Fujfilm’s latest X-series model, the XF1, which is announced today, combines a 12-megapixel, 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor with a new f/1.8 manual 4x Fujinon optical zoom lens.
Angled front view of the red XF1 in Shooting mode. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The XF1’s slim-line lens features seven lens elements in six groups and includes four aspherical and three extra low dispersion elements. Built-in Optical Image Stabilisation shifts one group of four elements to minimise camera shake without compromising resolution around the edges of the image. The XF1 is Fujifilm’s first compact camera to use Fujinon’s Wide-Band High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating process, which was developed for Fujinon broadcast-use lenses, to suppress flare and ghosting.
This lens covers a focal length range equivalent to 25-100mm and the camera’s Intelligent Digital Zoom supportsa doubling of this range to 200mm equivalent. The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture at the wide-angle setting combines with a six-bladed iris diaphragm to deliver attractive bokeh. The lens can focus to within 3 cm of subjects for close-up shots. Fujifilm’s High Speed Contrast Detection AF claims to be able to lock onto subjects in 0.16 seconds at a maximum 4x zoom and boasts a minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds.
Rear view of the XF1 in black. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The camera’s compact aluminium body with leather-look casing continues the retro styling that has made the X-series cameras popular among discerning photo enthusiasts and professional photographers. The camera body offers three configurations. In Travel mode, the lens retracts fully for ease of portability. In Standby mode, a simple touch of the zoom ring opens the lens and activates the camera into Shooting mode which powers up in 0.51 seconds.
The XF1, shown in Shooting (top) and Travel (below) modes. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The Fujifilm XF1 provides plenty of multi-function manual controls and features a main command dial that allows easy adjustments of shutter speed and aperture. Up to six frequently used settings can be assigned to the expanded function button. The XF1 can record Full HD movies at 1920 x 1080 pixels and also supports 1280 x 720 pixel and VGA resolutions, all with a frame rate of 30 frames/sec.) and with stereo sound. Optical zoom function (manual) can be used.
The 2/3-inch (8.8 x 6.6 mm) EXR CMOS sensor in the XF1 supports Fujifilm’s three switchable sensor modes for advanced photographers: SN high sensitivity/low noise for low light, DR dynamic range for high contrast scenes and HR resolution for well-lit conditions. An additional EXR Auto mode is provided for snapshooters in which the optimum setting is selected from 103 scene patterns, pre-loaded in the camera.
Also built into the camera is an Advanced Filter option with 11 pre-sets that includePop colour, Toy camera, Miniature, High-key, Dynamic tone and six partial colour settings for B&W shooting with highlights in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue or Purple. The effects of the filters can be previewed on the 3-inch, 460-dot LCD monitor, which has a cover made from tempered glass.
Fujifilm’s new XF1 will be available for purchase in November 2012 at an RRP of AU$549. For stockist information, visit www.fujifilm.com.au. Details of the new camera can be found at the dedicated website: www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_xf1/
