Category Archives: Industry News

Fujifilm Announces the IBIS Equipped X-S10 Camera

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Last week, Fujifilm announced their latest camera, the X-S10. A compact model with IBIS in-body stabilization, and the same 26.1 MP X-Trans sensor and X-Processor 4 found on the X-T4, the X-S10 delivers top level performance for shooting both stills and video in a compact, more affordable body.

Essentially, the X-S10 is the little brother/sister to the X-T4. It offers the same low light performance, ultra fast autofocus full resolution shooting at up to 8 fps with the mechanical shutter, and up to 30 fps using the electronic shutter, 4K video and all of the other main creative features found on the X-T4, but in a smaller, lighter body that is designed to appeal to a wider range of photographers.

With a different top deck configuration, the X-S10 adopts a more traditional DSLR type look and feel for the body, that Fujifilm is hoping will be more familiar, and more attractive to non-fuji shooters. Instead of the regular “Fuji-style” layout, the X-S10 has a dedicated exposure mode dial and two additional dials that allow for fast control over other camera and exposure settings.

Obviously, Fujifilm is trying to bring more DSLR shooters into the fold, and they’re hoping that this design will help entice photographers away from their Canon’s Nikons and Sonys.

Their strategy is to ease them through the door, and then wow them with the amazing colors, quality and creative options that make the X-Series cameras so well regarded.

Being the third camera in the Fuji line to offer 5-Axis IBIS stabilization to the X-S10, this is the first time they’ve added this feature to one of the less expensive models. It’s a system that works extremely well, no matter if you’re shooting stills or video, and it adds quite a bit of value to an already great camera.

In the past, Fuji’s X-T10/20/30 camera have all been highly capable and very popular models. They’ve all offered excellent, pro-level performance, and superb value, and I see this as being the case with the X-S10. Following their history, this camera could be considered the X-T40, but given the different body style, Fuji clearly decided to set this one apart.

Basic Specs

The X-S10 has pretty much the same specs as the X-T4, with a couple of additions.

• 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans Back Side Illuminated CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor Pro. It’s the same sensor and chipset found on the X-T4, X-T3, X-T30, X-Pro 3 and X100V, and it offers improved tonal and color rendering and improved low light performance, with a native ISO range of 160-12,800.

• 5-Axis IBIS In-Body Image Stabilization. A highly capable sensor-shift stabilization system, this helps to miniziae camera shake by up to 5 stops, and it works in conjunction with most X Series lenses, even non-stabilized lenses. It helps increase sharpness when shooting still images at slower shutter.

In addition, a 4-Axis digital image stabilization system can be used when shooting video to further aid in steadying your footage.

• DCI and UHD 4K Video Recording. The X-S10 offers a versatile array of video capabilities that allow extremely high quality options for video and filmmakers. It can record 4K DCI/UHD 4K video at up to 30 fps, and Full HD recording at up to 240 fps for ultra slow-motion playback.

The fast processor speed of the X-S10 enables very fast write speeds and helps to reduce rolling shutter distortion when filming moving subjects. The camera also has a 3.5mm microphone jack and a micro HDMI port that enables 10-bit recording to an optional external or HDMI monitor.

• Ultra Fast autofocus system with 425 phase detection pixels that cover the entire frame. 

• A Host of Creative Shooting Options. The X-Ss10 contains 18 Film Simulations, including Classic Neg., Classic Chrome, ACROS and ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS, as well as other creative settings, including Monochromatic Color, Color Chrome Effect, Color Chrome FX Blue, Clarity, HDR Mode, Grain Effect, PRE-SHOT ES, and all of Fuji’s ADV creative filters, including Toy Camera, Miniature Mode and Dynamic Tone.

• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity. This allows for wireless shooting and sharing your images to a mobile device.

• NP-126S Battery. Unlike the X-T4, which uses a different battery, the X-Ss10 uses the same NP-126S battery that every other X Series camera uses. This makes it a very easy chose for those photographers moving up from older X Series models or people looking for a second body or a dedicated video body, since the batteries are interchangeable between the different models.

• Pop-Up Flash, Silent Control, RAW Shooting in Auto/SP Mode, Flip-out LCD Screen and more.

Overall

Packed with high performance capabilities in an affordable, compact, lightweight body, the Fujifilm X-S10 looks like a great addition to the line. I see it appealing to a wide range of shooters, as a full-featured main camera for photographers, filmmakers, bloggers and YouTubers, or second/backup or dedicated video body and a small, but highly capable travel camera for shooting film and stills.

Even though it has a slightly different body style, inside, it’s X Series to the core, with all of the functions and features you need to make whatever types of imagery or film you want to create.

The X-S10 is up for preorder now, and it’s slated to ship on November 19. It will be available as a body, or as a kit with either the 18-55mm lens or the 16-80mm lens.  

 

Luminar 4.3 Adds New Camera Support and a Search Tool

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Skylum has released the version 4.3 update to Luminar 4, and with it comes a bread new Search Tool. In addition, they’ve added a number of performance upgrades, a better visual experience when using Looks, and support for some of the latest model cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T4 and X100V.

The new Search Tool is a long awaited feature that adds a totally new functionality to the program, and helps speed up your workflow by streamlining the way that you find your images in the Library.

Located in the Gallery View window, Luminar’s new Search Tool allows you to find images by name, folder, date or extension. (You can watch a quick demo of the search function here). This allows you to quickly locate single images, or batches of images.

You can’t search by caption or keyword yet, but I would imaging that’s coming. As with everything else, the Skylum engineers are moving in steps as they build out the program.

Instead of trying to add everything at once, which make potential problems much more difficult to diagnose, they add one or two new features at a time and improve functionality on a continuous basis. This keeps things much more simple and streamlined in the design process.

That said, even though Luminar’s new Search Tool isn’t quite as powerful as what we’re used to in many programs, it’s a good start, and something they can now build on.

Other Visual & Performance Improvements in v.4.3

In addition to the Search Tool, Luminar 4.3 opens RAW files even faster than before, and overall, the program has been optimized to use considerably less memory, so tools will be more responsive and operate more smoothly. This is especially true with the Crop tool, which has been tweaked for even better performance.

The Looks panel has been improved to give a much better viewing experience. Now, when you hover over a specific Look down in the Looks bar, instead of seeing the preview of that look on the tiny thumbnail, you’ll see the effect previewed on your main image. This will give you a much better idea of how each Look will affect your pictures. (See an example here.)

Luminar has also added support for the latest cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T4, X100V, XT-200, Nikon D780, Z50, Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, Sony A9 II and others from Olympus and Panasonic.

Click here to see all of the new performance enhancements and upgrades in Luminar v.4.3. It’s a free update if you’re already a Luminar 4 user.

If you’re not a Luminar 4 user, you can check out the program here, and if you decide to purchase it, use coupon code DANBAILEY to save $10. 

A Trio of Luminar 4 Tutorials – How I Use The Program

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After much anticipation, Luminar 4 has finally been released. In addition to getting an update to the user interface, Skylum has introduced some very powerful new processing tools, including AI Structure, AI Skin and AI Portrait Enhancer tools, and AI Sky Replacement.

Using algorithm-based processing, these adjustments allow you to make what might normally be very complex adjustments with simple slider moves. In many cases, the kind of visual effects you can achieve would often involve using masks and layers, but with Luminar, you can get the looks you want in a minimal amount of time.

Essentially, that’s Luminar’s keynote mission, to make the process of photo editing easy and allow you to get great results quickly.

In my own quest to simplify my photography life, I try to reduce the amount of time I spend at my computer, or at least make my computer time more efficient. In that respect, Luminar has become a very productive tool in my workflow. In addition, I enjoy the style of creativity that it inspires when I’m editing my imagery.

I wrote about some of the new tools in this recent post, and to help expand on this, I’ve posted three Luminar tutorials on my YouTube Channel. I’ve also embedded them in here this post so you can watch them all in one place.

1. A Look at Luminar 4

In this video, I give you a basic look at the new interface in Luminar 4, highlight some of the new creative tools and show you how I typically use the program in my own photography workflow.

2. How to Use Luminar’s “Sunrays” Filter

In this video, I show off the Sunrays filter that’s included in both Luminar 3 and 4. It’s one of the “fun” tools that allows a wide range of creativity in your imagery, and when used correctly, you can enhance your image with some very realistic looks.

3. Using Luminar’s AI Sky Replacement Tool

Ok, I know this one is going to get a lot of “eye-rolls” from some photographers. I’ll admit, that was my first reaction when I saw that they had added this new tool. It’s not something that I would make much use of in my own photography.

However, sky replacement is a common practice in the pro photography world, especially if you shoot assignments or stock. Ad agencies and art directors have been replacing skies for years. I’ve had my own skies replaced on more than on occasion, and it wasn’t always done very well.

Even if you’re not a pro, there are times when you might have a great subject and a horrible sky. For whatever reason, you may choose to add in a different sky to match the personal, creative ideas you have for a particular image.

The AI Sky Replacement tool in Luminar 4 works exceptionally well. Despite being an initial skeptic, I was highly impressed the first time I tried it. In fact, this short video tutorial is actually a live session of the first and only time I’ve used the tool. The clip shows you just how easy it is to use and how convincingly it works.

I hope these tutorials give you an idea of the look and capabilities of Luminar 4 and show you the kinds of creative effects you can get with the program.

Luminar 4 runs on both Mac and Windows and it works as both a standalone photo editing app or as a plugin for Lightroom, Photoshop and Apple Photos. Given the power of the new tools and the highly versatile nature of the program for both beginning and advanced photographers of all styles, I feel that it’s a program that will appeal to a wide range of users.

If you order or upgrade here, use discount code DANBAILEY and you’ll save $10 on either the full version of the upgrade from a previous version. You’ll also get a free “Inspiration Looks” preset pack.

You can also take advantage of the 7-day free trial period to see if you like the program.

My First Look Review of the New Fujifilm X-Pro 3

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Anytime Fujifilm releases a new camera, we can look forward to many of the updated specs and features being populated into future models, and in many cases, with already current models via firmware updates. Just as the X-Pro 2 introduced … Continue reading →

Luminar 3 Now Supports Fujifilm X-T3 and Nikon Z Cameras

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Luminar 3.0.2 has been released, and it now adds full support for a number of new cameras, including the Fujifilm X-T3, GFX 50R and the new Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras and D3500. In addition, the latest version of Luminar … Continue reading →

A Preview Look at Luminar 3 with Libraries

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Skylum Software has just released Luminar 3. This much-anticipated update to what has become a very popular photo editing app will contain the new Library module, which will now allow you to use Luminar to import, store and organize your … Continue reading →

Luminar 3 With Libraries is Coming December 18

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Last fall, Skylum announced that the were developing a catalog module for Luminar which would make it not just an image processing program, but an asset management tool as well. Originally, this update was slated for early 2018. I was very excited to hear … Continue reading →