Fujifilm Unveils X-T1 Premium CSC

The new Fujifilm X-T1, shown with the 10-24mm lens. (Source: Fujifilm.)
 
 

Back view of the X-T1. (Source: Fujifilm.)

With its durable die-cast magnesium body, the X-T1 looks and feels like an evolved SLR-style camera. The exposure compensation, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity dials are all precision milled from aluminium and deliver a reassuring click at every notched setting, while reinforced glass is used for added protection of the LCD screen.   The X-T1 also includes state-of-the-art technology and is capable of super-fast response speeds. It features a 23.6 x 15.6 mm  X-Trans CMOS II sensor with an effective resolution of 16.3 megapixels and a new Multi Mode viewfinder that provides four display modes:
 The “FULL” mode takes advantage of the high magnification ratio of the X-T1 viewfinder to provide an unrivalled view of the scene. It displays shooting information at the top and bottom of the screen to avoid obstruction of the view.

The “NORMAL” mode provides an optimum view, including shooting settings. It allows you to concentrate on framing the shot in Auto Focus mode while keeping you aware of how the shooting conditions are changing, making it the ideal setting for sports and action photography.

The “DUAL” mode is specially designed for manual focusing with a clever split view. It adds a small second screen for checking the focus point with the Digital Split Image or Focus Peak Highlight.
 For a “PORTRAIT” view in “NORMAL” and “FULL” modes, the interface automatically rotates when the camera is held vertically.

The X-Trans CMOS II sensor incorporates an original colour filter array with a highly random pattern, eliminating the need for an optical low-pass filter (OLPF). Advanced Lens Modulation Optimiser (LMO) technology integrates data from the lens, sensor and processor to correct diffraction blur when shooting with a stopped down aperture and compensates for the slight blurring in the lens periphery.  

A new Hybrid Auto Focus system achieves fast focusing speeds through the on-sensor phase detection AF system plus the speed and accuracy in dark scenes that contrast AF can deliver. Intelligent Hybrid AF provides automatic switching to the optimal focusing system for the scene and conditions. The X-T1 has a maximum sensitivity of ISO 51200. To combat noise at these ultra-high sensitivity settings, the arrangement of components and circuits around the sensor has been redesigned, keeping blacks black, with minimal grain and no colour casts.

The sensor is coupled with a new EXR Processor II chip with dual CPU and improved computational performance   that doubles the speed of the previous generation processor. The new camera’s start-up time is approx. 0.5 sec., with a shot-to-shot time of 0.5 sec. and shutter time lag to 0.05 sec. Predictive AF and AF tracking enable the camera to follow the subject, even at the highest continuous shooting speed of 8.0 frames/sec. With an UHS-II SD memory card installed, the data writing speed in continuous mode increases to about twice that of a conventional card.

The X-T1 also supports time-lapse photography   and includes an interval timer function. Users can set the starting time, the shooting interval (1 sec. to 24 hr.) and the number of frames (1 – 999). Five auto bracketing functions   are available: AE, ISO Sensitivity, Dynamic Range, Film Simulation and White Balance. The new camera is highly customisable with six function buttons on the top, front and rear, including the four-way selector and Q button.

Built-in Wi-Fi provides instant transfer and location tagging of images via smartphones and tablets, with a   maximum multiple image transfer of 30 photos or 2GB. Wi-Fi transfer also enables camera data backup onto the computer wirelessly. A free “FUJIFILM Camera Remote” application and “Wireless Communication” function allows users to remotely shoot images from smart-phones and tablets. Wireless functions include Touch AF, shutter release for stills and movies, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, Film Simulation modes, White Balance, macro, timer and flash.

Fujifilm will release three weather-resistant zoom lenses to complement the X-T1 camera, during 2014, with the XF18-135mm launching in June. The three lenses are the XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R OIS WR, XF16-55mmF2.8 R OIS WR and the XF50-140mmF2.8 R OIS WR.

Other optional accessories include a Vertical Battery Grip, four dedicated flash models (EF-X8, EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42), Leather Case, Hand Grip, M Mount Adapter for additional lens compatibility,       Protector filters, Remote release, Stereo microphone, DC Coupler and AC Adapter. The recommended retail price for the Fujifilm X-T1 is yet to be advised. It is expected to be available in Australia in early March. Full details can be found at the dedicated micro site: http://fujifilm-x.com/x-t1/en/.

UPDATE: Since the announcement of the Fujifilm X-T1 yesterday we have been able to compile a list of key specifications for the camera, along with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the US and UK markets.

Body type	SLR-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy; Environmentally sealed
Sensor	23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS X-Trans II CMOS with primary colour filter with 17  million photo detectors (16  megapixels effective)
Max resolution	4896 x 3264
Image aspect ratio	1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Processor	EXR Processor II
Colour space	sRGB, AdobeRGB
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Large, Medium, Small
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Centre Selective single-point Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	AF assist illuminator available
Manual focus	Yes  (MF Distance Indicator)
Lens mount	Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier	1.5ø—
Screen / viewfinder
LCD monitor	Tilting 3-inch TFT LCD (RGBW) with 1,040,000 dots
Touch screen	No
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic with 100% FOV, 2,360,000 dots, 0.77x magnification
Photography features
Shutter speeds	30  sec to 1/4000  sec; Flash X sync speed at 1/180  sec
Exposure modes	Programmed AE Shutter Speed priority AE Aperture priority AE Manual exposure
Built-in flash	No  (External flash EF-X8 included)
Flash range	8.00  m  (ISO100)
External flash	Yes  (Dedicated TTL flash compatible hot shoe)
Flash modes	Activated when external flash is connected Red-eye removal OFF: Auto / Forced Flash / Slow Synchro / Suppressed Flash / Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander Red-eye removal ON: Red-eye Reduction Auto / Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash / Suppressed Flash / Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro / Red-eye Reduction & Rear-curtain Synchro / Commander
Drive modes	Single Continuous High Continuous Low
Continuous drive	8  fps
Self-timer	Yes  (10sec. / 2sec. Delay)
Metering modes	Multi Average Spot
Exposure compensation	±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	(at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes  (+/- 1 to +/- 3)
Videography features
Format	H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30, 60p), 1280 x 720 (30p, 60p)
Storage
Storage types	SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II)
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0  (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes  (mini HDMI)
Wireless	Built-In Wi-Fi
Wireless notes	Geotagging / Wireless communication (Image transfer) / View & Obtain Images / Remote camera shooting / PC Autosave
Remote control	Yes  (RR-90 remote release (not included))
Physical
Battery	NP-W126 Battery Pack; CPIA rated at 350 shots/charge
Weight (inc. batteries)	440  g  (0.97  lb  / 15.52  oz)
Dimensions	129 x 90 x 47  mm  (5.08 x 3.54 x 1.84″³)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Time-lapse recording	Yes  (Setting: Interval, Number of shots, Starting time)
GPS	Optional, via smart-phone
MSRP	$1299.95 / £1049.99 (body only); $1699.95 / £1399.99 (with XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS lens)