DXOMark Pentax 645 Debacle and Potential Fujifilm GFX 50S Results

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 12, 2017

Testing Medium format cameras isn’t something new for DXO Mark and when they called the D850 the first DSLR to cross the 100 mark they should have been clear by adding the first full fame DSLR since the 645Z has a DSLR design. It is surprising to see how the 645Z and D850 landscape and portrait measurements compare. The Pentax 645Z seems to only have an extreme advantage in high ISO performance, which doesn’t match Photon on Photos’ results.


If we look at the more reliable and consistent Photons on Photos they have a very different take on how these cameras compare. The D850 gets close to the dynamic range of the 645Z and GFX, but never catches the GFX. While the D850 catches the 645Z at some ISO levels it does not perform equally around base ISO, which is where most photographers try to shoot landscape/portraiture. Maybe DXO based their 101 score on limited data, but if we extrapolate, based on the good data we have today cameras like the GFX and X1D should score 102 or 103, maybe even 104, but I am not sure DXO’s results for the 645Z are correct. I highly doubt the D850 is better than the 645Z at Landscape/Portrait work and Photons on Photos data seems to back my perspective up.

The mass availability of affordable medium format is shaking up the industry as I hoped it would and as a side effect, it is exposing a lot of flaws in how photographers try to compare cameras with objective numbers. Something Fujifilm has managed to avoid with their X-Trans sensor since companies like DXO won’t test their cameras, but photons on photos does. Unfortunately, objective standards are difficult to come by due to a variety of influences, but if you simply must have charts and graphs photons on photos is a good place to go or if you want a standardized independent review method reidreview has always been a good site to read even if his review volume is low. Of course, subjective reviews are also very important to take into consideration when comparing cameras, but some have been unduly influenced by money. Special thanks to Pentax/Photorumors for having a clear copy of the Pentax DXO results.

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Fujifilm GFX 50S: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Nikon D850: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Pentax 645Z B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Hasselblad X1D-50c: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 110mm F 2 R LM WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 23mm F 4 R LM WR: B&H Photo  / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 63mm F2.8 R WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 120 f4 R LM OIS WR Macro: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 32-64mm f4 R LM WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sekonic L-858D-U Speedmaster: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Fujifilm Sets Ambitious Goal of Capturing 50% Share of Emerging Mirrorless Market in 2 years

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 11, 2017


The Times of India has an interesting interview with Fujifilm India Managing Director Yasunobu Nishiyama, where he stated: “Within the mirrorless market, we would like to have around 50 percent share in a span of at least two years.” This is a significant and ambitious goal even if he is only referring to the India market, which Fujifilm just entered and is still quite small in because India is a country containing roughly 1.3 billion people as of 2017. They are betting on “high image quality to gain market share and is looking on the growing number of photo professionals and young enthusiasts.”

The interview also states that the X system currently has 25 lenses with roughly 4 released a year, which is something that hasn’t really been quantified before. There is also an interesting look at the size of the Indian camera market from the interview

In 2016-17 fiscal, the total estimated size of the digital still camera was around 7.41 lakh units and DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) was the fastest growing segment with 20 per cent growth.

“In this, mirrorless segment had the highest growth of 300 per cent. In 2015-16, it was total 7,900 units and was 32,500 in 2016-17,” said Fujifilm Executive VP Graphic Arts Division S M Ramprasad.

Lakh units means 100,000 units so digital camera sales in India appear to be quite small at this time. This could be a unique market for Fujifilm to dominate going forward as it emerges. Fujifilm’s goals seem ambitious at first, but becoming the defacto camera in a country with a billion+ person population is one way to get around the Canon/Nikon hegemony.

Via indiatimes

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First ON1 2018 Fujifilm RAW X-Trans and GFX Impressions

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 10, 2017

Finding Middle Earth just did a live stream covering ON1 Photo RAW 2018 and confirms that the new photo RAW engine is even better than the last, which I would personally put slightly above Lightroom. The only thing that has kept me from integrating it more into my workflow at this time is the lack of Fujifilm color profiles, which I like to use as a starting point. Hopefully, these will come soon since the ON1 RAW processor is a great alternative to Adobe.

A reader also sent in an ON1 Photo RAW 2018 review he wrote using his Fujifilm GFX 50S and there is a disappointing bug present in the 2017/2018 edition of the ON1 software.

“However there is an issue with the zoom function in both editions of the software. The “zoom in” works but when attempting to zoom out it never goes back to show the entire image. It seems to lock into only a small portion of the image. The ‘fit’ option doesn’t reset to the full size of the image. My workaround is to go into the develop mode and use ‘fit’ to reset the zoom.”

This isn’t a bug for regular Fujifilm users and keep in mind that 2018 is still in beta so this bug could be corrected before launch. You can read Gavin Lyons complete review here. The developer is usually pretty good about addressing these things so please make sure you’re submitting anything you come across. For me, the ON1 browser is invaluable organizing, but you can try it for yourself.

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

ON1 Photo RAW 2018 With New HDR, Pano Stitching, Masking and More

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 9, 2017

ON1 Photo RAW 2018 final will be available at the end of October but for now, you can download the 2018 beta with a 30-day free trial:

  • New update includes HDR module, Pano module, tons of updates in masking (Luminosity mask, luminosity zone masks, global mask adjustments, color range masks and more) – in one app!
  • Versions or virtual copies
  • New user interface
  • New color brushes
  • ON1 Photo for Mobile

ON1 Photo RAW 2018 will be updated and enhanced in many areas. Key new features will include the following:

  • ON1 HDR – Create stunning HDR photos that merge all tonality from a bracket of photos in a fraction of the time (test results have shown up to seven times faster than other HDR apps).  Automatically aligns photos and removes ghosting from motion between exposures. Includes full non-destructive editing with natural results and can be turned up to 11 for a surreal look.
  • Pano Stitching – Combine multiple photos into a single panoramic or matrix photo. Automatically aligns photos, even if they are not shot on a tripod, and blends them together seamlessly. An option to embed panoramic metadata for Facebook panning is also available.
  • Global Mask Editing Tools – These include new mask Density and Feather sliders to allow for changing the density or opacity of masks as well as blur masks for softening.
  • Luminosity Mask Updates – Adjust the levels of a mask to increase the contrast or brightness as well as set a tonal window to only affect a certain zone.  These updates allow users to target just the area they want, based on the photo.
  • Color Range Masks – Create a mask from a color range selection.
  • Blur and Chisel Mask Tools – In ON1 Effects, the Blur and Chisel mask tools are now included. The blur tool is perfect for softening or feathering a mask selectively. The Chisel tool lets the user push or pull the edge selectively, to remove halos. All of these new masking options are re-editable and non-destructive.
  • Versions — Versions are virtual copies of the same photo. Each version created can include non-destructive settings, including crop, retouching and adjustments. Versions work just like any other photo without taking up more space on your computer. 
  • Updated UI — Clean and modern UI where your photo is the center of attention. Custom name filters and layers to easier keep track of work. Also select your own UI accent color.
  • Paint with Color Brush — Painting with color can be a solid color, perfect for skin smoothing and making annotation layers, or paint with just the color and leave the underlying luminosity in place to change the color of objects like eyes.
  • Selectively Add or Remove Noise — Brush away noise in areas like skies or add noise for an artistic effect.
  • ON1 Photo for Mobile — Take the best shots with you on the go with the free ON1 Photo for Mobile app. It’s a great way to share portfolios. It can also sync new photos taken on phones back to the desktop so those photos are ready for editing.
  • Additional Camera & Lens Support — Added support for the Nikon D850, Olympus EM-10 III and Panasonic DMC-G85, plus a ton of new lenses.

Additional information in the press release: Read More »

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Zhongyi Mitakon Lens Turbo II N/G-FX Focal Reducer and Other Speedbooster Infinity Focus Fix

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 9, 2017

Focal reducers and speed boosters aren’t always perfectly tuned for infinity focus, but there is an easy fix. You can find a few descriptions of the process in various forums around the internet, but the above video best describes the process. Basically, you have to find the screw/s on the reducer/speed booster that allows you to adjust the rear element. Once you do it would be best to mark the original position so you can return to the stock adjustment if necessary.This shouldn’t be necessary for the majority of adapters/lenses, but some combinations might require adjustment and if you bought a reducers/booster for a specific lens it’s worth taking the time to tune the adapter yourself if it doesn’t work 100% out of the box. This method could also be used for extreme Macro work.

This shouldn’t be necessary for the majority of adapters/lenses, but some combinations might require adjustment and if you bought a reducers/booster for a specific lens it’s worth taking the time to tune the adapter yourself if it doesn’t work 100% out of the box. This method could also be used to add Macro capabilities to a lens if you want to experiment.

Zhongyi Mitakon Lens Turbo II: B&H Photo / Adorama

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Fujifilm Savings Sunday and Check Back Next Week For The Biggest Savings Yet

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 8, 2017

My weekly Sunday post about Fujifilm savings started back when they used to do amazing lens/camera sales for X shooters over a year ago and these deals are scheduled to return next week at midnight! Until then the US has Fujifilm X-T20 savings, while Europe has some great GFX savings at shops like Calumet. Until next week make sure you are getting notifications from FujiAddict and following us on Facebook and Twitter, because the best deals will sell out quickly and continue to support FujiAddict with our affiliate link (B&H Photo/Amazon/Adorama)

Fujifilm X-T20 + XC16-50mm + XC50-230mm + Metal Hand Grip

Black
B&H Photo
Adorama

Silver
B&H Photo
Adorama

Fujifilm GFX 50S: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 110mm F 2 R LM WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 23mm F 4 R LM WR: B&H Photo  / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 63mm F2.8 R WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 120 f4 R LM OIS WR Macro: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon GF 32-64mm f4 R LM WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujifilm X-E3: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Posted in Deals, Fuji deals, Fujifilm GFX, Fujifilm GFX 50S, Fujifilm X-T20| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment