Apologies to my readers for not being able to report on this event at Ted’s World of Imaging in Sydney on Friday March 13 in words and images, but given that members of my family live with serious autoimmune conditions, I thought it wise to forgo attending.
I still have not had hands-on experience with the Fujifilm X-T4, X-T200, X100V and X-Pro3 cameras, so will consider providing some substitute content of some kind here if possible.
I will be attending Fujifilm Australia’s X-T4, X-T200 and X100V First Look event at Ted’s World of Imaging in Pitt Street, Sydney, on Friday 13th March.
Join us for another Fujifilm Friday at Ted’s World of Imaging with Warwick Williams from Fujifilm Australia.
Warwick will present the latest three additions to the Fujifilm family – the X100V, X-T200 and the X-T4!
Starting off with a brief presentation, this is the perfect opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest features of all three new models, and of course, get your hands on them for a bit of a play!
I am hoping that a production model Fujifilm X-Pro3 will be at the event too as the camera shown at the X-Pro3 event at Ted’s in November 2019 was a pre-production model and so I could not make sample stills or video footage with it.
Recently I had the rare chance to slip into the Sydney central business district from our family eyrie way up in the highest point of the Sydney Upper North Shore above the aerial pollution line and walked around some of the inner city streets where I lived and worked for many years.
I badly miss living in the heart of this city and walking its streets as I did every day back then, but house prices and rents in the city and its inner suburbs have risen far beyond the ability of the ever-underpaid Australian creative classes to afford.
Not to forget the ill effect that pollution has on many of us nowadays, even when it comes to just a quick visit.
Since the long months of catastrophic bushfires, “rain bombs”, floods and grey, grey days, the hot and sunny summer days of yore have been all too rare and I have not felt the pull of the inner city streets as often as I used to when living within them.
The article header image above depicts the less than salubrious entrance to the third floor offices of the specialist ethnic and fashion magazine publisher to whom I had to give away the rights to publish what became ‘not only Black+White’, a now long dead but incredibly influential magazine of Australian creative arts, culture and photography.
I have written about that publication at About Unititled.
The photographs below depict some of the mean streets I trod every day, reminders of the urban documentary photographs I made when I lived there and that I would love to make again, provided we get a break or several from these cold and grey or sunny and searing days of the Australian climate emergency.
INTRODUCING THE FUJIFILM X-T4: CRAFTED FOR THE MODERN IMAGE-MAKER
Valhalla, New York – February 26, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X-T4 (hereinafter “X-T4”), a flagship model of the X Series family of mirrorless digital cameras.
The X-T4 is an astounding imaging tool, packing a newly designed IBIS, a quiet new shutter unit, a new vari-angle LCD screen, a new Eterna Bleach Bypass Film Simulation, and a new, large-capacity, battery all into a compact and lightweight camera body. This camera is the perfect tool for today’s image makers and is an ideal multi-functional solution for visual storytellers to use in creating their stories.
More information about the key features of X-T4:
Designed for Quality and Speed
Fujifilm’s state-of-the-art X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 combination sits at this camera’s core, pairing this exceptional, 26.1MP, back-side illuminated sensor with a powerful quad-core CPU to produce images with wide dynamic range and incredible image quality, doing so with lightning-fast processing and precision AF performance, right down to -6EV.
IBIS Puts Stability in the User’s Hands
A huge part of creating great photos or videos is being in the right place at the right time – and that often means making handheld images to get to the heart of the action. X-T4’s five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) provides up to 6.5 stops1 of image stabilization to make sure that, even in the midst of all the excitement, images remain steady and sharp. Combine this with the new four-axis Digital Image Stabilizer, and there’s lots of room to maneuver.
Steady, Reliable Performance
For any serious image maker, having a tool that can be relied upon to perform flawlessly whenever it is required is extremely important. For this reason, X-T4 features a newly developed mechanical shutter that is the fastest and most robust in the history of the X Series. Not only can it make 26.1 Megapixel images at 15 frames per second, but it is also rated for 300,000 actuations. Combined with its larger capacity battery that is capable of up to 600 frames per charge2, X-T4 has the power and the durability to give users the peace of mind that they’ll never miss the perfect opportunity.
Find the Best Angle for the Story
When chasing the perfect image, versatility is key. The 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen LCD featured on X-T4 can be adjusted to make it visible from a wide range of positions. This not only provides a high-quality monitor to frame with, but also provides quick and simple controls when they’re needed most. On the flip side, there are times when it’s necessary to minimize the light and distractions that a screen can create. That’s why X-T4’s LCD has been designed to easily fold away so it is completely hidden from view, leaving the updated 3.69 million pixel/100fps electronic viewfinder to focus on the moment at hand.
When a Story Needs Movement
The modern image maker is blurring the lines between photography and videography, and X-T4 has been designed to celebrate this new generation of hybrid creativity. With the simple flick of a switch, movie mode is activated, meaning X-T4 is capable of recording both professional-level DCI 4K/60p and Full HD/240p super slow-motion video. It is also possible to record F-Log footage in 10-bit color, straight to the card. What’s more, the innovative AF-C subject tracking works in low-light conditions down to -6EV and the camera’s use of a new, high capacity battery lets content creators push their creative limits.
Powerful Image Manipulation Made Easy
For over 86 years, FUJIFILM Corporation has produced photographic films that have been used by some of the world’s best-known moviemakers to create some of the world’s most successful movies. This legendary reputation in color science is celebrated with the company’s hugely popular selection of film simulation modes, which digitize some of the industry’s most iconic films and puts them right at hand. X-T4 introduces ETERNA Bleach Bypass, the newest addition to the much-loved collection of Film Simulation modes available in the X Series product line, which creates a beautiful de-saturated, high-contrast look that image-makers will find irresistible.
X-T4 will be available in both black and silver and is expected to be available for sale in Spring2020 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,699.95 USD and $2,199.99 CAD. For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x-t4/.
1 – With selected FUJIFILM XF lenses. Based on CIPA stabilization standards. Pitch/yaw shake only.
2 – Based on CIPA battery life standards.
About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division
For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to https://twitter.com/FujifilmX_US to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, go to https://www.instagram.com/fujifilmx_us/ to follow Fujifilm on Instagram, or go to https://www.facebook.com/FujifilmXUS/ to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2019, the company had global revenues of $22 billion, at an exchange rate of 111 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.
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FUJIFILM and X-TRANS are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.
© 2020 FUJIFILM North America Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
CONTACT:
Daniel Carpenter
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
daniel.carpenter@fujifilm.com
914-529-2417
INTRODUCING THE X-T200 MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA:
A FULLY-FEATURED CAMERA TO DOCUMENT THOSE DAY-TO-DAY MOMENTSValhalla, New York – January 23, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce FUJIFILM Corporation’s launch of its “FUJIFILM X-T200” (hereinafter “X-T200”) mirrorless digital camera.
The X-T200 provides content creators of all levels with a new, light-weight and compact mirrorless camera body that features a newly designed EVF, quick face detection AF, and a new sensor and processor combination that can create 24.2MP stills at 8 FPS and record 4K UHD video at 30fps.
An ideal camera for creative individuals who want to make high-quality imagery anywhere, the X-T200’s HDR functions for still and video make this easier in high-contrast environments. It can also record Full-HD 120p video, making it a great tool to use for scenes needing super slow motion. Additionally, the new Digital Gimbal Function can now be used to smoothly record video in-camera by mitigating camera shake through new gyro sensors in the camera body. This enhances image quality even further beyond what normal Smartphones can provide comparatively.
Incredible Image Quality for any Situation
X-T200 combines innovation, design, and technology to provide image makers of all levels with a complete solution to unlock limitless creative possibilities. Weighing 13.05oz (370g), X-T200 is about 2.82oz (80g) lighter than its predecessor (the X-T100) and is equipped with a new vari-angle touch-screen, a high-speed APS-C 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor which uses copper wiring for optimal performance, and an intuitive user interface that provides professional quality with the ease and familiarity of a Smartphone. Able to process data 3.5 times faster than the X-T100, rolling shutter is reduced with the X-T200, while AF performance in the X-T200 is dramatically enhanced through the use of phase detection autofocus pixels across the sensor.
Touch Your Way to the Perfect Image
X-T200 is equipped with a vari-angle 3.5-inch, 16:9 Aspect Ratio widescreen LCD touch-screen that can be opened and closed between 0 to 180 degrees and rotated between -90 to +180 degrees. It also provides an intuitive and responsive control over the camera’s features and functionality and can be used to adjust a variety of settings, like brightness, background blur, film simulation effects, and image aspect ratios.
Focus on the Faces and the Moment
The use of on-sensor phase detection pixels across the sensor and a new AF algorithm means focus can be achieved quickly and in a variety of conditions. The updated Face/Eye Detection AF makes focusing on individuals or groups of people quick and easy. This is even possible when the camera’s LCD monitor is flipped out and you want to take a selfie. Automated functions, like Main Subject Recognition, allow the camera to be set to recognize and track a main subject within the frame. These features, combined with a burst mode of 8fps, allow you to see, frame, and make images of those important moments with those important people.
Legendary Color Science
Fujifilm’s history in color science has given it world renowned status among image-makers across the world. With over 85 years of experience in the industry, Fujifilm has been responsible for some of the most iconic photographic films in history and this exceptional knowledge has been poured into the 11 digital film simulation modes installed into X-T200. Images made with these film simulations carry the look and feel of the actual films that inspired them, which are a great building block to sparking creativity in image-making. In addition, 20 advanced filters, which includes the new, “Clear Filter”, give even more creative possibilities to image-makers as they seek to express themselves artistically.
When Stills Just Aren’t Enough
The new Electronic Stabilization and HDR Video modes, along with the X-T200’s basic internal editing functions, helps X-T200 do more than just produce beautiful 4K Video– it ensures that videos are stable, crisp, and properly trimmed so they can be easily shared with family and friends. A gyro sensor sits at the heart of the new Electronic Stabilization Mode and assists in reducing the effects of camera shake when recording video footage. The new HDR Video function makes recording footage in high contrast situations much easier and more practical, while its in-camera video editing functions allow for clips to be trimmed and right-sized before they are shared. This means creators can share the perfect section of a super-slow motion clip or the best part of their 4K footage right from the camera to their Smartphone without ever needing to open a computer!
Pick Your Favorite Color and add a Fast Prime Lens
X-T200 will be available as a standalone body and as a kit with the XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ Lens in three colors (Silver, Dark Silver, and Champagne).
For those interested in expanding their X-T200 tool kit, the new FUJINON XC35mmF2 lens gives an equivalent to 52mm field of view on 35mm format. Weighing just 130g and measuring 46.5mm in length, this new prime lens has nine elements, including two aspherical lens elements in six groups, which work to produce sharp and crisp images with creamy bokeh. AF operation is quick and near silent thanks to the use of an internal focus system and a stepping motor, which is used to drive the focusing elements quickly and accurately.
X-T200 is expected to be available for sale in late February 2020 at manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing as follows:
-X-T200 camera body only: $699.95 USD ($899.99 CAD)
-X-T200 kit including camera body and XC15-45mm45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens: $799.95 ($1,049.99 CAD)
-XC35mmF2 lens: $199 USD ($259.99 CAD)
For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x-t200/ and https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xc35mmf2/.
About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division
For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to https://twitter.com/FujifilmX_US to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, go to https://www.instagram.com/fujifilmx_us/ to follow Fujifilm on Instagram, or go to https://www.facebook.com/FujifilmXUS/ to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2019, the company had global revenues of $22 billion, at an exchange rate of 111 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.
###
FUJIFILM and FUJINON are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.
© 2020 FUJIFILM North America Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
CONTACT:
Daniel Carpenter
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
daniel.carpenter@fujifilm.com
914-529-2417
INTRODUCING THE FUJIFILM X100V: MAKE EVERYDAY REMARKABLE
Valhalla, New York – February 4, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X100V (X100V), the latest model in a long line of iconic, portable, and fun X100 premium compact digital cameras.
The fifth iteration in Fujifilm’s X100 Series, the X100V is a significant upgrade over previous X100 line models. Featuring a new 23mmF2 lens, advanced hybrid viewfinder, optional weather resistance*, and 2-way tilting rear LCD screen, among a host of other product line updates, the X100V also uses the latest generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 to provide all creatives from professionals to everyday image makers with an easy to use, fully capable, and sophisticated tool that provides incredible image quality when shooting both stills and video.
Key features and improvements of X100V include:
Sophisticated appearance, advanced operability and classical design
X100V’s timeless body has top and bottom plates milled from single pieces of aluminum, which results in a refined and classic camera body with clean edges. Finished with a beautiful satin coating, slight enhancements have also been made to the camera’s grip, ISO dial, and lens barrel to make it incredibly comfortable to hold and operate. Weather resistance appears for the first time in the X100 line when the optional AR-X100 adapter ring and the PRF-49 protection filter are attached. Additionally, a new two-way tilting touchscreen LCD screen fits flush at the back of the camera and provides intuitive touch controls, unlocking even more possibilities for image-makers to see, frame, and create images.
A new lens to make the most out of any image
X100V features a new 23mmF2.0 lens to ensure that every detail from its X-TRANSTM CMOS 4 Sensor is resolved beautifully. Designed for higher resolution, lower distortion and improved close focus performance, this lens is a significant upgrade from the design used on previous X100 cameras, while maintaining the same overall size and compatibility with legacy WCL/TCL conversion lenses, and retaining its internal ND filter that now features 4 stops.
At the heart of X100V is the state-of-the-art X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 combination. The exceptional 26.1MP sensor uses a back-illuminated design to maximize quality and dynamic range, while its unique color filter array controls moiré and false color without the need for an optical low pass filter. Such outstanding imaging capability is complemented by the quad-core X-Processor 4. This powerful CPU not only ensures images are quickly and smoothly processed, but also, thanks to a new algorithm, boosts AF performance with precision face and eye detection down to -5EV.
Two ways to see an image
X100V’s vastly improved hybrid viewfinder enables image-makers to quickly and easily choose between the 0.52x magnification optical viewfinder (OVF) or the 3.69M dot OLED electronic viewfinder to make their images. Offering 95% frame coverage, the OVF provides parallax-correcting frame lines to provide an uninterrupted view of the world, while the camera’s EVF delivers a real-time representation of the image as it is being made. The Electronic Rangefinder (ERF) function can also be selected to display a small EVF at the bottom right corner of the OVF, which gives image-makers another helpful tool as they frame and make their images.
More than just a still camera
X100V offers the ability to record 4K video at up to 30 frames per second or capture 120 frames per second at 1080p to create super slow motion effects. Filmmakers needing extreme color fidelity can record 10-bit, 4:2:2 color externally via the HDMI port and leverage Fujifilm’s advanced color reproduction technology, to apply film simulations, like “Eterna”, to their video footage. Additionally, image makers can also incorporate numerous shooting functions, such as “Monochrome Adjustments” and “Color Chrome” to extend their creative visions directly to the footage being recorded.
Optional accessories
Use the wide conversion lens (WCL-X100 II) or tele-conversion lens (TCL-X100 II) to extend X100V’s fixed 23mm focal length to a 28mm equivalent (0.8x) or 50mm (1.4x) equivalent lens on a 35mm format system.
Add a premium, genuine leather case (LC-X100V) to X100V to complement its classic design, while giving complete access to the camera’s battery and memory card without removing the X100V from its case.
X100V will be available in both black and silver and is expected to be available for sale in late February 2020 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,399.95 USD and $1,799.99 CAD.For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/X100V.
*With the combined use of the optional AR-X100 Adapter ring and the PRF-49 protection filter (sold separately)
About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division
For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to https://twitter.com/FujifilmX_US to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, go to https://www.instagram.com/fujifilmx_us/ to follow Fujifilm on Instagram, or go to https://www.facebook.com/FujifilmXUS/ to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2019, the company had global revenues of $22 billion, at an exchange rate of 111 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.
###
FUJIFILM and X-TRANS are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.
© 2020 FUJIFILM North America Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
CONTACT:
Daniel Carpenter
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation
daniel.carpenter@fujifilm.com
914-529-2417
The Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR wide-to-long zoom lens has been one of the most long wished-for, long-awaited optics for Fujifilm’s APS-C/Super35 system cameras in recent years, and early reports from Fujifilm X-Photographer have been positive, especially regarding its apparent parfocal lens design.
But then one might well expect brand ambassadors to wax lyrical and skip over possible pre-production and early firmware defects given reasonable expectations that Fujifilm will get it right in the end or at least in time for offical product release date.
Not quite this time, apparently, as Fujifilm recently issued firmware version 1.02 for this now-shipping lens and some reviewers are already hoping that further firmware updates are in the pipeline.
I was lucky enough to have a short time with a preproduction version of the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR zoom at a recent Ted’s World of Imaging touch-and-try event for the Fujifilm X-Pro3, and found it worked well enough when shooting event stills on a Fujifilm X-H1 unequipped with firmware updates for the lens.
The lens is situated price-wise in-between the pro-quality, pro-priced red badge Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit zoom, and there was some speculation that the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR might be bundled with later-release Fujifilm X-T3s or the coming X-T4 as a higher-specced kit lens, especially for video production.
The 16-80mm’s parfocal focusing is especially attractive for video use as well as the lens’ apparent 6 stops of optical image stabilization that helps make up for its f/4.0 maximum aperture when handholding in low lighting when used on non-stabilized cameras like the X-T3, X-Pro3 and the coming X-T4.
Questions about the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR’s optical qualities throughout its focal range were bandied about during the long pre-release period and I have yet to find a complete set of in-depth tests of the lens’ image quality and focusing performance.
In the meantime, pal2tech’s initial and subsequent video reviews have rather dampened my enthusiasm for the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR.
Are what he is seeing in action when shooting video in particular early production model teething problems, uneven quality assurance, limitations in current firmware or the outcome of too many design and engineering compromises?
Zoom lenses are a set of such compromises compared to prime lenses and a certain amount of them are to be expected, especially in a lens with a longer-than-usual focal length range, but has Fujifilm compromised way too much?
pal2tech’s videos may help you make up your own mind, but I would recommend going off in search of more reviews by video professionals before definitively deciding against the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR.
While some optical and autofocusing problems can be compensated for via firmware and during processing of raw stills images, video is more demanding of lens quality given that shortfalls in optical quality cannot be corrected in video non-linear editing software.
My experiences with Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses, as well as Fujifilm’s APS-C/Super 35 gear, have amply proven the advantages of having a stabilized zoom lens in one’s kit when shooting documentary stills and video in trying conditions and available darkness rather than available light, so the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR would, theoretically, fill a yawning gap in my Fujinon lens collection.
Provided that it is as good for video as it seemed to be for stills during my all-too-short time with the Fujinon XF 16-80mm f/4.0 R OIS WR at Ted’s.
Like many others, I have had high expectations for this lens given my longtime need for a gap-filling zoom lens for video and photography, and given the poor Australian dollar and consequent high price in local online and bricks-and-mortar stores.
Should I be reconsidering the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS kit zoom lens instead, and go off to ebay to look for the latter secondhand?
Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.
Australian photographers rarely if ever feature in camera and lens makers’ marketing materials and few Australia female photographers are invited to become brand ambassadors whether they are based in Australia or overseas.
Documentary photographer Megan Lewis features in one of two recently-released Fujifilm X-Photographer videos about the X-Pro3 digital rangefinder-style camera with documentary photographer Michael Coyne being her male counterpart.
Both are long-time Fujifilm users and are well-qualified to offer their insights into the X-Pro3 as a dedicated documentary and photojournalism stills camera.
I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting either photographer, though I am keen to spend time with Megan Lewis to photograph her at work for ‘Unititled’ in order to show other female photographers that one can succeed as a documentary photographer or photojournalist.
In the immortal words of Geena Davis of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, “if she can see it, she can be it”, and so stories, photo essays and videos about female creatives like Megan Lewis are crucial to creating the possibility of women succeeding in their chosen professions to the point where we gain parity with men.
Clicking on the links and purchasing through them for our affiliate accounts at Adorama, Alien Skin, B&H Photo Video, Skylum, SmallRig or Think Tank Photo helps us continue our work for ‘Unititled’.
I attended Fujifilm Australia’s First Look Touch & Try event at Ted’s World of Imaging in Sydney on Wednesday, 6th November, 2019, and had a brief opportunity to handle a preproduction version of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 digital rangefinder camera that has already been well-covered in Fujifilm X-Photographer videos and articles, and first-look commentary by a range of online camera pundits.
As the camera is in preproduction at time of writing, the usual request not to shoot or publish photographs made with it applies, so I will not comment on its stills and video capabilities but can state that the X-Pro3 is an interesting evolution of Fujifilm’s professional rangefinder line.
Fujifilm is marketing the X-Pro3 as a camera for “street photographers” as Panasonic did for its latest rangefinder-style GX series camera, the Lumix DC-GX9, and I am hoping that with its X-Pro series Fujifilm will not be imitating Panasonic’s decision to make its GX series something less than a great camera for photojournalists and documentary photographers.
I dread the day my Lumix DMC-GX8 gives up the ghost given Panasonic so badly dropped the ball on pro-quality rangefinder-style cameras in favour of DSLR-style cameras.
Throughout my career I have relied on a range of camera styles and formats – rangefinders, rangefinder-style cameras, hand and stand sheet film cameras, SLRs aka Single Lens Reflexes in 120 and 135 film formats, and a DSLR upon Canon’s accidental revolution in the form of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
My first choice for immersive documentary photography has always been rangefinder cameras and I have been hoping the X-Pro3 would receive many of the advances found in the X-H1 and X-T3.
Until I have a proper hands-on with it, I will not know whether that is truly the case, but the X-Pro3’s loss of the ability to use its otherwise improved optical viewfinder aka OVF with the Fujinon XF 18mm R moderate wide-angle prime lens is a real concern.
For many documentary photographers and photojournalists, as it has long been for me, the 28mm focal length (on 35mm sensor cameras) is our default and its 18mm APS-C equivalent works well on the X-Pro2 and especially in its OVF.
Since 2015 I have been daydreaming of a radically improved X-Pro3 being released alongside an even more radically upgraded Fujinon XF 18mm lens with both aimed at documentary photographers and photojournalists, but Fujifilm seems to have decided on setting its sights lower than that, upon street photographers whom I humbly suggest might be better served by the forthcoming X100V.
Time will tell where Fujifilm is heading with its cameras, but I hope that it will not forget its documentary and photojournalism customers as Panasonic has.
