Fujifilm GFX100 II Opens New Genres for Large Format Photography @Fujifilmx_za

Hi Guys, 

The new flagship model delivers the highest burst-shooting, auto-focus and video performance in the history of the GFX Series. Three new GFX lenses were also added.

Fujifilm South Africa has announced the latest (and greatest) camera in the GFX lineup - the Fujifilm GFX100 II. This new flagship large format camera promises not only outstanding image quality due to its 102MP sensor but also improved shooting speed, auto-focus (AF) performance and video quality.

To start, the GFX100 II features the newly-developed GFX 102MP CMOS II HS high-speed image sensor consisting of 102 million pixels. At 43.8mm x 32.9mm in size it’s approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm full-frame sensor. The mirrorless camera is powered by the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which in combination with the sensor provides double the signal readout speed compared to 2021’s Fujifilm GFX100S.

Improved speed and auto-focus

Thanks to this improved signal readout speed, the GFX100 II is capable of continuous shooting of up to 8.0 frames per second, up from 5.0 fps on the previous GFX model. With a reinforced buffer memory, it opens the GFX Series up to the field of sports photography. It does so without sacrificing the high definition and high image quality synonymous with the large format sensor.

However, the GFX100 II is also the first GFX Series mirrorless digital camera that features Fujifilm’s AI-based subject-detection AF, developed with Deep Learning technology. The use of an improved algorithm has evolved not only Face/Eye Auto Focus (AF) but now allows photographers to automatically track animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains, insects and drones. Once again, this benefits sports photography, which requires advanced tracking capability to track a subject that moves quickly within the frame.

And enhanced video performance

The GFX100 II is the first GFX model that supports 8K/30P video recording, plus it can also record 4K/60P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally and features F-Log2, broadening post-production flexibility. The GFX100 II’s range of video features allows videographers to explore completely new avenues due to the possibilities of the large format sensor in use.

The camera is further equipped with the best Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) on a Fujifilm camera yet - a high-magnification and high-definition 9.44-million-dot EVF with 1.0x magnification. It boasts a smooth refresh frame rate of approx. 120fps in Boost Mode to accurately identify a subject’s fast movements. Alternatively, the 3.2-inch Tilt-Type touchscreen monitor at the back can be used, consisting of approx. 2.36 million dots.

This while low light performance is improved thanks to the five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) now set to an impressive eight-stops - more than any other camera in the full Fujifilm lineup.

For those looking for even larger images, GFX users can use the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function. This controls the IBIS mechanism to shift the image sensor by 0.5 pixels at a time and shoot 16 RAW images in quick succession, with the dedicated software combining these to generate a mouth-watering 400MP image.

Price and local availability

The Fujifilm GFX100 II large format mirrorless camera, with its improved speed, AF and video capabilities, is set to land in South Africa during October 2023, with a suggested retail price of R160 000 incl. VAT.

Three new GFX lenses also coming

Fujifilm has also committed three new lenses to the GFX lens lineup. Two new tilt-shift lenses, the Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 T/S and the Fujinon GF110mmF5.6 T/S Macro, cater to the needs of professional photographers who want to explore composition and shooting positions in architecture, landscape and commercial photography. They do so by combining the tilt function of tiling their optical axis and the shift function of moving their optical axis, to alter how the optical axis relates to the imaging plane. The tilt-shift lenses are set to retail for a suggested R80 000 and R70 000 respectively.

Finally, the Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR lens with its creamy bokeh characteristic and field-of-view close to that of human vision, allows for capturing genres ranging from day-to-day snapshots to full-fledged portraiture both indoors and outdoors. It comes with a suggested R45 000 retail price.

All the new Fujinon lenses are set to arrive in October 2023 in South Africa, alongside the Fujifilm GFX100 II large format camera.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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New Fujifilm X-S20 Makes Life Easy for vloggers & Travellers @fujifilmx_za #FujifilmXS20

Hi Guys, 

• X-S20 brings the latest auto-focus tech, Vlog mode and a larger battery to the compact body.
• Also, an ultra-wide lens coming to SA, with the new Fujifilm XApp app available for enhanced wireless image transfer.

Fujifilm South Africa has announced the Fujifilm X-S20 mirrorless camera, the follow-up to the 2020s highly regarded X-S10. The X-S20 continues down the path set by its older brother, making it easy for both beginners and professional photographers alike, not forgetting about videographers and now also vloggers.

Quick and easy vlogging

For vloggers, Fujifilm has incorporated a new Vlog mode. It works by setting the Mode dial on the top panel to ‘Vlog’ in order to have the X-S20 ready for recording video in a second. Doing so activates the LCD monitor to display the live view alongside six important functions (such as Background Defocus mode, Product Priority mode and High-Speed Rec.), making it easy to adjust settings by simply touching the screen.

To make recording convenient, the X-S20 comes equipped with a 1.84-million-dot rear vari-angle LCD monitor to clearly view yourself when shooting video, while the camera can be also combined with Fujifilm’s innovative TG-BT1 tripod grip for enhanced vlog production.

By using a USB-Type C cable to connect the camera to a computer, vloggers can use the X-S20 as a webcam without having to install extra software. This allows them to continue to use Fujifilm’s innovative Film Simulation modes even during live streaming or an online meeting, and also able to adjust shooting settings on the fly.

As far as video capture capabilities, the X-S20 can record 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally, further supporting extensive video functions including 4K/60P and 1080/240P.

Improvements all around

First seen on the X-S10, the X-S20 features the signature large grip for stability, being further enhanced with a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism that offers up to a 7.0-stop advantage. Fujifilm also drastically improved battery life on the X-S20, with the newly adopted high-capacity NP-W235 battery capturing approx. 800 frames (more than double the X-S10), making it an ideal travel camera. This status is further confirmed by the weight of the camera, pulling the scales at only 491g.

The X-S20 is certainly no slouch, boasting the back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine to produce high-quality images and video. This is the same image processing engine found in Fujifilm’s flagship X-T5 camera and allows for a number of improvements including to the auto-focus (AF) system.

Importantly, Fujifilm brings its latest subject-detection AF technology to the X-S20, developed with Deep Learning technology. Now users can detect drones, cars, animals, birds, motorcycles, bicycles, aeroplanes, trains and insects, keeping them in focus for the perfect shot. In AUTO mode – advantageous for beginner photographers – the X-S20 automatically selects the optimum settings according to scenes, complemented by the new AUTO Subject Detection function.

Fujifilm X-S20 - local price and availability

A full all-rounder that caters to professionals, beginners and vloggers, the Fujifilm X-S20 should be available in South Africa in mid-June with a suggested retail price of R23 900 (incl. VAT), or R29 500 (incl. VAT) for X-S20 body alongside an 18-55mm lens.

Fujifilm’s widest lens yet - the XF8mmF3.5 R WR

Alongside the X-S20, Fujifilm has also launched its widest XF lens yet. The Fujinon XF8mmF3.5 R WR is an ultra-wide angle (UWA) prime lens with a focal length of 8mm (equivalent to 12mm in the 35mm film format). It boasts a viewing angle of 121 degrees diagonally and 112 degrees horizontally, capturing information from an area about double the effective visual field that human vision can recognise. The compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal walkaround lens with a wide range of applications including landscape, architecture, snapshots and travel photography. Furthermore, the lens barrel is weather-sealed at ten locations to achieve dust- and weather resistance and is able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C.

The Fujinon XF8mmF3.5 R WR ultra-wide angle lens is expected in South Africa in mid-June with a suggested retail price standing at R16 500 (incl. VAT).

New XApp app brings stability to wireless image transfer

Last but certainly not least, Fujifilm is also releasing a new app to use with the GFX / X Series of digital cameras - the XApp. This app connects Fujifilm’s Wi-Fi-capable digital cameras with a smart device for remote shooting, image transfer and viewing. It offers improved wireless communication stability and speed over the previous app, allowing for smoother picture transfer and simplified operations. With the XApp, users can remotely operate a GFX / X Series camera from a connected smartphone/tablet while checking images in the Live View mode. There’s also a new ‘Timeline’ function which gathers and displays shooting information such as the camera and lens used, number of images taken, shooting location and more. The Fujifilm XApp is available for free to download from the most important app stores right now.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish 

Thanks! Cheers!!! 

https://linktr.ee/thelifesway

Subscribe to my YOUTUBE Channel for historical tech, new gadgets, stationery, product reviews and mystery unboxings. #TheLifesWay Link to all social media platforms - https://t.co/gUHjo8DQ7h Your Lifestyle and Technology Blog for the last 10 Years!

Fujifilm Opens New Head Office in South Africa @fujifilmxsa #myfujifilmsa #InstaxSA

Hi Guys, 

Fujifilm's Head office, located at 18 Holt Street, Sandton, marks a new chapter in Fujifilm’s presence in South Africa. It houses the Fujifilm Technology Centre Africa to showcase the latest healthcare, large format printing and camera products.

Fujifilm South Africa has officially opened its new local head office, located at 18 Holt Street, Sandton, Johannesburg. The grand opening of the newly constructed building was attended by several local dignitaries, international Fujifilm management as well as the Japanese ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency, Shigeru Ushio.

The opening of the head office coincides with Fujifilm South Africa’s ten-year anniversary celebration in South Africa, having first opened its doors in March 2012 as a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation.

At 999m², the five-storey building incorporates the Fujifilm Technology Centre Africa, office space for employees, boardrooms, a Fujifilm repair centre and a 30-seater auditorium for training purposes.

Speaking at the grand opening of the new head office, Fujifilm South Africa’s Managing Director, Taro Kawano noted, “Today is truly a special occasion in the history of Fujifilm since it marks a new chapter in our relationship with South Africa. Our new head office emphasises Fujifilm’s ongoing commitment to the country, having celebrated a successful decade of local presence. We are proud to be a part of South Africa and we hope to be able to further serve the public through these new premises.”

Beautiful outside, innovation inside

Importantly, the South African head office was constructed to fall in line with FUJIFILM Holdings’ climate action targets: To produce net zero CO2 emissions by the fiscal year ending March 2041. The 18 Holt Street office is set to meet this goal, having been designed with the help of a green energy consultant. As such, it incorporates the use of solar power panels with a capacity of 65 kVA, biometric access control, motion sensors, day/night lighting and energy-efficient plumbing that consumes less water.

Fujifilm’s head office in Johannesburg was designed by Empowered Space Architects and follows the opening of a new Fujifilm office and repair centre in Cape Town in 2021 and the building of the Fujifilm warehouse in Roodepoort in 2017. The offices were constructed by Bantry Construction, with the building taking place from March 2022 through to handover to Fujifilm at the end of January 2023.

Present at the new office is the Fujifilm Technology Centre Africa, which moved from its previous location at the Fujifilm warehouse to the new premises. It is the only Fujifilm Technology Centre on the continent, taking up two floors and providing a demo centre for Fujifilm’s different departments to showcase a myriad of innovative solutions to customers.

This includes products from Medical Systems (radiography, mammography, pathology, X-ray diagnostics), Graphic Communication (wide format printing, packaging, commercial digital and commercial offset), as well as Imaging Solutions (Instax instant cameras and printers, Fujifilm X-series and GFX mirrorless cameras).

Moreover, a 30-seater auditorium now gives Fujifilm South Africa the opportunity to offer product training to customers, run photography workshops and the ability to host events.

The start of a new chapter

During the opening ceremony, Kawano thanked all parties involved in the process. “This beautiful building is a testament to the hard work of everyone who contributed. It shows what can be achieved through team effort and dedication. Fujifilm South Africa is proud to now be able to better serve our South African customers and contribute to their growth,” he stated.

Kawano mentioned he believes Fujifilm can play a significant part in the future of South Africa, not only through innovative printing and imaging solutions, but also in contributing to African healthcare through Fujifilm’s medical technologies. “At Fujifilm, we say ‘Never Stop’ innovating for a better world, and now, at 18 Holt Street, Sandton, Fujifilm South Africa can continue to strive towards this goal. We are looking forward to further decades of local success,” Kawano concluded.

Cheers!!!

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@FujiFilm_SA X-T30 #NewLittleGiant #XT30 Mirrorless Camera #ProductReview

 Hi Friends, 

Mirrorless Cameras is the new future though I have been using one from the house of Samsung called NX300 from 2014 or so but the new range of mirrorless cameras from several brands have revived their camera business also. Fujifilm has been the pioneers in this category for a very long time and recently I got to use their new value mirrorless camera for review purposes. 

Even before I got to start on the features on this wonderful camera is to take care of the review stuff by previous reviewers as when I got this camera the lens was having a circular scratch right in the middle which really created this white spot in all the photographs. I don't know who did it and who all reviewed it because I generally get the products when it's almost out of the review cycle. It annoys me a lot but I think it's due to the fact that I take a lot of time to write and post the pictures etc. The same is going to go as I now want to post them as soon as possible without wasting my time thinking a lot about the product and building a story. From now onwards, it will be to get in quick and write it as fast as I can covering all the features tested during the small-time to use the devices. 

Directly coming to the configurations of this new little giant mirrorless camera as mentioned in the specification table is 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor; X-Trans CMOS 4 and X-Processor 4; 1080p at 120 fps; 3.69m-Dot Electronics Viewfinder; 3inch 1.04m-Dot Tilt LCD; Touchscreen operation and focus lever; 4K/30P 200MB; 425-point Intelligent Hybrid AF to the entire frame; Wireless communication with Bluetooth; Extended ISO 80-51200; 30 fps Shooting Blackout Free; UHS-I SD Card Slot; 16x Film Simulation modes with Film Grain Effect Function; Advanced SR AUTO Mode; 383g compact and lightweight body; Firmware Ver.1.01. So as you can see this small compact camera has powerful features built into the body that's why it got the motto of the NEW Little GIANT!

As I received the review camera without any kind of packaging as a camera unit and the battery charger so I am not at all aware of the package contents but most probably it will be the camera, lens, strap, battery, battery charger, and some other accessories and instructions manuals. I didn't watch any videos on youtube also to find out as I was not seeking the camera for life or so, you only invest time when you are interested in the product. 

The first feature that came to my notice is the traditional and vintage look on this Fujifilm X-T30 and came in this black colour. The camera is fitted with the kit lens of 15-50mm which is really a good lens to start with. The camera can't be used as a vlogger camera as the display doesn't turn towards sideways or upwards fully but only goes up to 90% of the screens for easy capturing the low angles without making your neck and head pain a lot. 

Another feature that comes to the notice is the dials that are there to control a lot of camera features like Shutter Speed, EV, Flash, Camera Modes amongst other functions that can be customized. All the pictures posted here are taken using the X-T30 camera and there is a video also for your viewing pleasure in Hindi! I am so grateful to FujiFilm for sending the same for review and I really loved using the camera. 

It was so difficult to use this camera for me as I have never used the Fujifilm range of cameras so the modes were a little different from the regular ones in Canon or Nikon cameras. The review unit didn't come with the manual but it would have been better if I would have received one for easy use. 

Cheers!!!

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