Fujifilm has entered the world of posh pocket compact digital cameras. The Fujifilm XF1, which is expected to be available from Adorama next month is an eye-catching little camera with an oversized (for a pocket camera) 12MP CMOS sensor, a 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.8-4.9 lens, and an all-new, fully customizable on-screen menu. The retro-styled compact camera is constructed of simulated leather in tan, red and black. But under the hood, the XF1 is a cutting-edge digital camera. Its lens consists of 7 glass elements in 6 groups including 4 aspherical and 3 extra-low dispersion elements. A new high-transmittance coating is said to dramatically reduce flare. Other features include image stabilization, claimed high image quality in low light and fast autofocus, and shot-to-shot time of 0.8 seconds.
Fujifilm XF1
key features:
- 12 MP 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
- Manual 4x optical zoom (25-100mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) f/1.8-4.9 lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Full manual exposure and focus controls
- 3.0-inch/460K dot LCD monitor
- ISO 100- 12,800 (ISO 4000,5000, 6400 M Mode or Smaller, ISO 12,800 S Mode)
- Macro shooting to within 2 inches
- Motion Panorama 360
- 6 “Advanced filters” with 11 patterns and 5 “Film simulation modes”
- Individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots
- In-camera RAW converter
- Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording
- Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing
- A range of retro style cases
- Approximately 300 shots per battery charge
The Fujifilm XF1 will be available from Adorama in October for $499.95, in black, tan, or red. For details, read the press release at the bottom of this page.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8
Fuji also announced Fujifilm Instax Mini 8, which will join the Fujifilm instant camera lineup in early 2013 at a price to be announced. The Mini 8 is said to offer user-friendly controls, is slightly slimmer than the original Instax, and boasts a viewfinder. Simplicity and ease of use is the key here; the camera offers auto exposure, although it does have a high-key mode for brighter photos. The camera produces credit card-sized prints, making it well suited for parties and sharing without having to get online. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 will be available in a variety of colors.
For details, read the unedited Fujifilm press release, below.
FUJIFILM UNVEILS THE HEAD-TURNING XF1 DIGITAL CAMERA
Valhalla, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new, distinctive premium digital camera that blends advanced technology with an unforgettable design to its flagship X-Series line, the FUJIFILM XF1. With its perfectly matched lens and sensor, careful attention to detail on appearance and design, and accessible technology, the XF1 extends the X-Series range to a much wider audience.
The FUJIFILM XF1 combines an amazingly fast and newly developed FUJINON F1.8 wide angle lens with 4x manual zoom with a large 2/3-inch 12 Megapixel EXR CMOS sensor that delivers extraordinary image quality, all in a remarkable design that is unlike any other camera.
The compact FUJIFILM XF1 will be available in three luxurious designs: a dimpled synthetic black leather, a smooth synthetic tan leather and an elegant synthetic red leather. Each new XF1 will begin shipping in October 2012.
“The FUJIFILM X-Series is known by photographers for their outstanding image quality, precision build and stellar performance,” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “And the FUJIFILM XF1 lives up to that reputation, while adding a new level of portability and style with its unique retractable F1.8 manual zoom lens along with lightweight and durable aluminum body covered in synthetic leather for a bold, retro look.”
First class lens for razor-sharp results
The FUJIFILM XF1 features a newly-developed, high-definition FUJINON 25mm wide angle F1.8 lens (25mm-100mm) with 4x manual zoom lens that consists of 7 glass lens elements in 6 groups, including 4 aspherical glass lens elements and 3 extra-low dispersion lens elements. The FUJINON lens as has new HT-EBC (High-Transmittance EBC) coating on all lens surfaces that dramatically reduces flare for crystal clear images, as well as optical image stabilization to eliminate camera shake without compromising resolution around the edges of the image.
The XF1 also incorporates Optical Image Stabilization, which shifts one group of four elements to minimize camera shake without compromising resolution around the edges of the image, a common problem with conventional stabilization systems. With this extraordinary lens, the XF1 can shoot in low light without boosting sensitivity, keeping noise to a minimum, by using high shutter speeds to prevent camera shake and stop subject motion – all without the need for flash.
The XF1 is also capable of Macro photography at ranges as close as 3 cm, and can capture images with a beautiful “Bokeh” depth of field effect (for crisp subjects set against out-of-focus backgrounds) by taking advantage of the XF1’s fast lens and six diaphragm blades.
Fast AF in dark scenes with EXR processor
With its EXR CMOS sensor and EXR processor, the FUJIFILM XF1 offers fast Auto Focus no matter what you are shooting, even in dark settings. The speedy read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations; quick response, start-up in just 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and a minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds. Additionally, the EXR processor offers high-speed processing for hassle-free HD movie recording and burst-mode photography.
Manual feel with all-new GUI
The FUJIFILM XF1 has an all new on-screen menu dial that allows users to gain full control of the camera’s extensive manual shooting controls. The on-screen menu dial is fully customizable, and allows for quick setting adjustments and selections. The programmable E-Fn button can be assigned up to six functions, allowing for smooth manual control via the bright, 3.0-inch (460k dot premium clear) LCD monitor. The XF1 also features a programmable function button for fast one-click setting access.
Newly developed hardware design
The FUJIFILM XF1’s new hardware design introduces a fresh way to carry, turn on and use the travel-ready digital camera. There are three modes for users to choose from when using the XF1:
• “Travel Mode” for a compact fit with the lens retracted and camera fully powered down
• “Standby Mode” with lens extended but in power saving mode for quick startups
• “Shooting Mode” for when you are actively photographing
Getting started is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3. From “Travel Mode,” turn the zoom ring to either move into “Standby Mode, or bypass and move directly into “Shooting mode.” And beyond just powering the camera, the manual zoom lens provides a very fast and precise 4x optical zoom range plus 2x intelligent digital zoom for a total of 8x zoom.
Fujifilm XF1
key features list:
• Pocketable, premium, camera available in 3 stunning colors (Black, Tan, Red)
• 12 MP 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
• Fast processing and response times
• Manual 4x FUJINON optical zoom (25-100mm equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera) and up to a total 8x zoom using the Intelligent Digital Zoom
• F1.8 (wide) – F4.9 (telephoto)
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Full manual controls
• A bright, sharp, 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor
• ISO 100 – 12,800 (ISO 4000,5000, 6400 M Mode or Smaller, ISO 12,800 S Mode)
• Macro shooting to 3cm
• Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap
• Artistic effects including 6 “Advanced filters” with 11 patterns and 5 “Film simulation modes” for additional creative expression, plus an individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots
• In-camera RAW converter
• Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording. Now also with Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing
• A range of retro style coordinating cases will be available to complement the XF1
• Approximately 300 shots per battery charge
Pricing and Availability
The FUJIFILM XF1 will be available in October 2012 for $499.95 in black, tan and red.
FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES THE NEW INSTAX™ MINI 8 INSTANT FILM CAMERA, NOW IN A VARIETY OF COLORS
Valhalla, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced that it will launch an all-new INSTAX™ Mini 8 instant film camera as an addition to the popular INSTAX™ line beginning in early 2013. In addition to offering the user-friendly control functions, fun style, and fantastic image quality of existing INSTAX™ Mini models, the new fun and compact INSTAX™ Mini 8 line-up will feature up to five different and exciting colors: pink, blue, yellow, white and black!
The new INSTAX™ Mini 8 preserves the ease of use and attractive design features of the existing INSTAX™ series while offering new features and enhancements. The new INSTAX™ Mini 8 is slightly slimmer and also boasts an improved viewfinder for enhanced subject viewing. Using automatic exposure measurement the camera recommends aperture settings. There is also a new high-key mode that enables users to take brighter photos – perfect for portraits.
The instant credit card sized photo prints that the INSTAX™ Mini 8 produces can be passed around, viewed and shared right away anywhere, anytime. There are many ways and occasions to have fun with the INSTAX™ Mini 8, such as at weddings, parties, the high school prom as well as everyday scenes and self-portraits. Capture all of the fun and then share prints immediately with family and friends long before the party ends! You can also use the photo prints for creative and decorating projects around the house and with friends.
Availability
The new FUJIFILM INSTAX™ Mini 8 will be available in early 2013, in an exciting selection of colors.
More details on the launch of INSTAX™ Mini 8 cameras in the U.S. will follow.
