I am star-struck. My Fuji X-T2 just arrived, it was released September 8. I am reading through the manual and looking at the camera’s features. It is definitely an exciting upgrade from the Fuji X-T1 and in some regards even the Fuji X-Pro2. Here are my ten favorite Fuji X-T2 camera features, in no particular order: A focus stick on the back of the camera. I can move the focus stick with my right thumb, in a tilting or pressing motion, and change my focus point. So if I am focusing on the eyes of the person to the far left of my … [Read more...] about Ten Reasons Why I Love My New Fuji X-T2
mirrorless
Become a better B&W photographer – and let your camera help you with that.
Many modern mirrorless cameras offer great looking jpg color and film simulation modes straight out of the camera. But did you know that they can produce some of the best looking B&W images straight out of camera, too? I started my photography with a cheap plastic camera from a grab bag and a roll of B&W film in the late 70's. I must have been 5 or 6 years old at that time. I guess that is where my emotional attachment to B&W photography began. But when I started to also shoot with digital cameras in the 90's, I shot those … [Read more...] about Become a better B&W photographer – and let your camera help you with that.
First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
Hasselblad has made some of the finest cameras since the 1950's, and their newest camera looks like it fits with their reputation for quality and simplicity. The recently announced X1D stands out from all other medium format cameras because it is mirrorless and includes all the latest technology treats I've come to rely upon. Today I got my hands on it at Pro Photo Supply in Portland, OR, and I'm ready to share my initial impressions. You can check out all the specs here, so I'll tell you about the stuff you don't get reading the brochures. To … [Read more...] about First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Spider Holster has been innovating the way photographers carry cameras for years. Their line of holsters takes the burden of a heavy camera off your neck and puts it on your hips, where the largest bones and muscles in your body carry all the weight. Last year, they added the SpiderPro Hand Strap to the lineup. It takes the weight of the camera off your fingers and allows your whole arm to lend support. I've been using the hand strap for more than a year, and the holsters for more than three years and my body appreciates the way they shift the … [Read more...] about SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Becoming Polycamerous
Special thanks to Mrs. Pepper who encouraged me to click-and-tell, and share just a bit of humor. Soon after becoming a professional photographer, I was very lucky that Nikon agreed to my proposal of sponsorship. For many years I chose to remain committed to Nikon and have always been very happy doing so. It didn't hurt that, during those years, there were fewer fish in the sea compared to today. And even though Canon users attempted to seduce me into using Canon's also-attractive equipment, the attraction wasn't strong enough to divide … [Read more...] about Becoming Polycamerous
How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
My first digital camera was a Nikon D90, and, as with the other 23 changeable lens cameras I've owned since, it was intended for autofocus. You're just supposed to put the focus point where you want to focus and let the lens and the camera do the work. This usually works well, unless it's too dark or your lens is manual focus only. I used to be scared of soft focus when using manual focus lenses, and I was jealous of the marvelous options in manual focus lenses, like terrific wide angles from Rokinon/Samyang that are both sharp and … [Read more...] about How to Use Manual Focus Lenses
Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco returned from an assignment to Oslo and Copenhagen and instead of using train & plane, he traveled by cruise ship and shared a short photo essay that he captured with mirorless cameras. Leica launched the M-D (Type 262) digital rangefinder camera with no rear LCD screen. Scott and Marco discuss the pros and cons of the concept of this camera. Sony is one of the biggest image sensor manufacturers … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Start documenting daily life as inspiration
I know many photographers (pros and amateurs alike) who need a special occasion like a vacation, a wedding or a sports event to take their camera out in their free time. When I ask them "why only for big occasions?", I often get the reply that every day life is not interesting enough… This is where photography meets psychology. It is in our nature to not be aware of our daily routine as it appears that it’ll always be there and that it is not important enough for us. The funny thing is that i.e. in 10 or 20 years time those few ordinary … [Read more...] about Start documenting daily life as inspiration
Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Scott found some info that Canon may actually step up their game in the mirrorles segment. Marco gives a fairly thorough hands on review of the new Fujifilm X70 compact camera that he has been working with for a month now. He shares a lot of hands on experiences about what worked well and what does not work so well. And Marco gives some solid firmware improvement wishes that the Fujifilm marketing and product … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Photofocus Podcast March 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mirrorless-show-photofocus-podcast-march-28-2016 On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco takes a closer look at the partially overlooked Fujifilm X70 compact camera. Does it offer more camera than you may think? Scott shares his first hand experiences from WPPI camera show in Las Vegas. He played with the new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f4-6.3 lens, the new Sigma sd Quattro H, the Leica SL with the … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast March 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Photofocus Podcast February 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus "Mirrorless Show" Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco's first impressions looking at a preproduction Fujifilm X-Pro 2 Scott's first impressions on his new FUJINON XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR tele zoom lens The new Olympus PEN-F retro micro 4/3 camera A look at the first sample photos from the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO lens A discussion why someone would switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera Some advantages of mirrorless … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast February 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
This is an exciting week for photographers who love shooting fast-moving subjects. Canon dropped the details of their new flagship camera with up to 16 frames per second, 4K video and screaming-fast processing power. At $6,000 US for the hulking body many speed shooters will drool over the EOS-1 D X Mark II, but only the financially flush will be scooping them up. As if on cue, Sony pulled the covers off their tiny speed demon this morning and it brings some of the rapid-fire prowess of the big professional DSLRs and it does it for 1/6th the … [Read more...] about Sony A6300 – Pocket Monster
Photofocus Podcast January 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On the new #Mirrorless show of the Photofocus podcast Scott and Marco will discuss news and information about the increasingly popular mirrorless camera market. On this episode of the Photofocus "Mirrorless Show" Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: The long awaited Fujifilm X-Pro 2 Fujifilm X70 (the little brother of the X100?) Fujifilm X-E2s (a new camera or only a firmware update?) FUJINON XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR tele zoom lens that Scott has been eagerly waiting for. Fujifilm … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast January 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
A Look at the Fuji X T10: It’s Making Photography Fun Again
NOTE: Recently at Adobe MAX, all attendees (including me) were given a Fuji X T10 mirrorless camera with an 18-55mm lens. At retail this set up goes for about $1,100 when not on sale. Right now Im in the market for a new camera. Im borrowing a Lumix GX7 from a friend and Ive played with various Sony cameras. To finally have my own mirrorless to play with is pretty awesome. Im carrying this camera with me everywhere. The Key Specs: Lets get the specs out of the way. Shoots 16.3 megapixels Uses SD cards Shoots both JPEG and RAW ISO: 6400 and … [Read more...] about A Look at the Fuji X T10: It’s Making Photography Fun Again
Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens with its 1.4x teleconverter has helped me make a bunch of good pictures and allowed me to do a good job for my clients. Over the last few months, I've used it to shoot a variety of subjects from wild horses to aerial photos to portraits to college graduation. I'd like to show you how it performed for me, and make an argument for why you will never need to buy a $12,000 lens. Let's start with the horses. This Lens Will Tame Wild Horses The thing about these horses is they are fairly tame (people … [Read more...] about Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
I Made The Switch From 5D3 to X-T1- Here’s Why!
It isn't very often that I switch camera systems. Especially after I've spent more than $10,000 of my precious life-sustaining money on crap and gear combined with more time than a grad student would study just to learn how to use it all. My photography career changed ever since, um... I wanted it to change. Part of that change incorporated some interesting decisions that affected my gear choices. Weird right? --There's been a small update to the article regarding an error I was encountering while shooting in continuous high. See the end of … [Read more...] about I Made The Switch From 5D3 to X-T1- Here’s Why!
Fuji X100T – First Look
NOTE: I made every photo for this post using a Fuji X100T and shot in JPEG mode. The images you see here are 100% right out of the camera without any modification of any kind (except some cropping here and there.) They never touched Lightroom or Photoshop. I made no tonal changes, no corrections - nothing. I used no sharpening, no software and nothing has been added to any of these images. Bupkis. Nothing. Nada. This is what you see when you shoot jpeg mode! I shot these images at between ISO 200 and 500 - most at 250 and … [Read more...] about Fuji X100T – First Look
FujiFilm’s Mirror-less Madness: Hands on with FujiFilm’s X-T1 and X-E2 (Firmware 2.0)
News of FujiFilm's excellent mirror-less camera, the X-T1, made it down the vine and really peaked my interest in researching the X-series cameras that they've released. I've had other photographer friends that have picked up the very popular X100s and the X-Pro1 and loved it. Im thinking of buying one from the X-Series and of course, had to do some research. What I found was the X-T1's little brother, the X-E2. At an average of almost $400 cheaper than the X-T1, I felt that it was also worth taking a look at. What better way to look at … [Read more...] about FujiFilm’s Mirror-less Madness: Hands on with FujiFilm’s X-T1 and X-E2 (Firmware 2.0)
Things to Look Out for When Working with Mirrorless Cameras
I wanted to share a few simple tips about working with mirror less and micro-four thirds cameras. This video points out some common pros and cons for people switching from traditional DSLRs to these newer style cameras. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYJEnlNxbFI This video is from the course on lynda.com. … [Read more...] about Things to Look Out for When Working with Mirrorless Cameras
Exploring the Sony Alpha a7R Full-Frame Mirrorless
As a long-time Canon shooter I can admit, it's hard to entertain the notion of changing gear. Not so much because of the tools themselves, but because of the investment and overall familiarity. Yet in the search to locate the ideal full-frame upgrade that best suits my interests, I wanted to try something a little different from the equipment I've grown accustomed to over the years. As one content to watch the mirrorless revolution from afar, it was time to see what I might be missing. Having wanted to try the Sony Alpha a7R mirrorless … [Read more...] about Exploring the Sony Alpha a7R Full-Frame Mirrorless
There Is Potential Bad News For Micro Four Thirds And Mirror-less Camera Shooters
If you follow this blog regularly you know I am a huge fan of the mirror-less cameras and micro four thirds in particular. I own and shoot with a significant Olympus OMD EM5 system (with almost every lens Olympus makes) and I also use a Fuji X100s. I love these cameras. I love the small form factor. I love the light weight and the image quality that you can wrangle out of them if you know what you are doing. I love the fact that they can produce professional-quality photos but don't draw attention or intimidate subjects. But there is a dark … [Read more...] about There Is Potential Bad News For Micro Four Thirds And Mirror-less Camera Shooters
Think Tank: 30i Mirrorless Bag
We're big fans of ThinkTank bags here at Photofocus. They make bags that are designed by photographers for photographers. I've never seen one of their bags I don't like. But when I heard about their new line of bags designed for mirrorless cameras, I was excited to get my hands on one. I picked the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i Bag, which is the largest of the series. It will hold an iPad or other similarly-sized tablet and one medium to large size mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, and additional accessories or a smallsize DSLR and … [Read more...] about Think Tank: 30i Mirrorless Bag
