NYC Superbowl Boulevard

NYC is hosting part of the Superbowl as we all know.  The part that doesn't include the game.  So to throw as best a hosting attempt as you can in the chilly temps the city converted about 13 blocks of Broadway from 47th to 34th Street into Superbowl Boulevard.  This area is chocked full of fan activities and way too many people to easily enjoy it all.
The other night I took a walk on the boulevard and snapped a few shots.

 Security is always top of the mind nowadays.  The intense security overwhelms the senses if you look around.

FOX built a huge stage which floats about 50ft above the street.

 Politicians were out to get the celebration going.  The Mayor - Commissioner and owners of Jets and Giants.

 This is what everyone is talking about - the tobaggon ride.

There is a great display projected on the side of Macys.  Catch it if you are in the area.

I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

The statements, comments and opinions expressed here represent my own, personal views and are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with, FUJIFILM North America Corporation or its affiliates.
bremler@fujifilm.com

New York City Snowstorm

The snow hit the city last week and it always makes for a great photo opp!  The above Taxi shot is at IS2000 with my fav XF23mm lens on the X-E2.

Older fav of mine from last big snow

 The view of the city from the east side across the river just wasn't offering too much of the UN.

I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

The statements, comments and opinions expressed here represent my own, personal views and are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with, FUJIFILM North America Corporation or its affiliates.
bremler@fujifilm.com

Fujifilm X-T1 Announcement

The excitement is palpable!  The moment is finally here.  The official release of the Fujifilm X-T1!  ** Update - I think the new camera will hit the USA stores earlier than originally planned - stay tuned for more details soon.***

Looking at the specs of the camera it's really hard for me to pick out which one excites me the most.  The EVF on the X-T1 is amazing.  Wait until you see the split-view inside the EVF.  The 0.77x magnification makes the EVF a dream to use.  The EVF screen appears so large that you can view the scene and then with a picture in picture you can also view a closeup of the scene for focus check.  A really neat feature.  The vertical view inside the EVF is wonderful.  The tilt lcd is a very welcome addition.  Here's the thing - the camera has a terrific feel!  The sense of power in the ergonomics resonates with me and the fast shutter release sounds great.  I love the new vertical grip which integrates camera functions when shooting horizontally and has another battery on board.   
http://fujifilm-x.com/x-t1/en/
The X-T1 will be in the stores by the end of March.  Check out the reviews online.  More photos coming soon.

Fujifilm X-T1 Body only $1299.95
Fujifilm X-T1 w/ XF18-55 $1699.95

Model Name	FUJIFILM X-T1
Number of effective pixels	16.3 million pixels
Image sensor	23.6mm×15.6mm（APS-C）X-Trans II CMOS with  primary color filter Total number of pixels: 16.7 million pixels
Sensor Cleaning system	Ultra Sonic Vibration
Storage media	SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC(UHS-II) memory card *1
File format  (still image)	JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3 *2), RAW (RAF format), RAW+JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system compliant, DPOF-compatible)
(movie)	Movie File Format : MOV Movie Video Compression : H.264 Audio : Linear PCM  Stereo
Number of recorded pixels	L：<3:2>4896ｘ3264 / <16:9>4896ｘ2760 / <1:1>3264 × 3264　　　 M：<3:2>3456ｘ2304 / <16:9>3456ｘ1944 / <1:1>2304 × 2304 S：<3:2>2496ｘ1664 / <16:9>2496ｘ1408 /  <1:1>1664 ×1664 ＜Motion Panorama＞ L　  Vertical：2160ｘ9600　/  Horizontal：9600ｘ1440 M    Vertical：2160ｘ6400　/  Horizontal：6400ｘ1440
Lens mount	FUJIFILM X mount
Sensitivity	AUTO (Control available up to ISO6400) Equivalent to ISO 200  - 6400  　(Standard Output Sensitivity) Extended output sensitivity : Equivalent to ISO 100, 12800, 25600 and 51200
Exposure control	TTL 256-zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average
Exposure mode	Programmed AE/ Shutter Speed priority AE/ Aperture priority AE / Manual exposure
Exposure compensation	-3.0EV - +3.0EV,　1/3EV step （movie recording : -2.0EV - +2.0EV)
Image Stabilizer	Supported with OIS type lenses
Face Detection	Yes
Shutter type	Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter speed	(P mode) 1/4 sec. to 1/4000 sec., (All other modes) 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec.   Bulb (max.60min.) Time　1/2  to 30 sec Synchronized shutter speed for flash ：1/180 sec or slower
Continuous shooting	Approx. 8.0 fps  (JPEG : max. approx. 47 frames) Approx. 3.0 fps  (JPEG :up to the capacity of the card) * Recordable frame number may vary depending on the type of memory card used. * The frame rate varies with shooting condition and the number of images recorded.
Auto bracketing	AE Bracketing (±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV) Film Simulation Bracketing (Any 3 types of film simulation selectable) Dynamic Range Bracketing (100% ・ 200% ・ 400%) ISO sensitivity Bracketing (±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV) White balance Bracketing （±1, ±2, ±3）
Focus              (mode)	Single AF / Continuous AF/MF　Distance Indicator
(type)	Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF/TTL phase detection AF) , AF assist illuminator available
(AF frame selection)	Area （EVF/LCD : 49 areas with 7ｘ7）/ Multi * Changeable size of AF frame among 5 types
White balance	Automatic scene recognition Custom / Color temperature selection (K) Preset: Fine / Shade / Fluorescent light (Daylight) / Fluorescent light (Warm White) / Fluorescent light (Cool White) / Incandescent light / Underwater
Self-timer	10sec. / 2sec. Delay
Interval timer shooting	YES Setting: Interval, Number of shots, Starting time
Flash	External flash EF-X8 （included ） (Super Intelligent Flash) Guide number :  approx. 8（ISO100・m) / approx 11 (ISO200・m)
Flash modes	Activated when external flash is connected Red-eye removal OFF: Auto / Forced Flash / Slow Synchro / Suppressed Flash / Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander Red-eye removal ON: Red-eye Reduction Auto / Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash / Suppressed Flash / Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro / Red-eye Reduction & Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander  *Red-eye removal is active when Face Detection is set to ON.
Hot shoe	Yes (Dedicated TTL　Flash compatible)
Viewfinder	0.5-in., approx.2,360K-dot OLED color viewfinder 　Coverage of viewing area vs. capturing area :  approx. 100％ Eye point  : approx. 23 mm (from the rear end of the camera's eyepiece) Diopter adjustment : -4m-1 to +2m-1　 Magnification :0.77x with 50 mm lens (35 mm format equivalent) at infinity and diopter set to  - 1.0 m–1)　 Diagonal angle of view : approx. 38° (Horizontal angle of view :approx.  31°) Built-in eye sensor
LCD monitor	3.0-in, aspect ratio 3:2, approx. 1,040K-dot,  Tilt type color  LCD monitor  (Approx. 100% coverage）
Movie recording	Full HD  1920x1080 60p/30p　 Continuous recording : up to approx. 14 min. HD  1280x 720 60p/30p　　Continuous recording : up to approx. 27min. * Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class10" or higher.
Mode dial
Film Simulation mode	10 type　（PROVIA/STANDARD, Velvia/VIVID, ASTIA/SOFT, PRO Neg Hi, PRO Neg. Std, MONOCHROME, MONOCHROME+Ye FILTER, MONOCHROME+R FILTER, MONOCHROME+G FILTER, SEPIA）
Dynamic range setting	AUTO(100-400%), 100%, 200%, 400%
Advanced filter	Toy camera / Miniature / Pop color / High-key / Low-key / Dynamic tone / Soft focus / Partial color (Red / Orange / Yellow / Green / Blue / Purple）
Other photography  functions	Auto Red-eye Removal, Setting (Color, Sharpness, D-range, Gradation), Select custom setting,  Motion panorama, Color space,  Framing guideline, Frame No. memory, Histogram display, Preview depth of focus, Lens Modulation Optimizer, Pre-AF, Focus check, Focus Peak Highlight, , Digital Split Image*3, Electronic level, Multiple exposure, Interval timer shooting,   Release priority/Focus priority selection, Function button setting, (RAW, Movie, etc.）, ISO AUTO　control, Instant AF setting (AF-S/AF-C)
Playback  functions	RAW conversion, Image rotate, Red-eye reduction, Photobook assist, Erase selected frames, image search, Multi-frame playback (with micro thumbnail), Slide show, Mark for upload, Protect, Crop, Resize, Panorama, Favorites
Wireless transmitter    ( standard)	IEEE 802.11b/g/n (standard wireless protocol)
（access mode）	Infrastructure
Wireless function	Geotagging / Wireless communication (Image transfer) / View & Obtain Images / Remote camera shooting / PC Autosave
Other functions	PictBridge, Exif Print, Language selection, Time difference, High Performance mode, Silent mode
Terminal　　　 (Video output)        　　　　　　　  (Digital interface)       　　　　  (HD output)	USB2.0（High-Speed) / micro USB terminal * connectable with Remote Release RR-90 (sold separately)     HDMI mini connector (Type C)
(Others)	Microphone/shutter release input: Φ2.5mm, stereo mini connector
Power supply	NP-W126 Li-ion battery (included)
Dimensions	129.0 (W) mm x 89.8(H) mm x 46.7(D) mm / 5.0 in. (W) x 3.5 in. (H) x 1.8 in. (D) (Minimum depth: 33.4 mm/ 1.3 in.)
Weight	Approx. 440g / 15.4 oz. (including battery and memory card)
	Approx. 390 g / 13.7 oz. (excluding accessories, battery and memory card)
Operating Temperature	-10℃ -  +40℃
Operating Humidity	10 - 80%  (no condensation)
Battery life  for still images *4	approx 350 frames (When XF35mmF1.4R is set, LCD monitor/viewfinder on, and supplied flash EF-X8 not attached)
Battery life for movies *4	Consecutive movie recording : Approx. 103 min. (Face detection is set to OFF) *Individual movies cannot exceed approx. 14 min on Full HD mode, and approx. 27 min on HD mode in length.
Starting up period	Approx. 0.5 sec, when High Performance mode set to ON Approx. 1.0 sec, when High Performance mode set to OFF    * FUJIFILM research
Accessories included	Li-ion Battery NP-W126 Battery Charger BC-W126 Shoe-mounted flash unit EF-X8 Shoulder strap Body cap Metal strap clip Protective cover Clip attaching tool Hot shoe cover Tall-orientation battery grip connector cover Sync terminal cover CD-ROM (Viewer software, RAW File Converter etc. *5) Owner's manual
*1 Please see the Fujifilm website to check memory card compatibility.
*2 Exif 2.3 is a digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing.
*3 Digital Split ImageTM is a trade mark or a registered trade mark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
*4 Approximate number of frames/period that can be taken with a fully-charged battery based on CIPA standard.

*5 OS compatibility         Viewer software      :   Windows 8/7/Vista/XP         RAW File Converter   :   Windows 8/7/Vista/XP,   Mac OS X 10.6-10.8       http://fujifilm-x.com/x-t1/en/ Official Press Release -  FUJIFILM X-SERIES REACHES A NEW PEAK WITH WEATHER RESISTANT X-T1 X-T1 features a huge, real-time OLED viewfinder, extreme AF speed, and premium craftsmanship for photographic freedom anywhere Valhalla, N.Y., January 27, 2014 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image resolution, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X-T1, a weather-resistant premium interchangeable lens camera with a large OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) that delivers a near-instant image preview, the latest generation 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and the segment’s fastest autofocus of 0.08 seconds*1 for a truly remarkable photographic experience anywhere. The FUJIFILM X-T1 now gives professional and enthusiast photographers the award-winning imaging power of the X-Series in a water, dust and temperature resistant body that braves outdoor challenges like never before. OLED viewfinder perfection The FUJIFILM X-T1 combines a unique wide-angle 2.36m dot resolution OLED view with the world’s highest magnification (0.77x) for a digital camera *2 and shortest display lag-time of just 0.005sec*3 to react as quickly as you need in any environment. The OLED viewfinder also includes cutting-edge technology to bring users even closer to their subjects. The X-T1’s viewfinder uses a newly designed Graphic User Interface that provides an exciting shooting experience with clear details and a comfortable at-a-glance view of your settings. The X-T1 has four OLED EVF Display Modes: "FULL" mode takes full advantage of the high magnification ratio of the X-T1's viewfinder to give an unrivalled view of the scene "NORMAL" provides an optimum view, including shooting settings "DUAL" is specially designed for manual focusing with a clever split view. The regular view and manual focus area can be simultaneously checked (with Digital Split ImageTM or Focus Peak Highlight)*4 “PORTRAIT” view in “NORMAL" and “FULL” modes automatically rotates the displayed information when the camera is held vertically Award-winning 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II The FUJIFILM X-T1 uses the award-wining EXR Processor II and X-Trans™ CMOS II sensor with built in phase detection that delivers an astonishing response time of just 0.08 seconds and a super-fast 0.5 second start-up time*5, along with a 0.05 second shutter time lag and a 0.5 second shooting interval*6. The X-T1 can also shoot up to 8 frames per second*7 with tracking AF and is the first-ever CSC*8 to be compatible with SDXC UHS-II format memory cards for data writing speed (in Continuous Mode) that is approximately twice that of a conventional SD card. Tough, weather-resistant design The FUJIFILM X-T1 is the first weather-resistant X-Series CSC (when used with a weather-resistant lens) that performs in a wide range of challenging environments. The X-T1 uses more than 75 points of weather sealing, and the camera body is dust-resistant and water-resistant. The X-T1 is also freezeproof to -14°F for full-fledged field photography work, while the premium clear 3” LCD screen with 1.04 million dot resolution is made of tempered glass for additional outdoor protection. Traditional handling, modern response With five mechanical dials on the top-plate, two command dials; one on the front and one on the rear, and six fully customizable function buttons, the FUJIFILM X-T1 feels and functions like a proper photographic tool in the hand. The top-plate includes two machined-aluminum double-deck dials for the shutter speed and metering, and the ISO sensitivity and drive modes, and each is designed to turn with a reassuring click, while their textured surfaces gives a firm confirmation when setting up a shot. With their exposure values clearly marked, the X-T1’s settings can be checked at a glance without using the rear LCD and the dials are perfectly arranged so that functions can be changed without removing your eye from the viewfinder. The six customizable function buttons and two command-dials arranged on the front and rear complete the picture, ensuring instant setting satisfaction. WiFi and remote camera operation The X-T1 one-touch WiFi connectivity lets you easily share images to your smartphone or tablet – pictures that these devices cannot capture - and remote shooting via smartphone or tablet using the Fujifilm Camera Remote app for unique capture opportunities. Additional grip and weather resistant lenses The optional vertical battery grip (VG-XT1) has the same hardy structure as the X-T1, so when added to the body, it is completely secured against the elements. Fujifilm is launching three weather-resistant zoom lenses to complement the X-T1 camera in 2014, including the XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R OIS WR, XF16-55mmF2.8 R OIS WR and the XF50-140mmF2.8 R OIS WR. FUJIFILM X-T1 key features list: 16.3 million Megapixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor Dust and water-resistant body with more than 75 points of weather sealing. Freeze resistance to -14°F EXR Processor II o World’s fastest AF of 0.08 seconds o Startup time of 0.5 seconds o Shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds o Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds o Phase detection AF and motion predictive AF for continuous shooting up to 8 frames per second High-precision 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder o Highest viewfinder magnification for digital cameras of 0.77x o Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38° and horizontal 31°) o Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005sec (less than 1/10 of existing models) Four different display modes: Full, Normal, Dual and Vertical. o Full mode: Displays shooting information at the top and bottom of the screen to avoid obstruction of the view o Dual mode: Adds a small second screen for checking focus point with Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image o Normal mode: Lets you concentrate on framing the shot in Auto Focus mode while keeping you aware of how the shooting conditions are changing, making it the perfect setting for sports and action photography o Portrait mode: When in Full or Normal modes, it rotates the shooting information interface when the camera is turned vertically Tempered glass 1.04 million dot high-precision 3” tilting LCD monitor Digital Split Image and Focus Highlight Peaking World’s first compatibility with Ultra High Speed UHS-II SD memory cards Vertical battery grip VG-XT1 and three new zoom lenses offer the same weather resistance to secure the entire system Redesigned circuit board design enables high ISO 51200 setting*9 ISO200 - 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600, Auto(maximum ISO setting from ISO 400 – ISO6400 available) Lens Modulation Optimizer technology maximizes each lens’ performance In-camera RAW converter Die-cast magnesium body provides a sturdy and durable, while compact and lightweight design Body and grip designed for correct balance when attaching telephoto and large-diameter lenses Two command dials and six Function buttons for instant control and customization Interval timer shooting for Time Lapse photography is available with intervals of 1 second to 24 hours and up to 999 frames FUJIFILM X-T1 accessories: Dedicated all-leather case BLC-XT1 New Vertical battery grip VG-XT1 New Hand Grip MHG-XT New Four dedicated flash models to choose from depending on requirements (EF-X8 New, EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42) Protector filters (PRF-39, PRF-52, PRF-58, PRF-62 and PRF-72 (For XF10-24mmF4 R OIS) New) DC coupler CP-W126 NEW AC adapter AC-9V NEW M Mount Adapter for additional lens compatibility Remote release RR-90 Stereo Microphone MIC-ST1 The FUJIFILM X-T1 (body only) will be available for $1,299.95, and the X-T1 with the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens (kit) will be available for $1699.95, both in February 2014. The FUJIFILM X-T1 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1, X-E2, X-E1, X-M1 and X-A1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras. The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses: XF 14mm F2.8 R XF 18mm F2.0 R XF 23mm F1.4 R XF 27mm F2.8 XF 35mm F1.4 R XF 56mmF1.2 R XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro XF10-24mmF4 R OIS XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS *1: Fastest AF speed among digital cameras equipped with an APS-C or larger sensor. Measurement conducted by Fujifilm research based on CIPA guidelines using the X-T1 equipped with XF14mmF2.8 R lens in High Performance mode as of January 2014 *2: Highest VF magnification ratio among digital cameras. Fujifilm research as of January 2014. Approx. 0.77x magnification with a 50mm lens (35mm format equivalent) set to infinity and -1.0DP *3: Fujifilm research as of January 2014 *4: “X-Trans” and “Digital Sprit Image” are a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation. *5: Equipped with XF27mmF2.8 in High Performance mode *6: MF mode *7: AF-C shooting mode *8: RAW shooting mode *9: Expended output sensitivity I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation. The statements, comments and opinions expressed here represent my own, personal views and are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with, FUJIFILM North America Corporation or its affiliates. bremler@fujifilm.com

NYC Water Main Break

Click Photos to Enlarge

One morning we all wake up and head out for work and the streets are full of water.  Not something you'd expect to see.  It turned out there was a water main break on 13th St and Fifth Ave which then opened up a large crater in the street.
I popped over there to watch some of the construction and here are some shots from the area.

 Several apartment buildings in the area had their basements flooded and had to bring in mobile boilers.

 Now a couple weeks later Verizon is still working on their lines in several areas around the water break.

I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

The statements, comments and opinions expressed here represent my own, personal views and are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with, FUJIFILM North America Corporation or its affiliates.
bremler@fujifilm.com