Fuji is on fire right now.

New gear is rolling out fast, and it’s not just more of the same — they’re clearly listening to the broader photographer market. From the quirky-cool X-Half, to the impressive 100 MP GFX 100RF, and now the X-E5 — a seriously welcome upgrade to a fan favorite.

Let’s talk E5:

If you’re like me, you’ve probably got an X100 stashed in your bag whenever you leave the house. It’s compact, capable, and totally dialed for walkaround shooting. But now? The E5 is making a strong case to earn that spot.

This camera slots into the X-Pro family, but with a tighter footprint — still rangefinder-style, but sleeker. And Fuji’s added just enough upgrades to make it feel fresh without losing its lineage. 

BTW, for a bit of a retro look, check out the window for the film sim/function dial on the top panel!                                                                                                            #vloggingOne of the most exciting bits? That brand-new 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens. Yep, Fuji nailed it on the size and weight. And yes, it’s offered as a kit lens. So you’re getting the convenience of a compact prime and the flexibility of interchangeable glass. Win-win.                                                                                                                  As you can see from this side view , the depth is very similar to the X100 with a lens shade.

Inside, you’re looking at a 40MP sensor. This uses the same block battery as the X100 series. Fuji also gave us a dedicated dial spot for Film Sim recipes (thank you!). Sure, they’re for JPEGs, but with more sim access baked into the interface, you’re not diving through menus just to get to that perfect exclusive Fuji look., but more likely, that FS recipe you found online and can’t wait to incorporate into your photos. More creative flow, less menu digging.

For your video needs, this will shoot 6.2K/30P resolution. It features a tracking AF function during video recording, plus a 180º tilting LCD for the vloggers out there.

Like the GFX 100RF, there are also options for your viewing, selected by moving a front lever. Still all the info you want, with the ability to see the frame format as selected.

Now, what’s improved from the E4?

• Slightly larger grip (but not overdone — it doesn’t creep up to the top plate).
• More custom options for dials and levers.
• Upgraded IBIS with a max of 7.0 stops.
• And yes, they even toss in a strap, similar to the one from the GFX 100RF kit. Nice touch.

It’s a great blend of this size format with more utility: compact design + pro features + interchangeable lens capability, Fuji quality.

Price-wise? $1,900 for the kit with the 23mm, or $1,700 for the body only. That puts it right in line with the X100 — so it really comes down to your shooting style. Want the fixed 2.0 lens, and a leaf shutter ? Stick with the X100. Want lens flexibility and all the film sim recipes at your fingertips? E5 all day.

I haven’t had it in my hands yet, but you can bet I’ll report back once I do — with side-by-side shots and first impressions.

Stay tuned — this one’s going to be high on a street shooter’s list.

and now, the official word: Continue Reading »

So… when Fuji offered to send over the new GFX 100RF for review, I was pumped. I’d only seen it for a hot second at a local camera store, and getting real time with it? Yes please.

Then reality hit. My trusty 2013 Mac Pro looked at those RAW files and basically said, “Nope.”
Sure, I technically could’ve opened them in Lightroom or Photoshop — if I could update my OS. Which I couldn’t. So instead of your standard full-bore review, you’re getting something a little different. And honestly, it might be better that way — because it’s really the story of how I fell in love with this camera.
Let’s start with the feel: Continue Reading »

and what is GIGO?
Garbage in, Garbage out.
Now if you want to cut your time in post? Yep, start off with the good looking files.

Datacolor known for tools that guarantee proper color with their color calibration devices, just introduced this new light meter, or as they call it the Lightcolor meter.

What does it do? It reads the light for a proper exposure AND reads the color for stills and video in soooo many ways.

Sure, if you are using a set of studio lights, this device will get you the right exposure/color reading.
F/stop/shutter speed, ISO for your continuous light, or even more importantly, flash. Remember, just get out of auto mode!! Continue Reading »

Fujifilm has introduced a new camera with so many creative features packed into a tiny package, it’s gonna have your mind whirling with ideas.

I know mine is!

What the heck is it?

A ½ frame digital camera, with 18 MP, 1 inch  sensor, and a vertical format as the native view. Called the X-Half!

With this pocket sized camera, reminding me of my compact cameras of years past, you get to incorporate a combo of the best of digital and some film camera options, into one.

One of the main features is the native vertical format as mentioned. In a new way of thinking you can crank the “film” winder, or Frame Advance Lever, to add another shot as a companion, or diptych.

You can combine 2 shots, or a still and video, or 2 videos. Side by side with choices of the center separating line, as you can see below.

Actually, cranking the winder is how you get to the next exposure after your main.

Remember, I said you can still just shoot the one image so this diptych is another added feature.

The ability to combine images opens up so many possible ways to tell your story.

PLUS, you can connect to the app, and create a contact sheet of your images.

Let me step back a sec: you can limit your number of shots to the frames that were on a film roll, with a roll size of 36, 54, or 72 exposures, then when you reach the end of the roll, create that contact sheet.

Or print out shots on an INSTAX printer.

It is a leaf shutter, with Bayer sensor, and jpeg only.

There is no joystick, it’s only a touch screen system.

As you can see above, the lens does stick out, but not much.

It shoots stills and HD video. There is an LED light built in, although best to add a stronger LED light to the cold shoe if video is your deal.

The lens is F2.8-F11, leaf shutter, and focuses to min 4in, which is pretty versatile.

And because it’s a half frame, the 10.8mm  lens is equivalent 35mm focal length of 32mm.

Don’t cry but you only get 13 Film Sims!! One throwback is the date stamp option. When was the last time you saw that!

Battery is the same rectangular block from the 100 X series.

This camera was designed to play and create!

The official word:

Continue Reading »

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
You’ve heard that I’m sure.
How do you make a lasting impression? 

And have your contact info readily available to those you want to connect with?

Let’s have a look at the digital card current trends as well : In years of covering CES, and many tech events, using the current crop of NFC and QR coded business cards, or an adhesive tag on your phone case,  you are considered future facing.

At a networking event, or trade show, you tap a phone, and your info gets into the receivers database.
How do they go back to get your specific info when it’s buried into their phone?

Here is another situation where you may want to share your contact info.
If you photograph organized events, or cover events in public, like street photography, people may want to reach out to get copies of the photos.
No non-business person really wants to have you tap into their phone, and that’s fair.
Sure, I have tried digital cards from 2 companies, DOT and V1CE. In that format, I prefer V1CE and the card looks like my standard company card.

But…………

I always go back to the physical business card with a unique design including some photos from my archives.
I just re-ordered more cards from my favorite company MOO.

My feeling is that if you design a card, and MOO has great creative templates, that catches people’s attention and perhaps the images you put on there make folks want to keep that card, I feel it’s a much better marketing tool.
Here is an example of mine:

Springsteen, Janelle Monae, and a street scene. Printed on great stock, they even sell unique card cases.
It’s all about presentation, right?
The site itself gives you a ton of design choices and walks you through each step for approvals. And when you get to the final step you can download a PDF to see how the final will look. (another reason to calibrate your monitors!)

The customer service with this company is superior.
Fast response, and they solved problems, which admittedly I had made.

They also make postcards and stickers, and a ton more! I’ve used the stickers for QR codes, and logos when selling items.

As a bonus feature you can get cards that are not the standard size so when people get a pocketful of cards yours will physically stand out.

So, great to give when shooting an event, or on the street.
No unnecessary connection to someone’s phone, as mentioned, people are understandably leery these days about connecting to their phone.

And they just look good, with an opportunity to market your photography in a small format.

Yes, I have Ziploc bags of cards from events, and when I go through them, it’s much easier to know who I met, than digging through my phone.
I also mark down on the cards the date I reached out to them.

It may be old school, but it is the practical way to go.