Tag Archives: sales

Equipment, Reviews

Fujifilm X-Pro2

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Fujifilm just released their newest camera, the X-Pro2. Since I have been relying on an earlier Fujifilm camera (the original X-E1) for over three years — and liking the results a whole lot — it seemed like time to move up to the newer, more refined body. My new X-Pro2 arrived a few days ago, and so far I’m quite impressed. (My time with the camera has been limited thus far, and I’ll share a much more detailed report once I have had a chance to use it extensively.)

Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the new XF 35mm f/2 WR lens

The Fujifilm “x-trans” sensor cameras are appealing for a number of reasons:

  • Small, light mirrorless designs offer an alternative to larger DSLR systems.
  • The x-trans sensor produces excellent image quality and uses a photo site layout that is designed to minimize aliasing without using anti-aliasing filters.
  • The Fujifilm lenses are truly top-notch, from primes to zooms, and there is a complete and diverse selection of available lenses.

Until now all of these cameras have use 16 megapixel (MP) 1.5x cropped sensor designs. 16MP is plenty for almost all photographers, and I make beautiful 18″ x 24″ prints from the files. One of the main updates on the X-Pro2 is the addition of an optimized 24MP sensor. If anything, this sensor improves the low light performance and dynamic range of the 16MP versions, and it provides a bit more resolution.

The X-Pro2 also improves on many of the ideas behind the original (and now a bit long in the tooth, though quite inexpensive) X-Pro1. Both cameras use a hybrid viewfinder that incorporates both an optical viewfinder (OVF) and an electronic viewfinder (EVF), both of which have advantages in various situations. The OVF works beautifully with many primes, eliminates shutter blackout, and allows the photographer to see what is going on just outside the borders of the image. The design overlays an electronic display on top of the optical image. These features are very useful to those doing street photography and similar things.

The EVF works well with all lenses, from ultra wide to telephoto and especially with zoom lenses. It can be advantageous in very low light, such as night street photography. It also shows the precise frame edge lines and can display even more image data than the OVF.

The camera feels light but also solid and well-constructed, and it recalls classic rangefinder cameras.

I got mine with the new XF 35mm f/2 WR lens, one of five newer lenses that are optimized to autofocus more quickly on the X-Pro2 (and, presumably, future X-series cameras). It is also weather resistant. I can report that it focuses quickly and accurately in a wide range of situations. Since I also have my older XF 35mm f/1.4 lens, I haven’t yet decided whether I will end up valuing the extra stop of the f/1.4 lens enough to give up the faster AF and smaller size of the new f/2 lens.

That’s all I’ll say for now, but expect more in the not-too-distant future as I gain more experience with the camera. For now, I don’t see any reason to not recommend it.

  • Fujifilm X-Pro2 digital camera body — $1699 at B&H or Adorama
  • Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 WR lens — $399 / $299* with X-Pro2 at B&H or Adorama (*limited time offer)

(If you find this website and posts like this useful and you are going to get one of these products, consider making your purchase through links on this site. Your price will be the same, but the purchases help support the operation of the site. Thanks!)

Also see:  Taking Stock of the Fujifilm X-E1, X-E2, S-T1 Mirrorless Cameras

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books and Amazon.
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All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Equipment

Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R Release Near?

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Several months ago Canon announced that it would release two new high-megapixel DSLR cameras in the 5D series, the 5Ds and the 5Ds R in June. June is now only a couple of days away. Although I don’t have any inside information, there are hints that the release could come as early as the first week of the month.

Canon EOS 5Ds DSLR
Canon EOS 5Ds DSLR

I think there will be a large pent-up demand for these cameras from Canon photographers, some of whom have watched from the sidelines as companies like Sony and Nikon have introduced higher MP camera bodies. Those who want to get early copies can preorder — here are links to site-sponsor B&H:

The primary value proposition of the new camera series is the 50.6 megapixel sensor. This is a higher sensor resolution than on any other current full-frame DSLR, and it more than doubles the number of photo sites on earlier Canon DSLRs. For photographers who make big prints from DSLR photographs, and especially for those who work with a great deal of care and focus on subjects in which image resolution may become critical, this will likely be significant advance.

Continue reading Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R Release Near? →

Deals and Sales, Site News

Quick Note About Product Posts

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From time to time I highlight certain products in posts here at the blog – often as part of my own review or report on the product or because of some special pricing or other offer. Since it is “that time of year” you are likely to see a few more than usual, so I thought I’d say a few things about this.

  • The blog has an “affiliate” relationship with several manufacturers/vendors. When you make a purchase by clicking a link on my blog a small percentage of the purchase price is returned to me, and this helps support the blog. If you like the blog, and especially if my reviews or reports have helped you with your purchase decision, I would be grateful if you would purchase through these links.
  • Purchasing though these links does not change your cost – you pay the same whether you purchase through my links or go directly to the vendor site. (A few offers come only through affiliate links and your price may be higher if you purchase directly.)
  • I currently only share links to vendors I do business with myself and/or whose products I have purchased and used.
  • In addition to occasional posts on specific offers from affiliate vendors, there are links to them in the sidebar of this web site. You can use those links to purchase any item from these vendors.
  • Not all links to professional photography services that I share are part of an affiliate relationship. For example, from time to time I mention things like photography workshops – most often by photographers I know and whom I recommend simply because I think the workshops are valuable.
  • There are more special offers at certain times of the year – like right now as the holidays approach!
  • The Deals Page archives recent offers.

Thanks for your support of the blog!

Dan

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist whose subjects include the Pacific coast, redwood forests, central California oak/grasslands, the Sierra Nevada, California deserts, urban landscapes, night photography, and more.
Blog | About | Flickr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | 500px.com | LinkedIn | Email

Text, photographs, and other media are © Copyright G Dan Mitchell (or others when indicated) and are not in the public domain and may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Deals and Sales

B&H Update: Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, and Apple (12/16/12)

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Today’s update from site-affiliate B&H Photo includes lens and camera products from Nikon, large discounts on four Canon L lenses and one non-L prime, a lens and a camera from Fujifilm, and an Apple iMac. Additional offers are listed on the Deals Page at this blog.

Nikon – a 70-200mm telephoto zoom, A D600 bundle at over $800 off, and a discount on D800 DSLR bodies.

Canon – Significant discounts on four L lenses and the inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 II

Fujifilm – new lens for the Fujifilm X-Pro-1 rangefinder style camera, discount on the XF1

Apple – new iMac model

Notes: Some items must be added to the cart at the B&H web site in order for you to see the lower prices. It is still possible to order as of this date and receive the items in time for holiday gift-giving. Information came from B&H, so please follow links to B&H to verify prices and other information listed here.