Tag Archives: photography gear

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.  

 

Fujifilm Announces the X-T4 with IBIS In-Body Stabilization

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Last night, Fujifilm announced the brand new X-T4, the new flagship camera in the X Series lineup. The obvious successor to the already awesome X-T3, the X-T4 adds the one thing that a lot of people have been pining for: IBIS, or In-Body Stabilization.

In a way, the X-T4 fills two roles. Not only does it improve on the X-T3’s impressive performance, it takes over for the discontinued X-H1 as a stabilized sensor camera. Using a series of magnets instead of springs, the X-T4’s IBIS allows for an even smaller footprint inside the camera, and improves accuracy up to 8 times better than what the X-H1 offered.

Designed for shooting extremely high quality stills and video, the X-T4 also solves the number one problem that many X Series users were facing, especially when shooting video or when using the camera in extreme cold:

It has a bigger battery. 👍

As X-H1 users noticed, the 5-Axis In-Body Stabilization uses more battery power, and with heavy video shooting, the NP-126S battery didn’t always last very long. Switch to 4K and battery life is even shorter.

The X-T4 uses a brand new NP-W235 battery, which is said to provide an average of around 400-600 shots per change, as opposed to the 300-400, which is typical for the NP-126. When shooting 4K video, the X-T4’s battery life is spec’d at 110 minutes, vs. 55 minutes for the X-T3.

Add in the new VG-XT4 Vertical Battery Grip, and you can get up to 1,700 frames per charge and dramatically increase your video shooting time. There’s also a Dual Battery Charger for the new NP-W235 batteries.

Main Camera Specs

On a base level, the X-T4 looks very similar to the X-T3 under the hood. It has the same Back Side Illuminated 26.1 MP APS-C X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor, and Fuji’s X Processor Pro image processing chip. So, image and video quality essentially remain the same.

Both cameras have a native ISO range between 160 and 12,800, and both cameras shoot Full HD, High Speed (Slow Motion) Full HD, and DCI/UHD 4K at up to 60p (59.94p) at up to 400Mbps, with a shutter range of 1/4 sec to 1/8,000 sec. In addition, the X-T4 allows you to choose ether MOV format or MP4 video format. This gives you even more flexibility for sharing/uploading your video files.

With its increased power, though, the X-T4 can shoot an impressive 15 frames per second when using the mechanical shutter. Compare that to the X-T3’s 11 fps max. Using the electronic shutter, both cameras can shoot at up to 30 fps, and both cameras use Fuji’s awesome PRE-SHOT ES setting.

Both the X-T4 and X-T3 have 100% phase detect pixel coverage on the sensor and use the same autofocus system.

However, with updated AF algorithms, the X-T4 now has even faster focus performance, better AF tracking, highly improved Face and Eye Detection AF, and higher sensitivity for acquiring and tracking subjects in low light. The X-T4’s AF system will focus down to -6.0EV, which is nearing the level of complete darkness.

New Features

The X-T3 contains a number of new features, some of which were first introduced into the X-Pro 3 late last year, like CLARITY, COLOR CHROME BLUE FX, and the HIGHLIGHT/SHADOW Tone Curve setting.

However the X-T4 takes it up a notch and offers the HIGHLIGHT and SHADOW Tone Curve controls with half stop adjustments. This give you even more flexibility for capturing your scenes exactly how you want them to look right inside the camera.

It also has three “Boost” modes that change the responsiveness LCD and EVF, depending on what you’re shooting.

  • Luminance Priority: Enhances the subject when shooting in low light
  • Resolution Priority: Allows you to see more of the fine details
  • Frame Rate Priority: Allows for smoother transitions, essential when shooting moving subjects

 

The X-T4 also features a brand new Film Simulation called “ETERNA Bleach Bypass.” Designed primarily for filmmakers, this new color profile produces a high-contrast look, while keeping the color saturation low.

ETERNA – Photo by Pål Laukli

ETERNA Bleach Bypass – Photo by Pål Laukli

 

Body Design

The X-T4 retains the same basic look and ergonomic functionality of the X-T3, with a few small tweaks, as you can see in the pictures below.

The old AF-L/AE-L buttons have been replaced by an AF-ON button, which I assume will also work as a Fn button. The Q Button has been moved up as well, and now there’s a simple “STILL and MOVIE” control on the color below the shutter speed dial.

The other big change is the new Vary-Angle LCD Touch Screen, which allows you to close the screen against the body for distraction-free shooting, or preventing it from being damaged, say if you’re scrambling on sketchy terrain or banging the camera around, which some of us do sometimes.

The X-T4 body is slightly bigger than the X-T3, but not by much. It also has a slightly larger grip, which will certainly appeal to many photographers. It’s not nearly as big as the X-H1 grip was, but it does offer a larger hand hold than the X-T3.

Overall

Fujifilm certainly jumped ahead of the usual X Series update schedule. It comes only a year and a half after the X-T3’s release, but with constantly improving technology and increasing competition and demands from shooters, I guess it’s not a surprise, especially with the demise of the short lived X-H1.

Obviously the X-H1 allowed Fujifilm to figure out the whole IBIS thing, but let’s face it, that camera was kind of an oddball in the lineup. If you loved your X-T2/3, then you probably didn’t like the body layout of the H1. It looks like Fuji finally decided to give people what they were asking for: a stabilized sensor X-T series camera.

So, here it is, through and through: A fully capable IBIS body that offers all the benefits of the stabilized sensor, but that faithfully retains the classic X Series design and ergonomics that we’ve all grown to love. In my mind, this is probably the best move they could make.

There’s no question, the X-T4 is the best, fastest and highest performing X Series camera ever made. Whether you shoot stills or video, this camera will get the job done for you in a big way.

For everyone who’s been waiting for this camera, you only have to wait a little bit longer. Official release date on the X-T4 is April 30, but of course, if you preorder, there’s always a chance it will arrive sooner. 

If you already have an X-T3, then there might not enough reasons to upgrade to the 4. I would say that if you’re a professional and you need the fastest, most capable system for high-end photography and video, then sure… get the X-T4 and either sell the 3 or keep it as a superbly awesome backup/second body.

Of course, having IBIS on the X-T4 can extend your shutter speed by up to 6.5 stops. This is a big concern if you love to use the Fuji primes, which don’t have OIS stabilization built into the lens. This can be a huge boon to anyone for shooting in lower light.

If you’re one of those people who are still using the X-T2, or even the X-T1, then this is probably your logical upgrade… unless you want to save a few hundred dollars and pick up the X-T3 on sale. (It’s currently $200 off, with a price of only $1,299. That’s quite a bit less than the X-T4, which has a $1,699 price tag.)

Either way, we’ve got to hand it to Fuji; they’ve really delivered with the X-T4. Even the trolls will have a hard time picking this one apart.

You can preorder the X-T4 here, and you can see Fuji’s official X-T4 site here. 

And you can watch this X-T4 preview video by my good friend Bryan Minear.

Finally, now that the X-T4 has officially been announced, I can get to work updating my X SERIES UNLIMITED eBook to match this, and also the X-Pro 3 and X100V. Man… what a great time this is to be a Fuji user!

You Don’t Have To Buy Every New Camera That Comes Along

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It’s time for another Public Service Announcement. Are you ready? Ok, here goes: Buying a new camera won’t make you a better photographer.

A new camera might give you some better tools that can help you maximize the skills that you already have, but it’s not going to make a huge difference in your photography. You know what will? Being a better photographer.

Getting a new camera is a lot like buying a really expensive paintbrush. If you don’t have much skill with watercolors, then that $723 da Vinci Series #10 Kolinsky Red Sable Brush isn’t going to do much for you. It’s not going to suddenly lead to better paintings.

However, if you’ve been painting for a few years and you’ve mastered your brush technique, then yes, those super high quality sable bristles will allow to translate those highly proficient skills into some very awesome paintings.

In our fast moving, constantly upgrading high technology society, we’re often led to believe that we’re nobody if we don’t always get the latest, greatest thing. Grownups are a little more immune to this attitude than say teenagers, but it’s still a purveying notion, especially for people who spend time on camera forums and reading blogs.

The mindset is that if you don’t have the newest camera, then you’re obviously not serious about your craft, and you clearly won’t be able to make any good pictures.

Well, I’m here to remind of the ridiculous nature of that argument.

One of the most popular trends when it comes to acquiring electronic things, is to put off buying a particular device, because you’ve read rumors that the next one is coming out soon, and it will be so much better. Why waste your money, when you can wait and get the new one, whenever it’s finally announced in two or three months, and then when it’s finally released to the market in yet another month or two?

But where does that get you? If you don’t have a camera yet, it means that you just put off that magical moment when you can start taking pictures and enjoying photography, until… um… later.

If you DO have a camera, it means that you relegated your camera to being an obsolete item, andante again, delayed some awesome picture taking experiences until you finally get that new one in in your hands… whenever that ends up being.

I can totally understand the excitement that surrounds getting new gear. As someone who places high value on my own imagination and the notion of being curious about what lies around the next bend, it’s fun to ponder all the great images that you’ll shoot with that new camera you’re thinking of buying.

However, I think that we all go a little overboard with the whole thing. New cameras are cool, but they’re not necessary, and you should never think that you have to upgrade each time a new model is introduced.

Our modern lives are filled with devices that keep getting improved with new models on a regular basis, but in almost every single case, our current devices are still very capable and powerful tools. The camera you bought last year, even two years ago, is still a great camera. It’s still capable of producing extremely high quality imagery and driving your creativity with a set of amazing tools.

We don’t have to get sucked into that, though. As a Fujifilm ambassador and a blogger, I try to walk the line between promoting new gear that I think is great, and reminding people that they can still make great photos with their current gear. That will always push your creativity more than buying a new camera.

I can’t speak for any other company, but I’m pretty sure that for the most part, Fujifilm would agree with me on this. If you still enjoy using your older camera, then they would support you sticking with what you have. That’s the whole Kaizen mentality, and that’s why they push firmware toward the older models. They want people to buy cameras and then love them for more than just one product run.

The reality of our modern world, whether it’s with cameras, cars, guitars or paint brushes, is that every company has to keep making better models and chasing each other with technology, because that’s just how capitalism works.

You don’t have to fall prey to this, though. I’ll never chastise you for buying the latest gizmo, if that’s what you really want to do, especially if you have the skills to take advantage of the upgraded toolset. However, I do feel strongly about the notion that you should not place all of your creative eggs in the basket of some new device that isn’t even announced yet.

My advice is to use what you have and have fun with it. Whatever camera you have is awesome, and it will let you take wonderful, creative pictures that represent the world in accordance to your own personal ideas. And if you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket, spend it on a trip. Go explore somewhere new and practice your creativity in a new place.

And if at some point, you find that your current camera is not getting the job done, or if there’s a specific issue that you feel is holding you back, then that’s when you should think about upgrading.

First Look at the Brand New Fujifilm X100V

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Nine years ago, in February 2011, Fujifilm released the first generation X100. Being a brand new camera that was designed from the ground up in nearly every single way, the X100 was the very first model of the newly launched … Continue reading →

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 →

How I Hold My Camera – Best Practice Tips for Outdoor Photographers

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Today’s lesson is called “How I Hold My Camera.”  I realize this might seem like a rudimentary topic, but I’ve actually heard from more than a few photographers who are struggling with this, especially shooters who have recently switched from … Continue reading →

Why I Love Shooting with the Fujifilm XF35mm f/2 Lens

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My first lens was a manual focus 50mm f/1.4, and from day one, it was true love. It went everywhere with me, attached to my shiny, chrome body Nikon FM2. We shot everything together, mostly because that was the only … Continue reading →