Fujifilm has had great success with the original X100 retro-styled, mirrorless digital camera system that delivered image quality on par with some full Digital SLR cameras and with an all-new 16 megapixel CMOS sensor and EXR processor looks to up the game with the new Fujifilm X-Pro 1 before competitors start nipping at their tails.
The X-Pro 1 incorporates a new second-generation Hybrid Multi viewfinder that allows seamless switching between the optical and digital viewfinder and offers three prime Fujinon lens choices. You have the choice of an 18mm (23mm equivalent)/F2.0, 35mm (53mm equivalent)/F1.4 and a 60mm (90mm equivalent)/F2.4 Macro.
The camera will be available in February 2012 and pricing will be announced by the end of the month.
You can read the full press release below and you can follow my progress through CES at WouldntMind.com Editorial and WouldntMind.com News.
If you have any comments or feedback, feel free to email me at wouldntmind@gmail.com.
Just my 2-cents,
Larry
Valhalla, N.Y., January
9, 2012 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation proudly
introduces the debut of its newest and most advanced addition to its premium, high
quality X-Series digital camera line-up – the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 interchangeable
lens digital camera system.
With a brand
new, custom developed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM, incorporating
a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor
technology, the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 is poised to deliver superlative image quality
that will rival currently available mid and high-end DSLR models. Taking
another decisive step into the premium camera market, Fujifilm has taken the
X-Pro1 to the next level featuring a New 2nd Generation Hybrid Multi
Viewfinder and three prime interchangeable FUJINON lenses.
The FUJIFILM
X-Pro1 digital camera not only promises to carve out a distinct position in the
premium camera category, but it also promises to reward X-Series loyalists with
a camera system that surpasses their expectations.
“Fujifilm puts
great emphasis on producing outstanding image quality, and with the X-Pro1, we
are proud to offer an interchangeable lens system that performs to the highest
professional caliber,” said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and
Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Each element is the product of Fujfiilm’s
commitment to uncompromising quality. With
its custom APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM, unique Hybrid Multi
Viewfinder and three interchangeable lenses, the X-Pro1 is poised to become the
new standard for photographers.”
Setting new standards in image resolution
Fujifilm has developed a new CMOS
sensor called the X-Trans CMOSTM.
The X-Trans CMOSTM sensor is capable of delivering resolution
that is superior to other APS-C sensors and equal to even some full frame
sensors.
The new color filter array paves
the way for an ideal sensor that does not need an optical low-pass filter. While the optical low-pass filter is
indispensable for the reduction of moiré and false color generated by
conventional sensors, it also degrades resolution. Fujifilm has developed a new color filter
array that is inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain, removing
the need for an optical low-pass filter to solve moiré and false color issues. In the array, RGB pixels are arranged in 6x6
pixel sets with high aperiodicity (randomness).
Increasing the degree of randomness eliminates the fundamental cause of
moiré and false colors – a problem that occurs in conventional arrays when
shooting stripes and other repeating patterns.
The presence of an R, G and B pixel in every vertical and horizontal
pixel series minimizes the generation of false colors and delivers higher color
reproduction.
As a result of using a
film-inspired array, a more powerful processor is required to process the image
signal data. So Fujifilm has developed the
EXR Processor Pro. This technology will
maximize the full potential of the X-Trans CMOSTM sensor, delivering
high speed and high precision image processing.
Prime FUJINON XF lenses deliver the highest image
quality
FUJINON
lenses have long been associated with delivering high quality images, with
optics used for both broadcast TV and medium format cameras. Now the expertise borne out of this enviable
optical heritage has been put into lenses for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.
Three compact XF
FUJINON fast aperture prime lenses will be available at launch. The “XF18mmF2 R” (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, “XF
35mmF1.4 R” (53mm equivalent) f/1.4, and “XF60mmF2.4 R Macro” (90mm equivalent)
F/2.4 are all bright and compact and designed to deliver sharp, clear images of
uncompromising quality. They offer
precise control over depth-of-field and deliver excellent bokeh effects thanks
to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular
image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are
meticulously rounded off rather than simply cut off, which delivers a sharper
image. In addition, the solid feel of
the high-quality metal barrel and detailed exposure setting in 1/3 step
increments using the aperture ring fuel your desire to capture more photos with
every shot.
FUJIFILM original
“X-Mount” maximizes lens performance
Specifically designed to
maximize the mirrorless design of the body the X-Mount has a short flange back
distance of just 17.7mm. This means the rear lens elements are as close as
possible to the sensor. The wide opening
allows the lens to be mounted deeper within the body – up to 7.5mm (approximately)
from the mount surface – reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the
minimum possible, thus achieving high resolution all the way to the edge of the
image
Hybrid Multi Viewfinder – seeing is believing
First introduced in the FUJIFILM
X100 digital camera, Fujifilm’s revolutionary Hybrid Viewfinder has the ability
to instantly switch between an Optical Viewfinder and Electronic Viewfinder. The Hybrid Viewfinder has added a new
dimension to the pleasure of composing photographs. For the brightest viewing image, and to keep
shutter lag to a minimum, users should choose the Optical Viewfinder. Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure
information, white balance information and depth of field indicators should
switch to the Electronic Viewfinder.
The Electronic Viewfinder
provides an excellent “Live View” of your composition. This fusion of
technologies allows users to enjoy composing their images through a bright
viewfinder, but has the option to overlay vital picture taking information
should this be required.
Changing between the two
viewfinders is simple, thanks to the switch on the front of the X-Pro1 body. When attaching a FUJINON XF-series lens on the
X-Pro1, both the viewfinder magnification and bright frame size automatically
switch to support the lens focal length. Viewfinder magnification switches to
0.37x for the 18mm lens, and to 0.60x when the 35mm or 60mm lens is mounted,
letting you compose your shot with the bright, crystal clarity of an optical
image. The X-Pro1 also gives you the
freedom to manually set a focal distance and switch between viewfinder
magnifications.
Cutting edge technology
in a beautiful camera body
The X-Pro1’s
magnesium alloy chassis and improved user interface is a testament to Fujifilm’s
unyielding attention to quality and the photographic needs of the professionals. From the exact and deliberate placement of
the buttons to the precision milled dials, the X-Pro1 beautifully encompasses
all that is needed to deliver high quality photography.
The top and base
are made from die-cast aluminum alloy which, combined with high quality touches
like precise engraving on the top-plate and hand-enameled lettering on the
lenses,
illustrates
how the entire X-Pro1 system was designed and built without compromise.
This eye for
detail extends to the shutter speed dial and exposure compensation control that
is precision milled from solid metal. Details
like the shutter speed dial lock mechanism and the recessed exposure
compensation dial are designed to prevent accidental movement of settings. The
knurled finish on the sides of the dials feature rows of minutely milled
squared pyramids for superb grip and confidence.
As a well-known mark of quality,
the “Made in Japan” printing confirms that every part of the construction has
had to meet Fujifilm’s highest standards.
The lightweight, precision-milled
lens hood (included with the lens) has been exclusively designed and machined
from aluminum for the FUJINON XF lens. Its
compact size delivers superb light shading performance in a design that
perfectly matches X-Pro1 styling. Diameters
of the aperture ring and focus ring of the three FUJINON XF-series
interchangeable lenses are only slightly larger than the barrel for sleek
uniformity of design. Precision machined
from metal, the reassuring click of the aperture ring at each setting and the
comfortable torque resistance when operating the focus ring enhances the
shooting experience.
The X-Pro1’s leather-like finish is
designed for a quality look and durability. The synthetic leather offers
resistance to the elements and high durability, while an original manufacturing
process produces a texture with the look and feel of authentic leather. The X-Pro1 has also been designed with the
photographer’s comfort in mind. The
natural fit of the eyepiece provides excellent shielding from light leakage,
and an optional dioptic adjustment lens can also be attached.
Extending Fujifilm’s photo film legacy
In film cameras, capturing multiple exposures is the unique photographic
technique of superimposing one image on another by double exposing a single
frame of film. Through advanced digital
processing the X-Pro1 can simulate this technique by simply selecting the Multiple
Exposure mode and taking the first shot.
By viewing the image via the Hybrid Multi Viewfinder or on the LCD
screen, you can see how the finished multiple exposure will look and then precisely
frame the second shot.
Further enhancements have been
made to the Film Simulation modes with the new Professional Color Negative Film Modes (Pro Neg. Std and Pro Neg.
Hi) designed for X-Pro1 users working in the studio. The X-Pro1 also offers Film Simulation
bracketing, along with AE, Dynamic and ISO bracketing; plus the ability to
capture the colors and tonal qualities of popular FUJIFILM emulsions through the
vibrant colors of Velvia, the softer skin tones of ASTIA and the natural look
of PROVIA.
Replicating the
effects of monochrome film photography the X-Pro1 lets you use color filters to
expand your photographic interpretation.
Heighten contrast with the yellow filter and red filter, or brighten
greens and deepen reds with the green filter.
Just as professional film photographers once selected a filter and
printing paper to complement their creative vision, you can easily fine tune
image quality with these filters. For
those after a more nostalgic theme there is also a sepia filter.
Premium Accessory Lineup
The FinePix
X-Pro1 has these additional premium accessory options that are sold separately:
Hand Grip, HG-XPro1 - Giving you more secure
and balanced handling of the camera, the X-Pro1 accessory grip smoothly molds
to the lines of the camera body for a uniform look. The grip helps balance the
weight of the camera body, allowing for a more comfortable hold.
Shoe Mount Flash EF-X20 – Designed to
match X-Pro1’s distinctive styling, a
single dial lets you choose between two modes: AUTO - automatically optimizes flash for both outdoor daylight and
dark indoor shots; and MANUAL - for
hands-on control. In addition, the
built-in flash diffuser has an easy one-touch process to soften harsh flash
effects.
Leather Case LC-XPro1* - Beautifully
molded to protect the X-Pro1, this leather case is designed to allow fast
access for easy shooting. Attention has
been given to every detail, from the color and spacing of the stitches to the use
of a hidden magnet rather than a snap for closing the case. The premium case is complete with the
authentic leather neck-strap and hood case.
Protector Filter 39mm and
Protector Filter 52mm – These protection filters have high
transmissivity without affecting the visible light, and the Super EBC coating effectively
controls harmful borrowed light. The
frame of the filters has a semi gloss black finish, keeping with the high sense
of design, while the inner filter ring is finished in a matte black in order to
minimize reflections.
Pricing and Availability
The FUJIFILM
X-Pro1 will be available in February 2012, and the price will be announced in
late January 2012.
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