Check out our review of the Fujifilm X100S digital camera.
Fujifilm has confirmed the rumors of new X-Series cameras with the official unveiling of the retro-styled pro-level X100S and X20 cameras.
The 16.3MP X100S ($1,300) replaces the X100 and features Fujifilm’s newly enhanced APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and improved EXR Processor II. Toshi Iida, Fujifilm’s worldwide marketing manager of their Electronic Imaging Products Division, said the APS-C sensor is close to that of a full-frame DSLR sensor, allowing for the highest image quality without increasing the size of the sensor. The optical low pass filter (OLPF) is removed so that light can reach directly and effectively to the surface of sensor, which would maximize resolution and improve noise reduction. The X100S incorporates a FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed lens, which features a nine-blade shutter to achieve bokeh effect.
Through the trio of core technologies (the sensor, the image processor, and lens), Fujifilm says “the X100S is capable of the world’s fastest autofocus speeds of up to 0.08 seconds, and increases its image resolution by 25 percent and reduces noise by 30 percent over the first-generation X100.”
Made with magnesium alloy and synthetic leather, other features of the X100 include Intelligent Hybrid Autofocus, which allow for speedy start-up time, shutter lag, and shooting interval; burst mode of 6 frames per second (29 frames max); a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder system; a “revolutionary Digital Split Image function that uses the X-Trans CMOS II Sensor’s built-in phase detection pixels to display dual images that can be manually focused by the user;” a “new Focus Peaking function that highlights high contrast areas of subjects for precise focusing, so that users can achieve perfect focus every time;” Full HD video recording (60 fps and 30 fps); and a 2.8-inch LCD (460K dots).
The second X-Series camera, the X20 ($600), improves on the X10 with a new 12MP 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II Sensor and EXR Processor II, delivering the world’s fastest autofocus speed of up to 0.06 seconds, according to Fujifilm. The X20 has an enhanced optical viewfinder with a Digital Trans Panel that “displays critical imaging information syncing perfectly with the manual zoom lens.” It uses a FUJINON F2.0-2.8 4x manual zoom lens.
Like the X100, the sensor allows for improved noise reduction (30 percent) compared to the X10, as well as a 20-percent improvement in image quality.
Other features include the Intelligent Hybrid Autofocus, Focus Peaking, 2.8-inch LCD (460K dots), a Super Macro Mode (to .039 inches), new Graphical User Interface, Full HD at 60 fps, and a microphone jack. The X20 will also be available in black and silver.
For Fujifilm, it’s “quality, size, and speed” that set these two cameras apart from smartphones and DSLRs. The company believes there’s a third category besides DSLRs and smartphones in digital photography, and their X-Series cameras are in this category.
Both cameras will be available by end of March, in addition to a bunch of new complementary accessories. Fujifilm also says new add-on lens adapters are on the way, starting in April.
