X100S

The best advanced compact camera according to the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is the X100S. Click here to read the announcement at Fuji’s global site. And while the X100S gets award after award, there are many photographers who are still waiting for a camera that should be shipped in 3 to 6 weeks at AmazonUS.

Workshop

image courtesy: digitaltrekker

SOLD OUT: Rajasthan, India Photographic Trek – Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 8:00 AM – Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11:30 PM

Travel and humanitarian photographer Matt Brandon and Fujifilm Ambassador and Lightroom guru Piet Van den Eynde are pleased to announce that their 2014 Rajasthan Photographic Trek, a 2 week workshop held in February 2014 in the colorful state of Rajasthan, India, is being sponsored by Fujifim. As leaders Matt & Piet will be shooting only Fujifilm X-series cameras and plan to have a nice selection of the latest X-series gear for workshop participants to play with. Apparently this workshop was highly rated by last year’s participants. Several stated it was the best workshop they have ever attended. Part of this is because Rajasthan is one of the most visually stunning places on earth and part of it is Matt and Piet spend a lot of one-on-one time with each of their participants and they keep the student-to-teacher ratio low.

Workshops with one teacher that knows his way around the Fuji-system are hard enough to come by. A workshop with two knowledgeable Fujifilm-shooters in an exotic location such as Rajasthan is simply unique.

The places for this workshop are already sold out but you can see some beautiful images at thedigitaltrekker here.

Iridient (download ver. 2.2)

vk.photo is one of those photographers who believe that the best software to process X-Trans RAW files is Iridient. See the images and read his thoughts here: “Iridient file is very crisp with excellent colours. Moiré is very well controlled, definitely better than in Aperture. No details “smearing” as in LightRoom/ACR. […] As I have already said, Iridient Developer is an excellent OSX-based raw converter, probably the best for x-trans files as of today.”

X-M1

image courtesy: rileyjoseph (for people who like to travel light)

rileyjoseph‘s shared with FR via twitter his blog post with his thoughts on the X-M1 and XC 16-50: “The little Fuji that can?” here. The conclusions: “Where does this leave us? I like some things about it. I don’t like other things about it. Would I recommend it to people? Yes. I have friends and family ask me all the time about my Fujis as they want a smaller camera to take with them travelling that isn’t a point & shoot. They go cross eyed when I talk about aperture sings and shutter dials and exposure compensation. I think they would benefit from the X-M1 as it gives them the chance to wade into the X-Series waters. It has auto and scene modes they are familiar with from their p&s or canon rebel.. but it is small, lightweight and has one of the best APS-C sensors ever. As they progress into photography they will be able to transition to the more manual modes and eventually graduate to a X100s, X-E1 or X-Pro1. To advanced shooters and those who already have another X-Series camera I would not recommend it. You’ll be frustrated. I hope it’s targeted segment of buyers find it and take the plunge. Why? Because I am selfish and I want the X-Series line to do well so that Fuji can take that money and use it to develop more amazing XF lenses and eventually a X-Pro2.”

XC 16-50

XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore

At admiringlight you can read the full XC16-50 review here: “[…] all things considered the XC 16-50mm is a good lens. It’s not a great lens, but it is better than the average kit lens. While certainly not the sharpest lens in the world, the lens is adequately sharp over most of the frame, allowing you to capture good images in most circumstances. On the other image quality criteria, the lens is quite good. The 16-50mm has very pleasant bokeh and excellent color and contrast, providing a great overall image feel. The extra width over other standard zooms allows the lens to be a little more versatile. Probably my biggest gripe with the 16-50mm is the loss of the aperture ring that comes standard on almost all other Fuji lenses. It’s makes the lens operate differently in the field than other Fuji lenses, which is an annoyance.”

Fuji XF 27mm

 

– Tom: “Patrick – I just finished my hands-on review of the Fuji 27mm. It is on my blog with a lot of downloadable sample images that your viewers usually seem to like. It’s a great lens. Here is the link.”

– Noel: “Just took a test drive with the new Fuji 27mm F2.8 Pancake lens. I am very happy with fuji’s spin on compact optics. I posted a few words and several photos on my Blog.” Check it out here.

X-E1

– C’net posted its X-E1 review here: “It’s not a general-purpose recommendable camera thanks to subpar video and slightly sluggish performance, but for photo-quality-first photographers who want the analog-ish shooting experience, the Fujifilm X-E1 rules in its price range.”

– 8 months with the X-E1 at mikeangphoto here: “It has been 8 months – and counting – and I’m still in love with it. I still keep saying its the best camera I’ve owned. There a lot of things I like about the camera […] it has emotionally brought back the love for photography in me. There’s this “connection” and “magic” that gets to me when using it and at this point I could not ask for a better camera for me :)”

X-PRO1 (and new firmware)

– DSLR is dead? Read robjohnsphotographer’s real life review here: “I have no regrets buying the X-Pro1, it is the camera that I have been waiting a long time for. It’s an absolute joy to use and the imaging quality is nothing short of sublime. It positively encourages photography because it is small and light and importantly doesn’t draw attention when working in the public. It’s easy to understand why photographers around the world have fallen in love with photography once again and the excitement is real and truly justified. Have I fallen in love with the X-Pro1? Absolutely, but I’m not getting rid of my Canons…….well, not yet anyway!”

– Using Fujifilm’s Newest Firmware to the X Pro 1 In Real Life Use at thephoblographer here: “When the Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 R first was launched, it was perhaps the most problematic lens of the trio. But it had the best image quality. At this point, I think that I can say with certainty that it is the best lens in the lineup. It is sharp, fast to focus, and overall just beautiful. Not only that, but the entire system has drastically improved and they’re only on their first generation of products for the most part! How the heck could someone not be happy? Seriously.”

 FUJI REPORT

Fujifilm has uploaded here at Fujifilm Holdings their annual report 2013. As I already told you here, Fujifilm will cut down 50% of the compact camera lineup (good news, let’s focus on the X-series!). You can read the review of operations report here:

Now, how are the X-series sales? The “performance during the Year [is still] Under Review“. But while the whole camera segment is suffering because of the low demand for compact cameras, the high end cameras of the X-series are in good health. (In their earning presentations report they said “such high-end models as the X-series proceeded smoothly. Measures are being undertaken to swiftly shift to high-end models.”)

“[from the review of operations report] While sales were favorable for products such as the FUJIFILM X-E1, […] and the FUJIFILM X100S,[…] a surge in popularity of smartphones has been causing demand for compact digital cameras to decline. Accordingly, sales in the whole segment were down, at ¥92.0 billion”

Future Initiatives: 1) Expand sales of high-end models and interchangeable lens systems [or as said in the earning presentations report “Rapidly expand lineup of interchangeable lenses for premium interchangeable lens cameras by speeding up their development“] . 2) Reduce the number of compact models and substantially revise the model mix, concentrating on differentiated products. 3) Merge with the optical device business, enhancing synergies from development and production through to sales.”

Last thing, also the sales of the X20 are strong, as written here: “In the electronic imaging field, the sales of such premium compact cameras as the FUJIFILM X100S and the FUJIFILM X20 were strong, […]. Fujifilm is working to expand and strengthen the product lineup in the X Series of premium cameras that leverage Fujifilm’s exclusive technologies and, XF Lens Series, interchangeable lens systems, whose market is expected to be growing.”

That’s it, as FR-readers always said, focus on the X-system, everything else is just distraction (and loss of money)… oh, and I just had a brilliant idea to boost sales of the imaging solution departement… it’s called X-PRO2 and X-E2 :)!

enjoy your day
Patrick

The Fuji Guys posted part 1/3 of their X-M1 first look at youtube here. For a deeper look at the top features and the new lenses (16-50 / 27) we have to wait for part 2/3 and 3/3.

pre-orders

X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm) – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore

FR-readers roundup

Lawrence: “hi Fujirumors. It’s been a month since I got my Fuji X-E1. Here’s my top 10 photos so far! Feel free to link to it”

Lawrence

– Brandon: “Hey there, Been reading your site every since I found out about the various new cameras that Fuji has been working-on– keep up the good work! I know the X-E1 is not exactly the newest camera at this point, but I’ve not seen very many examples of night photography taken with it.  I put it to the test this past weekend and thought maybe your readers would be interested in seeing some night photography shots (click here).”

“Overall, I came away VERY impressed with how the Fuji lenses and sensor performed when used for night photography.  The accuracy of the auto white balance in the X-E1 is simply in a category of its own.  The combination of Fuji lenses and its sensor produce amazingly colorful and sharp photos that to me are quite impressive.  Most night photos in color don’t do much for me but these blew me away in color. I would not hesitate to recommend the Fujifilm X-E1 and 14mm & 35mm lenses for night photography.”

Brandon

– Andrew: “Hi, […] some thoughts on the X Pro 1 from an old pro.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the camera, but there are too many BUTS at the moment and not enough people are mentioning them.
I know 3 other pro’s using this camera and I am not alone in my frustration. So I hope you will print this to elicit some decent conversation. And by that, I don’t mean a whole lot of net trolls whinging about my Leica comments.
cheers Andrew.

With a little time on my hands the other day, I decided to drop into see the friendly Leica dealer on Ave Beaumarche in Paris and with SD card in hand, try a few shots with the new Leica M (240).
I’m no pixel peeper, so I won’t bore you with my results, but what struck me right away was how well it worked as a camera and how much quicker it felt than my X Pro 1. I do own an M6, but all the same, this camera felt intuitive in my hands.
Heresy I hear you Fuji owners say, but let me explain. I’ve been pounding the pavements of Paris this last few weeks and daily taking many hundreds of photographs in what I would call a street style. I’ve had some good success, but I’m bothered by the amount of shots I’ve missed whilst the camera is getting up and going or deciding on it’s point of focus. Street photography is by it’s very nature reactive and quick and I admit, that after 40 years in the business and a number of eye operations, I am slowing down a bit.

What struck me when using the Leica, was the speed, manually focussing and all, between seeing and shooting. So I thought I would make a few observations to Mr Fuji about his sometimes wonderful machine.

The positives of the X Pro1 we all know well, a great feeling camera, well made and with some great glass, as good as a Leica, I’m told. Compact, lightweight, a good optical/digital viewfinder and a great future lens roadmap. It’s a seductive list and it seduced me to lay out for the body and 4 prime lenses.

So, why aren’t I completely happy? Well here is a list of things that bother me that I feel should not be happening.
Battery life is woeful. I rarely use the EVF or leave the rear screen on and am constantly getting caught out with a flat battery. Ever owned a Canon 5D mk 2 or 3, then you will know what great batteries can be like. You can just about shoot all day with 1 Canon battery and I cannot see why the X Pro 1 with only a single processor and no mirror cannot match this performance. I’ve been caught out so many times by sudden battery death and I never leave home without them fully charged.

Whilst on the subject of batteries, why are all the Fuji models using different sized ones. There must be a heap of pros and advanced amateurs shooting both X Pro 1’s and X100’s and I bet it frustrates the hell out of them, having to run two sets of batteries and chargers. And who was responsible for designing a battery that could be put in backwards rendering the camera inoperable? DESIGN 101, a bit of forethought would have gone a long way.

Now we come to my real bugbear, the menu layouts. Is it just me or does everyone find themselves all of a sudden shooting away, only to find that the camera setup has changed, the auto level has gone, or the EVF won’t shut off. What the hell is going on and why does it have to be so hard???????
I’m an Apple Mac user and despite what my jealous PC mates tell me, I use Macs not because they look so much nicer than a PC, but because of their functionality.
Macs work, simply, efficiently and generally with little fuss, once you get the swing, there is an obvious logical workflow to using them and it’s that obvious logical workflow that seems to have gone astray with the X Pro 1….. It shouldn’t have to be so hard. Software engineers seem to think, that because they understand the logic of a process, their customers will too. Well using the X Pro 1 can be a bit like recording your favourite program with the TV remote and I’m sure you all know what I mean here.
Hey Fuji guys, why not second a few of those Apple software designers for a few months and rebuild the interface from the ground up. I’m feeling decidedly unsure of explaining myself properly here, but I know in my heart things can be a lot better.

And finally, is there any point to having a whinge about autofocus speed? You betcha there is. If we are going to have a serious contender as a street camera, then things have got to change. I know there is a rumoured X Pro 2 in the wings with a rumoured twin processor inside it, but there must still be a fair bit of latitude via software upgrades to improving things on the current model (the same goes for battery performance I suspect). Well, we shall wait and see what next July brings with it’s rumoured upgrade. Those of us who have put their faith in the X Pro 1, should not have to put our hands back into our pockets when the X Pro 2 arrives, just to get what we thought we were getting in the first place! [admin: read the updated rumor here. The X-PRO2 won’t come before late 2013, early 2014] When you look at the heritage of Leica cameras, even the 1939 model 3A I have still works so well, albeit a bit bruised and battered.

Fujifilm is hardly a small company with little resources available to sort out these teething issues. So, finally, what’s in all of this for Fuji? Well, they are sitting on the edge of greatness here with their cameras and they need to start asking themselves the hard questions. Do they want to play in the big sandpit with Mr Canon, Mr Leica and Mr Nikon, or do they want to be consigned to the trashcan of camera design history, just another camera manufacturer that nearly made it, a could have been…..  The ball’s in your court guys. Greatness awaits.

Andrew

– Craig: “In case you can use this on the Fuji Rumors”… Fujifilm Xpro-1 – Wedding Photographs – The Beauty of Black and White here.

Craig

Fuji just announced two new compact cameras. The FinePix S4800 superzoom with 30x zoom lens (Press text at Dpreview) and the WiFi-enabled F900EXR with EXR-CMOS II (Press text at DPreview).

Not really a big news and honestly also other companies didn’t announce exciting cameras for the coming CP+ show in Japan (starting tomorrow). Rumors say that major company announcements will come in April only but I don’t think Fuji will announce a new X camera by than (Sony-Panasonic-Olympus-Samsung will). Although, I would be happy to see a new X-PRO2 with new EVF, faster AF and why not, a new generation X Trans sensor….I know I have to stop dreaming :)

UPDATE: Here are the links to the camera preorders at Adorama:
FUJI FNPX F900EXR DIG CAM 16M/3.0″/BLK
FUJI FNPX F900EXR DIG CAM 16M/3.0″/BLUE
FUJI FNPX F850EXR DIG CAM 16M/3.0″/BLK
FUJI FINEPX S6800 DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK
FUJI FINEPX S6800 DIGITAL CAMERA, RED
FUJI FINEPX S6800 DIGITAL CAMERA, WHITE
FUJI FINEPX S4800 DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK
FUJI FINEPX JX680 DIG CAM 16MP 5X BLK
FUJI FINEPX JX680 DIG CAM 16MP 5X RED