Fujifilm Unveils X-M1 Camera and Two New Lenses

The up-coming Fujifilm X-M1 camera, fitted with the XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Positioned at the entry level in the line-up, the X-M1 features the same  16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor as the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Fujifilm X-E1 plus the same fast response EXR Processor II imaging engine.  Its body is designed for one-handed operation, with adjustable buttons and dials are located on the right side of the camera’s rear LCD panel.The camera weighs just 330 grams and sports a 3-inch, 920,000-dot,tiltable LCD monitor. The built-in flashuses Fujifilm’s Super i-Flash technology to regulate the amount of light it fires depending on the scene. A hot shoe enables accessory flashguns to be used with the camera.

The mode dial includes settings for P, A, S and M shooting modes, along with a suite of Scene pre-sets. It also provides access to Advanced SR Auto, which automatically recognises a scene type as well as eight Advanced Filters for artistic photography. The two Command Dials allow users to adjust the aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation quickly with their thumb. Individual buttons are also provided for White Balance, Burst Mode and Macro.

Sensor sensitivity can be set from ISO 200 to ISO 6400 in 1/3 EV increments, with extension available to ISO 100, ISO 12800 and ISO 25600. The built-in wireless transfer function uses a dedicated Fujifilm camera App (free download) for transferring shots to mobile devices so they can be uploaded to social networking sites or shared. Photos and videos can also be imported to the camera from a mobile device or computer and location data can be retrieved from a smartphone to add to image data.

Initially available in Black and Silver (Brown will also be available late 2013) the X-M1 will ship with a new compact and lightweight XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens, covering the focal lengths of 24-76mm (35mm equivalent). This lens comes in black and silver and will only be supplied with X-M1 body. Its optical design comprises 12 all-glass elements in 10 groups, including three aspherical elements and one ED element. It features seven round-edged aperture blades with 17 stops in 1/3 EV steps for precise aperture control. The X-M1 Black and Silver models will be available from early August 2013 for an RRP of AU$1099.

Fujifilm’s new Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 prime lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)

Fujifilm has also expanded its X Mount interchangeable lens line up with the new Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8, a portable and lightweight high-performance prime lens. Available in Black or Silver, the new lens covers a field of view similar to that of the human eye. It includes a glass moulded aspheric element that reduces image distortion, along with Fujinon’s proprietary HT-EBC Coating, which minimises flare and ghosting.

The lens incorporates an autofocus design that uses a high-torque, DC coreless motor to shift all of the front lens elements (five elements in four groups) for fast autofocusing. It sports a metal focusing ring that provides the right amount of torque when it is rotated. The fast maximum aperture and rounded diaphragm ensure attractive bokeh. The new lens will go on sale in August 2013 at an RRP of AU$599.

Details of the new products can be found at www.fujifilm.com.au.