Fuji knows how to design a cool looking camera and the new XF1 is no exception. This takes the same sensor from the popular and highly regarded X10 and puts it into a even more svelte package.
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the XF1, a pocket-sized premium compact digital camera. This latest addition to Fujifilm’s X-series range of cameras is due to be on sale in November this year. With its perfectly matched lens and sensor, careful attention to detail on appearance and design, and accessible technology, the XF1 extends the X series range to a much wider audience.
The XF1’s stunning retro body features a newly-developed f/1.8 FUJINON lens with a manual 4× optical zoom (25mm-100m). The 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR Processor provide the superior image quality, feel, and ease-of-use people have come to expect from Fujifilm’s X series. Compact enough to take anywhere with you, the XF1 enables you to shoot high-quality photos whenever you feel the urge. In terms of appeal, the XF1 functions equally well as an upgrade to a compact camera or as a second, “back-up” camera for the more advanced photographer.
Highly praised for their superior image quality and ease of use, Fujifilm’s X series cameras are aimed at those “passionate about photography” and currently features the award-winning X-Pro1, X100, X10, and X-S1 along with the new recently announced X-E1.
High-end design
Meticulous attention to ease-of-use and the choice of premium materials produces a stylish, high-end design for the XF1. The aluminium body is both light and durable, while the synthetic leather covering reproduces the feel of genuine leather while ensuring an improved grip. The XF1 comes in a choice of three very appealing colours: Tan, Black and Red.
Manual 4x zoom lens (25mm-100mm)
Newly developed for the XF1, the wide-angle, f/1.8 lens features a manual 4× optical zoom?(25mm-100m) operated simply by twisting the zoom ring. This offers the photographer the ability to compose shots quickly and conveniently. The camera is powered on by a twist of the lens ring, and when in standby, the ring can be pushed into the body to minimise camera size and aid portability.
Stunning results in low light with f/1.8 lens
The XF1’s fast f/1.8 lens allows poorly-lit subjects to be photographed without raising sensitivity levels, keeping noise to a minimum. The slim-line lens achieves its aperture of f/1.8 with a construction that features 7 lens elements in 6 groups (four aspherical and three extra low dispersion), the first with a highly variable profile and a high refractive index, and the second an aspherical element with an extremely high refractive index. All elements are subjected to FUJINON’s unique Wide-band High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating process (developed for FUJINON broadcast-use lenses), reducing ghosting and flare for crisp results in even the most difficult shooting conditions.
Featuring a unique Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) mechanism that shifts one group of four lens elements to reduce blur, while avoiding colour shading and lost resolution at the edges of the image, the XF1 will ensure that noise levels are minimised to produce clear low-light photographs.
Other features include Macro photography at ranges as close as 3 cm, and also the opportunity to capture images using the beautiful “Bokeh” depth of field effect (for crisp subjects set against out-of-focus backgrounds) by taking advantage of the XF1’s fast lens and six diaphragm blades.
Premium high image quality with a larger 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor
Everyone can take full advantage of the superb image taking potential of the XF1 by using Fujifilm’s premium EXR Auto mode, the technology takes charge and selects the optimum settings (from 103 patterns according to the scene’s demands), making extremely high photo quality easy to achieve, with almost any subject, whatever your ability!
Adjustable sensor controls are still on offer for the more advanced photographer. The 2/3-inch, 12 million pixel EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s three switchable sensor modes (SN – high ISO and low noise, DR dynamic-range, and HR resolution) which can be selected according to the subject for bright, sharp images.
Fast AF in even dark scenes with EXR processor
With its EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR processor, the XF1 camera offers fast Auto Focus speeds even in dark scenes. The quick read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations; start-up in just 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds. Additionally, the EXR processor offers high-speed processing for hassle-free HD movie recording and burst-mode photography.
Manual feeling with new GUI
A rich assortment of multi-function controls is available to those who prefer to select camera settings manually. The main command dial simplifies the task of altering the shutter speed and aperture, while up to 6 frequently-used settings can be assigned to the expanded-function button as desired, allowing the photographer to capture the scene exactly as intended through intuitive operations performed while viewing the LCD monitor. With it s bright, 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered glass which protects from scratches, you will not be disappointed.
Artistic filters
The XF1 features a new “advanced filter” option that lets you enjoy quite different forms of photographic expression. Choose from 11 creative filters; Pop colour, Toy camera, Miniature, High-key, Dynamic tone, and six Partial colour options (shoot in B&W plus one selective colour: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple), and preview the effect of any of the filters on the LCD monitor.
Fujifilm XF1 key features list:
- Pocketable premium camera available in 3 stunning colours (Tan, Black and Red)
- 12 megapixel 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
- Fast processing and response times
- Manual 4x FUJINON optical zoom (25-100mm equiv.) and up to 8x Intelligent Digital Zoom
- Manually twisting zoom mechanism for power-on and zooming
- F1.8 (wide) – F4.9 (telephoto)
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
- Full manual controls
- 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered glass for scratch protection
- Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap
- Artistic effects including 11 “Advanced filters” and 5 “Film simulation modes” for additional creative expression, plus an individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots
- Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording. Now also with Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing
- Coordinating retro-style cases available to complement the XF1
Two years ago Fuji created a storm in the camera market with the launch of the X100. The retro styling, large APS-C sensor and f2 prime lens was a breath of fresh air and for six months or more after the launch date they were nigh on impossible to get hold of such was their popularity! I owned one myself for about a year and you can read my review HERE if you need a refresher. Today Fuji have unveiled the cameras successor and it looks as though they have kept all the good bits of the previous camera and concentrated very hard on fixing the universally disliked features like the poor AF speed and the manual focusing.
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