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Archive 2024X100VI first impressions + running commentary
p.8 #1X100VI first impressions + running commentary
RustyRus wrote:
I need to stop reading and posting in these threads- some of you people are toxic-
I wouldn't get too annoyed. It's just a member forum with differing viewpoints about gear and such. We're all are not going to agree, but no need to shun those who disagree. Just keep it polite. I'm always humbled and grateful when learning from others I don't agree with.
Edited on Mar 06, 2024 at 08:59 AM · View previous versions
I need to stop reading and posting in these threads- some of you people are toxic-
I wouldn't get too annoyed. It's just a member forum with differing viewpoints about gear and such. We're all are not going to agree, but no need to shun those who disagree. Just keep it polite. I'm always humbled and grateful when learning from others I don't agree with.
Edited on Mar 06, 2024 at 08:59 AM · View previous versions
Mar 05, 2024 at 03:43 PM
p.8 #2X100VI first impressions + running commentary
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Edited on Mar 06, 2024 at 07:09 PM · View previous versions
Edited on Mar 06, 2024 at 07:09 PM · View previous versions
Mar 05, 2024 at 03:49 PM
p.8 #3X100VI first impressions + running commentary
BPsmith511 wrote:
One of those tiny tolerance issues that adds up over time.Mine has no play and in fact slams shut quite soundly 
Mine shuts soundly. It has no play when open. The play is when closed, I can out my thumb on it and move it slightly. Honestly I would have never noticed if it hadn’t been pointed out here.
RoamingScott wrote
I think the part of the VI that is annoying me the most so far is the sloppy hinge on the port door. The door itself slides forwards and backwards with any slight pressure on it, so picking up the camera, holding it in operation, getting leverage to open the battery/SD door...all of these things cause the port door to slide around.One of those tiny tolerance issues that adds up over time.
Mine shuts soundly. It has no play when open. The play is when closed, I can out my thumb on it and move it slightly. Honestly I would have never noticed if it hadn’t been pointed out here.
Mar 05, 2024 at 06:32 PM
p.8 #4X100VI first impressions + running commentary
And now it’s all you will ever notice again. You are welcome!
highdesertmesa wrote:
One of those tiny tolerance issues that adds up over time.Mine has no play and in fact slams shut quite soundly Mine shuts soundly. It has no play when open. The play is when closed, I can out my thumb on it and move it slightly. Honestly I would have never noticed if it hadn’t been pointed out here.
highdesertmesa wrote:
BPsmith511 wrote
RoamingScott wrote
I think the part of the VI that is annoying me the most so far is the sloppy hinge on the port door. The door itself slides forwards and backwards with any slight pressure on it, so picking up the camera, holding it in operation, getting leverage to open the battery/SD door...all of these things cause the port door to slide around.One of those tiny tolerance issues that adds up over time.
Mar 05, 2024 at 06:39 PM
p.8 #5X100VI first impressions + running commentary
TENOG wrote:
The same with adding mist filters. I understand that they have some artistic value but if you're going to use them you don't need a 40 MP sensor.Quite the opposite. A higher resolution camera retains more detail with a diffusion filter compared to using the same diffusion filter on a lower resolution camera. It was the same back in the film days – a diffusion filter that obscured too much detail on 35mm film (to the point of being tacky) would look more sophisticated on 6x7 medium format.
I recommend buying a few diffusion filters in varying strengths and see what conclusions you make based on experience.I agree with you. However, my point is that any lens with a diffusion filter retains less detail than one without a filter. If you're going to use a filter do you really need to upgrade from a V to a VI with its higher resolution? I'm guessing that you will say yes, for the reasons you have stated.
Second, if you use them, what brands and strengths do you recommend? I'd like to give one a try. Maybe I'll find the effect so desirable that I will overlook the diminution of resolution. After all, some of the best photographs ever made were with lenses that had low resolution. Bresson immediately comes to mind. Thanks.Regarding detail, the diffusion filters don't quite work like that. Think of them as interacting with light rather than obscuring detail. Unless you're using the strongest version of a given diffusion filter, the photo will still appear sharp when viewed at the pixel level. What does the diffusion filter change then? Since contrast is being reduced, shadow areas may appear more bright and highlights roll off a little more softly. Extremely bright highlights can "bloom" due to halation, similar to how some film stocks like Cinestill 800T react to bright lights at night. The net effect/result is an image that looks like it could have been shot with a sharp but lower contrast vintage lens.
The most popular diffusion filters are Tiffen's Black ProMist, Tiffen's Glimmerglass, and Moment's Cinebloom Diffusion. They all render in slightly different ways and are all available in varying strengths.
https://tiffen.com/collections/diffusion
https://www.shopmoment.com/cinebloom-diffusion-filtersThanks for the information. I'll give one of them a try. Do you use a minimal strength or something stronger?
Below are the strengths I have and I've listed the diffusion filters in the order I prefer to use them:
– Glimmerglas "1" (current favorite but not a lot of experience with it yet)
– Black ProMist "1/4" (most used and have proven results with)
– Cinebloom "5%" (I like this in high contrast situations, but I don't like the results in low contrast light, so for me it's less versatile than the other two)
I don't have any experience with other strengths.
Suggested reading: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216
highdesertmesa wrote
TENOG wrote
highdesertmesa wrote
TENOG wrote
johnld wrote
It's curious that many purchase it for the 40mp resolution, but then add film presets that make it look like a 6mp photo with a preset.I recommend buying a few diffusion filters in varying strengths and see what conclusions you make based on experience.
Second, if you use them, what brands and strengths do you recommend? I'd like to give one a try. Maybe I'll find the effect so desirable that I will overlook the diminution of resolution. After all, some of the best photographs ever made were with lenses that had low resolution. Bresson immediately comes to mind. Thanks.
The most popular diffusion filters are Tiffen's Black ProMist, Tiffen's Glimmerglass, and Moment's Cinebloom Diffusion. They all render in slightly different ways and are all available in varying strengths.
https://tiffen.com/collections/diffusion
https://www.shopmoment.com/cinebloom-diffusion-filters
Below are the strengths I have and I've listed the diffusion filters in the order I prefer to use them:
– Glimmerglas "1" (current favorite but not a lot of experience with it yet)
– Black ProMist "1/4" (most used and have proven results with)
– Cinebloom "5%" (I like this in high contrast situations, but I don't like the results in low contrast light, so for me it's less versatile than the other two)
I don't have any experience with other strengths.
Suggested reading: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695216
Mar 05, 2024 at 08:47 PM
p.8 #6X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Great sim! Do you think you can create something like this for the V? I really like how greens are coming out of it.
Mar 06, 2024 at 10:26 AM
p.8 #7X100VI first impressions + running commentary
tetsu wrote:
Great sim! Do you think you can create something like this for the V? I really like how greens are coming out of it.
Try Astia as your base sim, WB 5000K R+2 B+1 and then apply the LR settings on top. Let me know how that works, that's my best guess using the VI to make it.
Great sim! Do you think you can create something like this for the V? I really like how greens are coming out of it.
Try Astia as your base sim, WB 5000K R+2 B+1 and then apply the LR settings on top. Let me know how that works, that's my best guess using the VI to make it.
Mar 06, 2024 at 10:38 AM
p.8 #9X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Tried to get a nice, sharp image of my psycho pup running, shooting in single point AF-C single shot, thinking this would give me the best chance for a focused pic. The noises this little lens makes while doing this...
So, it IS possible. But it's not fun, nor particularly "better" than using a more capable lens.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53572279619_a8d5e48e70_o.jpg
So, it IS possible. But it's not fun, nor particularly "better" than using a more capable lens.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53572279619_a8d5e48e70_o.jpg
Mar 06, 2024 at 02:55 PM
p.8 #10X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Good thread. I have nothing to add until my VI arrive, hopefully next week.
Mar 06, 2024 at 04:03 PM
p.8 #11X100VI first impressions + running commentary
RoamingScott wrote:
Tried to get a nice, sharp image of my psycho pup running, shooting in single point AF-C single shot, thinking this would give me the best chance for a focused pic. The noises this little lens makes while doing this...
So, it IS possible. But it's not fun, nor particularly "better" than using a more capable lens.
You might try AF-C/Wide Area Tracking (and subject detection ON)
Tried to get a nice, sharp image of my psycho pup running, shooting in single point AF-C single shot, thinking this would give me the best chance for a focused pic. The noises this little lens makes while doing this...
So, it IS possible. But it's not fun, nor particularly "better" than using a more capable lens.
You might try AF-C/Wide Area Tracking (and subject detection ON)
Mar 07, 2024 at 01:24 AM
p.8 #12X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Simple backyard test of some AF-F 4k/60. First clip is the VI with IBIS, IS BOOST, and DIS all enabled for (hopefully) maximum stability. Note that DIS is not rec'd if panning very fast, which I don't think this panning would count as. Second clip is Z9 and 50/1.8 with as close to equal settings as you can get, but no digital IS enabled. I should note the VI got hot very quickly.
VI had the benefit of ND filter as well to nuke those harsh highlights.
This test mimics the type of slow pan travel vignettes I can see the VI excelling at. What do you think?
Mar 07, 2024 at 02:56 PM
p.8 #13X100VI first impressions + running commentary
So for perspective. Minolta/Nikon shooter prior to last 10+ Sony shooter. The following is literally just first thoughts in no particular order.
1. Was a little disappointed when I first picked it up. It looks great but not sure what it is exactly, maybe the black plastic part of the body (I have the silver version) it just didn't feel as quality as I thought it would. The weight is fine for it's size. The command dials are a little squishy for my taste. I do like the positive clicks though on the aperture and other dials.
2. It's been a long time since I felt lost in Menu's. Still figuring out where everything is and how to set things up.
3. Tilt screen is nice, although even though I turned the EVF all the way up it still seems like the LCD is way brighter and then when I look inside it just seems way darker in comparison. Resolution seems fine just feels dark. Personally I'll never use the OVF. I would have gladly traded that in for a brighter higher res EVF. But I get it. That's one of the main attractions on this camera.
4. AF seems OK. It doesn't seem in the same league though as my recent Sony bodies. Especially tracking, Lens grinding noise (using continuous) and can feel it pulsing. I didn't need a joystick with the RV and CR because the tracking was so good. Just lock on and re compose.
5.No formal testing but the lens is surprisingly sharp. It appears to be able to resolve that 40 mp sensor. On a side note another reason I wanted to try this camera is I'm guessing the RVI will have this sensor just in FF which would be around 90+mp I think. Just think about having 40mp in crop mode is pretty cool.
6.It is alittle smaller than I expected which is great. As I mentioned I really do like the look and the button layout. One card slot is fine but I can't understand why they would not have upgraded that. The right side door does not give me confidence long term that it will not eventually open on it's own. Just doesn't have a positive action for closing in my opinion. Sony had issues with these for a long time.
7. Nice that there are plenty of accessories to trick it out. Many on backorder as expected. I like the look of the round vent hood on the camera but it kinda kills the point of it being compact. So not sure if I will use that or not.
8. My battery door does not move around as someone mentioned. Seems OK. Not sure how water resistant these cameras are. I wouldn't feel comfortable using at least this one in a down pour.
9. Grip is as expected. I have a thumb grip coming and small rig base plate/grip. That should help. Even though the black plastic is textured it still feels slippery to me.
10. Really had no interest even in the V. The IBIS and 40mp made this much more attractive option and on initial testing it appears both are worthy of the hype. Along with the lens even if it is 4 years old at this point.
11. Navigating in and out of menu's is not as snappy and smooth as Sony's. It's even a little glitchy and slow in some instances.
Again these are just day one observations from a none Fuji user. So I'm sure somethings might be user error at this point. I'm sure other things will be addressed once I figure out the menu's better. Would I spend over retail for it again, probably not (but I reserve the right to change my mind). But I do love the look, size, form factor. It is nice to have something new so I just need to get out and shoot with it now. See how that real world experience is. Who knows it might turn out to be my favorite EDC. Well, at least till the RX1riii is released
1. Was a little disappointed when I first picked it up. It looks great but not sure what it is exactly, maybe the black plastic part of the body (I have the silver version) it just didn't feel as quality as I thought it would. The weight is fine for it's size. The command dials are a little squishy for my taste. I do like the positive clicks though on the aperture and other dials.
2. It's been a long time since I felt lost in Menu's. Still figuring out where everything is and how to set things up.
3. Tilt screen is nice, although even though I turned the EVF all the way up it still seems like the LCD is way brighter and then when I look inside it just seems way darker in comparison. Resolution seems fine just feels dark. Personally I'll never use the OVF. I would have gladly traded that in for a brighter higher res EVF. But I get it. That's one of the main attractions on this camera.
4. AF seems OK. It doesn't seem in the same league though as my recent Sony bodies. Especially tracking, Lens grinding noise (using continuous) and can feel it pulsing. I didn't need a joystick with the RV and CR because the tracking was so good. Just lock on and re compose.
5.No formal testing but the lens is surprisingly sharp. It appears to be able to resolve that 40 mp sensor. On a side note another reason I wanted to try this camera is I'm guessing the RVI will have this sensor just in FF which would be around 90+mp I think. Just think about having 40mp in crop mode is pretty cool.
6.It is alittle smaller than I expected which is great. As I mentioned I really do like the look and the button layout. One card slot is fine but I can't understand why they would not have upgraded that. The right side door does not give me confidence long term that it will not eventually open on it's own. Just doesn't have a positive action for closing in my opinion. Sony had issues with these for a long time.
7. Nice that there are plenty of accessories to trick it out. Many on backorder as expected. I like the look of the round vent hood on the camera but it kinda kills the point of it being compact. So not sure if I will use that or not.
8. My battery door does not move around as someone mentioned. Seems OK. Not sure how water resistant these cameras are. I wouldn't feel comfortable using at least this one in a down pour.
9. Grip is as expected. I have a thumb grip coming and small rig base plate/grip. That should help. Even though the black plastic is textured it still feels slippery to me.
10. Really had no interest even in the V. The IBIS and 40mp made this much more attractive option and on initial testing it appears both are worthy of the hype. Along with the lens even if it is 4 years old at this point.
11. Navigating in and out of menu's is not as snappy and smooth as Sony's. It's even a little glitchy and slow in some instances.
Again these are just day one observations from a none Fuji user. So I'm sure somethings might be user error at this point. I'm sure other things will be addressed once I figure out the menu's better. Would I spend over retail for it again, probably not (but I reserve the right to change my mind). But I do love the look, size, form factor. It is nice to have something new so I just need to get out and shoot with it now. See how that real world experience is. Who knows it might turn out to be my favorite EDC. Well, at least till the RX1riii is released
Mar 07, 2024 at 04:26 PM
p.8 #14X100VI first impressions + running commentary
The right side door in item 6 is what moves around when closed, not the battery door. Sounds like your initial impressions largely track with mine.
Stop comparing it to your Sony if you want to enjoy the experience at all. You CANNOT shoot these like you shoot a modern Sony/Nikon/Canon MILC.
This seems like a solid walkthrough if you're new to the Fuji menus.
Stop comparing it to your Sony if you want to enjoy the experience at all. You CANNOT shoot these like you shoot a modern Sony/Nikon/Canon MILC.
This seems like a solid walkthrough if you're new to the Fuji menus.
Mar 07, 2024 at 04:33 PM
p.8 #15X100VI first impressions + running commentary
RoamingScott wrote:
The right side door in item 6 is what moves around when closed, not the battery door. Sounds like your initial impressions largely track with mine.
Stop comparing it to your Sony if you want to enjoy the experience at all. You CANNOT shoot these like you shoot a modern Sony/Nikon/Canon MILC.
This seems like a solid walkthrough if you're new to the Fuji menus.
AH, then yes. Mine moves as well. I did see this thanks. He does do a good job for Fuji Newbies.
The right side door in item 6 is what moves around when closed, not the battery door. Sounds like your initial impressions largely track with mine.
Stop comparing it to your Sony if you want to enjoy the experience at all. You CANNOT shoot these like you shoot a modern Sony/Nikon/Canon MILC.
This seems like a solid walkthrough if you're new to the Fuji menus.
AH, then yes. Mine moves as well. I did see this thanks. He does do a good job for Fuji Newbies.
Mar 07, 2024 at 04:45 PM
p.8 #16X100VI first impressions + running commentary
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.
Mar 08, 2024 at 09:50 AM
p.8 #17X100VI first impressions + running commentary
RoamingScott wrote:
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in...Show more →
How does it compare to your V? (For stills.)
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in...Show more →
How does it compare to your V? (For stills.)
Mar 08, 2024 at 10:33 AM
p.8 #18X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Sharona wrote:
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.How does it compare to your V? (For stills.)
IQ is noticeably better, and AF is still clunky when focusing but seems to settle on the focus point faster vs racking back and forth. AF-S still feels more sure footed than AF-C. DR feels about the same in real life shooting scenarios. 50mm digital TC is now a totally viable option, and 70mm is still...not, mostly.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.
I would have a hard time recommending the VI over the V right now for anyone that isn't interested in handholding at low shutter speeds. That's the real tangible difference. Plus the build quality of the V is just better (fight me).
Edited on Mar 08, 2024 at 10:39 AM · View previous versions
RoamingScott wrote
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.
IQ is noticeably better, and AF is still clunky when focusing but seems to settle on the focus point faster vs racking back and forth. AF-S still feels more sure footed than AF-C. DR feels about the same in real life shooting scenarios. 50mm digital TC is now a totally viable option, and 70mm is still...not, mostly.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.
I would have a hard time recommending the VI over the V right now for anyone that isn't interested in handholding at low shutter speeds. That's the real tangible difference. Plus the build quality of the V is just better (fight me).
Edited on Mar 08, 2024 at 10:39 AM · View previous versions
Mar 08, 2024 at 10:37 AM
p.8 #19X100VI first impressions + running commentary
RoamingScott wrote:
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.How does it compare to your V? (For stills.)IQ is noticeably better, and AF is still clunky when focusing but seems to settle on the focus point faster vs racking back and forth. AF-S still feels more sure footed than AF-C. DR feels about the same in real life shooting scenarios.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.
Thanks - I was asking specifically about the Eye AF
Sharona wrote
RoamingScott wrote
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.
Thanks - I was asking specifically about the Eye AF
Mar 08, 2024 at 10:38 AM
p.8 #20X100VI first impressions + running commentary
Sharona wrote:
I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.How does it compare to your V? (For stills.)IQ is noticeably better, and AF is still clunky when focusing but seems to settle on the focus point faster vs racking back and forth. AF-S still feels more sure footed than AF-C. DR feels about the same in real life shooting scenarios.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.Thanks - I was asking specifically about the Eye AF
My comments above about EyeAF are in regards to stills. I won't be using it, ever.
RoamingScott wrote
Sharona wrote
RoamingScott wrote
I cannot reiterate just how bad EyeAF is on this camera, and I'd be curious if it's this bad on the X-T5/X-H2. There is no rhyme or reason on how it jumps from eye to eye on a totally static subject. This is not the slow AF of the lens acting up, this is the detection algorithm taking a smoke break in the middle of shooting.I think you'd be better off just putting on face detect and not shooting wide open so that you aren't focusing on nose tip/eyebrow/etc. Face detect seems to work very well.
Another thing I've seen in most video footage is AF pulsing. If you are shooting a static scene (street/passerby/etc) you should definitely prefocus with AF-S and then throw it into MF while filming.
Overall, it's a nearly identical shooting experience, short of the effect of IBIS on slower shutter speed shots, which is nice and effective.
My comments above about EyeAF are in regards to stills. I won't be using it, ever.
Mar 08, 2024 at 10:39 AM