X-Trans 2 vs 3 vs 4 in raw

saltydogstudios wrote:

RAW files can, in theory, be pushed but there is an inherent character to them, and it's my opinion that the relatively few calibration points offered by a color checker or similar don't QUITE make up for the character of the sensor such that you can simply calibrate to a color checker and expect the same results.

As I mentioned in some earlier comment, you need an IT 8.7/1, IT 8.7/2 (ISO 12641) target to get a trusted result, and a profile-cooking software, too.

There are also the shadow / highlight characteristics of each that can't quite be simulated.

Also if you prefer the camera colors - why would you want to use a color checker to reduce them?

Excellent point, in fact.

The older X-Trans sensors seemed to have a different goal from the newer ones.

As far as colors - the older sensors seemed to aim for more of a balance between warm and cool. Newer sensors seemed more warm

I disagree. The sensor itself (and the RAF file, consequently) are color agnostic.

RAF file don't contain any mention of any "image" at all, until developed.

So what you are saying is neither about the sensor nor about the RAF file. You are speaking about the default settings of particular RAW development software.

And newer cameras seem to have a different demosiacing

Actually we have no clue about which exact algorithm and and at what exact settings does Fuji use in their in-camera firmware.

and sharpening algorithm

Fuji doesn't sharpen RAFs (unlike SONY).

PS - check the Camera JPG Portrait Shootout link in my sig - I've compared numerous cameras and the original X-Trans wins hands down for skin tones, at least in SOOC camera JPGs. Both in studio lighting and natural lighting tests.

Wow. This is quite interesting observation. Thanks for pointing this out. Maybe someday I'll chase some X-Trans 1 camera for the price of a beer and look at it deeper.

PPS - I still shoot with all of the above cameras and for turning over video or finished files to clients where autofocus is a factor - the newer Fuji cameras win out. But for my personal shooting - it's the original X-Trans all the way.