Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Fashion, Photography and FUN from FUJIFILM

By

So you’re walking along the street with a friend, minding your own business, when you approach another stranger. You friend says,

Look! It’s a blogger!

So how does he know that the stranger on the street is a blogger?

a) The person just tripped over a crack in the sidewalk; stopped everything, whipped out her phone, and furiously began tweeting that she just tripped over a crack in the sidewalk.

b) There’s a pretty potted flower in front of a neighbourhood store; the person stopped, whipped out a bulky camera and telescopic lens attachment, all the while muttering something about “Wordless Wednesday”.

c) Both a) and b)

The thing is, if there’s two things that bloggers are known for, it’s our smartphones and DSLR cameras. We’re constantly using our phones to stay in touch via any one of our preferred social platforms (I’m a Twitter kind of gal, but I know several Instagram-junkies), and often have an irrational need to “feel connected”. I’d venture to say that a large proportion of bloggers also use their smartphone as a camera; with 8MP+ cameras and an inherent convenience attached to simply carrying one device, you’re most likely to see fashion and beauty bloggers use their phone for double-duty.

Alas, the “Mommy Blogger” is a different breed.

In a space where blogging is your business, there’s constantly an undercurrent of who’s got the best blog design, who has the most brand associations, and now, who takes the best pictures. In fact, eavesdrop on any blogging conference, and it’s not uncommon for bloggers to chat more about their cameras than their children.

“So have you taken classes?”
“What attachments do you use? What setting?”
“How much did that external flash set you back?”

And for the most part, I get it. A huge part of the enjoyment when reading a blog post is the phenomenal pictures. Some of my favourite blogs are loaded to the hilt with professional photos, which of course, elevates the professionalism of the website itself. However, I’ll be frank; photography has just never been my thing. I simply can’t imagine lugging around a bulky camera in an even bulkier camera bag to a press event, nor do I see myself painstakingly digitally altering images to perfection. Not saying it’s a bad thing – it’s just not a Lena thing.

So what if I told you that these photos were taken with a slim, compact camera that fits in my pocket?

My camera of choice? The FUJIFILM XF1 digital camera. A few months ago, I received an exclusive invitation:

“As an authority in fashion and lifestyle among Canadian moms, you know firsthand the importance of having great visual content at all times. But operating at the pace of the online world also means you’re constantly on the move. If you’re going to use a camera instead of a smartphone for your content on Listentolena.com or for your own fun, it can’t weigh you down and it has to fit your style. Your blog says it all – you’re a discerning consumer, and that’s why I’d like to invite you to tell us what you think of the sleek new FUJIFILM XF1.

The XF1 is taking compact cameras to a whole new level to appeal to tastemakers like you. It has professional-grade technology, a huge sensor and full manual zoom lens with a manual zoom, so you can take creative, expert-looking photos without having to deal with the bulk of an interchangeable lens camera. Instead you get something that you can put in a spread of fashion accessories— a silver camera in a slim, stylish, retro body with a luxurious textured finish. The choice of black, red or tan leatherette means you can coordinate your camera with your look for the season or your favorite tote.”

Can you guess which shade of camera I chose? Of course you can.

Techy Talk: The distinctive, premium FUJIFILM XF1 digital camera blends advanced technology with an unforgettable design. The XF1 combines an amazingly fast FUJINON F1.8 wide angle 4x manual zoom lens with a large, 2/3-inch 12 Megapixel EXR CMOS sensor that delivers extraordinary image quality. The lens consists of 7 glass lens elements in 6 groups with the new HT-EBC (High-Transmittance EBC) coating on all surfaces to dramatically reduce flare. Combined with optical image stabilization and an ISO to 12800, you can shoot in low light without boosting sensitivity even without a flash. Faster response times and a customizable, user-friendly GUI design make the XF1 a fashionable and functional choice.

Translation: I’ll probably never be one of those bloggers that totes around a hefty DSLR camera, because I happen to LOVE my FUJIFILM XF1. It fits both my purse and my lifestyle – allowing me to spend less time taking pictures of life… and more time living life. It’s also perfect for families with young (or active) children: In Quick Start Mode, the XF1 is ready to shoot in just 0.55 seconds, and with a shorter shot-to-shot delay (minimum 0.8 second delay), the responsive EXR sensor and processor ensure you never miss a shot. So, I’ll always be on top of a photo opportunity like this –

The FUJIFILM XF1 is a compact professional camera – not a “point and shoot”. Hence, it’s priced accordingly at $500.00. From Greg Gazin, Canoe Tech Blogger: “It has the ability to produce some incredible shots and is certainly ideal for pro photographers and serious enthusiasts who are looking for a cool compact weekend alternative (i.e., for those who want power and control). The XF1 gives users the ability to do some of the finer things a DSLR does without all the bulk.” << Couldn’t have said it better.

Click here to learn about the FUJIFILM XF1.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Awesome photos! I am really impressed that the camera is so compact (unlike so many DSLR cameras!). I mean REALLY impressed!

    I LOVE the quality of photos from a DSLR camera vrs a traditional point and click, BUT the bulk deters me. I want a camera I can tuck into my purse for outings, not a camera that needs its own purse sized bag for outings..

    Thanks for sharing!

    P.S Awesome shots! :-D

    • “Not a camera that needs its own purse sized bag for outings”… you nailed it Suzie, this is so NOT me! C’mon, I’m a party-goer, not the official party photographer :) Props to peeps who love their DSLRs, but this camera is wonderful for everyone else.

  3. What a cutie!!! (Reid) Boy he is geting big Lena
    Oh and nice camera!!!!!!!
    I seriously have to get one I haven’t done so since I gave up my film one!!!!

  4. WOW!!! Can’t believe those shots came from such a small camera. I always thought you had a fancy DSLR, the pictures on your blog are outstanding!

  5. beautiful photos, beautiful camera and a beautiful family! I also giggled while reading, so ty!

  6. I can’t believe it! These photos are amazing. I would have thought you have thousand dollar equipment.

    • Hahaha nope, just a high quality compact camera that I take with me everywhere :) Thanks Tania!

  7. I too can’t believe it! I really thought you hauled around expensive equipement! I’ve heard of food bloggers taking a whole case of stuff into a restaurant. I am checking this camera out Lena, seeing is believing and those are amazing photographs.

    • Thanks Jolee – if you’re in the market for a professional camera that’s slim and easy to use, I enthusiastically give it two thumbs up.

  8. Camera companies are making huge steps forwards in making smaller cameras whose photos are very competitive to bigger DSLR cameras. I just bought a professional compact camera last year by canon and for the price tag I could have gotten an entry level DSRL (which I already have) but I wanted something I could slip in my purse and not weigh a ton. I love the photo quality and being able to take it everywhere!!

    • So happy you’re on board with the slim revolution! It’s nice to be able to tote a professional camera without it weighing a ton.

  11. These photos are such great quality! I need to start dropping some hints — my birthday is right around the corner..

  12. I own 2 FUJI cameras, I have a point and shoot one and just bought what people refer to as a bridging DSLR camera and love it!

  14. I’m someone who enjoys photography but have been hesitant to upgrade to a DSLR because of the size and bulk. So I think it’s great that companies are putting out more and more compact cameras that have high-end functions and produce professional-quality photos!

    • Exactly Sophia! I think camera companies are becoming sensitive to consumers’ need for technology and portability.

  16. Wow, I am impressed. Hubby has a DSLR, but I prefer a compact point and shoot camera. Love the idea of a quick start too, mine takes a full 5 seconds to warm up – missing the action many times.