Fujifilm has announced the development of the FinePix X100 large APS-C CMOS sensor, compact digital camera, perfect for professional and enthusiast photographers. It provides the classic camera look with all the latest technology. The FinePix X100 features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm f/2 (135 equivalent: 35mm) fixed focal length lens, a Hybrid Viewfinder that lets users switch between optical and electronic viewfinders for the “best of both worlds”, 720p HD movie recording, a newly developed EXR Processor, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO controls, a 2.8-inch LCD, and a flash hot shoe.
The Fujifilm FinePix X100 digital camera is due for release in early 2011.
Fujifilm FinePix X100 Compact-Sized Professional Digital Camera Press Release
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I think new the Fujifilm digital rangefinder is one of the most interesting and surprising announcements from this Photokina. A lot of photographers have been asking me about it and it’s got me really curious. For one thing, it’s been a while since Fujifilm messed with digital SLR-sized sensors. Could this also mean there might be another Fujifilm DSLR on the way? And of course, the styling of the new camera is wonderful. I love the totally traditional rangefinder design. If I didn’t know better I’d think it was a film camera. I don’t know about a fixed lens, though. For me, fixed lens cameras are pretty much a thing of the past. They do mean better optics. But at this point, I’ll trade a bit of optical perfection for the flexibility of a zoom.
Finally… kind of… I’ve been hoping that someone would come up with the digital equivalent of the Hexar AF. Granted the 23mm 2.8 on an APS sized sensor is not going to be as satisfying as the Hexar AF’s f2 (full frame) lens, but in general it is a step in the right direction. The other great thing about the Hexar AF was it’s use of passive IR focusing which meant it could instantly focus on a black tux in the total darkness and then expose perfectly with that combo ambient exposure/flash GN/changing aperture mid exposure system.
OK… so it’s not a Hexar AF, but it’s a start. And I’m sure it will be fun. Now… if they can just price it right…
Photo-John mentioned the fixed lens. I could live without the zoom, but the ability to switch fixed focal length lenses would be nice. Lot’s more engineering in the optical rangefinder though.
Wot, no imterchangeable M lens. Wot, not a 40mm lens. Wot , so slow, ie 40mm CV lens is f1,4. We retros are shooting F I L M, on new, (and old), retro-look Voigtlander, Leica, Ziess and old Nikons, Hexanons etc., Wot a waste of money, if any body would ever buy one as is.
Not interested. People who like classic rangefinder cameras should go for Leica M, not a classic look like digital point n shoot.
(sigh) There’s always something. If it had interchangeable lenses I’d be lusting for one of these. As it is, it’s just too limiting for me to spend the money.
Styling is very very nice, direct controls on aprture, shutter speed and of course focous are the way to go (I think most camera users are now aware of how slow and unpredictable the usual “electronic” automatisms are). What really does not make sense is the fixed lens. Hopefully, this one will be followed by an interchangeable lens version. Not much lenses needed, I’d suggest just 24, 35, 50 and 90 mm. equivalents. Those with more sophisticated needs are already on Leicas and Zeiss Ikons.
I agree. Looks a very nice well featured camera but it does need interchangeable lenses. What I would like would be a digital Leica CL or 111G, that is a compact system camera. I do like rangefinder cameras for travel. The hybrid viewfinder sounds very interesting.
I own a Leica M8 but it is quite big and heavy and lacks the electronics which are sometimes useful. I am not impressed with the X1 which again has a fixed lens, slower f stop and no viewfinder as standard.
I could manage with a 35mm and 90mm equivalent.
As a Ricoh GR 100 and Nikon 35ti owner; both with fixed lenses, the Fuji range-finder with classic controls and apparent excellent engineering & ergonomics looks very interesting. I can easily adjust my shooting style to a fixed lens, but understand why others may want more flexibility.
Take any film camera at its Zenith, before it all went digital, and make it digital. Is this so hard?? This one is very very close to The One. I still use my Rollei TLR’s because they just *work* in the real world. Same goes with my Contax T. These two outshoot my digi’s: no shutter lag time, very sharp saturated images, fast and intuitive. This is what I hope for when I finally pick up and try an X100 next March.
I really wanted a cheap(er) Leica M9 for street photography. But, this will do very nicely. We don’t any more than 12 megapixel for anything, anymore. And I like the small form factor. Anything bigger screams in your face invasion of privacy. I, for one, will buy it. The proposed $1,000+ (USD) is doable. As for the fixed lens? Hey, it’s back to the old days: foot zoom. You walk up to your subject or move back. Henri Cartier Bresson used one camera and one lens for most of his stuff. Good enough for me.