Camera
X Raw Studio: How to process Fujifilm Raw files on your computer with genuine Fujifilm processing
| Image: Fujifilm |
One of the big attractions of Fujifilm cameras is the company’s Film Simulations that purport to mimic various film stocks. For many, these simulations are part of the core value proposition of a Fujifilm camera.
Many Fujifilm shooters are happy using out-of-camera JPEG images. If you also capture Raw files, you retain the option to reprocess those images in-camera. However, to process Raw files on a computer, or batch-process Raw photos, most users to third-party software like Adobe Camera Raw or Capture One, which include color profiles meant to mimic the original Fujifilm look.
Mimic is the key word here: those programs do reasonably well at approximating Fujifilm colors. However, even if the colors are close, there may still be differences in tone curves, noise reduction, or even simulated film grain. Additionally, they’re not as well optimized for Fujifilm’s non-standard demosaicing, nor do they always understand how to interpret the camera’s DR modes correctly.
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The image above is the original out-of-camera image using the Provia film simulation.
Photo: Dale Baskin |
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This is the same image reprocessed using X Raw Studio. I switched to the Astia film simulation and adjusted other parameters, including the color chrome effect (blue), shadow tone, and push/pull processing. At each step, I was able to preview the impact of any changes. The entire process took about 30 seconds.
Photo: Dale Baskin |
Fortunately, there is a computer-based software solution that gets the Fujifilm look exactly right, and I’m always amazed by how few Fujifilm users even know it exists: Fujifilm’s own X Raw Studio software. And it’s available for free.
What is X Raw Studio?
A few weeks ago, I chatted with an enthusiast photographer who loves the images from his Fujifilm camera. His one frustration, he told me, was having to reprocess Raw photos in-camera one at a time if he wanted to make adjustments.
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Converted from Fujifilm Raw file in X Raw Studio.
Photo: Dale Baskin |
This is exactly where X Raw Studio comes in, and it solves this problem.
Instead of using your computer’s hardware and third-party software to mimic Fujifilm’s processing, X Raw Studio uses the image processor inside your camera to process Raw files. This means you can reprocess Raw images using Fujifilm’s own film simulations and processing algorithms rather than another vendor’s approximations.
“Instead of using your computer’s hardware and third-party software to mimic Fujifilm’s processing, X Raw Studio uses the image processor inside your camera to process Raw files.”
The one catch? Since the camera performs the processing, you must connect the camera to your computer via USB to use X Raw Studio.
Using X Raw Studio
X Raw Studio is easy to use and can be downloaded from Fujifilm. All Fujifilm cameras from recent years should be compatible, but you can find a complete list of supported models on Fujifilm’s website. You’ll need to set the PC Connection Mode on your camera to ‘USB Raw Conversion’.
Once you’ve done that, simply launch X Raw Studio on your computer, turn on your camera, connect it using a USB cable, and you’re ready to go.
It’s important to understand what X Raw Studio is and what it is not.
X Raw Studio is basically a desktop interface for the in-camera Raw conversion function on your camera. It allows you to convert Raw files saved on your computer using a tethered camera. It’s not a full-featured image editor like Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One. You won’t find extra tools like layers, masks or local adjustments.
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| The X Raw Studio interface should feel pretty familiar if you’ve used any other photo processing software. Note the Raw processing parameters in the right-side panel. |
The X Raw Studio interface should feel familiar if you’ve used any other photo processing software: a left panel with file browser and image info, a right panel with processing parameters and a strip of thumbnail images across the bottom. The currently selected image appears in the center.
If you look closely at the processing parameters, you’ll notice that they are exactly the same Raw conversion parameters available in-camera. One advantage of using X Raw Studio to adjust these parameters is that it updates the image preview in real time as settings are changed, giving you instant feedback. You’ll know exactly what your image will look like with each change.
The ‘Convert’ button at the bottom of the right pane will process your image using whatever settings you’ve selected and save the processed image as either JPEG or TIFF format. Remember, however, that all processing takes place in the camera, not on the computer, so the TIFF option is only available if your Fujifilm camera model supports it.
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| These are the Raw conversion parameters I see when using X Raw Studio to convert Raw images from my Fujifilm X100V. They’re the same parameters I can change when processing Raw files in-camera. |
There are a couple of handy features. First, custom settings saved on the camera are available in X Raw Studio. So, if you’ve saved custom settings based on your own preferences or entered settings to create alternative ‘film recipes’ published by other Fujifilm users, they will be available to convert images singly or in batches.
Additionally, you can save groups of settings you’ve created in X Raw Studio as User Profiles. They’re essentially the same as a group of custom settings, but they live in X Raw Studio rather than being saved to the camera.
Limitations and use
X Raw Studio isn’t without limitations. Primarily, it’s camera dependent: you must have your camera with you and connected to your computer to use it.
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| Since X Raw Studio uses your camera to process Raw files, you’ll see this message until your camera is connected. |
Also, it’s only possible to reprocess images using the same camera model used to capture the original photo. If you have multiple Fujifilm cameras, you’ll need the right one on hand in order to process images from each.
Who’s it for?
X Raw Studio will be most helpful to photographers who want to adjust and convert more than a handful of photos to JPEG files. However, it’s also an excellent tool for the film recipe crowd as it allows you to quickly apply custom settings to a group of images.
You could also use X Raw Studio to generate files for downstream editing if you have a Fujifilm camera that supports 16-bit TIFF output, like the X-Pro3.
However, its biggest advantage, true in-camera processing, is its biggest drawback. The camera needs to be with you when using the software.
If you mainly want to adjust and reprocess images from a Fujifilm camera using genuine Fujifilm processing, X Raw Studio may be the only software you ever need. However, it’s not a one-stop solution for all editing needs. Fortunately, great third-party options exist for more complex processing and editing tasks.
| Bikers rounding the corner during a bike race in the Seattle summer. The evening provided some excellent lighting and a chance to test a camera’s autofocus tracking skills. Photo: Richard Butler |
The theme for our May Editors’ challenge is human-powered travel.
We’re looking for photos that show people propelling themselves in fun or interesting ways. That could be walking, hiking, skateboarding, biking, roller-blading or even more exotic means of transportation, as long as they’re not motorized. Our favorites will be featured on the DPReview homepage at the end of the month.
This challenge is open to photos taken at any time.
You can submit photos to the competition starting Sunday, May 11th. The last day for entry will be Saturday, May 17th (GMT).
IMPORTANT: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. Viewers want to know the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!
Walk, run, pedal or paddle to the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration as soon as the challenge opens.
Visit the challenge page to see the rules
| Images: PGYTech, SmallRig, Chimera, Epson |
Another week down, another chance to check out some new accessories. This time around, we’ve got some massive printers, a wildly fast SD card, cages for new cameras and more. But first, as always, the deals.
Deals of the week
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| Image: Nikon |
The Nikon Z7 II has been included in our Best Cameras for Landscapes buying guide because it provides a lot of image quality at a very reasonable price. This week, it’s even cheaper, selling for $500 under MSRP.
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| Image: Nikon |
If you’re more excited by style and shooting experience, Nikon’s retro-inspired Zf is also on sale for $200 off.
More mounting options
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| Image: Chimera |
Chimera, a lightning company that prides itself on building quality modifiers that it says will be “durable and long lasting,” is giving users even more mounting options. Its new Chimera Pro series light modifiers are compatible with Bowens mount rings, which many users may already have, given the widespread use of the mount by several of the biggest names in lighting.
There are several different modifiers in the Pro series, including a 30″ lantern and four sizes of its “LightBank” softboxes. Pricing will depend on what option you’re going with, but they’re currently available to preorder at B&H and Chimera’s website.
An SD card that reaches new heights
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| Image: Adata |
SD Express has been around for a few years now, but Adata says its latest card is the first to support the SD 8.0 Express specification. That means it has write speeds of up to 1200MBps and read speeds up to 1600MBps. Adata says that’s 12 times faster than standard UHS-1 cards and four times faster than what UHS-II cards are capable of. It even trades blows with some relatively high-end CFExpress cards despite being the same tiny SD form factor we’re all familiar with.
Of course, the elephant in the room with SD Express is that there currently aren’t any cameras that support the standard; they’ll work in a standard SD card slot, but only at UHS-1 speeds, which sort of defeats the purpose. But if a camera manufacturer ever does decide to support the standard, it seems like there will be cards ready to go for it.
Currently, there’s no word on pricing or availability for Adata’s SD8.0 Express card, but the company says it’ll come in a 512GB capacity.
Kitting out the Canon EOS R50 V…
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The cage lets you attach accessories like the sold-separately handle, as well as various coldshoe-compatible add-ons. Photo: SmallRig |
Canon’s latest camera is the video-focused EOS R50 V, which seems like it’s designed specifically to fit into a cage or a gimbal. It’s no surprise, then, that SmallRig has already stepped in to make a cage for it, which adds a deeper grip and a plethora of mounting points. It also has a built-in Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, which could be a big upgrade since, by default, some larger tripod plates will block the EOS R50 V’s battery/SD card compartment. If you don’t need all the mounting points, SmallRig is also selling an L-shaped mounting plate that adds the grip and tripod plate but doesn’t go all the way around the camera.
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| Image: SmallRig |
Also available from SmallRig: a furry windscreen that attaches to the camera’s hotshoe and covers the microphone to cut down wind noise. Thankfully, its design includes a coldshoe mount as well, so you can still mount a microphone, monitor, light or other accessory on top of your camera.
… and the Insta360 X5
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| Photo: PGYTech |
The EOS R50 V isn’t the only camera getting a cage this week. PGYTech has designed one that locks on to Insta360’s latest 360 camera, the X5. The X5 is a bit of a blank slate camera, so the cage adds some attachment points for coldshoe accessories, as well as a bit of protection in the form of silicone lens covers.
Print big
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| Image: Epson |
Recently, Epson announced two new large-format printers: the SureColor P7370 and the SureColor P9370. At 24″ and 44″ respectively, the printers are aimed more towards commercial use than home use, but they’re also designed to be a bit less expensive than higher-end models. While the company’s site doesn’t currently have pricing info, PetaPixel reports that they’re around $1000 cheaper than their higher-end counterparts. That’s because they use a 10-ink system instead of a 12-ink one, though Epson says they’re still capable of “accurate color reproduction and industry-leading print permanence.”
The two models will be available in “summer 2025.”
The month of May brings new opportunities to get your work seen by a large, international audience. While they sometimes get flak, photography competitions, when judged fairly and conducted with integrity, offer exposure to industry decision-makers, an opportunity to get your work published or exhibited and recognition that can elevate your career.
As we’ve learned, not all competitions are created equal. Some have been exposed as cash grabs at best and content farms at worst. We waded through a long list of open calls and came up with this list of eight competitions worth considering. From Pop Art to Landscape and Black & White, there is a genre for every type of photographer.
We’ll lead with the free-to-enter competitions and follow with contests that require an entry fee. No matter the contest, it’s essential to read the rules and terms and conditions closely. As a former judge, I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to disqualify a promising submission because a watermark was left on or the photo was formatted incorrectly. Reading the requirements will at least get your foot in the door.
We wish you the best of luck if you decide to enter any of these competitions. While there is no guarantee that your work will be selected, and rejections are always discouraging, taking steps to get your work out there is always valuable. If any noteworthy contests are missing, let us know.
The CEWE Photo Award
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| Image: CEWE Photo Award |
Deadline: May 31st
Entry Fee: Free
CEWE is a leading photo printing company based in Europe. Its annual competition offers €250,000 in prizes, including vacations and photography gear. Participants can enter up to 100 photos, taken on anything from a full-frame camera to a smartphone. CEWE also donates €0.10 for every entry to the SOS Children’s Villages International. There are 10 categories to enter, including Travel & Culture, Landscape, Food and Macro/Close-up.
Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition
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| Image: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity |
Deadline: May 5th
Entry Fee: Free
The Banff Photo Essay Competition emphasizes storytelling through a curated series of images that delve into mountain culture, natural history, adventure, wildlife, sports and the environment. Open to amateur and professional photographers, you must submit three to five images that can stand independently but also combine to create a narrative. A prize of CAD 3000 and a showcase at the Banff Centre of Mountain Film and Book Festival will be awarded to one Grand Prize Winner.
Photometria Awards Open Call, “Non Stop Pop”
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| Image: Photometria |
Deadline: May 31st
Entry Fee: The first image is free or €5 for up to 3 photos
This competition invites professional and amateur photographers to explore the influence of pop culture on modern society. Submissions will be judged by Magnum photographer Alec Soth, who is looking for compelling and original interpretations. The overall winner will receive Nikon gear and the top 25 images will be exhibited during the 17th Photometria International Festival in Ioannina, Greece.
The Motif Collective: Black and White Photography Competition & Sunrise and Sunset
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| Image: The Motif Collective |
Black and White deadline: May 7th
Sunrise and sunset deadline: June 7th
Entry Fee: $12 to $36, depending on the number of submissions
The Motif Collective currently has two contests: Black and White and Sunrise and Sunset. April’s contest, which closes on May 7, focuses on the art of monochrome imagery. The May contest is dedicated to sunrises and sunsets and closes on June 7. Both are open to professionals and amateurs worldwide; participants can submit up to six images. The prize pool scales with the number of entries and can reach up to $10,000 in total cash rewards. There will also be an artist showcase gallery promoted across its social media channels.
International Garden Photographer of the Year Macro Art Photo Project
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| Copyright: © Zsolt Varanka |
Deadline: May 6th
Entry Fee: €16 for up to 4 single images
The Macro Art Photo Project from International Garden Photographer of the Year asks that photographers from all over the world capture the fine details of plants, insects and other natural forms. Only single entries are accepted as the judges aren’t looking for a series of images. Winners will get international exposure through exhibitions and publications.
reFocus Awards: Black & White Photo Contest
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| Image: reFocus |
Deadline: May 13th
Entry Fee: Anywhere from $12 to $50 for single images and series
The reFocus Black & White Photo Contest is open to student, amateur and professional photographers. Individual entries or a series of two to five monochrome images can be submitted. Winners receive $4000 in cash prizes, custom-engraved trophies and features in the reFocus Artist Directory. There is also a People’s Vote Award, which allows the public to select standout work.
40th AOP Photography Awards
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| Image: AOP Photography Awards |
Deadline: May 15th
Entry Fee: Anywhere from £50 to £90 for a single image or project
The Association of Photographers (AOP) deems its awards competition as the “Oscars” of the photography world. While this competition is only open to AOP members, everyone from students to assistants and professionals at any stage in their career can apply for inclusion. The 10 open categories include Documentary, Portrait, Best Moving Image and Still Life. Winners will be exhibited and featured in a book.
Nature Photographer of the Year
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| Image: Nature Photographer of the Year |
Deadline: May 25th
Entry Fee: Free for Youth Category and £34 to £49.50
NPOTY features 12 categories including Birds, Landscapes, Underwater and Natural Art. There’s also a Youth category for photographers under 18 and the Fred Hazelhoff Award for Best Portfolio submission. The total prize pool is £25,000 with the overall winner receiving £3000. Winning images are displayed at the Nature Talks Photo Festival and receive international recognition in publications and exhibitions.
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