Fujifilm X-T30 II and X-T3 WW Lightly Update Previous Models

Fujifilm has announced that it will be releasing two new versions of the X-T30 and the X-T3. X-T30 II features a few small updates while the X-T3 WW will not ship with an included charger. Both will be available for cheaper than their predecessors.

The original Fujifilm X-T3 launched in 2018 and features a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor backed by an X-Processor 4 image processor. That processor allows the camera to work three times faster than the previous X Series cameras and allowed it to shoot at up to 11 frames per second.

The X-T30 launched a year later in 2019 and was the successor to the X-T20. It features a 26.1-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and the X-Processor 4 Quad-Core CPU. The camera can shoot 30 frames per second at 1.25x crop and 20 frames per second without a crop with the electronic shutter, or 8 frames per second with the mechanical shutter.

Fujifilm says that the updates to the X-T3 WW (WW appears to stand for worldwide) were designed to create new ways to meet Fujifilm customers' needs more efficiently and sustainably. To that end, in order to streamline and consolidate its production for its global consumer base, the company will be launching the X-T3 WW without a battery charger.

There will be no other changes made to the camera. By not including a charger, Fujifilm is able to make a single product that serves the entire global market which reduces its production and administration costs. In addition to those savings, the fact that the charging brick isn't in the box helps reduce the cost of the X-T3 WW from it's current $1,200 to a slightly more affordable $1,100. The body with XF18-55mm lens kit will be priced at $1,500. The X-T3 WW body and kit will be available in a black colorway only.

The X-T30 II is more of a successor to the original than the X-T3 WW is, and features a few updates that improve performance. The camera features improved LCD resolution, -7EV autofocus, and an increase to 240 frames per second video shooting. The X-T30 II will be available in both body only and body with XF18-55mm and XC15-45 lens kit options in black and silver colorways.

The X-T30 II body-only will be available for $100 less than the original model retailed for at $900. The body with the XF18-55mm lens kit will be $1,300 and the body with tje XC15-45mm lens kit will have cost $1,000.

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Hasselblad Explains the Detailed Testing Phases of X System Cameras

Hasselblad has released the third episode in its "Hasselblad Home" series where the company provides an intimate look into the "core of Hasselblad" and the thoughts and processes involved in the development and manufacturing of its medium format cameras.

Made at their headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, the X-system cameras are put through a precise production schedule in addition to rigorous testing and sensor calibration processes with each production technician following a specific training procedure that can vary from one hour to several days depending on the task in the assembly line. Many of these technicians have refined their skills working on these systems at Hasselblad for over 30 years.

The company says that many of the minuscule components require the utmost concentration while assembling to ensure there are absolutely zero flaws, additionally, some parts require a "human touch" to achieve the results it looks for.

The X-System production is divided into five stages. In the first stage, parts are checked for cosmetic issues before being registered with serial numbers in the system allowing the team to trace the parts as they move through every step of the process from assembly to final delivery. Next, the cameras are programmed and fully assembled and have the latest available firmware loaded into the system.

The third step involves testing and calibrating each sensor unit, which is done separately from the camera body in a calibration station. Hasselblad says that over 700 images are taken with various settings where specialized software calculates compensation parameters and provides a calibration file specific to that individual sensor. Then the sensor is cleaned using a special wipe and mix of ethyl and isopropanol, and then the digital unit tests where the focus, noise, power, are tested and adjusted.

The final step is the photo quality phase, where images are taken in a studio environment testing against color charts for tonal accuracy, issues with flare, and color accuracy.

After the images are automatically analyzed, they are checked manually for any irregularities the previously run automated tests might have missed. These would be previously unknown issues the system hasn't already been programmed to check for. Once all of this is complete and the cameras have passed their relevant tests, the country and wifi settings are programmed and final cleaning of the camera is done. Then these medium format cameras are packaged and shipped to vendors and creatives all around the globe.

The video shows much of these processes in magnificent detail, and for those interested in similar videos from the company, be sure to check out the first and second episodes that go over other aspects of the company's camera production.

Image credits: Photos provided courtesy of Hasselblad.

#industry #news #behindthescenes #bts #hasselblad #hasselbladshome #hasselbladx #production #qc #qualitycontrol #testing #xsystem