Fujifilm FinePix X100 Preview

First look based on a prototype X100

In amongst all the cameras announced at Photokina 2010 – including enthusiast SLRs such as the Nikon D7000, Canon EOS 60D, Pentax K-5 and Sigma SD1 – one utterly unexpected model stole the show. Fujifilm unveiled the FinePix X100, a compact camera with an SLR-size APS-C sensor and traditional analogue control dials, that hides ground-breaking technology inside a retro-styled body with looks to die for. It’s the company’s first camera with a large, APS-C sensoraimed at professionals and advanced amateurs since the S5 Pro DSLR of 2006.

Fujifilm may be a company that’s currently best-known for its prolific production of compact cameras, but in reality it has a long tradition of making somewhat left-field, unique cameras aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals. The company regularly sought out market niches in the days of film, from its Fujica 6×9 format rangefinders, through the GA645Zi medium format ‘zoom compact’, to the TX-1 35mm panoramic rangefinder (better known in Western markets as the Hasselblad XPan), all of which still command premium prices on the used market today. In the digital era it has concentrated mainly on its innovative SuperCCD sensor technology, employing it to provide class-leading dynamic range on cameras such as the S5 Pro and the EXR series of zoom compacts. Along the way it has made some genuine cult classics, including the F30 and F31Fd compacts which earned a reputation as excellent low-light performers.

The large-sensor, fixed-lens compact isn’t a new idea, of course, and both Sigma’s DP series and the Leica X1 have already visited this territory. However these haven’t been entirely convincing products, plagued by slow operation, low-resolution LCDs and, in the case of the Sigmas, a somewhat quirky interface. For this reason they’ve struggled to establish a compelling raison d’etre, especially in the face of competition from the new breed of interchangeable lens mirrorless compacts typified by the Olympus Pen series and Sony NEXs. So the real question will be whether Fujifilm has managed to refine the concept, and produce a camera that’s as compelling to shoot with as its specifications (and looks) suggest.

The X100 was shown at Photokina as a non-working prototype, slated for an introduction date of March 2011. Fujifilm states it’s on course to meet that target, and has kindly lent us a working prototype model for a first look, on which this article is based. The camera we have is not fully representative of the version that will hit the retailers’ shelves – certain aspects of the cosmetic finish are different, and the firmware is far from finished. So this won’t quite be our usual detailed preview, but instead a first impression of what the camera’s like ‘in the flesh’. If you are interested in the X100, Fuji’s own special site is also well worth a visit.

Key features 12 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor Fixed 23mm F2 lens (field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on full frame) 2.8″ LCD screen, 4:3 aspect ratio, 460,000 dots Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder OVF with 0.5x magnification, projected framelines indicate approx 90% of field of view EVF with ca 0.5x magnification, 1,440,000 dots Traditional-style control dials for shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation ISO 100 (L), 200-6400, 12800 (H) Flash hot shoe and built-in flash Built-in neutral density filter (3 stops) 1280×720 HD motion picture recording with stereo sound Compared to…

Specifications compared

The table below lists some of the key specifications of the X100 and its competitors. What’s notable is the combination of an unusually fast lens and a massive APS-C sensor, which together bode well for its low-light capability.

Camera Lens* (35mm equiv) LCD Dimensions & Weight(with lens, battery + card) Sensor (effective pixels) Fujifilm FinePix X100 35mm, F2 2.7″ 460k pixels 126 x 74 x 54 mm, tbc 5.0 x 3.0 x 2.2 in, tbc 12.3 Mp CMOS (ca. 23.6 x 15.8 mm) Leica X1 35mm, F2.8 2.7″ 230k pixels 124 x 60 x 50 mm, 330g 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.0 in, 10.9 oz 12.2 Mp CMOS (23.6 x 15.8 mm) Panasonic DMC-GF1 40mm, F1.7* 3.0″ 460k pixels 119 x 71 x 61 mm, 448g 4.6 x 2.8 x 2.4 in, 15.8 oz 12.1 MP LiveMOS (17.3 x 13 mm) Sony NEX-5 24mm, F2.8* 3.0″, tilting 920k pixels 111 x 59 x 54 mm, 361g 4.4 x 2.3 x 2.1 in, 12.7 oz 14.2 Mp HD CMOS (23.4 x 15.6mm) Sigma DP2 40mm, F2.8 2.5″ 230k pixels 115 x 64 x 56mm, 280g 4.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 in, 9.9 oz 4.6 MP x 3 X3F (20.7 x 13.8 mm)

*The Panasonic DMC-GF1 and Sony NEX-5 both accept interchangeable lenses

If you are new to digital photography you may wish to read the DigitalPhotography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you comprehend some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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source : www.dpreview.com

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Preview

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