Monthly Archives: February 2016

 

 

In order to compare the new 24.3 mega pixel sensor in the X-PRO 2 with the 16 mega pixel sensor of the X-T1 .  I photographed the same scene with the 35mm f 2 set to f 11 on a sturdy tripod and with the self timer on a solid floor.  I then rezed up the files to 300 dpi – 36″ X 24″ size and cropped out the yellow section below for comparison at large print size.

 

Let’s start at ISO 6400:

 

Now 12,800:

 

Finally ISO 25,600:

 

O.K. no more suspense, the top image in each category is the X-T1 the second the X-PRO 2.  My evaluation is that the X-PRO 2  shows significantly more detail in the fine detail areas, no surprise with a 33%  increase in mega pixels.  I would have thought that noise would remain stable, but it has improved dramatically.  the X-PRO 2 is at the very least 1 stop  better than the X-T1, maybe stretching to almost 1.5 stops.  Look at the black scissors, the X-PRO 2 not only has deeper black within noise to speak of, but much better texture detail as well.  I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I might actually rely on 25,600 if I had to, it looks remarkably good!  How do you like those apples!!!!

 

None of this is rocket science, Fuji has found a way to process the noise even more effectively than before and sharpness and details have increased handsomely!  Win – Win!

 

Now, you may have noticed that the X-PRO 2 images are darker than the X-T1s .  Yet both were in the exact same lighting, both were shot at -1 exposure compensation same lens and f stop, f 11 and aperture priority.  I think the multi pattern metering in the X-PRo 2 has been improved, as they are more perfectly exposured than the X-T1, if you have another explanation I would love to hear it, but for now I will love the exposures I’m getting out of this camera!!!!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday night my family gathered with Sherelene and I, at our house, for a dinner and birthday celebration.  The occasion was my 70th birthday, 7 decades of life!  We had a great meal, some wonderful cake and ice cream and then my children and Sherlene gave me my birthday cards.  My daughter Catherine said, “You know  we can never surprise you with a gift, since you already have everything you want or have it on order!  But we did want you to have this from all of us.”  She handed me two printed pages that contained a list, it simply read;

 

For your 7oth birthday we compiled a list of the 70 reasons why we love you Dad….

All three of my children, their spouses, (now my children too!), and my six grand children all contributed to the list below.  Before you start reading it please know I’m not doing this blog entry to boast, brag or pat myself on the back.  No, as I told my collected family after they made me read the list aloud, that it was the greatest gift I have ever received, or will ever receive.  I told them that for my entire life I’ve tried to live up to the standard my father set for me, to be “that guy”.  That guy that loved God and his family, that treated others as I would want to be treated, and try my very best to set an example for my little ones.  More than a few tears were shed and laughter heard,  as I read the list.  I want to encourage all fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers to leave this as your legacy when you go on to be with the Lord.  I hope you enjoy this, I know it will inspire you when you apply it to your own life!

 

1) You have led by example

2) You shared your M&M’s

3) You always included us

4) You are creative

5) You are kind

6) You make us laugh

7) You are talented

8) You snuggled with us

9) You’ve taken us to see so many amazing places

10) You are a man of God

11) You’re not afraid to say “I’m sorry”

12) You are sensitive

13) You are inspiring

14) You make Christmas special for us

15) You taught us to appreciate nature

16) Your beard

17) You make peanut butter fudge with us

18) You watch movies with us

19) You watch football with us

20) You encourage us

21) Your generosity makes our lives better

22) Your willingness to do what’s needed

23) The way you love to create memories with the family

24) You always have our backs

25) Your unwavering faith in God.

26) Your unwavering love and admiration for Mom.

27) You’re a role model for the right way to be a husband/father.

28) You are a pretty good photographer (HAHA!)

29) Your sense of humor

30) Your courage in witnessing of  your faith

31) You taught us how NOT to react when UK loses *do not throw things

32) You taught us how to drive

33) You set the bar of integrity and hard work high in marriage

34) You taught us to enjoy the splendor of creation

35) You instilled patriotism in us

36) You keep us posted on the latest/greatest Fuji Products.

37) You taught us to dream big!

38) You taught us to believe in the power of prayer

39) You taught us even when you get older, you can still “play”

40) You taught us to love and admire good music

41) You taught us how to accept others, even Democrats

42) You taught us generosity for the less fortunate

43) You taught us to enjoy/embrace reading

44) You have never held back from showing us affection

45) You taught us even at our lowest/highest, to have faith and give thanks

46) You taught us to be quick to forgive, we all will have to ask for it sometime

47) You taught us laughter is the best medicine

48) You taught us to never impersonate an officer LOL!

49) You inspire us to see things with an artistic eye

50) You taught us not to touch expensive stuff man! HAHA!

51) You are dedicated to your family

52) Your Santa-like beard

53) You are a talented photographer

54) You are loyal

55) Your love for ice-cream sandwiches

56) Your respect for nature and outdoors

57) Your sense of adventure

58) Your luscious hair

59) Your love and respect for Nana

60) You’re a thoughtful gift-giver

61) Your faithfulness

62) Your honesty

63) Your great taste in music and movies

64) Your generosity

65) Your love for Chinese food

66) Your love for hot tubs and singing Broadway musicals while in them

67) Your love for cheeseburgers

68) Takehomeasack

69) Your love for guns

70) You love your family more than anything

 

I pray with all my heart that those things are true, and I’m thankful they didn’t make list of the 70 things they hate about me!  I love my family, my friends, and my brothers and sisters in Christ.  God has rewarded me with a good life, filled with peace, joy and the best family a man could ever ask for, and that, I certainly do not deserve.  Grace is unmerited favor, and I am a man living life chest deep in grace!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

By now you have read reams of reports, reviews and tests on the new Fuji X-PRO 2.  There is little sense in my duplicating all of that, so I will approach this from a different direction.  I would like to attempt to answer some key questions I had when I first heard about the X-PRO 2;

 

(1.)  Is it a significant improvement over the XT-1 ( a camera a really love a lot!)?

 

Yes, it is Fuji’s latest and newest technology and, and in almost every way, it is an improvement over the last generation of cameras.  Fuji looked at every performance category and found a way to bolster it. If you decide to purchase the X-PRO 2 you will have the most capable camera Fuji has ever produced in the X System line!

 

(2.)  How much of a difference does the increase in resolution from 16 to 24.3 mega pixels really make?

This is not a scientific study,  just a judgement based on a looking at thousands of image files over the past decade.  Resolution wise a 33% increase is significant and it does lead to crisper more detailed images.  Even though it is readily apparent even in small sizes, it will make the resulting prints in large sizes (feet by feet) very impressive indeed.  You must understand that because the 24.3 mega pixels resides on an APS-C size sensor the pixel density gives resolution that is very much like a 36 mega pixel full frame sensor.

 

(3.)  Does it in fact have as good or better high ISO – Low noise performance compared to the X-T1.

 

In the past packing that much resolution on an APS-C size sensor meant that you had to sacrifice noise at higher ISO settings, Fuji has conquered this somehow and now we can have very high effective resolution and extraordinary low noise even at very high ISO settings.  So far I believe with this sensor you can shoot all the way to 6400 with almost no noise penalty.  It is my opinion that Fuji’s noise levels were already essentially an industry standard, this sensor and processing chip take them to an even higher level!!!  Mark this one down for 1 to 1-1/2 stops higher ISO with low noise.

 

(4.)  How is the construction?  How do the buttons perform?

 

 

All the buttons and controls are improved from the X-T1, they are raised more, and have a satisfying click when depressed.  The four way pad on the back now does not need an application of sugru to work properly as the X-T1 did.  Because of the new “Joy Stick” moving the focus points and menu items is now much easier and positive.  The exposure compensation dial is larger and easier to turn with your thumb, though not too easy to be accidentally moved.  The speed of operation for all function is aided greatly by the new X-Pro processor.  The viewfinder now  has a diopter correction that makes viewing much clearer without glasses.  How do the numbers look?

 

 

(5.)  Does it have any features or performance increases that make it a GAME CHANGER?

 

 

The optical viewfinder is absolutely wonderful.  The bright line frames give a great view of the scene and what is happening outside your image area.  This, added to the increase from 49 to 77 Phase Detection AF Pixels and the new camera is an auto focus monster.  Being able to move the focusing points with the joy stick is, as they say in the MasterCard commercials, “Priceless!”

 

(6.)  How useful is the Hybrid viewfinder?

 

This is a matter of what kind photography you do.  If you are a newspaper or magazine photojournalist or a street shooter, the optical viewfinder is an absolute must!  If you need to know what will enter your frame next, go and buy an X-PRO 2.  The view is breathtaking and I have to say that even though I really don’t need an optical viewfinder, I love it.  I still find the Electronic Viewfinder better for me because it shows what the final image will look like after you push the shutter release!  The magic, the majesty of mirror less is a new beginning for photographers like you and me!

 

(7.)  What are my feelings about overall Image Quality compared to the X-T1?

 

There is no question that the X-PRO 2 has raised the bar for image quality coming out of a Fuji X cameras.  I don’t think I could put a percentage on the improvement, but it is clearly a sizable step up!

 

(8.)  Does the X-PRO 2 elevate the Fuji X game?

 

You bet, and I can only hope and pray that the X-T2 whenever it comes, will have most of the advances included in the X-PRO 2.  The Fuji engineers have done themselves very proud with this one.

 

(9.)  Who needs the Fuji X-PRO 2? 

 

If you want the latest and greatest, you need it!  If you love rangefinders and want to take advantage of the incredible Optical Viewfinder order yours today!!!  If you love your X-T1 and prefer that style of camera, and might want to wait for the X-T2.  Just know you will be jealous of this sensor for a few months!!!

 

I went out this morning and tried to find a few things to test the camera on.  Here is what I have so far!

 

Acros Film Simulation ISO 400 – 23mm f 1.4 lens

 

The Historic Sander’s Cafe sign at the original Harlan Sanders restaurant.  223mm f 1/4 lens at f 11   ISO  1600

 

Old rusty Volvo at one of my favorite antique stores.   23mm f 1.4 f 8  –  ISO  400

 

Old passenger rail car door   23mm f 1.4 @ f 8  –  ISO 200

 

 

Brightly painted door and wall.  Velvia Film simulation  23mm f 1.4 @ f 8   ISO 400

 

 

L&N Railway painting on a brick wall in Corbin.   23mm f 1.4 @ f 8  –  ISO 400

 

Metal Indiana Pacers sign.  23mm f 1.4 @ f 8   –  ISO 400

 

So in summatioin, killer camera, many improvements, and if you are a Fuji X shooter, and need it’s special graces, order one today!!!

 

NEXT UP:  Side by side image quality and noise comparisons with the X-T1!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X-PRO 2 news when it arrives!!!!  Enjoying my 70th birthday!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Photo by Sherelene Fortney, Fuji X-T10 – 56mm f 1.2 @ 1.4