MAGNIFICENT JOURNEYS: FUJIFILM X-S20 X KOP DINH
X-H2S & XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR
Ignited by an thirst for inspiration sparked by nature’s magnificent wonders, I find myself compell to lift my camera and embark on new journeys of exploration. However, nature is always a unexpected challenging endeavor, so I always prepare prepare carefully for the smallest things. It’s only when standing in front of that grandeur, capturing the scenery on my camera screen, that I can breathe a sigh of relief.
This time, I returned to East Java, Indonesia, to fully experience the grandeur of nature in this region. It is the beauty of Mount Bromo, an active volcano and a symbol of untamed power that challenges courage as you stand on its crater, facing the intense heat and pungent smell of sulfur. It is the thousand-year-old black sand desert formed by volcanic ash, mesmerizing in its allure. It is the Tumpak Sewu waterfall, hidden in the tropical forest, offering a magical sight. It is the Jodipan slum, adorned with vibrant colors (also known as The Colorful Rainbow Village), basking in the slanted sunlight, transforming vivid hues into a breathtaking rainbow village that captivates countless tourists. It’s the world’s largest acid lake Ijen Blue Fire right in an active volcano, providing an enchanting emerald green scenery. And countless other fascinating experiences that nature has to offer, making me feel truly happy to capture all these memorable moments.
X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
X-S20 & XF8mmF3.5 R WR
X-S20 & XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR
I am passionate about exploring unfamiliar and wild destinations. This means I have to carefully consider my equipment and camera gear, ensuring they are neither excessive nor lacking. Even a few extra kilograms on my shoulders can become a significant issue. For this trip, I need to start hiking as early at 3 a.m. to catch the sunrise on the mountain and must trek through the forest. Therefore, I always prioritize lightweight yet powerful equipment to capture vibrant and cinematic footage. Fortunately, I have the FUJIFILM X-S20 camera accompanying me on this journey – a perfect partner for creating travel films with a distinct cinematic quality.
What I particularly love about the FUJIFILM X-S20 is its color reproduction capability. The high-detail files, along with Fujifilm’s renowned beautiful color science, save me a lot of time in post-processing. Colors play a crucial role in travel filmmaking, as they convey the spirit of a place. For example, to depict erupting volcanoes, one must capture their intense and mysterious essence, while portraying daily life requires vibrant colors, and tropical forests should evoke tranquility and serenity. This is my approach to color grading in travel filmmaking, and having a suitable camera is essential to support this process.
X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Another advantage of the FUJIFILM X-S20 is its weather resistance, moisture and dust resistance, as well as its reliability in harsh conditions. This gives me added confidence when approaching two famous waterfalls in Indonesia, Tumpak Sewu and Kapas Biru. These waterfalls are hidden within the tropical rainforest, exuding a dreamy atmosphere while their cascading waters possess tremendous power. Filming in such locations feels like taking a rain shower. I have no choice but to endure the water spray from “a thousand waterfalls,” as the name of Tumpak Sewu . If the camera didn’t meet these criteria, I would have missed capturing many stunning shots in these places.
I’d like to mention another special feature of the FUJIFILM X-S20 – its large capacity NP-W235 battery. With continuous movement, I rarely have the opportunity to charge my battery during the day. Therefore, this extended battery life allows me to focus on framing my shots without interruptions.
Does a travel filmmaker truly need to capture breathtaking images? Absolutely. For me, photography is also crucial. I often share articles accompanied by photos when introducing travel destinations on social media platforms. Hence, possessing a versatile camera that can do it all is an absolute priority in my world. FUJIFILM X-S20 is truly a formidable contender in both the realm of videography and photography. With its 19 unique film simulations, this camera allows me to unleash my creativity instantaneously. I can use the JPEG images straight out of the camera without going through extensive post-processing. Or when I have more time to fine-tune the colors for a more artistic touch, the RAW files completely fulfill the task of delivering more details to the image.
X-H2S & XF18-120mmF4 LM PZ WR
X-S20 & XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Through the power of the FUJIFILM X-S20, I have been able to craft cinematic impressive that leave an indelible impression. I hope to convey many stories, emotions that cannot be expressed in words through each frame to touch the hearts of audiences. Traveling through the cinematic language is a way to connect experiences between others and ourselves. From the perspective of a creator, when reviewing the final works, I feel like experiencing the vividness of creation, the magnificent moments of nature, and the overwhelming feeling of endless space once again.
But let me share a secret that lies hidden beneath each few-minute video—a secret that whispers of an arduous journey filled with countless challenges. It is during these moments that a trusty camera becomes an unwavering companion, faithfully translating the raw emotions and exhilarating discoveries of these awe-inspiring expeditions.