XF100-400 Review at admiringlight: “Phenomenal OIS, Excellent Sharpness, AF quick and Great Accuracy… a Winner”

Admiringlight posted the Full XF100-400 Review. It seems to be a really astonishing lens, and especially the OIS is incredible, since they say that “I even managed to get a small handful of shots, such as the quick grab below, at an astounding 1/5s handheld: over 7 stops slower than I can normally handhold a lens of this length. It’s simply astounding.”

Sharpness, Bokeh, AF speed and accuracy… it’s all there and they consider it a “seriously impressive optic […] extremely sharp zoom with great bokeh and very few lens aberrations”

Maybe those Photographer, who were able to snap a Rally and a Champions League Soccer game with the XF100-400 were telling the truth, when they said this lens is a great performer. So please don’t blame me for the good reviews… I just report what others say.

Here are the Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Well constructed lens with good damping on the focus ring
  • Sealed against dust and moisture
  • Relatively lightweight compared to similar lenses
  • Phenomenal optical image stabilizer
  • Generally quick and quiet autofocus with great accuracy
  • Excellent image sharpness throughout the focal range
  • Very pleasing bokeh
  • Good contrast and color
  • Good flare control
  • Low vignetting

Cons

  • Lens body flexes a bit in the tripod collar, making precise framing on a tripod more difficult
  • Zoom ring is a bit too stiff
  • Some minor chromatic aberration

VIDEO: How to become a Fuji X Photographer… and are X-Photographers paid by Fujifilm? (by Nathan Elson) – UPDATED

Let’s start this week with a curiosity (don’t worry… the rumors and X-Pro2 reviews will follow soon ;) )

If you ever wondered what it means to be an “X-photographer”, what he/she has to do (or not) for Fujifilm, if he/she get’s paid by Fuji and how you become a Fuji X Photographer, then you might check out Nathan Elson’s latest youtube video.

In short: their main goal is to give honest and constant feedback to Fujfilm about their products.

They do not get paid for their feedback by Fujifilm, but they can have a discount on X-gear they purchase and if they need a lens/camera for a limited time, Fujifilm gives them the requested X-gear for free.

And what do you have to do to become an X-photographer? Check it out in this video.

UPDATE: Nathan mentions 3 criteria you should fulfill, in order to become an X-photorapher. #1 is to be a Full Time Pro. This might be valid for Fujifilm NorthAmerica, but it seems that in other countries Fujifilm deals differently with it. X-photographer Dennis Radermacher is not a Full Time Pro (as he tells us on facebook here)

dennis

P.S.: And since people now and then ask me if I, Patrick, get paid by Fujifilm: The answer is “NO“! Not a single penny. And not even discount on Fuji gear I buy. And if I have to repair something, I pay full price for it. I don’t get any kind of special treatment. No free sensor cleaning, no invitations to special events, nothing (they don’t really like me ;) )… and it’s good so, because I feel free to write articles like this one.

have a great start in this new week
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

HUGE Fuji US-X Sale now also at BHphoto & Adorama (save up to $400)

X-E2 vs. X-E2S: Ending the Confusion

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X-E2 vs. X-E2S: Ending the Confusion

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Rico’s Books at Rocky Nook – Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

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By upgrading your Fujifilm X-E2 with firmware 4, you are giving up the camera that you knew: Your X-E2 will turn into an X-T10—only with a rangefinder design. However, on the inside, both the X-E2v4 and the new X-E2S offer (almost) the same features, the same menu options and the same graphical user interface as the X-T10.

Rico_BannerThis is important. To begin with, it means that your old X-E2 user manual has become pretty much obsolete. That’s why Fujifilm has created an entirely new manual along with firmware 4. You can download it here as a PDF file. It also means that my eBook on the X-E2 doesn’t apply to cameras running firmware 4 or the new X-E2S. It’s still great if you don’t upgrade your X-E2, but users who have made the jump are now much better off with my book on the X-T10.

I am not kidding! As long as you can see beyond the different form factors (rangefinder style vs. SLR style), my X-T10 book is now almost perfectly applicable. It really is, because Fuji did a terrific job transforming the X-E2 into an X-T10 with camouflage. This means that my X-E2 eBook won’t be updated. It doesn’t have to, because the update is already here.

Same Same, But Different

Okay, so your X-E2 is now a rangefinder-style version of the X-T10. Great! But what exactly are the differences between an X-E2 running firmware 4 and the new X-E2S? There seems to be some confusion, so let’s straighten it out.

X-E2

X-E2S_silver_back

X-E2 vs. X-E2S

On the outside, the differences are minimal. The X-E2S offers an “improved” hand grip, but to be honest, I can’t feel much of a difference. However, pressing the four selector buttons on the back of the X-E2S does feel better, so this may be another small improvement over the classic X-E2. With firmware 4, you can forget the MACRO and AF descriptions on two of the X-E2’s selector buttons, as all four selector keys now serve as Fn buttons, just like in the X-E2S. This gives both cameras a total of 7 Fn buttons!

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

Fuji X100T & Kaizen Love? “High Chance of Firmware 2.00 for Fuji X100T” – SRP (NOTE: Long Term Rumor)

asdeeeeeeThere is hope, for Fujifilm X100T shooters :)

A source right in the past told me that:

  1. There is a “high chance” for X100T Firmware 2.00 to come, but the source can’t give a 100% sure confirmation for now (and maybe not even Fujifilm itself is 100% sure to release it at this stage)
  2. The source has no information about an expected release date of the Firmware (and probably not even Fujifilm itself has, given how often FW-updates have been postponed in the past)
  3. The Firmware will bring new features, but the source could not tell me if it will be a vast improvement like the X-E2 FW4.00.
  4. I’ve also asked about the X100S Kaizen FW, but the source was way less confident about that. I still hope that it will get at least a minor update (Classic Chrome). In the meantime you can download the free X100S (and X-E1/X-Pro1) Classic Chrome Lightroom Profile at the Fuji X Forum.

It will be my job & priority to give you an update as soon as possible.

KEEP IN MIND that this is a Very Early Rumor… and you know what this means: Fujifilm can change plans anytime (X-Pro1s anyone ;) ?)

Early rumors are the main reason why I can’t share 100% correct rumors all the time (I’ve shared “only” 84% correct rumors in 2015 – and actually more, if Fuji would not have changed plans so often).

Well, I believe that most of you guys out there know how to deal with early rumors. But to be sure, I’ll launch a Poll and take it as a reference for future early rumors.

Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

FujiRumors should....

View Results

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FXF Poll

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Fuji Managers: “IBIS? Not compatible with X-mount (Read Why)! We are Observing the Progress of Organic Sensor”

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Fujifilm X-Pro2
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP /   AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

_ _ _

Two of the big questions are…. will Fuji give us IBIS on future X-series camera. And what’s going on with the organic sensor?

Fuji Managers Takashi Ueno and Shusuke Kozaki have given the answer to fujilove.

IBIS

“First of all, our XF mount is not compatible with IBIS. You may be thinking that our mount size is similar to competitors’ and why Fujifilm cannot do it. The answer is simple: for the sake of image quality.

IBIS has both advantages and disadvantages. IBIS moves the sensor in the mount to stabilize the image. To secure the amount of light at any position, the diameter of mount must cover the wider image circle considering the margin of sensor movement. The diameter of our mount was designed for the image circle without IBIS. It means the amount of light at the corners is reduced when the sensor is shifted. We could correct it digitally, but we don’t want to do it: we don’t want to compromise our image quality.

To cover the larger image circle, not only mount size (and body size), but also lens size must be bigger. We are pursuing the best balance of image quality, size and weight of both cameras and lenses, operability and performance. When we were deciding on the design of our mount, we decided to provide the best quality body and lens in comfortable small package as the best balance. And we don’t think this direction will be changed in the future. Our highest priority is always image quality. We hope you agree!”

Organic Sensor

“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.”

And now, since Takashi Ueno asked if we agree with their “No IBIS” philiosophy, I’ll launch a Poll, so that FR-readers can let him know ;)

*Fujifilm Reads You!
Click HERE to see the original FujiRumors Poll, that Fujfiilm used in an official presentation to the Press

Do you agree with the position of Fuji about IBIS?

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No IBIS for the Fujifilm X-Pro2… and why CaNikon say it’s better so, but… (OIS Vs. IBIS) – Trusted Source

Panasonic Develops Organic Sensor with Global Shutter :: Impressive 123dB (!!!) dynamic range :: Made with Fujifilm :)

Fuji X for Photojournalism: Martin Shkreli at the Congress “Captured” by 2 Fuji’s (via New York Times)

The Ultimate Travel Poll :: Vote Now Your Favorite City & Country for Landscape/Street Photography!

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One of the most liked Landscape images of all time at the FXF: Mushroom Picker shared by Don Pino

_ _ _

Back in December I’ve asked you to tell us Your 3 Favorite Locations for Landscape/Street Photography… and I promised to Create the Ultimate Travel Poll!

So here we go, that’s the Poll.

I’m planning a one week “street photography trip” next. So I’ll see what you guys recommend in the Poll, and I’ll then choose one of the top voted locations. I’ve already decided the gear: X-T1 (or X-Pro2 maybe?) and just the 23mmF1.4 lens.

The Best Locations for Landscape Photography are... (max. 2 selections)

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The Best Locations for Streetphotography are... (max. 2 selections)

View Results

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XF100-400 Shipping Started !

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The XF100-400 lens just started shipping! That’s the information I’ve have received from some FR-readers via email and also has been shared in comments to the XF200mmF2 rumor.

Fujinon XF100-400: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-Pro2: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP /   AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujifilm X70: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-E2s: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

RUMOR: Fujifilm working on a XF200mm… F2 (!) lens :-) – Source Right in the Past

200mm

A source, who was right in the past, confirms (thanks!) that there is indeed an XF 200mm in Fuji’s internal Roadmap (like rumored back in October here). The source also said it will be an F2.0 lens.

And since Fuji is somehow reluctant to update its lens roadmap, I’ll do that for you… you’re welcome ;) .

Posted Earlier Today:
– X-E2 Firmware 4.00 – New Manual Online :: Make the most out of your New Fuji X-E2 with Rico’s X-T10 book (95% fit with X-E2)!
– It’s Official :: Fujifilm X-Pro2 release Postponed to March!
– X-Pro2: First €90 Price Drop in France!

and now go out, spread the word (and quote FR as the source ;) ),

Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

RUMOR: No Fujifilm X-E3 in 2016 (SRP)… And Why the Fujifilm X-E2S is Very Important for X-E Line Lovers (like me)!

X-E3

To those waiting for the Fujifilm X-E3. I’ve been contacted by a source, who was right in the past, and it told me that there won’t be an X-E3 in 2016.

End of the Rumor

_ _ _

The Importance of the X-E2S

Now the big question is: will there ever be an X-E3? I don’t know yet. And I don’t think Fujifilm has made the final decision about it.

Fujifilm might take a close look how the Fujifilm X-E2S sells compared to the X-T10 in the next months. If the X-E2S sells well and won’t be cannibalized by the X-T10, showing Fuji that there is a good market also for rangefinder styled cameras, then I have high hopes that Fujifilm will launch the Fujifilm X-E3 in 2017… but if the X-E2S doesn’t sell, then I’m afraid we can say good-bye to the X-E line.

So, I’m crossing fingers that the X-E2S will sell like hot cakes, because I consider the X-E line very interesting, and just like the X-T1 with the X-T10, also the X-Pro2 should have a more affordable rangefinder sibiling.

Fujifilm X-E2s: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-Pro2: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP /   AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujinon XF100-400: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Fujifilm X70: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

 

X-TransIII and Fantastic 5 Stops Shadow Recovery :: Why DxOMark Doesn’t Test X-Trans :: RFC EX 2.0 Available :: Free ClassicChrome profile

Free Classic Chrome profile for X-Pro1 / X-E1

claccisLightroom/ACR – free ClassicChrome profile (.dcp) for X-Pro1 & X-E1!

DxO Vs. X-Trans

Why DxOMark Doesn’t Test Fujifilm Cameras? Petapixel spoke with DxO, and the answer is as to expect:

“We do not measure X-Trans sensor because of the specific technology, […] We would need a lot of time to adapt our protocol for such sensor and we did not had the chance to do that.

It is a bit technical but here is the main issue: the X-Trans file do not support the same Bayer pixel mapping,[…] That means that we will need to develop specific reader to read these specific raw files, and then apply a lot of changes on our measurement protocol.”

All of DxOMark’s RAW measurements were designed for Bayer RGB files, so X-Trans-equipped Fujifilm cameras over the past 3 years just haven’t been testable. No word yet on if or when this may change

To me, DxO is doing the right thing: not test the X-Trans sensor, because their current measurment protocol would not lead to 100% accurate results, and it could damage the “image” of the X-Trans sensor.

Look for example the dpreview studio shots. They use Photoshop to demosaic the X-Trans files, but Adobe works best for the conventional Bayer CFA. And even if Adobe introduced several improvements for X-Trans in these years (and promised to improve support further), it is still not quite up with converters like Iridient. That’s why the studio shots at dpreview will never really make justice to the real potential of Fuji’s X-Trans technology.

That said, I wish DxO would take it seriously and optimize their testing also for Fujifilm X-series cameras, because I’m so sure that the magic X-Trans would deliver great test results.

Amazing X-Trans III 5 stop shadow recovery & more

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with Lightroom at Kevin Mullins youtube + X-Pro2 Support in Adobe Lightroom CC at f16.click. As recommended by Dave in the comments: “go to the 7:49 mark and there he shows the effect of 5 stop adjustment in lightroom cc on both jpg and raw files…there are 2 separate images he does this with. The effects on raw files is incredible.”

Choosing a Raw Processor for Fuji X-Trans Files – Updated at thomasfitzgeraldphotography / An interesting look to Black and White Images from Fuji X-Trans cameras with Iridient Developer and Lightroom at thomasfitzgeraldphotography / Fujifilm X-T1 – Lightroom & Silver Efex workflow at Samuel Zeller youtube 

RAW FILE CONVERTER EX 2.0 powered by SILKYPIX

RAW FILE CONVERTER EX 2.0 powered by SILKYPIX available at Fujifilm

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