The GetDPI Photography Forum

Great to see you here. Join our insightful photographic forum today and start tapping into a huge wealth of photographic knowledge. Completing our simple registration process will allow you to gain access to exclusive content, add your own topics and posts, share your work and connect with other members through your own private inbox! And don’t forget to say hi!

Fuji X100 Official Announcement

monza

Active member
Embargoed until midnight EST 2/8/11


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 Lineup
The FinePix X100 has these additional elegant accessory options:
• Luxury Case: To perfectly compliment 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.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
• For downloadable hi-res images, go to: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/press/.
• For complete specifications, go to: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/digital_cameras/index.html or http://www.finepix-x100.com/


About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.
###
All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

Specifications (pdf)

Press Release (word doc)

X100 Sell Sheet (pdf)
 

Anders_HK

Member
"Inspired by the groundswell of requests by professional and advanced amateur photographers from around the world, Fujifilm has..."

Pardon me, what load of :deadhorse: is above???

I started looking at Leica X1. Wonder how image quality compares??? The X1 looks modern yet classic + more simple. Image quality??? :watch:

Regards
Anders
 

fordfanjpn

Member
Here in Japan they're saying it will be available on March 5 at an expected street price of 128,000 yen (a little over $1500). As usual, we get to pay more for Japanese cameras in Japan than you folks in the US pay.

The X100 site has some sample pics now.

Bill
 

jonoslack

Active member
It looks lovely
I hope someone comes out with RAW converter capabilities fast, otherwise all of us Mac users will have to resort to Parallels/VMFusion or Boot Camp!

Raw File View compatability:
Windows7/Vista/XP,Mac OS X 10.9 - 10.6

Raw File Converter compatability:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

N.B. after reading further, it comes with a customised version of silkypix, so one would assume Mac support
 
Last edited:

Jorgen Udvang

Subscriber Member
Been through some of the samples. Looks very good. Very sharp even at f/2.8 and great bokeh, particularly considered the short focal length. Now I want it too :)
 

barjohn

New member
Here are my quick adjustments to 4 of the samples done in LR so you can see before and after.





 

Helena

New member
Definitely interested in this camera. :) Not sure if I'm going to buy one though, we'll see.

When I looked at the sample with the white "tower" (the same one John has edited above) I thought "This isn't very sharp, but maybe they used a large aperture and the upper part is outside of the focus area", so it was disappointing to find that they used f/11. Wonder if diffraction is causing it to be not so sharp?

The wide open samples look fine, at least the ones that are taken close to the subject.
 
When I looked at the sample with the white "tower" (the same one John has edited above) I thought "This isn't very sharp, but maybe they used a large aperture and the upper part is outside of the focus area", so it was disappointing to find that they used f/11. Wonder if diffraction is causing it to be not so sharp?
I think it is interesting how differently people view images. Purusing the pixel peep fest over at DPReview, it is amazing how at odds some people are over the quality of the samples.

Speaking to Helena's example, I had the exact opposite reaction to the "tower" shot, feeling that it was tack sharp even at the edges.

Different strokes, or different monitors?
 

Helena

New member
That's interesting indeed! I'd love to hear what other people think. I'm definitely not a pixel peeper, and not too demanding regarding sharpness, but that particular shot looks a bit unsharp to me (not enough to discourage me from buying the camera though). I notice it even without zooming in to 100%. The others look great though.

EDIT: After have looked at it some more I'm starting to think that maybe it's the bright light on white that makes it look a bit hazy and not quite as sharp as the others. I'm still not ruling out diffraction though.
 

mathomas

Active member
Looks good. I want one. Question is ... will/should I sell my M8 (and lenses) to have it?

I'd end up with a lot more money in my pocket, but with a much more limited/specialized camera, in trade (that's probably OK -- God knows I have plenty of others!).
 

tom in mpls

Active member
Brochure is great. I particularly like the examples of what you see through the viewfinder.

One question: does anyone (Monza?) know if the camera fits in the lovely leather case when the lens hood is attached?
 

Terry

New member
One question: does anyone (Monza?) know if the camera fits in the lovely leather case when the lens hood is attached?
Tom - Looking at the picture of the leather case and the size of the lens protrusion my guess is very highly unlikely that the case and hood will work together.
 

tom in mpls

Active member
Tom - Looking at the picture of the leather case and the size of the lens protrusion my guess is very highly unlikely that the case and hood will work together.
That's my thought, too. Perhaps a good thing as it keeps the case smaller.

I had considered keeping an M8 with a 35 cron as a "fixed lens" camera but unfortunately I could not get manual focusing to work fast enough for me. This camera even looks similar and I am excited about it. But if it's "the one", my life will be at risk of descending into a meaningless ennui if I must give up my reason for living: the search for my "perfect" camera.
 

Godfrey

Well-known member
That's my thought, too. Perhaps a good thing as it keeps the case smaller.

I had considered keeping an M8 with a 35 cron as a "fixed lens" camera but unfortunately I could not get manual focusing to work fast enough for me. This camera even looks similar and I am excited about it. But if it's "the one", my life will be at risk of descending into a meaningless ennui if I must give up my reason for living: the search for my "perfect" camera.
LOL!

I think it will have to be dressed up with a Luigi's Half-Case and the lens hood. And a big red dot for effect. ;-)
 
Top