How wants to go for a swim here?
Photographed at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
Below is a copy of the press release circulated by Jude Savage, Chair, Foto Freo Inc about the closure of the iconic festival of photography known as FotoFreo.
Vale FotoFreo
Dry, arid and parched, my mouth mirrored the surroundings of the desert. Signs of life seemed non-existent.
Rows of dark blackened sticks stood lonesome. Twisted and deformed from the heat, the once supporter’s of life braved the wind as they struggled to stand. The distant storm was departing, as scrambled drops lay embossed on the sand’s surface. Their impact was unsustainable.
I stood in amazement when the sun revealed itself through a diffused cloud. The softening glow seemed to cast an iridescent shadow of the dunes almost bring them to life. As the clouds passed the changing forms of the landscape were revealed. The desert was alive and beautiful.
THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
This photograph was composed from two images taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
I still can’t get over the incredible image quality from the Fujifilm workhorse. Certainly a camera I highly recommend!
What about you? Do you have a favourite camera? Let me know in the comments below. I would be interested to hear what gear you shoot with and why.
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
Sometimes its best to look at the interesting parts of a scene. The end result won’t look like another boring sunset…… take this photo as an example.
Do you like this?
Over the next week I would like to challenge you in your photography. Try photographing the smaller details of a scene rather than the complete scene. Let me know what results you get by posting a link in the comments below.
Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
The afternoon atmosphere gathered with excitement.
A colourful mass brewed ignited by the last light.
Reflections turned to glass mirroring the magnificent spectacle happening above.
Children played by the water’s edge as a man tried his luck at the ocean bounty.
Mirages filled the drizzled horizon exposing ghost ships shimmering in the afternoon heat.
I saw the scene developing before me.
The movement of the water would have to be masterfully timed.
My hands griped the salty leather surrounding my X-Pro 1.
Powering up, the aperture ring clicked into its normal stop.
With camera rotated my eye became fixed to the viewfinder.
A short wait and the wave behaved the way I had envisioned.
Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. Stitched in Photoshop.
THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
The imaging industry in Australia is on the decline restructure. Gone are the boom times of rocketing camera sales and profitability. Times are tough for most retailers and this has been reflected in a number of job losses across the wholesale imaging industry.
Today I found out Olympus made 9 positions redundant across Australia. To my knowledge most of the redundancies happened over in the east coast of Australia with no job losses in the State of Western Australia. The positions made redundant varied from business managers, administration and a position within the accounts department.
Recently I saw a similar situation happened with Sony Australia where service technicians and account managers (to name a few) were also given their pink slips .
But it’s not all bad news for Olympus. Industry figures (recently released) showed the Olympus OM-D held a whopping 43% of market share for Digital SLR cameras in the month of December 2013. Historically Olympus have been very strong in their compact range but over the last couple of years sales figures have been in a downward spiral. I’m sure this would have played a part in the redundancies as the rise of smart phones has clearly dominated this category. However saying this the OM-D is certainly making up for the lack of sales in compacts. To this day I have never seen a camera sell as well – so I think Canon and Nikon should take a leaf out of Olympus’s book to see what they are doing right!
On top of the OM-D’s success its rumoured Olympus will be releasing an updated Digital SLR to replace their flagship E-5 camera . I can confirm Olympus’s marketing department is heading on a plane to Japan for ‘meetings’ this week, where I’m sure this rumoured camera will be discussed and revealed. So stay tuned.
For those who are reading this who have been made redundant I certainly know what it is like. Over one year ago I found myself in the same situation. My role as an Area Business Manager for Fujifilm Australia was no longer required as the company was transitioning itself into more streamlined practices. Online services seemed to be the way of the future and since November 3rd 2011 (the day I was made redundant *on my birthday*) Fujifilm Australia is believed to have made a total of nearly 50 redundancies (unconfirmed). As I have been in the industry for some time this was no surprise. Online accounting services and cloud computing have replaced the expensive employee and at the time of my redundancy my thoughts were reflected in Dave Marshall’s CEO statement to the press (via current.com) –
“By creating clever internet systems that incorporate such initiatives as sophisticated reordering websites, centralised systems, Facebook applications and virtual photo books, Fujifilm aims to provide innovative platforms that will offer new business opportunities for all of its customers.
“Fujifilm Australia has already proved very successful in developing and delivering cutting edge network solutions for its customers within the consumer imaging segment.
“Advanced plans are now underway within Fujifilm Australia to extend its network connectivity capabilities to the Graphic Systems and Medical Imaging Divisions.
“New business models that maximise this trend to ensure customers are at the forefront of new technology is a key focus for our business moving forward.
“In order to reinvent our processes and technology, this represents an opportunity to create a range of new specialist positions within Fujifilm Australia to drive a seamless transition for both consumers and customers.
“Unfortunately, as part of this process, it has also meant some changes to positions that have become redundant in the back office administration area due to technological advancements.
“There has also been a small number of positions that have been rationalised at the front end of the business to accommodate the specialist roles that are being created as part of the transition.
“Our goal is to strengthen Fujifilm’s position and ensure it is suitably equipped to balance current market demands with future business investment.
“Advancements in technology coupled with changes in consumer behaviour, has resulted in a significant transformation in the way businesses such as Fujifilm need to operate.”
So do I have any advice for employees who find themselves out of a job? Certainly! My advice – stay positive and hold no grudges. Look at it this way, being let go is possibly the best thing that could happen to you. It’s a new start, a new you. So don’t be complacent, use this time to reinvent yourself and do what you love. Start your own business or even become a consultant within your industry. For me I followed my love of social media and although I am still working a 9 to 5 I do plan on making this my gig in the distant future.
So based on Fujifilm, Olympus, Sony and Panasonic’s (2011) redundancies the big question looms….what about the big players like Nikon and Canon? When will they be cutting back?
Over the last couple of days I have been doing a bit of research on the subject and have found two hypotheticals which could lead to redundancies (please take my findings as speculation and rumour, not fact):
1) Canon Australia are advertising for a Salesforce Consultant.
I can see the move to Salesforce equating to job losses within Canon Australia in the next year. The reason I say this is because when I worked at Fujifilm I saw the same Salesforce rollout. It certainly is a powerful account management system and it does really replace the need to have extra account managers out in the field. Once the accounts are entered in the cloud they can be seen on any device from anywhere. Orders, leads, account history and delivery are all the vital information to an account manager. Salesforce easily combines a team of people reporting this information into a manageable feed which can be read by one person and acted upon. Need I say more?
2) The mirrorless camera situation for Canon and Nikon (Nikon especially) is serious.
Stock levels for the Nikon 1 J1 and Canon EOS M in their respective warehouses are said to be high. For Nikon this is quite alarming. The Nikon 1 J2 (announced August 9th 2012) and the anticipated Nikon V1 replacement (announced October 24th 2012) are simply premature for the market place. There is too much old stock (old models) sitting on retailers shelves. Something has got to give. Either the price has to be lowered and profits cut which in turn could affect jobs in the long-term.
Canon forecasters have anticipated their lack of sales by offering the slow-moving EOS M buyers a $150 cash back when they purchase their camera from an Australian retailer. I’m sure this will work in the short-term but it still early days. Over the next month you will see a huge marketing campaign from Canon to help their sell through across their range of products. I’m sure this is a one of their ways to cut their losses.
So in closing redundancies are never a nice thing. Unfortunately for industry they are a big part of life and for industry to evolve its a necessary thing. Over the next three years I can envision the imaging industry changing dramatically. The rise of connected smart phones and technology will certainly make the jobs within the imaging industry semi redundant if companies don’t act or embrace the technology.
I recently discussed the future of imaging over on F Stop Lounge which looks at some of the future technology and how it may play a part in the industry. No longer will industry be able to sit on their hands and wait for product to sell (fine example EOS M), employees and their associated marketing companies will have to be proactive in their marketing approach to reach a new audience that falls outside the traditional photographer. As the generations age and the technology evolves I see a new kind of photo being created and produced. One that will replace the photo industry and be more aligned with the Consumer Electronics Industry. I just hope that day doesn’t come too soon as I do like working in my industry…but hey we all have to live with change…good or bad.
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.
Iridescent clouds passed the reflective ocean tide. The lone paddle border waited with patience for the wave seemed a scarce occurrence. His gaze was fixed on the lonely horizon. The still ocean didn’t seem to want to break the glassy norm.
I could see his shoulders shrug with a sigh. Maybe it was a moment of relaxation or frustration, I’m not quite sure as he seemed to be somewhat transfixed in the moment.
Paddle ready the border balanced afloat the watery mass. From no where the glistening watery surface gained in height to form an elusive wave. A powerful strong standing stroke aligned the nose of the board to the beach. The paddler elevated gracefully with the energetic wave.
Awaiting the wave – the moment had arrived. The short thrill of a ride, a journey of freedom and escape.
THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
Have you ever sat in an amazement of a sunset in awe of its grandeur and beauty?
Yesterday I was fortunate to witness one of the world best sunsets at Cottesloe Beach located in Western Australia. I feel privileged to share this photograph with you and hope the best sunset in the world will bring some colour into your life. May you be inspired to create and share.
THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
The following is the press release about the two new cameras the Fujifilm X100s and Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X100s
Two years ago, FUJIFILM launched the prestigious X100 with a FUJINON 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens and superb image quality, in a beautifully designed compact camera body. Its unique style and international acclaim has carved out a niche for a new genre of Premium Compact Camera, designed in pursuit of optimum operability. Today, FUJIFILM is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X100S, the successor to the FUJIFILM X100, inheriting its elegant design and high-performance lens, whilst evolving further to meet customers’ demands with the introduction of a higher-definition Hybrid Viewfinder and a new sensor and processor.
The X100S has the ability to capture high resolution images, comparable to those taken on full-frame sensors. This is down to a combination of its newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II, which together increase resolution by approx. 25% (*2) and reduce noise by more than 30% (*3). Clear images with minimal graininess, even at high ISO settings, can also be produced, thanks to the removal of the optical low pass filter and the introduction of a more powerful processor.
The newly-developed X-Trans CMOS II sensor has built-in Phase Detection pixels which provide the X100S with the world’s fastest AF in as little as 0.08 seconds (*1). Additionally, the EXR Processor II offers very speedy response times with a start-up time of approx. 0.5 seconds (*4), and a shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. Plus with its shutter time lag of only 0.01 seconds, it allows you to react quickly and capture each precise moment you want to with no missed photo opportunities.
Also new to the FUJIFILM X100S is the world’s first (*5) “Digital Split Image” feature, which displays dual images on the left and right to be lined up for manual focusing. This enables accurate focusing especially when working with an open aperture or macro shooting. What’s more there is a handy Focus Peak Highlight function, which shows you precisely which area of your composition is in focus.
Depending on the subject and scene, users can switch between two viewfinder options: optical or electronic. The Optical Viewfinder (OVF) is useful when users want to see their subject in the same bright clarity that they see with the naked eye, or when time lag is an issue. The high resolution 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) is useful when you want to be able to visually check focus, exposure, white balance and depth of field whilst composing the shot.
Main Features
(1) Sensor performance comparable to full-frame output
The X100S features FUJIFILM’s newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor with a unique, highly randomised, colour filter arrangement. The benefit of the new array is the elimination of the need for an optical low-pass filter; these are used in conventional sensors to reduce false colour and moiré effects but they also reduce image resolution. The removal of the optical low-pass filter allows the X-Trans CMOS II sensor to maximise the light it receives directly, enabling users to capture much finer detail and optimise resolution levels.
The new Fujifilm X20 camera will be arriving shortly at CES.
The newly designed camera seems to be about the same size as the original Fujifilm X10 and now has a choice of black or silver.
In my opinion the silver model looks the better colour choice as I think it represents the retro look better than the black.
I have been shooting with the Fujifilm X-100, Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and occasionally with the Fujifilm X10 and found the image results from all three cameras have been very satisfying.
There was some debate in the earlier firmware versions of the Fujifilm X10 camera about the sensor producing orb like rings around bright lights. I’m sure this ‘problem’ will have been resolved in the new X20.
Aesthetically I don’t really see much difference between the X10 and X20 however internally the new camera is rumoured to have phase detection pixels and contrast detection to aid a superior focus system. Something Fujifilm fans have asked for in previous versions.
Fujifilm will also be releasing an updated version of the high successful X100 called the Fujifilm X100s. I imagine many of the menu features found on the X-Pro 1 will migrate to the new X20 and X100s.
You can read my full thoughts on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 here.
I have just launched a brand new photography community called Google+ Photographers Community which can be found over on Google+.
Google has only yesterday released a new platform called communities which combines the best of Google+, YouTube, Google Groups and Google Events all in the one place. A community is ideally based on a subject, within the subject users are able to post their content directly to a sub-category.
Since the launch there has been many communities formed however I did notice that there was no place which combined the things in photography that interested me. So I decided to create the Google+ Photographers Community (GPC).
Within GPC I have created the following categories:
No Category – For any unassigned category content
General Discussion – No pictures are posted here. This category is simply about every day photography.
I AM…. – Is a place where new users can introduce themselves to the rest of the community.
Announcements – Any new product announcements.
Rumours – Gear Rumours
Android Devices – Community members post photos and content related to Android Devices.
Apple Devices – Community members post photos and content related to Apple Devices.
Canon – Community members post photos and content related to Canon gear.
Casio – Community members post photos and content related to Casio gear.
Fujifilm – Community members post photos and content related to Fujifilm gear.
GoPro – Community members post photos and content related to GoPro gear.
Kodak – Community members post photos and content related to Kodak gear.
Leica – Community members post photos and content related to Leica gear.
Nikon – Community members post photos and content related to Nikon gear.
Olympus – Community members post photos and content related to Olympus gear.
Panasonic – Community members post photos and content related to Panasonic gear.
Pentax Ricoh – Community members post photos and content related to Pentax or Ricoh gear.
Samsung – Community members post photos and content related to Samsung gear.
Sigma – Community members post photos and content related to Sigma gear.
Sony – Community members post photos and content related to Sony gear.
Events – +Leigh Diprose will run a weekly photo competition based on a photographic theme. Participants will be able to share their photos directly to the themed Event.
My future plan is to entangle my blog and Google community together with future events and google hangouts posted weekly to my YouTube channel and here on the blog.
The hangouts will talk about the latest in photographic gear as well as review some of the latest product. I can’t wait to see where this leads. In the first few hours almost 200 people have joined the community and the engagement between the users has been fantastic. ***Update*** 359 Members!
If you have any questions on the new community please let me know in the comments.
Until Next Time – Happy Shooting
Just a quick update.
I have been busy over the last few days photographing some amazing sunsets with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1. I have also been given the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC II Lens (Canon Mount) to test out.
Today I captured some storm photos with the Tamron lens and in the next few weeks you should see a review on the blog.
Fujifilm are also sending me the Fujifilm X-E1 with 18-55mm to test out. I expect to see the camera in the next few weeks so stay tuned to the blog by subscribing.
Until Then – Hapoy Sooting!
Interesting fact: I have unboxed approximately 4000+ new cameras since I started in the imaging industry. The next camera unboxing is going to be the best! I will be unboxing the new Fujifilm X-E1. Video coming as soon as the camera arrives in Australia. Can’t wait!
One of my first stops on my recent holiday was at the Albany Entertainment Centre. When I arrived in Albany I sent a message out on Facebook to see if anyone was keen to join me for a night photography shoot at Middleton Beach.
Local photographer Tina Bartley jumped at the idea. I have quite a bit of respect for this amazing lady. Tina is an amazing photographer with a keen eye for detail and composition. I have known Tina for some time as we meet on one of my courses I ran with Andrew Halsall while I lived in Albany (a few years back).
Thanks Tina for coming along and driving me around that night! I look forward to seeing many more of your fabulous images. Here is one of mine images from the night taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
Until next time – Happy Shooting
After working on weddings all of yesterday and this morning I decided to post another photo from my recent holiday.
The light in the South West of Western Australia is magnificent to photograph especially when the light warms the side of the hill as cool clouds roll by.
Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 near Bridgetown, Western Australia.
Until next time – Happy Shooting.
Having a quick break from editing weddings right now so I decided to download some of the images I took on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 at the Perth Royal Show last Thursday night.
This was the first time I went to the show grounds to take photos and I must say it was certainly worth it. I had so much fun!
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
POST UPDATED WITH NEW SPECIFICATIONS (SEE **UPDATED**) – 6TH SEPTEMBER 2012
Fujifilm are always pushing the boundaries when it comes to extreme developments within the imaging industry. Over the past decade Fujifilm released a number of exciting developments within professional photography arena.
The incredible Fujifilm S3 is still a camera that brings back great memories for professional wedding and studio photographers. I believe we are seeing another revolution in imaging with the ever-increasing family of X-Series cameras.
The recent X-100 camera has been highly successful for the iconic brand due to the manual design and impressive image quality. The X-100 camera has been out now for almost two years (announced 19th September 2010) so it really is no surprise that Fujifilm will be continuing the X-Series legacy with a new line of X series cameras. The X-E1 is one of those cameras soon to be announced by Fujifilm.
I have had a look at what the Fujifilm X-E1 may offer and I can speculate the following specifications.
Pictured below is Japanese made X-E1 which boasts the new XF 18-55mm lens with Super EBC coating.
14 Megapixels **UPDATED** 16 Megapixels
APS-C size sensor
Electronic Viewfinder – 460,000 Screen Dots **AMENDED** ** This should be screen resolution **
3.0″ LCD Screen
Diopter adjustment
Full HD Movie Recording
Electronic hot shoe to suit the Fujifilm EF-X20, EF42 and EF20 flash units.
Screw in shutter release for long exposures
7 White Balance Presets
RAW file format
Autofocus Modes – Contrast Detect (sensor), Centre, Continuous, Live View, Multi area and Single
HDMI output
USB 2.0
Exposure Compensation Dial +2, +1, 0, -1, -2
ISO Control Auto, 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) **UPDATED** (expandable to 25600)
Film Simulation Mode
Built in pop up flash (I would imagine this would be rated to 7-12 metres)
XF Lens Mount
AF/AE Lock
Still, Continuous and Manual Autofocus Modes
Bulb Shutter
3.0″ LCD Screen **UPDATED** (2.8″ LCD Screen)
SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
NP-95 battery or NP-50 (Battery Life around 250 – 270 photos) **UPDATED** (Battery NP-W126 – Battery Life around 350 photos)
Level Assist and guide lines as a display mode
Customizable Function Button
Quick Mode – Where the user will be able to change the majority of camera settings without accessing the menu system.
AF Selection Mode
Silver or Black design
I would imagine the camera would be nice to hold as it looks to be a similar size to Fujifilm X-100. However the camera does look a bit smaller than the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
The XF lens pin configuration system on the X-E1 is the same on the X-Pro 1 – hence my conclusion for the 6 different focus modes.
I’m sure this camera will be affordable for the pro-enthusiast. I can imagine the price to be around AU$1499.00 including the XF 18-55mm lens (AU$999 Body only?) . This of course is purely speculation as the camera hasn’t been officially announced by Fujifilm. If you want to read more about the X-Series camera system be sure to check out my review on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
My photographic story continues in an article written by Maximilian Majewski titled – “The Meaning of Free.”
Be sure to visit the article to find out what my big photographic plans are for next year.
I don’t want to say too much here as everything is said in the article. So go on have a read here.
If you have any comments be sure to join the conversation where the article was posted.
Until next time – Happy Shooting :)
This review is based solely on my own opinion about the camera. I have been using the X-Pro 1 since the beginning of May and have seen some amazing results.
All my photographs were taken as a RAW file and edited in some way using Adobe Lightroom 3/4 or Adobe Photoshop CS5.
I have spread my thoughts on this camera across different aspects that are important to me. If you are after a detailed spec review then this is not the site for you. This review is based on a user experience the highs and the lows….so lets get started!
To celebrate the camera’s ability to shoot in low light I put this video together. Enjoy.
Fujifilm have managed to design the X-Pro 1 with style, class and quality. The full metal body speaks highly of the cameras design. The X-Pro 1 fits like a glove. The sleek stylish curved body accentuates and oozes quality. Many say a poor man Leica? I say touch of class.
However there are a few things that I don’t like so much about the camera. I’ll get into those later on.
I have found the bold black magnesium alloy shapes aesthetically pleasing. The designer in my has ignited. I simply wanted to get my hands on one. Two months later and I am thankful I have one.
Having a history with professional DSLR cameras the physical size of the camera and lens combinations have been a pleasure to hold. Most compact pro cameras out there have simply been too small. The Olympus OM-D EM5, Nikon V1, Sony Nex 7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 have all been in my hands before, all of which have lost their appeal due to their compact size (the closest thing to comfort out of these cameras would have to be the Olympus OMD with the grip on). Don’t get me wrong the other cameras out there take a great photo – what I am trying to say is coming from a Pro DSLR background, the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 simply feels better in my hands.
I think the Japanese do things well. For a camera to be in my kit it must be made in Japan or Germany. Quality is Japan and German – period. Luckily the X-Pro 1 was forged in Japan otherwise I wouldn’t even touch it!
All the buttons are ergonomically designed to fit the users hand. One of the main features I like about the design was the placement of the viewfinder. Too many cameras have the viewfinder in the middle. When you press your eye up against the viewfinder your nose becomes jammed up against the LCD which eventually smears the screen The X-Pro 1 has fixed that problem by moving the viewfinder to the side of the camera.
DIALS
The dials on the camera also reflect Fujifilm’s attention to detail. As you turn the on/off switch, the shutter speed dial or the exposure compensation dial you can be assured of the change as each movement is confirmed with a solid “click” as the dial moves into place. I have read a few reviews in my time and played with many cameras. One big issue for Fujifilm on the earlier X100 was the mode dial would move if you bumped it. This hasn’t been a problem on the X-Pro 1 as Fujifilm have added a much-needed lock on the shutter speed dial.
Coming from a Canon background I found when looking through the viewfinder navigating the button and dial configuration seemed second nature. When reviewing images on the 3 inch screen or through the 1,230,000 dot electronic viewfinder the colour and detail was very close to what I saw through my own eyes.
Hybrid viewfinder. Now there’s an idea. I found myself using this feature all to often. I’ll give you an example. I was photographing some stars on a moonless night near Pemberton, Western Australia. I travelled there only to find there was no bright light source to set my focus on. I had two cameras with me the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and the Fujifilm X-Pro 1. After setting both up on tripods I attempted to gain focus on the Canon. Using only the optical viewfinder I set the focus point to the center point and half pressed the shutter button. The Canon 17-40mm f4 L lens whirred and hunted back and forth trying its best to focus on the brightest star in the sky. After five minutes of trying I had no luck. I’m sure if the Canon could talk it was saying “I think I can…I think I can…” My eyes were too bad to attempt to manually focus so the camera was useless on this occasion. The Fujifilm X-Pro had its chance.
I set the hybrid viewfinder to the electronic viewfinder. WOW! I was blown away. Not only could the camera focus in almost pitch black it was like I was looking through a window into clear daylight. The electronic viewfinder boasted amazing quality and only took less than a second to gain autofocus! To this day I am still amazed a camera can perform better than how I see in low light. Fujifilm clearly got something right!
X-PRO 1 – 18mm – ISO 400 – f2 – 30 secs
The camera’s menu took a bit of getting use to. Although after the first week I seem to have mastered it.
Conveniently placed the menu button sits nestled in-between the selector keys. Once pressed the shooting menu tab is the first out of eight tabs to be displayed – five of which are camera settings and the remaining are playback settings.
Previously on the Fujifilm X100 menu you had to fight your way through various functions to get to the next page of settings. The main menu on the X-Pro 1 has been laid out with some thought – thanks Fujifilm for listening! The X-Pro 1 menu allows you to bypass all the unwanted settings by selecting a tab on the left hand side. Navigating your way around the menu is simple. The selector keys scroll up, down, left and right while the command dial controls the function of the mode you have selected.
For changing settings on the fly the X-Pro 1 features a Q (Quick) button. 15 of the most common settings appear as symbols on the back LCD allowing you to bypass the main menu. I was able to control what settings appeared on the Quick menu as the camera allowed 7 different custom screens. Each custom screen allowed me to save my favourite camera settings to the quick menu. For example I set a custom quick menu for low light shooting which centred around ISO and bracketing controls; the other custom menu was set for landscape photography where I pre-saved my film simulation mode to Velvia.
I think without the Quick mode Fujifilm would have made a huge mistake. This button was designed to keep the user out of the menu so they could spend more time shooting and it certainly worked for me!
Check out the video from the Fuji Guys on how the new menu works.
ISO can be set to the following:
L (100), 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400
Auto (400), Auto (800), Auto (1600), Auto (3200)….ok now that’s over….. I tended to use ISO 400 right through to ISO 2500.
The camera has really challenged me with my photography. I am so used to carrying my clunky tripod or flash to capture the dimly lit scenes in life. With the X-Pro 1 I didn’t have to worry about all the other photographic paraphernalia. I was able to go anywhere and photograph anything.
Setting the ISO control to 3200 my head was telling me ARRRGHHHH what are you doing???? I wanted to explore the camera…I mean if Fujifilm were going to put a setting on the camera it had to be good right? I had to test it – sort of like when you have to test if the paint is dry just after painting…I got that feeling! The question was at ISO 3200 was there going to be noise?
Really ISO 3200?
BOOM!
No noise.
The shutter had been pressed when shooting some low light urban scenes in Melbourne and Fremantle and look no noise! Crazy!
This would definitely be one of the very best features on the camera. High ISO with no noise. What more could I want?
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 2500 – 35mm – f1.4 – 1/170sec – Split Toning in Adobe Lightroom 4.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 18mm – ISO 200 – f10 – 5 secs
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 18mm – ISO 200 – f10 – 30 sec
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 18mm – ISO 200 – f2 – 1/4 sec
HD Video on the X-Pro 1 is a feature I am still dabbling in. However if you want to see what the quality is like at 720p I found this video showcasing the video quality. Remember to change the YouTube video setting to 720P HD for better viewing quality.
This sort of setting is not new for me. I have used this setting mainly on compact Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon and Sony cameras. The first series of cameras to bring this feature out were …how do I put it….crap.
The X-Pro 1 must have majored in sweep panoramas at production school! When it comes to sweeping the X-Pro 1 knows! The quality of the stitch is seamless if done correctly.
I pushed the camera to the limits by acting as a drunk and even portraying the smoker withdrawal shake. The pictures weren’t pretty….lets just say I found the limit. This mode is definitely not for the drunks. To be expected there were some problems with stitching due the rapid hand shake. My advice would be to use a tripod or monopod if you like your drink or smokes and suffer from withdrawals…this camera setting isn’t for you….but for everyone else all you need is a steady hand and you will be fine. This is the result in a high contrast scene. The outdoor light was pouring in and I don’t think I could have photographed this almost 180 degree view without the use of the sweep panorama mode.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 1000 – f8 – 1/60 sec – Sweep Panorama Mode
Power consumption was probably one of my only dislikes on the camera (maybe because I used it so much!)
The CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association) standard is said to be 300 images from one charged battery. CIPA test under strict conditions. Each camera is turned on, the shutter button is pressed once taking a photo and the camera is then turned off. The process is repeated until the camera won’t turn on again. Fujifilm reached 300 cycles.
Fujifilm amped up the power from the previous X100’s NP-95 battery to the new Fujifilm NP-W126 battery. I would definitely recommend a spare as I found myself running out of power too often. The battery drain can really be likened to a car. Performance vehicles use a lot of fuel so really you should expect the X-Pro 1 to use a lot of battery.
The XF lens system has produced some amazing results. No detail was spared when designing these lenses. The tow lenes I have been using are the Fujifilm XF 18mm F2 R and the Fujifilm XF 35mm f1.4 R. My favorite out of the two would have to be the 35mm as it gives a true representation to what I see. Recently Fujifilm announced the XF 14mm f2.8, 18-55mm f2.8-4, 56mm f1.4, 27mm f2.8, 55-200mm f3.5-f4.8 and the new 10-24 f4.
I just wish I had the 10-24mm as it would provide a nice wide-angle for shooting my landscapes. Currently I am stitching all my photographs which is quite time-consuming.
Pictured below is the road map of Fujifilm XF lenses which will be released shortly.
Overall I think when it comes to reviewing a camera the image detail is one of the most important things. I won’t write too much more on this subject as the Jpeg images taken on the APS-C sized senor will show you . Take a look.
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 400 – f8 – 1/3000 sec
100% Crop
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 1000 – f2 – 1/300 sec
100% Crop
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 400 – f8 – 1/200 sec
100% Crop
Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 400 – f8 – 1/4000 sec
100% Crop
THUMBS UP:
Full sized compact pro – fitted perfectly in my hands
High ISO with extremely low noise. I was able to shoot ISO 3200 with no problems at all.
Quick Menu allowed me to bypass the main menu for ease of operation
Hybrid Viewfinder worked well in low light situations.
Horizon tool on the rear LCD allowed me to get all my landscapes straight!
Magnesium alloy body meant I could take the camera anywhere without any problem.
XF lenses – clean, sharp and crisp – especially the 35mm f1.4
Amazing detail due to the removal of the low pass filter
Camera strap – the underside of the strap was rubberized and provided good grip. Never slid off my shoulder!
THUMBS DOWN:
Battery life – didn’t seem to last two days of shooting.
Diopter adjustment lens seemed to want to unscrew itself from the camera. I found it in my camera bag on one occasion.
Slow start-up time (compared with a Pro DSLR)
Overall I can recommend this camera to the keen enthusiast or professional photographer. The camera is light and perfect as a stand alone or second body. Shooting in low light stacks up against some of the bigger players like the Canon 5D MKIII and Nikon D800. I think the removal of the low pass filter to mimic film has paid off. Fujifilm have really developed a ground breaking camera adding to the overall success of the X series camera lineup. I look forward to seeing what other photographic boundaries can be pushed by Fujifilm in the coming year and I’m sure the X-Pro 1 will be just one of many X series cameras to wow the photographic world.
Until next time – Happy Shooting!
I wanted to see what the Full HD video would be like on the Fujifilm X Pro 1 so I headed for the sand dunes…..
CAUTION: This video may put you to sleep ;)
The final photos photographed with the Fujifilm X Pro 1 can be seen below.
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f1.6 – 1/3800 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f8 – 1/550 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f8 – 1/1100 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f16 – 1/640 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f8 – 1/400 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f9 – 1/450 sec
Fujifilm X Pro 1 – ISO 200 – 35mm – f16 – 1/350 sec
Hey All,
I’ve been lucky enough to be given a Fuji X-Pro1 by Leigh Diprose for the last few days to give it a road test and see what I can do with it. I was heading away for the weekend already, so I took the X-Pro1 on a bit of a road trip around the south of Western Australia. My very initial impressions of the Fuji X-Pro1 is that it has an exceptional build quality, the camera is quite nice to hold even with my large hands, many of the smaller cameras seem to get lost in my hands. The controls are all fairly intuitive and very accessible, with in minutes of picking it up I was able to use most of the functions I would normally use on my dSLR.
First stop was about 3 hours drive out of Perth, I’m a sucker for clear night skies, we are lucky enough to have very little light pollution here in the west. I decided to give the Fuji a go at some star photography, normally I’d photograph this with my dSLR as it has quite good high-ISO performance.
Milky Way – Fuji X-Pro1
This image was photographed at ISO1600, f2.8 and a 30 second exposure. The camera was in single shot mode and this is a RAW image with minimal processing. Within the first 3 images I was incredibly impressed by the high ISO performance, there isn’t a huge amount of noise in this image and the clarity in the RAW image is exceptional. The straight jpeg was very similar to this RAW file that I’ve just added some sharpening to.
Dawn – Fuji X-Pro1
ISO1600, f2.0, 1/4000. This is a straight jpeg out of the camera with no adjustments, I’ve just resized it and added my signature. The noise levels are very acceptable, I’d have no issues printing this image fairly large. I’m very impressed with the dynamic range of the sensor too.
One of the more interesting modes I found for shooting was the automatic panoramic mode, you set the camera at your start point, press the shutter and sweep the camera from left to right, it then takes a series of images and stitches them together.
Fuji X-Pro1 – Panoramic mode
This is a slightly adjusted panoramic image, photographed with the Fuji X-Pro1 in panoramic mode. f4.0, ISO400, 1/220 the final full sized image is 5120 x 1440 px, so definitely a printable size.
Salt Lake – Fuji X-Pro1
This was photographed at: f8, 1/1500 and ISO800. I’ve done some processing in Adobe Camera RAW, the files are very flexible and retain a lot of detail.
Secluded Beach – Fuji X-Pro1
A RAW image with some minor tweaks in Camera RAW.
Overall I’m very impressed with the camera, I think it would make the perfect travel camera for someone who is accustomed to having professional level gear with them, but doesn’t want to have to carry it all over the world! This camera is definitely aimed at the enthusiast / semi-pro photographer, it has more than enough manual functions to keep any photographer happy, while retaining enough automatic modes to make it easy enough for the beginner to use. The files it’s 16mp sensor produces are very clean and very ready to print!
I have the camera for a few more days so I’m going to be trying out a few more seascape type images and a few other subjects. I’m definitely going to look into getting one, I’d really like to take one with me to Cambodia in September, I think it would be the ideal camera for the photo-journalist / documentary and street photographer.
Regards
Paul Pichugin
Fujifilm has announced today there will be some exciting new lenses coming later this year and next year. The XF 14mm f2.8, 18-55mm f2.8-4, 56mm f1.4, 27mm f2.8, 55-200mm f3.5-f4.8 and the new 10-24 f4 will all be added to expand the Fujifilm’s XF family.
I think the lens I am looking forward to the most will be the XF 10-24mm f4. Using this lens will mean less time consuming photo stitching for my landscape photography. I’m sure many other X series photographers will agree with me this will be the most popular lens.
Tonight I will be posting a panoramic stitching speed video using Photoshop on my latest landscape photo taken with the Fujifilm X Pro 1. Stay tuned.
Below is the road map of future XF lens release dates.
Until next time.
Happy Shooting.
Last weekend I stopped into Mel and Shawn’s studio in Geraldton, Western Australia to lend a hand and test out the Fujifilm X Pro 1.
I was amazed at the depth of field the camera provided. I wanted to capture the depth in her beautiful eyes. The settings I used:
ISO 800 (to add texture to her hair) – 35mm – f2 – 1/120 sec.
What do you think? Do you think Jess’s eyes stand out?
I will be unboxing the new Fujifilm X-Pro 1 LIVE on a google+ hangout on Saturday night at 8pm (UTC/GMT Offset +8) !!!!! Come and join me
You will now be able to watch this hangout LIVE around the world directly on my YouTube Channel. I will share the link during the hangout via my various social networks.
Look forward to sharing this awesome camera with you all!
Paul Pichugin was with me when I took this image last Sunday.
You can just make out the Albany Windfarm in the distance on top of the high cliff. My camera, lens and Lee filters got hammered with salt spray….”If only I had a smaller camera body with built in filters, prime lenses and an awesome weather proof/dust proof body and lens” hehehe…..I’ll keep you guessing on that one……not long now…..watch this space!
Later on I will post an image of me taking this photo (an image that Paul took shooting with our combined Canon 800mm!)
Hi All,
I would like to inform you all as of today, 3rd November 2011 (my birthday) my position at Fujifilm as Area Business Manager WA has been made redundant. The decision was made in light of the company’s decision to restructure operations. Stuart McCracken (Area Business Manager WA southern region) has also been made redundant and will finish today.
Given this opportunity I would like to thank each and every one of you for the friendship and business relationships that have developed and grown since I started at Fujifilm. I have known many of you from previous positions in the industry and would sincerely like to thank everyone who has got me to this point in my career.
If you would like to keep in touch with what I am up to in the coming months you can always check out my blog: http://www.leighdiprosephotography.wordpress.com
Drop me a line if you want to give me a job!
I encourage you all to follow your passion, no matter what it is.
Thanks again and all the best for the future.
Regards
Former:
Leigh Diprose
Area Business Manager
FUJIFILM Australia Pty Ltd
14 Kenhelm Street
Balcatta WA 6021
Australia
Phone: 61 8 6241 0600
Fax: 61 8 6241 0699
Email: leigh.diprose@fujifilm.com.au
Current:
Leigh Diprose
Leigh Diprose Photography
0408 957 090
Web: http://www.leighdiprosephotography.com
Blog: http://www.leighdiprosephotography.wordpress.com
Email: leighdiprosephotography@yahoo.com.au
Coming soon:
http://www.cameraed.com
http://www.bridesperth.com
Fujifilm yesterday released a new firmware update (Version 1.10) for the Finepix X100. If you have one of these brilliant cameras make sure you head to the global website and update your camera.
http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/finepix_x100/fupd.html
• Detail of the update
The firmware update Ver.1.10 incorporates the following issues.
The contents of the owner’s manual will be partly changed along with this update.
Please check them in detail.
1. The following functions can be rocked during shooting by holding down [MENU / OK] button over 3 sec.
DRIVE / Flash / White balance / Macro (set on the Command Dial – 4 direction key)
2. “CORRECTED AF FRAME” menu is added in “SET-UP” menu (the last line on menu page 6) to display additional AF frame (corrected AF frame for reducing parallax) which can be effectively used for macro shots. (Factory default value is set to “OFF”)
3. Adjustment in1/3 step increment for shutter speed or aperture setting is enabled in Shutter-Priority AE and Aperture-Priority AE mode, on top of those in Manual Exposure mode.
Shutter-Priority AE : Adjustment is controlled by rotating the command dial
Aperture-Priority AE : Adjustment is controlled by moving left / right on the command control lever
4. In the post-view mode (display after shooting), focused area is magnified in the LCD (EVF) display when the command control lever is pressed.
Cf. “IMAGE DISP.” Setting must be set to “CONTINUOUS”,
5. Setting of the role for “Fn” button is enabled by holding down “Fn” button over 3 sec.
6. Actual ISO sensitivity for shooting is displayed just after pressing shutter button halfway, when “ISO AUTO CONTROLL” is set to ON.
7. When “eye sensor” is activated by pressing “VIEW MODE” button, “EYE SENSOR” is displayed on EVF / OVF or LCD just a while to notice the status.
8. Macro mode ISO sensitivity, Drive mode, Dynamic range, Self-timer mode, flash mode is maintained even if shutter speed setting or aperture setting is changed. Also, even after changing viewing mode into shooting mode or turning of the camera, these values are maintained.
9. The size of focus frame set through viewing EVF / LCD is maintained even after changing display mode between OVF and EVF (LCD).
10. When “SHUTTER SOUND” is chosen, each shutter sound is performed in each menu setting.
11. In viewing mode, the last viewed shot is maintained as even after changing into shooting mode.
Cf. After another image is shot after viewing former image, memory of viewing the image is cancelled and the last shot is displayed as the latest image.
12. When the aspect ration of the image size is set to 16:9, the line of bright frame line on OVF is displayed with aspect ratio 16:9.
13. Viewing mode with Photo Information on EVF / LCD is maintained even if another image is shot. On top of this issue, deleting picture directly is enabled even in viewing with Photo information by pressing the command dial up, or MENU operation is also enabled.
14. Occasionally, preview image on EVF / LCD after pressing the shutter halfway might be darker than live view, according to aperture setting or brightness of shooting target. This phenomenon is improved.
15. When “DISP. CUSTOM SETTING” is set to OVF or EVF / LCD, the setting value is maintained even after customizing the menu.
16. Even for only RAW data recording mode, “RED EYE REMOVAL” setting is selectable among ON or OFF.
17. In MF (manual focus) setting with OVF mode, OVF viewing is activated after pressing shutter half way, even if “FOCUS CHECK” (magnifying center of the image) is displayed in EVF by pressing the center of the command control lever.
18. Displaying period after pressing each command dial (Macro / Flash) is prolonged from 1.5 sec into 2.0 sec for confirming correctly.
20. For resuming from AUTO POWER OFF setting, the shutter release button was required to hold down halfway for a few second. For quicker operation, resuming is activated by just pressing the button.
21. Image quality captured by Velvia / ASTIA mode is improved on mainly shadow tone (dark area), when dynamic range is set to 200% or 400%.
22. When “OVF POWER SAVE MODE” is set to ON and “Fn” button is set to “MOVIE RECORDING”, the camera may be unstable occasionally. This phenomenon is improved.
23. Histogram display on OVF during exposure compensation is improved.
The firmware up date ver.1.01 incorporates the improvement against inadequate operation shown in the following.
1. If the images are shot with ISO Bracketing mode when “QUICK START MODE”(*1) is set to “ON” and turn off the camera,the camera cannot be turned on again even with ordinary operation.
*1 Menu of “QUICK START MODE” is set to “OFF” as factory default value.
Hopefully I’ll get the Danny approval on this one!
Six image stitch – handheld – shot on the Canon 85mm f1.2 from a hot air balloon.
I recently got to experience hot air ballooning for the first time in the magnificent Hunter Valley. I must say balloons are the perfect platform to take photos from. Early in the morning beams of light broke through the clouds hitting the ground creating a spectacular scenery that I will never forget.
Here is one of my many memories.
I would like to say a big thank you to all those enthusiasts and professionals who participated in the launch of the Fujifilm Finepix X100 last night. The Malt Supper Club in Perth Western Australia certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to catering for a crowd of hungry Fujifilm fans.
The two feature photographers Brad Rimmer and Christian Fletcher shared their own photographic experience of the Fujifilm x100 throughout the evening. I personally found their portfolio of work to be inspirational from the iconic ground breaking x100 camera. Both photographers have grown up in Western Australia and interestingly portray different styles of photography that compliment the X100.
If you haven’t checked out these great photographers – do it now!
Camera Electronic and Team Digital were given the opportunity to invite 100 people to this exclusive free launch. Over the coming week keep any eye out for video and stills from the evening. It was a rare occassion ( considering recent worldwide events) to see a total of 8 Fujifilm X100 cameras circulating in the hands of keen enthusiast and professional photographers.
So if you were there at the launch of the x100 let me know your thoughts by submitting a comment as any feedback is appreciated. It’s not often that we get to see something of this magnitude in Perth so let’s all get on board the x100 train!
Look what I got my hands on!
Can’t wait to show you all some images that I took last night.
See you all at the Fujifilm X100 launch tonight!
I was going to head to Karijini at the end of the month to join up with Christian Fletcher (our Fujifilm X100 ambassador) but instead I will be heading to Karratha and Port Hedland. The logistics are just too much for my head at the moment…not to mention the cost! I’m looking forward to getting some decent shots on the drive from Port Hedland to Karratha so stay tuned.
Also if anyone is interested in the X100 they should register their names with Camera Electronic or Team Digital because we (Fujifilm) have organised a launch night on the 6th April. Strict numbers will apply as well as a very smart dress code!
For more information check out the Camera Electronic or Team Digital’s blog sites! I’ll see you there – although I will be working with my Fujifilm cap on!
Until then.
Happy shooting!
These two images were taken last week and will be used as samples for the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 at the Fujifilm stand at PMA.
Not bad for a $649 camera!
Happy Shooting!
Leigh
LEIGH DIPROSE 