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Fujifilm X-T3 makes waves with a 26MP X-Trans sensor and 4K/60p video

07 Sep

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Fujifilm isn’t being conservative with its new X-T3 enthusiast mirrorless camera. Rather, the company is swinging for the fences, producing a camera with a brand new 26MP BSI X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor that can shoot at up to 30 fps (in crop mode) and capture 4K/60p video. The T3’s X-Processor 4 is three times faster than the chip on current X-series models. The camera also has a native base ISO of 160, down from 200 on the X-T2. All of Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes are here, including Acros, Classic Chrome and Eterna.

The autofocus system is a big improvement over previous X-series models

Design-wise, the X-T3 looks a whole lot like its immediate predecessor. You’ve got your weather-sealed body with analog dials, unique dual-axis articulating LCD and good-sized electronic viewfinder. Both the LCD and EVF have been enhanced, with the former becoming touch-enabled and the latter getting a resolution boost to 3.69 million dots. The EVF has a 100 fps refresh rate when the camera is in ‘boost mode,’ which no longer requires the optional battery grip for maximum performance. The EVF diopter is now lockable, and the camera’s various dials and buttons are larger and have a more pronounced ‘press feel’.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on the X-T3 is just how much effort Fujifilm has put into making the X-T3 a serious video camera

The autofocus system is a big improvement over previous X-series models, with 2.1 million phase detection pixels providing nearly 100% coverage. The system checks focus and metering 1.5x faster than the X-T2 and is capable of focusing in light levels as low as -3EV. Face and eye detection have been improved, with the latter now available in AF-C mode. Fujifilm has also added a ‘Digital Microprism’ focusing aid, simulating the view through an old-school film SLR finder.

At full resolution the camera can fire away at 20 fps with the electronic shutter or 11 fps with the mechanical shutter. Putting the camera into ‘Sports Finder’ boosts the top burst rate to 30 fps with a 1.25x crop. Bright lines in the viewfinder show the cropped-in area. An available pre-capture option continuously buffers images and saves the images taken immediately before and after you press the shutter release. The X-T3’s battery life is rated at 390 shots per charge, which is above average for a mirrorless camera. The optional battery grip allows the camera to use three NP-W126S packs, with seamless switching between them.

The X-T3 can record F-Log footage with HLG support coming later in 2018.

Perhaps the biggest surprise on the X-T3 is just how much effort Fujifilm has put into making the X-T3 a serious video camera. Not only can it capture 4K/60p video (DCI and UHD): it can also output 10-bit 4:2:2 to an external recorder or capture 10-bit 4:2:0 internally (using the H.265 codec). The readout rate of the sensor has been increased to reduce rolling shutter, and new noise reduction algorithms have been added.

The X-T3 can record F-Log footage (with a minimum ISO of 640), with HLG support coming later in 2018. The camera has mic and headphone sockets, along with HDMI and USB-C, and the door over all of those can be removed for when the camera is on a rig.

The X-T3 will be available starting September 20th in black and silver for $ 1,499.95 body-only, or as a kit with the XF 18-55mm for $ 1,899.95.

Read our Fujifilm X-T3 First Impressions Review

Press Release:

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES THE NEW X-T3, A MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA EVOLVING X SERIES INTO FOURTH GENERATION

New X-T3 introduces all-new back-illuminated 26MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor; World’s first APS-C mirrorless camera capable of 4K/60P 10bit recording

Valhalla, N.Y., September 6, 2018 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today unveiled the new FUJIFILM X-T3, launching the X Series mirrorless digital cameras into its fourth generation. Introducing an all-new back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor, the X-T3 delivers superb image quality, dramatically improved AF performance, exceptional tracking performance of fast-moving subjects and blackout-free burst shooting. The X-T3 is also the first APS-C mirrorless camera capable of 4K/60P 10bit recording to meet the needs of professional videographers.

“We are proud to introduce the new X-T3 to market as not only the latest addition to our X Series mirrorless lineup of digital cameras, but as an introduction to fourth generation technologies that feature substantial performance enhancements over previous models, delivering high AF performance, superb color reproduction and outstanding image quality to photographers and videographers alike,“ said Yuji Igarashi, General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Division and Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

Fourth Generation X-Trans CMOS 4 and X-Processor 4 for Improved Resolving Performance, Color Reproducibility, and Faster Processing

Featuring the latest, fourth generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C sensor with no optical low-pass filter, the FUJIFILM X-T3 boasts the highest performance in the history of X Series. Utilizing the unique color filter array of X-Trans CMOS sensors to control moiré and false colors, it is the first APS-C back-illuminated structure sensor with phase detection pixels distributed across the surface to improve image resolution without compromising signal to noise ratio. With the X-T3, ISO160 is now part of the standard ISO range, previously this was only available as extended ISO, perfect for use in bright scenes or when trying to shoot wide open with a fast, large-aperture lens.

The new X-T3 debuts the X-Processor 4 processor which features a Quad Core CPU to achieve a processing speed 3 times faster than current X Series models. Providing incredible AF accuracy and speed, the processor is also the first to deliver 4K/60P 10bit output, fulfilling the performance needs of professional videographers. It is also capable of implementing complex image processing tasks in an instant, such as the unique FUJIFILM Color Chrome Effect or Monochrome Adjustment function.

The new FUJIFILM X-T3 features the Color Chrome Effect, previously limited to the FUJIFILM GFX 50S medium format mirrorless digital camera, which produces enhanced color gradation in highly saturated colors such as vivid-colored flowers with shadows, a notoriously difficult subject to reproduce. With the high-speed processing power of the X-Processor 4, this effect can be applied not only to a single shot but also during continuous shooting.

Exceptional Autofocus and Viewfinder Performance

With the X-T3, AF performance receives a dramatic improvement from previous X Series products, increasing the phase detection AF area to the entire frame with 2.16M phase detection pixels providing fast and accurate phase detection AF. The low-light phase detection AF limit has been increased over the X-T2 by 2 stops, from -1EV to -3EV, making it possible for photographers to accurately focus in low light conditions, perfect for night photography.

Furthermore, the X-Processor 4’s high processing speed and excellent phase detection algorithm means the camera refocuses (AF) and meters (AE) 1.5 times more frequently than the X-T2, enabling accurate autofocus even when photographing subjects that change speed and move erratically across the frame, such as sports photography. The performance of Face Detection AF has also been improved. Eye Detection AF now supports the AF-C mode to maintain accurate focus tracking. Face and Eye Detection AF is also available during video recording to achieve smooth filming of subjects.

The X-T3 offers photographers incredible viewfinder performance, with the ability to now track a moving subject in the 3.69-million-dot high resolution EVF with a magnification ratio of 0.75x. Further the X-T3, allows continuous shooting of 11fps with the mechanical shutter without the optional vertical battery grip, enabling fast continuous shooting while maintaining a low weight.

Additional enhancements to the X-T3 include a display time lag of just 0.005 seconds and a EVF refresh rate of 100fps for smooth display of moving subject or when panning the camera. A new sports finder mode for enhanced capture of moving subjects is especially useful for sports and wildlife photography, and a new pre-shoot function, which allows photographers to start shooting as soon as the shutter button is half-pressed to ensure the moment is never missed.

Enhanced Video Performance to Meet the Needs of Professionals

The X-T3 is the first mirrorless digital camera capable of internal SD card 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit recording and the first mirrorless digital camera with APS-C or larger sensor that is capable of 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output. Supported video formats include the widely-used H.264/MPEG-4 AVC as well as H.265/HEVC for greater data compression, which enables internal recording of 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit at200Mbps bitrate as well as simultaneous HDMI output. The X-T3 sensor’s read speed has been increased from that of the X-T2, enabling17msec reading in 4K/60P video, reducing rolling shutter distortion for smooth recording of fast-moving subjects. 10bit color depth for video boosts the amount of color information 64 times compared to 8bit, and is combined with approximately. 12 stops dynamic range to enable capture of subjects with rich gradation of color.

Also introduced in the X-T3 is a new noise reduction algorithm and 4K inter-frame noise reduction, the minimum sensitivity for shooting F-Log footage has been lowered from ISO800 to ISO640, further enhancing the camera’s performance to meet the needs of videographers.

Designed for Ultimate Operability

Inheriting the popular design of the X-T2, dials are positioned on the top panel, and the camera features a central viewfinder and excellent grip design for stability and comfort. The X-T3 also incorporates enhancements to its design, including a lockable EVF diopter adjustment to prevent unintended adjustments while carrying the camera, and a touchscreen panel with higher contrast, wider viewing angles and better functionality for more intuitive operation. In addition, the X-T3 offers larger top-panel dials than the X-T2, and larger rear-panel buttons and a more pronounced press function of the front and rear command dials, as found on the X-H1.

X-T3 Vertical Battery Grip

The Vertical Battery Grip VG-XT3 is designed to be dust-resistant, weather-resistant and capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10°C/14° F, and holds two additional batteries to increase the maximum number of shots to 1,100 (in normal mode). The grip features a shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, front and rear command dials, Q button and Fn button to provide the same level of excellent operability with vertical shooting as with horizontal.

X-T3 Metal Hand Grip

The MHG-XT3 Metal Hand Grip makes it substantially more comfortable to hold the camera when it is mounted with a large-aperture lens, in order to reduce camera shake. The battery or SD cards can be replaced without having to remove the hand grip, and the base can be used as a quick release shoe when using a dovetail mount on a tripod.

FUJIFILM X-T3 Key Features:

  • 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor with primary color filter
  • X-Processor 4 Image Processing Engine
    • Capable of 4K/60P and 10bit output
    • Features 4 CPU units
    • Startup time of 0.3 seconds
    • Shutter time lag of 0.045 seconds
  • High-precision, 0.5-inch, 3.69 million dot OLED color viewfinder
    • Viewfinder magnification of 0.75x
    • Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38º and horizontal 30º)
    • Display time lag of just 0.005 seconds, refresh rate of approx. 100fps
  • Robust magnesium alloy body
  • Continuous Shooting
    • 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (JPEG? 60 frames Lossless compression RAW? 35 frames Uncompressed RAW? 33 frames)
    • 11fps (JPEG: 145 frames Lossless compression RAW: 42 frames Uncompressed RAW: 36 frames)
    • 5.7fps (JPEG: endless Lossless Compression RAW: 62 frames Uncompressed RAW: 43 frames)
    • Pre-shot: Approx. 30fps [Only electronic shutter, 1.25 x Crop ] (max. 20 frames while half press, max. 20 frames after full press, total max. 40 frames)
  • Movie Recording (using a card with the UHS Speed Class 3 or higher)
    • File format
      • MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, Audio: Linear PCM / Stereo sound 24bit / 48KHz sampling)
    • Movie compression
      • All Intra/Long-GOP, can be used with the following settings:
        • DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps
        • Full HD?2048×1080?/Full HD?1920×1080?94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p?200Mbps
      • File size/ Frame Rate/ Recording Time
        • ?DCI 4K?4096×2160?? 94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
        • ?4K?3840×2160??94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
        • 400Mbps/200Mbps/100Mbps 59.94p/50p: up to approx. 20min. 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p: up to approx. 30min
        • ?Full HD?2048 ×1080?? 94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
        • ?Full HD?1920×1080??94p/50p/29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 200Mbps/100Mbps/50Mbps up to approx. 30min.
        • ?Full HD?1920×1080) High speed rec.] 120p?100p 200Mbps (recording) up to approx. 6min.
        • Recording movies in 400Mbps can be done with DCI4K/4K 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p.
        • DCI4K 59.94p/50p is not available when H.264 is selected.
          • For recording movies, use a SD memory card with UHS Speed Class 3 or higher. For recording movies in 400Mbps, use a SD memory card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher
        • LCD Monitor
          • 0 inch, aspect ratio 3:2, approx. 1.04 million dots touch screen color LCD monitor (approx. 100% coverage)
        • 16 Film Simulation Modes
          • PROVIA/Standard, Velvia/Vivid, ASTIA/Soft, Classic Chrome, PRO Neg. Hi, PRO Neg. Std, Black & White, Black & White +Ye Filter, Black & White +R Filter, Black & White +G Filter, Sepia, ACROS, ACROS +Ye Filter, ACROS+R Filter, ACROS+G Filter, ETERNA/Cinema), B & W Adjustment: -9~+9
        • Bluetooth® Ver. 4.2 low energy technology
        • 16 Film Simulation Modes
        • Accessories included:
          • Li-ion battery NP-W126S
          • Battery charger BC-W126S
          • Shoe-mount flash unit EF-X8
          • Shoulder strap
          • Body cap
          • Strap clip
          • Protective cover
          • Clip attaching tool
          • Hot shoe cover
          • Vertical battery grip connector cover
          • Connector cover (detachable)
          • Sync terminal cover
          • Cable protector
          • Owner’s manual

FUJIFILM X-T3 Accessories:

  • X-T3 Vertical Power Booster Grip VG-XT3
    • Weather-resistant design fits two additional batteries
  • X-T3 Metal Hand Grip MHG-XT3
    • Enhanced ergonomic design for horizontal shooting
  • X-T3 Bottom Leather Case BLC-XT3
    • Genuine premium leather
  • X-T3 Cover Kit CVR-XT3 includes:
    • Sync terminal cover
    • Hot shoe cover
    • Connector cover
    • Vertical battery grip connector cover, black
    • Vertical battery grip connector cover, silver
  • FUJIFILM Remote Release RR-100
  • Battery Charger BC-W126S

Fujifilm X-T3 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 1499 (body only), $ 1899 (w/18-55mm lens)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6240 x 4160
Other resolutions 4416 x 2944, 3120 x 2080
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 26 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor X-Processor 4
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array X-Trans
Image
ISO Auto, 160-12800 (expands to 80-51200)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 80
Boosted ISO (maximum) 51200
White balance presets 7
Custom white balance Yes (3 slots)
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
  • Raw (14-bit RAF)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 425
Lens mount Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.75× (0.5× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution 3,690,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/32000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port)
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous (L/H)
  • Bracketing
Continuous drive 20.0 fps
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Average
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Connectivity
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LE
Remote control Yes (via smartphone or cable release)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description NP-W126S lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 390
Weight (inc. batteries) 539 g (1.19 lb / 19.01 oz)
Dimensions 133 x 93 x 59 mm (5.24 x 3.66 x 2.32)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Picktorial’s new X-Pack lets you add Fuji’s film simulation profiles to X-Trans raw files

17 Aug

When Picktorial 3 debuted back in April, it offered “superior support” for Fujifilm X-Trans RAW files, including compressed and uncompressed RAF. This was a big deal, and it has been so well received that Picktorial Innovations, Ltd. has announced another major addition for Fuji users this week: they’ve added Fuji Film-Simulation color profiles.

Released as a $ 15 “X-Pack” add-on to Picktorial 3, the preset pack is described as, “a package of pitch-perfect film simulation color profiles for Fujifilm RAF files.”

With this unique add-on to Picktorial 3, the simple yet powerful non- destructive RAW photo editing platform for Mac, Fuji photographers can enjoy the renowned look of the Fujifilm Film-Simulation yet retain the capability and latitude of the X-Trans sensor output.

The X-Pack features 14 color profiles, which accurately reproduce the much-loved Fuji Film-Simulation modes you find in-camera when shooting JPEG. The difference here being, of course, that you can apply these profiles to raw RAF files to achieve the same looks without losing the editing latitude of raw.

Here are a few before and after images of the X-Pack in action:

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The add-on requires Picktorial version 3.0.4 or newer, which will cost you $ 40 to buy new as of this writing. The X-Pack itself costs $ 15, and can be purchased at this link.

Picktorial’s new X-Pack film simulation color profiles offer further appeal for Fuji RAF users

Jerusalem, Israel – August 16, 2017 – Picktorial Innovations, Ltd. is excited to announce its latest offering to the Fuji community with X-Pack, a package of pitch-perfect film simulation color profiles for Fujifilm RAF files. With this unique add-on to Picktorial 3, the simple yet powerful non- destructive RAW photo editing platform for Mac, Fuji photographers can enjoy the renowned look of the Fujifilm Film-Simulation yet retain the capability and latitude of the X-Trans sensor output.

Already a favorite within the Fuji community due to its superior X-Trans RAW support, Picktorial has added the X-Pack with 14 color profiles reproducing the Fuji Film-Simulation modes found in- camera when shooting in JPEG format. These profiles, based on the original films, are considered one of the most beloved features in the Fuji X-series digital cameras.

Picktorial continues to develop new features in line with its mission: providing intuitive, pro-level tools to every photographer, expanding creative opportunities while saving editing time. Since its launch in April 2017, Picktorial 3 has received rave reviews from both leading publications and users alike.

Included in the X-Pack are the following profiles:

  1. Camera CLASSIC CHROME
  2. Camera ACROS
  3. Camera ACROS+Ye
  4. Camera ACROS+R
  5. Camera ACROS+G
  6. Camera Velvia/VIVID
  7. Camera PROVIA/STANDARD
  8. Camera PRO Neg. Hi
  9. Camera PRO Neg. Std
  10. Camera ASTIA/SOFT
  11. Camera MONOCHROME
  12. Camera MONOCHROME+Ye
  13. Camera MONOCHROME+R
  14. Camera MONOCHROME+G

The camera profiles are compatible with Fujifilm X-Trans(TM) RAF files.

Requirements:

Picktorial 3.0.4 or later

Availability and Pricing:

The X-Pack is now available for download at www.picktorial.com/xpack for $ 15.

More tutorials and resources can be found at www.youtube.com/picktorial

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Iridient X-Transformer beta brings much-loved X-Trans processing to Windows

28 Jan

Iridient Digital, maker of the popular Iridient Developer Raw conversion software for Mac, has announced a public Beta of a Fujifilm Raw converter utility for Windows.

Iridient X-Transformer is a standalone utility that takes RAF files from Fujifilm cameras and demosaics them before saving them as DNG files. This allows Windows users to access the well-regarded processing look that is popular among Mac-owning X-Trans shooters.

Camera support covers all but the very latest X-series models and covers cameras both with X-Trans and Bayer color filter patterns.

The software is designed to give files that are optimized for the conversion software you then import into, with the option to add tags to prevent Lightroom from duplicating the sharpening or noise reduction you’ve chosen to apply with X-Transformer, and options defining the handling of lens corrections.

The plugin also includes options for organizing and batch-renaming of files and the ability to compress and reduce the bit-depth of processed files, to save space.

The software offers control over the following parameters:

  • Interpolation process (More Detailed/Smoother), based on the Detail+ and Smooth options in Iridient Developer. The ‘Smoother’ option is less prone to artefacts but without the same level of fine detail.
  • Sharpening (Off, Low, Medium, High), with the option to over-ride Lightroom Sharpening and the ability to specify the sharpening tag in the DNG file.
  • Lens Correction – includes the option to apply the camera’s lens corrections, ignore them or write them as ‘opcode’ tags into the DNG file to be handled by the downstream converter.
  • Chroma/Luma Noise Reduction (Off, Low, Medium, High) again with the option to cancel Lightroom’s default NR.

The beta utility is available for free download but will place watermarks on the converted images. The arrival of Iridient’s conversion algorithm for Windows users will see its inclusion in a forthcoming comparison of several leading Raw converters for X-Trans cameras.

Iridient conversion, 100% crop
(Sharpening Low)
ACR conversion, 100 crop
(Default parameters)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elevating X-Trans? Fujifilm X-T2 Review

19 Oct

The Fujifilm X-T2 is an updated version of the company’s top-level DSLR-shaped APS-C camera. It’s built around the same 24MP X-Trans sensor as the X-Pro2 but ends up being much more than an X-T1 with more pixels. Instead, the X-T2 is a camera that does much to address the X-System’s remaining weaknesses, which can only broaden its already considerable appeal.

Fujifilm X-T2 Key Features:

  • 24MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
  • 325 AF points (169 of which offer phase detection)
  • AF point selection joystick
  • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF with 0.005 sec refresh time (60 fps or 100 fps in boost mode)
  • 3″ 1.04M-dot articulating LCD
  • 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps for up to 10 min (30 min with booster grip)
  • F-Log flat profile and 4K out over HDMI
  • 8 fps continuous shooting with AF (11 fps with booster grip)
  • 5 fps continuous shooting with live view updates between capture
  • Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)
  • USB 3.0 socket

The X-Pro2 represented a good step forward for image quality within the system and the X-T2 gains all of that improvement, but there are also some considerable changes in terms of autofocus, video and flash control, suggesting Fujifilm wants its the X-T2 to be an all-round more capable camera than its predecessor, rather than just building on its existing strengths.

The body seems broadly unchanged at first glance but there’s a clever doubly-hinged flip-out screen that seems to offer many of the flexibility advantages of a fully articulated monitor while retaining the more compact form of a tilting screen.

There’s also a Performance Boost mode that speeds up several aspects of the camera’s behavior (at the expense of some battery life), but that really comes into its own when the optional ‘Power Boost Vertical Grip’ is added. None of these additions comes for free, though: at $ 1599, body only, the X-T2’s launch price has jumped $ 300, compared to its predecessors’.

Autofocus

Part and parcel of that 24MP sensor are the 169 phase-detection points that we saw in a large central square region of the sensor on the X-Pro2. Beyond this, the X-T2 now gains an extra two columns of 13 contrast-detection AF points down each side of the frame, widening its AF area and bringing it to a total of 325 AF points in total.

Fujifilm also promises a more powerful processor and revised algorithms, along with faster sensor read-out, to improve the camera’s speed, regardless of whether it’s using a combination of phase detection and contrast detection (Hybrid AF), or simply the latter alone.

To get the best-possible performance out of the newly refined AF system, the X-T2 introduces a use case-based AF-C setup system. Much like the one we’ve seen on high-end Canon DSLRs, this lets you specify the types of movement you’re expecting from your subject, so that the camera can try to respond appropriately.

Video

The X-T2 makes a bigger leap forward into video than we were expecting. There was much chatter around the time of the X-Pro2’s launch that the camera’s hardware was, theoretically, capable of 4K capture, but that the company hadn’t pursued its development for such a stills-orientated model. Well, it has now.

The X-T2’s movie capabilities are a big step forward for the system.

But Fujifilm has done more than just do enough to be able to emblazon the phrase ‘4K capable’ on the box: the camera also gains a mic socket and on-screen audio monitoring with the ability to assign mic volume to a Fn button. There’s also an ‘F-Log’ flat profile to give flexibility while color grading.

The good news is that our first shots of our test scene suggest the camera’s 4K footage is much more impressive than the 1080p that the first X-Trans cameras could muster. Fujifilm says its taken from an area 1.8x larger than the 4K UHD region, which suggests oversampling in each dimension. Combine this with 4K output over HDMI and the X-T2 looks like the first X-Trans camera that might appeal to shooters interested in shooting both stills and video.

Flash control

One of the missing pieces of an increasingly well fleshed-out XF mount system has been the lack of advanced flash control – something that the X-T2 is looking to address. Up until now, users have had to turn to third-party makers if they wanted to communicate TTL flash information to remote flash units.

The newly introduced EF-X500 flash allows high speed flash sync and remote TTL flash control for the first time, making it significantly easier to use the X-T2 with strobes.

Optional ‘Power Booster Grip’

Along with the X-T2, Fujifilm has introduced the VPB-XT2, a vertical battery grip that holds two extra batteries. As well as significantly extending the camera’s battery life, the grip also extends the camera’s ‘Boost’ mode. With the grip attached, this is able to draw power from multiple batteries, increasing the camera’s maximum continuous shooting rate, as well as extending its video recording time to 30 minutes.

The entertainingly-named ‘Vertical Power Booster Grip’ can house two addition batteries (without displacing the camera’s internal unit), helping increase capacity to around 1000 frames between charges. It also adds a headphone socket and a ‘Boost’ switch that improves responsiveness and ups the frame rate to 11 fps.

This grip features the same level of environmental sealing as the camera body and also plays host to a headphone socket for audio monitoring while shooting video.

Review History

Review History
6 July 2016 First Impressions, Studio Scene and Beta Gallery published,
based on pre-production camera running f/w 1.34
19 October 2016 Image Quality, Autofocus and Conclusion published,
based on production camera running f/w 1.00

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elevating X-Trans? Fujifilm X-T2 First Impressions Review

07 Jul

The Fujifilm X-T2 is an updated version of the company’s top-level DSLR-shaped APS-C camera. It’s built around the same 24MP X-Trans sensor as the X-Pro2 but ends up being much more than an X-T1 with more pixels. Instead, the X-T2 is a camera that does much to address the X-System’s remaining weaknesses, which can only broaden its already considerable appeal.

Fujifilm X-T2 Key Features:

  • 24MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
  • 325 AF points (169 of which offer phase detection)
  • AF point selection joystick
  • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF with 0.005 sec refresh time (60 fps or 100 fps in boost mode)
  • 3″ 1.04M-dot articulating LCD
  • 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps for up to 10 min (30 min with booster grip)
  • F-Log flat profile and 4K out over HDMI
  • 8 fps continuous shooting with AF (11 fps with booster grip)
  • 5 fps continuous shooting with live view updates between capture
  • Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)
  • USB 3.0 socket

The X-Pro2 represented a good step forward for image quality within the system and the X-T2 gains all of that improvement, but there are also some considerable changes in terms of autofocus, video and flash control, suggesting Fujifilm wants its the X-T2 to be an all-round more capable camera than its predecessor, rather than just building on its existing strengths.

The body seems broadly unchanged at first glance but there’s a clever doubly-hinged flip-out screen that seems to offer many of the flexibility advantages of a fully articulated monitor while retaining the more compact form of a tilting screen.

There’s also a Performance Boost mode that speeds up several aspects of the camera’s behavior (at the expense of some battery life), but that really comes into its own when the optional ‘Power Boost Vertical Grip’ is added. None of these additions comes for free, though: at $ 1599, body only, the X-T2’s launch price has jumped $ 300, compared to its predecessors’.

Autofocus

Part and parcel of that 24MP sensor are the 169 phase-detection points that we saw in a large central square region of the sensor on the X-Pro2. Beyond this, the X-T2 now gains an extra two columns of 13 contrast-detection AF points down each side of the frame, widening its AF area and bringing it to a total of 325 AF points in total.

Fujifilm also promises a more powerful processor and revised algorithms, along with faster sensor read-out, to improve the camera’s speed, regardless of whether it’s using a combination of phase detection and contrast detection (Hybrid AF), or simply the latter alone.

To get the best-possible performance out of the newly refined AF system, the X-T2 introduces a use case-based AF-C setup system. Much like the one we’ve seen on high-end Canon DSLRs, this lets you specify the types of movement you’re expecting from your subject, so that the camera can try to respond appropriately.

Video

The X-T2 makes a bigger leap forward into video than we were expecting. There was much chatter around the time of the X-Pro2’s launch that the camera’s hardware was, theoretically, capable of 4K capture, but that the company hadn’t pursued its development for such a stills-orientated model. Well, it has now.

The X-T2’s movie capabilities are a big step forward for the system.

But Fujifilm has done more than just do enough to be able to emblazon the phrase ‘4K capable’ on the box: the camera also gains a mic socket and on-screen audio monitoring with the ability to assign mic volume to a Fn button. There’s also an ‘F-Log’ flat profile to give flexibility while color grading.

The good news is that our first shots of our test scene suggest the camera’s 4K footage is much more impressive than the 1080p that the first X-Trans cameras could muster. Combine this with 4K output over HDMI and the X-T2 looks like the first X-Trans camera that might appeal to shooters interested in shooting both stills and video.

Flash control

One of the missing pieces of an increasingly well fleshed-out XF mount system has been the lack of advanced flash control – something that the X-T2 is looking to address. Up until now, users have had to turn to third-party makers if they wanted to communicate TTL flash information to remote flash units.

The newly introduced EF-X500 flash allows high speed flash sync and remote TTL flash control for the first time, making it significantly easier to use the X-T2 with strobes.

Optional ‘Power Booster Grip’

Along with the X-T2, Fujifilm has introduced the VPB-XT2, a vertical battery grip that holds two extra batteries. As well as significantly extending the camera’s battery life, the grip also extends the camera’s ‘Boost’ mode. With the grip attached, this is able to draw power from multiple batteries, increasing the camera’s maximum continuous shooting rate, as well as extending its video recording time to 30 minutes.

The entertainingly-named ‘Vertical Power Booster Grip’ can house two addition batteries (without displacing the camera’s internal unit), helping increase capacity to around 1000 frames between charges. It also adds a headphone socket and a ‘Boost’ switch that improves responsiveness and ups the frame rate to 11 fps.

This grip features the same level of environmental sealing as the camera body and also plays host to a headphone socket for audio monitoring while shooting video.

Review History

Review History
6 July 2016 First Impressions, Studio Scene and Beta Gallery published,
based on pre-production camera running f/w 1.34

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe Camera Raw 9.1 adds Dehaze feature and improves X-Trans support

17 Jun

Adobe has released the latest iterations of its Camera Raw plug-in and DNG converter software. In addition to adding support for more cameras and lenses, this update also adds Dehaze correction as well as local B&W adjustment sliders. Adobe has also reduced ‘color blur’ artifacts in Raw images from Fujifilm X-Trans cameras. More details

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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X-Trans excellence? Fujifilm X30 First Impressions Review

26 Aug

Fujifilm’s new X30 premium compact is an intriguing piece of kit, with a larger-than-average sensor and reasonably fast lens. While not a revolutionary upgrade to the X20, it still provides some nice improvements. After some play time, we’ve put together a First Impressions Review that spells out what’s new and what’s not.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm XQ1 puts X-Trans sensor into an ultra-compact body

18 Oct

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Fujifilm’s new XQ1 enthusiast compact takes the fast lens and slim design from last year’s XF1 and adds a 12 megapixel 2/3″ X-Trans II CMOS sensor with hybrid AF. The XQ1 features a 25-100mm (equiv.) F1.8-4.9 lens with optical image stabilization and claimed focus times as fast as 0.06 seconds. Other features include a 3-inch LCD, lens control ring, focus peaking, Raw support, 1080/60p video, and Wi-Fi. You’ll be able to pick one up for yourself this month for under $ 500.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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X-Trans in your pocket: First Impressions Review of Fujifilm’s XQ1

18 Oct

XQ1.jpg

The Fujifilm XQ1 – the follow up to the stylish XF1 – is the company’s latest attempt to make a splash in the high-end compact camera segment. The big change on the XQ1 is its use of the X-Trans II sensor with on-chip phase detection, which promises higher photo quality and snappy focusing. If that sounds intriguing, then read our initial thoughts in our first impressions review of the Fuji XQ1.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photo Ninja adds preliminary support for X-Trans Raw images

03 Oct

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Another contender has entered the relatively small ring of Raw converters that can work with Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensors: Photo Ninja. The latest version of this already-capable image editor has added ‘preliminary’ support for X-Trans Raw, and early results seem promising. To see how this $ 129 software performs, click through to see side-by-side comparisons.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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