Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Reviews of photography products that enhance the enjoyment of taking pictures. Published frequently but irregularly.
Fujifilm Announces X-E2, XQ1 Cameras
18 October 2013
Fujifilm has announced two cameras which straddle the magical $500 to $1,000 price range in which most cameras are sold. The compact "XQ1's sensor size approximately doubles those in ordinary compact digital cameras." And the interchangeable lens X-E2 features the "latest APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor." Both cameras boast WiFi and very fast phase detect autofocus.
X-E2
At the $1,000 mark, the X-E2 updates the X-E1 with improved video options (drooping 24p for 30p to get to 60p too), a higher resolution LCD, WiFi, faster continuous shooting (up one to 7 frames per second) and a split image function for manual focusing. It also features a 16.3-Mp APS-C sized sensor and lens optimizations to correct blurring.
Fujifilm X-E2. Compact APS-C with interchangeable lenses.
The autofocus claim for the X-E1 (a bit slower than the XQ1) deserves a bit of scrutiny. As Thom Hogan explains:
Fujifilm apparently is taking over the Olympus mantra of "world's fastest" at 0.08 seconds, but note the footnote: with 14mm f/2.8 lens. In other words, using a wide angle lens that doesn't move the elements much when focusing.
Using a wide angle lens set at the hyperfocal distance is a trick of street photographers who don't have time to focus before snapping the shutter. A typical 35mm lens at f16 will be in focus from about 11 feet to infinity.
Split Image Focusing. Out of focus (left) and in focus.
The digital split image focus assist is a welcome idea. You adjust focus by lining up four stripes displayed in the center of the LCD, matching the left and right split images.
XQ1
At the $500 mark, the XQ1 uses a 1.2-Mp X-Trans sensor with a 25-100mm zoom (which ranges from f1.8 to f4.9). With a Fujifilm app on your smartphone or tablet, you can transfer images wireless from the XQ1.
Fujifilm XQ1. Note the convenient control ring.
A ring on the lens can change settings "from Advanced Filters to high level manual focusing, aperture and shutter speed," avoiding the menu system. A Function button on the back can be set to your favorite function as well.
Details in the press releases below.
AFFILIATE LINKS
Available for pre-order, our affiliate links are:
- Fujifilm X-E2 body only for $999 at Adorama or B&H
- Fujifilm X-E2 with 18-55mm kit lens only for $1,399 at Adorama or B&H
- Fujifilm XQ1 for $499 at Adorama or B&H
Fujifilm Announces The New Fujifilm X-E2 Interchangeable Lens Camera
Fujifilm Corp. (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the stylish Fujifilm X-E2, a premium interchangeable lens camera with the latest APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and world's fastest AF speed.
Main features of the Fujifilm X-E2
Building on the global success of the highly acclaimed Fujifilm X-E1 -- awarded 2013's Best Expert CSC by the Technical Image Press Association -- the X-E2 takes image quality to a dynamic new level that is comparable with full-frame cameras. It delivers even more beautiful color reproduction, higher definition image capture and that world's fastest AF speed of 0.08 seconds.
This is achieved by more than doubling the processing speed of the EXR Processor II. It is able to harness the information taken from over 100,000 phase detection pixels incorporated in the X-Trans CMOS II. The hybrid AF also combines phase detection AF and contrast AF to ensure accuracy when shooting low-contrast subjects and dark scenes.
The 16.3 million pixels APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS II Sensor incorporates an original color filter array. This eliminates the need for an optical low pass filter that typically minimizes moir but does so at the expense of resolution. Instead, the X-Trans CMOS II sensor can capture unfiltered light from the lens for an unprecedented level of image clarity.
Quality is further improved by the Lens Modulation Optimizer. Its high-precision processing of the various lens parameters, as well as data from the screen centre to the edges, corrects diffraction blur when shooting with a stopped down aperture and compensates for the slight blurring in the lens periphery. The result is edge-to-edge image quality with incredible sharpness. LMO will be compatible with every XF lens.
The X-E2's prestigious feel continues with the combination of aperture ring on the lens and shutter dial on the top of the body as seen in its predecessor. This allows full shooting control while keeping your eye to the viewfinder. The X-E2 is available in solid black or two-tone black and silver.
Fast and accurate focusing
Thanks to the X-E2's ultra-fast response you won't miss a photo opportunity. In addition to achieving a world's fastest AF, the X-E2 has a rapid startup time (0.5 seconds), virtually no shutter lag (0.05 seconds) and high-speed continuous shooting of 7.0 fps (up to approx. 28 frames).
Accurate and comfortable focusing comes courtesy of the hybrid AF. It combines a contrast AF that is strong in low light situations and a phase detection AF that provides high speed response and the camera automatically switches between the two AF modes. With the improvement of the detection algorithm, it's easier than ever to focus on difficult low contrast subjects and horizontal striped patterns. Focusing continues right up to the moment the shutter is pressed half way during continuous AF.
Better image quality
The X-Trans CMOS II sensor controls moir and false color generation by using an original color filter array with a highly randomized pixel arrangement. This removes the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter that degrades resolution. This is the same sensor as used in the highly acclaimed and award-winning Fujifilm X100S.
Image quality is further increased by the inclusion of the first Lens Modulation Optimizer for interchangeable lens cameras. The EXR Processor II image engine corrects even slight blur at the edges of the lens, as well as diffraction blur caused when narrowing the aperture. This advanced technology has been made possible by the integrated development of lens, sensor and processor and is based on the optical performance and characteristics of individual lenses. The camera is able to maximize the resolving and individual imaging power of each lens.
Ultimately, the sensor and engine combination achieves astonishing resolution, extends dynamic range and reduces noise at high sensitivity. Fujifilm takes great pride in the resulting rich color reproduction and beautiful gradation of tones.
Superb functionality
The X-E2 continues to use the combination of a manually adjusted aperture ring and a shutter speed dial on the top plate that was well received by X-E1 owners. It allows the user to shoot and operate the camera without needing to look away from the viewfinder. Exposure compensation has been increased to the scope of 3 EV. Every X-E2 owner can also customize up to 4 buttons on the top and back of the camera to suit their own shooting style.
Accurate and comfortable framing and focus checking is assured via the high resolution approx. 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder and Fujifilm's original optical design gives a distortion-free field of view. The premium clear LCD monitor size has been increased to 3.0" but the body is thinner. It has a high viewing angle and 1.04 million dot reinforced glass. The scratch-resistant surface reduces reflections and improves visibility, making it easier to check image quality.
Manual focus made easier
Manual focus has been made easier by the inclusion of Digital Split Image technology. This helps the user achieve pin-sharp focusing by simply adjusting focus to line up the four stripes displayed in the central part of the live view and match the left and right split images. Focus Peaking Highlight, the highlighting of the outline in high contrast areas of the subject during focusing, further assists the user achieve critically sharp shots.
Improved movie performance
The X-E2 shoots Full HD video (1920 1080) up to 60fps and the AF tracking performance in movie mode has been improved with good focusing speed, accuracy and smoothness. Quick focusing on the subject is possible in a variety of situations, such as when panning and zooming or when the subject moves closer to or further from the camera. Film simulation settings and exposure compensation ( 2 EV) can be used during movie recording. Also a high bitrate (36Mbps) has been enabled.
Wirelessly transfer your images
You can easily transfer images wirelessly from the X-E2 to your smartphone or tablet after installing the free Fujifilm Camera Application app. There are no troublesome ID and password settings; just press the WiFi button of the top of the camera and then add the images instantly to your blog or share them with friends on your social networking site. You can also use the X-E2's built-in WiFi to save your photos to your PC.
Creative modes
Choose your own image style with the Film Simulation Mode and recreate Fujifilm's unique film heritage. By selecting from one of 10 variations you can shoot your images how you want them. Velvia gives vivid colors, ASTIA shows faithful smooth tone reproduction, PROVIA offers a natural all-rounder, while the softer Pro Neg.Std and sharper Pro Neg.Hi are perfect for portraiture. Sepia film simulation is also possible while creative black & white photography can be enjoyed using three different filter effects. Film simulation bracketing is also handy for generating three film styles from one shot.
Multiple Exposure imaging is achieved by combining two shots in one frame. After taking the first image, you can display it in either the EVF or LCD monitor as reference for taking the second image. This ability helps users produce highly creative results. In addition, there are eight Advanced Filter options for extra creativity, including Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color.
Extra functions
Through the in-camera Raw development function, a Raw image can be converted to JPEG without a computer, while 14bit Raw capture enables Raw conversion with richer tonality. The built-in Super Intelligent Flash gives the right amount of light for the scene, while overexposure when using a flash for macro photography is also controlled, helping the user capture nature-looking images.
Handy accessories
Perfectly fitting the X-E2's compact and lightweight body, the BLC-XE1 is an authentic quality leather case. Including a separate cloth wrap for protection when storing the camera away. To further enhance the handling experience and performance you can add the HG-XE1 hand grip and one of three models of dedicated external flash.
Fujifilm X-E2 Key features list
- 16.3 million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
- Original color filter array to control moir and false color without an optical low pass filter
- EXR Processor II
- Fujifilm X Mount
- Lens Modulation Optimizer for improved image quality
- Extra high resolution 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- +-3 EV Exposure Compensation dial
- 3-inch (1.04 million dot) premium clear LCD (High contrast, High Brightness and Wide viewing angle)
- Built-in pop-up Flash (hot shoe attachment also available for external flash)
- ISO200 to 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600, Auto (maximum ISO setting from ISO 400 to ISO 6400 available)
- AF speed 0.08sec
- Q (quick) button to shooting menu settings
- In-camera Raw converter
- Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Monochrome, Sepia, Pro Neg.Std & Pro Neg.Hi)
- Artistic features inc. Multiple exposure, Panoramic shooting and eight filter effects
- Selection of Bracketing functions (AE/ISO/Dynamic Range & Film Simulation)
- Full HD Movie
- Microphone/shutter release input ( 2.5mm)
- Approx. 350 shots per battery charge
Fujifilm X-E2 accessories list
- Dedicated all-leather case BLC-XE1
- Compatible with all Fujinon X Mount lenses
- M Mount Adapter for additional lens compatibility
- Hand Grip HG-XE1
- Three dedicated flash models to choose from depending on requirements (EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42)
- Protector filters (PRF-39, PRF-52, PRF-58 and PRF-62)
- Remote release RR-90
Fujifilm Announces The New Fujifilm XQ1 Premium Compact Camera
Fujifilm Corp. (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the Fujifilm XQ1, bringing x Series quality in its smallest size yet.
The pocket-sized XQ1 features a newly developed f1.8 4 zoom lens and the same type of 2/3" X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II as used in the highly regarded Fujifilm X20.
This means the XQ1's sensor size approximately doubles those in ordinary compact digital cameras and is able to deliver the world's fastest AF speed at 0.06 seconds.
It may be ultra-small (at just 100mm 58.5mm 33.3mm it is one of the most pocketable advanced cameras around) -- but there is no compromise on performance or image quality. Its elegant design and classy finish really makes the XQ1 stand out. It is available in a stylish Black or Silver bringing an essential stamp of luxury, making it the perfect premium compact for discerning users.
X Series image quality
The 2/3" X-Trans CMOS II 12 million pixels sensor controls moir and false color generation without need for an optical low pass filter. The EXR Processor II also more than doubles the previous processing speed so noise is controlled and image clarity maintained, meaning greens, blues and skin tones are all beautifully reproduced. Sensitivity ranges from ISO100 to ISO12800 so you can take natural and clear images even in low light.
The newly developed f1.8 4x zoom (25-100mm) is constructed with 4 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion lenses, with all lens surfaces covered in Fujinon original HT-EBC coating to reduce flare and ghosting. The bright f1.8 aperture gives the background a natural bokeh effect for a beautiful contrast with the main subject.
Image quality is further enhanced by the Lens Modulation Optimizer. It corrects slight blurring and diffractions caused when the lens aperture is narrowed. This maximizes the resolving power of the lens for edge-to-edge image clarity. 3.0 stop Optical image stabilization is extremely useful when using the camera in low light condition.
Speedy and responsive focusing
With its responsive focusing and quick start-up time, the XQ1 won't let you down when you need to capture a fleeting moment. It boasts that world's fastest AF of 0.06 seconds and a shooting interval of 0.3 seconds until the next frame can be taken while shutter lag is just 0.015 seconds.
Stunning good looks
A quality performance is matched by the XQ1's luxury looks and first class handling. Settings from Advanced Filters to high level manual focusing, aperture and shutter speed can all be changed by turning the machined aluminum high texture control ring fitted around the lens. This avoids the need to go into the menu. Plus, it's easy to access your own preferred functions too, using the expansion function (E-Fn) button on the back of the camera.
Transfer images Wirelessly
You can easily transfer images wirelessly from the XQ1 to your smartphone or smart tablet after installing the free Fujifilm Camera Application app. There are no troublesome ID and password settings; just press the WiFi button of the camera and then add the images instantly to your blog or share them with friends on your social networking site. Users can set the XQ1 to read its location from smartphones and tablets enabling them to keep tags on where they took the photo.
Shoot comfortably in manual
The XQ1's 3.0" 920K-dot premium LCD makes viewing easy even in bright conditions thanks to the high contrast, anti-reflective glass and an 85 vertical and horizontal viewing angle. Focus Peak Highlight, the highlighting of the outline in high contrast areas of the subject during focusing, helps achieve critically sharp shots when using manual focus.
Creative options
Choose your own image style with the Film Simulation Mode and recreate Fujifilm's unique film heritage. By selecting from one of five variations you can shoot your images how you want them. Velvia gives vivid colors, ASTIA is suitable for portraits, PROVIA offers a natural all-rounder, while Sepia and Monochrome can also be enjoyed. There are also eight Advanced Filter options for extra creativity, including Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color, while in Multiple Exposure mode it's easy to overlay two images on a single frame.
Intelligent flash
The built-in Super Intelligent Flash accurately controls the amount of light for the shooting situation. For example, natural-looking indoor portraits, macro subjects or food images can all be taken with over-exposure carefully controlled. Also strong backlit subjects, such as faces, will also be beautifully and naturally illuminated bringing out all the detail you want from the shadows.
In-camera Raw development
Through the in-camera Raw development function, a Raw image can be converted to JPEG without additional software and a computer.
HD Movies
Movies can be filmed in Full HD at 60fps and the dedicated image stabilization function helps keep things smooth when shooting handheld. If you want to explore the movie director in you, then try out the Film Simulation Modes to give your creativity a distinctive look.
Fujifilm XQ1 Key features list
- 12 million pixels X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
- Original color filter array to control moir and false color without an optical low pass filter
- EXR Processor II
- 4x optical zoom equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format with f1.8-4.9 aperture range
- 4x intelligent digital zoom (16 combined with optical zoom)
- Lens Modulation Optimizer for improved image quality
- Wireless transfer of images using Fujifilm Camera Application app
- 3.0-inch 920K-dot premium LCD with 85 vertical and horizontal viewing angle
- In camera Raw converter
- ISO 100 to 12800
- Built-in Super Intelligent Flash
- Five Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia and Monochrome)
- Eight Advanced Filter effects: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color
- Full HD Movie
Available Accessories
- Bottom leather case (Black BLC-XQ1 BC and Brown BLC-XQ1 BW)
- Waterproof case WP-XQ1 for depth to 40 meters
- O Ring Kit ORK-XQ1