Celebrating the 80th anniversary this year, Fuji announced the new Fuji X-T1 camera. The new body has a distinct classic SLR look (similar with the Nikon Df). Previous Fuji X cameras (like the X-Pro1, X-E1, X-M1 and so on) had a clear resemblance with classic rangefinders. This change should make professional shooters happy, as it makes the new Fuji X-T1 to look and feel like a DSLR.

The Fuji X-T1 official micro-site has a lot of information and a list of full camera specifications.

main features of the new Fuji X-T1

• 

  weather resistant body
  water and dust resistant and operation down to -10 degrees C
  in adverse conditions the Fuji X-T1 needs a weather resistant lens, with two announced: the 18-135 f4-5.6 and the one I am most enthusiastic about Fuji XF 16-55 f2.8

• new tilt LCD (3 inch and 1 million dots)
  useful for shooting from waist-level, when doing close-up work or when trying to photograph over the head of a crowd
• new 0.77x EVF with 2.36 million dots
  the 0.77x magnification is a very strong feature, and Fuji presents the new EVF as the first feature of the new camera
  with a lag of just 0.005s, and combined with the improved AF, the Fuji X-T1 should do a very good job in capturing action shots
  although I like the viewfinder on my X-E1, I cannot wait to try an X-T1.
• more physical controls with a better layout
  ISO dial with A mode for auto, and a very useful locking mechanism (a small button in the center of the dial). The X-T1 can shoot up to ISO 51200, which means that at least up to 6400 and 12800 the camera will deliver great detailed results.
  the shutter dial, such as my X-E1, also has a locking mechanism. I wonder why there is no such lock for the exposure compensation? I often manage to bump the dial from the 0 setting and notice only afterward.
• external flash included in the package
  the Fuji X-T1 has no internal flash, however it comes in the box with an EF-X8 unit that plugs in the hot-shoe.

inside the Fuji X-T1: sensor and autofocus

Although not new, the Fuji X-T1 uses the acclaimed APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor found in the Fuji X100s and the X-E2. With 16mp, no anti-alias filter (which helps a lot with preserving micro-contrast) and phase-detection AF the X-T1 will be able to capture beautiful detailed images at very high autofocus speeds.

In the past Fuji X cameras were berated for sluggish autofocus speed and non-standard sensors. Even my (already old) Fuji X-E1 was greatly improved speed wise by several firmware iterations and the newer bodies (like the X-E2) have autofocus speeds in the same ballpark as top mirrorless cameras. The one area where the Fuji X-T1 still has to convince is sport / action shooting. The X-T1 promises 8fps shooting with continuous AF and this should make everyone happy.

A non-standard sensor design (compared to most other cameras conventional Bayer pattern) means less support when processing RAW images. As Fuji designed the X-Trans sensor (and they have a history with non-standard yet very capable sensors like the EXR in the old Fuji X10) the jpeg files look already gorgeous. But until the main raw converters – Lightroom and Aperture – had good support for Fuji raw files this was a problem.

While I do not have Aperture, I use Lightroom every day and I have to say that in the last year the support for Fuji raw files increased to a level where I feel this is no longer a problem.

pricing and packages

The Fuji X-T1 body only will retail for 1300 usd, and as kit with the wonderful XF 18-55 F2.8-4 it will cost 1700 usd.

It will be interesting to see the pricing for the announced 18-125 and 16-55 lenses, as both will offer weather sealing.

conclusion

Fuji X system has very quickly evolved from a new entrant with no lens choice and a quirky body to a pretty mature system. It has 5 current camera bodies – X-A1, X-M1, X-E2, the venerable X-PRO1 and the just announced X-T1.

The lens road map shows the two professional lens workhorses – 24-80 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 equivalent – for second half 2014. Fuji has quality hi-speed fixed lenses and good zooms. What do you feel is lacking from the Fuji X system to call it a full-fledged one?

Fuji launched an online magazine for photographers interested in the Fuji X camera world. The November issue has news about the Fujifilm X-E2 and the September firmware update for the X100, a photo shoot form Lake District in UK, review of the XF 55-200 lens and more.

I mostly enjoyed the inspiration article – “what to shoot now” – as I actually am in a bit of a creative pit now. Bleak weather is not my strong inspiration, but some of the ideas from the magazine make me want to grab the camera and go outside and shoot.

The layout of the magazine is tablet-centric, but even on a laptop it feels sleek and easy to use. It can become confusing to “discover” the navigation hints in each article, but I feel the people behind the Fuji X magazine wanted to emphasize the “discovery” process. Some of the articles are somewhat thin – the review of the film simulation modes could use more photo subjects. And the X-E2 article also didn’t impress me too much.

You can access the magazine here http://en.fujifilmxmagazine.eu, and I understand it is also available in Google Play and ITunes store. I am actually eager to see how the magazine evolves, and I hope to see more in-depth articles. The first issue seems a bit light in content, but the November issue makes a great lunch break read.

So if you have already a Fuji X camera (I own the great Fujifilm X-E1), or just think about buying one this magazine is very interesting.

And why not, you can also join the their first photo contest! (the subject is “portraits”).

Remember the long-awaited firmware update from Fujifilm that was supposed to offer improved performance? Well, it is finally here.

• launch day: July 23rd
• cameras affected: Fuji X-E1 and Fuji X-PRO1
• lenses affected
  XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 LM OIS
  XF 35mm F1.4
  XF 60mm F2.4 macro
  XF 18mm F2
  XF 14mm F2.8

It’s important to update both camera and lenses to get the benefits of the new firmware. The process is very easy and straightforward (just remember to have a topped-up battery).

You can also read the Fujifilm public announcement.

Fujifilm firmware update – what are the improvements

improved autofocus speed
All the “older” lenses get improved AF speed through revised algorithms. I put older in quotes as all Fujifilm lenses are modern and even the classic XF 35mm is just 2 years old.

I have the XF 18-55 F2.8-4 and the XF 35mm and both of them get new firmwares. On July 23rd, when the firmware updates become available, I will update my lenses.

Autofocus speed is one of the weaker points of Fuji system. I think the speed is on par with older lenses from Canon and Nikon, but today’s standards are very high. As Fujifilm lenses are built and specced to a very high standard, AF speed was the Achile’s heel.

improvement in focus precision in poorly-lit scenes
High AF speed in good light is one thing, but low light brings a host of new problems. Low contrast scenes, shot in low light, can be a problem. An AF speed of 0.10s or 0.05s is irrelevant if the lens hunts through the whole focus range. Fujifilm promises us revised detection algorithms for these scenes.

“focus peaking” mode in manual focus mode through new firmware
Although I can mount manual focus lenses on my Fuji X-E1 – and I am lusting for a Rokinon Fisheye – the fact that manual focus with an electronic viewfinder is painful kept me away. The solutions for easier manual focus are: zooming on the subject (which the new firmware also improves) and focus peaking.

Focus peaking is a white shimmer of a few pixels around the high contrast, in-focus areas. It is very useful – and easy – to get accurate focus with manual lenses, or in macro mode.

Focus peaking I think was first introduced by Sony for its NEX line of mirrorless cameras. For a long time they were lauded for the easiest manual focus mode among all mirrorless cameras.
Now Fuji brings “focus peaking” to the X-E1 and X-PRO1.

where and when will the firmware be available?

The official place for Fuji firmware is http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/.

The new firmware will become available on July 23rd.

Happy shooting!

There is no secret I really enjoy shooting the Fuji X-E1. So much in fact that my Canon DSLR stays at home. I bought the Fuji X-E1 kit especially for travel. But why not use it for more “serious” work also? I tried the X-E1 with the XF 18-55 on a trip to Rome and Pompeii and for some light mountain hiking. Each time the Fuji X-E1 delivered nice pictures, with good colours, contrast, a certain richness and good flexibility in Lightroom. So when the occasion to shoot at a press conference appeared I was eager to test the X-E1.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tCcjl9luGlE/UXJsGmwiHBI/AAAAAAAASYs/0JqgdgJF4dM/s144-o/DSCF7511.jpg” caption=”event timeline” type=”image” alt=”event timeline” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

Fuji X-E1 and shooting for an assignment

I feel the main difference between photographing for fun, as a hobby, and shooting on assignment is the expectation to deliver results. Deliver on time, at teh expected quality level, and in the desired quantity. If I can delay processing photos from my travels, and decide how much post-processing is enough or too much in Lightroom I knew that things will be much different at a press conference.

In theory I knew that the Fuji X-1 would be a good choice for this event, i had also a lot of concerns.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4T1t45fasP8/UXJsN5ZtJAI/AAAAAAAASac/TwQoG7USPQQ/s144-o/DSCF7554.jpg” caption=”technical preparations – I was also checking and rechecking the Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”technical preparations – I was also checking and rechecking the Fuji X-E1″ pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none”]

Fuji X-E1 concerns

• battery life
  I usually get between 200 and 350 pictures per battery, for a full day. I knew this was not enough for an event. But how many batteries are “enough”? And how many more are needed to offer peace of mind? The result left me chuckling and a bit astonished.
• reliability of the body and the lens
  Although I never had lockups with the Fuji X-E1, nor lens misscomunications I had my old Canon with me. Just in case. In the end I didn’t shoot any picture with the Canon and so it acted more like an insurance.
• AF speed with the Fuji X-E1
  I wrote previously that I feel the AF speed of the Fuji X-E1 is good enough. Good enough for travel, for controlled environments, but on assignment? A press conference is not a sport event, but sometimes there are fleeting moments where the X-E1 struggled.
• my familiarity with the X-E1 settings and features
  Although I am writing a review of this camera, and feel I know its features pretty well I still have to learn. After shooting Canon for several years I feel at home with a new body. But with Fuji ? What happens under pressure? Metering, focus mode, film mode, multiple exposures, white balance, increased dynamic range – all these settings have to be changed on-the-fly. I felt I was prepared, but I was proven (slightly) wrong.

my Fuji X-E1 kit – what I had, what I wish I had and what stayed in the backpack

First of all my Canon with EF-S 17-55 F2.8 stayed in the backpack. I brought it as a backup camera, as a guarantee that if something (camera or photographer-wise) went wrong I had a backup. I never used it.

I shot with the X-E1 with the XF18-55 F2.8-F4.0 the whole time. I also had the XF35 with me as I hoped to shoot some portraits with it. But the majority of photos I took with the 18-55.

I had one battery in the camera and one backup. The amazing thing is that one battery lasted for more than 700 photos! I was very puzzled by this, but it makes sense (or at least it does to me). I will explain a bit later why I think one battery could last so much.

I really missed a short to medium telephoto lens. The location allowed me to move freely, but any event were this flexibility is not possible is problematic. An Fuji XF 55-200 would be almost mandatory, based on the event location. I really missed my old EF 70-200 F4.0.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y2RX2ao01xw/UXJtccQKjLI/AAAAAAAASuw/ErcMmiCyzWI/s144-o/DSCF8249.jpg” caption=”press conference with the Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”press conference with the Fuji X-E1″ pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

Fuji X-E1 at the press conference – what went wrong

Not a lot of things, but some did:

• the autofocus speed cannot keep up with people moving quickly
  This was not a big issue, as it only happened at the beginning of the event. But I missed a few shots with people arriving at the location. These photos were not required, but I felt they add to a story.
  A possible solution which I will test is to try the C-AF mode, and fully press the shutter. It runs against my classic “half-press, THEN full-press” but a lot of photographers say this helps the Fuji X-E1. I will definitely try this method!
• continuous shooting
  Either bracketing or continuous shooting, proved awkward. In theory I understand why Fuji named the photos in a sequence differently, but it is a nightmare to review them. Or maybe I have to get used a bit more to the feature.
• internalizing the equipment
  I feel a camera has to be an extension of the photographer. Well, this still has some time to develop. For example: I have not yet mastered the minimum focus distance for the Fuji lenses, nor the approximate DOF of them. I think this will come with time.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iReCYNDKQxs/UXJtWkIh_ZI/AAAAAAAAStI/dbj7vFDnjdI/s144-o/DSCF8184.jpg” caption=”TV interviews” type=”image” alt=”TV interviews” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

the Fuji X-E1 – was it a good idea ?

Most definitely YES:

• great images out of the camera
  It was a joy to open the images in Lightroom and do minimal adjustments – usually only some cropping was needed.
• beautiful details, almost perfect white balance, and good film simulation
  The details, even at 100% zoom, just jumped out of the screen. The white balance was mostly correct, even with mixed light sources. I had to color-correct some photos, but most of the time I think the Fuji X-E1 did a great job!
  The Pro Neg Hi and Standard film simulations are great! These two modes offer a good balance between contrast, dynamic range and detail separation.
• less intrusive
  The Fuji X-E1, with the XF 18-55, has a very low profile. At least compared to a Canon/Nikon DSLR with a 24-70, or my old 17-55. This allowed me to blend a bit better, and also allowed me to get a bit closer to the speakers and event participants.
  The Fuji X-E1 is also quieter than a classic DSLR.

So next time – will I shoot the Fuji X-E1 for a professional project? If it does not involve sport, surely. Is the Fuji X-E1 perfect? Not quite, but it is a very capable camera. I feel even the shortcomings of the Fuji X-E1 can be managed with me learning more of the features.

While the Fuji X-E1 has not replaced my other cameras, it is getting closer.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5dN-Pmkcfso/UXJsGBdyxBI/AAAAAAAASYo/9oOqF2aaZP4/s144-o/DSCF7506.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872115145589778″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7506.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ZLZ-gVMtPw/UXJsHFJUiNI/AAAAAAAASY0/LBUn7-eV9Iw/s144-o/DSCF7514.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872133313333458″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7514.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vJDkofhEFwI/UXJsM6alDzI/AAAAAAAASaQ/bqxyrTANzdU/s144-o/DSCF7548.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872233512144690″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7548.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ei9UaGJ_XZ8/UXJsUf4RnOI/AAAAAAAAScE/s5fswb9mgkk/s144-o/DSCF7624.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872363827895522″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7624.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NPiNvYTI2cs/UXJsdWYqjuI/AAAAAAAASeI/a9Wjoevi0QY/s144-o/DSCF7680.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872515898216162″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7680.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r9sQOT2KYnw/UXJsiDFhkwI/AAAAAAAASfU/xekkCqbWZ40/s144-o/DSCF7704.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872596617007874″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7704.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p84DWL2nVUg/UXJsnLcC9YI/AAAAAAAASgk/ipsX1B_QjWc/s144-o/DSCF7736.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872684758300034″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7736.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E4Ps98zsEFI/UXJsvypNySI/AAAAAAAASi0/E_rSQ05JR60/s144-o/DSCF7828.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872832721471778″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7828.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GfsKs6YGkYs/UXJs1P95y3I/AAAAAAAASkY/ar8Xang0nXE/s144-o/DSCF7874.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/April32013FundatiaOrange?authkey=Gv1sRgCO_Tgqbp17XxXA#5868872926492216178″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”DSCF7874.jpg” ][/pe2-gallery]

In a very controversial move from Adobe, the future of the Creative Suite will be tied to a subscription model. Photoshop CS6 (the latest Creative Suit version) will be the last to be purchased with a perpetual licence. Starting in June Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects and so on (the Adobe CS ecosystem)  on a monthly fee. I have to say I am pretty surprised and disappointed with this move, as I really dislike subscription models.

what is Creative Cloud and how will it affect us

Creative Cloud is the name Adobe gave to its subscription model of the popular software tools. Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, After Effects and Premiere are all moved to this new pricing model. Current versions (CS6) will still be available in the perpetual licensing model, but all future versions are Creative Cloud only.
Adobe Lightroom 5 will be available in Creative Cloud but also as stand-alone.

Adobe Creative Cloud is not cloud computing. While Adobe offers some cloud storage with its offering, the software runs on the computer. This is an important distinction, as Adobe also has Photoshop Express online which is a completely different tool (and free).

Second important observation is that to use one of the applications no Internet connection is needed. Once per month the application needs to connect and verify the licence. But for day-to-day usage no connection is required.

If for any reason you stop paying the applications stop functioning. This is the big drawback of a subscription model. And I am not referring to a voluntary payment stop, but to accidental problems: an expired credit card, insufficient funds, denied payment by the bank, change of billing address and so on.

One scenario that really scares me is what happens if Adobe licensing servers become offline or are unreachable from a certain place? The world is becoming more and more connected, but some countries and corporations are doing the opposite.

We have Adobe Creative Suite at my workplace and we had to use offline activation for CS6. The connection to Adobe servers was blocked. And with a subscription model you better make sure your computer can talk freely with Adobe servers!

On the plus side, having a subscription model means that the software is up-to-date, and you automatically benefit from new features.

Adobe has put a very well-written Creative Cloud FAQ on the Adobe website, and you can read it for more information.

If you want to see for yourself how/if the Adobe Creative Cloud model fits your business, design needs and your workflow you can start a free 1 month trial.
Adobe Creative Cloud trial >

Adobe Lightroom impact

With the latest version of Lightroom in beta, and the price decrease from 2012, it was the perfect time for photographers to try and buy Lightroom. And maybe have an integrated solution for web publishing with Lightroom – Photoshop – Dreamweaver / InDesign.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Pz2rE8uMAo/UXQuA8nV_1I/AAAAAAAASwc/pe_lkvB694E/s144-o/lr-5b-radial2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2013CameraPhotos#5869366808176623442″ caption=”new features in Lightroom 5 beta: radial gradient filter, upright, heal and clone brush and others” type=”image” alt=”new features in Lightroom 5 beta: radial gradient filter, upright, heal and clone brush and others” pe2_single_image_size=”w520″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

how will Creative Cloud affect this?
Lightroom 5 will be spared from the subscription model, for now. It will be offered in both subscription based and stand-alone models. Unfortunately future prices are not known yet. Source: blogs.adobe.com.

The Creative Cloud has not many advantages for photographers so there is no reason to jump to the cloud, so to speak. However the cat’s out of the box and already some new features of Lightroom are CC enhanced. I think that in 1 year we will see Lightroom CC, subscription based. DPReview has a nice interview with Winston Hendrikson, VP of Creative Solutions.

As a photographer very tied to the Lightroom workflow I am not very happy with this change. I kept LR 3 for a very long time, and only now entertain the idea to upgrade. I like the features already present in the version 5 beta, but I have to think if I am ok with being tied to Lightroom forever.

The problem with a Lightroom subscription-based is the catalog file.
While the raw (or jpeg) files can always be available, the adjustments are not. Even if exported to XML sidecar files. Also all the nice features in Lightroom – keywords, collections, filters, book layouts – will become blocked if I stop paying!

Adobe tries to present the nice features in the Creative Cloud model – see below.

Adobe Creative Cloud pricing model

And how does it compare to the existing model? How economical or not is Creative Cloud?

complete individual package

I think the first price point everyone will look at is the complete individual package that costs $49.99 / month. This is an annual commitment, but billed monthly.

This price plan includes:

• all the current applications (from InDesign to Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Premiere)
• 20GB of cloud storage (I think this is not a very interesting argument pro or contra)

This tier of Adobe Creative Cloud is the equivalent of Creative Suite Design Standard ($1299) or Creative Suite Design and Web Premium ($1899) which also includes Dreamweaver. If instead of Dreamweaver you need Premiere there is the Creative Suite Production Premium ($1899). Confusing, right?

From an economical point of view this means the break-even point is after 26 months and up to 38 months. After this time it is/was cheaper to buy the Creative Suite package (non-subscription based). With special upgrade offers the maths becomes murkier, BUT in favor of teh Creative Suite licensing model!

An alternate way to look at it is if you upgrade often (each version) it might be better to have a subscription.

single app model

If you only need Photoshop (or Premiere) and are a dedicated creative individual in one medium, then this pricing tier might be more economical. For $19.99 you get one of the classics – Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver. I think this is a bad model for the last three, as those usually also require a graphic package.

In the Creative Suite pricing model a single app can cost:

• $699 for Photoshop or InDesign
• $399 for Dreamweaver
• $599 for Illustrator
• $999 for After Effects
• $799 for Premiere

It is harder to find out after how long it is more economical to get one Creative Suite app, as the prices vary so much. With Creative Cloud it is inefficient to get 2 apps (such as Photoshop or InDesign), as the Complete packages brings them all, at the same time.

pricing for businesses

Here it gets very interesting. Depending on how one can describe the Adobe Creative Cloud costs in accounting, it might be economical to spread the costs monthly. For $69.99 (I think Adobe should have skipped the 99c) you get the complete package for one seat.
It does not mean that two persons can use different applications at the same time though.

sources and further information about Adobe creative Cloud

You should visit Adobe official Creative Cloud site, as it contains further information about the movement to Creative Cloud.

There are a few of press releases, and it is interesting to see already features presented as “cloud-only”. Here, here and here.

Images in this article are from the official Adobe website.

For some feedback (pretty dramatic) you can read the comments on the announcements on DPreview.

The Adobe Creative Suite packages in perpetual license model are available through Adobe website and Amazon (and others, obviously).

When most people think of India, the first image that comes to mind is that of the beautiful Taj Mahal. India travel guidebooks have the iconic photo of the Taj Mahal on their cover. When I prepared my trip to India, the Taj Mahal was the first destination people advised me to see. And when all travel agencies put the Taj as a centerpiece to their route, I knew I had to see this architectural beauty.

Revisiting older photo galleries from India the Taj Mahal was an obvious start. India offers a lot to the traveler – from beautiful Mughal forts to colorful festivals and jaw-dropping monuments like the Taj. From a photographic point of view India really deserves the famous ‘incredible India’ ad. India is a huge place, and I cannot hope to ever see all parts of it, but some places really stand out as must-see and offer beautiful memories. A few days spent in Agra (the city where the Taj Mahal is located) are near the top of any list of things to do and see in India.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q9msPITD7J4/UX0lf-SvxGI/AAAAAAAAS1I/Z6TX2amyT-Y/s144-o/IMG_8054-sunset.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890720388793442″ caption=”southern classic view of the Taj Mahal, as seen from the main gateway  Canon EOS REBEL T2i 17 mm 1/250 seconds F 8.00 ISO100″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_8054-sunset.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

For a monument that each year attracts millions of tourists the Taj Mahal also has a very romantic history!

a few Taj Mahal facts

Taj Mahal means “crown of palaces”, and the Taj (as it is affectionately called) stands proud of its name. It is located in Agra, a city in Uttar Pradesh state in India. There are not many things to see and do in Agra, so people mostly come to the city in order to visit the Taj Mahal. Agra is located a few hours drive from New Delhi, but the few hours can extend to many more depending on traffic or holidays. Agra is part of the classic “golden triangle” travel introduction to India: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. And what an introduction it is!

The Taj Mahal is considered a wonder of Muslim art (architecture) and one of the greatest monuments humanity ever built. The Taj Mahal is a jewel in the UNESCO World Heritage SItes.

An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.
– unesco.org

While deceptively small in pictures, the place is pretty big and 3 or more hours are necessary to explore every part of the complex.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZonqWPKvQHI/UX0ljqddQNI/AAAAAAAAS18/jL2SyNnQLh0/s144-o/IMG_8150.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890783784485074″ caption=”The Taj Mahal white marble dome can become blinding in the mid-day sun, try to visit the complex in the morning or late afternoon. Taj Mahal viewed from the south-east corner of the complex.   Canon EOS REBEL T2i 17 mm 1/200 seconds F 7.10 ISO100″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_8150.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

when visiting the Taj Mahal there are a few places not to miss:

• the white marble central dome, surrounded by four minarets  offers the “classic”image of the Taj Mahal
• surrounding the mausoleum there are Mughal gardens, with stone pathways between areas with beautiful flowers
• between the main entrance and the Taj Mahal marble dome you should not miss a pool that conveniently reflects the Taj and creates photo opportunities
• surrounding the mausoleum complex are red sandstone walls that offer some much-needed shadow!
• the wikipedia article on the Taj Mahal offers even more ideas of places to see

[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1PlssZOX0nw/UX0lhs2sPGI/AAAAAAAAS1g/eJQQhdIHGvM/s144-o/IMG_8059.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890750067457122″ caption=”women wearing colorful saris in front of the Taj Mahal  Canon EOS REBEL T2i 28 mm 1/250 seconds F 7.10 ISO100″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_8059.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

visiting the Taj Mahal

The entry price is 2-tiered (like most places in India) and when I visited foreigners had to pay 750 rupees (about 10 euros). The price fortunately also includes a tour guide, which was pretty nice. It is important to really take your time when photographing as the guides prefer to rush things a bit. The Taj Mahal is open from 6am to around 7pm, and if possible try to visit in the early morning. The Taj Mahal can become pretty crowded and long queues form at the security check. As the Taj is also a place of worship normal rules for dress code have to be observed. I still had Holi paint on my face and hair and I had to really clean up.

It is also possible to visit the Taj Mahal at night, for 5 nights in total before and after the full moon. However the night-time visits have to be arranged a few days before. There are restricted numbers of tourists allowed. Unfortunately I was not able to make a reservation, but when I will next visit India this is must-have experience!

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MGaEWipdEkM/UX0leDP9qGI/AAAAAAAAS0s/CJc49Fa1YyY/s144-o/IMG_8038.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890687359559778″ caption=”the green of the Mughal gardens create a beautiful contrast with the white marble of the Taj Mahal Canon EOS REBEL T2i 17 mm 1/250 seconds F 7.10 ISO100″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_8038.jpg” pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

short Taj Mahal history

The mausoleum complex was built in the 17th Century, between 1631 and 1648. The marble mausoleum, with the four minarets were completed first and the surrounding garden and sandstone walls later. Countless workers were involved in the building. Some 1000 elephants were used to carry materials from all over India. The quantity of marble used is amazing.

The Taj Mahal is a monument in the honor of Mumtaz Mahal built by Shah Jahan, and their tombs are located in the central white marble dome. Surrounding the mausoleum are also smaller tombs of Shah Jahan wives and some of their servants.

The four minarets were an innovation in Mughal architecture, and they give the Taj Mahal a sense of symmetry. They also serve as spatial references and of course are work of art in their own way.

The Taj Mahal is under threat from pollution and the ground drying. The white marble has received a yellow-ish cast, but fortunately there are very strict regulations about pollution in the surrounding areas. However, like all exposed monuments the Taj Mahal is slowly degrading.

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AQArXSXjEiA/UX0mR-luZiI/AAAAAAAAS24/c8NMUGo7MXs/s144-o/IMG_8054.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871891579461854754″ caption=”the Taj Mahal and its reflection Canon EOS REBEL T2i 17 mm 1/250 seconds F 8.00 ISO100″ type=”image” alt=”IMG_8054.jpg”  pe2_single_image_size=”w600″ pe2_img_align=”none” ]

I hope these photos and info were helpful. Some famous “must-see”travel attractions are over-hyped, the Taj Mahal is not to be missed.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ntq3Gr_ImBU/UX0ld4O1iKI/AAAAAAAAS0k/vSU77E7fm4A/s144-o/IMG_8022.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890684402043042″ caption=”view of the Taj Mahal from the main gateway – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8022.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gpFw1DhgXEc/UX0lefXaHiI/AAAAAAAAS00/WFXZPvZxF2Y/s144-o/IMG_8041.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890694906977826″ caption=”tourists on their way to visit the Taj – Canon EOS T2i” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8041.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmSti38yvlg/UX0le31cIJI/AAAAAAAAS04/Dck_Luamx_4/s144-o/IMG_8051.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890701475389586″ caption=”Taj Mahal reflected in the pool in-front – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8051.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4EUo6JSG24w/UX0liKIjzfI/AAAAAAAAS1o/Peifq4vOICE/s144-o/IMG_8118.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890757927030258″ caption=”women in colorful saris at the Taj” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8118.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IxIT_II_55I/UX0mRhJoiqI/AAAAAAAAS2w/gxQAsAJoNz8/s144-o/IMG_8054-bw.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871891571559402146″ caption=”black& white rendition of the Taj Mahal and the gardens” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8054-bw.jpg” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-imLMOoLK-j4/UX0ljn4DReI/AAAAAAAAS2U/IkVavAYJ0_Y/s144-o/IMG_8162.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/2011IncredibleIndia#5871890783090722274″ caption=”mandatory tourist photo in front of the Taj Mahal – Canon T2i” type=”image” alt=”IMG_8162.jpg” ][/pe2-gallery]

]]> https://andreinicoara.com/travel-photos-from-the-taj-mahal/feed/ 0 3131 https://andreinicoara.com/adobe-lightroom-5-beta-features-reviewe/ https://andreinicoara.com/adobe-lightroom-5-beta-features-reviewe/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:23:53 +0000 http://andreinicoara.com/?p=3059 Read Adobe Lightroom 5 beta released: a review of the new features on travel and photography »

Adobe has released the first beta version of their popular photo editing and library management tool – Adobe Lightroom, which now reached version 5. This update includes all the features in Lightroom 4, especially the new cameras added in the 4.4 update. I am a long time user of Lightroom, and have used it as my photo editing tool of choice for both my Canon DSLRs and my new Fuji cameras. I really like the integrated approach Lightroom has for both image library management, keywording, image adjustment (the main photo editing module) and printing or exporting. For me Adobe Lightroom…

Read Adobe Lightroom 5 beta released: a review of the new features on travel and photography »

Adobe has released the first beta version of their popular photo editing and library management tool – Adobe Lightroom, which now reached version 5. This update includes all the features in Lightroom 4, especially the new cameras added in the 4.4 update. I am a long time user of Lightroom, and have used it as my photo editing tool of choice for both my Canon DSLRs and my new Fuji cameras. I really like the integrated approach Lightroom has for both image library management, keywording, image adjustment (the main photo editing module) and printing or exporting. For me Adobe Lightroom has almost replaced Photoshop, for most of my images. I say almost because some image adjustments could only be done in Photoshop. At least until Lightroom 5.

May update: Lightroom is not affected by Adobe move to Creative Cloud. Lightroom 5 will be available as a one-time purchase.
Adobe Photoshop and the other Adobe applications are however moved to a subscription model from June.

Important improvements:

• upgraded spot removal tool (with brush system)
• offline images editing
• auto-adjustments to straighten photos
• new tool: radial gradient filter – the best thing since, well…linear gradients
• support for a ton of new cameras, of interest to me being the Fuji X-E1 and X100s

Will I get the Lightroom 5 upgrade? Let’s start the beta test.

Lightroom 5 beta program

On April 15 Adobe released the first beta version – which I downloaded from the official Adobe Labs site. This is a good time to try for free one of the leading photo editing tools for photographers. The beta version will work until June 2013. Even better, if you and I have suggestions for Adobe there is a dedicated forum for this beta release.

Lightroom 5 beta is available for Mac (OS X 10.7) and Windows 7 or later, so if you have an older operating system you have to upgrade that first.

From my experience with last launches catalog files created with a beta version of Lightroom keep working perfectly with the full release. The Lightroom 5 beta does need a new catalog file though.

Adobe strongly encourages us to keep our main workflow separate from a beta tool (a very sensible recommendation). So although I like the new features in Lightroom 5 I wont use it exclusively.

As usual you need an Adobe ID to download the files – to register it only takes a minute.

Lightroom 5 features and my opinion about them

Radial filter (gradients)

I think this is the greatest improvement in Lightroom 5. I tend to use a lot of linear ones in my current workflow, but they are limited. I use +/- exposure compensation gradients, opacity gradients, saturation gradients on a picture-by-picture basis. However using the linear ones felt awkward and I often had to use several to simulate a certain effect.

The way the new radial gradients work is like this:

• you draw an oval shape
• move the standard sliders the way you like (exposure, saturation, contrast, clarity)
• adjust the oval shape so the surrounding area gradually gets the adjustments and the oval shape “protects”
• you can add a second radial gradient, this time with “inverted mask” on with adjustments that apply to the interior of the oval shape
• laugh when you realize how much brush painting you needed to do the same effect the Lightroom 4 way

I emphasize that the area inside the oval shape remains almost unchanged, while the area outside gets gradually changed. To do the opposite, check “invert mask”.

I have to say that this tool is also pretty fun to use. It opens some very interesting creative possibilities in photo editing.

offline image editing

I am still searching for a usage scenario where I will use this feature. Lightroom 5 generates a medium resolution (2500 pixels long edge) DNG file (an open source file format) on which you can make adjustments even when the original file is offline. In theory I can keep the main library on an external hard drive, and only the main catalog file on the PC. And still be able to post process files when the hard drive is unplugged.

The gotcha with this Lightroom 5 feature is that you need to generate these smart preview files before putting the main library offline. So if I find I need a photo which has become offline I cannot do anything about it.

You can prepare the high-resolution previews one image at a time (boring) or by selecting multiple files. This is especially interesting if I use the Lightroom smart filters. I can see myself selecting all photos rated 5 stars, generating smart previews for them, and then edit them offline. On my Mac Air this might be an interesting workflow change. I will add more info to this feature the more I use it.

upright tool – Lightroom 5 brings software tilt-shift “lens”

No more need to buy an expensive, or nonexistent for Fuji X cameras, tilt-shift lens. Lightroom brings a correction tool that fixes perspective errors. And also slanted horizons, which I happen to shoot a lot.

Of course, like all photo editing tools this will decrease the quality of the image. So if you are photographing architecture don’t sell that tilt-shift lens yet. Lightroom 5 also crops the image, so the resulting file is smaller. The tool is very nice, and I find it works best if I enable lens corrections. I like the “auto” setting – it does a very decent job all by itself. The full setting tries to correct everything, and it loses too much information.

It is easy to confuse Lightroom. This image of the Petronas Towers below – which clearly has alignment issues – does not benefit from the new tool. So use in moderation.

spot removal tool update

The last reason to jump to Photoshop – a powerful clone/heal brush – is gone. Lightroom 5 brings an updated spot removal tool that does just that. This feature together with the radial gradients is enough reason to upgrade to Lightroom 5.

So let’s see the tool in action. I chose an image with SIngapore sky-scrapers, and wanted to remove the annoying cranes at the top of the image. I also fixed the perspective with the upright tool (set on auto). So let’s see Lightroom in-action:

so, that’s all?
Lightroom 5 features continued

You can read the list of updates Lightroom 5 brings on the official Adobe blog.

Other features the new Lightroom has:

• PNG file support
• Improved Photo Book Creation (you can save page templates)
• updated Full Screen Mode (F shortcut)
• configurable grid overlays
• more search criteria for filters and smart collections
• LAB color readout

You can watch a very interesting video about Lightroom 5 radial filter below

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Fujifilm is on a roll recently. Since the launch of the X series of cameras, the company has managed to create a lot of waves in the digital camera world. The just released Fujifilm X100s is the update to the acclaimed X100. It brings faster focusing, a new sensor, a new viewfinder, faster operation – a lot of improvements. I shot with the Fujifilm X100s and it behaves like a  different camera! As I own the X-E1 the Fujifilm X100s might seem unnecessary  but is it really so? Or would the Fujifilm X100s be a good addition to my (growing!) collection of Fujifilm cameras?

I owned the lovely X10 (the only camera I ever felt sorry for selling) and now shoot almost exclusively with the Fujifilm X-E1. In theory I have everything I need, but when the occasion to try a Fujifilm X100s presented I could not say no. I didn’t like the old model (the X100), but the Fujifilm X100s really is something else.

I feel the Fujifilm cameras have an interesting characteristic in common. Shooting with them  I encounter little annoyances, hiccups, things that could be done better. I miss-focus and shoot lovely white orbs. But when everything clicks into place the pictures are just “wow”. I never really had this feeling with my older cameras. The Fujifilm X100s is no exception to this, but the balance is even more slanted towards the “wow” pictures. And the best news is that the Fujifilm X100s has become available on Amazon.

growing-up – the X100s vs X100

The Fujifilm X100 is an amazing camera. A bit sluggish, but the image quality is stellar. The new model brings improvements to several areas:

• new sensor design
  This is the big change. Fujifilm got rid of the anti-aliasing filter (optical low-pass) and implemented the X-Trans color array from the X-E1 / X-PRO1. The X-Trans sensor brings better micro-contrast and files that people likened to full-frame DSLRs. (a bit of a stretch though). This type of sensor created some headaches with RAW processing, but this is solved now.
• faster autofocus speed
  This is an important change. The new EXR processor is twice as fast as the last model, and Fujifilm claims 0.08s autofocus in good light. I cannot say how fast it is, but it is faster than the old X100. It feels also deffinitely faster than my X-E1! I tested the Fujifilm X100s near an Olympus OM-D, and in informal testing there is no speed difference.
  The Fujifilm X100s combines the speed of phase-detect with the accuracy of contrast-detect autofocus. All I can say is that I want this on my X-E1!

• 

  same Fujinon 23mm F2.0
  The X100s keeps the same lens as the predecessor, with all the nice features: aperture ring, great optics, small size and fast aperture. Fujifilm also added Dynamic Lightning Optimization which is a software adjustment helping with peripheric sharpness. This should help especially at small apertures.

• larger buffer and improved play mode
  These two changes mean it is easier to check images after a burst shot. The camera no longer waits for the file to get written before entering play mode. This is very nice when you want to check some film simulations, focus bracketing or white balance changes. I usually check the images on the computer, but faster play mode is a nice improvement. The larger buffer – up to 30 JPEGs – is great when in a photo journalistic spree.
  Even if you do not use hi speed shooting, a more responsive camera makes shooting more pleasant. The less I notice the camera, the more I can ignore it.
• Pro Neg film simulations
  The Pro Neg Hi is my new favorite film simulation on the X-E1. It looks less saturated than Velvia and with more contrast than Provia. The Pro Neg Std (standard) is great for portraiture, even more than old Astia.
• 14bit RAW files
  Now that Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop treat our RAW files better, shooting RAW with the Fujifilm cameras become a possibility. Since the old X10 I became a JPEG shooter, but I like the potential in the RAW files.
• better viewfinder
  The optical viewfinder the same from the X100 but the electronic viewfinder has now 2.36M beautiful dots.
  The X100s also brings focus peaking for manual focusing and a new digital split-focus. It looks a bit like the old split screen manual focus from film-days. I prefer the focus-peaking mode (like on NEX-6), but I can see myself getting used to this feature.
  
• improved movie mode
  On Fuji cameras the movie mode is just a nice feature. A bit of an afterthought maybe.
  Things are getting better though. The Fujifilm X100s can shoot a very respectable 1080p @ 60fps. With a bitrate of 36Mbps it can produce beautiful videos.
  The drawback is that with the lack of optical stabilization comes jittery filming.

The complete specification list for the Fujifilm X100s is a joy to read. The comments of Amazon purchasers are also good, with people giving good grades already.

Fujifilm X100s and my X-E1 – competition or team-work?

The obvious difference is that the Fujifilm X100s has a fixed-focal non-changeable lens. But it is a good, useful focal and pretty fast lens (23mm F2.0 – equal to 35mm). My X-E1 can match that focal length only with the not-yet available Fuji XF 23mm F2.8, or with the kit lens (which I do have).

One thing is clear from the beginning: the Fujifilm X100s is more compact, faster in operation and quieter. The X100s can run circles around the X-E1 with the XF 35mm in terms of speed. And it is svelter than the XF 18-55mm combo. But this is the price of an interchangeable lens system.

The X100s is quieter. The shutter noise is very discreet, although not completely silent. This is a nice feature in concert halls, theaters, or even in street and candid photography. The less intrusive I feel, the more pleasure I have in shooting. This should not be the buying factor, but I feel a lot of Fujifilm X100s reviews do not touch this subject much.

finally a powerful Auto-ISO
You can set minimum ISO (200), a maximum ISO (I feel very comfortable shooting at ISO 6400) but also a minimum shutter speed (such as 1/125s). The Fuji X100s brings a feature that my Fuji X-E1 only dreams about. I know that I want it for all of my cameras!

The faster autofocus of the X100s (like in the co-announced Fuji X20) is done by the on-sensor phase-detect autofocus. Compared to a contrast-detect autofocus this is a big deal. In good light the Fuji X100s is just as fast as my X-E1. But when light goes down there is no competition.  Compared to the predecessor Fujifilm X100, the new model solved one big issue.

Equivalent (or close enough) lenses in the Fuji X system:

• Fujinon XF 23mm F1.4

  

  The exact focal length as the Fujifilm X100s, and a bit faster. The bad news is that this lens will be large and heavy (compared to the diminutive lens of teh X100s of course).

• Fujinon XF 27mm F2.8 pancake
  While different focal length, this lens is small enough to make the X-E1 a close approximation of the X100s. However pancake lenses suffer sometimes from mediocre optics. Fujifilm has developed great lenses but a lot of people feel the current pancake is the weak lens in the line-up.
• Fujinon XF 35 F1.4
  The “classic” lens for the X-E1. Great bokeh, faster aperture – and a lens I have and love.
  The lens alone costs half of a Fujifilm X100s. So if you do not own it, it’s an interesting trade-off.
• Fujinon 18-55 F2.8-4.0 (kit lens)
  I feel this lens might be reason enough to get into the Fuji X system. Optical stabilization (the Fujifilm X100s lacks it, but it is not very important), zoom, great optics, and a very decent price in a kit are all great arguments for this lens. Where the X100s wins is in its simplicity and ease of use. I enjoy prime lenses so i can see myself using only one focal length.

Would I buy the X100s as companion to my X-E1 system? I would not replace the X-E1, just add the Fujifilm X100s. Well, it depends on the price of the Fuji XF 23mm. If the 23mm or the new pancake are priced around the $500 mark I would go with a lens. Otherwise? I might get the X100s.

Right now the Fujifilm X100s is available on Amazon for $1299.

what I like about the X100s

• size and weight compared to the Fuji X-E1
  The X100s seems a lot smaller than my main camera. As the X100s lens is dwarfed by even the XF 35mm, the camera is easy to hold all-day long.
• beautiful JPEG rendering and low noise
  Really if you need a camera that takes amazing pictures, and you are ok with a fixed lens this is the camera!
• ideal street shooter camera
  A small form-factor, fast autofocus and quiet shutter make this a great camera to take always with you and capture street life.
  I carry my X-E1 with the XF 35mm F1.4 with me all the time exactly for this. The Fujifilm X100s is even better. I think I like the field-of-view of the 23mm lens in the Fuji X100s better.
  Zack Arias takes a Fuji X100s on the streets of Istanbul, and finds the camera perfect for street photography.

• second generation
  The X100s comes 2 years from the old X100, and it shows.
  It has great image quality from the X-Trans sensor and EXR processor. The X100s sets new autofocus benchmark in the Fuji X camera line-up
• handling
  The X100s (like the earlier X100) feels “right” when used. I find it hard to say exactly what feels right, but when I pick up a Fuji X camera I am eager to use it. It is the exact opposite of what happens when I pick a very simple P&S camera, where I struggle to find the controls.
  I understand this is a very relative feeling, so I can only urge you to try an X100s in a shop.
• I really like the ND filter
  A phisical aperture ring calls to me to try different effects, from shallow depth-of-field photos to deep dof landscapes. However too often I run into the limitations of the shutter speed. An ND filter like the one in the X100s loses 3 stops of light and offer more creative opportunities.

what I do not like about it

• well, the obvious drawback is the price (at $1299 the X100s is not cheap)
• on a distant second place is the fixed lens
  I always feel that sometime in the future I will want another lens.
• lack of optical stabilization
  For a wide-angle lens OIS is less necessary. But I feel the lack of OIS puts a huge brake on the movie capabilities of the X100s.
• the eternally re-adjusting exposure control
  The wheel is harder to turn than on my X-E1, yet I still managed to get it to -2/3 EV and not notice.

price and availability
The camera has become (finally) available on Amazon.

update: I found a very beautiful portrait photo-shoot, done with the Fuji X100s.

No matter how much I tried processing the Fujifilm Raw files from my Fuji X-E1 I could not get near the JPEG out of camera. Fujifilm employs a sensor that has no optical low-pass filter and a non-standard color-filter-array (as opposed to the Bayer “standard”). There is no denying the output of Fuji X series cameras is amazing! But while everyone was happy with the results of the JPEGS, processing Raw files was a headache.

Update 20 April: Fujifilm has also worked with Apple, and OS X is now supporting X-Trans Raw files. After installing the Raw Compatibility Update for OS X, iPhoto and Aperture play nice with Fuji Raw files. This is an important update for all X-Trans sensor cameras!
I do not have Aperture, so I just hope this update is as good as the one in Lightroom!

But finally Adobe (together with Fujifilm) has officially improved the support for Fuji Raw (.RAF) files. The ACR 7.4 (adobe camera raw – the develop module) brings large improvements to Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. While other Raw converters could process Fujifilm Raw files before, Adobe has (for better or worse) the largest market share. And as I routinely use Adobe Lightroom I was eager to test how the new Lightroom release (4.4) plays with RAF files.

who is the update for

This update of Adobe Camera Raw improves support for Fuji X-E1 (yay!), Fuji X-PRO1 (long time overdue), Fuji X20 and Fuji X100s. It is important to note that the older Fuji X10 and Fuji X100 have different sensor technologies and are not affected by this release. This update is very important if you shoot Fuji Raw files. While I greatly love my Fuji X-E1, I had reconciled myself with Jpeg files. I knew that Fujifim was bound to improve Raw support but in the meantime I preferred the ease-of-use of Jpeg. If you use Capture One, Aperture, DCRaw or other Raw processing software this update of course does not bring anything useful.

Adobe has also started the beta test for Lightroom 5 and not only it includes support for our favorite Fuji cameras it also brings a few upgraded features: a more powerful spot removal tool,  a new tool in the form of radial gradients, a perspective correction in the form of upright and the possibility to edit offline files!

Fujifilm Raw test

As I had a few Raw files on my computer I decided to play a bit and see what the update brings. I love my Fujifilm X-E1 but I haven’t shot a lot of Raw files recently. However, the ones I found I think are pretty good to test on. The photo is shot with the Fuji X-E1 and the beautiful Fuji XF 35mm F1.4 .

• Raw file with no adjustments (zeroed-out), exported from Lightroom 4.3
• Raw file processed as I like, trying to get as close as possible to the Jpeg output, exported from Lightroom 4.3
• Jpeg out of camera, no adjustments
• Raw file with no adjustments, exported from Lightroom 4.4
• Raw file processed as I like, trying to get as close as possible to the Jpeg output, exported from Lightroom 4.4
• in the comparison I used 100% crops

I think this is a good photo to see how Adobe Lightroom works with micro-contrast in hair areas.

Fujifilm Raw files converted with Lightroom – my opinions

Until now I would not even touch raw files from the Fuji X-E1. I knew the information was there, but the headache to intensively process the files was not worth it in my opinion. I would prefer to process the Fujifilm Raw file in-camera and export different versions. With Fujifilm X-E1 I became a Jpeg shooter. This has changed with ACR 7.4, and these are my findings:

• small detail is now processed correctly, and not transformed into a mush
• some of the colors (especially reds and magentas) I think look a bit better in the Fujifilm Raw as opposed to the Jpegs
• I can now again use the full power of Adobe Lightroom and not be afraid that every change I make to the Jpeg is destructive
• for a lot of images, Jpeg is better for the simple fact that out-of-the-box the film emulations look great
• from now on for critical shootings I will start on using Raw+Fine – and get the best of both worlds
• the Raw files received a higher degree of sharpness in Lightroom 4.3 than in 4.4
• it is amazing how good the Jpeg processing in the Fujifilm X cameras is!

What do you think? Have you tried the new ACR? Will you shoot exclusively Raw, Jpegs or a combination?
You can also read my full review of the Fujifilm X-E1 or jump straight to photo galleries shot with this camera in beautiful Rome and at Pompeii.

The Fujifilm X-E1 (and the older X-PRO1) are great cameras, but the photos they take are only as good as the lenses on them. Fujifilm is a newer entrant in the interchangeable lens camera market, and the lenses are few. But most reviews online agree the lenses are great. My review for Fujifilm XF 35 and XF 18-55 lenses – and I think they are great lenses – is it a good indication for future launches and enough to buy a Fuji camera?

I got the Fujifilm X-E1 with the XF 18-55mm lens and also the XF 35mm lens. Compared to my old Canon DSLR system, for Fuji there are not many lenses to choose from. Are they enough? And of enough high quality?

The purchase of a digital camera and lenses is less about the cost of the camera, and a lot about the cost of the lenses. All digital camera companies bring new camera bodies every year or two, but lens designs are rarely updated. On Canon I had a 28 F2.8 which was designed in 1980! All of Fujifilm lens designs are new, and the system is yet untested by time.

The lenses for the Fujifilm system seem pretty expensive, so are they good value?
I would say yes but let’s review them!

• common characteristics of Fujifilm lenses
• Fuji XF 35mm F1.4 review
• Fuji XF 18-55mm F2.8-F4.0 LM review
• Fuji XF 14mm F2.8 short preview 
  
• Fuji XF 60mm F2.4 macro
• the Fuji XF 18mm F2.0 with which I have no shooting experience.

Fuji lens roadmap and official announcement of the Fujinon XF 55-200

April 17 update

Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

This lens is the first and for the moment only telephoto lens native to the X mount. It is possible to adapt third party lenses to a Fuji X-E1, but in the long-term a native lens is best. Additionally a telephoto lens benefits even more from good autofocus and optical image stabilization. And non-native lenses generally lack these two features.

The pros of the XF 55-200

• the only native telephoto lens
  so if you need a tele lens, this is the best choice
• optical image stabilization
  Fujifilm claims the lens offers 4.5 stops of slower shutter speed
• relatively fast aperture
  a standard 55-200 zoom lens for Canon or Nikon have F4-5.6, so the Fuji lens is a bit better  for light gathering and subject isolation
• two Linear Motors
  The other lens that has a linear motor is the XF 18-55 LM  (the LM in its name). This offers fast autofocus speed and silent operation.

The cons of the Fujifilm XF 55-200

• 

  the $699 price
  while the lens is good value, in absolute terms the lens is somewhat expensive

• 580g weight
  this is one and a half times as heavy as my Fuji X-E1. One advantage of small interchangeable camera systems is the low weight. A lens at 580g is not light.
  it is obvious that all the glass elements and the metal barrel add up, but you have to take the wieght into account when deciding to purchase this lens.
• the XF 56mm F1.2
  Maybe it is strange I consider this Fujinon lens, which will launch only in 2014, a con for the zoom. But I think a lot of people who only need a short telephoto (portraits mostly  will be better served by the prime lens. Sports and wildlife of course the zoom lens is unbeatable. For other scenarios, the XF 56mm might be a better alternative.

I can only judge this lens compared to the lovely Fujifilm XF 18-55. Both have OIS, linear motors, fast autofocus and if the new telephoto is designed with the same priorities it should be optically excellent.

Fujifilm also promised to update the firmware (again) for both the Fujifilm X-E1 and the X-PRO1.  Not only this new firmware will enable the cameras to work with the new lenses, it will also speed up autofocus with existing lenses. I quote from Fujifilm site: “By upgrading your X-Pro1 or X-E1 with new firmware you will also improve the AF speed with other existing XF lenses. […] The firmware will be available to download from www.fujifilm.com nearer the launch of the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8R LM. It will be necessary to update the firmware on all XF lens except the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. The lens firmware will be available from July 2013.”

Any improvement to the speed of the existing lenses is great news!

Updated Fujifilm lens roadmap

I am very interested especially about the prime lenses – the Fuji 23 F1.4 should be a terrific street photography lens, while the 27 F2.8 (the second pancake lens in Fuji line-up) can be a good alternative for the Fuji X100s. For someone really liking great cameras with small form factor, the Fuji X100s is hard to beat. However, if the Fuji XF 27 pancake is optically good it should make a X-E1 close enough size-wise.

The first newsworthy item here is the change in the Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R. Prior to this announcement the specs said F1.4, so this is a nice change. The XF 56mm translates to 84mm in 35mm equivalence, so this is an ideal portrait lens. At F1.2 this lens rivals the best in Canon / Nikon systems! I just hope the price does not grow, nor the weight.

The XF 27 F2.8 “pancake” and the XF 23mm F1.4 are confirmed for 2013 release. In my opinion the XF 23mm F1.4 wwill be the ideal street lens. Together with the XF 35mm they make an optically excellent, light kit. The 27mm pancake is a very interesting lens, and if it’s optically better than the existing 18mm pancake I might be interested in one. However I want small size and good optics, which is hard to make. Even Fujifilm has not mastered this trick.

The Fujiflm XF 10-24mm F4 will be the third zoom lens. As a wide-angle zoom, equivalent to 15-36mm in 35mm equivalence, it will complete the Fujifilm system. I loved my old Sigma 12-24 “popeye” on Canon, and I think the XF 10-24mm from Fuji will be the eprfect landscape lens.  This will be a lens that I’ll wait to read reviews on photozone.de, as probably it will be a serious investment.

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7uER686fsaY/UVDKek1OweI/AAAAAAAARes/pslJNV3pr8w/s144-o/20130302-DSCF6290.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013Pompei#5859405741840843234″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Pompeii, Italy, shot with the Fujifilm X-E1 and Fuji XF 18-55″ ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zM76BZ42kAs/UVDKvrlyXWI/AAAAAAAARgI/jwV7MLkZT-I/s144-o/20130302-DSCF6380.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013Pompei#5859406035712892258″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Pompeii, Italy, shot with the Fujifilm X-E1 and Fuji XF 18-55″ ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vnk9Ytf1D5g/UVDK1mgb4YI/AAAAAAAARhs/6ZBt894BoS0/s144-o/20130302-DSCF6425.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013Pompei#5859406137427485058″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Pompeii, Italy, shot with the Fujifilm X-E1 and Fuji XF 18-55″ ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b16BQZV05xE/UVDQ7RRwX9I/AAAAAAAARlk/4RmPy24Nl_M/s144-o/20130302-DSCF6620.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013Pompei#5859412831877750738″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Pompeii, Italy, shot with the Fujifilm X-E1 and Fuji XF 18-55″ ][/pe2-gallery]

Disclaimer: The company that produces these cameras and lenses that we love so much is called Fujifilm, yet the lenses are under the Fujinon brand. Yet everybody calls them Fuji. I apologize where I mix them up.

what have the Fujinon lenses in common ?

And what makes reviewers so enthusiastic about the Fuji lenses?

they are optimized for the Fujifilm X bodies and the sensor

The lenses can take advantage of the smaller image circle (the Fujifilm system uses an APS-C sensor) and the lack of a mirror (so they can protrude a bit more in the body).
The advantage is they are smaller than the same designs in Canon or Nikon mounts.

the lenses benefit from a new camera system

Fujifilm lenses do not need to work on legacy (film) mounts, software corrections is done to every JPEG and RAW and so the lenses are designed to offer the best optical performance possible. Optical defects that are corrected afterwards (vignetting, barrel or pincushion distortions and some chromatic aberrations) no longer have to be solved in the optical design.

the Fujifilm lenses have great build quality

The lens barrels are metal, the mount is metal and there is a feeling of a solid piece of machinery. This is not an excuse to drop a lens on concrete, but it does mean that you can treat the lens a bit more roughly. As I use my Fujifilm X-E1 on travels it is important to feel secure that unless I do something stupid my camera and lenses will sustain being knocked a bit in the backpack.

the lenses have an aperture ring

You set the aperture on all Fujifilm XF lenses by rotating a ring with apertures marked from F1.4 all the way to F16 and A (auto). At first I thought that this is an ancient way of setting an electronic aperture. But guess what? It feels very natural. And the tactile feeling and the feedback give a certain “sureness” in setting the parameters on a Fuji lens.
When the aperture ring is set to A the camera enters shutter priority, and sets the aperture itself. Of course not all lenses start with F1.4 (I wish!) and the variable-aperture zoom like the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm has no markings on the ring.

lens hoods come standard

After I paid $35 for a lens hood for my Canon EF-S 17-55mm I started to appreciate included hoods. The Fujifilm designs are sometimes….questionable: try taking the pinch lens cap with the Fujifilm XF 35mm hood mounted and you will understand what I mean. But a high quality hood is a nice touch and a useful item.

Fujifilm lenses: the XF 35mm and 18-55mm reviews

I will only list the Fujifilm lenses I have – I have no experience with Leica M adapted, nor with the fish-eyes from Rokinon/Samyang. I do intend to get a Rokinon 8mm in the future and will add its review.

Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 – the standard lens for the X-PRO1

• 

  
  small lens design
  187g and 52mm filter but at the same time metal construction
  the lens is equal to a 53mm F2 in full-frame format (in terms of depth of field and angle of view)
• sharp center when wide-open, and sharp across the frame from F2.2 – F2.8
• great image quality, colours
• beautiful bokeh
  the rendering of out of focus areas, it makes the Fujifilm XF 35mm great for portraits and other areas where subject isolation is important.
  You can read about my impressions on the FX 35mm bokeh.
• reasonable AF speed, especially after the firmware update
• photozone.de has a good review of the lens

[pe2-gallery class=”alignleft” ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xVKkL2S5MqY/UT8cQS-e1JI/AAAAAAAAQ04/ni5guDznpLc/s144-o/20130225-DSCF5094.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/XF35mmBokeh#5854429106902324370″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Christmas tree ornaments, shot with Fuji XF 35mm @ F1.4″ ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SEsUa9O383o/UUSeGDS-ULI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/vwUhPXhDPX8/s144-o/20130315-DSCF7085.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March152013FlamencoConcert#5855979242289778866″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”flamenco dancer, shot with Fuji XF 35mm @ F1.4″ ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dvkb4PI6idM/UViKPwtRbKI/AAAAAAAARt8/_KDQF25-LSU/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7165-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861586918400158882″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_lSO3xGf_cU/UViKQ_lkBhI/AAAAAAAARuU/AVIHdIwSinY/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7175-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861586939574224402″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8qaAU8rkFMA/UViKRCXcyFI/AAAAAAAARuc/eRdT1hNM_28/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7181-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861586940320335954″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HR5YiY9RjPs/UViKUkD1J1I/AAAAAAAARvM/p42KagzynuM/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7232-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861587000904460114″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iM_AjUl3Yz8/UViKWMK9ONI/AAAAAAAARvY/eOVIWhH6HTs/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7236-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861587028851636434″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4G8VRDmNyxI/UViKYivRthI/AAAAAAAARv0/c9MFd62-DqY/s144-o/20130331-DSCF7265-2.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March312013ComicCon#5861587069269292562″ caption=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ type=”image” alt=”Comic Con 2013 Eastern European | Fuji X-E1″ pe2_caption=”false” ][/pe2-gallery]

Fujifilm XF 18-55 F2.8-4.0 – the standard lens for the X-E1

• 

  “large” lens design
  312g and 58mm filter but at the same time metal construction
  the lens is equal to a 28 – 85mm F4 – F5.6 in full-frame format (in terms of depth of field and angle of view)

• sharp from wide-open and at most focals (I feel the 55mm F4 setting is a bit weak)
• great image quality, colours
• surprising good bokeh for a zoom
  partly because of the 7-blades aperture
• fast AF speed and silent operation (especially nice for videos)
• photozone.de considers this lens the best reason to enter the Fujifilm X system!

From its (long) name you can see that the Fujifilm XF kit lens is not your usual lens design. It has very good apertures starting with F2.8 at wide end, F4.0 at the telephoto. This puts the Fuji XF 18-55 somewhat in the middle between a classic kit lens (which has F4.0-5.6 apertures) and a professional grade zoom from Canon or Nikon that has constant F2.8 aperture across the range.

[pe2-gallery ] [pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8CqcJ1fPhxc/UUhTxhMgmnI/AAAAAAAAQ6c/tkGgdgVT8r4/s144-o/20130227-DSCF5159.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013RomeTrip#5857023425584863858″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”streets in Rome”][pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lm4SuHQvRuU/UUhTydi94OI/AAAAAAAAQ6k/aslyw2M3K5E/s144-o/20130227-DSCF5178.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013RomeTrip#5857023441785184482″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”the Colosseum in Rome | with Fujifilm X-E1″][pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wDxY4Fsl9iQ/UUhTzsZBjYI/AAAAAAAAQ64/Ej6gtTqExeE/s144-o/20130227-DSCF5236.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013RomeTrip#5857023462949883266″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”the Colosseum in Rome | Fujifilm X-E1″][pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nBgOmHwBboE/UUhT0RP4xyI/AAAAAAAAQ7A/t_yLjXXLgxM/s144-o/20130227-DSCF5261.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118269665079131306201/March32013RomeTrip#5857023472843671330″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”view from the Colosseum in Rome | Fujifilm X-E1″][/pe2-gallery]

You can see a few of the pictures I took with this lens here:

• when all the roads lead to Rome, have your camera ready
• Pompeii pictures and travel information

Because of the good specs, great image quality and solid feel I think a better name is standard zoom lens, instead of kit lens. Here standard means “covering the classic 28-90mm range” (in classic 35mm speak). The reviews for this lens are very positive, some people actually compare it very favorably to the much acclaimed Fujinon XF 35mm lens. I think that the XF 35mm is  better when shooting at F1.4, which is impossible for the Fujinon XF 18-55.  I mean every lens has its strength and niche.  Fujinon XF18-55 has a good OIS system (image stabilization) which promises around 3 stops increase in hand-held shooting  Remember that it helps with static subjects only.

The kit lens also boasts a linear motor, which promises (and in my opinion delivers) fast autofocus and near-silent operation (mandatory for video). And all these features in a package that is the same size as a Canon/Nikon/Sony kit lens. From an engineering perspective this is a great accomplishment.

If you have the Fujifilm X-PRO1 you should try the Fujifilm XF 18-55, it is a great lens.

Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 – going wide

I only briefly tried the 14mm in a shop, so this is a very short review of the lens. The Fujifilm XF 14mm deserves a more thorough review. I am very happy to hear your opinions of this lens!

I am very curious about the Fujifilm XF 14mm. It is one of the only two wide-angle options for the Fuji X system. The lens is pretty expensive, and in local currency even worse.

Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 quick info:

• 21mm equal in 35mm terms
  and shares a 58mm filter thread with the XF 18-55mm
• 7 blades rounded diaphragm, which translates to good looking out-of-focus areas.
  Of course a wide angle lens is not famous for shallow depth-of-field photos, but the lens focuses down to 18cm and some creative opportunities arise!
• in manual-focus mode a the Fujifilm XF 14mm has a depth-of-field scale
  you engage manual focus mode by pulling the focus ring towards camera, and autofocus by pushing the ring. The depth of field scale, and the distance on the focus ring, open the possibility of pre-focusing. I see some scenarios in which I would work with zone focusing.
• the autofocus speed is on-par with the XF 35mm
  and this means ok, even fast in good conditions, but slower than the XF 18-55.
  For landscape and architecture this will not be a problem, but for street photography (an interesting area where this lens could be used) it will become an issue.
• soft corners at F2.8
  I think this is important in street photography only, and the corners sharpen up beautifully when the Fuji XF 14mm is stopped down to F4.0.

Update: DPReview published the XF 14mm review, and they awarded the lens a Gold award.
“It’s not bad at F2.8 and offers excellent image quality stopped down, where superb cross-frame sharpness and minimal distortion make it ideal for architectural and landscape work.”
– read the full review at DPReview

I had a push-pull switch on Sigma lenses, and I found the solution sometimes problematic. When in a hurry I often switched to manual focus and not realize it. I do not think this will be a problem on the XF 14mm because the focus ring is pretty stiff. But it is different compared to the other lenses I had. Maybe it is just a ‘getting used to’ thing.

The only real negative part of the lens is the price. I cannot see myself spending this money for a niche lens. To put things into perspective a Canon 14mm F2.8 costs 50% more (but it covers full-frame sensors).