I wrote a post yesterday outlining some of the Jpeg settings that I use on a regular basis when shooting with my X-E1. While I mainly use Raw, I generally shoot Raw + Jpeg. Anyway, I wanted to experiment, and shoot specifically within the range of settings that I specified and limit myself to using the Jpeg files, and so I headed into a nearby park yesterday to take some pictures.
These aren't award winning images by any means, but I wanted to share them anyway. They are all Jpeg, with some minor editing in Lightroom afterwards. Specifically, I've corrected black levels, added some vignettes where appropriate, and in a few cases added some sharpening.
I've used some different colour profiles here too, and the black and white images were done in-camera using the black and white profiles.
I also have some follow up thoughts on my sharpening setting recommendations. I mentioned in the post yesterday that I prefer to keep sharpening off in camera, and instead sharpen in post. I think that a little sharpening in Lightroom gives a cleaner result than sharpening in-camera, but as I said, that's a personal preference. I do think that if you set it to +1 or +2 then the results look a little false, especially at higher ISO settings, but again, that's just my opinion. By turning the sharpening down it gives you more control over the process after the fact, but if you really want to be able to use your images straight out of the camera then leaving at zero or +1 might be best for you. I really don't recommend +2 though.
Despite all this, and despite the reputation Fuji cameras have for great Jpeg images, I still prefer using the Raw files, but I understand why many people like or prefer using the Jpegs.
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I’ve had my Fujifilm X-E4 for a long time now, and for the most part it’s a great little camera. I’ve used it as my main “lightweight” travel and walk-around camera for years now. Any time I want to bring a camera with me and I don’t want to lug my Canon R6II, I throw the Fujifilm in the bag. I had originally bought it to replace my ageing Sony a6000 for street photography, but that never really panned out. Mainly because I didn’t do street photography as much any more, but also, an annoying bug in the camera made it difficult to use with my style of street photography. But I finally found a solution.