Get Creative With The Fujifilm Mirrorless X-Series

While doing research on what type of mirrorless camera I wanted to get, I came across the Fujifilm X Series cameras. At the time, I didn’t want to jump in too heavily and decided on the Fuji X- M1. I wanted something that was small, lightweight and most of all, I wanted a camera & lens system that was capable of producing professional images.

I pre-ordered my Fuji X-M1 from B&H Photo. I also decided for an additional $100, I would order the Silver XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Lens as a kit.

Since I ordered the Brown model because it had a nice retro look to it that reminded me of the amazing photography days of yesteryear, it took a little longer to arrive. When it finally did, I couldn’t wait to test it out. And the more I started to use it, the more I really began to like this camera.

Since I ordered it with the kit lens, I didn’t realize how good this lens would be until I began to shoot with it. I was amazed at not only the sharpness of this lens, but the ability of getting really nicely exposed images. And, the color that came right out of the camera was amazing as well.

The X-M1 has since been discontinued, but available at good prices on ebay or Amazon, https://amzn.to/2SaoYwf

Currently the X-A5 is the newest upgraded model that is similar to the X-M1. There are a lot more features in the X-A5 such as, TiltableTouch Screen,
Smart Phone Remote Control, Timeslapse Recording, Higher Max ISO, Better Battery Life, Microphone Port, Higher LCD Screen Resolution, Selfie Friendly LCD, Higher Video Resolution, External Microphone Port, plus better resolution at 24 MP, even though 16MP may be enough for the average shooter.

As far as the specs go, the X-M1 has the same sensor as the Fuji X Pro1 & Fuji X-E1 which is a 23.6mm x 15.6mm(APS-C)X-Trans CMOS sensor with primary color filter. The X-M1 also lacks an anti-alias filter, which lets the sensor capture unfiltered light from the lens, achieving an unprecedented level of resolution.

Both the X-A5 & X-M1 have a nice selection of Film Simulation modes such as PROVIA (STANDARD) / Velvia (VIVID) / ASTIA (SOFT) / MONOCHROME / SEPIA.

One of my favorite features of the X-series is the Advanced filter system. Here, Fuji offers a choice of artistic effects, Advanced Filters such as Toy Camera / Miniature / Pop color / High-key / Low-key / Dynamic tone / Soft focus / Partial color (Red / Orange / Yellow / Green / Blue / Purple). The X-A5 has Cross Screen and Fog Removal filters also.

Two of my favorites are the Pop Filter, which emphasizes contrast and color saturation and the Dynamic Tone filter, which creates a fantasy effect by a dynamically-modulated tonal reproduction. These are the same Advanced Filters found in the more expensive pro line of the Fujifilm X-T1 and the X-E2.

Dynamic Tone Advanced Filter Used

All the Fujifilm X series models have capability of producing excellent images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another feature I really like about the X-M1 is the tilt screen. I Use this quite often when doing Landscape and Sport photography. The only thing I miss on this camera is the viewfinder, should I want to use it such as on bright sunny days. But, then again, I have the choice of moving up to some of the other X series models that I really like such as the X-T1, X-E2, X-E1 and a few others.

You may be thinking, are the filter effects really useful in helping to create beautiful and professional images? I believe these filters not only have a useful purpose in creating these images, but can also save you much time when using post processing to creating similar effects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good example would be if you were doing nature or landscape photography and you wanted to get a little more color saturation, then the pop filter may be very useful in giving you such results. The Pop filter gives you just a slight touch of increased color saturation. If you want even more color saturation and contrast, then the Dynamic Tone filter can help you create your work of art.

Whether you use these filters or not, they are within easy reach. Even without these filters, the Fujifilm X series cameras deserve a look. The more I use my X-M1, the more I appreciate the fine quality of the images and enjoy getting such results in a small, light package.