Enough Fuji talk! let’s go back to the new Ricoh GR. Kai just posted this new video review and as usual added his touch of craziness to talk about that nice camera!
Some more Ricoh news here:
Ricoh GR review at DC.watch (Japanese).
Ricoh GR vs. Nikon Coolpix A Review at Pentaxforums.
Ricoh GR image samples on Flickr.
Preorder:
X-M1 body : AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver – brown) / Adorama (black – silver – brown) / WexUK
X-M1 with kit lens 16-50mm: AmazonUS (black – silver) / BHphoto (black – silver – brown) / Adorama (black – silver – brown) / WexUK
Fujinon XF 27mm: AmazonUS / BHphoto (black – silver) / Adorama (black – silver) / WexUK
IMAGE SAMPLES: X-M1 with 16-50mm and XF 27mm (Fuji Japan)
FIRMWARE: On 25th June and on 23rd July Fuji will upgrades the firmware. They will provide improved AF performance for all Fujinon XF lenses and add focus peaking. Check Fuji’s support site here. Read more at ephotozine!
FIRST LOOKS:
X-M1: dpreview, imaging resource, FUJIFILM press release, FUJI USA official X-M1 website
XF27mm:FUJIFILM press release
Firmware press release:
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) today announces the release of two new firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras, one on 25thJune and a further one on 23rd July.
25th June firmware update:
FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.2.05, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.1.06
1. Additional functionality to improve “one-handed” camera operation
A ‘Focus Frame Selection’ option has been added to the ‘Fn’ (function) button.
This offers easier/quicker operation when setting the Focus Frame Selection using only your right hand.
A second ‘Fn’ button can be allocated.
This enables you to allocate a function to the selector “down” button. The default setting is ‘Focus Frame Selection’ but this can be changed to whatever suits your shooting style.
2. Enable aperture control for lenses without aperture rings (XF27mmF2.8 / XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS)
If you are using either of these lenses which do not feature aperture ring, this firmware update allows you to adjust the aperture setting by using the command dial.
23rd July firmware update:
FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.3.00, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.2.00
1. Improvement of AF speed. Improves AF speed on all existing XF lenses, thanks to the updated algorithm throughout the full range of focal length. Lenses covered:
XF14mm F2.8 R
XF18mmF2 R
XF35mmF1.4 R
XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
NOTES:
The AF Speed on the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS lens has been already optimised.
For all lenses other than the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS, the firmware for each lens must be also updated.
2. ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing
A ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function, which features on the X100S and X20 cameras, can be added via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.
3. Improvement in ‘Checking Focus’ operation: how to change magnification ratio in manual focusing
The process to check focus by selecting manual focus magnification has improved. Just press and rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate magnification between 3x and then 10x , whichever way you continue to turn it.
To download the new firmware files & instructions on upgrading your cameras:
Please visit Fujifilm’s global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/
Finally we have a precise announcement hour of the new Fuji X stuff. The news will be official at 02:00 (2am) London time. The body will be priced at $699 which is just $100 below the current (discounted) X-E1 price.
Price for the body with 16-50mm kit lens will be $799.
UPDATE: There was an error submission by the source. He first wrote 2pm, but it was 2am :)
Our Japanese friend and source from Digicaminfo got the full specs of the X-M1:
– 16.3 million pixels X-Trans APS-C CMOS
– ISO200-6400 (100,12800,25600 as extension)
– -1/4000 Seconds 30 seconds, shutter speed (160 seconds in the S / M mode) sync 1/180 sec
– 920,000 dot 3.0-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio can tilt up and down.
– The shooting speed (for 10 consecutive frame 50 continuous frames, in RAW with JPEG) 5.6 frames / second
– Video 1920×1080 30p, 1280×720 30p
– Sound Linear PCM Stereo
– Mode dial
– Advanced Auto function
– Can be operated with one hand
– Wi-Fi, smart phone transmission function
– Built-in flash, super i flash function
– Media SD / SDHC / SDXC
– The size is 116.9 x 66.5 x 39.0mm
– 330g (including battery, media), 280g weight (only body)
– Expected Release Date (body color of some September) July 27
– Estimated retail price of ¥ 75,000 before and after body
Short break from all these Fuji rumors to report some Ricoh news! Dpreview (Click here) posted the full camera test and writes:
“the GR series had long ago overcome most operational quirks – resulting in an enjoyable, engaging camera with excellent image quality. So, with Raw performance that’s essentially indistinguishable from the Nikon’s, the Ricoh’s ND filter, longer battery life, faster focusing, lens quality and better rear screen give it the edge. The lower price seals the deal – earning the Ricoh our highest rating.”
The camera therefore earned a “Gold Award”. Well done Ricoh!
P.S.: What is nto so well done is the delivery delay in USA. Still 2-4 weeks to go until the camera will be in Stock at Amazon US.
Unlike the other X interchangeable cameras the soon to be announced X-M1 will also come in a third color version…Brown! And according to Digicaminfo the camera will ship in Japanese stores in late July only. It means you likely can’t get it in time for your summer vacation :(
There is also some new info about the two new lens designs: The 16-50mm zoom has a 12 lens in 10 groups design, 3 of them are aspherical lenses. The new 27mm pancake length is 23mm and weights 78g.
Reminder: Official announcement on June 25!
You wanna see how small the new X-M1 is? Just watch this image comparisons! The X-M1 is even smaller than the X20!
Click on that on to see the large size version:
You like it? You almost can’t go smaller than that!
