Next month will see Fujifilm add two new cameras to its line-up: the X-E2, which features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS II sensor and the XQ1, an ultra-small advanced camera with a 12 megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor.
The new Fujifilm X-E2, shown with the 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)
Building on the success of the Fujifilm X-E1, the new camera will be offered in solid black or two-tone black and silver. The X-Trans CMOS II sensor, which was also used in the X100S, controls moirø© and false colour generation through a proprietary colour filter array with a highly randomised pixel arrangement. The X-E1’s EXR Processor II can harness information from more than 100,000 phase detection pixels, which are embedded in the sensor’s surface and Fujifilm’s Lens Modulation Optimiser (LMO), which is used for the first time in the X-E1, enables the processor to correct edge softening as well as diffraction blur, which is caused at small aperture settings.
The Fujifilm X-E2 boasts a rapid start-up of 0.5 seconds, virtually no shutter lag (0.05seconds), and high speed continuous shooting of 7.0 frames per second for up to approximately 28 frames. It also claims the world’s fastest AF speed of 0.08 seconds. Focusing continues until the shutter is pressed half way during continuous AF. Manual focus has been made easier with Digital Split Image technology.
Other features include a manually adjusted aperture ring on the lens plus shutter speed and exposure compensation dials on the top plate. Exposure compensation has been increased to +/-3EV. The 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder provides accurate and comfortable framing and focus checking. A 3-inch LCD monitor with a high viewing angle and 1.04 million dot reinforced glass is also provided. The X-E2 can also record full HD video (1920 x 1080) up to 50 frames/second and AF tracking has been improved to ensure good focus speed, accuracy and smoothness. Film simulation settings and exposure compensation +/-2 EV are available for movie recording. A high bit-rate (36 megabits per second) has also been enabled.
Built-in Wi-Fi enables images to be transferred to a smart-phone or tablet after installing the free Fujifilm Camera Application app. Multiple exposure imaging can be achieved by combining two shots in one frame. In addition to the regular Film Simulation settings, the X-E2 provides eight advanced filter options: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Colour, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Colour. In-camera development is available for the camera’s 14-bit RAW files.
The Fujifilm X-E2 will be available from November 2013 in a kit complete with Fujinon XF18-55mm lens for an RRP of AU$1899. Accessories include a leather case, Fujinon XF and XC lenses, M Mount Adapter, Hand Grip, Three dedicated flash models (EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42), Protector filters and Remote release.
Fujifilm’s new XQ1 advanced compact camera, which will be offered in Black or Silver. (Source: Fujifilm.)
The new Fujifilm XQ1 is the smallest X Series camera to be released, measuring 100m x 58.5 x 33.3mm (wxhxd). Equipped with the same 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II as the Fujifilm X20, it comes with a new 4x optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format with maximum apertures of f/1.8-f/4.9. Fujifilm’s Lens Modulation Optimiser (LMO) corrects slight blurring and diffractions, maximising the resolving power of the lens.
The XQ1 boasts a quick start-up time and claims a fast AF speed of 0.06 seconds, a shooting interval of 0.3 seconds (in high performance mode) and a shutter lag of just 0.015 seconds. Other features include Focus Peak Highlighting and a control ring around the lens that can be programmed to adjust Advanced Filters, high level manual focusing, aperture and shutter speed settings. Additional customisation is available via the expansion function (E-Fn) button on the back of the camera.
A 3.0-inch 920k dot premium LCD makes viewing easy and boasts high contrast, anti-reflective glass and an 85-degree vertical and horizontal viewing angle. The camera also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, five Film Simulation modes, eight advanced filter options and in-camera raw file conversion. Other features include full HD movie capture at 60 frames per second and Super Intelligent Flash. Accessories include a Leather case, Waterproof case for up to 40 metres and an O Ring Kit.
The Fujifilm XQ1 is scheduled for release next month. Its RRP is still to be determined. For more information on both cameras, visit www.fujifilm.com.au.
