X2D II 100C is in

[JimKasson]

Hi,

The last two bits from the 100 MP sensor are what isn't worth a quarter.

I agree with that.

My point was that the sensor operating in 16-bit mode provides the last two bits.

People who tout the 16-bit advantage are wondering why Sony would offer 16-bit sensor readouts if there is no advantage to it, and why camera manufacturers make such a big fuss about it if it is mainly marketing.

I would love to hear Sony, Hasselblad, and Fuji engineers share their views on 16-bit.

Many people shooting with 16-bit believe that their files have better tonality, better graduation, and better color fidelity. No, they never provide a controlled test; their opinion is all based on "experience."

Black point subtraction appears to be more accurate.

On IQ4 150, I have observed that deep shadow recovery of a frame-averaged shot is better with 16 than with 14 bits. Similarly, with m43 Olympus high-resolution shots,

Are you talking about the precision of each capture or the precision of the averaged file?

14 bits yield better shadow recovery than 12 bits. Computational photography can benefit from a larger bit size.

You don’t really mean larger bit size, do you?

 

[SrMi]

Hi,

The last two bits from the 100 MP sensor are what isn't worth a quarter.

I agree with that.

My point was that the sensor operating in 16-bit mode provides the last two bits.

People who tout the 16-bit advantage are wondering why Sony would offer 16-bit sensor readouts if there is no advantage to it, and why camera manufacturers make such a big fuss about it if it is mainly marketing.

I would love to hear Sony, Hasselblad, and Fuji engineers share their views on 16-bit.

Many people shooting with 16-bit believe that their files have better tonality, better graduation, and better color fidelity. No, they never provide a controlled test; their opinion is all based on "experience."

Black point subtraction appears to be more accurate.

On IQ4 150, I have observed that deep shadow recovery of a frame-averaged shot is better with 16 than with 14 bits. Similarly, with m43 Olympus high-resolution shots,

Are you talking about the precision of each capture or the precision of the averaged file?

They are tied.

14 bits yield better shadow recovery than 12 bits. Computational photography can benefit from a larger bit size.

You don’t really mean larger bit size, do you?

Right , I meant number of bits.

--
https://blog.kasson.com

 

[JimKasson]

Hi,

The last two bits from the 100 MP sensor are what isn't worth a quarter.

I agree with that.

My point was that the sensor operating in 16-bit mode provides the last two bits.

People who tout the 16-bit advantage are wondering why Sony would offer 16-bit sensor readouts if there is no advantage to it, and why camera manufacturers make such a big fuss about it if it is mainly marketing.

I would love to hear Sony, Hasselblad, and Fuji engineers share their views on 16-bit.

Many people shooting with 16-bit believe that their files have better tonality, better graduation, and better color fidelity. No, they never provide a controlled test; their opinion is all based on "experience."

Black point subtraction appears to be more accurate.

On IQ4 150, I have observed that deep shadow recovery of a frame-averaged shot is better with 16 than with 14 bits. Similarly, with m43 Olympus high-resolution shots,

Are you talking about the precision of each capture or the precision of the averaged file?

They are tied.

That is a weird engineering decision.

14 bits yield better shadow recovery than 12 bits. Computational photography can benefit from a larger bit size.

You don’t really mean larger bit size, do you?

Right , I meant number of bits.

 

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi

I think that is why Fuji chose to do that on ISO 80.

Stan

 

[SrMi]

The camera has an option to change the Auto-ISO's shutter speed limit via a button. AFAIK, none of the other cameras have that, and I always wish they had it. The only reason I ran M mode with Auto ISO was that I couldn't change the shutter speed limit quickly when shooting in A mode.

Of course, full manual mode gives me the most control, but it can take more time than running in aperture priority mode with Auto ISO.

 

[Rodrigue Zahr]

The most impressive feature of this camera in my opinion is the implementation of Lidar. It allows the camera to lock on subject in complete darkness, this is huge for studio work. The lidar also allow the camera to lock focus, in darkness on plane non contrasty surfaces such as a wall or a backdrop!

the only missing feature that may bother a studio shooter is the lack of live view simulation, but that can maybe be added through a firmware update.

 

[Gandolphi]

Well done. Hasselblad receives a lot of criticism but they, as a company, are the only camera company aiming to satisfy stills photographers. How does it feel in the hand?

Picked up my X2D II 100C at Camera West.

First order of business is to update the firmware of the camera and lenses. Be patient when updating the camera's firmware. The screen may go blank for a moment, but the update is still in progress. Wait for a message indicating that the update has been completed.

First observations:

- AF-C works very well and is fast

- No lens rotational play

- Easier to open the card door

- LCD screen tilts more out, so that the EVF does not block the view when tilted.

- Great joystick, and generally the usual excellent haptics.

- Adobe already supports the camera.

- Phocus 4.0 supports the camera and the new zoom (available mid-September?)

Seems like a good update.

 

[Crispy_Bee]

Even at the danger of sounding like a grumbler or negative Nancy - the fact that Hasselblad still clings to tilt up/down screens only is absurd and a bit embarrassing.

Every flagship model of every big manufacturer aimed at the pro market with a hefty pricetag has a (fully) articulated LCDs, allowing low angle vertical shots without crawling on the floor or studio portraits from a pleasant ergonomic position.

Maybe HB doesn't know that their sensors aren't square? Should we tell them?

 

[Lukacs85]

Even at the danger of sounding like a grumbler or negative Nancy - the fact that Hasselblad still clings to tilt up/down screens only is absurd and a bit embarrassing.

Every flagship model of every big manufacturer aimed at the pro market with a hefty pricetag has a (fully) articulated LCDs, allowing low angle vertical shots without crawling on the floor or studio portraits from a pleasant ergonomic position.

Maybe HB doesn't know that their sensors aren't square? Should we tell them?

I prefer 100% tilting screen over articulating, especially at 4:3 format. Fuji's 2 axis tiling screen maybe the best for a still camera, but quite bulky compared to one axis. An articulating screen for a waist level shooter is a nightmare.

 

[BostonBoy]

Picked up my X2D II 100C at Camera West.

First order of business is to update the firmware of the camera and lenses. Be patient when updating the camera's firmware. The screen may go blank for a moment, but the update is still in progress. Wait for a message indicating that the update has been completed.

First observations:

- AF-C works very well and is fast

- No lens rotational play

- Easier to open the card door

- LCD screen tilts more out, so that the EVF does not block the view when tilted.

- Great joystick, and generally the usual excellent haptics.

- Adobe already supports the camera.

- Phocus 4.0 supports the camera and the new zoom (available mid-September?)

Seems like a good update.

Congratulations on your new Camera SrMi!

I read and watched the Videos, and broke down. I ordered the camera with my local dealer.

Looks like I'm a day late to the party though - it will be a few weeks before it comes in (DE).

I've been on the fence on the LiDAR, but it looks like there is a range (of needed) changes.

For now I skipped the new zoom lens to keep costs at bay, but I did upgrade my V-Lenses.

Looking forward to my own camera tests in a few weeks.

If the HDR depth map extension for the JPEG format is as good as the Sigma BF's, it should make for a quick first preview workflow in the field. I did update Phocus Mobile 2 this morning to V3.3, too.

Have fun pushing your (test) envelope!

 

[Crispy_Bee]

Even at the danger of sounding like a grumbler or negative Nancy - the fact that Hasselblad still clings to tilt up/down screens only is absurd and a bit embarrassing.

Every flagship model of every big manufacturer aimed at the pro market with a hefty pricetag has a (fully) articulated LCDs, allowing low angle vertical shots without crawling on the floor or studio portraits from a pleasant ergonomic position.

Maybe HB doesn't know that their sensors aren't square? Should we tell them?

I prefer 100% tilting screen over articulating, especially at 4:3 format. Fuji's 2 axis tiling screen maybe the best for a still camera, but quite bulky compared to one axis. An articulating screen for a waist level shooter is a nightmare.

Sure, a fully articulated screen isn't absolutely necessary - but at least 2 axis tilting like in the Fuji or Nikon cameras should have been added. There's absolutely no downside to having it, even if a small percentage of users don't need it on a regular basis. And it adds no (!) bulk. None at all. Even the fully articulated screen like the one on the Sony A7RV is just as thick/thin as the 2-axis on the GFX 50S or the 1-axis on the Nikon Z7.

 

[Lukacs85]

Sure, a fully articulated screen isn't absolutely necessary - but at least 2 axis tilting like in the Fuji or Nikon cameras should have been added. There's absolutely no downside to having it, even if a small percentage of users don't need it on a regular basis. And it adds no (!) bulk. None at all. Even the fully articulated screen like the one on the Sony A7RV is just as thick/thin as the 2-axis on the GFX 50S or the 1-axis on the Nikon Z7.

I actually hated A7RV thick sandwich screen since I've never used articulating mode. It was quite difficult to tilt compared A7RIV, the tilting hinge had more tension than articulating, every time I wanted to pull the screen with my finger it wanted to articulate instead of tilt, so I have to stick my fingernail to the whole panel to pull it in tilting orientation.

 

[Manzur Fahim]

Picked up my X2D II 100C at Camera West.

First order of business is to update the firmware of the camera and lenses. Be patient when updating the camera's firmware. The screen may go blank for a moment, but the update is still in progress. Wait for a message indicating that the update has been completed.

First observations:

- AF-C works very well and is fast

- No lens rotational play

- Easier to open the card door

- LCD screen tilts more out, so that the EVF does not block the view when tilted.

- Great joystick, and generally the usual excellent haptics.

- Adobe already supports the camera.

- Phocus 4.0 supports the camera and the new zoom (available mid-September?)

Seems like a good update.

Congratulations! Can't wait to see some photos from it.

--
IG: https://www.instagram.com/manzurfahim/
website: https://www.manzurfahim.com

 

[Crispy_Bee]

Sure, a fully articulated screen isn't absolutely necessary - but at least 2 axis tilting like in the Fuji or Nikon cameras should have been added. There's absolutely no downside to having it, even if a small percentage of users don't need it on a regular basis. And it adds no (!) bulk. None at all. Even the fully articulated screen like the one on the Sony A7RV is just as thick/thin as the 2-axis on the GFX 50S or the 1-axis on the Nikon Z7.

I actually hated A7RV thick sandwich screen since I've never used articulating mode. It was quite difficult to tilt compared A7RIV, the tilting hinge had more tension than articulating, every time I wanted to pull the screen with my finger it wanted to articulate instead of tilt, so I have to stick my fingernail to the whole panel to pull it in tilting orientation.

I own the A7RV and I absolutely disagree, it's super easy to work with. The Nikon Z8 is far more difficult and the lack of 2 axis tilt on the Z7 make is a pain in the butt in many occasions.

I think the Fuji implementation is the best buck a lack of 2 axis articulation can't be sugarcoated. Very few people never need it but the vast majority does need it - and for the price-tag it should not be a debate.

 

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

How about no screen at all on a $30k Pro Model?

Welcome to the Kodak DCS 460.

It is all relative.

Stan

 

[Crispy_Bee]

Hi,

How about no screen at all on a $30k Pro Model?

Welcome to the Kodak DCS 460.

It is all relative.

Stan

Not really.

I'm pretty sure It's not 1995 anymore...

 

[SrMi]

The most impressive feature of this camera in my opinion is the implementation of Lidar. It allows the camera to lock on subject in complete darkness, this is huge for studio work. The lidar also allow the camera to lock focus, in darkness on plane non contrasty surfaces such as a wall or a backdrop!

the only missing feature that may bother a studio shooter is the lack of live view simulation, but that can maybe be added through a firmware update.

Yes, LIDAR works well when the subject is very dark, e.g., when shooting contra luce, a complaint Jim had with the Mark I version.

In very dark rooms, X2D II can reliably grab focus, while GFX 100 II (and probably all other cameras) cannot.

 

[SrMi]

Picked up my X2D II 100C at Camera West.

First order of business is to update the firmware of the camera and lenses. Be patient when updating the camera's firmware. The screen may go blank for a moment, but the update is still in progress. Wait for a message indicating that the update has been completed.

First observations:

- AF-C works very well and is fast

- No lens rotational play

- Easier to open the card door

- LCD screen tilts more out, so that the EVF does not block the view when tilted.

- Great joystick, and generally the usual excellent haptics.

- Adobe already supports the camera.

- Phocus 4.0 supports the camera and the new zoom (available mid-September?)

Seems like a good update.

Congratulations on your new Camera SrMi!

I read and watched the Videos, and broke down. I ordered the camera with my local dealer.

Looks like I'm a day late to the party though - it will be a few weeks before it comes in (DE).

I've been on the fence on the LiDAR, but it looks like there is a range (of needed) changes.

For now I skipped the new zoom lens to keep costs at bay, but I did upgrade my V-Lenses.

Looking forward to my own camera tests in a few weeks.

If the HDR depth map extension for the JPEG format is as good as the Sigma BF's, it should make for a quick first preview workflow in the field. I did update Phocus Mobile 2 this morning to V3.3, too.

Have fun pushing your (test) envelope!

There are several minor improvements in how the camera handles compared to the Mark I.

HDR works nicely, though I am still studying how it affects raw files. The idea is that when shooting in HDR mode, one will also edit the raw in HDR mode. HDR mode features a special metering mode that may produce different metering results compared to non-HDR mode, and the BaselineExposure value may change accordingly in HDR mode.

 

[SrMi]

New with Mark II is that the rear LCD now also tilts down, and not only up.

 

[SeeingSomeThingsMissingMany]

On IQ4 150, I have observed that deep shadow recovery of a frame-averaged shot is better with 16 than with 14 bits. Similarly, with m43 Olympus high-resolution shots, 14 bits yield better shadow recovery than 12 bits. Computational photography can benefit from a larger bit size.

️ SrMi handy info as I'm considering picking up Oly E-M1x.