About “Image quality engine”: Many believe it is all about the sensor, but that is very wrong! Other electronics are as important and the most important factor is the programming. Remeber that Bayer sensor based solutions have been developed for more than a decade by the strongest in photo industry. X-trans concept is very new and only developed by Fuji, one of the smaller players. I expect that X-trans will evolve and further improve image quality over the coming years.
Here is a link to images made with postprocessing in C1 and Lr5. Some are heavily cropped.
http://perkylberg.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/A-trip-to-the-city-centre/30551330_xfrR48#!i=2636083621&k=vqVJVnB
BR Per K

image courtesy: Per K

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After the (flawed) firmware: X-PRO1 gains editor’s choice award and wins comparison (phoblographer)

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[UPDATE] FR-reader Justin dropped me this email: “Hello Patrick, I happened to be talking to Fuji UK this morning (Thursday), and they said that Fuji hoped to have the amended firmware available “by the end of the weekend“.

As you know from this FR-post here, because of a malfunction on the movie function with the latest firmware ver. 3.00, Fuji disabled the update. But a lot of photographers already upgraded their camera and, those who use the X-PRO1 for stills, didn’t notice the problem and enjoy the overall improved performance of the X-PRO1.

So, after the latest major firmware update thephoblographer took a look at their “old” reviews and updated them. They decided to award the [shoplink 12882]X-PRO1[/shoplink] with the Editor’s Choice for the best mirrorless camera available at the moment, to update the [shoplink 12889]XF 35mm[/shoplink] review and the X-PRO1 now wins the comparison vs the [shoplink 13887]OM-D E-M5[/shoplink] and [shoplink 15036]Sony NEX 7[/shoplink]. phoblographer says: “Olympus and Sony haven’t done this [firmware updates] as much, and the OMD would have clearly won this if the company would just put focus peaking in the camera. But Fujifilm has done it, and its beautiful.” Get the links to the updated comparisons and reviews at thephoblographer here.

Now let’s hope Fuji will solve the video-gate ASAP. Follow FR (also on facebook and twitter) and I’ll notify you when the new firmware is available.

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[UPDATE: fixed by this weekend?]Problems with the video function: X-PRO1 firmware ver. 3.00 no longer available

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[UPDATE] FR-reader Justin dropped me this email: “Hello Patrick, I happened to be talking to Fuji UK this morning (Thursday), and they said that Fuji hoped to have the amended firmware available “by the end of the weekend“.

The latest firmware for the X-PRO1 has a problem with the movie function and therefore Fujifilm had to remove the latest update from its support site (the X-E1 firmware version 2.00 is still available). On their website Fuji says:

Thank you very much for using FUJIFILM X-Pro1.

We are very sorry that we have found a malfunction on the movie function in the upgraded firmware version 3.00 posted on 23 Jul 2013. We are improving the firmware and we will post it again once we complete the improvement. We deeply apologize for your inconvenience which this may cause.

Please contact your local support center if you have already upgraded your X-Pro1 with the version 3.00.

To read the full Fujifilm’s notice of Firmware Version 3.00 for the X-PRO1 click here.

Thanks to those FR-reader who linked me to this discussion at the dchome forum (translation)

image courtesy: dchome

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Getting closer: X100S ships within 3 to 6 weeks (AmazonUS)

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Will it end in 3 to 6 weeks? I’ve written about the X100S delivery odyssey in various posts (read the Godot post here). It began with the overwhelming demand for this camera that, I suppose, surprised Fuji. Then Amazon said that the “item is under review” because “customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it’s described here.” But not enough! mirrorlessrumors reported here that the X100S shipment from Japan has been water damaged! And for a long time the X100S got a generic “ships in 1 to 3 months” at AmazonUS.

But after a long time, today AmazonUS changed the delivery date and said that they will ship the X100S within 3 to 6 weeks. We’re getting closer and many of us will hopefully soon be able to follow Meeno’s word and “let the love affair begin“.

Check the in stock status of the X100S here: [shopcountry 12883]

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