Fujifilm announces a new "high-quality" compact
Fujifilm has surprised the photographic industry with the announcement that it is developing a new "high-grade", fixed-lens digital compact camera sporting a Hybrid Viewfinder
Author: Olivier Laurent
20 Sep 2010 Tags: Fujifilm
For a video preview of the camera, check our update here.
The Fujifilm FinePix X100 features a 12.3 megapixels APS-C sized CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm f/2 fixed focal length lens and the newly-developed Hybrid Viewfinder.
Aimed at professional photographers and available from early 2011, the FinePix X100 has been designed "to appeal to the millions of DSLR users who need a slim back-up camera for high quality in-fill shots when the use of a bigger SLR system is either inconvenient or impractical," says Fujifilm.
The camera comes after Fujifilm closely "studied the current line-up of professional cameras." It felt that there was "a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. Using the experience of working with generations of photographers using famous emulsions like Velvia, Provia, Astia etc., Fujifilm engineers distilled this knowledge into months of careful study to create the perfect compact-sized professional camera."
Apart from its fixed lens and large sensor, the camera also offers a Hybrid Viewfinder, which combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras such as 35mm or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras, says Fujifilm. "By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data."
Other features of the camera are: High Definition video mode, High ISO, Built-in ND Filter and minimum focusing distance of 10cm.
UPDATE: The Fujifilm FinePix X100 is expected to retail at around $1000 starting March 2011.
The full specifications:
| Model Name | FinePix X100 |
| Number of effective pixels | 12.3 million pixels |
| CCD Sensor | APS-C CMOS Sensor |
| Storage Media | SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card |
| Lens | High-performance FUJINON lens with Super EBC Coating |
| Focal Length | 23mm, equivalent to 35mm |
| Aperture Range | F2 to F16 |
| Exposure Mode | Programmed auto mode, Aperture priority mode, Shutter priority mode and Manual mode |
| Exposure Compensation | -2.0EV-+2.0EV |
| Shutter Speed | Bulb, 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec. |
| Focus | High-speed contrast AF |
| Optical Viewfinder | 0.5X magnification with approx. 90% frame coverage |
| Electronic Viewfinder | Ultrafine 1,440,000-dot LCD |
| LCD Monitor | 2.8-inch, Colour LCD monitor, approx 460,000 dots |
| Movie Recording | 1280×720 HD with stereo sound |
| Dimensions |
126.5(W) x 74.4(H) x 53.9(D) mm including lens |
BJP is at Photokina where the FinePix X100 will be shown. Check back for additional details.
Comments
I could use one of those, I wonder if I'll have any money available when it comes out next year.
a compact digital that looks like a real camera, with dials & a viewfinder, why has it taken so long for someone to realise what I need.
However the Canon GU11 is going to take some beating particularly as it has a zoom lens. I wonder what the price will be ?
Maybe the next iteration will have interchangeable lenses and then Leica will have to watch their back.
Looks great and looks as if it will feel great, which in a tool one may be using all day is no small matter.
Love the traditional look of the camera body!
I've been shopping for a compact digital camera. I just may have to wait for this one. I love the traditional look and it looks like a sturdy camera body. Sounds intriguing!
Someone's woken up .... at last!
I cannot understand why camera manufacturers have so long to go back to a tried and tested design. There is nothing new about this camera, which is exactly what I have been waiting for and why I have not bought any of the dumb compacts without a viewfinder!
If it lives up to the promise they will not be able to make them fast enough. I looks fantastic!
I have just reviewed the Leica X1 and commented absence of both a built in viewfinder and lack of video. This camera could provide a serious alternative to the X1.
I've owned a Fuji 645 (120/220 film) and also a Fuji 690 (120/220 film) camera. The lenses were just wonderful. The metal or plastic body were in both cases minimum quality; I got rid of both. Their photo quality and form factor was spectacular, period. But their ruggedness was this side of eggshell.. You couldn't breathe on the 645 without damaging it. Whatever the price is (it will be HIGH), Fuji's habitual build quality negates any specs.
At last a proper viewfinder in a compact I used to love the split screen focussing of my Vivitar compact with a 40mm lens and mourned it's passing. Beautiful as it maybe this camera does not have a MANUAL FOCUSSING option. So dashed at the final post for me (but it may have an infinty focus option).
But well done Fuji nonetheless.
I've collected all the fujica screw mount bodies& lenses, thank goodness this one has a fixed lens !I'll be lining up for this one !
If you don't like the thought of a fixed lens, then this camera isn't for you. Get over it. Move on.
The camera lacks only interchangeable lenses, what about a Leica M mount or a Voigtlaender VM mount instead of a fixed lens?
I think actually there is manual focus.
In the video here http://www.bjp-online.com/british-journal-of-photography/news/1734219/preview-fujifilm-finepix-x100-unveiled-photokina you can see the MF option on the side next to the single shot (AF-S) and continuous (AF-C) options.
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