And the “Most Superfluous Message” Oscar goes to …

I won’t tell you where I saw this, but I will tell you that it confirms my suspicions about the level of critical thinking that many people put into their software …

Define necessary … sheesh …

Shame on Lexar for a Horrible Product

I needed a thumb drive quickly a few nights ago to bring some movies to a friend who is ill. So I popped out to WalMart (open past 10, so they win) and scanned all the offerings. It had to be USB 3.0 at least, and it had to be reasonably priced for the size. I found a Lexar USB 3.0 64GB for $38cad, which I considered acceptable.

I cracked the package and plugged it into my USB 3.0 hub, finding it disconcerting how flimsy the plastic business end felt. In fact, the whole thing felt flimsy, with unsatisfying action when extending and retracting the plug, and with it weighing essentially nothing. This is not a good thing with electronics, and it usually indicates minimal structural integrity. It really feels like one of those knock offs you find in a dollar store rather than a fairly expensive product from a well-known brand like Lexar.

So I soldiered on and copy the files over. One of the reasons I bought this particular model was the claim of up to 150MB/s read speeds, and it did pretty well in my tests.

 

That’s not bad at all. For a comparison, I checked the speed on a 32GB ADATA unit that feels like a high end thumb drive with high quality plastics and some weight, and of course a metal plug.

Note the marked difference in how the tabs stick up in the quality drive. So how does the cheaper, but much nicer drive fair in the same test?

The performance falls short, but that may very well have to do with the capacity of the drive, since higher capacity drives are typically able to stripe their writes (write in parallel since they might have twice as many raw chips), which makes a huge difference in sustained speeds. But the ergonomics are so much better that I would easily make such a trade.

Getting back to the story …

The drive feels terrible in hand, and plugging it in is universally scary since it feels like it is going to break every single time. The plastic lock that holds it extended is extremely weak, allowing it to pop shut at any resistance, so this is not the drive for awkward spaces, like behind a TV.

And speaking of TVs … the ultimate test was plugging it into my friend’s TV, which failed miserably. It kept popping the lock and so I eventually had to hold it tightly with thumb and forefinger to get it into the slot. It flashed once, but never registered as a thumb drive. We tried it several times, and tried another drive that came up instantly. So it definitely was incompatible with her TV.

So we tried a Bluray player and a DVD player, each of which had a USB plug on the front. None of them could recognize the drive. We gave up at that point.

At home, I checked it on a laptop and back on the same switch that wrote the files, and it was recognized both times.

Once wonders what sort of compatibility testing Lexar did for this cheap piece of crap?

It’s going back today, obviously …

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p.s. It is entirely possible that this design was commissioned by WalMart specifically.

If so, shame on Lexar for going along with it, and of course for the obvious lack of compatibility testing.

Published again in the Ottawa Citizen Newspaper

Get yours this Thursday to see all that is happening in Ottawa this weekend and for the next while. This is an image taken on rural roads near the suburb I live in.

A lovely day that was.

And once again I have to thank Robbi Hay, editor the Ourtown section of the Citizen, for using my work.

Panasonic loses mind?

Panasonic has the best game in town for lovers of dSLR styled mirrorless bodies. The G5 was amazing, as was the G6. But Panasonic really stepped up the game with the G7, giving us 80% of what we wanted, but most importantly cranking up the image quality with the newer sensor.

And then came the GX85 and G85 and our minds were partially blown. But the prices started to get crazy too.

I purchased the G5 and G6 kits for around 600 to 700 cad. This was considered a bargain and everyone knew that they were punching above their cost.

The GX85 was kind of expensive at 900, but the camera is a gem and I still have that one, with all the rest sold off in my trip back to dSLR land.

The G85 really annoyed me because it came out not long after I got my G7 and I felt like an idiot

I ended up preferring the GX85 over the G7 by a country mile and that was that.

However, the G85 costs around 1200, double what the G5 and G6 were costing in their day. So I never bothered, since the GX85 is still terrific and it is very compact. The D7200 and D600 fill my needs when I want to do serious photography, and I paid 2/3 of the cost of a new G85 for each of those dSLRs, with both crushing the G85 in low light.

And now comes the G9 … everything that the GH5 was for stills, and even more brilliance. Apparently the viewfinder is the true OVF replacement. And I’m sure that there are many more wonderful features (how does 20fps at full size grab you?)

Yet the cost has again more than doubled and I am finally over my love of the Panasonic bodies. I just don’t care any more, as they are gouging now.

C’est la vie I suppose …

Fuji Releases the X-E3 and related goodies … and they are so pretty :-)

I used to be big in the Fuji camp, but that was because they were doing great things in compacts. At some point, compacts stopped appealing and the market collapsed. Thanks to the smart phone of course. Their cameras are as good as or better than most of the cheaper compacts ever were.

But Fuji got clever and moved upmarket with the X series of cameras. Their advanced compacts are pretty well spec’ed and liked, cameras like the X10 through the X30 for example. The latest model is pretty special according to its users.

I went a different way … into Nikon dSLRs, away from those to the m4/3 system, then back to Nikon dSLRs with my last m4/3 body – the GX85 – as my travel kit with the 12-32 pancake lens and the tiny but very sharp 45-150 Panasonic lens. These together give me an effective range of 24 to 300, which is pretty good in a tiny kit with an excellent sensor.

Back to Fuji … they are showing us that a camera can be sized reasonably and still have superb image quality and advanced mirrorless features. This makes Fuji a possible compromise system for me, and something I will have to seriously consider.

Meanwhile, here are the new toys … enjoy

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X-E3

Gorgeous in black. But how about silver?

It’s small and slick with Fuji’s now standard old-school controls. They look terrific. It reminds me enough of the Panasonic GX85 to consider it as a replacement.

Let’s keep going …

XF80 2.8 Macro

This looks great, even on this rather small body. It would be mandatory were I ever to jump into Fuji whole hog.

And finally …

GF45 2.8

That’s some g.a.s. bait for sure.

Sneaky Rogers and their Internet Plans (Edit: I broke down and jumped in …)

Make no mistake, Rogers’ technology is first rate and the reliability is pretty decent. Of course, every so often my internet performance goes into the toilet against what I pay for, and it is in fact ripping me off a bit right now. But all in all, it could be much worse. 

Example: I just returned from Winnipeg, where MTS and Shaw have divided up the market and the performance is terrible (on MTS) while the reliability can be terrible (on Shaw), so you have few options, and fewer good ones (as in none).

But … Rogers is not shy about dicking around with the plans, and they recently created a huge gap in service, eliminating my 250u plan completely. They dropped the performance at the $99 price point from 250Mbps down / 20 Mbps up to 150Mbps down / 15Mbps up. This is pretty shameless because those of us who like or need 250Gbps are now completely stuck. And frankly, the system continues to downgrade my performance periodically so that I have to call. This does not help and eventually the service seems to recover. Right now, I get 250 / 10, which is not what I am paying for.

So these lovely new plans are actually forcing me to upgrade and pay 20 bucks more per month, and for that privilege, I get to have my upload speeds restored!

I mean …. come on, does the CRTC really turn a blind eye to such blatant bate and switch tactics?

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Edit 1: Turns out that my speed was restored by getting the new gigabit modem, which cost me nothing extra.

Edit 2: At some point, the cost of the 500u was to be about the same as the old 250u, so I jumped to it. The speed is pretty decent …

Published in the Ottawa Citizen tomorrow, 20 July 2017

Thanks once again to Robbi Hay, editor of the Ourtown section of the Ottawa Citizen for using my work. This is my favourite image of all of those I submitted to the Citizen. I love hummingbirds and this one is cheekily looking back at me as if to ask why?

Pick up a copy of the Citizen tomorrow to see what’s happening in and around Ottawa in the upcoming weeks …

Has Microsoft Lost Control of their Developers?

See this thread: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_outlook-mso_win10/outlook-2016-sounds-changed-at-last-build-update/8a857f8c-1d44-4add-866e-060784fe047b?rtAction=1500394594303

I love Outlook 2016 as it is the best email client I have ever used. I have all emails that I have ever received (and thought were worthy of preserving) stored in my inbox and archives since 1997 or thereabouts.

But in the last update cycle (a few weeks ago), some MORON implemented a deletion sound without implementing a way to turn it off.

This has made Outlook a nightmare to use day to day.

The thread referenced above says that the only way to fix the problem is to globally turn off all sound in Microsoft Office.

Have they lost their ability to control their developers’ worst instincts? Did some intern have a brain fart and no one noticed? Or do they think this is acceptable in some way?

I have gone from loving Outlook to hating it in only a few weeks.

EDIT: The article above suggests going to “Advanced/General” in the Excel options, but I found the “provide feedback with sound” to be in the Accessibility section. Switching it off *did* work, though, so that is the fix. No sound in all of Office fixes this horrid mistake by someone at Microsoft.

Best Buy–Consumer Unfriendly Adverts on Facebook

I’ve seen this bait at least three times today:

$299 for a complete three piece polycarbonate Samsonite luggage set is a steal. I would buy in a heartbeat. Yet every time I click through, the real price is double or triple …

That is one scum bag maneuver, leaving their ads running to bait you into clicking. Unworthy of a major chain like that.

Published in the Ottawa Citizen two weeks in a row …

Once again I am thanking Robbi Hay, Editor of the Ottawa Citizen Ourtown section, for using my work.

As Father’s Day approaches (this coming Sunday), this image is a reminder of what matters more to fathers than anything else …

So grab a copy of this Thursday’s paper and see what’s coming up in early summer!

Jokes and Fundamentalism

A strange juxtaposition, but bear with me.

I was watching an interesting video of Jimmy Carr interviewing Frankie Boyle (two of my favourite comedians) and Jimmy mentioned that “people are not offended by a joke, but rather by who’s telling it”. I thought that was an interesting observation and that it had a lot of truth to it.

But Frankie had an incredibly perceptive take on it that really sharpened my thoughts on fundamentalism, religious mostly, but anything with a narrow fundamentalist view.

Frankie said that “A joke is a thing that people laugh at in a room – a contract between people. As soon as you have to defend it, then it is simply something inappropriate that someone said”.

Now, it is easy to say then that the comedian is responsible for what he or she says and that he or she must be aware at all times of who is listening. But the reality is that the joke simply floating in the air and it is a choice to be offended by it.

The problem with the vast majority of fundamentalists is that they choose to be offended by everything. Vocally and often violently.

That has to be one of the world’s biggest problems these days – that 2/3 of the people on the planet have no sense of humor and scream about almost everything that happens in the free world.

Windows 10 Prescience

This is real. I did not fake it.

It was right.

Anyone care to guess how this happened?

Butterfly Shot in the Ottawa Citizen this Thursday

Thanks once again to Robbi Hay, the Ourtown section editor for the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, for using one of my favourite images as summer approaches.

The Monarch population is in decline and we all need to celebrate these beautiful insects. I wish I were a better gardener as I’d fill my property with Butterfly Bushes like the one this Monarch is feeding on.

Check it out this Thursday 8 June for the scoop on what’s happening over the next few weeks as we swing fully into summer.

Purolator … do they ever knock or ring?

I must say that lately I have cringed when I saw Purolator come up as the shipper for something I ordered on one site or another. This because recent experiences with them have been that I never seem to hear a knock or ring, so lately I end up having to wait to get my goods and am forced to drive to some location or other. It’s annoying and frustrating.

Now, before you go and say that I must have been distracted, we have a Pug that goes insane when someone is at the door, to the point that she has to be isolated in the bathroom before we answer it.

Obviously, this did not happen this morning and so I know with near perfect certainty that the card was attached to the door without an actual attempt.

Sigh … this completely spoils their super fast “attempted” delivery in this case.

FUJIFILM X-T20 UPS PERFORMANCE AND ADDS TOUCH CONTROLS FOR ENTHUSIAST PHOTOGRAPHERS; NEW COMPACT FUJINON XF50MMF2 R WR PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION LENS

Valhalla, N.Y., January 19, 2017 – As the leader in innovation for photographers, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X-T20 interchangeable lens camera that joins the award-winning X Series digital camera lineup. The X-T20 is the successor to the FUJIFILM X-T10 and builds on its outstanding image quality, intuitive design, and versatility with a new APS-C sized 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro image processing engine. The updated sensor and processor, along with an improved AF algorithm, boost the camera’s startup time and AF performance, dramatically improving its ability to track moving subjects for their best pictures to date. The X-T20 also has a large tilting touchscreen LCD monitor for multi-angle shooting and responds to quick gestures for a variety of efficient controls and picture review.

Also announced today is the new FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR, a compact, mid-telephoto lens adding to the X Series lineup of interchangeable lenses known for their outstanding image quality. The lens features a focal length equivalent to 76mm (in the 35mm film format) and a maximum aperture of F2.0 for beautiful bokeh. The compact and stylish optic also offers high speed AF and weighs just 200g.

Advanced Imaging for the Discerning Enthusiast

The FUJIFILM X-T20 improves on the X-T10 with a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and a new Video option to the Drive Dial to enable instantaneous switching from still photo shooting to the video recording mode. The Exposure Compensation Dial now has the C position for exposure compensation up to ±5 stops, while the LCD monitor uses a tilting touchscreen panel for intuitive operation at almost any angle. The X-T20 is also equipped with an Auto mode selector lever for selecting the fully-automatic Advanced SR Auto mode where the camera chooses the optimum settings for a given scene.

The new sensor’s enhanced signal processing technology has even greater control over digital noise with an improved ISO sensitivity of ISO12800 available as a regular ISO option. At ultra-high ISO settings, the camera produces low-noise images, with deep blacks and smooth tones, delivering beautiful images even in low light conditions.

The FUJIFILM X-T20 also has a Grain Effect function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras. The function can be set to Strong or Weak, and can be combined with any of the Film Simulation modes. You can easily obtain the look of film-based photos, with the effect most obvious when the image is printed out.

Photo enthusiasts will find the very best image results made possible by Fujifilm's proprietary color reproduction technology, developed through producing photographic films, that helps to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green foliage, just as you remember seeing in real life.

Compact and Lightweight Body Makes Photography Fun and Easy

With the FUJIFILM X-T20, users will find a compact body that is both strong and light and made from magnesium alloy. The top plate features three precision-milled aluminum dials which give the X-T20 a premium feel and allow users to easily adjust the aperture, shutter speed and shooting functions while concentrating on picture taking.

The X-T20 features a 3.0 inch 1.04M-dot tilting TFT color LCD touchscreen monitor for both above head and close to the ground shooting. By combining the Touch Shot function with the tilt LCD monitor, you can get even more creative. Place the camera on the ground and use Touch Shot for a child’s face or a pet’s eye view, or hold it above a crowd of people or an obstacle for high-angle shooting.

Easy Touch, Swipe and Pinch Controls

The LCD monitor in the X-T20 uses a capacitive touchscreen panel to facilitate high-angle shots, taken from above a crowd of people or an obstacle, as well as low-angle shots simulating the ground level perspective.

Users can also opt to use the LCD monitor as a touchscreen to easily access shooting and playback modes. When shooting with the X-T20, you can use the touchscreen to select the focus area, focus on a specific point, and combine the actions of focusing and shooting in succession.

For playback, users can enjoy swipe to scroll through images, double-tap to enlarge, drag the image once enlarged, along with pinch-out and pinch-in sizing.

Improved AF Performance for Moving Subjects

The FUJIFILM X-T20 has an expanded number of focusing points, up from 49 in the previous model to 91 (up to 325 points). Approximately 40% of the imaging area (the center area containing 49 focusing points) is covered with phase detection AF pixels to form a fast and precise phase detection AF area that can be used in a variety of scenes.

By redesigning the AF algorithm from the ground up, the X-T20 can now autofocus more accurately on points of light, low-contrast objects and subjects with fine details such as bird feathers and animal fur. The read speed of the Contrast AF system has been doubled compared to the previous model to enable faster and more accurate autofocusing. During video recording, the AF point transitions smoothly to track a moving subject to create natural looking footage.

Users can choose from a Single Point mode, useful when accurate focusing on a subject is required, and a Zone mode that allows them to select a 3x3, 5x5 or 7x7 zone out of the 91-point AF area. The centrally positioned 3x3 and 5x5 zones, in particular, deliver fast focusing thanks to the on-sensor phase detection AF. The Wide/Tracking mode is a combination of the Wide mode (during AF-S), in which the camera automatically identifies and tracks the area in focus across the 91-point AF area, and the predictive Tracking mode (during AF-C), which uses the entire 91-point area to continue tracking a subject. This feature enables continuous focusing on a subject that is moving up and down, left and right or towards and away from the camera.

The X-T20 features an AF-C Custom setting, which enhances focus tracking performance when shooting in the Continuous AF (AF-C) mode. In the AF-C Custom setting, users can choose from five AF presets, including:

• Preset 1 (Standard Setting for Multi-Purpose) is a standard setting that can be applied when shooting moving subjects as a whole. It is similar to the conventional AF-C setting, and is selected by default when no AF-C Custom setting is specified.
• Preset 2 (Ignore Obstacles & Continue to Track Subject) is suitable when obstacles are likely to come into a selected focus area, blocking a subject.
• Preset 3 (For Accelerating / Decelerating Subjects) is best suited to situations such as motorsports, which involves a subject that makes major speed changes including rapid acceleration or deceleration. It is particularly effective when using linear motor-driven lenses capable of high-speed AF.
• Preset 4 (For Suddenly Appearing Subjects) gives focusing priority to a subject closest to the camera in the selected focus area, so as to swiftly focus on a subject that suddenly comes into the frame.
• Preset 5 (For Erratically Moving & Accelerating or Decelerating Subjects) is suitable for shooting field sports in which subjects accelerate or decelerate rapidly, and also move erratically.

FUJIFILM X-T20 Key Features:

• 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
  • X-Processor Pro
  • Start-up time of 0.4sec
  • Ultra-fast AF speed of 0.06sec
  • Offers 5.0fps live-view shooting
  • Shutter time lag of 0.050sec
  • Shooting interval of 0.25sec
• 3.0 inch 1.04M-dot tilting TFT color LCD touchscreen monitor
• 0.39 inch 2,360K-dot OLED color viewfinder
• Live View Display to preview pictures where you can
• New ACROS Film Simulation mode
• AF-C Custom Settings with five AF-C presets
• 4K video can be recorded at [3840 x 2160] 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98P, 100Mbps
  • Continuous recording: up to approximately 10min
• Full HD video can be recorded at 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps and 23.98 fps, and with Film Simulation effects
  • Video can be outputted to external monitor via the HDMI port and input audio from an external microphone
  • Easily connect to external HDMI monitor and turn on HDMI Rec Control to automatically enable a clean HDMI output when the camera’s shutter release button is pressed
  • Touch AF to change the focus area and refocusing according to subject movement functions in video recording
• 24 high-performance FUJINON X-mount lenses for ultimate versatility
• Integrated pop-up flash with Super Intelligent Flash to automatically adjust light output
• Unique Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) image processing technology to deliver the best possible image quality
  • LMO corrects optical defects such as diffraction to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness and a realistic three-dimensional effect
• Nine Film Simulation modes (including ACROS) and Advanced Filter functions for eight different artistic effects
• Multiple Exposure function combines two separate subjects into one photo
• Interval timer shooting for time lapse photography
  • intervals of one second to 24 hours, and up to infinity frames
• Completely silent electronic shutter capable of exposures up to 1/32000 seconds.
• Digital Split Image for precise manual focusing and Focus Peaking to highlight high-contrast areas of the subject
• Eye Detection AF function for automatically detecting and focusing on human eyes
• Auto Macro function automatically activates the Macro mode while maintaining AF speed, eliminating any need to press the Macro button to capture a close-up
• Built-in Wi-Fi for shooting from your smartphone or tablet devices
• Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app for Remote Control function
  • Photos can be sent directly from the camera to the Instax SHARE Smartphone Printer for instant Instax prints
• Wi-Fi® Transfer is supported, enabling wireless backup of the data to a computer
• Weather and dust resistant; operates as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit \ 0 degrees Celsius

FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR Lens

The new XF50mmF2 R WR is a mid-telephoto lens that is designed to deliver the very best results from Fujifilm’s unique X-Trans CMOS sensor. The XF50mmF2 R WR, perfect for any type of travel photography, is compact and lightweight, and features 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical ED lens, and has an inner focusing system, driven by a stepping motor for fast and silent autofocusing. The premium XF50mF2 R WR is made of metal and glass for a stylish, robust design with a premium feel, while the aperture and focusing rings have been designed to be comfortable and easy to use. The lens is also weather and dust resistant, and operates in temperatures as low as 14°F\10°C, making it ideal for shooting in a variety of weather conditions.

FUJINON XF50mmF2 R WR Lens Key Features:

• FUJIFILM X-Mount is compatible with all FUJIFILM X Series interchangeable system cameras
• Weather-sealed at ten points around the barrel for weather and dust resistance; operates as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius
• 9 lens elements in 7 groups including one aspherical ED lens
• Compact, lightweight lens weighs just 200g
• Aperture and focusing rings feature precise click stops and smooth damping for easy operation
• Inner focusing AF system uses a stepping motor to drive lightweight focusing elements for a fast, silent autofocus performance
• Super EBC (Super Electron Beam Coating) ensures high performance by reducing both flare and ghosting

Availability and Pricing

The new FUJIFILM X-T20 Body (Black and Silver) will be available in February 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $899.95 and CAD$1,199.99. The X-T20 Body with XF18-55mm Lens Kit will be available for USD $1,199.95 and CAD $1,599.99; the X-T20 Body with XC16-50mm Lens Kit will be available for USD $999.95 and CAD $1,299.99.

The FUJIFILM XF50mmF2 R WR (Black and Silver) will be available in February 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $449.95 and CAD$649.99.

* Design and specifications may be subject to change without notice.

About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging

For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation is based in Valhalla, New York, and is the regional headquarters for the Americas. It is comprised of fourteen directly owned subsidiary companies in the U.S. and Canada, and two in Latin America: Brazil and Colombia.  The company manufactures, markets and provides service for a broad spectrum of industries including photographic, medical imaging and informatics, pharmaceutical and other life science industries. Industrial segments include data storage, electronic materials, chemical, and graphic arts products and services.  For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2016, the company had global revenues of $22.1 billion, at an exchange rate of 112.54 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Matthew Schmidt
Fujifilm
(914) 789-8529
mschmidt@fujifilm.com

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES NEXT GENERATION X100F FROM THE SERIES THAT STARTED A REVOLUTION

X100F features improved Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder and the latest 24.3MP sensor and processor

Valhalla, N.Y., January 19, 2017 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the FUJIFILM X100F, the new premium rangefinder style compact digital camera featuring a unique Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder that allows users to switch between an optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder. The new X100F is the fourth generation release from the series that introduced the first hybrid viewfinder camera for ultimate flexibility, style and premium image quality.

Featuring the latest 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C image sensor, high-speed image processing engine and a high-performance FUJINON 23mm F2 lens, the X100F delivers outstanding color reproduction and gradation of tones in both stills and videos, while providing photographers with increased mobility and an unsurpassed user experience.

Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder with Quick Response and Enhanced AF Performance

The FUJIFILM X100F uses an Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder that combines the features of an Optical Viewfinder (OVF) with an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) for enhanced performance and convenience. While in Electronic Rangefinder mode, users can now change the magnification, shown as EVF in the optical viewfinder, for greater accuracy when checking focus. The small EVF window can display 100% field of view as well as 2.5x and 6x magnifications, and the EVF frame rate has been increased to 60 frames per second.

To provide users with perfect framing and focus while using the Manual Focus mode, the Real Time Parallax Correction function is applied to the focus area in addition to the guide frame. Photographers can also now check exposure and white balance in the EVF window, making it the ultimate viewfinder while providing all the benefits of the EVF while shooting through the OVF.

The new X100F has enhanced AF performance with improvements to basic response time specifications to ensure the camera operates exactly as the photographer intends. Making it perfect for quick snapshots, the X100F has a startup time of approximately 0.5 seconds, a shooting interval of 0.2 seconds, shutter release time lag of 0.01 seconds and AF speeds as fast as 0.08 seconds. The X100F gives users six AF modes including Single Point mode, Zone mode and Wide/Tracking mode for both AF-S for stationary subjects and AF-C for moving subjects.

The number of focus points in the X100F has been dramatically increased to 91 (up to 325 points), up from 49 in previous models, with approximately 40% of the imaging area covered with phase detection to form a fast and precise AF area that can be used in a variety of scenes. By combining these features with a greater ability to autofocus on points of light and low contrast objects, the X100F captures beautiful detail in pictures with fine and delicate textures, helping to reproduce images just as photographers remember.

New ACROS Film Simulation

The Film Simulation function now features ACROS mode for even more artistic photos. Using X-Processor Pro's advanced processing capability, the mode offers smooth gradation, deep blacks and beautiful textures to create stunning monochrome images. The X100F also features the Grain Effect function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras. The function is available in a Strong and Weak setting, and can be combined with any of the Film Simulation modes. Photographers can now easily achieve the creative effect of film-based photos, notable especially when the image is printed out.

Sophisticated Camera Body with Intuitive Control and Superb Feel

To provide photographers with an extraordinary experience, the rear face of the FUJIFILM X100F has been redesigned to concentrate most of the frequently used functions on the right-hand side. This allows users to change camera settings quickly while holding the camera firmly and without having to take an eye off the viewfinder.

The Focus Lever positioned on the rear side of the camera allows users to use joystick-type operations in eight directions to easily select a focus area. The X100F also now features a built-in ISO Dial that is incorporated into the Shutter Speed Dial for further ease of use. This enables the user to easily check ISO and Shutter Speed, in addition to aperture and exposure compensation, from a glance without having to power on the camera. There is also a also features a Focus Lever on the rear of the camera body that to instantly move the focus area, and a completely silent electronic shutter capable of exposures up to 1/32000 seconds. The external surface of the X100F is finished with synthetic leather that provides high durability and excellent resistance to the elements while providing photographers with the benefit of slip resistance and a comfortable hold.

FUJIFILM X100F Key Features:

• 24.3MP APS-C size X-Trans CMOS III sensor
• Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF / EVF) equipped with an Electronic Rangefinder
  • Intelligent Hybrid AF in 0.08 seconds
  • Fast start-up time of 0.5 seconds
  • Shutter time lag of 0.01 seconds
  • Shooting interval of 0.2 seconds
• FUJINON 23mm (35mm in 35mm format Equivalent) F2 lens in 8 glass elements in 6 groups with FUJINON's proprietary HT-EBC coating
• ND filter equivalent to 3 stops of aperture
• High-definition 1.04M-dot 3” LCD
• NEW ‘ACROS’ film simulation mode
• Focus Peaking function and Digital Split Image display even in the OVF
• Extended full HD Video Recording
• Full HD video can be recorded at 59.94 fps, 50 fps, 29.97 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps and 23.98 fps, and with Film Simulation effects
• Six AF Modes
  • Single Point, Zone and Wide/Tracking for both AF-S for stationary, and AF-C for moving subjects
• Intelligent Hybrid AF: switches between Phase Detection AF and Contrast AF according to scene
• Digital Teleconverter function
  • Choose angles of view equivalent to 50mm and 70mm in addition to built-in lens’ 35mm
• Advanced Filter Functions
  • Pop Color, Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Partial Color, Soft Focus, High Key and Low Key
• Interval Timer Shooting: available in intervals of one second to 24 hours with no limit on frames, for time lapse photography
• Manual focus available during video recording
• Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote application and Wireless Communication function allows users to remotely shoot images from smartphones and tablets via WiFi
• Photos can be sent to the INSTAX Share Printer using the free INSTAX Share App (iOS and Android) SHARE Smartphone Printer
• Output for Stereo Microphone
• Interval timer shooting (1 second to 24 hours up to 999 frames)

FUJIFILM X100F Accessories:

• Leather Case LC-X100F: user can change the battery and media card while the case is attached to the camera.

• Wide Conversion Lens WCL-X100 II: dedicated wide conversion lens that multiplies the fixed focal length by approximately 0.8x, converting it to 23mm (35mm format equivalent) for capturing broader views when shooting in tight spots or landscapes.

• Tele-Conversion Lens TCL-X100 II: dedicated tele-conversion lens for narrowing the field of view by multiplying the fixed focal length by approximately 1.4x, converting it to 50mm (35mm format equivalent) for shooting portraits or close-up photography from as close as approximately 5.5in / 14cm.

Availability and Pricing

The new FUJIFILM X100F Digital Camera (Black and Silver) will be available in February 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $1,299.95 and CAD $1,699.99.

* Design and specifications may be subject to change without notice.

About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging

For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation is based in Valhalla, New York, and is the regional headquarters for the Americas. It is comprised of fourteen directly owned subsidiary companies in the U.S. and Canada, and two in Latin America: Brazil and Colombia.  The company manufactures, markets and provides service for a broad spectrum of industries including photographic, medical imaging and informatics, pharmaceutical and other life science industries. Industrial segments include data storage, electronic materials, chemical, and graphic arts products and services.  For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2016, the company had global revenues of $22.1 billion, at an exchange rate of 112.54 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Matthew Schmidt
Fujifilm
(914) 789-8529
mschmidt@fujifilm.com

GROUNDBREAKING FUJIFILM GFX 50S MEDIUM FORMAT MIRRORLESS CAMERA DELIVERS ULTRA-HIGH IMAGE QUALITY

FUJIFILM GFX 50S combines an extraordinary sensor, processor and design with FUJINON lenses to give users the ultimate photography experience

Valhalla, N.Y., January 19, 2017 – As the leader in innovation for photographers, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the FUJIFILM GFX 50S medium format mirrorless digital camera that will launch late February, 2017 with an initial selection of three FUJINON lenses - the GF63mmF2.8 R WR, the GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR, and the GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro. These lenses encapsulate the design philosophy of FUJINON lenses that are renowned by photographers around the world.

The innovative GFX system utilizes a Fujifilm exclusive 43.8 x 32.9mm (FUJIFILM G Format) 51.4MP CMOS sensor. The GFX 50S combines the heritage of over 80 years of imaging and the innovative award-winning functional design of our X Series digital camera system in the relentless pursuit of image quality.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S Revealed

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S mirrorless digital camera uses the new 51.4MP FUJIFILM G Format 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor with approximately 1.7x the area of a 35mm sensor. In addition to the camera are three new FUJINON GF Lenses that will be followed by three additional lenses later in 2017.

The GFX 50S 51.4MP sensor shows its true potential when making large format prints, capturing majestic landscape photos or reproducing historical documents. Compared to a full size sensor with equivalent megapixels, both resolution and sensitivity are dramatically better due to the larger size of each pixel. As a result, the sensor captures great textures and subtlety of tone that is unique to large size sensors. The texture and tone combine to give a unique three-dimensional effect creating extremely high quality photography. Images captured can be reproduced down to the smallest detail, conveying the texture of the subject, a three-dimensional feeling, and the atmosphere of the scene.

For flash photography in the studio or outdoors during the day, the GFX 50S sensor has a native ISO of 100. The sensor can also be adapted to various aspect ratios, including 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, 65:24, 5:4, 7:6, all of which are available in large and medium format film cameras.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S uses the X Processor Pro (also used in the X-Pro2 and X-T2 cameras) and allows photographers to use Fujifilm's proprietary Film Simulations with a Medium Format sensor. The camera supports Full HD recording at 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p. Users can enjoy high quality video with no post-processing required by using Film Simulation modes just like they would with a still image. The GFX 50S introduces a new Color Chrome Effect feature that reproduces subtle tones in highly saturated subjects.

Ultimate Performance in a Compact Body

With a compact and lightweight body constructed from magnesium alloy, the FUJIFILM GFX 50S weighs approximately 43 ounces when paired with the FUJINON GF63mmF2.8 R WR, and weighs approximately 60% of a medium format DSLR camera equipped with a sensor of the same size. When compared to a full frame, the weight is almost identical. Overall camera body height and width have also been minimized for maximum flexibility, overturning the common perceptions regarding the mobility of medium format digital cameras.

Bright, Crystal Clear Viewfinder and Large Touchscreen

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S gives users a 3.69M dot organic EL electronic viewfinder and 2.36M dot touchscreen LCD back panel for easy viewing. The EVF is detachable to allow for flexible operation. Users can attach the accessory EVF-TL1 EVF tilt adapter (sold separately) to allow the finder to be tilted to 90° vertically and swung ±45°. A 3.2 inch, 2.36M dot touch panel is used for the rear monitor, with touch operation for the menu, focusing points and image playback. A three-directional tilting LCD screen improves operability and makes viewing images and checking focus even easier.

FUJINON Lenses Guarantee Image Perfection

As part of the GFX system, Fujifilm is launching newly developed, ultra-high resolution FUJINON GF lenses. Taking advantage of the mirrorless system’s structure, the G Mount has a short flange back distance of just 26.7mm that reduces the back focus distance as much as possible. This prevents vignetting and achieves edge-to-edge sharpness. All FUJINON GF Lenses have been designed to support sensors of over 100MP.

GFX lens barrels feature an aperture ring in the same manner as FUJINON XF lenses, for intuitive operation. A new C (Command) Position has been added to the aperture ring, allowing users to change the aperture with the camera’s command dial. The A (Auto) Position and C Position feature a locking button installed on the aperture ring that must be disabled to implement changes.

Built for the Professional, and the Enthusiast

Just as with the flagship X Series models, the FUJIFILM GFX 50S features dedicated dials to independently set aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, the important factors in determining exposure.

Aperture and ISO feature a C (Command) and the shutter speed dial has a T (Time) Position. Setting the dial to this position allows the user to change exposure settings using the command dials on the front and rear of the camera body. The user can choose between these two operation methods according to their preference, ease of use, and the shooting environment.

The GFX 50S is equipped with a 1.28 inch LCD sub monitor on the top of the body. Important exposure data such as aperture and shutter speed is displayed on this screen. This display is extremely useful when shooting on a tripod or tethered to a computer.

A 117-point (9 x 13 / maximum of 425 points when miniaturized) contrast AF system is used on the GFX 50S. High-precision AF on the imaging sensor dramatically improves focusing accuracy with the shallow depth of field produced by medium format lenses. First adopted in the FUJIFILM X-Pro2, focus point selection can be performed by using the Focus Lever, which allows intuitive movement of the focus point. Alternatively, users can select the focus point from the touch panel LCD screen.

Initial Lens Lineup Will Include the Following Three FUJINON Options:

1. GF63mmF2.8 R WR (equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format)
2. GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR (equivalent to 25-51mm in 35mm format)
3. GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR (equivalent to 95mm in 35mm format)

FUJINON GF63mmF2.8 R WR

The optical system features a construction of 8 groups and 10 elements, including 1 ED lens element. This lens construction is the most suitable for high resolution in compact and stylish design, the external form of this small and lightweight lens has a diameter of just 84.0 x 71.0mm with a weight of only 14.2 ounces \ 405 grams. Using the front group for the focus, aberrations due to focus distance are suppressed, achieving high resolution performance even when wide open from the center to the edges of the lens.

FUJINON GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR

The FUJINON GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR features a construction of 11 groups and 14 elements, 3 aspheric elements, 1 ED lens and 1 super ED lens, allowing this lens to achieve image quality rivalling prime lenses. As a result, the lens demonstrates extremely high performance from the center all the way to the edges. The lens uses internal focusing, reducing the weight of the focus lens and achieving fast and silent AF by driving focus using a linear motor.

FUJI

NON GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro

The FUJINON GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro has a construction of 9 groups and 14 elements, including 3 ED lens elements. By adopting a floating focus method using a linear motor, silent high-speed autofocusing is achieved while aberrations are corrected, dramatically increasing the resolution. Furthermore, by arranging the ED lenses properly, chromatic aberrations are also properly corrected, contributing to high quality images. In designing this lens the quality of the out of focus area both in front and behind the plane of focus were considered, giving this lens beautiful bokeh. This lens is equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) effective up to 5.0-stops, making this lens perfect for handheld shooting in low-light situations.

 

Three Additional FUJINON GF Lenses to be Announced Later in 2017:

1. GF110mmF2 R LM WR (equivalent to 87mm in 35mm format)
2. GF23mmF4 R LM WR (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format)
3. GF45mmF2.8 R WR (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format)

GFX 50S Accessories (sold separately)

1. Vertical Battery Grip VG-GFX1 – high-performance battery grip is designed to place the release button, dials, and function buttons in the same positions when shooting vertically. The battery grip can be loaded with one NP-T125 dedicated battery, lowering the frequency that batteries need replacing. Also, by connecting the AC-15V accessory (sold separately), it is possible to charge the battery within the grip in approximately 2 hours.

2. EVF Tilt Adapter EVF-TL1 – mounting this accessory between the camera body and EVF, the angle of the EVF can be changed to angles from 0°〜90° vertically and from -45°〜+45° horizontally. Doing this allows the user to shoot at various angles while using the viewfinder, greatly increasing the versatility of the finder for different subjects.

3. H Mount Adapter G – allows you to use SUPER EBC FUJINON HC interchangeable lenses developed for the FUJIFILM GX645AF medium format film camera (discontinued). By attaching this adapter to the GFX 50S, a total of 9 SUPER EBC FUJINON HC interchangeable lenses and 1 tele-converter developed for the GX645AF can be used. While the focusing method will be limited to manual focusing, the lens aperture can be changed using the command dial on the camera body, and shooting with the leaf shutter built in to the lenses is also possible. Using this lens shutter will allow high speed flash synchronization up to a maximum speed of 1/800 sec.

Also, the adapter is equipped with electrical contacts that can communicate with the camera body, independently creating, saving, and applying correctional data for each lens. The adapter supports Manual and Aperture Priority AE exposure modes.

*A removable tripod foot is included to mount the camera with a heavy or long focal length lens.

4. View Camera Adapter G – allows the GFX 50S to be used as a digital back. The view camera adapter allows the GFX 50S to be mounted to the standard universal-type back of a view camera. This allows the use of FUJINON large format camera lenses, such as the CM-W FUJINON lens series. The camera or lens shutter can be triggered, allowing the user to choose the optimum method. The large image circle and the bellows of the view camera can be used with tilt, shift and swing movements, effective for product and architectural photography.

*There may be instances in which the adapter cannot be mounted depending on the shape of the view camera.

5. Tethered Shooting Solutions – We have the following tethering solutions for photographers, including: X Acquire to transfer images from the camera to a hot folder on your computer for use with your preferred imaging software, Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® and HS-V5 for Windows (sold separately).

By connecting the GFX 50S to a PC via USB cable and using this software, it is possible to transfer photographed images directly to the PC, as well as control the camera from the PC. Also, by using the Control Panel Window newly added to Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO for Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®, additional camera functions become available.

6. RAW FILE CONVERTER EX2.0 – powered by SILKYPIX (free of charge) RAW development software and Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® / Adobe® Photoshop® CC (sold separately). RAW development software is used for detailed corrections and advanced image processing that isn't supported by the in-camera RAW conversion. Both software support Fujifilm's "Film Simulation" modes, allowing creation of image data that is extremely close to Fujifilm’s advanced color reproduction.

FUJIFILM GFX 50S Key Features:

• 51.4MP Medium Format 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor for superior sharpness and image quality for all photographers
  • Adaptable to various aspect ratios, including 4:3 (default), 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, 65:24, 5:4, 7:6
• FUJIFILM G Mount with short flange back distance of just 26.7mm
• X-Processor Pro imaging processor
• Detachable electronic viewfinder
• Weather and dust resistant; operation to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius
• File formats include three different JPEG settings (SUPER FINE, FINE, NORMAL), as well as two different RAW settings (uncompressed, compressed). TIFF output is also possible with in-camera RAW development
• Full HD for Movie Mode: 1920x1080 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p 36Mbps, in Film Simulation modes
• Light body weighs approximately 43oz. \ 825g (including battery and memory card)
• Uses SD Cards (UHS-II recommended)
  • Equipped with dual slots
  • Supports three different types of recording methods, "Sequential," in which recording can be continued according to shooting order, "Backup," which records the same data on two cards simultaneously, and "Sorting," which records RAW and JPEG data on separate cards
• Uses newly developed NP-T125 high capacity battery for approximately 400 photos (with Auto Power Save ON)
• All FUJINON GF Lenses are dust and weather resistant, built to withstand operation at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius allowing photographers to take them outdoors with confidence in challenging weather conditions.
• The new FUJINON GF Lenses feature an aperture ring, a popular feature in the X Series, and have a new C (Command) Position on the ring to enable aperture adjustments with the Command Dial on the camera body
• A Fluorine coating applied to the front lens element creates a hydrophobic coating that repels moisture.

The GFX 50S and FUJINON GF lenses culminate to create a new camera system capable of creating the world's highest level of photographic expressions by combining the thorough incorporation of knowledge regarding camera operation, optical design, image capture, and image processing.

Availability and Pricing

The new FUJIFILM GFX 50S Medium Format Camera Body will be available Late February, 2017 in the U.S. and Canada for USD $6,499.95 and CAD $8,499.99.

Also available in February, 2017 will be the first three FUJINON GF lenses. GF63mmF2.8 R WR for USD $1,499.95 and CAD $1,899.99, GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR for USD $2,299.95 and CAD $2,999.99, and GF120mmF4 R LM OIS WR Macro for USD $2,699.95 and CAD $3,499.99.

About FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging

For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation is based in Valhalla, New York, and is the regional headquarters for the Americas. It is comprised of fourteen directly owned subsidiary companies in the U.S. and Canada, and two in Latin America: Brazil and Colombia. The company manufactures, markets and provides service for a broad spectrum of industries including photographic, medical imaging and informatics, pharmaceutical and other life science industries. Industrial segments include data storage, electronic materials, chemical, and graphic arts products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2016, the company had global revenues of $22.1 billion, at an exchange rate of 112.54 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Matthew Schmidt
Fujifilm
(914) 789-8529
mschmidt@fujifilm.com