As promised by Fujifilm few days ago, Fuji issued a statement about the white disc problem of fuji x10 and X-S1, according to the statement Fujifilm is developing new sensor to resolve the problem, that can also affect the X-S1 Super Zoom camera (XS-1 uses same X10 sensor), It encourages X10 and X-S1 owners experiencing ‘the white disc phenomenon’ to contact their local Fujifilm service center.
Press Release
The FUJIFILM X10 and X-S1 digital cameras were made available by Fujifilm late last year, and have been generally very well received by customers, who admire the excellent picture quality, manual zoom lens and viewfinder.
However, we did receive some inquiries concerning the so-called ‘white disc’ or ‘blooming’ occurrence, where exceptional highlights in the picture can appear as strongly delineated rounded shapes. This ‘blooming’ effect can occur with all digital cameras which use CMOS sensors, to varying degrees. It can also occur with the X10 and X-S1 when shooting in certain conditions, e.g. cars with front lights shining in dark night scene. The X10 and X-S1 are fitted with a very advanced sensor, which gives excellent picture quality and low noise, but which does give a different ‘blooming’ effect from other cameras.
Fujifilm has a long-standing history of delivering top quality products to the market. In response to our customers’ comments, we have worked hard to find an improvement to reduce the ‘blooming’ effect of the X10 and X-S1. Below are the actions we have undertaken.
In February, we announced a firmware upgrade for the X10 (version 1.03) which does reduce the white disc occurrence specifically in EXR mode. It works by identifying scenes that are likely to get ‘white disc’ blooming. When the camera recognizes such a scene, it automatically increases the ISO and optimizes DR (dynamic range). As the ISO increases, the white discs are less evident. * New firmware for the X-S1 will be available from March 21, 2012.
We will also develop a modified sensor, which will more universally resolve the ‘white disc’ blooming effect in all modes. We are working hard to make this new sensor available from late May 2012.
We encourage any customer with an X10 and X-S1 who has experienced the ‘white disc’ phenomenon to call their local authorized Fujifilm service centre.
Fujifilm is committed to delivering the highest quality products to the photographic community, and is happy to provide this improvement.
The last firmware update to resolve the White orbs problem of the Fujifilm failed(see more details here), According to DP Review, Fuji will soon provide a solution for customers experiencing Fujifilm X10 white orb problem, Fujifilm said that they are aware of customer concerns and will be making a full statement on March 12th.
Few days ago Fuji released the 1.03 firmware update to reduce the white disc problem of fuji X10, dcresource.com just published the before and after images of fujifilm X10,
the white dic problem is not reduced and the images are exactly the same as before.
From DC-Resource
The results: exactly the same as before.
The firmware upgrade did not reduce the problem
The problem is not limited to EXR mode, as the firmware upgrade notes state
Shooting RAW does not reduce the blooming
I’m starting to think that this is a hardware issue that cannot be easily fixed
Fujifilm issued a firmware update for prcompact X10, firmware update Ver.1.03 promises to reduce the white blooming effect that users have complained, the update also improves the overall performance of the camera, read more details below
The firmware update Ver.1.03 incorporates the following issues:
1.New function for “RAW” button can be applied by customer’s preference
By holding down RAW button for approx. 2 second or more, RAW button can be applied into new function similar to “Fn” button setting.
2.Each value set on ISO sensitivity and Dynamic range can be maintained even if aperture setting mode (P / A / S / M) is changed.
3.Face detection function is upgraded to keep tracking face by means of face-tracking AF function. As this function is activated even in movie recording mode, AF on detected face in the movie becomes more effective.
4.Blooming (White disk) phenomena, which can be observed in EXR AUTO mode, is reduced.
5.Compatibility on Mac OS 10.7
When the camera is connected to Mac PC on Mac OS 10.7, the camera is effectively recognized. Additionally, compatibility on RAW FILE CONVERTER EX with Mac OS 10.7 has been confirmed.
6.AF confirmation sound was controlled on “SHUTTER VOLUME” in the SET-UP menu. By this update, this sound is controlled on “OPERATION VOL.” in the SET-UP menu, just similar to another functions.
7.The image area with high brightness might be recorded as “black-out” area, just in case of dedicated shooting condition, This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.
8.When the flash is used under macro shooting condition, light-reflected area was shown in greenish. This unpleasant phenomenon is improved.
Fujifilm X Pro 1 PDF manual is now available for download, according to owners manual you have a bit limited control over the Movie mode of Fujifilm X-Pro1
You Can:
Select the macro mode
Adjust the white balance
Continuous AF, as well as manual focus is available
Select the type of film
Activate the grid
Use the electronic level, as well as the histogram
Exposure compensation
You can not :
Select the ISO
Select metering mode
Change the parameters of speed and aperture while shooting
A total of 24 Fuji X-Pro 1 videos are now available in You tube by Fujiguys, See all the 24 videos here, the first three videos are bit old and the rest of them are new.
Fujifilm X Pro 1 is available in japan from Feb 18th of 2012, the Pricing is still open, but right now Japanese retailers ask 150,000 yen (approx $1,929 or 1,464 EUR) for the body and the 35mm f/1.4 lens will cost you approx 54,800 yen (approx $705).
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