Photography Digest

In amongst all the camcorders announced at Photokina 2010 - such as associate SLRs such as the Nikon D7000, Canon EOS 60D, Pentax K-5 and Sigma SD1 - one definitely awesome design took the show. Fujifilm exposed the FinePix X100, a compact electronic picture photographic electronic camera with an SLR-size APS-C sign and conventional analogue control telephone telephone phone calls, that defends ground-breaking engineering in the retro-styled program with looks to die for. It's the company's first electronic picture photographic electronic camera with a huge, APS-C sign targeted at professionals and awesome newbies since the S5 Pro DSLR of 2006.

Fujifilm may be a company that is currently best-known for its well known development of compact camcorders, but actually it has a long customized of creating somewhat left-field, exclusive camcorders targeted at serious fans and professionals. The company regularly suggested out market promoters in the times of film, from its Fujica 6x9 framework extensive range locators, through the GA645Zi technique framework �zoom compact�, to the TX-1 Disadvantages awesome extensive range locator (better known in Western working trading markets as the Hasselblad XPan), all of which still control top fantastic costs on the used market these days. In the electronic era it has targeted mainly on its awesome SuperCCD sign engineering, using it to offer class-leading awesome extensive range on camcorders such as the S5 Pro and the EXR series of zoom ability capability ability ability compacts. Along the way it has created some genuine conspiracy idea concept idea classics, such as the F30 and F31Fd compacts which obtained a reputation as awesome low-light performers.

The X100, though, is something definitely different. It�s a beautifully-designed rangefinder-styled electronic picture photographic electronic camera that drives an SLR-size APS-C sign into its compact program, and actions a set, fast F2 maximum possible possible aperture semi-wideangle connections with a conventional 35mm-equivalent place of viewpoint. It uses conventional analogue control contains shutter amount, aperture and exposure agreement, together with an electronically combined (�focus-by-wire�) information focus team. But the biggest story is its fantastic several viewfinder, which provides together a conventional direct-vision recognizable viewfinder with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, offering the best of both international plus a few exclusive techniques of its own.

The large-sensor, fixed-lens compact is not a new idea, of course, and both Sigma�s DP series and the Leica X1 have already visited this place. However these have not been entirely effective items, experiencing gradually operate, low-resolution LCDs and, in the situation of the Sigmas, a somewhat exclusive interface. Because of this they have conducted to recognize a awesome raison d�etre, especially in the experience of opponents from the new recreate of similar connections mirrorless compacts typified by the Olympus Pen series and Panasonic NEXs. So the big question is whether Fujifilm has managed to improve the idea, and produce a electronic picture photographic electronic camera that is as awesome to catch with as its specifications (and looks) suggest.

There�s no mistaking what Fujifilm�s design team were thinking when they created the X100. Its two-tone body and analogue controls hark back to old rangefinder compacts, and it doesn�t look at all out of place in the company of these 1970s classics. Both Olympus and Leica have recently released retro-styled small cameras in the shape of the E-P1/2 and X1, but the X100 takes the concept to a whole different level. Its flash is even placed in the same position as was once occupied by rangefinder windows.

Key features

• 12 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor
• Fixed 23mm F2 lens (field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on full frame)
• 2.8" LCD screen, 4:3 aspect ratio, 460,000 dots
• Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
• OVF with 0.5x magnification, projected framelines indicate approx 90% of field of view
• EVF with ca 0.5x magnification, 1,440,000 dots
• Traditional-style control dials for shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation
• ISO 100 (L), 200-6400, 12800 (H)
• Flash hot shoe and built-in flash
• Built-in neutral density filter (3 stops)
• 1280x720 HD movie recording with stereo sound

Compared to...

The composite image below gives an idea of the X100's size relative to some of its competitors, both fixed- and interchangeable-lensed. It's a bit taller than the Leica X1 with which it most closely competes, but this mainly reflects the X100's built-in hybrid viewfinder (X1 users have to make do with the rear LCD or an add-on optical viewfinder). It's also noticeably larger than interchangeable lens cameras like the Panasonic GF1, and particularly the APS-C Sony NEX-5 (from which it's poles apart in terms of control philosophy); but again, neither of these have an eye-level viewfinder either. Of course the X100 is distinctly smaller and more portable than any DSLR fitted with a similarly-fast lens.

Specifications compared

The table below lists some of the key specifications of the X100 and its competitors. What's notable is the combination of an unusually fast lens and a large APS-C sensor, which together bode well for its low-light capability.

Camera	Lens*	LCD	Dimensions & Weight (with lens, battery + card)	Sensor (effective pixels)
Fujifilm FinePix X100	35mm equiv, F2	2.7" 460k pixels	126 x 74 x 54 mm, 445g 5.0 x 3.0 x 2.2 in, 15.8 oz	12.3 Mp CMOS (ca. 23.6 x 15.8 mm)
Leica X1	35mm equiv, F2.8	2.7" 230k pixels	124 x 60 x 50 mm, 330g 4.9 x 2.4 x 2.0 in, 10.9 oz	12.2 Mp CMOS (23.6 x 15.8 mm)
Panasonic DMC-GF1	40mm equiv, F1.7*	3.0" 460k pixels	119 x 71 x 61 mm, 448g 4.6 x 2.8 x 2.4 in, 15.8 oz	12.1 MP LiveMOS (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sony NEX-5	24mm equiv, F2.8*	3.0", tilting 920k pixels	111 x 59 x 54 mm, 361g 4.4 x 2.3 x 2.1 in, 12.7 oz	14.2 Mp HD CMOS (23.4 x 15.6mm)
Sigma DP2	40mm equiv, F2.8	2.5" 230k pixels	115 x 64 x 56mm, 280g 4.5 x 2.5 x 2.2 in, 9.9 oz	4.6 MP x 3 X3F (20.7 x 13.8 mm)

*The Panasonic DMC-GF1 and Sony NEX-5 both accept interchangeable lenses

Original Article:www.dpreview.com

The Fujifilm X10 is the organization's first availability into what is becoming an incredibly flourishing partner compact picture digital photographic camera area. The growth of mobile mobile phone picture digital photographic camera use - coming at the price of conventional compact picture digital photographic camera sales - determines producers displaying a welcome interest in offering the needs of lovers. These customers often wish a second 'carry-anywhere' picture digital photographic camera but still value immediate admittance to picture controls and need picture amazing considerably greater than that of entry-level compact digital designs. As such, the choice of high-end compact camcorders like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Olympus XZ-1 is increasing to contain large-sensor set relationships designs like the Cannon PowerShot G1 X and most lately, the Panasonic Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.

The X10 is Fujifilm's try to attract modern digital camcorders lovers willing to pay a top fantastic for greater picture amazing and specifications in a very little, if not practical program. Its conventional style noticeable preserves the DNA of the organization's X100 and X-Pro1 designs with a vitamin nutrient mineral magnesium metal body, smooth rangefinder-inspired style and a success of exterior telephone phone calls and management control control buttons.

The X10's innards are as modern as its exterior is conventional. It functions a 12MP, '2/3" type' indication, which is twice as huge as those used in almost all conventional compacts and between 26% and 40% bigger than the receptors used by some of its partner compact co-workers. Indeed the X10's indication can only be considered little next to the incredibly scaly receptors in the more costly Cannon G1 X and Panasonic RX100. The Fujifilm X10 also uses the organization's unique 'EXR' engineering that allows you to merge associates of p to generate 6MP pictures that have either been averaged to reduce disturbance, or differently-exposed so that more emphasize information is taken. The real processer uses a conventional CMOS agreement, rather than the back-side lighted kind that can help improve mild catch in little receptors.

Despite its relatively huge indication, Fujifilm controls to find room for an image-stabilized, sinkable 28-112mm comparative F2.0-2.8 relationships. In a very welcome shift it also functions a 'proper' specific zoom capability ability capability team. The huge aperture relationships provides two main advantages; it allows the use of reduced ISOs in low mild for better picture amazing, and can provide ambiguous qualifications when getting pictures at the telephoto end. Indeed in this regard it can go with or exceed most SLRs when used with their kit zooms.

The fast readout from the CMOS indication allows the picture digital photographic camera to catch at up to 7 frames-per-second at full fantastic, and 10fps at 6MP. It also allows 1080p30 film getting and the growth of panoramas in a single brush of the picture digital photographic camera.

As you'd predict from pictures digital photographic camera in this category, the X10 can catch Raw structure pictures, and just like its higher-end buddies the X100 and X-Pro1 the X10 allows you to re-process them in-camera. Combine this function with the X10's film simulator techniques and color-filtered black and white techniques and you have several solutions for simple and fast post-capture improvement of your pictures without the need to turn on your computer.

Fujifilm X10 specification highlights

• 12MP 2/3" EXR CMOS sensor
• 28-112mm equivalent F2.0-2.8 lens
• Optical viewfinder (85% coverage)
• 2.8", 460,000 dot LCD
• Extensive manual control
• Raw shooting and in-camera Raw conversion
• Continuous shooting up to 7fps at full resolution (10fps at 6MP)

Compared to...

Olympus XZ-1

The Fujifilm X10 essentially brings together the best features of many of its rivals - a bright, reasonably versatile zoom and a high quality glass viewfinder. Add to this its relatively large EXR sensor and enthusiast-friendly manual control and customization options, and it's a very compelling little camera.

The Olympus XZ-1 has the brightest zoom of any current compact camera, but this is offset by the X10's larger sensor. As you can see, the X10 is not much larger in size despite including an optical viewfinder.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Canon PowerShot G1 X

The Fujifilm X10 offers a 2/3" sensor that is surpassed only by two cameras in its class, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and the physically larger and significantly more expensive Canon PowerShot G1 X.

The Fujifilm X10 is a noticeably smaller camera than the larger-sensored Canon G1 X (right). However the Sony RX100 (left) impressively manages to fit a sensor twice the size of the X10's into a truly pocketable package.
In this top-down view you can see just how much more bulky both the X10 and Canon G1 X are in comparison to the Sony RX100. Yet the X10 offers what for many may be a reasonable compromise between size and features, with the inclusion of a mechanical zoom ring, optical viewfinder, hotshoe and cable release socket for the shutter button.

Source:www.dpreview.com

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 combines traditional rangefinder styling and handling with a 16MP APS-C sensor that features a newly-developed color filter array.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is the fourth entry in the company's enthusiast-oriented X-series lineup, following the fixed focal length, APS-C format FinePix X100, the Fujifilm X10 compact and the X-S1 premium superzoom. And while it inherits more than a few features from the X100 - though it notably lacks a built-in flash - the X-Pro1 sits well atop the X-series lineup in both specifications and price. It houses a 16MP APS-C sensor with a novel Fujifilm-designed color filter array that eliminates the need for an anti-aliasing filter, thereby promising sharper images compared to a conventional 16MP camera. It also has a brand new lens mount with an initial offering of three fast prime XF lenses. It has a street price of $1,700 / �1429 for the body only.
Just one look at the retro-styling and rangefinder-inspired controls of the X-Pro1 and it's obvious that Fujifilm is positioning the camera as more than just as a high-end mirrorless competitor. As the company told us back in January at the CES show, it sees the X-Pro1 as a vastly more affordable option to the Leica M9-P. The physical similarities between the two cameras are quite striking, as you can see in the comparison below.

The design and dimensions of the X-Pro1 closely mimic those of the Leica M9-P, yet the X-Pro1 body is 150g lighter, a difference that if anything feels even more pronounced when you pick up the cameras.

For those of us who began photography when film was king, the memory of Fujifilm's own rangefinder tradition is not so long past. And its worth remembering that the classic - and rather hefty - Fuji GW690 series models were lovingly referred to by many as 'Texas Leicas' (everything is 'bigger' in Texas). Understandably then, interest in the X-Pro1 among a certain breed of enthusiasts has been quite high.
Yet even the most loyal Fujifilm fan may have found their excitement about the X-Pro1 tempered by issues surrounding previous X-series releases. The well-documented 'white orbs' issue that has plagued the X10 has proven to be resistant to firmware updates, instead requiring a factory-modified sensor (which we've yet to be able to try out). Our in-depth review of the X100 - the first X-series model - includes an entire section devoted to quirks, eccentricities and outright bugs, some of which, even after multiple firmware updates, still take some of the shine off what is in many respects an outstanding camera.

The X-Pro1 (center) is the latest, and largest addition to Fujifilm's X-series camera lineup, which also includes the FinePix X100 (left) and the X10 (right).

One of the most pushing problems then is whether the X-Pro1 will experience a similar lot of cash, with its amazing aspects being broken by considerable errors. We won't have a specified response on this until we complete our thorough in-depth evaluation of the electrical powered managed power digital camera's function, performance and of course, picture.

That said, we've had an X-Pro1 for a brief while, and I've had to be able to use it quite intensively, as we gadgets up for a complete evaluation. In this post I'm going to discuss my actions based on using the picture electronic picture photographic digital camera in a number of real-world circumstances to be able to provide you a feeling of what it's like to actually use this long expected picture electronic picture photographic digital camera.

Specification highlights

• 16 MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor (without low-pass filter)
• Hybrid viewfinder with focal length-based magnification in optical mode
• Newly designed X-mount for XF lenses
• Three fast prime lenses: 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 and 60mm macro f/2.4 (28mm, 50mm and 90mm equivalents, respectively)
• Maximum ISO of 25,600 (JPEG-only mode)
• 3.0 inch 1,230,000 dot RGBW rear LCD
• Adjustable AF frame size

Source:www.dpreview.com

When Fujifilm announced its FinePix X100 retro-styled large-sensor compact at Photokina 2010, it captured the imagination of serious photographers in a way the company seemed not to have quite anticipated. The X100's combination of 'traditional' dial-based handling and outstanding image quality brought widespread plaudits, making it something of a cult classic despite its undeniable flaws. The subsequent addition to the range of the X10 compact, with its bright, manually-controlled zoom lens, has cemented Fujifilm's resurgence as a brand worthy of serious attention.
The X100 may have looked very traditional but it housed some very modern technologies - foremost amongst which was its hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. This design not only allowed the choice of a rangefinder-style optical view or a fully electronic view, but was also able to overlay electronic data over the optical viewfinder. It was a masterpiece of engineering, but appeared to be a design very much dependent on its use with an integrated prime lens.
With the X100's success and the increasing popularity of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, it seemed only a matter of time before Fujifilm would introduce a higher-end model with exchangeable lenses. That camera has now arrived in the shape of the X-Pro1, whose name leaves absolutely no doubt as to its intended market: it becomes the first of its type specifically aimed at professional photographers.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 highlights

The X-Pro1 is the start of an all-new camera system, with a brand new mount and lenses. It's unashamedly targeted at a high-end audience, with analogue control dials and a small set of compact, large-aperture primes available at launch. Fujifilm is keen to stress its future commitment to the system, with a promise of seven more lenses by spring 2013, and further camera models to come too. Key features are:

• Fujifilm-designed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
• Novel colour filter array to suppress colour moir�, no optical low-pass filter
• EXR Processor Pro image processor
• Dual-magnification hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
• Analogue dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation on top of camera
• All-new, fully electronic X lens mount; 17.7mm flange-to-sensor distance
• Three 'XF' lenses at launch: XF 18mm F2 R, XF 35mm F1.4 R, and XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro
• Prime lenses have traditional-style aperture rings (1/3 stop increments) and large manual focus rings
• Revised rear-panel control layout
• On-screen 'Q' control panel and redesigned tabbed menu system
• Focal-plane shutter, 1/4000 sec max speed
• 3.0" RGBW 1.23M dot LCD

The X-Pro1 with its initial lens set, with hoods attached: 35mm F1.4 (mounted), 60mm F2.4 Macro and 18mm F2

The X-Pro1 is most easily characterized as a beefed-up, interchangeable-lens version of the X100, but it's a lot more besides. It retains the same basic analogue control philosophy, but the design has been rationalized and refined in a fashion that suggests Fujifilm has been listening to feedback from users and reviewers alike. For example, the shutter speed dial has a central lock button for its Auto position, and the exposure compensation dial is recessed, which reduces the risk of accidental settings changes. There's also a conveniently-placed 'Q' button that brings up an on-screen control panel to access a range of functions that previously required a trip into the menus - a much-needed improvement over the X100.
However potentially the most interesting change is on the inside, and specifically the image sensor. The X-Pro1 uses a proprietary, Fujifilm-designed 16MP APS-C 'X-Trans CMOS' chip that eschews the conventional Bayer-pattern colour filter array in favour of a more complex layout. The result, claims Fujifilm, is a practical immunity to colour moir�, which means that an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter is no longer required. This suggests that in terms of detail resolution the X-Pro1 should punch above its weight based on pixel count alone - indeed at launch Fujifilm claimed it should out-resolve the full frame 21MP Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
The X-Pro1 uses an entirely new all-electronic lens mount, and the initial lens line-up will consist of a set of bright primes with focal lengths that neatly complement the X100's 23mm F2. There's an 18mm F2 wideangle, 35mm F1.4 normal, and 60mm F2.4 Macro telephoto (offering 28mm, 50mm and 90mm equivalents respectively) - the latter with extended close-focus capabilities giving 0.5x magnification. Each has a prominent manual focus ring and an aperture dial controllable in 1/3 stop increments (a welcome improvement over the X100). However, neither control is mechanically coupled - both focus and aperture are electronically driven 'by wire'.
The X100's signature optical/electronic 'hybrid' viewfinder is retained, and to help cope with interchangeable lenses it now offers two magnifications. At its lower magnification (0.37x) it covers the field of view of the 18mm lens; when the 35mm lens is mounted, an additional magnifier slides into place to match, giving 0.6x magnification. The 60mm lens uses a smaller frameline within this magnified view. One of the advantages of the hybrid finder, of course, is that it can project suitable frame lines in the optical finder for a wide range of focal lengths, and critically-accurate composition can always be obtained by switching to the EVF regardless of the lens used.
One perhaps less-obvious change is that the X100's near-silent in lens shutter has gone, and the X-Pro1 employs a conventional focal plane shutter. This is inevitably louder in operation, and offers slower flash sync. But it also means that unlike the X100, the X-Pro1 is fully capable of combining its fastest shutter speeds with large apertures.
Further additions compared to the X100 include an upgraded LCD, which Fujifilm says offers wider viewing angles and lower reflectivity to aid viewing in direct sunlight, and a clever multiple exposure mode that provides a live preview of the composite image even when using the optical viewfinder. There are also two new Film Simulation modes, designated ProNegS and ProNegH. These, of course, play on Fujifilm's long heritage as a film manufacturer, and as the names suggest aim to replicate the characteristics of Fujicolor professional colour negative film (PRO 160NS and PRO 400NH respectively). They're therefore targeted specifically at professional photographers shooting portrait and wedding work.
All of this certainly makes the X-Pro1 an enticing prospect. We very much like the X100, despite its numerous quirks, and on paper its big brother promises improved handling and even better image quality, along with all the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. In this review we'll see whether it lives up to its billing.

Hands-on Preview video*

Source:www.dpreview.com

The Fujifilm X10 is the company's first entry into what is becoming an increasingly crowded enthusiast compact camera segment. The proliferation of smartphone camera use - coming at the expense of traditional compact camera sales - sees manufacturers showing a welcome interest in catering to the needs of enthusiasts. These users often desire a second 'carry-anywhere' camera but still value direct access to photographic controls and demand image quality significantly higher than that of entry-level point and shoot models. As such, the selection of high-end compact cameras like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Olympus XZ-1 has grown to include large-sensor fixed lens models like the Canon PowerShot G1 X and most recently, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100.
The X10 is Fujifilm's attempt to entice advanced shooters willing to pay a premium for higher image quality and specs in a very small, if not pocketable package. Its retro design aesthetic bears the DNA of the company's X100 and X-Pro1 models with a magnesium alloy body, sleek rangefinder-inspired design and a wealth of external dials and buttons.
The X10's innards are as progressive as its exterior is nostalgic. It features a 12MP, '2/3" type' sensor, which is twice as large as those used in almost all traditional compacts and between 26% and 40% larger than the sensors used by some of its enthusiast compact peers. Indeed the X10's sensor can only be considered small next to the impressively sized sensors in the more expensive Canon G1 X and Sony RX100. The Fujifilm X10 also uses the company's unique 'EXR' technology that makes it easy to combine pairs of pixels to produce 6MP images that have either been averaged to reduce noise, or differently-exposed so that more highlight information is captured. The underlying chip uses a conventional CMOS arrangement, rather than the back-side illuminated type that can help improve light capture in small sensors.
Despite its relatively large sensor, Fujifilm manages to find room for an image-stabilized, retracting 28-112mm equivalent F2.0-2.8 lens. In a very welcome move it also features a 'proper' mechanical zoom ring. The large aperture lens offers two main advantages; it allows the use of lower ISOs in low light for better image quality, and can deliver blurred backgrounds when shooting portraits at the telephoto end. Indeed in this respect it can match or surpass most SLRs when used with their kit zooms.
The fast readout from the CMOS sensor allows the camera to shoot at up to 7 frames-per-second at full resolution, and 10fps at 6MP. It also enables 1080p30 movie shooting and the creation of panoramas in a single sweep of the camera.
As you'd expect from a camera in this class, the X10 can capture Raw format images, and just like its higher-end siblings the X100 and X-Pro1 the X10 allows you to re-process them in-camera. Combine this feature with the X10's film simulation modes and color-filtered monochrome modes and you have a wide range of options for quick and easy post-capture enhancement of your photos without the need to turn on your computer.

Fujifilm X10 specification highlights

• 12MP 2/3" EXR CMOS sensor
• 28-112mm equivalent F2.0-2.8 lens
• Optical viewfinder (85% coverage)
• 2.8", 460,000 dot LCD
• Extensive manual control
• Raw shooting and in-camera Raw conversion
• Continuous shooting up to 7fps at full resolution (10fps at 6MP)

Compared to...

Olympus XZ-1

The Fujifilm X10 essentially brings together the best features of many of its rivals - a bright, reasonably versatile zoom and a high quality glass viewfinder. Add to this its relatively large EXR sensor and enthusiast-friendly manual control and customization options, and it's a very compelling little camera.

The Olympus XZ-1 has the brightest zoom of any current compact camera, but this is offset by the X10's larger sensor. As you can see, the X10 is not much larger in size despite including an optical viewfinder.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and Canon PowerShot G1 X

The Fujifilm X10 offers a 2/3" sensor that is surpassed only by two cameras in its class, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 and the physically larger and significantly more expensive Canon PowerShot G1 X.

The Fujifilm X10 is a noticeably smaller camera than the larger-sensored Canon G1 X (right). However the Sony RX100 (left) impressively manages to fit a sensor twice the size of the X10's into a truly pocketable package.
In this top-down view you can see just how much more bulky both the X10 and Canon G1 X are in comparison to the Sony RX100. Yet the X10 offers what for many may be a reasonable compromise between size and features, with the inclusion of a mechanical zoom ring, optical viewfinder, hotshoe and cable release socket for the shutter button.

Source:www.dpreview.com

When Fujifilm launched the X system in January 2012, it did so with an unusually high-end body - the X-Pro1. With its unique hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, solid metal body and analogue dial-led control philosophy, it was clearly targeted towards professionals and keen enthusiasts looking for an updated take on the classic rangefinder concept. The X-Pro1 was generally well-received, but its price was always likely to limit its appeal. Fujifilm's new baby, the X-E1, aims to broaden the line's appeal to wider range of enthusiasts, and will compete directly with the likes of the Sony Alpha NEX-7 and Olympus OM-D E-M5.

X-E1 - the more affordable X-Pro1

The X-E1 is in essence a slimmed-down X-Pro1, with the large, complex and expensive hybrid finder replaced by a purely-electronic viewfinder. Not any old EVF though - it uses a 2.36M dot OLED unit, out-speccing the X-Pro1's 1.44M dot LCD finder. In return its rear screen is slightly downgraded in terms of both size and resolution, to a still-respectable 2.8" 460k dot LCD - according to Fujifilm this is necessary to keep the camera's size down. The result is a compact body that's broadly similar in size to both the much-loved FinePix X100, and its most obvious competitors like the E-M5 and NEX-7.
The X-E1 gets a few new features relative to the X-Pro1, commensurate with its class. There's a little built-in pop-up flash, a 2.5mm stereo microphone socket for movie recording, and the ability to use an electronic shutter release cable in addition to the signature threaded shutter release button. But otherwise it's near-identical to the X-Pro1, using the same 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor and EXR Pro image processor, and almost exactly the same control layout and interface.

Firmware tweaks - including improved focusing

It's not just new hardware that Fujifilm has been working on; it's made some significant tweaks under the hood, that promise much-improved performance. The good news for existing X-Pro1 owners is that they'll benefit equally from this, with the co-announced firmware version 2 offering all the same updates. File write times have been halved, and the camera can now enter playback to check focus and composition within about 2 seconds of shooting a single frame. Auto ISO now allows use of ISO6400, but sadly there's still no way of influencing the minimum shutter speed. The most significant changes, though, have been made to focusing, both auto and manual.
The X-E1 uses a new autofocus algorithm and different sensor drive mode, which promises significantly-improved speed, especially with the XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro lens or when shooting in low light. Indeed Fujifilm claims the X-E1 and X-Pro1 now offer AF speeds competitive with benchmark cameras such as the Olympus OM-D E-M5. The 'feel' of the electronically-driven manual focus has been improved, and critically the camera now sets the aperture wide open in manual focus mode, finally allowing truly-accurate focusing using the EVF. There's also a new 3x magnification mode to assist manual focus, which should be less prone to problems with shake when using long lenses.
Overall, this makes the X-E1 on paper a very strong competitor to other high-end EVF-equipped mirrorless models. Its traditional control layout means it should appeal strongly to stills photographers, although its movie capabilities still lag behind the competition (you can manually set the aperture, but have no control over the shutter speed the camera will use).

Fujifilm X-E1 key features

• 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor
• ISO 200-6400, 100 - 25600 expanded (JPEG only)
• 2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• Same control layout as X-Pro1, including top-plate shutter speed and exposure compensation dials
• 2.8" 460k dot LCD
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Full HD movie recording with built-in stereo microphone
• 2.5mm stereo microphone socket
• Compatibility with wired remote control units (via either the USB port or mic socket)
• Available in silver or black

Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensor

The X-E1 uses the same X-Trans CMOS sensor as the X-Pro1, which uses a novel colour filter array to suppress colour moir�. This in turn means it doesn't need an anti-aliasing filter, and therefore can offer higher resolution compared to other cameras with the same 16MP pixel count but conventional Bayer-type sensors. You can read more about the technology behind this in our in-depth review of the X-Pro1; crucially, Fujifilm says the image quality will be identical between the two cameras.

New kit zoom - XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS LM

The X-E1 gets a new kit lens, the first zoom made for the X system. The XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS LM offers a fairly-standard 28-80mm equivalent zoom range, but with an unusually fast maximum aperture. However it's still only marginally larger than either the 60mm F2.4 R Macro, or Sony's E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS for NEX. The LM designation indicates it uses a Linear Motor focusing system, with two motors driving the larger-than-usual focus group; this, and the internal focus system, is designed to give fast autofocus that's also near-silent during movie shooting. Fujifilm claims that the optical image stabilization allows hand-holding at shutter speeds four stops slower than would otherwise be possible without blur from camera shake.

Three Fujifilm XF lenses - 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS LM, 60mm F2.4 R Macro, 35mm F1.4 R.
Because the 18-55mm F2.8-4 has a variable maximum aperture, its aperture ring is no longer marked - instead it rotates continuously, with click-stops for every third-stop change. A separate switch on the side selects between aperture control on the lens, or automatic control by the camera when set to the A position.	The zoom and focus rings are separated by a slim silver ring, which adds a nice visual touch to the design. Both operate very smoothly.

The 18-55mm can of course also be used on the X-Pro1, and when shooting with the optical viewfinder, the frameline will zoom to match the current focal length. The camera will set the viewfinder to its lower magnification by default, to accommodate the wideangle end; you can manually switch over to 0.37x magnification to get a better view when shooting at 35mm or longer. The size of the lens barrel does however mean that it will block a substantial fraction of the viewfinder at wideangle settings.

Size and design compared

Here's the X-E1 compared for size against its most obvious rivals, the Sony Alpha NEX-7 on the left and Olympus OM-D E-M5 on the right, all fitted out with their respective kit zooms. All feature built-in EVFs and multiple control dials; the NEX-7 and E-M5 both have tilting rear screens. The E-M5 also has in-body image stabilization that works with all lenses, but on the other hand lacks a built-in flash. The X-E1's 'kit' zoom offers the same 18-55mm range as the NEX-7's, but a rather faster aperture, which should be good for both low-light shooting and providing a degree of background blur for portraits. The E-M5's 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 kit zoom offers a wider range, a choice of manual zoom or power zoom for video, and a useful macro setting, but at the expense of maximum aperture.
This is the X-E1 with its 18-55mm kit zoom, alongside its big brother the X-Pro1 equipped with the lovely XF 35mm F1.4 R lens. The X-E1 is substantially smaller due to the elimination of the optical viewfinder, but the two cameras' overall family resemblance is striking.

Source:www.dpreview.com