craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

This post is aimed at users of the latest Fuji X cameras ....... and a growing number here seem to be falling into our merry band, it seems.

I am but a hobbyist/enthusiast and most pros here will have forgotten more than I know about photography, but I'm having my fun my way and don't intend to get into any make or model bunfights. I moved away totally from full frame Nikon to Fuji X some three years ago, but have been using the X Series since 2013 and now use an X-T2 ....... but would love the improvements (for what I do) of the X-T3.

I started using the "stand alone" version of Lightroom back in 2012 and meandered my way through to version 5.7 quite happily ....... and I have no need for the catalogue, just the editing. Two years ago I bought the X-Pro2 and discovered that my version of LR wouldn't recognise the raw files. I quick Google search told me that I'd have to buy LR v6 or download Adobe DNG converter and add an extra step to my processing ....... messy and a more time consuming, but that's the way I went.

There's been a lot of discussion on UHH about "alternatives to LR" especially from those who had older versions and couldn't buy the "stand alone" version any longer, or even didn't want to go the subscription route.

Capture One has popped up regularly as one such alternative. It's good and you can buy it "stand alone", but heck, it costs an arm an' a leg ! I wavered for a long time.

Imagine my disappointment when I saw a "free (or very cheap)" version being offered to Sony buyers !

But hey, prayers have been answered and into the laps of us Fuji users (well, late-model users !) falls "Capture One Fujifilm Express" ........ kinda downsized version of the full monty, but it's FREE ....... currently, and may fit the bill for many of us who don't need to make a living from our hobby.

If you're interested, but not a current Capture One customer/member, you'll need to register first and join the club. You can do that here .......

https://www.phaseone.com/en/Profile/Login.aspx?CT=MyPages&rurl=%2fen%2fMy-Pages.aspx

Then find your way to the Capture One Fujifilm Express tab and follow the download steps and you'll download the "full Monty". On first opening up the programme you need to drop down to the "Other Options" box to make sure you're getting the Fuji programme. Be carefull ...... hit the wrong box (ie full Capture One Pro v11) and you'll be into a "30 day trial" of it and a big surprise a month later !

Some knowledge of LR will help you find your feet, but there are good short tutorial if you just keep your eyes peeled. And be sure to check if your camera is compatible.

But hey, I've worked through it just this afternoon, managed to cut out the Adobe DNG converter step (Capture One recognises Fuji Raw) and even managed to process a few pics ........ taken with X-T2 and my 56mm lens.

I'm no pro ...... don't want to be ...... but I'm happy with what I've produced. Maybe you Fuji users out there will too ......

(Download)


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(Download)

le boecere

I always like seeing you post, Craggy ~ especially when you use terms like "bunfights" (I had to look that one up, as my English ancestors left it out of my education)

Regarding your remark; "but would love the improvements (for what I do) of the X-T3." ~ I've read that much of the X-T3 "improvements" are for videographers, rather than "stills" shooters. Is that the X-T3's attraction for you?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Thanks, Geoff!
Downloading as I type!

le boecere

So, you're thinkin' this software will work with our X-E2 files, Jim?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

It's on the list I saw.

Or a good excuse to get a new Fuji....Medium format?
I'll ask my wife for forgiveness rather than permission.
(I have several zero degree sleeping bags in case it doesn't work)

le boecere

THANK YOU!

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Ha, ha, smilin' with you as ever ! We might be small in geographic size, so we just have to highlight our differences through language choice and usage !

Notwithstanding the gigantic leap you mention in video capability in the T3 (skills on my bucket list and yet to be attended to), there are indeed improvement in the "stills" side over the T2, namely ......

1. New sensor and processor, with consequent improvements in dynamics, IQ and speed.
2. Phase detect auto focus points increased (from 325 to 425) to now cover almost whole frame....... more precise AF.
3. Much improved continuous AF
4. Same for eye-detect AF
5. Base ISO reduced to 160.
6. All of which makes my "slower-to-focus" (but among Fuji's best in terms of IQ) lenses (23mm & 35mm f1.4's and 56mm f1.2) much quicker to focus ...... happy me in lower light !
7. Significant upgrade in what was already amongst "best-in-class" EVF.
8. 10% to 15% improved battery life from the same battery.

There are others, which, if you look to the right reviews, you can find, but which apply to me to a lesser degree.

People are different and must choose, or learn how to choose, their gear according to their own needs and circumstances, not those of thousands of UHH-types constantly singing "I've got this, therefore you should follow". Craziest way of thinking I ever heard ! Makes me just sit and smile from here in the UK !

Hope this helps. Stay well and have a good winter.

le boecere

Geoff, I'm sorry to see your post get relegated to the "Links" section, as I think there is much more information, here, than just a link ~ not to mention the interesting photos.

Apparently, whenever a link appears in the opening post, some great software overlord is programmed to move it. I've noticed that a couple of other "hoggers" put their link in a follow up to their opening comment, in hopes of avoiding what has happened to this one.

I hope you find a work-around for this kind of message, as I always enjoy your contributions.

_Van

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Thanks, Van, for this clarification, and yes, I believe I too have seen mentioned this action by the "software overlord".

I think I can re-word it to see if it "passes" the "eagle eye" !!