BHphoto Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras of 2021: the GFX Medium Format Consecration Continues

We are approaching the end of the year, hence we will be bombarded by 2021 top and flop gear posts and videos.

DPReview shared their top and flop gear already, and we reported about it here.

Now also BHphoto has put up their list for the top 10 mirrorless cameras of 2021.

Once again the latest GFX gear enters the ranking at the very high positions. But the GFX system gets its consecration not only in the year-end rankings, but also at the box office, where especially the Fujifilm GFX100S is causing headache to Fujifilm due to a high demand they simply can’t match.

And what about Fuji’s APS-C series? Well, things look good, very good for the X system in 2022.  Just keep an eye on the latest X-H2 rumors ;).

BHphoto Explora – Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras of 2021

  1. Nikon Z9
  2. Sony A1
  3. Fujifilm GFX100S
    Not too long ago, the thought of a 100MP camera sounded like very wishful thinking, considering 36MP was high-res and 24MP is still a go-to standard for many cameras today. FUJIFILM’s GFX 100S isn’t the first 100MP camera, it’s not even FUJIFILM’s first, but it represents the first time 100MP has been available sub $10K and in a camera body that’s portable and reasonable for walkaround shooting use. It redefines medium format and breaks down the barrier that’s made medium format, especially high-resolution medium format, so inaccessible for virtually everyone until now. What’s even more impressive about the GFX 100S is that it has also benefitted from full-frame and APS-C mirrorless development, too, and features many of the same imaging assets you’d expect from other current cameras, like IBIS, DCI 4K 30p video, and even phase-detection AF. Unlike medium format cameras of the past, which were notoriously slow and outdated in performance, but you’d suck it up for the amazing image quality, the GFX 100S doesn’t need these excuses anymore as it meshes high-resolution medium format quality with current mirrorless performance.
  4. Canon R3
  5. Sony A7IV
  6. Fujifilm GFX50SII
    Accessible and medium format are no longer mutually exclusive terms with the GFX 50S II; the second-gen compact medium format mirrorless with a new integrated design and the same 50MP sensor that put the GFX system on the map. Late summer saw FUJIFILM release the second generation of their first mirrorless medium format camera, the GFX 50S II. Compared to what a conventional second-gen camera is, though, this new GFX trended in a new way, with a focus on becoming even more accessible than the first generation of cameras, meaning medium format is now a realistic consideration for people shopping for full-frame systems. And with that in mind, the GFX 50S II presents a truly interesting choice for photographers who value image quality above all other camera specs. Beyond value alone, the GFX 50S II also saw some physical changes, bringing it in line with its 100MP sibling and featuring a fully integrated viewfinder and forgoing the more modular nature of the first GFX 50S.
  7. Nikon Zfc
  8. Sony ZV-E10
  9. Sigma fp L
  10. Panasonic Lumix GH6 (or GH5 II, for the time being)

You can read the full list here at B&H.

Samyang 12mm F2 AF X First Impressions Review

In Europe and other parts of the world, the brand new Samyang 12mm f/2 AF X autofocus lens for Fujifilm X mount is already shipping, and hence the first reviews now start to appear on the web.

As we reported a few days ago, Samyang US customer service told to a FR-reader that his Samyang 12mm f/2 should ship in January, hence it might take a bit longer in North America to ship.

So how does this lens perform?

Well, you can find a first impressions video review by Luca Petralia (as well as a summary) down below.

New – Third Party Fujifilm X Autofocus Lenses Group

Samyang 12mm f/2 AF X First Impressions

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National Geographic: “Fujifilm Reigning Champion of 2022 Best Travel Cameras”

National Geographic has compiled their annual list of best travel cameras. For 2022 Fujifilm comes out as their top recommendation.

Here is their list:

  • Fujifilm X-T4 – currently on Black Friday discount
    “This camera can go toe-to-toe with professional full-frame mirrorless models and DSLRs in performance, autofocus, image quality, and handling. […] One of the most impressive things about the X-T4 is that it retains retro charm (vintage dials) while providing professional-grade controls (modern, wheel based), weather sealing, and ports for video or still photography. This provides an enjoyable shooting experience for enthusiasts and pros. The X-T4 isn’t just an excellent travel camera, it’s one of the best mirrorless APS-C cameras on the market, which makes it—in my view—the reigning champion of 2022 travel cameras”

X-T4 (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

  • Fujifilm X100V – BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
    ” The original X100 revitalized the brand and brought retro styling back to the forefront of camera design. Now the X100V, the fifth in the X100 series, brings a few significant changes. The lens has the same value (35mm f/2 equivalent), but a new design significantly increases sharpness corner to corner, both for wide open and close up images.The camera’s body design adds nearly full weather sealing, a flip-out screen, and a slightly changed grip, as well as improvements to the control layouts (including a control stick). Fujifilm cameras produce the best JPEGs in the industry, with amazing film simulations; cameras in the X100 line are often the backup of choice for photojournalists. This one has a leaf shutter that can sync to high speeds with a strobe and a built-in neutral-density (ND) filter for combatting bright sunlight“

And as last camera, probably Fujifilm’s best if you are on a budget and yet want tons of power.

  • Fujifilm X-S10 – BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Moment / Focuscamera

    “This model takes almost everything we love about the Fujifilm X-T4 and offers it up at an excellent price, with even better ergonomics and minimal tradeoffs. The only major downgrades from the X-T4 to the X-S10 are a smaller battery, only one memory card slot, no official weather sealing, a smaller viewfinder, and other features such as a lower top shutter speed (which only serious photographer will miss). Other than that, this option has the same internal electronics as the X-T4, thus making it the most affordable new model of APS-C mirrorless camera with IBIS. In all, it may be the best deal on the whole list.

The other cameras in their list are:

Speaking of travel photography, I recently had to spend one night in the wonderful town of Ferrara for some medical checks (all good!). I did bring my X-E3 and X-T4 with me. And for the first time ever, I’ve found good use also for photography of the X-T4 selfie screen. So I guess I must retract my statement that selfie screens are never of use if you stand behind the camera. See the image down below.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Fuji_Rumors (@fuji_rumors)

DPRTV Fujifilm X-T30II vs X-S10 Comparison

DPRTV has always loved the Fujifilm X-T30. But then the Fujifilm X-S10 came along with some significant upgrades (such as IBIS). Can the new X-T30II close the gap again? Here is what DPRTV has to say about it:

  • X-T30II very similar to X-T30 but also some important upgrades
  • outside of camera is identical
  • display on the back is better on X-T30II has higher resolution
  • X-T30II has better RAM, hence has better buffer. In fact, here is how many shots you can take before it starts to slow down:
    X-T30 lossless compressed RAW at 8fps: 18 shots before slowing down
    X-T30II lossless compressed RAW at 8fps: 23 shots before slowing down
    X-T30II lossless compressed RAW at 5fps: 23 shots before slowing down
    X-T30II lossless compressed RAW at 8fps: 46 shots before slowing down
  • X-T30II has new AF tracking of X-T4 with good hitrate. So better AF than X-T30
  • X-T30 has all the latest film simulations available for X series
  • X-T30II has F-Log assist (X-T30 has only F-Log)
  • X-T30II has 1080p at 240fps (but pretty soft and not great quality)
  • X-T30II brings lots of fairly small upgrades
  • Fujifilm X-S10 bold departure from classic design strategy
  • X-S10 and X-T30II are similar in size. X-S10 has a bigger grip, which lots of people like
  • X-T30II has better rear screen over X-S10, however, the X-S10 screen does fully articulate
  • max 8 fps for both cameras. X-T30II has better buffer hence can shoot longer bursts than X-S10 (which performs like X-T30)
  • X-T30 still has that old 2.5mm jack, which means you’ll need an adapter to attach your microphone. For headphones, you have to use the USB adapter
  • X-S10 has a 3.5mm mic jack (hence no adapter needed). For headphones still use USB adapter
  • Overheating at 4K/24p 200mbps:
    X-S10 overheats at 44:10 minutes
    X-T30II overheats at 28:18 minutes
    Way longer video shooting with X-S10
  • X-S10 has IBIS, X-T30II has not
  • X-S10 is only $100 more expensive
  • X-T30II has better screen and buffer
  • it comes down to the styling and your preferences
  • Chris prefers the X-S10

Get Yours:

Panasonic Unveils 35MP Organic Super35 CMOS Sensor with Global Shutter and Great Dynamic Range

The organic sensor has reached a mythical status.

In fact, 8 year after the joint Panasonic and Fujifilm announcement, where the organic sensor was first unveiled to the masses with great optimism and claims of glorious performances and dynamic range, we haven’t seen anything coming to the market, expect for a camcorder prototype shown by Panasonic back in 2019.

Probably like many of you, I just stopped hoping that such a sensor would ever see the light of the day.

And yet, today we have to add another chapter to the organic sensor novel.

In fact, Panasonic has just announced the first 4k/8K Super35 global shutter organic CMOS sensor during the “4th 4K / 8K Video Technology Exhibition”

Here are Panasonic’s claims (google translated):

  • replaces the silicon photodiode that has been used as the light receiving part of the conventional CMOS sensor with an organic thin film that has a larger light absorption coefficient
  • wide dynamic range and global shutter
  • In a general back-illuminated CMOS sensor, if a high resolution and a wide dynamic range are realized, a global shutter cannot be installed, and if a global shutter is installed, the resolution and the dynamic range are reduced, which is a trade-off
  • The organic CMOS sensor has a dynamic range four times that of a general CMOS sensor
  • the global shutter also adjusts the voltage applied to the organic thin film to control the photoelectric conversion efficiency
  • technological development for practical use is making great progress
  • color reproducibility is high
  • As a next-generation technology for organic CMOS sensors, there is an ultra-WDR technology in which two sensitivity detection cells, a high-sensitivity cell and a high-saturation cell, are provided in one pixel.
  • With this, the dynamic range can be 100 times that of an organic CMOS sensor and 400 times that of a general CMOS sensor.

Well, we knew about all the dynamic range claims and the global shutter already. Today we got a bit more insights on how it works and especially one sentence revived my hopes after all these years:

technological development for practical use is making great progress

So let’s hope that we will soon see the first cameras with such a sensor and that they were able to sort out the main problems with this sensor: heat generation and battery drain.

Will this be the sensor of the Fujifilm X-H2?

I don’t know, but I don’t think so.

Maybe it will initially find its way into larger bodies of camcorders, which can handle heat generation better. At a later stage maybe also mirrorless cameras will feature this sensor.

Best Deal on Capture One 22

Save 20% plus additional 10% (with code FUJIRUMORS) by pre-upgrading to Capture One 22 now. No better deal will come to upgrade, not even at Black Friday. This is the best price.

The Organic Sensor Novel – A Summary:

  • June 2013: Fujifilm and Panasonic announced the organic sensor development
  • December 2014: Our sources told us here, that there is a crucial problem to be solved with the organic sensor: heat generation (and battery drain)
  • December 2014: Top Fujifilm Managers confirmed, that the organic sensor is “still well ahead of us.”
  • October 2015: 43rumors broke the rumor here, that it will still take a 2 or 3 years before the organic sensor will be ready for mass production.
  • February 2016: Panasonic announced that, along with Fujifilm, they are developing an organic sensor with global shutter and impressive 123dB (!!!) dynamic range.
  • February 2016: Fujifilm management says: “We don’t have any specific plans of incorporating an organic sensor into our products at the moment, but yes we are observing the progress of this technology. As of today, there would be No benefits to using an organic sensor. Our X-Trans III sensor is superior to the currently available organic sensor.”
  • February 2017: Panasonic announces the world’s first organic CMOS image sensor with electrically controllable near-infrared light sensitivity. However, unlike in previous press-releases, this time Fujifilm isn’t mentioned.
  • February 2017: Fujifilm Announces Development of World’s fastest Organic CMOS Circuit For Multi-bit flexible Temperature Sensor
  • August 2017: Development of Wide Dynamic Range and Global Shutter Technology for Organic Photoconductive Film Image Sensor (Panasonic)
  • Febraury 2018: Panasonic Announces 8K 36 Megapixel Global Shutter Organic Sensor… and Time To Stop Sony’s Sensor Hegemony
  • October 2018: Panasonic Says Organic Sensor Cooperation with Fujifilm Continues. Mass Production Will Take a Bit more Time
  • September 2019: Panasonic shows first Camcorder featuring 8K organic sensor

via digicame-info via monoist

Fringer EF-GFX Pro Smart Autofocus Adapter in Stock

The recently announced Fringer EF-GFX Pro smart autofocus adapter is now in stock at AmazonUS.

Key features:

  • Built-in electronic aperture ring similar to native GF lenses
  • DSLR-like AF experience (Camera needs PDAF. Optimized lenses only)
  • Support both Lens IS and IBIS (Not at the same time. User selectable)
  • Built-in lateral chromatic aberration (LaCA) correction profiles (Optimized lenses only)
  • Exif recording for all lens related information
  • Well designed and made (Maximized internal opening/Inside flocking/Dust proof rubber ring on GF mount)

Get Yours:

The Latest GFX Gear

The GFX Community

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Fringer EF-GFX Pro Smart Autofocus Adapter Released

The Fringer EF-GFX Pro smart autofocus adapter has now been officially released.

Key features:

  • Built-in electronic aperture ring similar to native GF lenses
  • DSLR-like AF experience (Camera needs PDAF. Optimized lenses only)
  • Support both Lens IS and IBIS (Not at the same time. User selectable)
  • Built-in lateral chromatic aberration (LaCA) correction profiles (Optimized lenses only)
  • Exif recording for all lens related information
  • Well designed and made (Maximized internal opening/Inside flocking/Dust proof rubber ring on GF mount)

Get Yours:

The Latest GFX Gear

The GFX Community

Follow FujiRumors: Facebook, Flipboard, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube and Twitter

Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 for Fujifilm X Mount Reviews and Video Demos

Finally the first reviews and videos about the Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 for Fujifilm X Mount hit the web.

A blog post with lots of images can be found at ivanjoshualoh here, who writes as final sentence: “When the world is open again. And one could travel the world; if you could only have a lens; the Tamron 18-300mm is a worthy consideration.”

There are also some videos shared by a couple of Japanese youtube channels. I’ll share them all down below. You can quickly fly over the videos to see samples and autofocus demos. And for your convenience I’ll highlight time stamps with recommended “to watch” parts in the videos.

We Have It

Video Demos

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

LockCircle Cinematic X Cage for the Fujifilm GFX100S

I own the Fujifilm GFX100S and it astonishes me every time with its image quality.

But so far I haven’t shot a single video with it, and quite frankly, I think I never will.

However, that sensor, 70% fuller than full frame, is also astonishing video performer. Philip Bloom for example shot an entire documentary with the original Fujifilm GFX100. Gosh, some of you even mount a GFX camera on a drone for some epic areal footage!

And since the GFX system is flexible enough also for video work, there GFX cages out there, for example from Smallrig.

Now we have a new addition, coming from LockCircle, and it’s made for the Fujifilm GFX100S. You can see some images above and you find the press release, details and links below.

This cage is designed for high end professional medium format cinematography. So if this is your thing, definitely check it out. And since the GFX50SII uses the identical body, I guess it would work on that one too. But I the GFX50SII does not shoot 4K video, so I guess it is not as an attractive video option as the GFX100S.

Press Release

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Top 10 Attacks on Fujifilm (That Don’t Make Sense): Full Frame Desires, GFX Facts Distortion, Kaizen Death, X-Trans Flaws, DOF and more

Criticizing and attacking Fujifilm is quite popular on the internet, and down below I will talk about possible reasons why it is like this.

Sometimes these critiques are justified, but sometimes I feel these attacks are unjustified.

Let’s talk about it now.

10 Critiques To Fujifilm

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **