Monday, June 24, 2013

FUJIFILM X-M1 available for pre-order (includes XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS lens)

Fujifilm has made things a bit more interesting by offering yet another X series camera with interchangeable lenses, yet this time the starting price drops to lower than a X-E1 thanks to cost savings caused by removing the viewfinder. Before you shed tears for the viewfinder (which I found to be useless anyway on the X-Series), this model picks up built-in WiFi along with the APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and EXR Processor II. What this means is that you have a state of the art X-Series camera that works with the X Mount lenses for a starting price under $700 (body only) or under $800 with the new image stabilized zoom lens.

To be clear, this isn’t a X100s with interchangeable lenses – I’m expecting that to appear in the replacement for the X-Pro1 and X-E1. This uses the original x100 APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor found in the X-E1, but it does use the X100s new EXR Processor II and it doesn’t have a optical low pass filter. As a result, great image quality is very likely for a very reasonable price!

Fujifilm X-M1
Fujifilm X-M1

Press Release

X-M1 Rear View
X-M1 Rear View

 

Valhalla, N.Y., June 24, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the all new, premium FUJIFILM X-M1 compact system camera (CSC), the third interchangeable lens system camera introduced within the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Series. The X-M1 is a lightweight camera that includes the same 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor used in the critically acclaimed FUJIFILM X-Pro1and X-E1 that delivers outstanding image quality, all in a premium, beautifully crafted body.

The X-M1 will ship with a newly-designed FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm)*1 F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens that allows enthusiast photographers to capture crystal clear wide angle to mid-telephoto range images. The XC16-50mm is a versatile lens that is ideal for a wide range of photographic subjects, including stunning low-light scenes, true to life portraits and rich colorful landscapes. The lens consists of 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element. The lens features seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV increments for precise aperture control.

“The X-M1 is a perfect combination of power and performance, all within a lightweight and well-built chassis. Photographers and enthusiasts alike can confidently take the X-M1 everywhere they go, and it will deliver images that exceed their expectations,” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

“The remarkable new X-M1 with its large APS-C X-Trans sensor, 3” tilting LCD screen, new XC16-50mm lens and easy wireless image transfer, gives enthusiasts the ability to capture amazing quality images and also share them effortlessly.”

Award-winning 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and EXR Processor II

The FUJIFILM X-M1 uses the same large APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor that is found in the X-Pro1 and the X-E1 with a unique color filter array that minimizes moiré and false color without the need for an optical low pass filter. This makes it possible for the camera to maximize extremely high resolution, and to capture each image with accuracy and clarity when using high performance FUJINON lenses.

With the X-M1, users can set the sensor sensitivity from ISO200 to as high as ISO6400 in 1/3 step increments, and even take advantage of the extended range of ISO100 and ISO25600 to obtain amazingly clear and low-noise images even in low-light conditions when shooting at night or indoors.

Together with the EXR Processor II, the X-M1 gives customers incredible speed and response times with a start-up time of 0.5 seconds*2, a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds and a maximum burst speed of 5.6 frames per second (max. 30 frames*3).

Compact performance and advanced features

X-M1 Top View
X-M1 Top View

The X-M1 compact ILC combines advanced features in a go-anywhere design. The X-M1 weighs just 11.6oz*4 and measures 4.6” W by 2.6” H by 1.5” D, about half the size of a traditional DSLR body. With a slim profile of 1.3” at its trimmest point, the X-M1 is easily carried anywhere, and can be trusted to deliver high-quality images.

Along with its large APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, the X-M1 also features a 3” tilting high resolution LCD screen with 920,000 dots for easy image viewing and framing at various angles.

The 3” LCD monitor tilts at variable vertical angles, facilitating both low-angle and high-angle shots whether on or off a tripod.

The X-M1 gives users additional flexibility with its built-in high precision flash, with the guide number 7*5, and Super Intelligent Flash technology that automatically controls flash strength according to scene types to reduce highlight clipping.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button

The X-M1 features a WiFi button that lets users transfer photos and movies*6 from the camera to smartphones, tablets and computers allowing enthusiasts to upload high quality images to social media sites for easy sharing.

To connect the X-M1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the X-M1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Intuitive design and easy operation

The intuitive design of the X-M1 gives users the ability for one-handed camera operation, which is perfect for the fleeting moments when you need to pick up the camera quickly and start shooting.

The X-M1 has its key operation buttons and dials positioned on the right side of the camera’s rear panel for easy use and quick picture taking. The Mode Dial for selecting the optimum setting for each scene gives access to the Advanced SR Auto function, which automatically recognizes each scene and selects the best settings for sharp and clear images.

The Advanced Filter function gives users a range of creative filters to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks. The use of two perfectly positioned Command Dials allows users to effortlessly adjust the aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation, while frequently-used functions are given individual buttons, thereby enabling intuitive and quick operation.

FUJIFILM X-M1 key features list:

  • 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
  • EXR Processor II
    • Start-up time of 0.5
    • Shutter lag time of 0.05
    • Shooting interval time of 0.7
  • 3” (920K dot) tilting high resolution LCD screen
  • Full range of ISO100 – ISO25600
  • Wireless image transfer
  • Q Menu shortcut button
  • In-camera RAW processing
  • Film Simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia, and Black & White)
  • 8 Advanced Filters (Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color)
  • Multiple Exposure mode to superimpose a second exposure on the first exposure
  • Full HD movie 1080P\30fps and built-in stereo microphone
  • Available accessories include: Leather Case, Hand Grip, and Clip-on Flash

FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS

· 24-76mm equivalent F3.5-5.6 lens

· Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount

· 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element

· Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV steps

The FUJIFILM X-M1 (body only) will be available in black and silver in July 2013 for $699.95.

The FUJIFILM X-M1 and XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS lens (kit) will be available in July 2013 for $799.95.

The FUJIFILM X-M1 (body only) will be available in brown in August 2013 for $699.95.

The FUJIFILM X-M1 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1 and X-E1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses will work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.

The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:

  • XF 14mm F2.8
  • XF 18mm F2.0
  • XF 27mm F2.8
  • XF 35mm F1.4
  • XF 60mm F2.4
  • XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS
  • XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 OIS
  • XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS

*1 35mm format equivalent

*2 Quick Start mode

*3 Maximum number of frames can be shot in JPEG setting, using a “Class 10” or higher SD card

*4 Including the battery and memory card, excluding the lens

*5 ISO200・m; When shooting at ISO200, the light reaches a subject up to (7/F number) meters away

*6 FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720

 

Where to order

Click here to order the Fujifilm X-M1 web site. My friends at Adorama have it available here.

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