We’re beginning to understand the deep emotional depths that Kylie was traversing when she sang her hit single “Can’t get you out of my mind,” as we’re having trouble keeping our lustful gaze away from the forthcoming Fujifilm Finepix X100 camera.
Phwooar
Shyly strutting on to the world stage like a saucy stripper behind seven veils, only the merest details were revealed when the camera was showcased at the 2010 Photokina trade show.
Now Fujifilm has swirled its metaphorical negligee into the crowd and revealed all, with a full press release and spec sheet for the large-sensor compact camera aimed at professional and enthusiast photographers.
Read on for the explicit details:
FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES THE FINEPIX X100 PREMIUM DIGITAL CAMERA BUILT BY PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Captures Extraordinary, High Quality Images with a Combination of Modern Technology — APS CMOS Sensor, Fixed Focal Length FUJINON Lens and Debuting the World’s First Hybrid Viewfinder — All Presented in a Classically Beautiful Design
Valhalla, N.Y., February 8, 2011 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the U.S. debut of its FinePix X100 premium digital camera which will begin shipping in March. Inspired by the groundswell of requests by professional and advanced amateur photographers from around the world, Fujifilm has developed a digital camera that was specifically engineered to appeal to this group’s desire for capturing the highest quality images through a high-performance, beautifully crafted compact digital camera.
The FinePix X100 is a high precision digital compact camera that combines modern technology with a traditional camera design to deliver the ultimate in image quality. Featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor (12.3 megapixel), a FUJINON 23mm Single Focal Length Fixed F2 lens, a 2.8” LCD 460K, and the world’s first Hybrid Viewfinder, the FinePix X100 captures exceptionally high quality images.
“It has always been important for Fujifilm to introduce products that are in a class of their own and with the FinePix X100, we have achieved that level,” said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The combination of a hybrid viewfinder, large APS-C sensor and a precisely matched prime lens, make this camera unique to anything else in the market, and is presented within a rangefinder design that makes it an instant modern classic.”Quality Within – Custom 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
The FinePix X100 features a custom 12.3 megapixel APS-C 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 create a soft out-of-focus image — a capability not available in conventional compact cameras. The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approximately 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*) and a high-performance image processor captures extremely high quality images from low sensitivity to high sensitivity. In standard form, the planned ISO range is from 200 to 6400, but this can be expanded to include 100 and 12800.
The newly developed EXR Processor takes EXR processing to new heights. Combined with the high-sensitivity sensor, the EXR Processor achieves the highest resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range ever produced by a FinePix digital camera for the ultimate in image quality. The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor’s enhanced focusing system contribute to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter lag time enhance the image capture experience.
A Quality All Its Own – High-performance 23mm F2 FUJINON Lens
The FinePix X100 comes with a new FUJINON non-collapsible lens structure that expands the realm of photographic expression with sharper resolution from the center to the corners. It has a 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) F2 lens, with eight elements in six groups. One aspherical glass molded lens. 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 taking photos the moment the user turns it on. 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 adoption of a 9-blade aperture diaphragm combined with the large F2 aperture and high-quality optics lets users take photos with a beautiful circular soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect. With macro shooting capability as close as four inches, users can explore the fun and fascination of close-up photography. The built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of three) can be switched ON/OFF via simple in-camera settings.Quality You Can See – World’s First Hybrid Viewfinder
The true enjoyment of photography begins with the thrill of seeing the world through a viewfinder. The new Hybrid Viewfinder has been developed to reintroduce users to this essential camera experience. It combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in rangefinder-type film cameras such as the classic 135-size or medium-format cameras, with the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in most compact or mirrorless digital cameras. By 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 electronic shooting data. 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 modes using the simple “one touch” control, the new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a wide range of challenging shooting conditions.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 (OVF) 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. Also, the displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings, so that the user’s eye never has to leave the viewfinder. In electronic viewfinder (EVF) mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot quality. With a flick of the one-touch lever, the user can switch to EVF to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field, and white balance – an especially useful capability when shooting macro shots and other scenes that are hard to confirm with only an optical viewfinder.
Quality of Beauty – Stunning Retro Design
The FinePix X100 features a beautiful, high-quality design inspired by the classic look and feel of traditional film cameras. The top cover of the upper control deck and the bottom surface have been die-cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting), contributing to a high-precision camera body. All dials and rings are precision milled from metal. The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly functionality. Traditional ‘manual’ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power. The camera’s controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation…etc, allowing maximum creative expression with minimum hassle and enabling the user to view settings – even when the power of the camera is turned off. Custom modes can also be accessed with a one-touch settings change. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather-like accents and is both a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.RAW Quality – Image Enhancement Functions
Capturing the scene in RAW format is easy with just a press of the readily accessible RAW Button on the back of the camera. Photographers can use the built-in RAW Development function to process the RAW data in-camera using the camera’s image quality settings. In addition to Fujifilm’s original Film Simulation Modes that give photos the distinctive look of Velvia, PROVIA and ASTIA color reversal film emulsions, X100 expands the scope of photo expression with Monochrome Mode that can be fine-tuned with R/Ye/G filter settings. Separate adjustment of shadow tones and highlight tones lets users reproduce the rich tonality of high-contrast subjects.Added Quality – The FinePix X100 also offers these additional features:
EVF/OVF Focus Area: The FinePix X100 offers users the choice between the 49-point auto EVF focus area or the 25-point OVF auto focus area as well as the selection of 5 different focus area sizes in EVF mode. Depending on the needs of each scene, the FinePix X100 offers easy focusing by design.
HD Movie mode: Lets users capture the action in 720p high-definition detail. Just like taking still photos, users can capture movies with aperture-priority AE and enjoy a soft, defocused background effect. In addition, the built-in HDMI Mini connector allows users to easily and directly connect the FinePix X100 to high-definition TVs for showing stills and movies with plug-and-play ease.
Motion Panorama: With the built-in Motion Panorama function, it is easy to capture 180° and 120° panoramic photos. Later users can print the results as pin-sharp A3-size (11.7” X 16.5”) enlargements and share the enjoyment of high-quality panoramic photography.
Multi-Bracketing Functions: The FinePix X100 has four types of bracketing functions: AE, ISO, Dynamic Range and Film Simulation. One click of the shutter captures 3 bracketed images of the scene so the photographer knows he’s captured the moment.
Star Quality – Premium Accessory LineupThe FinePix X100 has these additional elegant accessory options:
Luxury Case: To perfectly complement the look and premium quality feel of the X100 camera body, a retro leather “quick shot” case with matching strap has been designed to fit the X100 like a glove. Made out of luxurious leather it has been designed with uncompromising attention to detail, ensuring the ultimate ease of use and practicality.
Lens Hood and Adapter Ring: Precision milled from metal, the lens hood and adapter ring will be available as a set. The adapter ring is also compatible with commercially sold 49mm filters.
Auto Flash (TTL – Through The Lens): EF-20 (Guide Number:20) and EF-42 (Guide Number:42) will be newly added to the TTL flash lineup.
Pricing and Availability
The FinePix X100 digital camera will be available in March 2011, and will be priced at $1,199.95.
*Compared with other FinePix compact camera models.
Full specs
Body material – Magnesium alloy
Sensor
• APS-C CMOS sensor
• 12.3 million effective pixels
• 23.6 x 15.8mm
• Primary Color filter
• 3:2 aspect ratio
Image stabilization None
Image processor Fujifilm EXR processor
Image sizes
3:2
• 4288 x 2848
• 3072 x 2048
• 2176 x 1448
16:9
• 4288 x 2416
• 3072 x1728
• 1920 x 1080
Motion Panorama
180 degrees Vertical : 7680 x 2160 Horizontal 7680 x 1440
120 degrees Vertical : 5120 x 2160 Horizontal 5120 x 1440
Movie recording
• 1280 x 720 @ 24fps
• Stereo sound
• Max length: 10 mins
File formats Still
• JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3),
• RAW (RAF format), RAW+JPEG
• (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
Movie
• H.264（MOV） with Stereo sound
Lens
High-performance FUJINON lens with Super EBC Coating
• 23mm, equivalent to 35mm
• F2 – F16
• 8 elements / 6 groups
• 1 dual-sided aspherical element
• 4 high-refractive index glass elements
• 3 stop neutral density filter built in
Auto focus
• High speed Contrast Detection AF system
• 49 selectable AF points
Focus modes • Single shot AF (S- AF)
• Continuous AF (C-AF)
• Manual focus (MF)
Focus distance
• Normal : Approx. 80cm / 2.6 ft. to infinity
• Macro: Approx.10cm – 2.0m / 3.9 in.- 6.6 ft.
AF assist lamp • Yes
Exposure modes
• Program AE
• Aperture priority AE
• Shutter priority AE
• Manual
Sensitivity • ISO 200 – 6400
• 100 or 12800 (with boost)
Metering modes
• Multi-pattern
• Center-Weighted Average
• Spot
AE Lock
• AE lock available
Exposure comp
• Up to -/+ 2.0 EV
• 1/3 EV steps
Shutter speed
• 30-1/4000 sec + bulb
Drive modes
• Single
• Continuous
• Self-timer (2 or 12 sec)
Continuous shooting • 5 / 3 fps selectable
• Up to 10 JPEG
• Up to 8 RAW or RAW+JPEG
Built-in Flash
• Auto flash (super intelligent flash)
• Effective range: approx. 50 cm – 9 m / 1.6 ft. – 29.5. ft.
• Modes: Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-Eye
External Flash
• Hot-Shoe
Optical viewfinder
• 0.5x magnification
• Projected framelines with approx. 90% frame coverage
Electronic Viewfinder
• Ultrafine 1,440,000 dot LCD
• 0.47 inch
• 100% frame coverage
LCD monitor
• 2.8″ colour LCD
• 460,000 dots
• 100% frame coverage
Storage • SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Internal memory 20MB
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 (Hi Speed)
• Mini HDMI
Battery life Approx. 300 frames
Power NP-95 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery
Weight (no batt) 405 g / 14.3oz
Weight (including batt, card) 445g / 15.7oz
Dimensions 125.5mm (W) x 74.4mm (H) x 53.9mm (D) (including lens)
Accessories included
• Li-ion battery NP-95
• Battery charger BC-65N
• Shoulder strap
• USB cable for the FinePix X100
• Lens cap
• Metal strap clip
• Protective cover
• Clip attaching tool
• CD-ROM (Viewer software, Raw File Converter etc. )
• Owner’s manual
Optional accessories • Li-ion battery NP-95
• Battery charger BC-65N
• Leather case LC-X100
• Lens hood LH-X100
• Adapter ring AR-X100
• Shoe mount flash EF-20, EF-42
Oh, and here’s Kylie. And why not.
