FinePix X100 is a high-grade digital compact camera aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. FinePix X100 features an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder. Inspired by the beauty and form of classic cameras from the past, the FinePix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, traditional chassis which oozes class and prestige.

1. World’s First Hybrid Viewfinder

The true enjoyment of photography begins with “the pleasure of seeing the world through a viewfinder”. The new Hybrid Viewfinder has been developed to reintroduce users to this essential camera experience. It combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in rangefinder-type film cameras such as the classic 135-size or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in most compact or mirrorless digital cameras. By integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control, the new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a wide range of challenging shooting conditions.

• The reverse Galilean optical finder with a 0.5x magnification features all-glass elements made from high-refractive index glass and demonstrates low chromatic aberration and distortion.
• In optical viewfinder (OVF) mode, the brightness of both the “bright frame” and text data is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of scene area, ensuring that shooting information is always easily and clearly viewable. Also, the displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings, so that the user’s eye never has to leave the viewfinder.
• In electronic viewfinder (EVF) mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot quality. With a flick of the one-touch lever, the user can switch to EVF to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field, and white balance – an especially useful capability when shooting macro shots and other scenes that are hard to confirm with only an optical viewfinder.

2. High-performance 23mm F2 Fujinon Lens

• 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) F2 lens. 8 elements in 6 groups. One aspherical glass molded lens .
• The adoption of the non-collapsible lens structure with minimized lens length not only contributes to the compact size but also eliminates telescoping of the lens when the power is on. It’s ready to start shooting the moment the user turns it on.
• Exploiting the merits of a fixed focal length lens, this lens delivers sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. In addition, the lens features not only the large F2 aperture value, but also an optical architecture that maintains a high degree of resolution even when closed by 1 to 2 stops.
• The adoption of a 9-blade aperture diaphragm combined with the large F2 aperture and high-quality optics lets users take photos with a beautiful circular soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect.
• Macro shooting as close as 10 cm lets users explore the fun and fascination of close-up photography.
• The built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3) can be switched ON / OFF via simple in-camera settings.

3. 12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor & EXR Processor

• The FinePix X100 features a custom CMOS high-performance sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model.
• Optimization of the angle-of-incidence in conjunction with the specially developed lens maximizes light gathering efficiency extending to the perimeter of the sensor for a sharper image with exceptional clarity.
• When shooting HD movies, the combination of the large-sized sensor and the large aperture F2 lens, lets users shoot a soft out-of-focus touch (bokeh) – a capability not available in conventional compact cameras.
• The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approx. 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*) and a high-performance image processor captures exceptionally high-quality images from low sensitivity to high sensitivity. In standard form, the planned ISO range is from 200 to 6400, but this can be expanded to include 100 and 12800.
• The newly developed EXR Processor takes EXR processing to new heights. Combined with the high-sensitivity sensor, the EXR Processor achieves the highest resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range ever produced by a FinePix camera for the ultimate in image quality every single shot.
• The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor’s enhanced focusing system contributes to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter time lag enhance the pleasure of every shot.

• *Compared with other FinePix compact digital camera models.

4. Design

• Beautiful, high-quality design inspired by the classic beauty and feel of traditional film cameras.
• The top cover of the upper control deck and the bottom surface have been die-cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting), contributing to a high-precision camera body.
• All dials and rings are precision milled from metal. Adoption of traditional ‘manual’ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power.
• The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly functionality.
• The camera controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation etc. Allowing maximum creative expression with minimum hassle and enabling to view setting even when the power of the camera is turned off. Custom modes can also be used for a one-touch change in settings.
• Premium quality is obvious in every detail. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather-like accents and is a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.

5. Original Image Quality Enhancement Functions

• In addition to Fujifilm’s original Film Simulation Modes that give photos the distinctive look of Velvia, PROVIA and ASTIA color reversal film emulsions, X100 expands the scope of photo expression with Monochrome Mode that can be fine-tuned with R / Ye / G filter settings.
• Separate adjustment of shadow tones and highlight tones lets users reproduce the rich tonality of high-contrast subjects.
• Capturing the scene in RAW format is easy with just a press of the RAW Button on the back of the camera. Then whilst on the way to the next shooting location, users can use the built-in RAW Development function to “develop” the RAW data in-camera, and enjoy Fujifilm’s original “image creation” according to the camera’s image quality settings.

6. Diverse Functions Stimulate the Desire to Capture Every Moment

• X100 offers users the choice between the 49-point auto EVF focus area or the 25-point OVF auto focus area as well as the selection of 5 different focus area sizes in EVF mode. Dependent on the needs of each scene, X100 offers easy “focusing by design”.
• HD Movie lets users capture the action in 720p high-definition detail. Just like shooting still photos, users can shoot movies with aperture-priority AE and enjoy a soft, defocused background effect. Also the built-in HDMI port allows users to easily and directly connect X100 to high-definition TVs for showing stills and movies with plug-and-play ease.
• With the built-in Motion Panorama function, it is easy to capture 180° and 120° panoramic photos. Later users can print the results as pin-sharp A3-size enlargements and share the enjoyment of high-quality panoramic photography.
• X100 also features 4 types of bracketing functions: AE, ISO, Dynamic Range and Film Simulation. With one click of the shutter captures 3 bracketed images of the scene so the moment never escapes.

Good news everyone! I started to look into the Photos I did shoot during my 3 weeks trip through Myanmar back in October/November 2010. Unfortunately I cannot post a selection on yet as there are quite some photos and videos on my computer.  Myanmar was a lot of fun. Over the next weeks I am reducing the number of Photos and start to publish them on PhotoMocha.

If you happen to be in Munich I encourage you to visit Thorsten Meyer’s potrait exhibition. You can find the exhibition in a local Café called Kreislauf ( Daiserstr. 22, Munich).  The exhibition shows some big prints from recent (2009-2010) portrait work from the portfolio of Thorsten Meyer a Munich (Germany) based photographer. The PhotoMocha Photo Exhibition ends in late November 2010. If you are not in Munich visit the PhotoMocha Photo Gallery at PhotoMocha.com

PhotoMocha China Photography Teaser 1 from StrongMocha on Vimeo.

My wife and I traveled in May 2009 through China. We are currently selecting the Photos which we want to share on PhotoMocha.com. This teaser is for our friends and frequent visitors of PhotoMocha

Shoot on Canon 5D Mark II

Software used:

• After Effects CS4 (Main VFX program we use)
• Cineform ProspectHD (Speed up the workflow with CineForm’s fast compression)
• Redgiant’s Magic Bullet Looks (used to define the style of the Teaser 1)

(Click on the Image to see the photos)

We traveled through Cuba in 2008 and I thought it is time to release some of the Cuba photographs I did capture in 2008.

Our trip did take us to:

• Havana
• Vinales
• Cienfuegos
• Trinidad
• Camagüey
• Gibara
• Santiago de Cuba
• Baracoa

You can take a look at this fine Photographs on our PhotoMocha Photography web site by clicking on my name: Thorsten Meyer

(Next I plan to share the Photos I did take in China when we traveled through South-West China in May 09.)

As I spend to much time shopping in the evening for a new carbon tripod in Munich I emailed quiet late (the day before I left to China) the Feisol office in Aachen asking them which tripod are on stock and how we could ship it to me the next day. Feisol called me back within minutes and we talked about the Tournament Class Tripod which have been marked out of stock in their online store.  However the extremely friendly and helpful sales person did understand the situation I was in and promised me that I would receive the tripod on time the next day before I leave to China. All worked out as promised and I received the FEISOL CT-3442 tripod with a FEISOL CB-50D Ball Head the next morning through DHL Express.

I was immediately impressed with the quality of the Feisol tripod. It is well crafted and robust. Fit and finish are excellent. It came with a carry case and several small adjustment tools.

When I used the tripod in China I was extremely happy about the stability which easily carried my Canon 5D Mark II with Battery Pack and “heavy” Lenses.

The FEISOL CT-3442 comes with an strength and durability in an incredibly lightweight design -– just 1.05 kg (2.31 lb) and a  Folded Length of 48cm (18.90 inch).

At this price level it seems that no other professional tripods comes close to matching the standards of quality and performance that have been set in Feisol  Tournament Class. You may get the same quality from other vendors, but you may have to pay a premium for it as well.

When I used the tripod I found that the Feisol can be really fast deployed and folded when I moved on after shooting. The CT-3442 is light weight for travelling, short enough for easy traveling.

The camera on top was always in a solid place allowed me to take the sharp pictures I wanted to take. For all my HDR (HDRI) photos, HD movies and the panoramic photos I was heavily depending on this tripod. The Feisol tripod got the job done.

The CT-3442 does not come with an Center Column, which I see as an advantage as you get extra stability. Of course if you need a center column you can add it

Specifications

• Max Heightwithout column: 142cm / 55.9in
• Minimum Height without column:  18cm / 7.1in
• Folded Length:  59cm  / 23.2in
• Maximum Leg Tube Diameter:  28mm / 1.1in
• Weight: 1.05 kg (2.31 lb)
• Max Load: 10kg  / 22lbs

I would recommend looking into this and other tripods from Feisol if you need a new carbon based tripod.  The StrongMocha team recommend this tripod for traveling photographer.