Fujifilm reveals new X100 details
Fujifilm has released new details of its FinePix X100 high-quality compact camera, which stole the show at last September's Photokina trade fair
Author: Olivier Laurent
12 Dec 2010 Tags: FujifilmFujifilm finepix x100
Three months after first unveiling, to the surprise of the photography community, its plans for a new "high-quality" compact camera, Fujifilm has shared more details of the anticipated FinePix X100.
The 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, 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.
Now, Fujifilm, in a statement issued to the photographic press, has revealed new details about the camera's functionalities. For example, Fujifilm can now confirm that will features three focusing options, which can be selected via a switch on the left-hand side of the camera's body. "With manual focus selected, focusing is achieved using the focus ring around the lens barrel. A distance indication bar enables you to pre-focus if required, or you can simply use the electronic viewfinder to focus accurately," says Fujifilm. However, it adds, there are no rangefinder focusing capabilities.
The X100 also features a "raw" button. Fujifilm explains that the button has two key functions. "When shooting in JPEG mode, it enables the user to instantly capture both raw and JPEG files, plus it also allows raw files to be developed in camera."
Fujifilm has also included a dedicated ISO button to give instant access to ISO settings as default, says the firm.
The company has also moved to explain why it is using a conventional CMOS sensor instead of Fujifilm's recently-developed EXR sensor. "The EXR sensor was specifically designed for compact cameras where a small sensor is required," it says. "The APS-C CMOS sensor was chosen for the X100 as our designers were striving for optimal image quality and the large sensor matches the EXR Processor and Fujinon lens to perfection."
As for its movie mode, Fujifilm says that the X100 will be able to record footage at 24fps in 720p high-definition mode with stereo sound.
While Fujifilm has so far declined to reveal pricing for the X100, BJP understands that it will be available at around $1000 in the US and £1000 in the UK. However, Fujifilm has confirmed that a series of accessories will be produced and available at launch, including a premium leather case, an adaptor ring, replacement batteries, and flashguns.
To learn more about the X100, watch our interview with the camera's creators and read BJP's first impressions. To stay informed of any new developments regarding the FinePix X100, subscribe to our daily newsletter, which brings you, every day, the latest photography news and reviews.
Comments
How can they justify selling it for $1000 in the US and £1000? That means we're paying around £360 more than the Americans. I'm sick of having to pay a premium for products (Photoshop anyone?) because of being in the UK.
VAT counts for a lot for this premium.
Prices in US are announced without any VAT (which is variable from state to state) while are announced all inlcuded in Europe.
So 1000$ + 20% VAT make 1200$ compared to 1000£ that much less of a premium.
But... yes, generally speaking prices in Europe are much more expensive than in US or Japan, but even within Europe, prices vary quite significantly. Germany being the cheapest.
On the Fujifilm pages about its X100 there were a number of comments asking for the RAW button to be changed to a dedicated ISO button. That request made much sense to me, and it's great to see that this is now going to be a separate element on the camera.
Fujifilm Listened...but just heard some
I am one of those who are pushing for a dedicated ISO button at the x100 site as mentioned by Antje.
Contrary to the report, there isn't any dedicated ISO button as it is hidden as part of a function (Fn) button on the top plate.
I would rather see the Fn button being renamed ISO and the RAW button being renamed Fn with the change in RAW matched to the Fn button instead.
With Fn button, it can be programmed to handle different needs and wants and that includes changing of ISO and RAW. IMHO, putting a 'ISO' portrays a more professional image as ISO is one of the main settings photographers have to changed in accordance to the changing environment.
In comparison, changing of RAW to JPEG and vice versa is very few and fair between.
IF they want to addres the pro (prosumer, highend consumer) market they should at least provide with interchangeable lenses.
I mean - just look at the beauty of micro 4/3s.... This technology has had everyone and their dog running for their good old made-in-Japan glass, or for other more obscure screwmount oddities.
I could not imagine shelling out $1k for the Fuji, sorry, and I don't think it will become any kind of standard, unlike the m4/3...
YMMV...
Fuji has long tradition of camera with non-interchangeable lenses. The latest being the folding Fuji 667 / voigtlander bessa III.
Nobody's complaining when Leica released the X1 with a single fixed focal length.
35mm eq focal length + 12Mpx makes this camera resonably wide angle and with enough cropping possibilities for a large use.
Nothing wrong with this.
Fuji has long tradition of camera with non-interchangeable lenses. The latest being the folding Fuji 667 / voigtlander bessa III.
Nobody's complaining when Leica released the X1 with a single fixed focal length.
35mm eq focal length + 12Mpx makes this camera resonably wide angle and with enough cropping possibilities for a large use.
Nothing wrong with this.
"there are no rangefinder focusing capabilities"
There had to be a catch didn't there...
My main reason for wanting this camera is the shutter lag and slow autofocus of compacts, no fast manual focus preview just about rules this camera out for me.
f2 for low level street work too slow
given it's a fixed lens design, f1.4 would have been preferable - for all the obvious reasons. If the overall performance and IQ is up editorial standard, I would pay a premium for a faster lens. Nevertheless, eager to audition one when it's released.
I think f2 is perfect. Keeps the unit diminutive. I'm very excited about this camera. I'll be getting one for sure.
For me, a fixed f2 35mm equivalent lens optimised for the sensor its paired to, in such a neat looking compact body is just what I need for street photography. f1.4 is nice but would require a totally different, and larger, design. And f2 is hardly slow!
If the shutter is quiet and responds as quickly as a proper DSLR, and if the IQ is what we should expect, I can see this being an instant classic. I want one now!
For all those who complain that the fixed lens is not good enough at f2 and should be at f1.4. Let me just remind you that f1.4 isn't a full stop from f2. For those who are complaining and nick picking at Fuji's X100, if you don't like it then go get the bountiful DSLR's and dummy proof point and shoots out there that are available.
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