Will The Release of The Sony a7III Affect The Launch of The Fujifilm X-H1 and Future Fujifilm X-T3


Camera Comparison From camerasize.com

Sony vs Fujifilm has always been an interesting debate and many find themselves abandoning Sony cameras for Fujifilm cameras over time, but the launch of the Sony a7III is an interesting one. I was up all night covering it over at SonyAddict if you want to read more about the camera. The Sony a7III is ultimately the conclusion of a generational change that started with the Sony a9 series of cameras and now Sony will begin to stagnate and rest on their technological superiority for a while. Fast inexpensive mirrorless cameras that destroy their DSLR counterparts with almost no compromise are here now and they offer a number of advantages over their DSLR counterparts that will never be matched like silent shooting and continuous eye autofocus

The spec sheet alone doesn’t tell the full story of the battle between these two companies though. While the Sony a7III might offer Sony a9 performance for $2,000 it has a frustrating interface and very expensive glass that is sometimes subpar but can be excellent. Fujifilm obviously knew this technology was coming and decided to release the Fujifilm X-H1 anyways with some unique features for videographers to help continue to driving adoption of Fujifilm cameras in new areas until the Fujifilm X-T3 can be released with a sensor designed to compete with Sony’s next generation cameras.

Now more than ever Fujifilm’s firmware updates are going to become important because they will help drive home the point that Fujifilm cameras will only continue getting better, which is very different from Sony’s philosophy of releasing a camera and then forgetting about it unless something breaks. I have it on good authority that the Fujifilm X-T3 will put Fujifilm back in the technological lead, but can we all wait until Photokina 2018 and why does Fujifilm keep playing “Flagship” hot potato. Fujifilm needs to get their messaging straight and assign a flagship camera to each target market like other companies.

Fujifilm releasing the Fuji X-T3 before Fujifilm X-Pro3 is also probably the product of knowing the Sony a7III was coming. Fujifilm was way out in front when the Fujifilm X-T2 was released, even Sony admitted as much and the X-Pro2 wasn’t a slouch either, but now they need to take Sony head-on to continue growing. The Fujifilm X-T3 is the camera to look forward to if you’re a fan of Fujifilm and envious of the a7III. That’s not to say the Fujifilm X-H1 won’t be an excellent user experience, but The Fujifilm X-T3 will be the start of Fujifilm’s next-generation camera line-up and of course we will see it followed by a Fuji X-Pro3 and Fuji X-H2 when the time is right.

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X-H1 Camera: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
X-H1 Body with Battery Grip Kit: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Preorders Start Wednesday at 10PM EST
Sony a7III:
 B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sony HVL-F60RM: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

 

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Fujifilm X-H1 Autofocus Explained


It appears that the Fujifilm X-H1 AF system isn’t any faster than the Fujifilm X-T2 or X-Pro2 according to Fujifilm.

“We’ve mentioned previously that the AF speed will not be any faster. The key now is to expand the area that the phase detection AF can cover. This is true also for X-H1.

 Has the AF gotten faster further more?

Many X-Photographers who have tested the X-H1 commented that “the AF is faster”. But the fastest AF speed has not changed. What’s been changed is the area that Phase detection AF can cover. The new algorithm helped the photographers to accurately capture the scene that they wanted to capture”

Many photographers felt that they Fujifilm X-T2 AF system was faster than the X-Pro2 when it was released, but Fujifilm cleared up the miss understanding quickly. It seems that Photographers confuse complex focus acquisition with focus speed and this is why the Fujifilm X-H1 ultimately feels faster when focusing than the Fujifilm X-T2 and X-Pro2.

“The X-H1 has maximum of 325 AF points (13×25). If speed is your priority, it is best to use the phase-detection area of 169 points (13 x 13) at the center….The focus point is detected by using the phase detection pixels found within the AF frame. At the default AF frame size, there are 20,000 phase detection pixels within the frame. The key is how to extract the useful information to improve focusing. This is where the new algorithm is implemented.”

Since nothing about the new algorithm is physical it could easily be included in a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-T2 and X-Pro2, but Fujifilm might treat this new algorithm like they treated the advanced tracking settings with the Fujifilm X-T2 vs X-Pro2. Fujifilm even gets into how their new algorithm works a little bit in their new X-H1 Development Story #6 -Autofocus post, but the numbers aren’t overly informative. Read More »

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Win a FUJIFILM X100F Camera When You Register on the FUJIFILM X/GFX Website and Ultimate Mirrorless Giveaway


Win a FUJIFILM X100F Camera When You Register on the FUJIFILM X/GFX Website
Signing up to the FUJIFILM USA X/GFX website doesn’t just mean you’ll receive updates whenever new articles come online. You’ll also be in with a chance of winning a superb FUJIFILM X100F camera.

How to Enter
To enter the Sweeps, simply register to the FUJIFILM X/GFX USA Website! Winners will be selected during the Sweeps entry periods, detailed in the terms and conditions.

About the Prize
The FUJIFILM X100F is fast, portable and great fun to use. A hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder lets you see the world in different ways, and the built-in 35mmF2 lens captures superb quality images. The X100F has a loyal following with street and travel photographers, as well as those looking for a take-everywhere creative tool for everyday photography.

For the official rules for this Sweeps competition, see our terms and conditions.

Register Your Equipment Here


Ultimate Mirrorless Giveaway
FUJIFILM and Vanguard have teamed up to offer one lucky photographer the chance to win an incredible package stuffed full of prizes, including a FUJIFILM X-T2, a FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, a one-year subscription to the Adobe CC Photography Package, and much, much more.

About the Prize
The lucky winner will receive a package containing the following:

  • FUJIFILM X-T2 Camera
  • FUJINON XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens
  • NiSi 100mm Starter Kit with V5 Pro Filter Holder Kit
  • Vanguard VEO2 235CB Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
  • Vanguard ALTA SKY 45D Bag
  • Ikan 5″ 4K Support HDMI Electronic Viewfinder LCD Monitor Kit
  • GNARBOX 128GB Backup & Storage Solution
  • One-year subscription to Adobe CC Photography Package

How to Enter
You can enter the giveaway starting Feb 15, 2018.

To find out how to enter, and to check the terms and conditions, visit the Ultimate Mirrorless Giveaway website.

Posted in Fuji X-T2, Fuji X100, Fujifilm X100F| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fujifilm WPPI Show Specials and Show Schedule

Specials

If you’re attending WPPI this year than make sure you stop at the Fujifilm booth for a few offers in addition to our Sunday Savings. These offers require receipts and are limited so you might be able to just show the receipts on your smartphone if you order an Instax Camera or Instax Share Printer while there, but ask them if this is an option first and make sure they have Instax film available so you can take advantage of the offer.

There is also an offer for Fujifilm Frontier-S DX100 Inkjet Photo Printers purchased through authorized retailers and Amazon has them in stock right now. Read More »

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Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 ZERO-D APS-C

We previously covered the leaked Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 ZERO-D APS-C lens now the official announcement is available and it is expected to ship early April 2018. I can’t wait to get this lens for astrophotography.

Main Lens Features (Google translation):

  • This product is the best lens for photographing landscape photographs, architectural photographs, interior photographs, star photographs and so on.
  • 3 special low dispersion lenses (ED lens) and 2 glass aspherical lenses are used extensively. By adopting an optical design with extremely reduced distortion to zero, it is possible to take landscape photographs and architectural photographs without the influence of distortion.
  • It is the widest angle lens (113 °) lens among the wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras of the open F 2.8 which are on sale now.
  • It adopts metal enclosure with excellent robustness and luxury. Effective flower type hood is attached.
  • This product is the brightest among the same class products, the most compact and lightweight lens. Because it is very convenient to carry, it is also ideal for daily snapshot.

Main specifications:

  • Focal length: 9 mm
  • Maximum F value: F 2.8
  • Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)
  • Lens construction: 10 groups of 15
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 7
  • Shortest shooting distance: 12 cm
  • Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
  • Filter diameter: φ 49 mm
  • Weight: ~ 215 g * Variable depending on mount
  • Corresponding mount: FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, Sony E

MTF charts and lens design:


Additional Pictures: Read More »

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Fujifilm Sunday Savings WPPI Edition

WPPI is here and there are some great savings that you can view B&H Photo. Of course our ussual savings continue on, but if you want to get right to the WPPI Fujifilm specific deals they are listed below.

WPPI Deals (May Require Promo Code “BHWPPI18” at Checkout)
XF LENS DEALS
Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro ($100 Gift Card)
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R ($100 Gift Card + 4% reward)
Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 XF R ($50 Gift Card + 4% reward)
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R ($50 Gift Card + 4% reward)
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR ($50 Gift Card)
Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR ($100 Gift Card + 4% reward)
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR ($100 Gift Card+Domke Camera Bag)

GF LENS DEALS
Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR ($150 Gift Card)
Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR ($150 Gift Card)
Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR ($100 Gift Card)
Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR ($150 Gift Card)
Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR ($150 Gift Card)

GFX BUNDLE DEALS
Fujifilm GFX 50S + 63mm (save $1200)
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 45mm (save $1200)
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 23mm (save $1200)
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 110mm (save $1200)
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 120mm (save $1200)
Fujifilm GFX 50S + 32-64mm (save $1200)

X CAMERA BODIES
Fujifilm X-T1 + 18-55mm + Battery Grip  (save $900)

WPPI Deals (May Require Promo Code “BHWPPI18” at Checkout)
B&H Photo / Adorama

Without Vertical Booster Grip (Save Up to $150)
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF16-55: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF50-140: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF100-400: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

With Vertical Booster Grip (Save Up to $150)
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF16-55: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF50-140: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 w XF100-400: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama


New Apple iMac Pro: B&H Photo / Adorama
MacBook Pro (Savings still available): B&H Photo
iPad Savings up to $150: B&H Photo

Fujifilm X-T2 Savings
Fujifilm X-T2 (Build Your Bundle Savings): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-T2 Graphite Edition (Build Your Bundle Savings): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujifilm X-T20 Savings
Fujifilm X-T20 with 16-50mm (Save $100): B&H Photo / Adorama
Fujifilm X-T20 with 16-50mm and 50-230mm (Save $430): B&H Photo / Adorama

Fujifilm X-E2S Savings
Fujifilm X-E2S Body (Save $200): B&H Photo / Adorama

Fujifilm X-T1 Savings
Fujifilm X-T1 Body (Save $650): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Body with Accessories (Save $650): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Body Basic Kit (Save $650): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Body Deluxe Kit (Save $650): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Body (Save $750): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Body Deluxe Kit (Save $750): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite + 35mm f/2 (Save $750): B&H Photo
Fujifilm X-T1 + 35mm f/2 (Save $650): B&H Photo

X-Mount Lenses
Variety of Discounted X-Mount Lenses (Save up to $172): B&H Photo

Software
Luminar 2018 & Aurora HDR 2018 (Savings code FUJIADDICT)
ON1 Photo RAW 2018
Picktorial+X-Pack Bundle

GFX Camera Savings
Fujifilm GFX 50S + 63mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 45mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 23mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 110mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX 50S  + 120mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX 50S + 32-64mm (save $1000): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

 

Posted in Deals, Fuji X-T2, Fujifilm GFX, Fujifilm GFX 50S, Fujifilm X-H1| Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment