Best Budget X Lenses, 7Artisans 50mm f1.1 Reviews, Tilt-shift on Fuji APS-C, XF23mmF2 Cameralabs Review + POLL (Lens Zone)

Fujinon (and X-mount) Lenses

So what’s more important, the camera or the lens? Let’s find out what you think with a little poll, that you can find down below… after our Fuji Lens Roundup :)

What's more important, the Camera or the Lens?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Fujifilm Scrapped the Ultimate X Series Camera… Focus on Fujifilm X-T2S (IBIS Camera)

Follow The Rumor Storm :)

My fellow Fuji X and G shooters, get ready for the rumor storm that will bring us right to the big Fuji announcements and ultimate Live Blogging of September 7.

And in order not to miss anything, feel free to:

  • Allow Push Notifications: You can use the little red “ring icon” on the bottom right of your browser to allow push notifications and also to manage your subscription
  • Join FR on Facebook – click here to join 44,000+ fellow X-fans already joined FR on facebook. The discussion in the comments there are just as lively as here on the blog
  • Join FR on Twitter – click here One of the best ways to scroll through the whirlwind of rumors.
  • RSS-Feed – click here

Good Bye Ultimate X

Back in spring 2017, we started hearing the first rumors about the ultimate Fujifilm X, an APS-C X-Trans camera based on X-T design, the best Fuji X for videos, and that could cost around $,3,000 (rumors of March 3, March 14 and April 14)

But suddenly, a few months later, in summer 2017, we also started hearing of the Fujifilm X-T2S, the successor if the X-T2, which will have IBIS (rumors of July 12, July 17 and July 24)

The big question I got from the community was: is the Fujifilm X-T2S the ultimate X-series camera we rumored back in spring, or is Fujifilm working on both, the X-T2S and the ultimate X?

The answer: the X-T2S is not the rumored ultimate X.

So what about the ultimate X-series camera?

The answer: it has been scrapped!

*** Follow our Fujifilm X-T2S (IBIS) facebook group ***
*** Follow our Allrounder X-T Users facebook group ***

Is the X-T2s a “light” version of the Ultimate X?

Now, to avoid FR-haters’ shitstorms, I could simply tell you guys a lie and say “Yes, the X-T2S with IBIS is exactly the ultimate X-series camera I told you back in spring“.

But I’m not that kind of person.

Hence I will now tell you, that the ultimate X-series camera was a different project of Fujifilm.

Fujifilm worked on the ultimate X, discussed about the features and at a certain stage they were confident to make it (so I shared the rumors)… but at the end the scratched it, and they are now focussing on a different project, the Fujifilm X-T2S.

Some of you might consider the X-T2S a “light” version of the ultimate X, and you might not be too far off with that. But at the end I think that the differences are too big, to consider the X-T2S an “ultimate X light”.

X-T2S or Ultimate X?

When I’ve shared the very first ultimate X rumors, I noticed that the FR-community reacted sceptical to it, especially due to the high rumored price of $3,000.

And since we know that Fujifilm not only reads us, but that sometimes we can influence their decisions*, I can’t exclude, that the initial very sceptic reaction many of you guys manifested here on FujiRumors, might have discouraged Fujifilm to continue with this project.

On the other hand, it seems to me that your initial feedback to the Fujifilm X-T2S with IBIS, was much more positive. But that’s just my impression… feel free to discuss about it in the comments.

Welcome to the Fuji World

I know that after years of following the fantastic world of Fujifilm, 99,9% you guys know better than me that Fujifilm changes plans very often.

For example, Fujifilm was developing the X-Pro1s, and I shared rumors about it. But they dropped plans, even though they already had working prototypes of it (and Fujifilm even displayed the X-Pro1s at the X-Pro2 announcement)

And since with Fujifilm nothing is impossible, even products they scratched can find their way back later on. For example, I remind you how I shared the first X70 rumors in September 2013, but Fujifilm dropped plans on it shortly after. They waited a couple of years and decided to revive plans and launch the X70 on January 2016 (with exactly the same specs we rumored 3 years earlier).

So I personally wouldn’t be surprised if one day, the ultimate X will be again in development. But to be clear, right now, Fujifilm plans no longer to make it.

that’s it from my side for now… have a GREAT day, :)
 Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

* It was your feedback and negative poll results, that killed the monochrome X-Pro1 and your positive pressure that revived the X-E3 plans and made Fujifilm say here “we are aware of the many X-E3 request”.  The feedback you give in polls makes it to internal Fujifilm meetings with the Press and even Fujifilm top manager Toshihisa Iida “Loves” FujiRumors. Fujifilm simply can’t ignore a community that is able to drop 11,000 votes in a single poll within 2 days…. and more

Fujifilm X-T2, the Ultimate 4K Mirrorless For Narrative Filmmakers… and more (miXed zone)

Image from Alben Osaki guest post: Thoughts on the Fujifilm X-T2 for Video

The Video

Recently, I’ve shared a rather negative miXed zone, with stories of people, who sold their X-series cameras. And one of the main reasons for people to give back their Fuji was “video”.

And indeed, for many years, “video” was the weak spot of the X-series.

The problem? As top Fujifilm Manager (and also FujiRumors Lover) Toshihisa Iida said here, the X-Trans sensor requires a 20-30% increase in processing power compared to conventional Bayer sensors… and older EXR I and II processors simply could not process appropriately all the video data.

** Read also: How to Obtain Better Videos with Fujifilm X Trans I and II Cameras at fujirumors.com **

But things changed with the much faster X-Processor Pro, which dramatically improved the video output of Fujifilm cameras such as the X-T2 and X-Pro2.

Sure, there are still areas, where Fujifilm can improve (such as offering internal F-log), but the X-T2 & Co are finally used with great success by many videographers… and I will share one of them in today’s roundup… including some video-centric articles on Fujirumors you might have missed.

  • My Review Of The Fuji X-T2: The Ultimate 4K Mirrorless For Narrative Filmmakers at noamkroll
  • Thoughts on the Fujifilm X-T2 for Video at fujirumors.com
  • Lessons Shooting 4K Video with the X-T2 at fujirumors.com
  • Sony A7sII Vs. Fujifilm X-T2 for Video (where the reviewer prefers the X-T2 for its colors and more) in this mixed zone at fujirumors.com
  • Fujifilm X-T2 Best 4K Video Quality for APS-C Cameras. Better Colors Than Sony A6500 at fujirumors.com
  • Fuji X-T2 Vs. Sony A7SII Video Feature: “Fujifilm X-T2 in Same Class of Best Mirrorless Video Cameras” at fujirumors.com
  • Fuji X-T2 + 4K Video: “There is no Moiré. Sharp and more cinematographic than GH4. I can use it 100% for Video at fujirumors.com
  • “Fujifilm X-T2 Updated Firmware Showing Mature Video Colours” at fujirumors.com
  • Fujifilm X-T2 Roundup :: Video, Sports and Stills… the Best Mirrorless Allrounder? at fujirumors.com

& More

Custom Gariz Case for Fujifilm X100F :: Best Lens Hood Alternative for XF23/2 and 35/2 :: Best Minimalist Straps (Accessories Zone)

 

Accessories Roundup

  • Best Fuji lens hood alternative for XF23/2 and 35/2… The Haoge LH-x35. Classic Leica look at GxAce youtube
  • SmallRig X-T2 Cage for Fujifilm X-T2/X-T1 Camera 1888 at smallrig
  • Fitting Peak Design Straps on a Fuji Body at danielgroves
  • Fujifilm Instax SP-2! An ingeniously fun printing alternative! at gregcromie
  • Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 review: Turning any of my iPhone pics into Polaroid snaps at bunnydecoco
  • The Best Minimalist Straps on the Market at allanhiga
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2 Eyecups at jjc

Haoge LH-x35 Lens Hood: AmazonUS, [shoplink 60327 ebay]your local eBay[/shoplink]

Custom Gariz Case for Fujifilm X100F at Gariz Blog (translation)

Fujifilm GFX 50S Vs. Leica S Vs. Hasselblad X1D :: The World from Above with the GFX… & more (GFX Zone)

Tatsuya Takahashi
shared here
SEAGULLS
FUJI GFX50S
HASSELBLAD Carl Zeiss Planar T* CF 80mm F2.8

The G-system is just at its start. More lenses are coming, such as the Fujinon GF 80mmF1.4, and also the new MF 100 Megapixel BSI sensor is ready, which will be the core of the Fujifilm GFX 100S, and sort out one of current downsides of the GFX 50s: speed!

Moreoever, Fujifilm wisely designed the G-system thinking at the long-term. The imminent breakthrough (some predict it at least within 2020) in the camera market of the global shutter, will make leaf shutter lenses (and DSLR’s) basically obsolete… that’s called innovation ;) .

But global shutter and lens roadmaps are a thing of the (not so distant) future. We should not forget that the Fujifilm GFX is already today quite a beast… and although not the prettiest camera on the world, the Fujifilm GFX 50s might well be, already, the best Medium Format camera out there today :)

So let’s dive into today’s roundup… and don’t forget to….

Fujifilm GFX Vs. Leica S

German Pro-photograher Deniz Saylan tested the Fujifilm GFX 50s vs. Leica S. In short he says that:

“Leica S has very bad AF and not very accurate. The GFX instead is more accurate and delivers sharper results even if used at slower shutter speeds compared to the Leica S. Better noise performance of the GFX. Better handling for GFX. Leica S loses the battle agains the Fujifilm GFX. The GFX is not perfect, but “impressive” and makes fun… and the clear winner against the Leica S“

And I’d add also that the GFX is much cheaper than the Leica S ;) . To read it the full feedback (in German), go to this comment on facebook.

Fujifilm GFX Vs. Hasselblad X1D

Photographylife reviewed the Fujiiflm GFX 50s and inevitably compared it to the Hasselblad X1D. And the winner is… ;)

“After months of use of both camera systems, I came to the conclusion that the Fuji GFX 50S is a far better camera to invest in when compared to the X1D-50c. Not only because of its superior feature-set (more responsive EVF, faster and richer AF system, tiltable LCD screen and a very robust menu system with tons of options), but also because it proved to be a more reliable tool. Top that with better overall image quality (see the previous page for ISO invariance tests), vastly superior battery life, ability to adapt third party lenses and far less blackouts and lags in comparison, and I really don’t see any area where the X1D-50c is functionally better. The X1D-50c is a beautiful camera without a doubt, but that’s pretty much its only strength. It has an unbearably long start-up time, poor battery life, poor feature set and constant bugs, making it a very frustrating camera to work with.”

You can read the whole Fujifilm GFX 50S Review at photographylife:

& more

GFX stories with Markus&Koala (the makers of the David Bowie Unseen exhibition) at Fujifilm Global Youtube

Oh wait… I have a few more GFX stuff (and images) below :)

For Europe: Deal on Demo G-Gear: Check out the discounted (as new) Fujifilm GFX 50s, GF32-64 and GF120.
Fujifilm GFX 50s: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

David Airob
shared here
Fuji GFX+63mm

_ _ _

Jason Man
shared here
Nikon 58mm f1.2 + GFX

 

Click READ MORE to Enjoy More Images

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

Fujifilm X-T20 and Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 Win EISA AWARDS…. but No Awards for Fujifilm GFX 50s and Fujinon Glass

The EISA AWARDS 2017/2018 are out.

The Fujifilm X-T20 has been declared the best consumer CSC and the Instax Square SQ10 is the best instant camera of the year. The prize for the overall best camera goes to the Sony A9.

I know what you guys think, and I tend to agree: the EISA award is here to make every company happy.

But at least, compared to the past editions, EISA dropped some non-sense categories like the “Best Connected Camera” and they don’t make anymore the ridiculous distinction between “professional“, “advanced” and “premium” cameras.

It’s a good thing that now there are less categories, so EISA is definitely following the right direction… but there should be even less categories, to give even more prestige to the winners.

One thing I don’t get is why the Sony A6500 has been declared the best “prosumer” CSC and the X-T20 the best “consumer” CSC. Is the X-T20 less Pro than the A6500?

Another thing to notice: it’s the first time that no Fujinon lens wins the award.

Also, the Fujifilm GFX system has been completely ignored by EISA. So the only camera (the GFX 50s) that beats all other EISA awards winners in terms of image quality and the exquisite Fujinon glass like the GF 63, GF 110, GF 120, GF 23 and GF32-64 don’t get awarded.

Fujifilm X-T20: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCH AUS: CameraPro
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS Europe: WexUK, PCHstore

Anyway, here is what EISA writes about the two Fujifilm products that won the award this year (for all photography awards click here).

Fujifilm X-T20 (via EISA here):

The Fujifilm X-T20 is a compact, mirrorless consumer camera that produces sharp, clean images and 4K video quality at a competitive price. At the heart of the camera is its 24.3 million pixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro, which are jointly responsible for the extraordinary image quality. Despite its comparatively affordable cost the X-T20 uses the same high quality sensor and processor as the highly regarded X-T2 and X-Pro2. The touchscreen operation and custom AF-C setting are also big pluses. Finally the X-T20’s sharp and highly detailed 4K video recording makes this camera a great all-rounder.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10 (via EISA here):

The Instax SQUARE SQ10 is the first hybrid instant camera that lets you take and print square photos (62x62mm). You can brighten, darken or add vignettes to your images or choose from 10 creative filters to apply, before you decide to print them. The bright LCD viewfinder makes it easy to create and edit your pictures, which are recorded in the internal memory or on a microSD card, so you can share them with your friends and family.

 

User Review of the Fujifilm GFX – Compared to Hasselblad X1D, Leica, and Sony

Shot with Fujifilm GFX 50s with 63/2.8 for Lovebite Magazine

Written for Fuji Rumors by Rick Birt of romeobravophoto.com

*Note* This is a long post – I have a summary of pros and cons in my conclusion

As soon as the Hasselblad X1D-50c and Fuji GFX 50s were announced, I wanted one. The promise of Medium Format in a cheaper, and smaller package was incredibly alluring. For the past year my main camera has been a Fuji X-Pro2. I love it. I love the image quality, the colors, the size, and the Rangefinder styling. I also love Fujifilm’s Kaizen philosophy of constantly updating their camera lineup via firmware. All of these things influenced my decision toward the GFX. Luckily, my wife (Kelly Williams), and I were also given the opportunity to demo the Hasselblad X1D. The svelte styling, leaf shutter (ability to sync strobes at 1/2000s), and simple menus were all big pluses in the Hassy’s favor.

When we opened the boxes, we were woefully unimpressed by the Fuji GFX. Even though it kind of looks like a bigger X-T2, it’s actually kind of ugly in person. It almost looks like three different teams designed parts of the camera, and then they Frankenstein’d it all together in the end.

In stark contrast when we opened the X1D box, my wife said,

“We may have to buy two of these so we don’t fight over it.”

Similarly, we conducted two fashion shoots with these cameras. When we brought out the X1D, both models said

“Oh! A Hasselblad!”

Neither commented on the GFX.

Should this matter? My left brain says no. However, it does matter. What is this industry about? IMAGE. These tools are used to take images, because the world has placed value on images of pretty things. Don’t kid yourself, image is paramount in this business – especially in fashion and portraits.

Back to testing…

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

Fujifilm X-A3 High ISO Gives Competition a Run :: Switching from Canon to Fuji :: The Benefits of APS-C over FF :: Mitakon 35/0.95 II (miXed zone)

Workshop

  • Workshop: Streets of San Francisco – November 3 – 5, 2017. All details at olafphoto

Cover Stories

Fujifilm X-T2 & More
BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

TheVerge Fujifilm X-T20 Review: “Fujifilm’s Mirrorless Cameras are Simply Better… the Fujinon XF Lens Ecosystem is Unrivaled”

The Verge reviewed the Fujifilm X-T20… and it’s a very positive review.

But the parts of the review I want to highlight today here on FujiRumors are not the many qualities of the X-T20 (most of all the incredible IQ in a $900 camera), but something most of us X-shooters already experience since a long time: the pure pleasure of shooting with Fujifilm cameras.

So what are you waiting for… get an X-T20, and join the X-side of life :)

“I didn’t understand the pervasive appeal of Fujifilm cameras until I spent some quality time with one […]

No alternative camera system feels as sound an investment of my money as Fujifilm does. […]

It’s tough for me to decouple the pleasure of shooting with the X-T20 from its eventual results. The process of capturing images with this camera is more satisfying than any other I’ve known (except maybe Fujifilm’s own X-Pro2, which I’ve only flirted with). […]

Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras are simply better. Our reviews of these cameras tend to devolve into emotional expositions about passion for the art of photography, but ultimately Fujifilm just wins on all the practical fronts that matter. The X-T20 has the best viewfinder, best ergonomics, and best image quality in its price class. The Fujinon XF lens ecosystem is unrivaled. If there’s any problem for this camera, it’s in convincing people that it’s worth trying — because I’m confident that once they do, they’ll fall in love with it just as I did.”

You can read the whole review at TheVerge.

Fujifilm X-T20: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCH AUS: CameraPro

And then I Thought: “Stop Waiting for the X-E3, and get the X-T2/Zero (X-T20)” … Did Fujifilm Hit the Sweet Spot with the X-T20?

Godox XT1-F Trigger & Speedlights Reviews :: FlashQ System Review :: Fujifilm EF-X500 High Speed Sync (Flash Zone)

Godox XT1-F for Fujifilm... a Best Seller at BHphoto
Godox XT1-F for Fujifilm… a Best Seller at BHphoto

Flash

Godox is making many Fujifilm shooters very happy at the moment, and I quite regulary get emails of Fuji X and G shooters switching from other brands (such as Profoto), to Godox. And given the huge interest Godox arose amongst the Fuji community, I think it’s high time to share again a Godox-centric roundup.

But before we dive into the Godox world, some reviews from the non-Godox world (EF-X500 included)… all fresh from the internet.

For older stuff just search fro EF-X500 on fujirumors.com, and you will find links to EF-X500 reviews like the one at Robert Hall Photography Youtube and also check out fotograficoweb’s “Fujifilm EF-X500 Shoe Mount Flash Review” at fujirumors.com)

EF-X500 and FlashQ System

GODOX

  • Damien Lovegrove Godox XT1-F feedback shared at the GFX group here: “XT1F units have arrived. I have literally shot 1000s of frames now with the Godox system in HSS and normal sync using the TT350F and the X1TF. I can confirm that on balance I am finding about ⅔ of a drop off in flash output from regular sync to HSS across the AD200 and AD600 units. In some situations I’m not seeing any loss of exposure and in others a small reduction in exposure. I’m talking about going from 1/125th at f/16 to 1/500 at f/8 or 1/4000 at f/2.8 etc. I need to get out of the studio and shoot some real location portraits.”
  • David Ward Godox feedback shared at the GFX group here: “This is a follow on to my testing the X1Tf, TT350f, TT685f and V860IIf with a Fujifilm GFX. Now with the XT-2; As I expected, the X1Tf, TT350f, TT685f and V860IIf all work with the XT-2 as they did with the GFX. This confirms that the TTL flash capabilities of the latest generation Fujifilm cameras are consistent. Even though I don’t have access to an X Pro 2 its on the compatible list from Godox along with the XT-2 so there should be no surprises. The larger speedlites are big and heavy on the XT-2. I compared the TT350f and V860IIf in M mode with the flash head aimed directly at Manny. As expected considering the guide numbers, there is a one EV difference. That’s good news because it means that anytime the V860II would be firing at less than half power, the TT350 is up to the job. Naturally two AA batteries are a far cry from the Lithium Ion battery in the V860II, but the weight difference is significant. I’m going to confirm how everything works Friday on a wedding shoot. Ceremony outside so some chances for fill with CL200, or speedlites. Then CL200, and TT350 and V680II during the reception inside. As noted with the GFX, setting X1Tf TTL FEC also changes the value in the camera. With the speedlites it acts as expected. FEC in camera is additive to whatever is set via the X1Tf with no changes from the flash to the groups.”
  • Initial thoughts Godox XT1-F trigger for Fuji at maxmilne
  • Fujifilm X-PRO2: HSS, TTL & Godox TT350F at sritch
  • Godox TT350F Review – Tested on the Fujifilm X-T2 at Mitch Lally Youtube
  • Fstoppers Reviews the Godox Thinklite TT350F Flash for Fujifilm X at fstoppers
  • A FR-reader reminds regarding us the X1F transmitter, that you can get more flash power in “hypersync” if you use the x1 to trigger the flash in manual via the ft16 receiver.

And in case you missed it:

  • Godox TT350F Review (for Fujifilm) at fujirumors.com
  • First Godox XT1-F Hands On Report and Damien Lovegrove Final Godox Testing at fujirumors.com
  • Godox News: Cross Brand TTL and HSS, XT1-F Preview, Godox Products for Sale Now also at BHphoto & more at fujirumors.com

Godox/Flashpoint X1T-F controller: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Godox/Flashpoint TT350F: Adorama, AmazonUS
Godox/Flashpoint TT685F: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Godox/Flashpoint V860IIF: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Godox AD200: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS