X-E1, a camera that improves your photography [ THE Photography Techniques ]

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1 Section 2 X-E1, a camera that improves your photography [ THE Photography Techniques ] Convenient operation buttons to remember Shooting mode Lens aperture Shutter speed Exposure compensation White balance (WB) ISO sensitivity Film simulation Built-in flash Types of interchangeable lenses Lens description / Wide angle lenses Lens description / Standard lenses Lens description / Telephoto lenses Lens description / Macro lens 47

2 Convenient operation buttons to remember 1 MENU Button Use the MENU screen to select or change the settings for camera setup, shooting and playback. Press the MENU button. 2 Q(Quick Menu) 3 Play Back About each focus mode Press the Q (Quick Menu) button to Manual easily select Focus or change a variety of shooting settings from the Q (Quick Choose Menu) screen. MF when You you can wish also check to focus manually. the current camera setting at a glance. Your macro shots of flowers might lose its impact unless it is focused accurately. In such a case, use MF to carefully adjust the focus. Rotate 3 the sub-command dial on the rear panel to adjust the focus while checking the image on the LCD monitor. Press the Q(Quick Menu) button. The MENU screen is displayed. Press the selector or to select the menu item you want. Press the selector or to make changes. Press the MENU button again to confirm the change. AF-S (Single Auto Focus) AF-S is suitable for casual snapshots and landscape photography. Press the shutter button halfway down to focus on a subject within the focus frame and keep it in focus. AF-C(Continuous AF) AF-C is suitable for shooting a moving subject. It continuously Press the DISP/BACK keeps a moving subject within the focus button frame or shutter in focus. button It has even managed to to resume shooting. keep a passing high-speed boat in focus. Press the Playback button to view your pictures in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. About each focus mode 5 4 Press the Playback button to view the last image you have checked Focus Switch Use the Focus Mode lever to choose how the camera focuses. Available focus modes are S (Single Autofocus), C (Continuous Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus). 5 DIPS/BACK Button Rotate the Command dial or press the selector or to view pictures before or after the current image. Press the selector or t o c h e c k detailed shooting information. Hold the DIPS/BACK button down to activate the Silent Mode. In the Silent Mode, the camera disables the flash and AF-assist illuminator and turns off the, operation sound and video playback sound. The self-timer lamp also becomes disabled. Hold the DISP/BACK button down again to resume 48

3 Shooting Mode [ Part 1 ] You can swiftly change the shooting mode without having the shooting rhythm disrupted. X-E1 does not have a Shooting Mode dial for changing the shooting mode. The shooting mode is swiftly changed with the combination of the Shutter Speed setting and the Aperture setting. X-E1 allows you to change the shooting mode instantaneously while holding the camera in the shooting position, so that you can concentrate on finding photo opportunities without having the shooting rhythm disrupted. Shutter Speed Aperture You can switch the shooting mode swiftly. Shutter Speed Dial [Set A (AUTO)] [Set A (AUTO)] [Program AE] Camera sets the shutter speed automatically. Camera sets the shutter speed automatically. The camera sets the shutter speed and the aperture value automatically. [Set A (AUTO)] Camera sets the aperture value automatically. Set to [Aperture] You can shoot at the selected aperture value. [Aperture Priority] Based on the selected aperture value, the camera sets the shutter speed automatically. Set to [Specific Shutter Speed] You can shoot at the selected shutter speed. [Set A (AUTO)] Camera sets the shutter speed automatically. [Shutter Speed Priority] Based on the selected shutter speed, the camera sets the aperture value automatically. Set to [Aperture] You can shoot at the selected aperture value. Set to [Aperture] You can shoot at the selected aperture value. [Manual] You can shoot at the shutter speed and aperture value of your choice. 49

4 Shooting Mode [ Part 2 ] You can quickly learn the basics of photographic expressions since the camera does not determine everything. X-E1 inherits ultimate image quality and shooting-oriented operability from the professional-use X-Pro1. Since you don't need to go to the menu screen to set the shutter speed and aperture, your photographic intentions can be smoothly reflected. X-E1 makes it easy for you to learn the concept of exposure and the use of aperture value and shutter speed for specific photographic expressions. Explore these settings with X-E1 to gain fast-track improvement for your photography. Program The camera automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed. You can also change the combination of aperture and shutter speed while maintaining the same exposure. This is a convenient shooting mode for taking snapshots. Aperture Priority Based on the selected aperture value, the camera sets the shutter speed automatically. This is a convenient shooting mode for controlling bokeh. Shutter Speed Priority Based on the selected shutter speed, the camera sets the aperture value automatically. This is a convenient shooting mode for freezing the action or blurring it intentionally for dynamic effect. Manual You can choose both the aperture value and the shutter speed. This is a shooting mode for advanced users. It is used when you want to keep the exposure level constant even after re-composing / re-framing, or when you are shooting fireworks. 50

5 Lens aperture [ Part 1 ] Aperture value Aperture ring Aperture controls the degree of bokeh. Opening up the aperture creates greater bokeh, and closing the aperture makes the image sharper. Creating large bokeh for a gentle finish. Smaller amount of bokeh for a sharp image Opening the aperture [The smaller the aperture value (f-stop value) is], the greater the bokeh becomes. Closing the aperture [The larger the aperture value (f-stop value) is], the greater the amount of areas in focus becomes. Wide open F1.4 Aperture F4 Aperture F11 XF lens The aperture value is also called the f-stop value. The aperture value you specify is shown in the viewfinder and LCD monitor as F5.6, F11, etc. The aperture is stopped down when the f-stop is increased, and opened up when the f-stop value goes lower. The foreground and the background are in bokeh. The amount of bokeh in the foreground and the background is slightly smaller. The image is described well both in the foreground and the background. The aperture not only controls exposure, but also has an important photographic role of controlling bokeh. Open up the aperture (use a smaller f-stop value) if you want the a soft and gentle look with greater bokeh. Stop it down (use a larger f-stop value) if you want sharpness across the frame. When the aperture is fully open (using the smallest f-stop value), it is referred to as being wide open. Lenses with a smaller f-stop value when wide open (faster lenses) can produce a greater amount of smooth bokeh. 51

6 Lens aperture [ Part 2 ] Aperture / F8 Aperture / F2.8 Stop down for a crisp and sharp image If you want sharpness across the entire frame from the foreground to the background, dial the aperture ring to increase the aperture value (f-stop value). Determine the level of aperture value to suit your image by checking the effect through the viewfinder or LCD monitor. Stopping down reduces the shutter speed, which could cause camera shake. If the shutter speed is to become slower than 1/60 sec, try increasing ISO sensitivity. When the aperture value is the same, the areas in sharp focus (depth of field) increases as the focal length of the lens becomes shorter. Open up the aperture to soften the background and isolate the main subject Bokeh plays a very important role in photographic expression. Dialing the aperture ring to a smaller aperture value (f-stop value) sends the background and foreground largely out of focus to create a gentle atmosphere and isolate the main subject at the same time. Opening up the aperture also increases the shutter speed. When outdoors in bright daylight, using the fastest shutter speed (1/4000 sec) could still overexpose an image. In such a case, lower the ISO sensitivity. When the aperture value is constant, the longer the focal length is, the greater the amount of bokeh becomes. 52

7 Shutter speed [ Part 1 ] A faster shutter speed allows you to capture a subject without motion blur. Using a slower shutter speed creates motion blur for a dynamic feel. Shutter speed dial Shutter speed Blurring expresses a sense of motion. Slowing down the shutter speed The subject is shown in greater blur when the [denominator of the shutter speed value is smaller]. Freezing the motion produces a sharp look. Increasing the shutter speed The subject s motion is frozen when the [denominator of the shutter speed value is larger]. 1/2 sec. The fountain water is motion-blurred as if it is strands of strings. 1/60 sec. The fountain water is blurred less. 1/2000 sec. The fountain water is captured like glass beads. Shutter speed is normally expressed as 1/2000 sec., 1/100 sec., etc. The selected shutter speed is shown in the viewfinder and LCD monitor in integer, such as 2000 and refers to 1/2000 sec., and 100 refers to 1/100 sec. The greater the number is, the faster the shutter speed becomes. A lower number represents a slower shutter speed. Shutter speed represents the duration of time the shutter is open. The camera s sensor starts to be exposed to light when the shutter opens, and stops the exposure to light when the shutter closes. When this duration is shorter (when the shutter speed is faster), the subject s motion becomes frozen. In contrast, when the duration is longer (when the shutter speed is slower), the subject is shown with motion blur. While you have to be careful about unintended motion blur, it is possible to introduce motion blur on purpose to express a dynamic feel, i.e. a sense of speed or flow of water. Shutter speed also plays an important role of controlling exposure. 53

8 Shutter speed [ Part 2 ] Using a slow shutter speed to blur taillights and capture light trails Taking the picture of cars driving past with slow shutter speed at night causes the taillights to blur to form light trails. The shown image was shot with a slow shutter speed at 8.5 seconds. In other words, the shutter stayed open for 8.5 seconds. Cars drove past at high speed during that time to form the trails of taillights. The technique can be used on ships traveling in a bay to add a visual accent to night shots. Remember to always use a tripod when you use a slow shutter speed like this. Shutter speed / 8.5 sec. 54

9 Exposure Compensation [ Part 1 ] Brighten an image with positive exposure compensation and darken it with negative exposure compensation. Exposure compensation value Exposure compensation dial Profound and elegant expression Negative exposure compensation darkens an image. Fresh and translucent expression Positive exposure compensation brightens an image. -1EV: Darker than how the scene appears to the naked eye ±0EV: Exposure value determined by the camera s AE function +1EV: Brighter than how the scene appears to the naked eye When you want to adjust exposure produced with the camera s AE (Auto Exposure), to brighten or darken an image, rotate the Exposure Compensation dial. Rotate it to the positive side to brighten the image, and to the negative site to darken it. You can see the exposure compensation value with the exposure compensation indicator in the viewfinder and LCD monitor. The greater the exposure compensation value is, the brighter / darker the image becomes. An image taken with and exposure value determined by the camera s AE (Auto Exposure) function might look exactly as you intended. However, you might feel that the image would look fresher and cuter if it is a little brighter, or more elegant and profound if it is darker. In such cases, rotate the exposure compensation dial to adjust the brightness of the image. Adjust the image to the brightness you want by checking the effect of exposure compensation on the viewfinder and LCD monitor. 55

10 Exposure Compensation No exposure compensation / ±0 Negative exposure compensation / -1.3EV Profound image with negative exposure compensation The exposure value that the camera gave (no exposure compensation) captured the scene exactly as it appeared, but lacked an impact. Negative exposure compensation settled the overall tonality to create a profound image. No exposure compensation / ±0 Positive exposure compensation / +1.0EV Fresh image with positive exposure compensation The exposure value that the camera provided (no exposure compensation) gave a perfectly adequate picture, but without photographic depth. Positive exposure compensation brightened the image for a translucent feel. 56

11 White Balance (WB) [ Part 1 ] AUTO Fine Shade Fluorescent 1 Fluorescent 2 Fluorescent 3 Incandescent Underwater [AUTO] or [FINE] is recommended for normal shooting [White Balance] is a function for automatically adjusting the color temperature according to the light source to ensure that the white color appears white. Rays of light has a color temperature specific to the type of its source. The color temperature is projected to items lit with the light, causing white items to appear in a different color in some cases. [White Balance] is the function for correcting such situations. [AUTO] or [FINE] is recommended for normal shooting. 57

12 White Balance (WB) [ Part 2 ] White Balance / Incandescent The [Incandescent] setting in White Balance is designed to correct the orange color cast from incandescent bulbs. Choosing this setting when under direct sunlight outdoors results in a blue tone like the image shown. Selecting various White Balance settings could lead to images with a strong impact. White Balance / AUTO The [AUTO] setting is recommended for White Balance in regular shooting. It reproduces accurate color temperature under lighting conditions with various light sources. The setting successfully captured the atmosphere of the scene in this image. Selecting a different White Balance setting on purpose for images with an impact [White Balance] is a function for correcting the effect of a light source's color temperature so as to avoid any color casts. You can take advantage of this function and choose a White Balance setting different from that for the actual color source to change the image's color temperature to create an impact. Select various White Balance settings while checking the effect through the electronic viewfinder or on the LCD monitor, in order to determine the setting that best suits your image. You can select a White Balance setting from the Menu screen or Q (Quick Menu) screen. 58

13 ISO sensitivity [ Part 1 ] Low ISO Normal ISO200 Extended ISO100 X-E1 offers the sensitivity range from ISO100 to ISO25600 including extended ISO levels. Selecting this setting slows down the Selecting this setting increases the shutter shutter speed. In low light conditions, speed. Even in low light conditions, you can High sensitivity ISO watch out for camera shake. How use to set a fast sensitivity shutter speed. Extended ISO25600 Selecting a lower ISO setting Select reduces an ISO noise setting from Selecting the a MENU higher ISO screen setting or increases Q (Quick noise Menu) screen. At default settings, and creates a smoother press image. [Fn] to display the and ISO creates settings a grainy screen. image. Normal You can select the sensitivity setting from the range of ISO100 to ISO25600 including extended ISO6400 sensitivities. The normal range of sensitivity is from ISO200 to ISO6400. Extended ISO100 to take advantage of fast XF lens's smooth bokeh Even if you want to avoid stopping down a fast XF lens to produce bokeh for subject isolation, you might find that, in harsh direct sunlight, the image becomes over-exposed even at the fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. In such a case, choose ISO100 of extended sensitivity (L) to gain one stop, which might save you from having to stop down. ISO200 when you want to prioritize image quality Even in a scene that includes substantial brightness difference, this ISO setting reproduces details smoothly in both highlights and shadows. How to set sensitivity ISO800 for generic use in regular shooting With stable ISO performance Other ISO settings even at high sensitivity, X-E1 allows you to shoot at ISO800 and still obtain good image ISO AUTO quality. At ISO800, you can You don't have to worry too much about noise even at a high sensitivity shoot setting at a if shutter it falls speed within that the normal range of ISO200 ISO6400. For this reason, ISO sensitivity is 2 stops can faster be normally compared to left at AUTO (6400), which lets the camera automatically select the ISO200. optimum This ISO setting from has the broad range of ISO200 ISO6400. When you want to keep the ISO setting applications low to prioritize including image shooting quality or for other reasons, set to maximum sensitivity AUTO (400) or at AUTO sunset (800) or indoors. to cap the highest level of sensitivity. Extended sensitivity (H) High image quality ISO12800 and ISO25600 are available as extended ISO on the high even sensitivity at the side. ultra-high The higher the ISO value is, the greater the amount of noise in the image sensitivity becomes. of ISO6400 However, these settings could be very effective when, for example, you need to record Noise is an always academically a concern when crucial scene as a photographic image. shooting at a high sensitivity setting as ISO6400. However, X-E1 produces quality images even at this setting by controlling Extended sensitivity (L) noise. ISO100 is available as extended ISO on the low sensitivity side. On a beach under harsh The sensitivity is low when direct the ISO sunlight value is or small in other and high bright when daytime the ISO scenes, value the is large. optimum A low shutter ISO setting speed produces might fall high quality images with low noise, outside but slows the range down supported the shutter for speed, AE (1/4000 potentially sec. or causing faster). camera In such shake a case, in low select light extended conditions. A high ISO setting allows you sensitivity to use L a (100) fast shutter to bring speed, the shutter but produces speed lower. grainy This images sensitivity with increased setting is noise. also useful Choose when ISO according to your shooting conditions, you want to e.g. slow a down low ISO the setting shutter when speed you as prioritize much as image possible quality, to blur and the a subject's high ISO motion. setting when you want to avoid camera shake. 59

14 ISO sensitivity [ Part 2 ] Raise the ISO setting to capture a poorly-lit scene brightly and naturally. A high ISO setting is effective in a scene where the light from the built-in flash does not reach the subject. The image looks dark because the light from the flash did not reach the subject. The image looks bright even without the flash because of a higher ISO setting. The built-in flash is readily available and convenient, but its limited power means the light does not reach very far in a dark scene, producing a dark image. In such a case, select a high sensitivity setting such as ISO1600 or ISO3200. Taken at ISO200 with the built-in flash Taken at ISO3200 without the built-in flash When the subject is close to the camera, use a high ISO setting to achieve a natural result rather than firing the flash which tends to produce unnatural images. The flash cast harsh light on the flower. The subject is portrayed naturally despite the limited amount of light from the window. When the built-in flash is used in a relatively dark scene (e.g. indoors), if the subject is close to the camera, the resulting image might look unnatural with stronger contrast, for example. In such a situation, using a high sensitivity setting can produce a natural result. Taken at ISO200 with the built-in flash Taken at ISO

15 Film Simulation [ Part 1 ] Provia / Standard This setting is characterized with natural color reproduction, as seen by the naked eye. It is suitable for portrait, landscape, and various other scenes and subjects. Velvia / Vivid This setting is characterized with saturated colors and contrasting gradation. It is suitable for natural landscape, e.g. fresh green leaves and autumn leaves. Astia / Soft This setting is characterized with muted and smooth skin tone and gradation. It is suitable for outdoor portrait. You can select a Film Simulation setting from the Menu screen. PRO Neg.Hi PRO Neg.Std This mode simulates professional-use negative film. Pro Neg.Std captures fine details with rich tonality, whereas Pro Neg.Hi has slightly more contrast to add a greater punch when used under flat lighting or when outdoors. Sepia This setting is characterized with elegant and gentle tonality. It is perfect not only for snapshots but also for adding a unique touch to flower photography. Monochrome* This setting is characterized with rich gradation. It produces a natural finish just like a photo print from monochrome film. Film Simulation that even professional photographers find useful in achieving desired effects X-E1 offers a total of ten Film Simulation settings, i.e. 5 color settings, 4 monochrome settings and a Sepia setting. Film Simulation is not a function to incorporate a novel touch for fun, but is a function developed with dedication to true photographic expression by the photographic film manufacturer, Fujifilm. Just as professional photographers used to choose a film that suit individual scenes, this function allows users to select a desirable color characteristic. This is why it is a function that even professional photographers find useful. * The camera offers the regular Monochrome setting as well as its combination with three different color filters for diverse photographic expression. 61

16 Film Simulation (Color / Monochrome / Sepia) [ Part 2 ] Velvia / Vivid Clear blue sky with absolutely no clouds. [Velvia / Vivid] was used to capture this fresh scene in vibrant colors with a punch. ASTIA / Soft [Astia / Soft] was used to portray the soft pastel gradation of the flower in a natural and vibrant look. Monochrome (No filter) [Monochrome] was used to express the sense of wintry chill after snowfall in this scene with subdued colors. Sepia [Sepia] turns an elegant architecture like this into a lyrical image. It gives a quaint finish to not only architecture but also plants and flowers. 62

17 Built-in flash [ Part 1 ] Slide the Flash Pop-Up switch to raise the flash. *The flash does not fire when the camera is in the Silent Mode. Compact camera body featuring a convenient built-in flash X-E1 has a built-in flash on its compact body. The flash only fires when it is raised. In a back-lit or poorly-lit scene, the camera automatically adjusts flash output. Set the flash to the [Slow Synchro] mode to perfectly capture both people in the foreground and the nightscape background at the same time. Make sure to fix the camera to a tripod, as this mode is prone to camera shake. Shooting in the [Commander] mode Select the Commander mode to fire multiple offcamera speedlights. This picture was taken with the built-in flash lighting the subject from the front, and an off-camera speedlight firing from the top right side of the image, in order to add a sense of dimension to the flower and present the background in beautiful highlight. Shooting in the [Auto] mode This shot of a flower, watered with a watering can, was taken with the built-in flash and a tripod. The water beaded on the petals to create an image with a lasting impression. 63

18 Flash [ Part 2 ] Regular shooting beside a window Only using natural light through the window makes the strawberries look sunk in the bowl, losing contrast and casting dark shadows on the bowl that make the image look irritating. Fill flash beside a window The light from the built-in flash brings out the strawberries and the bowl clearly, while making the shadow appear lighter. Using flash in a bright scene for added contrast Flash can be useful to enhance your photography not only in low light but also in brightly-lit scenes. In strong light, there is minimal brightness difference between the main subject and surrounding subject matters, causing the image to look flat and lacking an impact. Using fill flash on the main subject gives the contrast the scene needs to look impressive. 64

19 Types of interchangeable lenses Broadening the range of photographic expression with more interchangeable lenses Single focal length lens Single focal length lenses present fewer design challenges, and therefore deliver excellent image performance in terms of high resolution, sharpness, and smooth and creamy bokeh. Single focal length lenses are powerful tools for creating outstanding images. With the compact size of XF lenses, you should not feel too strained about carrying multiple single focal length lenses. Zoom lens Zoom lenses are convenient because you can change the focal length by merely rotating the zoom ring. A zoom lens consists of a greater number of elements than single focal length lenses and is therefore more prone to aberration and distortion. However, they are optically and electronically corrected so that only a minor degree of such issues appear in produced images. Combine these lenses with single focal length lenses according to your usage. Macro lens A macro lens allows you to go closer to the subject than regular lenses do to produce close-up (macro) shots. This type of lenses can capture subjects like flowers in a soft and dreamy look. You can use a macro lens for both close-ups and regular shots. Adding this lens to your collection substantially expands your range of photographic expression. 65

20 Lens description [ Part 1 ] / Wide angle lenses Introduce a sense of perspective with a wide angle lens to create a dynamic Focuses in using a wide angle lens While a wide angle lens can capture a broad expanse of a scene, merely shooting wide would produce a flat image that leaves little impression. In order to take advantage of wide angle lenses' characteristic sense of perspective, it is important to go very close to the main subject. Position yourself so as to photograph the subject in the foreground large and background subject matters small to stress the sense of perspective. What are wide angle lenses? Wide angle lenses are lenses with a short focal length. Lenses with a focal length of 20mm 35mm (35mm equivalent) are generally referred to as wide angle lenses. They have a broader field of view (scope of area captured in the photo) and characteristically stress the sense of perspective. Among the XF lens lineup, XF14mm F2.8 R and XF18mm F2 R are wide angle lenses. 66

21 Lens description [ Part 2 ] / Standard lenses Natural description of a scene close to what the naked eyes see Focus on using a standard lens Standard lenses do not give as much sense of perspective as wide angle lenses, and are characterized with natural description of a scene. For this reason, simply taking a photo with this type of lens often produces an image that lacks impact. Try a different shooting position / angle, or go up close to the subject to introduce a twist. What are standard lenses? Standard lenses are lenses with a focal length of around 50mm (35mm equivalent). This type of lenses gives a field of view similar to that of the human eye, and therefore produces a natural image. Among the XF lens lineup, X35mm F1.4 R is a standard lens. 67

22 Lens description [ Part 3 ] / Telephoto lenses Zooming in on a nearby subject to blur the background Focuses in using a telephoto lens Telephoto lenses allow you to zoom in on a distant subject, and are also useful to capture a nearby subject while creating bokeh in the background. Introducing soft bokeh to the background is an effective way of isolating the main subject. Ensure that the background is uncluttered to achieve a beautiful and smooth bokeh. What are telephoto lenses? Telephoto lenses generally have a focal length of around 85mm and greater (35mm equivalent). Lenses with an extremely long focal length are sometimes referred to as ultra telephoto lens. Telephoto lenses allow you to zoom in on a distant subject. The longer the focal length is, the greater the amount of bokeh becomes. Among the XF lens lineup, XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS's 55mm end is telephoto. XF60mm F2.4 R Macro is also classified as a telephoto lens. 68

23 Lens description [ Part 4 ] / Macro lens Go up close with your subject and focus tight! Focuses in using a macro lens The important points in using a macro lens are to focus accurately and to produce a large amount of bokeh. Use large aperture to put the background out of focus. Macro shots lose their "sharp" look when the focus is even slightly inaccurate. The beauty of macro photography lies in the contrast between areas in accurate and sharp focus and areas of soft and creamy bokeh. What are macro lenses? Macro lenses have a larger magnification ratio and are designed for close-up (macro) shots to enlarge the subject. They are used to capture the center of a flower (pistils and stamens) or small section of insects such as butterflies and dragonflies. Among the XF lens lineup, XF60mm F2.4 R Macro is a macro lens. 69