Fuji X100T and graphite silver X-T1 announced

The new Fuji X100T and the improved X-T1 have been announced ahead of Photokina. I gave an overview earlier this week and now we have the full information on the cameras. The X100T will cost £999 and the graphite edition of the X-T1 is priced at £1,199.99.

X100T

FUJIFILM Corporation is proud to announce the launch of the new FUJIFILM X100T premium compact digital camera. Equipped with the world’s first electronic rangefinder, an APS-C size X-Trans CMOS II sensor, high-speed EXR Processor II image processing engine and a FUJINON 23mm F2 lens, the X100T delivers unsurpassed image quality thanks to advanced colour reproduction technology and the new unique Classic Chrome film simulation mode.

In March 2011, Fujifilm released the X100, opening up a new market for premium compact cameras. In February 2012, the second generation X100S was released complete with a newly developed sensor, processer, and an advanced Hybrid Viewfinder. Now, the X100T marks the ultimate evolution as the third generation of the X100 Series, reflecting the feedback from customers for each and every part, including image quality, viewfinder and operability.

The X100T is available in both black and silver versions and includes three key changes

World’s first Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, complete with Electronic Rangefinder

The X100T’s optical viewfinder can simultaneously display the focus area by using the built-in ND filter. Users simply need to turn the camera’s focusing ring for a mechanical rangefinder-style view. Additionally, Focus Peaking and Digital Split Image modes can be selected and the magnification of the focused area can be changed.

With the optical viewfinder, Real-time Parallax Correction has also been added to ensure more accurate framing. Parallax error, which occurs during close-up shooting, is automatically corrected in real time so users no longer having to reframe after focusing.

In addition, reduced display time lag, automatic brightness control, and enhanced Live View settings have been added to the electronic viewfinder providing a more comfortable shooting experience.

Increased operability with the 1/3 stop aperture ring, command dial, 4-way controller, and seven Fn buttons

Until now, setting the aperture in 1/3 steps needed to be done using the command lever. Now, it is done using the aperture ring. Also, the command lever has been changed to a command dial, and with the addition of a four-way controller, operability has been dramatically improved. The X100T is also equipped with seven Fn buttons, each one of which is customizable, while the rear LCD has been ungraded to 1.04M-dot 3-inch monitor, greatly improving visibility.

New Classic Chrome film simulation mode, developed through 80 years of photographic experience

Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation modes that mimic the effects of photographic films help users to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green trees. Classic Chrome, which delivers muted tones and deep colours, has been added to the existing selection.

Main Features

World’s first Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, complete with Electronic Rangefinder

To facilitate manual focusing while using the Optical Viewfinder, the focus area is enlarged and displayed in the bottom right of the viewfinder. Part of the original optical image is blocked and then the digital EVF display is projected in the resulting space. Manual focusing that was previously difficult with the optical viewfinder is made easier, much like a mechanical rangefinder.

Focus Peak Highlight and Digital Split Image can also be selected on the enlarged area, and the magnification of the focused area can be changed.

  • Bright frame coverage has been increased from 90% on the X100S, to 92%.
  • Real-time parallax correction has been added for more accurate framing. Parallax, the gap between the shooting range frame and actual shooting range when taking pictures close up, is automatically corrected in real time. Reframing after focusing is no longer necessary.

Changes to the electronic viewfinder

  • Visibility has improved under a variety of conditions, from bright scenes outdoors to dark scenes indoors, by automatically controlling finder brightness.
  • The Live View display can also be set to “Preview Pic. Effect”, which recreates selected camera effects such as a film simulation mode. Equally, a more natural Live View close to what the naked eye sees can be chosen by turning this option off.
  • The image within the finder is smoother in low light conditions as it is displayed at the maximum frame rate possible.
  • Display time lag, inherent problem with electronic viewfinders, has been significantly reduced.

Improved operability

  • On previous X100 models, setting the aperture to 1/3 stops could only be done with the command lever, now it can be done using the aperture ring. The exposure compensation dial has been extended to ±3 stops. Also, the command lever has been changed to a command dial, and with the addition of a four-way controller, operability has been dramatically improved.
  • The X100T is equipped with seven Fn buttons, each one of which is customizable. Further user customization is offered on via the Q Button on the rear of the camera: all 16 functions can be chosen according to the user’s preference.
  • Die-cast magnesium is used for the top and bottom of the body, for a precise, light and highly durable design. A special coating is used for the surface finish, creating a premium feel.
  • The exterior is finished with non-slip synthetic leather, which is durable and resilient.
  • Applying a grooved pattern to the aperture ring, shutter speed dial, and exposure compensation dial improves grip and looks good.
  • The rear LCD has been ungraded to 1.04M-dot 3-inch monitor, greatly improving visibility.
  • Each and every part is made in Japan, for high precision and finish.

New Classic Chrome Film Simulation

  • Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation modes that mimic the effects of photographic films help users to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green trees. Classic Chrome, which delivers muted tones and deep colours, has been newly added to the existing selection.

Installed with the fastest electronic shutter at 1/32000 sec., expanding the shooting range

  • A completely silent electronic shutter that is capable of exposures up to 1/32000 sec. has been added. Photos with a shallow depth of field can now be shot with the aperture wide open on snowy fields or the beach under clear skies. As there are no mechanically operated parts, natural expressions of animals and sleeping babies can be captured more easily than ever before.

Full HD video with the X-Trans CMOS II sensor

  • Frame rates can be selected from 60fps, 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps for Full HD movies, supporting worldwide motion picture formats.
  • The world’s first*2 – Videos can be shot with the optical viewfinder Videos can be shot with the optical viewfinder, just like using a film movie camera.
  • Film simulation modes can be used on videos to add creative colour effects, plus bokeh can be created by using the lens’s wide maximum aperture.
  • Manual exposure can also be set during video shooting. Aperture, shutter speed*3 and ISO sensitivity can be set, allowing videos to be shot just as the user wishes.
  • A high bit rate of 36Mbps enables clear capture of delicate movement.
  • High-speed, high-precision focusing thanks to Intelligent Hybrid AF, which switches between phase detection AF and contrast AF according to the scene, even during video shooting. Manual focus is also possible.

Built in Wi-Fi for shooting from your smartphone or tablet devices

  • By downloading the free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app to your smartphone or tablet device, users can use the Remote Control function, which allows a wealth of control, even from a distance. This functionality is great for a wide variety of shots, including group photos, self-portraits and animals in their natural habitat.
  • Photos and videos can also be sent to devices such as your smartphone with an easy one-touch operation. Pictures and videos on the camera can be browsed, selected, and imported using your smartphone, all without the hassle of inputting an ID or password. It is also possible to add location information acquired by the smartphone, etc., to the image.
  • Photos can also be sent directly from the camera to the Instax SHARE Smartphone Printer for instant Instax prints.
  • Wi-Fi® Transfer*5 is also supported, enabling backup of the data in the camera onto the computer wirelessly.*6

A high-performance system that delivers high image quality and fast response

High image quality and high speed processing capabilities have been inherited from the X100S thanks to the APS-C size “X-Trans™ CMOS II”*7 sensor, EXR Processor II image processing engine and FUJINON 23mm F2 lens.

  • The X100T’s 16.3-megapixel X-Trans™ CMOS II sensor controls moiré and false colours with the X-Trans colour filter in which RGB pixels are randomly arranged, negating the need for an optical low-pass filter. Combined with the image-processing engine EXR Processor II, the camera delivers images with impressive levels of sharpness and low noise.
  • The unique image quality design technology created through years of developing photographic films helps to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green.
  • To reduce noise at high sensitivities, a setting of the highest ISO 51200*8 has been made possible through processor noise reduction processing optimization. Noise is reduced even under ultra-high sensitivities, reproducing tight black colours.
  • Optical effects that occur by light passing through the lens, such as the diffraction*9 are corrected by the unique Lens Modulation Optimiser*10 which deliver sharp details even when the aperture is set to F16.
  • A specially designed FUJINON 23mm (approximately 35mm in 35mm format equivalent) F2 lens has an optimal optical design that delivers high levels of sharpness from the centre to the edges of the frame.
  • The lens is made up of 8 glass elements in 6 groups, which includes one high-performance double-sided aspheric lens and a convex lens made of high refractive glass. Images display minimal aberrations, along with high sharpness, and beautiful colour reproduction. FUJINON’s unique HT-EBC coating is applied to the lens control flare and ghosting.
  • Nine aperture blades are used, allowing for soft, beautiful, circular bokeh.
  • Macro photography is possible down to 10cm.
  • The built-in selectable ND filter reduces light by the equivalent of three stops.
  • By placing AF phase detection pixels on the X-Trans CMOS II sensor, AF speeds of approximately 0.08 sec are possible. Intelligent Hybrid AF automatically switches between image phase detection AF and contrast AF depending on the subject and scene, so high-speed and high-precision AF is possible on every scene.
  • The EXR Processor II has with more than double*11 the processing performance when compared to previous models. The X100T is also starts up in approximately 0.5 sec., has a shutter time lag of about 0.01 sec., and offers shooting interval of approximately 0.5 sec.
  • High-speed continuous shooting of a maximum of 6fps for 25 frames (JPEG shooting) using the full 16.3 megapixels is possible.

Other functions

  • Eleven different Film Simulation modes can be selected, including PROVIA / Velvia / ASTIA / PRO Neg.Std / PRO Neg. Hi / SEPIA, as well as three filter effects (Ye Filter, R Filter, G Filter) for monochrome shooting.
  • A Multiple Exposure mode allows two shots to be put together on one frame.
  • Advanced Filter functions offer creative fun. Pop Colour / Toy Camera / Miniature / Dynamic Tone / Partial Colour (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple) / and Soft Focus can be chosen, as well as advanced shooting techniques such as High Key and Low Key.
  • Interval timer shooting. Shooting intervals of 1 second to 24 hours, up to 999 frames, and a start time can be set.
  • Charging from your PC via the attached USB cable is possible.
  • Built-in Super Intelligent Flash that automatically controls the amount of light according to the situation.
  • The lens shutter is durable for approximately 100,000 shots. The camera is equipped with a shutter counter.
  • A power saving function starts up when the optical viewfinder is used, increasing the number of possible shots to 700 with the OVF POWER SAVE MODE.

Fuji X-T1 Graphite Edition

The X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition uses a unique three-layer coating process for a stunning, highly resilient, finish. Three coats are applied to the camera body, as follows:

  • First coat: After performing antioxidant treatment on the magnesium body, a matte black undercoat (primer) is applied. This deepens the tones, making the highlights stand out.
  • Second coat: Thin coats of ultra-fine paint particles are layered using computer controlled Thin-film Multilayer Coating Technology to give a Graphite Silver coat while rotating the body at high speed. This gives a smooth finish and luxurious shine.
  • Third coat: A clear coat for a deep gloss finish. By adding a small amount of black to the colourless and transparent clear coating, the colour tint alters subtly depending on how the light hits the body, emphasising the camera’s shape and form.

Technical features

These new features will be installed on the X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition from its launch, and will be made available on the Fujifilm X-T1 Black as part of a firmware update planned for December 2014.

New high-speed electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000sec.

The FUJINON XF Lens series line-up includes a number of fast fixed focal length lenses, which boast very high sharpness with the aperture wide open, producing excellent bokeh. However, fast apertures are impossible to use if the light is too bright, so to ensure users can create shallow depth-of-field effects, the camera is now equipped with a fully electronic shutter offering a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000sec. The mechanical shutter will not operate at all when any speed for the electronic shutter is selected, which also delivers a completely silent shooting experience; perfect for shots of sleeping children, pets, weddings, and more. In addition, it is possible to set the electronic shutter in 1/3 steps from a range of 1sec to 1/32000sec.

Classic Chrome Film Simulation mode brings more creative power to the X Series

The X Series’ Film Simulation modes represent Fujifilm’s wealth of experience in colour reproduction technology. New to the suite of effects is Classic Chrome, which delivers subtle colours and beautifully muted tones reminiscent of vintage reversal film. Using Classic Chrome on cityscapes, for example, will give shots a historic feel, while fashion photos gain an emotive, nostalgic look. Classic Chrome strengthens the film simulation line up and enhances the creative power of the X-T1.

Natural Live View function is just like the naked eye

One of the greatest benefits of the electronic viewfinder is that it allows users to check the actual tones and colours of the image before releasing the shutter; what you see is what you get. However, if the image quality settings are set to high saturation or high contrast, for example, this sometimes causes problems in checking subtle details in shadow areas, or could result in eye strain when used over a long period. To avoid this problem, the X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition has a new function that removes the image quality settings from the viewfinder image while shooting, displaying natural, real-world images, close to what the naked eye would see through an optical viewfinder.

Further improvements coming soon

Since the launch of the X-T1, our product development team has received many requests for various enhancements and improvements from users all over the world. We are delighted to announce that many of these improvements will be coming to the X-T1 Black and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition via a firmware update planned to be released in December 2014.

(1) Direct selection of AF Area

The update will let users select the focus area using the 4-way controller, without pressing the Fn key.

(2) Unlocked AE-L/AF-L buttons

The function of the AE-L/AF-L button is currently locked, but will be interchangeable, depending on the user’s preference.

(3) Variable Focus Area during MF

When working in Manual focus mode, the update will enable changing the size of the focus area during Instant AF with the AF-L button.

(4) Direct selection of Macro mode

In Autofocus mode, the update will enable the Macro function to be turned on or off, without accessing the pop-up menu screen.

(5) Q Menu customisation

To make the Q Menu (used for quick access of frequently-used items) even more efficient, the update will allow its items and layout to be changed to the user’s preference.

(6) New video frame rates

As well as the existing 60fps and 30fps selections, 50fps, 25fps and 24fps options will be available with the update. 50fps and 25fps allow video editing in the PAL regions, such as Europe, without converting the frame rate. 24fps offers a cinema-like view.

(7) Manual shooting in Video mode

The update will enable ISO sensitivity selection prior to shooting videos, as well as the ability to adjust aperture and shutter speed during movie recording.

(8) Phase Detection AF support for Instant AF

In Instant AF mode, which is operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable Phase Detection AF, providing faster focusing speeds.

(9) Interlocking of Metering and Focus areas

Users will be able to interlock the AF area position with the Metering area when Spot Metering mode is selected.

(10) Expansion of shutter speed in Program Shift mode

In the current Program Shift mode, the slowest-speed setting is 1/4sec, but this will increase to a maximum of 

    1 COMMENT

    1. apart from the new colour, is there any difference between the existing black xt1 and the new one? As far as I can see they both get the same firmware upgrade, so why pay more for the different colour?

    Comments are closed.