The way of Fuji - Baby steps

Now I am recovering from my illness I am turning my attention back to all those projects I had on the go before my unexpected visit to hospital! Chief among those was starting to learn about my new Fujifilm X-T2 mirrorless camera.

One of the problems I am having as someone who is new to the Fujifilm 'ecosystem' is that, because the X-T2 is so new, there aren't a lot of YouTube tutorials regarding 'set ups' (I guess everyone is in the same boat at the moment and just finding their way about). I hope tat will change, but in the meantime, I am having to rely on X-T1 tutorials to give me information on some of the control fundamentals.

The first thing I wanted to learn about was how to check and update my new camera's firmware. As a newly released camera I can imagine there may be an initial flurry of firmware updates as user feedback highlights any issues with the new camera, so I thought it best to be prepared. Luckily, there is a very informative YouTube tutorial by JC Photography which takes you through the Fuji firmware update process...

I couldn't actually find this process mentioned in the X-T2 manual, so this video is very welcome even if it is intended for the XE-1/X-T1 Fuji cameras. I next checked on the Fuji firmware site to see if there is an update available, but my firmware version (1.00) is the current release. You can check your Fuji camera version availability here: Fujifilm Global - Digital Camera Firmware.

My current X-T2 firmware menu looks like this...

I did some searching and, apparently, there is rumoured to be a firmware update release on the 8th of November (1.10), so I will let you know how I got on then (fingers crossed).

Back in the saddle with a new sidekick!

Won't make much of this other than to mention that, after all the excitement of waiting for the release of the Fujifilm X-T2 camera on the 8th of September I was rushed into hospital on the very same day and have only now recovered enough to feel like opening my purchase!

I went for the X-T2 'kit' set plus the vertical power grip - which I felt was indispensable if you are serious about making video with the X-T2. The kit consists of the camera body and XF18-55mm  'kit' lens. Now I emphasise the word 'kit' because the term has all sorts of perceived implications for photographers, not all of which are usually good.

The term 'kit lens' seems to have come to imply some sort of compromise or skimping on equipping one's self, the included kit lens usually being had at a discount and usually considered to be a budget 'starter lens', included just to get the ball rolling. And yes, cost was a consideration in my case because I was right on the outer edge of my budget (I had originally wanted to buy an additional Fujinon prime lens).

But, as it turns out, the reviews of the Fijinon XF18-55mm Lens have been mainly positive, with many commenting that it is one of the best 'kit' lenses on the market. Here's a comprehensive review of the lens by Ken Rockwell: Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

Now, at this point, having just cracked open the box I don't feel I can write any sort of meaningful 'first impressions' - as this would involve some intensive testing - but what I wanted to say even at this early point is some comments on quality and feel.

Now, my start in the world of DSLRs was with the wonderful Canon 700D 'entry level' camera and I cannot praise it highly enough, it allowed me to do things that my work's very expensive dedicated video camcorder couldn't do. From vastly improving the quality of my video footage, to opening the door to the 'cinematic look' and excellent low-light performance the 700D has been a revelation.

But, as an entry level camera my Canon camera had it's limitations (which were very quickly reached). But aside from technical limitations the camera itself is plastic and doesn't inspire a lot of confidence when used in professional situations. I was ready - I felt - for something that not only included a brace of advanced video-making features but that was also a lot more solid.

Right out the box I am convinced that the Fuji X-T2 is that camera. The build quality is impressive, being constructed from magnesium alloy, and it exudes the impression of what I imagine a 'professional' camera should feel like. This feeling of solidity was further reinforced when I handled the 18-55mm kit lens, it made my Canon's equivalent kit lens feel like a toy!

This all adds up to a good start as far as I am concerned and not just because - as a Scot - I feel like I have gotten my money's worth (how many times have we bought expensive gear and then found our stomachs sinking as we have felt that flimsy and insignificant touch of plastic), but because the heft of this camera makes me feel I have reached a new level in my videographic experience...Play time is over.