x100s + X-Pro1 + 3 Days in Nashville w/ Dad

Dear Fuji,
You know I love you. I was hooked on you since the S5Pro, way back in 2007. I was waiting for a replacement S7Pro-D700 killer that never materialized. Things looked promising when you came out with the x100, but I didn’t pull the trigger. Coming from the DSLR world, I felt like I “needed” lenses. Some of the reviews said there were quirks that needed to be ironed out, and it sounded like you did a lot of that ironing out with some solid firmware updates. Kudos for that.

When your xPro1 came out I decided I could go for it. Here we have interchangeable lenses, a lightweight system, and top-notch image quality. I never used the original firmware that people complained about, so my experience with the AF wasn’t bad. Again, doing major modifications to the firmware to make a better product shows you guys listen and care. I love you for it.

There has been a lot said about the xPro1, and I’ve found the perfect camera for what I shoot. It’s great for travel/landscapes, great for location portraits and the incredible ISO performance makes it great for weddings. I made my favorite picture ever on my xPro and the 35mm f/1.4 lens:

Kölner Dom by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Kölner Dom by Matt Adams X-Pro1 35mm f/1.4

So, when I heard that your newly-introduced x100s had the same sensor and IQ as the xPro1, I jumped at the chance. I pre-ordered that day. I got it the day before I left for a 3 day photo trip to Nashville with my dad.

I love that the camera still FEELS like a camera and not a toy. I love the leaf shutter. It’s dead-silent AND can sync a flash at any speed. Seriously. You’re my heroes for this. This is something every lens should have in 2013.

There are, however, a few things I would have liked different. The menus between the x100s and X-Pro1 are too similar, yet different enough to drive you batty. I love the rolling dial on the back of the X-Pro1, but hate the dial on the x100s. It feels like a cheap zoom dial on a cheap point & shoot camera. I love the four direction thumb buttons on the X-Pro1, but hate the click wheel of the x100s that doesn’t click or give any feedback. I really wish these two amazing cameras were designed to be used together better. They seem like a natural match to me.

That said, the image quality from both is amazing. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. I look forward to using these two together for a while.

Thanks for being awesome.
-Matt
Fuji FanBoy for Life

PS: Here are a few images from Nashville. 3 are with the x100s, 2 are with the X-Pro1. You could probably tell which was which by the field of view, but I can’t tell a difference in image quality. That says a lot about the x100s. Click on any image to see the exif data. All post-production done in Capture One Pro.

Nashville Riverwalk Skyline by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Nashville Riverwalk Skyline by Matt Adams

Parthenon by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Parthenon by Matt Adams

Parthenon Columns by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Parthenon Columns by Matt Adams

Cherry Blossoms by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Cherry Blossoms by Matt Adams

Nashville Capitol Stairs by Matt Adams (MattAdamsPhoto)) on 500px.com
Nashville Capitol Stairs by Matt Adams

PPS: Anyone want to buy my old Nikon gear?

Posted in Hands On, Off Topic, Personal Work

Christmas in Germany

Here are some pictures (finally!) from my trip to Germany over Christmas and New Years.  Pictures are from Frankfurt, Köln (Cologne) and Aachen.

All images taken with my new favorite camera & lens:  the Fujifilm X-Pro1 with the xf 35mm f/1.4 lens.  Small, lightweight, easy (and fun!) to operate, and GREAT image quality.  Didn’t make me miss my D3 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at ALL.  Sorry, Nikon! :(

Fuji hit a home run with their new X-line (x100, x-Pro1, x-E1). I’ve loved my Fuji S5 Pro since 2008 and was waiting for Fuji to replace it with a D700 or D800 body and a full size sensor. I was hesitant when they came out with their smaller sensor, but after reading some positive reviews, I decided to take the plunge. The image quality rivals or exceeds my D3 with 24-70mm f/2.8, especially in the higher ISO range (1600-6400). Having a manual aperture ring and speed dial is so much more fun than spinning thumbwheels. Does enjoying the picture taking experience more lead to better pictures? I love the size and weight of this mirrorless system. Plus, I need a real viewfinder: something a lot of other mirrorless systems are missing.

I can’t wait for my x100S to ship next month. It should fill out my kit for my upcoming trip to Nashville.

Enjoy.

Church door in Aachen.

© 2012 Matt Adams Photo. All rights reserved.

Old street in Aachen.

© 2012 Matt Adams Photo. All rights reserved.

Early morning in Frankfurt.

© 2012 Matt Adams Photo. All rights reserved.

Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral).

© 2012 Matt Adams Photo. All rights reserved.

Posted in Personal Work

60% off: 2013 Family Portrait session now $100

Order your 2013 Family Portrait session through December 15, 2012 for $100! (Regular price: $250)

Package includes

  • 90-Minute, On-location (25 miles from 30043 zip code) portrait session for High School Seniors, Families (up to 5 people), or children.
  • One 11×14″ print of your choice.
  • Online gallery.
  • CD with web-size images to share.
  • No minimum order on Prints or Products (prints from $2, up to 20% off packages).
  • Order via PayPal (matt@mattadamsphoto.com) and use the code 2013Portrait

Continue reading »

Posted in Uncategorized

Summer Fun

Summer in Georgia means bug spray, sunscreen, and lots of sweet tea.

It’s also a great time to get your portrait taken.  Seriously.  In the morning and evening is not only when the temperature and humidity are at their mildest, but the lighting is also the best.  Shoot as close to sunrise or sunset to get that “golden light” (and cooler temps!).

-Matt

Posted in Portrait