Having already targeted pros and enthusiasts with the X100 and X-Pro1, Fujifilm is aiming for a wider market with the latest addition to its retro-styled X-Series. The XF1 is a pocket-sized digital camera with a 1.8 FUJINON lens, a 4x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD display, all encased in an aluminum body finished with leatherette.
The Fujifilm XF1 follows the trend for compact cameras packing larger sensors by featuring a 12 megapixel 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS sensor – while not matching the one inch sensor of the Sony RX100, it's considerably bigger than those used in a typical compact. The new pocketable camera also boasts a 4x FUJINON optical zoom (that's a 35 mm equivalent of 25-100 mm), which has a speedy F1.8 on the wide end and a reasonable F4.9 at the telephoto.
There's also an Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) mechanism that shifts one group of four lens elements to reduce blur and, as with the rest of the X-series cameras, the Fujifilm XF1 offers full manual controls. In addition to the mode and command dials there's also an E-Fn button for immediate access to your most-used controls, and a twisting mechanism around the lens for both power-on and zoom control.
An EXR processor is said to help the XF1 achieve fast focus speeds even in dark situations and the camera has a start-up time of just 0.55 seconds. Speed credentials extend to a top continuous burst speed of 10 frames per second (fps), though this is limited to seven fps in full resolution. The XF1 can capture images in RAW and JPEG and there's Full HD movie recording at 1080p and 30 fps.
Measuring 107.9 x 61.5 x 33 mm (4.2 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches), the aluminum-bodied camera is finished with one of three colors of leatherette.There's a 3.0-inch 460K dot premium clear LCD monitor on the rear with tempered glass to protect from scratches. Despite the compact size, the XF1 also features a pop-up flash.
The Fujifilm XF1 is expected to hit stores in October with a price-tag of US$500.
A promo video from Fujifilm introducing the XF1 appears below.
Source: Fujifilm
