X-E1 + XF 14mm
XF14mm [shopcountry 8628] / X-E1: [shopcountry 8614]
The photozone test report can be read here. Some PROS: “The Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 R is a highly attractive ultra-wide lens with few shortcomings. The most important factor for an ultra-wide lens is certainly image sharpness and the Fujinon delivers here. It is bitingly sharp in the image center and good to very good in the outer image region. […] very low CA [… ] Distortions are basically absent – even in RAW data – which is surprising for such a wide lens and even more so for a mirrorless one.” CONS: “The primary weakness of the Fujinon is the very high amount of vignetting. Most RAW converters as well as the camera (JPEGs) can (mostly) compensate this automatically though. […] lack of weather sealing”
image courtesy: photozone (XF 14mm distortion)
Ken Rockwell’s comprehensive X-E1 review can be read here: “The X-E1 is an excellent camera for people photos and for people who want a lightweight camera that performs as well or better than DSLRs. Its color rendition for people is superb, but not very good for nature and landscape snaps.” He also posted his XF14mm review here. “The Fuji XF 14mm f/2.8 ASPH is an extraordinary lens. When a lens is just about optically and mechanically perfect, there isn’t much to say, other than to get one.“
photographyblog XF14mm review (click here): “The Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 R’s auto-focus system is its minor weak-point, with a slight delay before locking focus and a rather loud mechanism. On the plus side it offers a generously wide focusing ring, a very welcome aperture ring which makes it quick, easy and precise to set this key element of exposure, and an innovative focus collar for quickly switching between auto an manual focus, the latter coming complete with a focusing distance scale with depth-of-field markings that makes it easier to zone-focus.“
XF14mm at ephotozine here. The PROS: Extremely sharp in the centre. Excellent sharpness towards the edges when stopped down. Lightweight. Useful hyperfocal scale. Excellent build. Virtually no distortion. Low CA levels CONS: Falloff of illumination towards the corners can be quite pronounced.
thephoblographer XF14mm review: some CONS: a bit slower than the 35mm f1.4 X – wish that the focusing and aperture rings were smoother – wish that it could focus closer, even with the macro setting activated and PROS: Excellent sharpness when stopped down. When using a studio light, the specular highlights really make this lens sparkle…
Lasse wrote me this email: “Hi, I thought you might like to link to the first Scandinavian review of the X-E1 with the [shoplink 8625]XF 18-55mm[/shoplink]. Earning six out of six stars, where image quality weigh’s a good 50 percent, when the total is added up. It’s published in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian, and here’s a link to one of them. (english version)”
Nikon Coolpix A vs X100s specs comparison
Based on the specs comparison, thenewcamera recommends you to buy the X100s. Both cameras feature an APS-C sensor and don’t have a low-pass filter. The X100s beats the Nikon Cooplix A almost in every aspect, except the image stabilization and size/weight… oh, and it’s also cheaper. Click here to read more.
Check in stock info and price at
Nikon Coolpix A: [shopcountry 8820]
Fuji X100s: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA /
FinePix HS50EXR
From the conclusions of pocket-lint (read the review here): “We like the FinePix HS50EXR a lot: it’s an accomplished superzoom that’s put Fujifilm right back up there and in the mix and shown just what this brand can do. It can hold its head up side by side with the levels of its nearest competitors, it just ought to be a touch more cost effective by comparison.”
Check in Stock info and price at [shopcountry 8722]
6 Responses
I can’t believe that anyone still cares what Rockwell says. This site sadly just lost a bit of respect just for quoting him.
His reviews are definitely not focused on the technical side and sometimes his inaccuracies are just plain wrong (he’s pretty sure the 14mm is software-corrected when everyone knows it’s not). He also complains constantly about Fuji not being good at color, which is either completely bonkers or a tasteless inclination for oversaturated images. Either way, he is subjective and the reviews tend to be more on the practical side, and I appreciate that for a change as there’s too few of those, but do take his opinions as such and with a pinch of salt.
I don’t mind it. He has an opinion and gives some good comparative feedback against similar cameras. And in there are a few good ideas on how to use the camera.
He see’s the real world possibilities with these cameras. Something that you never get on DPR. How to take advantage of the focusing system for example.
As for the Coolpix A and X100s specs comparision – there is no image stabilization on BOTH these cameras. And both are based on two versions of the same sensor, so the guy obviously has no idea what he’s talking about…
if you don’t like Rockwell why don’t you just keep it to yourself ?
Rockwell is public, he has strong opinons that are expressed quite drastic. As with all reviewers, you need to learn and understand his/her preferences in relation to your own.
Which means if Rockwell disses color, I will probably like the color! Why? I looked at his photos: They excel in oversaturation……
Rockwell also is a coboy that shots frm the hip when he says something. This does not mean he is always wrong!
Read what he says – but always with a grain of salt!
Another interesting thing about photobloggers: The PHoblografer wrote the 14mm lacked ultimate sharpness. At Photozone the same lens is bitingly sharp……. Who do you trust?