If you’ve read our Fujifilm camera reviews, then you probably know how much we like the company’s X-series cameras. The X-T1, which debut earlier this year, features a more DSLR-like interchangeable lens camera design, and touts one of the fastest autofocus speeds in a camera. Just in time for the Photokina show in Germany, Fujifilm has announced a limited X-T1 Graphite Silver edition.
What’s new besides the color scheme? This special X-T1 has a triple layer coating. First, the magnesium body is given an “antioxidant treatment.” It’s then covered with a primer of matte black undercoat to “tighten the colors of the shadowed areas and makes the highlighted areas stand out.” The camera is then rotated on a “high speed while thin coats of ultra-fine paint particles are layered using a computer controlled ‘Thin-film Multilayer Coating Technology’ for a smooth and luxurious Graphite Silver finish.” This is followed by a final process, which is a clear coat “for extra durability and a deep gloss finish that subtly changes its appearance depending on how it is struck by the light.” This coating gives the camera its limited edition looks and durability.
It’s not just about looks, however. The X-T1 Graphite Silver’s electronic viewfinder has a new Natural Live View that gives the user an optical viewfinder experience. There’s also a high-speed electronic shutter with a max speed of 1/32,000 when used with select lenses. Also, the mechanical shutter will not operate if the electronic shutter has been enabled, for a quiet shooting – handy for photos. The camera also has a new “Classic Chrome” film simulation mode that “delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction.” This simulation mode mimics the quality of photos shot with Fuji-branded films.
Related: Fujifilm’s new X100T premium compact camera makes manual focusing a breeze
If you’re an existing X-T1 owner or if you don’t want to shell out $1,500 (lens not included) for the special edition (it’s a $200 premium over the regular X-T1), don’t fret. Fujifilm has a new firmware update that’s available for free to all X-T1 users, so you’ll get a bunch of new technical enhancements as well, including improvements to focusing, video, and the Program mode. The update will be available in December 2014. (See the list of updates at the end of the article.)
The Graphite Silver edition will be available in November. Fujifilm also unveiled a new kit for the X-T1 (black version only). For $1,900, you can get the camera with a XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, a lightweight, weather-resistant glass designed for pros and enthusiast.
X-T1 firmware upgrade features
- AF Area direct selection – Users can select the focus area with the 4-way controller, without pressing the Fn Key.
- Function replacement for the AE-L/AF-L buttons – The currently locked AE-L/AF-L button function will now be interchangeable, depending on the user’s preference.
- Focus Area size variability during MF – Users will be able to change the focus area in Manual mode during One Push AF with the AF-L button.
- Macro Mode direct selection – Users will be able to directly turn ON or OFF the Macro function in Auto Focus mode to expand the distance measurement range to the short-distance range. This will be possible without accessing the pop-up menu screen.
- Q Menu customization – The update will render the items and layout of the Q Menu, used for quick access of frequently-used items, changeable to the user’s preference.
- Video frame rate selection – In addition to the existing 60fps and 30fps selections, 50fps and 25fps, as well as a 24fps selection will become available to users. 50fps and 25fps allow video editing in the PAL region, such as Europe and elsewhere, without converting the frame rate. The 24fps will offer movie-like video capture and play back.
- Video manual shooting – Users will be able to select ISO sensitivity prior to shooting videos, as well as adjusting the aperture and shutter speed during video shooting.
- Phase Detection AF support for One Push AF – With One Push AF, operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable Phase Detection AF with quicker focusing speeds.
- Metering area focus area interlocking – The update will enable users to interlock the AF area position with the metering area when spot metering is selected.
- Expansion of the Program Shift setting area – The update will enable the current Program Shift, in which the low-speed side is 1/4 second, to be shifted to a maximum of 4 seconds.
