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FUJIFILM XApp. Extend your photographic experience

by M. Köster April 22, 2024 Comments0

In the age of smartphones and tablets, the need for seamless connectivity between devices has become more important than ever before. Recognising this need, we’ve developed the revolutionary FUJIFILM XApp – a powerful application that allows you to effortlessly connect your X/GFX Series cameras to your smartphone or tablet. Offering wireless communication, remote control, backup and restore, and much more, this app opens up a world of possibilities.

Let us explore the key features of FUJIFILM XApp and how it can enhance your photographic journey.

Wireless image transfer

The ability to browse and transfer images and videos to your mobile device is one of the outstanding features of the app. Gone are the days of cumbersome cable connections – now you can easily share your captured moments with friends and family instantly, no matter where you are. You have the option of transferring your images in their original size, or you can choose a compressed size for a faster transfer.

Remote control and Live View shooting

Imagine being able to get the perfect shot without having to touch your camera at all. With FUJIFILM XApp, you can have remote control of your camera from your mobile device. Whether you want to take a group photo with friends and family, or want to avoid shaking when taking a delicate picture, Remote Control Mode allows you to release the shutter wirelessly with a single tap. For more flexibility, when shooting from awkward angles, Live View shooting mode lets you see the camera’s live view on your mobile device.

Record your photographic activities

FUJIFILM XApp’s new Timeline and Activity functions offer an exciting way to review and document your photographic journey. Once Activity Recording is enabled, the app records information such as the cameras and lenses used, the number of images taken, the hours of movies recorded, and the types of movie simulation modes used. The Timeline presents your photographic activities in chronological order, similar to a diary-style presentation. In addition, if location synchronisation is on, you can also have a map display of the shooting locations. The Activity tab provides a summary of your photographic activities, allowing you to keep track of your creative progress.

Seamless wireless communication

Designed to communicate seamlessly with your smartphone or tablet, FUJIFILM XApp is specifically designed for FUJIFILM X/GFX series cameras. With this app, you can wirelessly transfer images, remotely control your camera, record your photographic activities, save and restore camera settings, and more.

Backup and restore

Keeping track of your favourite camera settings is essential for efficient and consistent shooting. FUJIFILM XApp simplifies this process by allowing you to save your favourite camera settings on your mobile device. When needed, you can easily restore these settings to your camera with a single tap. This feature is particularly useful when shooting different subjects or in different shooting situations, as you can quickly switch between pre-configured settings.

For photographers who want to streamline their workflow and maximise their creative potential, FUJIFILM XApp is a game changer. This app revolutionises the way you interact with your X/GFX series cameras, offering seamless wireless communication, remote control, backup and restore, and comprehensive activity tracking.

Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast, FUJIFILM XApp gives you the power to capture, control, and cherish your photographic moments with the greatest of ease. So, harness the power of connectivity and take your photography to new heights!

Find out more about the XApp compatibility here.

Fujifilm x Cultural Preservation Project at Stockholm City Hall

by M. Köster April 9, 2024 Comments0

In a ground-breaking initiative for the preservation of cultural heritage, the City Hall of Stockholm has embarked on a digital reconstruction project to breathe new life into the faded masterpieces that adorn its walls. Tasked with reviving Axel Wallert’s 105 ceiling paintings, the City of Stockholm worked with Mikael Cronwall, Head of Education at the Stockholm School of Photography, to undertake a project unlike any other in Sweden.

The challenge: Faded beauty after a century

Many of Wallert’s images had lost their brilliance after a century of exposure to air pollution and natural wear and tear. Only a handful remained clear, requiring an unprecedented cultural conservation effort to be undertaken.

Forty students and four teachers from the Fotoskolan STHLM worked tirelessly for more than three weeks, using the Fujifilm GFX100 and Fujinon GF lenses to capture the high-resolution raw data. The large image sensor and the electronic management of the image information were essential in order to meet the stringent requirements of the project. The choice of Fujifilm equipment not only met the technical requirements but also facilitated the process of photographing the large and heavy original panels, which measure 150 x 150 cm and are made from untreated pine boards.

Each panel was meticulously photographed using a custom photography rig built by skilled carpenters. Test shots with a variety of lenses led to the selection of the Fujifilm GF 120/4 R LM OIS WR Macro lens for its high resolution and exceptional sharpness. The result was flawless, following the old photographic rule of stopping down 2.5 stops for maximum edge sharpness.

Digital reconstruction and printing

The team processed the digital files in Capture One after shooting the raw files with the GFX100 and Profoto flashes. The finalised digital files were then printed onto fabric by Big Image Systems in Stockholm, Sweden. The culmination of this elaborate process was the on-site assembly of the reconstructions at Stockholm City Hall.

The City of Stockholm now stores digital image files for long-term preservation. This ensures that the reconstructions can be reproduced whenever needed. A testament to the seamless integration of art, technology, and cultural heritage, this Fujifilm-supported initiative is now in place.

This ambitious project has been achieved through the joint efforts of the City of Stockholm, the Stockholm School of Photography, and Fujifilm. Together, they have preserved the historical richness of the Stockholm City Hall and made it possible for future generations to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the building as it was a century ago.

Filed under Be Inspired Blog Innovation

Fujikina 2024: the unique experience of digital photography

by M. Köster March 28, 2024 Comments0

Greetings, photography lovers! We are thrilled to invite all those passionate about digital photography to join us next Saturday at FUJIKINA Berlin 2024. Set against the historic backdrop of the Telegraphenamt in the heart of Berlin, this event promises to be a unique experience as for beginners and ambitious semi-professionals so for seasoned experts.

Here, you can discover the latest innovations in the photo and video industries. We are bringing the complete range of our X and GFX series, from mirrorless system cameras to the most advanced lenses, and versatile accessories. Recently, we’ve introduced to the world our highly anticipated X100VI premium compact camera, and you may be among the first to experience it up close.

What else?

Live talks

Network with the experts at exciting live talks throughout the day and dive into discussions that will fuel your passion for photography. You’ll get valuable personal insights from world-known photographers Annika and Mathias Koch, Elke Vogelsang, Martin Krolop, Bernd Ritschel, Stephan Wiesner, and many others.

Live shootings

Be a part of the photography art in action with captivating live shootings by talented photographers such as Ines Thomsen, Thomas B. Jones, Anna Cor, Michael Damböck, and Chris Keller. This is the perfect place and time to learn and be inspired.

Touch & Try

Are you thinking about a Fujifilm camera or lens? Then don’t hesitate to take advantage of our free loan service. During the event, you can test our equipment and get hands-on experience trying it in work at dedicated workshops. Don’t forget to bring a valid form of ID or passport for the rental service!

Check & Clean

Have you been using Fujifilm equipment to capture amazing moments? Enjoy a complimentary service check at the event. This includes external cleaning, functional checks, sensor cleaning for system cameras, and firmware updates.

Photo walks & Workshops

Take part in our free photo walks, led by professional photographers such as Lisa Schrötter and Peter Fauland. Sign up on-site to secure your place and get ready for an intensive skill boost. You will also dive deeper into photography with our workshops led by experts such as Prof. Stefan Finger and Eugen Kamenew. Limited places are available, so stay tuned for separate details on how to book.

GFX Gallery

Take a look at the stunning visual creations of our talented artists in the GFX Challenge Gallery. Winners of the exclusive GFX Grant Challenge program – including David Gaberle, Katie Orlinsky, Kazuma Obara, Qingjun Huang, and Sharon Castellanos – will be showcasing their extraordinary projects.

Contest

Entering the X100 Photo Competition, you could win an exclusive X100VI Limited Edition. Show off your skills in landscape, portrait, architecture, or street photography – all genres are welcome. Submit your best photo by the 6th of April 2024 and impress us with your photographic skills!

Join us at FUJIKINA 2024 and celebrate the future of digital photography. Catch the moment, tell your story, and be creative!

Filed under Blog Consumer Photography

The Photography & Video Show 2024: where creativity’s born

by mariiabezpala March 22, 2024 Comments0

Whether you are a fully-fledged professional in photography and filmmaking or an absolute beginner passionate about moving visuals and content creation, the Photography & Video Show is where you had to be last week. It’s the largest UK event of its kind that every year gathers about 30,000 creative minds. Last Saturday, it once again opened its doors in Birmingham, and we were thrilled to see you at our booths at the National Exhibition Centre.

With more than 250 exhibitors, including globally recognised brands, offering a wide range of accessories, printing solutions, albums, clothing, editing software, and training supplies, it was a great chance for our customers to try out and purchase the latest products and services, and discover new tools to support their business needs.

Endless Discoveries

Our visitors could test out cutting-edge equipment, or get personal hands-on experiences instead of online guesswork, compare, try, and make informed decisions investing in their creative endeavours. With over 350 seminars, live demos, tailored masterclasses, and workshops across six stages and theatres, they could network and learn from the industry’s foremost experts. We were happy to join the line-up and share useful professional techniques and insights about photography, filmmaking, and content craft.

Our Line-Up

March 16th

10:20 – 11:10
Visual storytelling with Mr Whisper

11:30 – 12:20
Stills, video or both? Hybrid weddings with the Fujifilm X-H2S

12:15 – 12:45
What makes a good composition?

12:40 – 13:30
An Introduction to Basic Lighting for Portraits and Headshots

13:50 – 14:40
Unleashing your creativity with the Fujifilm X-T5

15:00 – 15:50
Wildlife action photography

16:00 – 16:30
Travelling the UK as a multi-genre photographer

March 17th

10:20 – 11:10
Visual storytelling with Mr Whisper

11:15 – 11:45
Wildlife photography & conservation: What does it mean to you?

11:30 – 12:00
Hybrid film making – making the switch from photo to video

11:30 – 12:20
Stills, video or both? Hybrid weddings with the Fujifilm X-H2S

12:15 – 12:45
What makes a good composition?

12:40 – 13:30
An Introduction to Basic Lighting for Portraits and Headshots

13:50 – 14:40
Unleashing your creativity with the Fujifilm X-T5

15:00 – 15:50
Wildlife action photography

16:10 – 17:00
Documenting baby’s first year

March 18th

10:20 – 11:10
Finding meaning and exploring authenticity in documentary photography

11:30 – 12:20
Sports photography with the Fujifilm X-H2S

12:40 – 13:30
An introduction to basic lighting for portraits and headshots

13:50 – 14:40
‘At event’ printing for larger (format) profit!

15:00 – 15:50
Capturing Antarctica: Land of ice and snow

16:00 – 16:30
Bigger sensor: Bigger profit

16:10 – 17:00
Documenting baby’s first year

March 19th

10:20 – 11:10
Finding meaning and exploring authenticity in documentary photography

11:30 – 12:20
Sports photography with the Fujifilm X-H2S

12:40 – 13:30
The art of landscape and travel photography

13:50 – 14:40
Capture One ecosystem with Fujifilm colours and quality

15:00 – 15:50
Capturing Antarctica: Land of ice and snow

16:10 – 17:00
An introduction to basic lighting for portraits and headshots

Stay tuned as there’s more to come. See you there next year!

Filed under Blog Photography

Capture the Beauty of Cherry Blossom.

by M. Köster March 21, 2024 Comments0

It’s March, and you obviously enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom all around the city. So, if just like us, you’re itching to capture this vibrance and tenderness of spring colours, here is your short photography guide on how to ensure your cherry blossom images truly blossom.

Timing is everything

From the very first pink buds to the end of full bloom, cherry blossoms show a wide range of expressions. The colour of the petals evolves from a dark shade to pale pink, eventually fading to a whitish hue as the petals fall to the ground. To capture the essence, it’s best to focus on the period between the half bloom and the full bloom. During this period, flowers are usually at their most vibrant and visually appealing stage, and the petals are fully developed.

Kiichi Noro, X-T1 | XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS | F16 | 1/60 sec. | ISO 400

You can experiment with different lenses, using telephoto or macro to zoom in on intricate details of overlapping blossoms. You can also explore different angles, for example, by incorporating elements such as a blue sky, mountains, or rapeseed flowers in the background.

Best times to shoot

The morning is considered to be the best time to capture cherry blossoms. Around 9:00 am, the sunlight hits the front of the petals. This creates a stunning effect.

Hitomi Komatsu, X-T1 | XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS | F16 | 1/15 sec. | ISO 200

For a different atmosphere and unique perspectives, shoot in the evening, during the golden hour, or even at night.

Hitomi Komatsu, X-T1 | XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR | F2.8 | 1/2700 sec. | ISO 800

Use a tripod to stabilise your camera when shooting at night. Nighttime generally requires slower shutter speeds, wider apertures, and longer exposure times to capture enough light in the scene. This combination makes the camera more sensitive to shaky hands and unintentional movement, resulting in blurry images. The tripod prevents any camera shake, so you can have crisp and clear photos.

Chiyo Yamaguchi, X-T3 | XF56mmF1.2 R | F2.8 | 30.00 sec. | ISO 500

Hitomi Komatsu, X-T1 | XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR | F16 | 1/14 sec. | ISO 800

Set the mood with settings

To create the desired atmosphere, play with the white balance and exposure compensation settings. For example, on a cloudy day, set the white balance to “shade” and the exposure compensation to “+” to capture a natural look. Depending on the lighting conditions, experiment with different settings to achieve warm or cool tones.

Set the wide aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field. This will make the cherry blossoms in focus while blurring the background, creating those dreamy, out-of-focus areas. To enhance the bokeh effect, experiment with the distance between your subject, cherry blossoms, and the background.

HaruQ Yamaguchi, GFX 50S | 85.0mm | F1 | 1/3800 sec. | ISO 400

Film simulation modes

To express the bright atmosphere of spring, explore different film simulation modes. By setting the mode to Vivid (Velvia), the colours and vibrancy of the cherry blossoms can be enhanced, giving you a more vibrant image.

Using Chrome Blue, you can highlight the natural vibrancy of the cherry blossoms against a blue sky. This setting makes images more visually appealing by enhancing the blues.

Get creative with advanced filters

Some Fujifilm cameras offer Adv Mode with advanced filters. Experiment with effects such as Pop Color for increased contrast and saturation, Soft Focus for a dreamy atmosphere, and Multi-Exposure for unique, layered shots.

So, here we are! With these photography tips, you’ll be ready to capture the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in all their glory. Take advantage of all the opportunities, whether it’s the morning sunlight illuminating delicate petals or the evening glow casting a warm hue. Now, just grab your camera and explore!

Filed under Blog Macro Tutorials

One-of-a-kind shots: INSTAX mini 99 & PHOTO SLIDE film

by mariiabezpala March 20, 2024 Comments0

From our first-ever INSTAX mini 10 launched in 1998 to the latest teeny-tiny INSTAX Pal digital camera that turned the instant photo experience upside-down, we continue to pursue the advantages of both analogue and digital technology, maximising the benefits of each.

Today, we celebrate the first INSTAX launch in 2024 and the new addition to our INSTAX analogue product line-up, the INSTAX mini 99. With its classic and stylish matte black finish, this new analogue instant camera maintains the premium look and feel as the INSTAX mini 90 but also brings advanced features that no other analogue camera has seen before.

Be one-of-a-kind with light & colour

The INSTAX mini 99 is a camera for those who are not afraid to experiment. What makes it truly one-of-a-kind is its built-in LED-light feature that enhances your prints with an authentic analogue feel. You can select different colours using the special Colour-Effect Dial. This includes Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak. So, right when you take the photos, one of six different colour effects will be reflected in your prints, creating a unique shot every time.

You can also combine these colour effects with other modes, like Brightness Control. This feature offers five distinct levels of brightness: the Light (“L+”) setting indicates the brightest exposure, the “L”, “D”, and “N” settings offer the normal range of brightness, and the Dark (“D-”) setting represents the darkest available brightness level.

The new camera also comes with an exciting new Manual Vignette Switch. It allows you to easily add an artistic shaded frame around the image, manually controlling the vignette with an easy-to-use switch on the lens housing.

Shooting Modes

Each moment is unique, and this camera takes it into account. With a set of different shooting modes, you can choose the one that perfectly suits the occasion and take shots even in low-light conditions. For instance, Sports Mode increases the shutter speed, so you can grab the perfect shot in action. The Double Exposure Mode lets you combine two images into one, and the Bulb Mode increases the amount of light let in, creating a brightened effect on the print.

Apart from those, the INSTAX mini 99 offers Landscape, Standard, and Macro Focus modes, easily accessible by adjusting the lens dial. The Landscape mode works great for distant subjects, while the Macro mode is perfect for close-ups and selfies.

Self-timer & Flash Control

With the self-timer feature, you can capture perfect group photos without the need for extra hands to hold the camera, letting everybody be part of a frame. You can choose among the Auto Mode, Fill-in (the flash will always fire regardless of lighting), Red-eye Removal, or turn the flash off, depending on your lighting situation.

Grip & Tripod Mount

The INSTAX mini 99 comes with a precision-milled base grip and a tripod mount that also acts as a grip when attached to the camera. This ensures a comfortable and secure hold on the camera, reducing the chances of shaky shots or accidental drops, especially in the most active shooting situations.

New INSTAX mini film: PHOTO SLIDE

With the launch of the INSTAX mini 99, we are also releasing a new INSTAX mini film, PHOTO SLIDE, that offers a new print design to add to your collection. Inspired by the photo slide used in old slide projectors, it is based on a stylish ivory colour that makes an outstanding photo effect.

Try it out firsthand, experiment with light and colours, and let your small moments feel big… and one-of-a-kind!

Filed under Blog Consumer Spotlight

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