by Anura Guruge
on July 15, 2023
Yes, I knew from the get-go that it wouldn’t be long before I would have to update the firmware. Was relieved that I didn’t have to do it as soon as I got the camera.
I did NOT receive any notifications, e.g., e-mail, from Fuji.
Just happened to see it, BY CHANCE, on YouTube last night. Hmmmm. Worth knowing. So, must make a point of checking for firmware on a regular basis.
Wasn’t really sure I needed the update, BUT it had to do with AUTOFOCUS (AF) & that is important to I. Not sure whether these AF refinements will play a big role given that I use a Tamron, rather than Fuji, lens as my main lens.
Fairly standard updating process using an SD card.
I was surprised/amused that CHECKING/UPDATING firmware is NOT a MENU options. That is not good. Needed to look it up. Involves holding down ‘BACK’ button while powering up camera. First & only thing about this camera that I do not like. Stupid. Should be a menu option.
Also the PROCESSING the update, on the camera (i.e., it getting installed), took longer than the (usual) 90-seconds it says on the online instructions. Would have been happier IF they said that it can ‘take some time’ rather than saying 90-seconds & having to wait 5-minutes. But, it is done, & all seems to be working. Happy, for now.
by Anura Guruge
on July 12, 2023
4 photos from my 1-week old Fuji X-S20 that convinced me that I did GOOD. V. Good. SMILE.
I am used to having buyer’s remorse with cameras but, atypically, NOT SO with my new Fuji X-S20. We have clicked. I like it. Just what I was hoping for. It meets my expectations. So, I am happy. I am cool.
Yep, the latest Sony, the a6700, has decent specs — though my X-S20 has BETTER image stabilization, & that is a key parameter for I because I shoot handheld, even at night.
I am the first to admit that any camera is obsolete spec-wise within 3 months. So, no surprise that the Sony, announced today, has better specs (other than when it comes to IBIS) than the X-S20 which was announced about 3 months ago.
I have, in the last 9 years, owned a BUNCH of Sonys, viz. a77 II, RX100 II, a6000, a7 II & a6500. But, I will NOT buy a Sony again. Sony & I, as I have discovered to MY COST, are not compatible. With cameras, even more so than underwear, it is a very personal, hard to rationalize choice.
I did a LOT of research before I decided on the X-S20. Prior to it being announced I was going to get the X-S10.
In the end, it doesn’t matter to I. I am sticking with my X-S20, & unlike in the past I do NOT plan to replace it within an year! SMILE.
by Anura Guruge
on July 5, 2023
Click images to ENLARGE.
Still getting to know this camera. This was 2nd day with it & I only took a dozen pictures on the first days. So, these are still very early images when it comes to my experience with this camera. I am sure I will do better with more use & practice. But, I don’t intend to use this camera much — definitely not every day.
by Anura Guruge
on July 5, 2023
Click images to ENLARGE.
Full, AWESOME reach of this lens.
18mm at left — 300mm at right
standing in the same place.
I bought the new 26MP, mirrorless APS-C ‘Fujifilm’ ‘X-S20’ for this ‘Tamron’ ’18-300mm’ lens!
In my old age, with all the experience I have had with cameras, I now, finally, know what works for I & what I want.
I like & NEED the range of superzooms — even more so than ever before because my ‘Google’ ‘Pixel‘ phones give me insane ZOOMING capabilities; e.g., 20x on my current ‘Pixel 7 Pro‘.
This Tamron will be on my X-S20 MOST of the time! That was the case 2019-2020 when I had its full-frame equivalent on my ‘Canon’ ‘EOS’.
The only downside to this lens is its size & weight — BUT for its reach, it does very well. However, this lens is a tad too heavy for comfort on a long, arduous hike. That will be the only time I will switch it out for a smaller, lighter lens.
I like Tamron lenses. This works for I — & that is all that matters.
by Anura Guruge
on July 5, 2023
Click images to ENLARGE.
Bokeh & Selective Focus. WOW.
I was getting fed up of people asking me what kind of camera I used. Plus, I wanted one for shooting events, especially concerts, with a superzoom.
I had been THINKING about it for 9 months or so! I am now too old to rush in.
To be honest I did have two other cameras, a ‘Panasonic ZS80’ & a ‘Panasonic ZS200’, BUT I NEVER USED them. Finally, about 6 months ago I sold them both ‘online’. Hence, the ‘REAL’ in the title. I didn’t consider the Panasonics real! They were toy cameras.
Yes, this, unlike my last REAL camera, a ‘Canon EOS RP‘, is NOT full-frame. But, I didn’t want full-frame!
My needs & preferences have changed DRASTICALLY.
My Google Pixel Phones, currently the Pixel 7 Pro, will continue to be MY MAIN ‘cameras’ as they have been for the last 3 years.
The Fuji is just for special occasions. I plan to go days, weeks & during the winter, MONTHS, without using it.
So, I am NOT going crazy. Got the kit lens + one SuperZoom. I will tell you about that later.
I will at most get 3 other CHEAP lenses — all PRIMES I think because I already have two zooms that cover a huge reach.
As with the last 4 cameras I bought (& 5 altogether) I bought the camera kit & superzoom lens from ‘Cardinal Camera‘ (rather than Amazon)! That says something as most of you know that I do 95% of my shopping on Amazon (given that I do own a fair amount of Amazon shares).
But, I LIKE CARDINAL CAMERA — ‘Kurt Seelig‘ (the owner) & ‘Scott Lui‘, Kurt’s main man. Scott, who I have dealt with before, takes good care of I. I am happy. More on Cardinal Camera in future posts.
