Video Review: Leica M10-P Edition

Check out my latest review of the Leica M10-P. The biggest difference functionally between this mid-cycle body and the original M10 is the shutter dampening system and the touch screen. It's not worth the upgrade unless these two features are really important to you. It does point to the future of the M system though, and I think it's a great direction. Hopefully Leica will improve connectivity (wifi, Bluetooth) and perhaps a hybrid viewfinder like Fujifilm's X-Pro/X100 series. Even an optional external viewfinder would be welcome, although not ideal. Does anyone want video to return to the M body? I know most don't, but I wouldn't mind. I would love to try some crazy bokeh 50mm Noctilux video pull focus shots, although you can always adapt it to the Leica SL. Enjoy the video and the embedded pictures.

Review: XF16mm f/2.8 R WR in Hong Kong

When I found out I had another work project in Hong Kong, I knew I would take 1 zoom as my standard lens (I typically take the XF10-24mm), and another lens to review. The XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR would be a perfect lens to test in Hong Kong, especially in conjunction with the super compact X-T30. Check out my thoughts on this lens.

Interview: Matt Day

Vlogging Test: Fujifilm XF16mm f/2.8 R WR + X-H1 Body

What do you think? XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR with the X-H1 for vlogging? I've always wanted to vlog with a compact wide angle prime lens with the Fujifilm system and this is the closest they've come to make my dream come true. Let's see what happens...

Unboxing a New Fujicron: Fujifilm XF 16mm F/2.8 R WR

Is this a Fujicron? Technically it's not, since it's not f/2.0, but I think in spirit the new XF 16mm f/2.8 R WR can be placed next to the XF 23mm f/2 R WR, XF 35mm f/2 R WR, and the XF 50mm f/2 R WR. Stay tuned for my shooting impressions soon as I take this lens on a bit of a road trip.

BHT

2019 Film Photography Conference: The Darkroom's Paideia

Welcome to the 2019 Film Photography Paideia. I did my best to vlog it, but I had to end up adding a talking head portion to make sense of it all. Please enjoy!!

BHT

Vintage Camera Shopping at Champagne Court 2019

Another year and another visit to my favourite vintage camera shopping mall in the world, Champagne Court. I don't know how much longer Mr. David Chan and this shopping centre will stay open, but I think it has a couple more years left. Hopefully Mr. Chan will sell me one of his vintage minty new-in-box cameras so I can do an unboxing for you guys. Until then, enjoy my latest video from my favourite city.

BHT

Travel Announcement: 2019 Film Photography Conference

It's time again to hit the road (okay plane) and head south to San Clemente California for the 2019 Film Photography Paideia hosted by Philip and his team at The Darkroom. The last time I was there I got to hang out with my friends from Beers and Cameras and interview Grant Brittain. This time I get to see the same group of photographers, and we've added more. Check out the line-up here on The Darkroom's blog:

https://thedarkroom.com/film-photography-paideia-2019/

Pretty exciting right? If you don't already have tickets, then wait for a overview video. I think The Darkroom might even stream it live via Instagram. Check out my IG stories as well as others that will be attending.

Fujifilm X-T30 Vlogging Test in Chinatown

Here's my vlogging test with the brand new Fujifilm X-T30. I've pretty much tried using every Fujifilm camera for vlogging, even the GFX 50S. Some work out pretty good (X-E3 is great), some not so good (like the GFX 50S). The new X-T30 is the best camera that Fujifilm currently makes for vlogging. Please enjoy the video to see for yourself. Thanks for visiting and happy shooting... and vlogging!

The Baby X-T3: The New Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm has just announced the new X-T30, following the release of the successful and powerful X-T3. It has the same sensor+processor combination of the X-T3, but the similar body of the previous X-T20. If you were a fan of the X-T10 and X-T20, then you'll love the new X-T30. The biggest change you'll notice is the addition of the joystick but removal of the D-pad. Although Fujifilm insists that using the touch screen will compensate for the loss of the D-Pad, on the new X-T30, it might actually work out. The new LCD is more responsive and quicker. Even the touch+drag AF point selection while using the EVF on the X-T30 is very fast and accurate. Here is a quick list of the key features of the new X-T30:

-26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor

-100% Phase Detection (2.16M-dot) with 425 AF points

-Back-side illuminated sensor design with base ISO 160 and reduced rolling shutter

-X-Processor 4 with Quad CPU (3 times faster than previous processor)

-Blackout Free 30fps in ES (electronic shutter) with 1.25x crop (20fps in ES without crop, 8fps with mechanical shutter)

-16 film simulations, including Eterna for cinematic look for both stills and video

-Lowlight AF -3.0 EV, 240 simultaneous AF/AE calculations, 300% faster PDAF focusing between near and far subjects

-383g light-weight retro-inspired design with top & bottom plate aluminum. Available in silver, black and ltd edition charcoal silver

-Improved EVF with 100fps refresh and 800 cd/m2 (nits) brightness

-Improved LCD touch screen with increased touch sensitivity and speed, especially in AF drag mode while using EVF

-Real-time Face + Eye Detection, improved algorithm over X-T3

-Addition of joystick lever instead of D-pad with increase usability of LCD screen

-upgraded USB-C connection for downloading, charging, powering (with PD Battery Pack), and use with USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (not included) to use as headphone jack for video

-DCI 4K 30fps (over sampled 6K) 200Mbps with 10 min limit

-H.264 4:2:0 8bit internal or 4:2:2 10bit external

-Full HD 30/60fps with 15 min limit

-48KHz 24bit high bit-depth sound (Internal Pre-amp)

-HD 120fps high speed video (with 1.29x crop) for cinematic BROLL

-Time-coding, Zebra, Silent Movie Mode, F-Log, Tally Light