Impressive! Fuji announces 33 functional and operational updates for the X-T2 and X-PRO2

That’s why people love Fuji…exactly for that kind of commitment towards their customers! Read this:

FULL PRESS RELEASE

23.03.2017

New firmware updates for FUJIFILM X-T2 and FUJIFILM X-Pro2 coming soon.

Free upgrades will provide a total of 33 functional and operational updates to the double flagship models of the ever-evolving X Series of mirrorless digital cameras

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) will release free firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 (“X-Pro2”) and FUJIFILM X-T2 (“X-T2”) double flagship models of the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. The first one is due in late March and the second will be due late May 2017, reflecting users’ requests for improving operability and adding new functions. Applying the firmware updates will add new functions such as “Voice Memo” and “Copyright Information“, and dramatically improve operability in autofocus, video recording and viewfinder handling.

X-T2 version 2.00 & X-Pro2 version 3.00 – due late March 2017

  • 1. Shooting RAW in Bracketing and Advanced Filters
    The update enables you to use the RAW format when shooting not only in AE Bracketing but also in other Bracketing modes (ISO, Dynamic Range, White Balance, Film Simulaitons) and also in Advanced Filter modes.
  • 2. Extended ISO 125 and 160 selectable
    The update adds ISO125 and ISO160 to extended ISO levels available.
  • 3. Programmable long exposure of up to 15 minutes
    Long exposure in the T mode currently goes only up to 30 seconds. The update will allow users to extend it up to 15 minutes.
  • 4. ON/OFF for 1/3-step shutter speed adjustment (X-T2 only – already in X-Pro2)
    The update allows you to turn off the Command Dial’s function to adjust shutter speed by 1/3 steps in order to prevent unintended adjustments.
  • 5. Full-range ISO adjustments with the Command Dial (X-T2 only)
    With the update, set the ISO “A” position to “Command” to adjust ISO sensitivity across the full range, including extended ISOs, with the Front Command Dial.
  • 6. “AUTO” setting added for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting
    The update adds an AUTO option for the minimum shutter speed in the ISO Auto setting, that allows the camera to automatically define the minimum shutter speed according to the focal length of the lens attached.
  • 7. Faster “Face Detection AF”
    The update enables the use of Phase Detection AF for faster performance in Face Detection AF.
  • 8. Improved in-focus indication in the AF-C mode
    The update reduces focus hunting in the AF-C mode, making it easier to track a subject.
  • 9. Addition of a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF
    The update adds a smaller Focus Point size in Single Point AF, bringing the total number of available sizes to six. The new smallest size facilitates pin-point focusing.
  • 10. Addition of “AF Point Display” (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
    With the update, you can choose to have AF Points constantly displayed in Zone AF and Wide / Tracking AF, making it easier to track a subject.
  • 11. Addition of “AF-C Custom Setting” (X-Pro2 only – already on X-T2)
    The update adds “AF-C Custom Setting” for specifying focus-tracking characteristics. Choose from five presets according to your subject’s type of movements.
  • 12. Addition of “Portrait / Landscape AF Mode Switching” (X-T2 only)
    The update allows you to specify separate AF mode and AF point settings for portrait orientation and landscape orientation.
  • 13. Change of focus frame position while enlarging it
    The update allows you to move the position of focus frame while enlarging it in Single Point in the AF-S mode or in the Manual Focus
  • 14. Activation of the Eye Sensor in video recording (X-T2 only)
    The update allows you to use the Eye Sensor during video recording to automatically switch between EVF and LCD.
  • 15. Change of ISO sensitivity during video recording (X-T2 only)
    The update allows you to change ISO setting during video recording.
  • 16. Re-autofocusing in video recording
    With the update, half-press the Shutter Release button or press the button assigned to “AF-ON” function during video recording to re-do autofocusing.
  • 17. Display live histogram during video recording (X-T2 only)
    The update allows you to display a live histogram during video recording.
  • 18. Optimization of external microphone’s input level (X-T2 only)
    The update optimizes external microphone’s input level (lower limit revised from -12dB to 20dB) to reduce white noise when an external microphone with preamp is connected.
  • 19. Addition of “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” in the View Mode
    The update gives the “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” option in the View Mode that allows you to shoot through the viewfinder and check images on the LCD, just as you would with an SLR.
  • 20. Shorter EVF display time-lag (X-Pro2 only – already in X-T2)
    The update shortens EVF’s display time-lag in the AF-C mode so that you will not miss a photo opportunity.
  • 21. Constant “Dual” mode display (X-T2 only)
    With the update, the small window in the Dual mode stays on even when you half-press the shutter release button.
  • 22. Automatic vertical GUI for LCD (X-T2 only)
    With the update, when you hold the camera in the portrait orientation, the camera will automatically display the GUI on the LCD in the same orientation.
  • 23. Name Custom Settings
    The update allows you to assign a specific name to Custom Settings 1 – 7.
  • 24. Copyright information in EXIF data
    The update allows you to register the photographer’s name and the copyright holder’s name in advance so that the camera automatically adds the information to EXIF data for each image.
  • 25. Voice Memo function
    The update enable you to record 30-second “Voice Memo” clips in the Playback mode.
  • 26. Extended AE Bracketing
    The update extends AE Bracketing from the current 3 frames +/-2EV to up to 9 frames +/-3EV.
  • 27. Addition of “Shoot Without Card” mode
    With the update, you can have the “Shoot Without Card” mode turned OFF so that the camera can not shoot when there is no SD card inserted.

X-T2 version 2.10 & X-Pro2 version 3.10 – late May 2017

  • 28. Support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi (X-T2 only)
    The update adds support for computer tethering via Wi-Fi.
  • 29. Addition of “All” AF mode (X-T2 only)
    With the update, select “All” in the AF mode so that you can select the AF mode and Focus Area size by only using the Command Dial.
  • 30. Function extension for “Shutter AF” and “Shutter AE” (X-T2 only)
    With the update, you can specify different settings for AF-S and AF-C in “Shutter AF” and for AF-S / MF and AF-C in “Shutter AE.”
  • 31. Addition of “-6” and “-7” to EVF’s brightness setting
    Additional options of “-6” and “-7” to the “EVF Brightness” setting so that, even in an extremely low-light condition, the brightness of the EVF does not distract you from shooting.
  • 32. Switchover of the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode (X-T2 only)
    The update allows you to switch between the main and sub displays in the Dual Display mode.
  • 33. Function assignment to the Rear Command Dial
    With the update, you can assign a specific function to be activated when the Rear Command Dial is pressed.

via fujifilm

Cascable 3.0 Beta Program adds Fuji and Panasonic camera support

Cascable announced the 3.0 Beta Program which adds Fuji and Panasonic camera support:

We’re hard at work on Cascable 3.0, which we’re planning to release sometime in Spring 2017. One of the biggest features will be expanded camera support, adding a wide variety of Fujifilm and Panasonic models. Since adding this many cameras is a large undertaking, we’re starting a beta testing program in April that is essentially Cascable 2.x with added camera support. This allows us to focus on camera stability and performance while we work on new features separately.

For more information on what Cascable is, see the Cascable homepage.

To take part in the program, you’ll need iOS 10 installed on your iPad, iPhone (5s/c or higher) or iPod touch, a supported WiFi-enabled camera and a healthy appetite for pushing buttons until stuff breaks. If you have these things, fill out the form below and we’ll consider you for thebBeta program!

Google launches new encoder that reduces JPEG file size by 35%

Google launched a new JPEG encoder named “Guetzli” that reduces JPG files by 35% or offer better image quality at the same file size. These are the images shared by Arstechnica:

Guetzli, according to Google Research, uses a new psychovisual model—called Butteraugli, if you must know—to work out which colours and details to keep, and which to throw away. “Psychovisual” in this case means it’s based on the human visual processing system. The exact details of Butteraugli are buried within hundreds of high-precision constants, which produce a model that “approximates colour perception and visual masking in a more thorough and detailed way” than other encoders.

Download Guetzli here: github.com/google/guetzli/

via Reddit

Fuji GFX vs Hasselblad X1D by Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov from Photographylife is one of my favorite reviewers. And he had the unqique chance to test both new medium format cameras. This is his conclusion:

Based on everything above, I can conclude that for my photography needs, the Fuji GFX 50S is clearly a better choice – it is a very functional camera with excellent ergonomics, superb menu system that gives me plenty of customization options, reliable autofocus, easy to use interface and excellent image quality. The Hasselblad seems to be aimed towards those who need to be able to sync their flashes at fast shutter speeds. It is a much sleeker and lighter camera, with very well-thought out design. But aside from that, I struggle to see how the Hasselblad X1D-50c can take on the Fuji – its minimalistic ergonomic approach, long & annoying blackouts, and overly simplified menu system leaves me wondering if Hasselblad is going to take steps to address these problems via firmware updates (and I am not even sure if those issues can be addressed via firmware). Fuji already has quite a bit of mirrorless experience under its belt, with cameras used by the masses, and it really shows. In my opinion, for most photographers looking at a budget-friendly medium format camera, the GFX 50S is the better choice. However, if I were a portrait photographer and fast flash sync speed was important for my style of shooting (without resorting to HSS tricks), I would definitely take a closer look at the Hasselblad X1D-50c.

One a personal note: I do hope Fuji will soon make a GFX camera that is as small as the Hasselblad!

Check out the pricing and availability:
Fuji GFX at [shopcountry 303958].
Hasselblad X1D at [shopcountry 303959].

The Holga 120N medium format camera is back!

Freestyle Photographic announced that the Holga 120N is back on production! It’s on sale for $39.

The original Holga 120N camera is coming back! We have found a factory that obtained the old molds that we thought to be destroyed and this camera is available once again! What was thought to be gone forever is back, pre-order today for delivery in early June.

The Holga camera was initially introduced to the Chinese public in 1982 as an inexpensive camera for everyday use.  Shortly after its introduction, it became an underground artistic phenomena.  Using the Holga is an exercise in breaking free from dependence on technology, precision and controllability. The slight softness of the images, vignetting and random light leaks produce dream-like, one-of-a kind images.The Holga’s simple lens lends to images that display vignetting,light leaks and other distortions that have lead to the cult following of the Holga camera.

The Holga 120N is modeled after the original Holga released in 1982.  The latest resurgence of toy cameras stems from the love of the classic black utilitarian camera.

Features:

  • Uses 120 medium format film
  • 2 film masks for either 12- 6×6 cm images or 16- 6×4.5cm images
  • Normal shutter setting 1/100 of a second and bulb shutter setting
  • 2 aperture settings, f/11 for sunny, f/8 for cloudy
  • Hot shoe adapter
  • Standard Tripod Mount
  • Lens cap and strap