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Fujifilm Announces the Affordable X-T30 II and the Medium Format GFX 50S II

03 Sep

The post Fujifilm Announces the Affordable X-T30 II and the Medium Format GFX 50S II appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Fujifilm announces the X-T30 II and the GFX 50S II

Fujifilm has launched two powerful new mirrorless cameras: the X-T30 II, an incremental upgrade to the popular X-T30, and the GFX 50S II, successor to the GFX 50S.

What do these two cameras offer? Let’s look at each option in turn, starting with:

The new Fujifilm X-T30 II

Fujifilm’s original X-T30 is known for its compact size and retro design, plus its capable stills and video performance for all-around and hybrid shooters. As suggested by its name – the X-T30 II rather than the X-T40 – the new model brings several improvements to its predecessor without a major revamp.

Like the X-T30, the X-T30 II features a powerful 26 MP APS-C sensor, promising excellent image quality in a compact package. Fans of the film aesthetic will appreciate the X-T30 II’s new film simulations, Eterna Bleach Bypass and Classic Neg, which add to the X-T30 II’s retro functionality and give photographers improved in-camera flexibility.

Speaking of improved flexibility, while the X-T30 focuses in low-light environments of -3 EV, the X-T30 II pushes this to -7 EV – perfect for photographers who frequently shoot at night or in lightless indoor scenarios. And while core autofocus capabilities on the two cameras are identical, Fujifilm guarantees upgraded subject tracking on the X-T30 II, useful for street photography, event photography, and more.

Photographers who frequently compose and/or review images via the LCD screen will appreciate a new display – at 1.62M-dots versus the X-T30’s 1.04M-dots – though the electronic viewfinder remains the same 2.36M-dot resolution. Personally, I find the lack of an EVF upgrade disappointing, but the X-T30/X-T30 II viewfinder display is certainly usable even if it comes up short compared to the competition.

Videography capabilities on the X-T30 II mirror that of its predecessor, with one significant exception: You now get an ultra-slow-motion mode, featuring HD quality at a whopping 240 frames per second for what Fujifilm is billing as “cinematic style results.”

Overall, the X-T30 II upgrades are minor, and if you already own the X-T30, grabbing the X-T30 II makes little sense unless you’re entranced by the -7 EV AF capabilities. That said, for consumers choosing between the X-T30 and the X-T30 II, the higher resolution LCD, improved autofocus, and the slow-motion video mode are worthwhile additions to the newer model, plus the X-T30 II is impressively affordable, even compared to the X-T30 – at just $ 999 USD (including a 15-45mm kit lens), it’s only $ 100 USD more than the X-T30. So if you like the sound of the upgrades and can afford to spend a little extra, the X-T30 II is a great choice.

The new Fujifilm GFX 50S II

Fujifilm is the master of relatively compact, relatively affordable medium format cameras for enthusiasts and professionals, and the GFX 50S II further develops this already formidable lineup, promising outstanding 51 MP image quality, a DSLR-like design, plus a handful of improvements for enterprising photographers.

The GFX 50S II offers 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilization for easy handholding (the original GFX 50S lacked IBIS entirely), plus you can expect upgraded autofocus thanks in part to Fujifilm’s “advanced focus algorithms…found in the GFX 100S and the latest X-Series models.”

And while the GFX 50S II certainly doesn’t come cheap, its $ 3999 USD price tag is eminently reasonable given the image quality, so if you’ve been eyeing medium format but haven’t managed to take the leap, perhaps now is the time.

Fujifilm’s new camera announcements: final words

The X-T30 II and the GFX 50S II may not be groundbreaking new cameras, but minor upgrades matter, as do low prices.

So if you’re after a do-anything camera with a gorgeous retro design, consider the X-T30 II, which is available for preorder and will begin shipping on October 21st.

And if medium format is your thing, take a look at the GFX 50S II, which will also ship on the 21st of October and is currently available for purchase.

Now over to you:

What do you think of these two new cameras from Fujifilm? Do either of them interest you? Do you wish for more significant upgrades? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Fujifilm Announces the Affordable X-T30 II and the Medium Format GFX 50S II appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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Video: Hasselblad shows how it produces, tests its X System medium format cameras

21 Jul

Hasselblad has released the third video in its ongoing ‘Hasselblad Home’ series, showcasing how the Swedish company produces and tests its X System medium format cameras inside its Gothenburg headquarters.

Throguhout the four-minute video, Hasselblad shows the five-step production and testing process it uses to ensure all X System cameras are properly constructed and programmed to get the best image quality possible. The first step in the process is a cosmetic check to ensure the camera body itself is undamaged from the manufacturing process. If it clears the cosmetic check, that camera is assigned a serial number, which will follow it until it reaches the hands of the customer.

With the serial number assigned, it’s onto installing the software of the camera and completing more assembly of the main camera unit. Hasselblad says it tests each sensor independently — by capturing over 700 test shots — and uses that data to create a calibration profile that is then installed on the camera that specific sensor unit is installed in. The camera will apply that specific calibration profile to each image before data is saved to the recording media.

From there, it’s onto the digital unit test, wherein Hasselblad workers adjust focus, remove dust and apply other quality control measures before moving onto the final photo quality test. Using both studio scenes and color charts, Hasselblad tests the image quality of each camera using both automated and manual verification to ensure no anomalies are seen in the resulting photographs.

The video is yet another unique look into a process usually hidden within the factory walls. Regardless of whether or not you own — or have even shot with — a Hasselblad, it’s hard not to respect the level of precision and attention to detail that goes into each camera unit before it’s packaged up and shipped off.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Chroma Cameras’ 679 camera system turns medium format modular

20 Nov

Chroma Cameras has unveiled a modular medium format camera for shooting 120 film. The new 679 camera system allows customers to custom build a camera for their specific needs.

Speaking to Kosmo Foto, Chroma Cameras founder Steve Lloyd says, ‘The Chroma 679 is a brand new, modular, medium format camera system. Like my other Chroma cameras, it’s been designed around the idea of flexibility and ‘uniqueness’, along with being an affordable, and enjoyable, way to combine existing lenses and film holders.’

The Chroma 679 system comprises four standard components. All 679 cameras use a laser cut acrylic front plate with integrated metal helicoid. The next item is a custom threaded lens board constructed using anodized aluminum. This screws into the front of the 679 helicoid to create a secure mount. There are two styles of lens board available, a standard Copal and a 0.4mm brass pinhole.

Image credit: Chroma Cameras

The third component is the mid-body. This is the primary body section of a constructed 679 camera. It creates a spacer to mount the lens the correct distance from the film for obtaining infinity focus and it includes a pair of cold shoes. You can use cold shoes for accessories such as a light meter or a viewfinder. The mid-body is also the mounting point for optional accessories such as a tripod mount or full grip. The mid-body is available in any depth from 10mm up to 120mm. If you need help determining which mid-body depth you require, refer to this page.

Chroma Cameras 679 system mid-body component. Image credit: Chroma Cameras

The final component is the film back. There are four mounts available: Kiev88, Mamiya Press, Mamiya RB Pro S and Hasselblad V Series (early version only, which allows manual winding of film without a Hasselblad body). There is also an available plain ground glass film back.

These standard components connect using a physical interlock and four ‘very strong neodymium rare-earth magnets’ in each section. Additional accessories can also be attached using integrated mounting points on each side of the mid-body. Photographers can purchase an additional cold shoe plate and a basic tripod mount to add to their 679 camera system. Further, there’s an available full grip with an integrated tripod thread, internal storage for a roll of 120 film, and a passthrough mount for a cable release. The grip is available in black and wooden printed materials for either left- or right-handed photographers.

679 camera system with Kiev88 film back and optional full grip (wood). Image credit: Chroma Cameras

Lloyd says that ‘Whilst it’s not the first modular medium format camera system, [the 679 system] is the first system that allows the photographer to combine large format lenses with rollfilm backs from three different manufacturers in the same camera! At the same time, the lens board used for the 679 system are the same as those used on the SnapShot, allowing the photographer to seamlessly move lenses between both systems.’ Lloyd continues to say that the 679 system is lighter than ‘even the lightest large format systems’.

The 679 system and its components can be ordered here. The front plate costs £45, the lens board is £25 (pinhole is £30), the mid-body component is £40, and the film back is £40. A ground-glass back is also available for £30. Optional components range in price from £15 to £45. The most expensive add-on is the full grip with a wood finish.

Lloyd says, ‘I designed the 679 system for photographers who want to shoot a range of formats, without having to carry large heavy systems.’ It looks to be a well-designed product and it fills a unique niche. You can check out additional Chroma Cameras at the following links: Snapshot Handheld Multi-Format System and Carbon Adventurer – Ultrawide Field Camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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SLC-2L-11: The “Magic” of Medium Format

07 May

There's something about shooting medium format — especially in black and white. The look is unmistakeable: creamy highlights supported by lush, detailed shadows.

So it's perfectly understandable why many photographers shell out big bucks for pricey medium format gear. In fact, it's possible that some of you are at this very moment casually thinking about how cool it would be to shoot with a MF camera system.

And why not? I mean, don't you deserve it?

Except for, a) the photo above was shot with a small-chip Fuji, and b) those shadow gradients were made with a second, $ 69 speedlight.
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Film Fridays: Plaubel Makina 67 – The beginning and end of a journey into medium format

17 Apr

Photo: 35mmc.com

We’ve got medium format on our minds – check out some 120 samples in our recent Acros 100 II film gallery – and thought we’d continue the theme by featuring a medium format camera review from our friends at 35mmc.com for this week’s Film Friday.

In this review, a dedicated 35mm photographer and medium format skeptic gets his hands on the lust-worthy Plaubel Makina 67 camera and finds lots to love about its design – and the format in general. But it’s not all a bed of roses. Get the full scoop on this cool, collapsible medium format rangefinder from the link below.

Read: Plaubel Makina 67 – The beginning and end of my medium format journey

About Film Fridays: We recently launched an analog forum and in a continuing effort to promote the fun of the medium, we’ll be sharing film-related content on Fridays, including articles from our friends at 35mmc.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Leica S3 Announced, a Medium Format DSLR With 64 MP

13 Mar

The post Leica S3 Announced, a Medium Format DSLR With 64 MP appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Last week, Leica announced the S3, a medium-format DSLR that packs a whopping 64 megapixels and replaces the Leica S2.

This update is a long-time coming – the Leica S2 debuted way back in 2008 – and the new Leica S3 is looking to be a powerhouse of a camera.

But what does this new high-end DSLR include?

First, you get rugged build-quality and weather sealing, all packed into a DSLR-type form factor. If you’re never used a Leica camera before, you’ll be impressed by how sleek the S3 appears; rather than the usual “brick” you get from Canon and Nikon DSLRs, the S3 is a combination of stylish curves and lines.

You also get a Leica Pro Format sensor, sporting 64 megapixels (up from a 37.5-megapixel sensor in the S2). Of course, 64 megapixels is an exciting specification on its own, offering a resolution beyond anything currently available in the 35mm DSLR world. But when combined with Leica’s 30x45mm Pro Format sensor, the S3 is bound to offer sumptuous image quality, even in low light and at high ISOs.

Another bonus:

Leica offers an excellent lens selection. This includes 16 native Leica lenses, as well as a number of adaptable lenses from the likes of Hasselblad and more.

And let’s not forget about the Cinema 4K at 24 fps, in case you’re looking to bring that incredible image quality over to the video arena.

The main drawbacks to a medium format camera like the S3 are image size and shooting speed. As expected, the Leica S3 struggles in both of these areas; the 64 MP images produced are going to be huge, and will limit burst shooting to just 3 frames per second.

You also have to contend with a ridiculously high price, one that’s far out of the average photographer’s (and the average professional’s) price range. In this case, it’s just under $ 19,000 USD, and that’s for the body only. If you want a compatible lens, you’ll need to shell out another $ 5000+ USD.

For those who can afford it, the Leica S3 will likely come available in late March.

What do you think of the Leica S3? Do you wish you could use it? Or are you content with the 35mm camera market? Let me know in the comments!

The post Leica S3 Announced, a Medium Format DSLR With 64 MP appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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This 120 medium format camera and 4×5 large format camera are made from 35mm film cassettes

13 Feb

What do you do with all of the extra 35mm film canisters you have after getting your film developed? Well, if you’re photographer Alireza Rostami, you turn the film canisters themselves into cameras.

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For his latest project, Rostami took hundreds of empty 35mm cassettes and taped them together to create the structure needed to make a pair of ‘Unity’ cameras: a 4×5 large format camera and a 120 medium format camera that uses what appears to be a Mamiya RB67 lens and film back. Above is a gallery of the two cameras, both as a final product and in progress during the build. The below gallery shows off a few of the test photos captured with the cameras:

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In an email to DPReview, Rostami says the symbolic idea arose while dwelling on the idea of ‘peace and unity’ after reading through The Diary of a Young Girl, a collection of writings kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding with her family as the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. Because of this inspiration, Rostami says he dedicated the pair of cameras to the late Anne Frank and George Eastman, a man who’s inspired Rostami through his drive and innovation throughout his career.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hasselblad releases firmware update for its X1D-50c mirrorless medium format camera

04 Feb

Hasselblad has announced a new firmware update for its X1D-50C mirrorless medium format camera. Firmware version 1.24.0 adds a few notable features while also getting rid of a few bugs along the way.

First up, Hasselblad has added support for its new XCD 45P lens. In addition to the new lens support, Hasselblad has also added focus bracketing functionality, in-camera image rating and a new 2/3 step for exposure bracketing.

You can download the firmware and find installation instructions on Hasselblad’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Minimalist Photography: A Powerful Medium That’s Not as Easy as You Think

05 Jan

The post Minimalist Photography: A Powerful Medium That’s Not as Easy as You Think appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

Do you want to make more powerful minimalist photography? Then this is the article for you. Here, I’ll clarify what minimalism is, and more importantly, what is not. I’ll also give you some tips and tricks to improve your own images and share some quotes and links from the masters on the subject to get you inspired.

What is minimalist photography?

I find that some people use the term minimalism to describe a kind of photography, for example, when they are replying to what type of photography they do. That’s why it’s important to clarify that minimalism is a style of photography that you can apply to any genre of photography from landscape through to food photography.

1/1000, f8, ISO 200

Actually, minimalism is a style that not only exists in photography but in everything from paintings through to design. It is even a way of life that has recently become popular. The one thing that minimalism has in common, no matter where you use it, is the idea that less is more. Because of this, the details are very important.

Know-how

While minimalism is simplistic in it’s visual aesthetic, it is not always easy to achieve. In fact, it can be more difficult because there’s really no place to hide. If it’s not a good photo, it will be fairly evident. One of the first rules of powerful minimalist photography is to isolate the subject and let the background be just that, a background. You can achieve this by using neutral backdrops or a shallow depth of field.

1/320, f11, ISO 400

An isolated subject on a neutral background is not yet enough to qualify as minimalist because this description could include product photography from an e-commerce site and, of course, we are not talking about that.

So to achieve minimalism, you also have to give a message or emotion. Michael Kena, the great minimalist photographer says: “For me, approaching subject matter to photograph is a bit like meeting a person and beginning a conversation“.

Composition

You can use composition to give more impact to your image. There aren’t many elements in a minimalist image, so you have to be sure they are well-positioned and distributed correctly. You want to use composition to create a harmonic image and emphasize the subject. Always keep in mind the message and not just the aesthetics.

1/60, f4, ISO 400

Using composition rules can really help you to master minimalist photography. Once you’re comfortable with them, keep experimenting because breaking the rules can sometimes be equally helpful.

Colors, shapes, and textures

You can try using only one color to emphasize the message or create an atmosphere and a feeling. There’s a long history in the arts about the cultural meaning and the psychological impact different colors have on the viewer. Use this to your advantage when doing minimalist images.

1/640, f4.5, ISO 250

You can also go the other way and use bold, contrasting colors to create more compelling photographs.

Lea De Meulenaere said in an interview that she lives in a place that is not very colorful, so she does more profound research to use other characteristics of the minimalist style. Keeping this in mind, you can also use shapes and textures.

Constructing images

Minimalism can be found during long walks in the city for urban photography or nature for landscapes, but you can also construct it in still-life, food photography, advertising and other genres.

1/60, f11, ISO 400

Some big brands like Disney or LG are using minimalism for their printed advertising. You can follow the creators of such campaigns on Instagram for inspiration. I particularly like Anna Devis and Daniel Rueda under the account name anniset.

Why you should give it a try

Trying new things will keep your photography improving. Going minimal doesn’t require you to buy any new equipment. You have nothing to lose and much to gain.
It will exercise your mind and creative process to give a clear and concise message with your images.
There’s such a big variety of minimalism that you can find your own. You can go about it as a meditative state or as a fun creative project. The choice is yours.

In conclusion

It’s not by chance that advertising is using minimalism. An image that clearly communicates what you want is something that stands out in between all the images we see every day. To make powerful minimalist photography is a skill that can take your work to the next level.

Powerful Minimalist photography monochrome nature

1/500, f5.6, ISO 100

Try it, practice it and most of all, enjoy it. Share with us your results in the comments section to get other readers inspired!

Want to read more about minimalist photography?

See these articles:

Tips for Minimalist Photography in an Urban Environment
Minimalist Photography ~ 4 Tips To Keep It Simple With A Maximum Impact
21 Simple Images That Exemplify Minimalism
4 Tips for the Minimalist Photographer
The Minimalist Landscape Photographer: What do you really need?
5 Guidelines of Minimalist Photography to Help Improve Your Work
How to Embrace MINIMALISM for IMPROVED Landscape Photos
Tips for Achieving Minimalism in Photography

The post Minimalist Photography: A Powerful Medium That’s Not as Easy as You Think appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

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The progenitors of GFX: A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format concepts

19 Feb

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

At Dubai’s recent Gulf Photo Plus event, Fujifilm gave us a good look at a couple of its forthcoming products, and also allowed us a peek back in time, into the design of existing GFX cameras.

What you’re about to see is a collection of mockups of concept GFX designs, dating from before the launch of the GFX 50S and 50R. Some of these mockups appear very familiar, some less so. Click through to take a closer look.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

First up is the camera that got most of the X-Summit audience talking – the very earliest concept mockup for what became the original GFX 50S. As you can see, there are a lot of similarities to the camera that eventually shipped in 2017.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Top-mounted dials, a central pentaprism-style EVF, lots of controls, a nice big sticky-outy grip…

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

But in fact, the camera is fully modular. The EVF and grip are optional accessories to the core body of the camera, which consists of the mount, sensor and controls for the key exposure parameters.

Fujifilm’s representatives confirmed that the ‘Omega’ concept was directly inspired by Hasselblad’s iconic 500-series square format film cameras. Note the distinctive annular shutter speed dial, positioned around the lens mount itself.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

As originally envisaged, the Omega had a direct control for aspect ratio, and unusual ‘roller’ style controls, rather than the final GFX’s more conventional dials.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Here are the three main modules – a grip component, the main body of the camera, and a removable EVF. The spirit of the Omega lives on in the design of the GFX 50S’s viewfinder, which can be removed to make a slightly smaller, lighter camera.

The main reason why this even more modular design never saw it to production is simple – the shutter mechanism for such a large sensor was simply too large for the concept. That doesn’t mean we’ll never see a modular GFX, but we might have to wait for global shutters to become a practical reality first.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Next up is ‘Gamma’, a design which takes a lot of cues from contemporary XT-series APS-C format cameras.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Essentially a scaled-up XT, the Gamma would have offered a larger sensor, in a body very familiar to Fujifilm’s existing APS-C shooters.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

It’s unclear why this design didn’t make it beyond the concept stage, but it’s possible that Fujifilm wanted to draw a cleaner line between the APS-C lineup and the (inevitably) more expensive GFX range. Also, notice that there’s no room for a top-plate display screen in this design.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

A second, unnamed XT-style concept removes the exposure compensation dial and combines shutter speed and ISO into a single (arguably still unnecessary) dial, reducing the amount of bulk on the right hand side of the body. Again, there’s no top-plate mounted status screen either.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Of the two XT-style concepts, this is my personal favorite. The narrower body and simple control layout, with such a large grip is lovely to handle.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Finally, a glimpse at what the eventual GFX 50R could have been. This is an early concept mockup for a rangefinder-style GFX, but minus the viewfinder. As such, the ‘SP-X’ actually resembles a cross between the X-Pro 2 and the X70 and XF10 compacts.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

From the rear, the angular SP-X looks fairly familiar – sub-dial ISO control notwithstanding – but with this concept, Fujifilm’s design team wanted to experiment with a rear screen that truly blended in to the back of the camera. You can’t really tell in this shot, but…

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

…the screen is designed so that when the camera is held in a shooting position, it reversed against the camera.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

To use the screen, it must be folded out, which suits waist-level shooting and image review (but in this position, not much more than that). It’s not clear whether Fujifilm envisaged a more complex reversing hinge for the final design, but either way – this is definitely the most conceptual of the concepts. Still though, put put an EVF in there and I might be interested.

What do you think? As always, let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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