CES, which opened today in Las Vegas, saw the announcement of four new cameras and an X-series lens, with release dates scheduled for March.
The all-black version of the popular Fujifilm X100S. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The company has also announced the release of all-black model of its popular X100S compact camera, in response to consumer demand. The new FinePix S8600 bridge camera is one of three AA-powered superzoom digicams and the only one for which we have a local release date. The other two are the S9400W (which is Wi-Fi equipped) and S9200 models, both of which boast 24-1200mm equivalent f/2.9-6.5 zoom lenses, 200K dot EVFs and Full HD video recording.
The red version of the new FinePix S8600. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The FinePix S8600, which will be offered in black, white or red, has the same 6.17 x 4.55 mm, 16-megapixel CMOS sensor as its siblings but a three-step collapsible lens with a 36x optical zoom range (25-900mm equivalent). D+Features that separate it from its siblings include the lack of an EVF and HD (720p) video recording. All three cameras provide P/A/S/M shooting modes plus an Advanced Filter mode with 10 artistic effects, along with Face Detection for up to 10 faces.
The new FinePix S1 with its zoom lens extended. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Fujifilm has also unveiled the new FinePix S1, which is claimed as the world’s first weather resistant bridge camera, which is designed to withstand dust and moisture and includes 70 sealed areas. The S1 boasts a slightly faster 24-1200mm equivalent f/2.9-5.6 50x zoom lens than the S9400W and S9200 models. It is equipped with a dual stabilisation system that claims 3-stop lens shift image stabilisation plus 5-Axis image stabilisation. Its 6.17 x 4.55 mm backlit CMOS sensor has an effective resolution of 16.4 megapixels. The S1 offers remote shooting via a smart-phone or tablet with photos and movies easily sent to smart-phones and computers using the same Wi-Fi connectivity.
Other features include a new multi-CPU processor that supports a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 10 frames/second and provides faster autofocusing and improved camera response times. The maximum sensitivity is ISO 12,800 (for Size S images). Full HD movie recording is available and the 3D noise reduction function uses multiple frames to improve image quality at high sensitivity settings. The Movie Scene Recognition function automatically sets the correct exposure for the conditions.
The three colour options for the FinePix XP70. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Fujifilm’s latest waterproof camera, the FinePix XP70, will be offered in orange, blue or yellow. It is waterproof to 10 metres, shockproof to 1.5 metres, freezeproof to -10 °C and suitable for use in dusty conditions and has the same 1/2.3-inch 16.4 megapixel CMOS sensor as the S8600 plus wireless functionality. The stabilised 5x optical zoom lens includes a 28mm (35mm equivalent) wide-angle setting and its range can be doubled to 10x with Fujifilm’s Intelligent Digital Zoom technology.
A new Action Camera mode, available with the optional 18mm (35mm equivalent) Action Camera Lens, enables users to mount the camera on the body or sporting equipment for hands-free shooting. In Action Camera mode, the rear LCD turns off automatically to extend recording time. The XP70 offers Full HD movie capture (1920 x 1080) at the press of a button, along with high-speed recording at up to 380 frames/second. Scene recognition is also included, along with multi-frame High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture and a Motion Panorama 360 ° function. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the rear LCD to make it easy to view or compose images.
The new Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R Portrait lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Fujifilm has also announced the latest professional-grade addition for its X-Series interchangeable lens camera range: the Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R high quality portrait lens. Less than half the size of an equivalent full-frame camera lens, this lens features a new optical design with 11 elements in 8 groups, including two ED (extra low dispersion) elements, one double-sided aspherical element, plus four elements with a convex surface facing the subject, which combine to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. Image quality is further enhanced by Fujifilm’s proprietary HT-EBC coating on all lens surfaces , which reduces ghosting and flare. The seven-blade rounded diaphragm produces a smooth bokeh effect.
The XF56mm f/1.2 R features a DC coreless motor combined with an inner focus mechanism that moves small elements in the middle or at the rear of the lens while keeping the large front elements stationery. This enables faster autofocusing when used with an X-Series camera body that supports phase detection AF. It also offers near silent operation. Durable, metal construction ““ including the aperture and focus rings ““ ensure a high quality feel.
Fujifilm has also released a new roadmap for X mount lenses (shown above), which adds five new lenses including four zoom lenses over the next 12 months. Included will be a bright standard lens XF16-55mm f/2.8 R OIS, a bright tele-photo zoom XF50-140mm f/2.8 R OIS and a high magnification zoom XF18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 R OIS as well as a super-telephoto zoom lens and a high-speed wide angle lens. This will bring the total number of lenses in the X mount line-up to 17.
Australian pricing has not been announced yet for the new products. More information is available at www.fujifilm.com.au.
