Mathieu

Is the third time the charm? – The Fujifilm X30 Complete Review

19/11/2014 By Mathieu 9 Comments

When it comes to cameras (and electronic products in general) there is always a time when an upgrade is released which aims not to transform but to perfect the previous product. The original X10 and X100 were new additions to the compact camera market when they were first released, and saw the rise of a completely new category. The X20 and the X100s were enhancements of the original models. The third generation was designed to make these cameras perfect.
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The ZY Optics “Mitakon” 24mm f/1.7 and 42.5mm f/1.2 (Micro Four Thirds mount) Complete Review

17/11/2014 By Mathieu 11 Comments

Zhong Yi Optics is a Chinese manufacturer known not only for its adapters but also its Speedmaster lens series. Their latest addition, the 50mm f/0.95 for the Sony full-frame system in particular, has generated lots of curiosity because of its ultra fast aperture and very affordable price. At Photokina this year we met with the ZY Optics team to have a first look at the new 24mm and 42.5mm lenses announced in September. They also kindly sent two samples for us to review over the course of a week.

Minimalism – A macro afternoon with the Zeiss Touit 50mm (X mount)

13/11/2014 By Mathieu 4 Comments

I have the Zeiss Touit f/2.8 50mm Macro until Christmas and there is a funny reason why. Since the official French Zeiss supplier went bankrupt, it currently is not possibile to order a Zeiss lens in France. This was bad timing for one of my French relatives who was on the verge of buying the Touit 50mm for her Fuji X-T1. Luckily, I found one sample in Turin thanks to our friends at the Riflessi Camera Shop. I phoned her up, asking if I should send it to her by post, but she said, “Ne t’inquiètes pas, Mathieu, bring it at Christmas-time instead.”

So here I am with a gorgeous Zeiss lens. What else could I do but take it out for a spin? (With her approval, of course!)

The Complete Panasonic GH4 Review – Chapter Two: Video capabilities

07/11/2014 By Mathieu 2 Comments

In the first part of our complete GH4 review, we focused on its still capabilities to show you how good this camera can be for taking photographs in various conditions. It is without a doubt one of the best Micro Four Thirds camera available as of today. But the strength of Panasonic’s new flagship camera lies not only in its great image-taking ability but also its stunning video capabilities. It is the best example of a camera that fuses two worlds, photography and filmmaking, continually demonstrating that they can actually co-exist and work together in one body.

The Best Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography

31/10/2014 By Mathieu 7 Comments

Along with street and landscape, portrait photography is probably the genre most photographers would nominate as their favourite. Why is this? The answer is simple: people can’t help but be fascinated by other people. Sure, it is true that I’ve met a handful of photographers who live by the mantra if it’s living, I won’t shoot it, but generally speaking photographers prefer to include some element of life in their work.