Fujifilm X-Pro1 review

UPDATE: Fuji has announced the X-E1, a much more compelling offering on the face of it (it still has to be reviewed, but it looks promising). See here for the announcement.


After the unexpected success of the fixed lens rangefinder-esque X-100 Fuji were quick to develop and launch the X-Pro1, a similarly designed model featuring the unusual hybrid viewfinder but with interchangeable lenses. Fuji also used the opportunity to develop a new higher-resolution APS-C size X-Trans sensor with a unique RGB filter array consisting of 6x6 pixel sets as opposed to the conventional 2x2 tile arrangement.

The larger pixel set allows Fuji to adopt a more random RGB pattern which they claim leads to reduced moiré and improved colour accuracy yet at the same time allowing Fuji to drop the optical low pass filter (OLPF) of conventional sensor designs. As the OLPF is in effect a blur filter, everything else being equal, the benefit to X-Pro1 users should be an increase in fine detail rendering over a conventional 16MP sensor.

Fuji say this camera’s X-Trans sensor comes close in resolution to that of rival full-frame sensors with conventional filters, by which we’re to assume they’re referring to the then current 21MP Canon EOS 5D Mk II and not the 18-MP Leica M9 as that also lacks an OLPF, or anti-aliasing filter as it’s sometimes known as.

Pear Blossom, London, April 2012.

Fuji X-Pro1, ISO800, XF35mm f/1.4R at maximum aperture (in-camera JPEG).

Horse Box, London, April 2012.
Fuji X-Pro1, ISO400, XF18mm f/2.0R, taken at f/4.0 (in-camera JPEG, adjusted to taste in LR4).

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to say with any real certainty until a superior Raw file converter is available to the bundled Silkypix, as that appears to have poor demoasicing with the Fuji Raw files. Images appear quite soft and lacking in micro-contrast and it's not helped by the inclusion of a largely ineffective un-sharp masking tool. However, in-camera JPEGs suggest the X-Trans sensor is capable of resolving a little more than a conventional sensor but while moiré or false colour remains low it doesn’t appear to be able to match the fine detail rendering of files from a Canon EOS-1DsMk III.

Nevertheless, the X-Pro1 still has a lot to offer. While the layout is similar it’s bigger and heavier than the X100 taking its fixed 23mm f/2.0 into account and yet the ergonomics are largely superior. Like that camera though, the X-Pro1 is difficult to master. The hybrid viewfinder is a logical extension of that found in a rangefinder, but the shortcomings from parallax error with AF accuracy and composition mean you’ll almost certainly want to adopt the EVF option exclusively.

As electronic displays go it’s not bad in terms of detail but, as you might expect, it falls wildly short of the optical viewfinder in terms of dynamic range. Bizarrely, Fuji decided not to add built-in dioptre adjustment which, for those of us over 40, make the finder image difficult to see clearly without relying on third party lenses. Fuji claim the viewfinder’s 14mm high-eyepoint is comfortable enough for spectacle wearers. It isn’t. But perhaps the biggest disappointment with it, though, is the lengthy black-out time during capture.

As for handling, the body fits nicely in the hands but some of the controls appear almost randomly placed. The lens release button is situated in an awkward position and the AF point selection button is difficult to access with the camera up to the face. Some of the camera’s operation isn’t particularly intuitive either. At first sight the rear command dial seems under-utilized, most of the day-to-day operation is achieved using the other dials and buttons located around the body. But it’s this dial that’s used to access high magnification options during manual focusing and playback, yet it’s also supposed to be used to select options from a page of short-cuts, but it’s just too clunky for that.

Overall the body balances well with all three of the Fujinon-branded XF lenses currently available; the 18/2, 35/1.4 and a 60/2.4 macro. Of those, the 18/2 balances best, though it’s the weakest of three optically, at least when wide-open, stopping down the lens performs very well. The 35/1.4 is a truly excellent performer optically, even wide-open, though autofocus is tardy and noisy on all three optics.

Butterfly Girl (courtesy of Butterfly World Project), St Albans, April 2012.
Fuji X-Pro1, ISO400, XF60mm f/2.4R Macro, taken at f/2.8 (in-camera JPEG).

Part of the reason can be explained by the contrast-detection system employed, they’re rarely faster than phase-detection systems found in DSLRs. More telling perhaps is that all three lenses use front group focusing; speedier focusing would be achieved using rear group or internal focusing. Manual focus is also something of a compromise. The focus ring is generally smooth in use but there's a slight disconnect using the electronic control system. What’s more, the ‘gearing’ is low, so while it’s possible to make precision focus adjustments you can’t do so quickly.

Like others in Fuji’s X series, the X-Pro1 looks promising on paper but through a combination of tardy autofocus performance, complex and unintuitive handling and poor choice of control placement, it’s somewhat disappointing in use. Without unrestricted access to the camera’s Raw files, image quality is also difficult to assess at this time, although from the resultant JPEGs it appears the X-Pro1 is capable of outstanding image quality, excellent dynamic range and superb colour, even at high ISO settings. In terms of price it sits between the Sony NEX-7 and the Leica M9, and like those would complement a DSLR or medium format camera but by itself it’s less of a convincing solution.

Specification


Compact body with interchangeable lenses
Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder (0.47-inch, 1.44M dot)
16.3-megapixel X-Trans APS-C CMOS sensor.
ISO200-6400, extended range ISO100 to ISO25600
3-inch (1.23M dot) LCD.
Magnesium alloy body
Continuous shooting in up to 6fps (up to 13 Raw + LF JPEG).
1280x720 / 24fps movie clips (max 29-mins)
Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot
Body weight: 450g (15.6 oz) inc battery and SD memory card.

Amazon Links


Body only, $1,335 / £1173 inc VAT
XF 18/2 $599 / £485 inc VAT
XF 35/1.4 $599 / £475 inc VAT
XF 60/2.4 Macro $599 / £475 inc VAT

Related Posts


Fujinon XF60mm f/2.4 R Macro samples
Fuji X10 concise review
Fuji X100 concise review
Fuji IS Pro UV-IR DSLR review

Fuji announces two new XF lenses for X-Pro1, mentions a further five

Fuji has purportedly announced a XF14mm (21mm equiv.) f/2.8 and an XF18-55mm (28-85mm equiv.) f/2.8-4 zoom for the X-Pro1. Meanwhile the company has also outlined plans to introduce five further lenses for the camera in 2013;

56(85)mm f/1.4
27(41)mm f/2.8 'pancake'
23(35)mm f/1.4
55-200(85-300)mm f/3.5-4.8 OIS
10-24(15-35)mm f/4

No prices or availability has been mentioned at this time, we're still awaiting official confirmation (but this seems to be the way of doing things now).

Fuji announces X-Pro 1

As expected, Fuji has officially announced the rumored X-Pro1 camera today at the CES. Three autofocus lenses have also been announced, equivalent to 28 f/2, 50 f/1.4 and 90mm f/2.4 macro focal lengths (Fuji has stated a Leica M adaptor will follow, though there will doubtless be third-party options). Each Fujinon-branded lens features a manual aperture ring (as well as a manual focus ring). The Fuji X-Pro1 is equipped with a 16.2-megapixel APS-C format sensor with a unique filter array negating the adoption of a AA (Anti-Aliasing) filter, and promises very high resolution. The X-Pro 1 will be available in February 2012 and the price for the body, while not confirmed, is expected to retail in the region of $1,599 / £999 (ex VAT) with lenses in the $600-900/ £450-600 bracket.

Press release:

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES THE REVOLUTIONARY X-PRO1 INTERCHANGEABLE LENS DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM

Featuring the New X-Trans CMOS sensorTM, FUJIFILM original X-Mount and New Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, the X-Pro1 Delivers Outstanding Image Quality that Rivals Current DSLR Cameras

Valhalla, N.Y., January 9, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation proudly introduces the debut of its newest and most advanced addition to its premium, high quality X-Series digital camera line-up – the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 interchangeable lens digital camera system.

With a brand new, custom developed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM, incorporating a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor technology, the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 is poised to deliver superlative image quality that will rival currently available mid and high-end DSLR models. Taking another decisive step into the premium camera market, Fujifilm has taken the X-Pro1 to the next level featuring a New 2nd Generation Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and three prime interchangeable FUJINON lenses.

The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 digital camera not only promises to carve out a distinct position in the premium camera category, but it also promises to reward X-Series loyalists with a camera system that surpasses their expectations. “Fujifilm puts great emphasis on producing outstanding image quality, and with the X-Pro1, we are proud to offer an interchangeable lens system that performs to the highest professional caliber,” said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Each element is the product of Fujifilm’s commitment to uncompromising quality. With its custom APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM, unique Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and three interchangeable lenses, the X-Pro1 is poised to become the new standard for photographers.”

Setting new standards in image resolution
Fujifilm has developed a new CMOS sensor called the X-Trans CMOSTM. The X-Trans CMOS sensor is capable of delivering resolution that is superior to other APS-C sensors and equal to even some full frame sensors. The new color filter array paves the way for an ideal sensor that does not need an optical low-pass filter. While the optical low-pass filter is indispensable for the reduction of moiré and false color generated by conventional sensors, it also degrades resolution. Fujifilm has developed a new color filter array that is inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain, removing the need for an optical low-pass filter to solve moiré and false color issues. In the array, RGB pixels are arranged in 6x6 pixel sets with high aperiodicity (randomness). Increasing the degree of randomness eliminates the fundamental cause of moiré and false colors – a problem that occurs in conventional arrays when shooting stripes and other repeating patterns. The presence of an R, G and B pixel in every vertical and horizontal pixel series minimizes the generation of false colors and delivers higher color reproduction.As a result of using a film-inspired array, a more powerful processor is required to process the image signal data. So Fujifilm has developed the EXR Processor Pro. This technology will maximize the full potential of the X-Trans CMOS sensor, delivering high speed and high precision image processing.

Prime FUJINON XF lenses deliver the highest image quality
FUJINON lenses have long been associated with delivering high quality images, with optics used for both broadcast TV and medium format cameras. Now the expertise borne out of this enviable optical heritage has been put into lenses for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.

Three compact XF FUJINON fast aperture prime lenses will be available at launch. The “XF18mmF2 R” (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, “XF 35mmF1.4 R” (53mm equivalent) f/1.4, and “XF60mmF2.4 R Macro” (90mm equivalent) F/2.4 are all bright and compact and designed to deliver sharp, clear images of uncompromising quality. They offer precise control over depth-of-field and deliver excellent bokeh effects thanks to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are meticulously rounded off rather than simply cut off, which delivers a sharper image. In addition, the solid feel of the high-quality metal barrel and detailed exposure setting in 1/3 step increments using the aperture ring fuel your desire to capture more photos with every shot.

FUJIFILM original “X-Mount” maximizes lens performance
Specifically designed to maximize the mirrorless design of the body the X-Mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7mm. This means the rear lens elements are as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows the lens to be mounted deeper within the body – up to 7.5mm (approximately) from the mount surface – reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the minimum possible, thus achieving high resolution all the way to the edge of the image.

Hybrid Multi Viewfinder – seeing is believing
First introduced in the FUJIFILM X100 digital camera, Fujifilm’s revolutionary Hybrid Viewfinder has the ability to instantly switch between an Optical Viewfinder and Electronic Viewfinder. The Hybrid Viewfinder has added a new dimension to the pleasure of composing photographs. For the brightest viewing image, and to keep shutter lag to a minimum, users should choose the Optical Viewfinder. Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure information, white balance information and depth of field indicators should switch to the Electronic Viewfinder.

The Electronic Viewfinder provides an excellent “Live View” of your composition. This fusion of technologies allows users to enjoy composing their images through a bright viewfinder, but has the option to overlay vital picture taking information should this be required.

Changing between the two viewfinders is simple, thanks to the switch on the front of the X-Pro1 body. When attaching a FUJINON XF-series lens on the X-Pro1, both the viewfinder magnification and bright frame size automatically switch to support the lens focal length. Viewfinder magnification switches to 0.37x for the 18mm lens, and to 0.60x when the 35mm or 60mm lens is mounted, letting you compose your shot with the bright, crystal clarity of an optical image. The X-Pro1 also gives you the freedom to manually set a focal distance and switch between viewfinder magnifications.

Cutting edge technology in a beautiful camera body
The X-Pro1’s magnesium alloy chassis and improved user interface is a testament to Fujifilm’s unyielding attention to quality and the photographic needs of the professionals. From the exact and deliberate placement of the buttons to the precision milled dials, the X-Pro1 beautifully encompasses all that is needed to deliver high quality photography. The top and base are made from die-cast aluminum alloy which, combined with high quality touches like precise engraving on the top-plate and hand-enameled lettering on the lenses, illustrates how the entire X-Pro1 system was designed and built without compromise.

This eye for detail extends to the shutter speed dial and exposure compensation control that is precision milled from solid metal. Details like the shutter speed dial lock mechanism and the recessed exposure compensation dial are designed to prevent accidental movement of settings. The knurled finish on the sides of the dials feature rows of minutely milled squared pyramids for superb grip and confidence.
As a well-known mark of quality, the “Made in Japan” printing confirms that every part of the construction has had to meet Fujifilm’s highest standards.

The lightweight, precision-milled lens hood (included with the lens) has been exclusively designed and machined from aluminum for the FUJINON XF lens. Its compact size delivers superb light shading performance in a design that perfectly matches X-Pro1 styling. Diameters of the aperture ring and focus ring of the three FUJINON XF-series interchangeable lenses are only slightly larger than the barrel for sleek uniformity of design. Precision machined from metal, the reassuring click of the aperture ring at each setting and the comfortable torque resistance when operating the focus ring enhances the shooting experience.

The X-Pro1’s leather-like finish is designed for a quality look and durability. The synthetic leather offers resistance to the elements and high durability, while an original manufacturing process produces a texture with the look and feel of authentic leather. The X-Pro1 has also been designed with the photographer’s comfort in mind. The natural fit of the eyepiece provides excellent shielding from light leakage, and an optional dioptic adjustment lens can also be attached.

Extending Fujifilm’s photo film legacy
In film cameras, capturing multiple exposures is the unique photographic technique of superimposing one image on another by double exposing a single frame of film. Through advanced digital processing the X-Pro1 can simulate this technique by simply selecting the Multiple Exposure mode and taking the first shot. By viewing the image via the Hybrid Multi Viewfinder or on the LCD screen, you can see how the finished multiple exposure will look and then precisely frame the second shot.  Further enhancements have been made to the Film Simulation modes with the new Professional Color Negative Film Modes (Pro Neg. Std and Pro Neg. Hi) designed for X-Pro1 users working in the studio. The X-Pro1 also offers Film Simulation bracketing, along with AE, Dynamic and ISO bracketing; plus the ability to capture the colors and tonal qualities of popular FUJIFILM emulsions through the vibrant colors of Velvia, the softer skin tones of ASTIA and the natural look of PROVIA.

Replicating the effects of monochrome film photography the X-Pro1 lets you use color filters to expand your photographic interpretation. Heighten contrast with the yellow filter and red filter, or brighten greens and deepen reds with the green filter. Just as professional film photographers once selected a filter and printing paper to complement their creative vision, you can easily fine tune image quality with these filters. For those after a more nostalgic theme there is also a sepia filter.

Premium Accessory Lineup
The FinePix X-Pro1 has these additional premium accessory options that are sold separately:

Hand Grip, HG-XPro1 - Giving you more secure and balanced handling of the camera, the X-Pro1 accessory grip smoothly molds to the lines of the camera body for a uniform look. The grip helps balance the weight of the camera body, allowing for a more comfortable hold.

Shoe Mount Flash EF-X20 – Designed to match X-Pro1’s distinctive styling, a single dial lets you choose between two modes: AUTO - automatically optimizes flash for both outdoor daylight and dark indoor shots; and MANUAL - for hands-on control. In addition, the built-in flash diffuser has an easy one-touch process to soften harsh flash effects.
Leather Case LC-XPro1* - Beautifully molded to protect the X-Pro1, this leather case is designed to allow fast access for easy shooting. Attention has been given to every detail, from the color and spacing of the stitches to the use of a hidden magnet rather than a snap for closing the case. The premium case is complete with the authentic leather neck-strap and hood case.

Protector Filter 39mm and Protector Filter 52mm – These protection filters have high transmissivity without affecting the visible light, and the Super EBC coating effectively controls harmful borrowed light. The frame of the filters has a semi gloss black finish, keeping with the high sense of design, while the inner filter ring is finished in a matte black in order to minimize reflections.

Pricing and Availability
The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 will be available in February 2012, and the price will be announced in late January 2012.
*Case not suitable for FUJINON XF60mm lens

Sample Images

18mm f/2R, image courtesy of Fujfilm

35mm f/1.4R, image courtesy of Fujfilm

60mm f/2.4R Macro, image courtesy of Fujfilm

Contact

For more information please visit the link here.

Related Posts

Fuji X-Pro1 body and lenses available for pre-order
Fuji X-Pro 1 user manual available online
Fuji roll out X10
Fujifilm to add interchangeable lens camera to range
Fujifilm X100 concise review
Fujifilm outs X100 rangefinder-esque compact

Pre-order

Please follow the links below to pre-order:

Amazon ($1699.95 body only) (link now corrected)
Amazon - 18mm (28 mm) f/2.0 $599.95
Amazon 35mm (50mm) f/1.4 $599.95
Amazon - 60mm (90mm) f/2.4 $649.95

Adorama (prices as above)
B&H. (prices as above)

UK retailers:
Warehouseexpress (£1429 body only)
18mm (28 mm) f/2.0 £549
35mm (50mm) f/1.4 £549
60mm (90mm) f/2.4 £599

Fuji reveal more about X100

We were one of the first sites to break the news about the Fuji X100, the innovative rangefinder-esque compact with the hybrid viewfinder, APS-C sensor and attractive but fixed 35mm f/2 equivalent lens. Details at the time of the announcement were sketchy, though, as the X100 was and is still a work in progress. However, the company's dedicated X100 micro-site launched shortly after the news of the camera continues to add details, as and when they're finalized by Japan. If you're wondering what sort of expertise Fuji have then think of their now discontinued 6x7 and 6x9 rangefinders, and the Hasselblad XPan, which was made by...yep, you guessed it, Fuji.

Fujifilm outs X100 rangefinder-esque compact

Fuji has announced the development of a new rangefinder styled compact with a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (with what looks like offset micro-lenses to improve peripheral illumination), fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2 Fujinon lens, HD movie option and hybrid optical viewfinder. It's expected to be released early in 2011, but there's no word yet on price. In case you're wondering, no, that's not a Nikon compatible hotshoe.

PHOTOKINA 2010, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 20, 2010 - FUJIFILM Corporation is pleased to announce the new FinePix X100, a high-grade digital compact camera featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder, due for commercial release in early 2011.

The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. It is 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. Or, of course, it can be used as a professional's only top-end camera, if size and versatility are the primary considerations.

Fujifilm has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is 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.

The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination, built from the ground-up. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon, manufactured to perfectly match the APS-C custom sensor. Added to this is the newly-developed EXR Processor, which combines all the latest image processing technology Fujifilm has technology built up over the years.

Other cameras on the market look to fill the need for the ultimate ‘compact’ professional camera, but the Fujifilm development team believe that, having listened to the marketplace, the FinePix X100 offers a number of technical developments that will set this camera apart from other contenders. The main technologies employed in this camera are as follows:

Hybrid Viewfinder (New Development)

The Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 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.

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. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control. The new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a range of challenging shooting conditions.

While digital compact cameras have become ever slimmer and more compact in recent years, composing and viewing shots on large, higher resolution LCD panels on the back of the camera has become the mainstream practice for today's users. On the other hand, shooting with an optical viewfinder is the standard practice for conventional film cameras and the preferred method for large numbers of digital camera owners. Many prefer the finder to be as close as possible to the eye so the user can focus attention exclusively on photo composition to get a clear view of the subject without distraction.

While traditionalists prefer the clear, sharp view of an ‘optical’ finder, modern electronic displays, giving data like shutter speed, aperture, white balance, exposure correction and sensitivity can aid the photographer tremendously. The new Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 aims to give the user the ‘best of both worlds’

Further specifications for the Hybrid Viewfinder are as follows:

The reverse Galilean optical finder with a 0.5x magnification features all-glass elements made from high-refractive index glass and demonstrates low chromatic aberration and distortion.

In optical viewfinder mode, the brightness of both the “bright frame” and text data is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of scene area, ensuring that shooting information is always easily and clearly viewable.

Displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings.
In electronic viewfinder mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review. Available with one-touch switching ease, this capability enables the user to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field effects, white balance, and macro shots.

12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor

The FinePix X100 features a custom CMOS high-performance sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model. Optimization of the angle-of-incidence in conjunction with the specially developed lens maximizes light gathering efficiency extending to the perimeter of the sensor for a sharper image with exceptional clarity.

When shooting HD movies, the combination of the large-sized sensor and the large aperture F2 lens, lets users shoot a soft out-of-focus touch (bokeh) - a capability not available in conventional compact cameras.

The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approx. 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*1) and a high-performance image processor captures exceptionally high-quality images over the entire sensitivity range from low to high ISO settings.

The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor's enhanced focusing system contributes to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter time lag enhance the pleasure of every shot.
*1 Comparison with other FinePix compact camera models.

23mm F2 Fujinon (Aspherical) Lens

The newly-developed lens offers a focal length of 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) and a widest aperture of F2. Made from molded glass, the lens contains 8 elements in 6 groups.

The adoption of the non-collapsible lens structure with minimized lens length not only contributes to the compact size but also eliminates telescoping of the lens when the power is on. It's ready to start shooting the moment you turn it on.

Exploiting the merits of fixed focal length lens, this lens delivers sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. In addition, the lens features not only the large F2 aperture value, but also an optical architecture that maintains a high degree of resolution even when closed by 1 to 2 stops.

The lens uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A large F2 aperture and high-quality optics let users take beautiful photos with a soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect. The lens enables macro shooting as close as 10 cm. Featuring a built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3), the lens can enhance depth-of-field even in bright shooting conditions by enabling the aperture to be kept wide open. Shutter speed can also be reduced to capture waterfalls, or any shot where intentional blur is required.

EXR Processor (Newly Developed)

When combined with the high-performance lens and high-sensitivity sensor, the newly developed EXR Processor achieves the highest definition, sensitivity and wide dynamic range image quality of any digital camera produced by Fujifilm.

Throughout development of the processor, Fujifilm has re-examined every aspect from response to the circuit structure, and achieved a significant leap in signal processing performance for a more responsive and faithful reproduction of the image.
The graphical interface (style and rendering of the LCD information) has been upgraded in the newly developed LSI to enhance the user experience and to improve the clarity of the information presented.

Design

Inspired by the beauty and form of classic cameras from the past, the FinePix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, traditional chassis which oozes class and prestige.

The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly operation.
The camera controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc, to allow maximum creative expression with minimum hassle. Custom modes can also be used for a one-touch change in settings.

The upper control deck/bottom surface has been cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting) to contribute to a high-precision camera body with high rigidity. All dials on the upper control deck are fabricated from metal. Adoption of traditional ’manual‘ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power. Premium quality is evident in every detail. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather accents and is a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.

 

Technical Specifictions

More information can be found at the special X100 site here.

Pre-order yours here at Adorama.

Pre-order at B&H Photo

Pre-order at Amazon UK

 

UPDATE: Read our review of the Fuji Finepix X100 here.