Automatic Sweep Stitching in Camera

One of the neat features in many new cameras is the sweep panorama function.  The images can be fun at times and useless in others - but I think it is always fun to give it a whirl and see what ends up in the file.  Usually they are tough to print since there are slight glitches along the way - but when you consider what you are doing to make the image it is impressive.
Here are two images I recently shot with the X100 and NEX3.  They are 3000 pixels across if you click to enlarge the view.  A little tweak can help make them more dramatic.  Printing them is easier than ever and I'm usually printing them about 4" x 15" to 10" x 36".

Spring Progress

Walking around town I noticed this flower in its many stages to a magnificent bloom.

Weekly Email Spring Bloom

This was one of those weeks where the City came alive with the arrival of
Spring.  Tons of events and a general happy feel with the good weather arriving
and longer days to enjoy outdoors.
A mix of shots with the X100 and Sony A33.

So Many Cameras, So Little Time

People frequently ask me for suggestions on what kind of camera they should buy.  The question is incredibly simple or complex - I think it depends on my mood, their internal bias, marketing, budget, style, and several other factors. 

The reality usually is that for a basic point and shoot camera you go with the sex appeal nowadays.  Buy what looks and feels right when you pick it up and shoot it.  Of course if shopping online that is harder to do - but you get the idea.  Today's (under $350) cameras are very good in most cases.  Of course there are performance differences in a few categories, some more noticeable than others. 

Today I am sharing a few shots made in almost identical fashion to show how different an image can be captured.  Software and other factors play into the final look of the image.  These are basically straight from the camera to you.  After capture of course all bets are off and things can be tweaked to taste.
I know it's a lot to absorb and perhaps just a bunch of pink things (except for the B&W infrared)- but look into the saturation, contrast, hue and you will begin to see some differences which make up the characteristics of each camera.  In some cases high saturation is great, in others it may not be as desirable.
I didn't get super technical - so this is a just a quick look at an image shot with many cameras in an almost identical fashion.  It was all hand held and done to take a look at how each chip and software renders the scene. Tthe phone shot in is way over saturated - but the HDR looks more natural.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Accessories

I know there is some frustration about the lack of accessories being shipped - but I assure you we are working on them and they should be available very soon.  I will keep you up to date when I know more.  Should know by Tuesday.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 NYC Skyline Where I Was

Yesterday I happened to be at a point where I could look up and see where I shot a favorite panorama in a few posts back.  So I thought for fun I'd show both vantage points as a reference.

In answer to the LCD playback question - The only way to do a work around for this that I can suggest is to set the Playback to Continuous - then it will switch to the LCD for you when you remove your eye from the OVF.  Let me know what you think.

 

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Street Scenes High ISO

Many folks have asked for more street scenes at high ISO.  I will try and shoot more random people stuff - but for now here are a few shots - ISO 800, 1600 & 2000.
Also for folks commenting about availability - we are not alone.  USA Today - and virtually every other photo forum is reporting DSLRs are in short supply with delays ranging up to four months now.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-04-27-camera-shortages_n.htm

Fujifilm FinePix X100 2nd Shipment Update

We are going to ship more cameras to the dealers this week in the USA.  They should arrive Thursday or Friday depending on the shipments.  Accessories should begin to show up as well.
I know many people are waiting and this will ease a little bit of the pressure but by no means the whole backorder so please be patient as we work to catch up!  Thanks for the support.
**UPDATE** I'm am delaying the 2nd shipment arrival to dealers by a day or two.  I think they will see the cameras Friday and Monday - not Thursday (possible for a few, but not confirmed).
ISO 1250 for the flower shot hand held - F3.6 @ 1/210

Fujifilm Instax Camera Fun

Not to be forgotten I also happen to enjoy shooting with the Instax series of cameras.  The line up is great for sharing images immediately in all sorts of scenarios.  If you are ever thinking of traveling to a third world country this is a must have photo product for breaking the ice with any of your camera shy subjects.
Here my nephews are having fun using the cameras.
One of the nice features of the Mini 25, Mini 50s and 210 are that they have a bracketing control and two examples are shown below.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Tulip Close Up

I know we have all shot close-ups of flowers for years and it is certainly great to pass the time.  This weekend I shot an image for fun as I was walking by this tulip.  This is not on a tripod - just a hand-held snap at 1/250th @ F/11 with built in flash. 
I wanted to share it to show how sharp the X100 is - and this is from the jpeg.  I am posting the full image as well as the close up section.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Facebook Page

I just would like to share a quick image which shows our official FB page.  There are several out there - but this is the the look of the Fujifilm USA group.  We will do our best to keep it populated with the most up to date info.  It seems like nobody has found it - aka liked it yet - so I'm thinking many are at other pages - which is great - but ours will have the latest news direct from HQ. 
Of course I'll keep my blog up to date as best I can during this exciting period of the camera release.  More news on additional availability this week, as soon as I have it for you.