Fujifilm today launched a new compact digital camera lineup, headed by an updated version of its APS-sensor flagship camera, the Fujifilm X100S and its posh small-sensor compact, the Fujifilm X20, and including four superzoom “bridge” cameras, a new waterproof digital camera, and a budget-priced travel camera. Here’s an overview of Fujifilm’s latest, cameras, which will be available soon at Adorama:
Fujifilm X100SThe big news for the Fujifilm X100S, available now for pre-orders from Adorama, is that Fujifilm claims that it offers the world’s fastest focus acquisition—0.08 seconds—as well as a 0.01 shutter lag. Fujfilm claims X100s provides a 25% increase in resolution along with a 30% decrease in noise, compared with its predecessor. With the same 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens as its predecessor, the highly-regarded Fujifilm X100, the Fujifilm X100S features a new 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor with built-in Phase Detection pixels. An intriguing “Digital Split Image” feature, which allows users to align dual images to confirm focus along with a Focus Peak Highlight function, are both designed to enhance the camera’s abilities for manual focusing. A wide-angle conversion lens is available to expand the built-in lens (35mm equivalent: 35mm) to cover a 28mm equivalent field of view. Price: $1,299.95.
Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm has also upgraded its flagship small sensor compact camera, the Fujifilm X20, available now for pre-order at Adorama. Key upgrades from its predecessor, the X10, include a new 12MP 2/3″ X-Trans CMOS sensor and a new Optical Viewfinder. Between the new sensor and upgraded EXR processor Fujifilm claims a 20% increase in resolution and 30% reduction in noise compared to the X10. As with the X100s, Fujifilm has substantially improved focus and shutter lag ties, with AF aquisition claimed in as little as 0.06 seconds, and a 0.01 second shutter lag. The Optical viewfinder (shown at right) offers a heads-up superimposed digital display that goes beyond most typical optical finders and includes the kind of information you would find in an EVF. The X20 can also shoot Full HD 1080p videos at 60fps. Price: $599.95
Fujifilm HS50The Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR is a superzoom camera with a 42x optical zoom lens with a 24-1000mm (35mm equivalent) range, claimed 0.05-second autofocus acquisition, and a relatively big 16MP 1/2-inch EXR CMOS II sensor. The camera has a 3-inch, 920k dot resolution flip-out LCD monitor, 920k dot EVF, and both phase detection and contrast AF modes for best focusing in most lighting situations. The HS50 can shoot 1080p/60fps video with continuous phase detection AF and stereo sound via a built-in microphone.
Fujifilm SL1000The Fujifilm FinePix SL1000 is the longest-ranging superzoom digital camera in the Fujifilm lineup. The 50x zoom lens offers a surprisingly fast f/2.8-f/6.5 lens with ED and aspherical elements to improve image quality, and has a revamped Optical Image Stabilization system, which comes in useful especially at longer focal lengths. The camera is built around a 16MP 1/2.3 inch BSI-CMOS sensor that reaches as high as ISO 12800. Claimed AF speed is as fast as 0.2 seconds, and the camera offers a burst rate of up to 10fps making it a good choice for action shots. The SL1000 can shoot 1080p/60fps video with continuous phase detection AF and stereo sound via a built-in microphone.
Fujifilm FinePix S8200/S8500Sporting 40x (24-960mm, 35mm equivalent) and 46x (24-1,008mm, 35mm equivalent) optical zoom lenses, respectively, the Fujifilm S8200 and Fujifilm S8500 superzoom cameras use the same 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-COMOS sensor which reaches a top ISO of 12800. Both cameras offer photographers the option of long-range f/2.9-6.5 lenses at a somewhat lower price than the HS50 and SL100; focus is fast, but not quite as lightning quick as the more expensive models. Both cameras can shoot 1080p/60fps video with continuous phase detection AF and stereo sound via a built-in microphone.
Fujifilm XP60The Fujifilm XP60 is a rugged waterproof compact camera that can be dropped from 5 feet, submerged down to around 20 feet, is sandproof, and operates down to 14 degrees F. It features an internal-zoom ing 5x optical zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD monitor, full HD movie recording, and a 16MP, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. It will be available in Yellow, Blue, Red, Green and Black.
Fujifilm T500/T550Rounding out the Fujifilm lineup are the Fujifilm FinePix T500 and Fujifilm FinePix T550. Both cameras feature 16MP CCD sensors and 12, 24-288mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom lenses, aluminum finish bodies and stylish design. Both models also have an Advanced Filter option for Pop Color, Toy Camera, Miniature, Partial Color, Cross-Screen and Soft Focus effects. The only difference between the two cameras is the LCD. The T550 has a 3-inch LCD monitor while the T500 has a slightly smaller, 2.7-inch one. The cameras will be available in Black, Purple, Red, Silver, and White.All of the new Fujifilm cameras will be available at Adorama. Pricing and availability will be announced.
