The FUJIFILM X100S: FUJIFILM launches
a high-speed successor to the X100 with the world's fastest AF of 0.08 seconds
Two years ago, FUJIFILM launched the renowned X100 with
FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed prime lens and superb image quality in a beautifully
designed compact camera body. Its unique style and international acclaim has
carved out a niche for a new genre of Premium Compact Camera designed in
pursuit of optimum operability. Today, FUJIFILM Corporation (President:
Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X100S, the successor to the FUJIFILM X100, inheriting the
X100’s elegant design and high-performance lens, while involving further to
meet customer’s demands with the introduction of a higher-definition Hybrid Viewfinder and a new sensor and
processor.
The newly-developed 16.3
million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II, while
increase resolution by approx. 25% and reduce noise b more than 30%, have the
ability to capture high resolution images comparable to those taken on
full-frame sensors. Thanks to the removal of the optical low pass filter and
powerful processor, the FUJIFILM X100S will produce a clear image with minimal
graininess even at a high ISO setting.
The newly-developed X-Trans CMOS II sensor has built-in Phase
Detection pixels for the world’s fastest
AF in as little as 0.08 seconds. Additionally, the EXR Processor II offers
fast response times with a start-up time
of only approx. 0.05 seconds,
and a shooting interval of 0.05 seconds.
In addition, a shutter time lag is
only 0.01 seconds, so you can capture the precise instant you wish to and
enjoy a comfortable shooting experience.
Also new to the FUJIFILM X100S is the world’s first “Digital Split Image” feature, which
displays images on the left and the right to be lined up for the manual
focusing. This enables accurate focusing especially when working with an open
aperture or macro shooting. And a handy Focus
Peak Highlight function, which highlights high contrast areas of your
subject for smoother and more precise fine tuning of focusing.
Depending on the subject and scene, users can switch between
two viewfinder views: optical or electronic. The Optical Viewfinder (OVF) is
useful when users want to see their subject in the same bright clarity that
they see with the naked eye, or wen time lag is an issue. The Electronic
viewfinder (EVF) is useful to visually check focus, exposure, while balance and
depth of field while users compose the shot.
Main Features
(1)
FUJIFILM X100S – Sensor performance comparable to full-frame output
The X100S features FUJIFILM’s newly-developed 16.3 million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II
sensor with a unique, highly randomized, color filter arrangement. The benefit
of the new array is the elimination of the need for an optical low-pass filter;
these are used in conventional sensors to reduce false color and moiré effects
but they also reduced image resolution. The removal of the optical low-pass
allows the X-Trans CMOS II sensor to maximize the light it receives directly,
enabling users to capture much finer detail and optimize resolution levels as
being proven by the X-Pro1 and the X-E1..
The camera uses Lens Modulation Optimizer to reduce optical
effects such as lens diffraction, which occurs when light passes through a lens.
Even when stopped down to F16, the X100S retains sharpness and texture in the
smallest details, demonstrating the extent of the sensor and lens combination’s
capabilities, perfectly.
The excellent sensitivity of the X-Trans CMOS II sensor is
coupled with the new EXR Processor II’s
advanced signal processing capacity which can reduce noise by more than 30%
compared to its predecessor. Even when shooting in low-light, at a high ISO
setting, the FUJIFILM X1ooS will produce crisp images with minimal grain.
(2) The
World’s fastest AF and High-speed Processing
With built-in Phase Detection, the X100S offers the world’s
fastest AF speed of just 0.08 seconds.
The Intelligent Hybrid AF can switch to Contrast AF, dependent on the demands
of subject or scene, to ensure that the camera always auto-focuses quickly and
with precision.
The EXR Processor II delivers processing speeds twice that of
the previous generation processor. The fast responses result in an impressive
start-up time of only approx. 0.5
seconds, and a shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. In addition the X100S
delivers a burst shooting rate up to 6.0
frames per second (max. 31 frames) at the full resolution of 16.3 million
pixels.
Also, a shutter time
lag is only 0.01 seconds, so you can capture the precise instant you wish
to and enjoy a comfortable shooting experiences.
(3)
Enhanced manual focus performance with the world’s first ‘Digital Split Image’
display
Making use of the in-built phase detection pixels for AF
action, the X100S is the world’s first camera to offer a “Digital Split Image” feature, which displays dual images on the
left and right to be lined up for the manual focusing. This enables accurate
focusing especially when working with an open aperture or macro shooting.
In addition, the X100S offers a handy Focus Peak Highlight function, which highlights high contrast areas
of your subject. It provides the photographer with a guide, even in situations
where it is difficult to tell focusing accuracy, allowing users to enjoy manual
focusing comfortable however challenging the conditions.
(4) Hybrid
Viewfinder for easy image composition
Offering users freedom when composing photos and adaptability
for a range of shooting conditions, the X100S’s Hybrid Viewfinder combines both an Optical and an Electronic
Viewfinder.
The electronic viewfinder uses a100% coverage, extra high
resolution, 2,360K-dot High Definition LCD panel. It shows depth-of-field
during macro shooting, as well as white balance settings, allowing users
compose their shot while continuously looking through the viewfinder.
The premium quality optical viewfinder offers an easy-to-see
magnification of 0.05 at a 23mm focal length and a horizontal apparent field of
view of 26 degrees. The all glass construction uses high-refractive index glass
to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion.
While in the optical viewfinder mode, users can make adjustments
to shutter speed, aperture, ISO and other settings without having to take their
eye off the viewfinder. The shooting frame (Bright Frame) and text brightness
automatically adjust according to the ambient light available to ensure that
the information on the display is easy to see at all times.
The system features on OVF POWER SAVE MODE, which activates
the power-saving function in the optical viewfinder mode to double the maximum
number of images per full charge from 330 in normal operation.
With FUJINON’s proprietary coating, the viewfinder cleverly
resists fingerprints and can easily be wiped clean, so that users can enjoy the
optical viewfinder’s clear display without compromise.
(5) FUJINON
23mm F2 lens offering premium image quality in a compact body
Specifically designed for this model, the FUJINON 23mm Focal length Lens has a
fixed angle of incidence of light into the lens which facilities optimum
optical design. Taking full advantage of this, the X100S demonstrates advanced
levels of image clarity, not only in the center of the image, but also through
to the edges of the photo.
The versatile focal length of 35mm delivers an angle of view
ideal for a diverse range of subjects, scenes and whatever captures the
photographer’s eye.
The lens consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, and includes a
high-performance double-sided aspherical element and highly-refractive
converging glass elements, which deliver a high level of detailed performance
with minimal aberration, excellent sharpness and beautiful color reproduction.
Moreover, FUJINON’s proprietary HT-EBC coating is applied to effectively
control image flares and ghosting.
Other benefits of this lens are the beautiful, soft,
round-shape Bokeh that is produced from the 9 blade lens diaphragm. In addition
the lens allows you to get as close as 10cm from your subject in macro mode for
stunning close-up shots. And its in-built 3-stop ND filter enables blurring of
the background in portraits, or applies a gorgeous creamy look to flowing water
even in a bright setting.
(6) Elegant
design and sophisticated functionality
The front of the X100S proudly bares the letter “S” as
confirmation of its extensive evolution from the FUJIFILM X100. Down to the
tiniest detail, the premium build
and feel of the X100 is continued in the X100S. FUJIFILM’s top quality Japanese
engineering is evident from the high precision components used and the
perfectly optimized body.
The X100S’s top and base are made of magnesium alloy to
achieve a lightweight, resilient, yet delicate design. A specially-formulated
coating is applied to give its surface a steel look for an added premium feel.
All the dials and rings have been milled from solid metal, with attention paid to the finer details
such as finger grips and enhanced operability. The exterior is finished with
synthetic leather, which is durable and resilient to the environment yet
reproduces the texture of real leather, while still offering the practical
benefits of additional grip and comfort.
The layout of the
dials and rings allows users to operate the aperture ring on the lens with
their left hand and the shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial on
the top panel with their right hand, meaning all the settings can be adjusted
comfortably without having to take your eye off the viewfinder. And to make you
feel even more at home, you can even customize your shutter sound by choosing
between the four different sounds available: Lens Shutter, Focal Plane Shutter,
Mirror Up and Silent Shutter.
The menu system has been also updated to incorporate a Q
“Quick” button which allows you to quickly call up frequently-used menu items
such as ISO setting and Film Simulation modes. In addition, the Fn (Function)
button allows users to assign functions frequently used while shooting, for
convenient use at the touch of the button.
(7)
Artistic photography
The X100S features FUJIFILM’s proprietary ‘Film Simulation Modes’. Users can
choose from ten simulation options which replicate the results achieved by
FUJIFILM color reversal films (Velvia/PROVIA/ASTIA), professional color
negative films (PRO Neg. Std/ PRO Neg. Hi), monochrome filters (MONOCHROME, Ye
Filter, R filter and G filter) and SEPIA.
Also available on the X100S is an Advanced Filter functions; Users can choose from 8 different
artistic effects:
Pop Color- great for
boosting contrast and color saturation.
In addition a Multiple
Exposure function enables users to combine two separate images together for
special creative effects. And for greater artistic freedom, the aspect ratio
can be selected from 3;2, 16;9, and 1;1 (square) to accommodate a wide range of
photographic styles.
(8) Full HD
Movie Shooting
The X100S’s Full HD
Movie (1920 x 1080) can shoot 60fps for every smooth movie capture.
Shooting at the high bit-rate of 36Mbps results in reduced noise and enhanced
image quality that reveals every detail from individual leaves in the trees to
subtle changes in facial expression.
During movie recording, users have access to many of the
additional modes available in still image capture; Film Simulation modes can be
used, White Balance settings can be adjusted, you can even make the most of the
fast lens to produce beautiful bokeh and also operate the Intelligent Hybrid AF
for high-speed and high-precision focusing.
(9)
FUJIFILM X100S Key features list:
·
16.3 million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
·
EXR Processor II
·
Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF/EVF
·
FUJINON 23mm F2 lens
·
Intelligent Hybrid AF (with the world’s fastest AF
speed of 0.08 seconds)
·
Start-up time of 0.05 seconds
·
Shutter time lag of 0.01 seconds
·
Shooting interval of 0.05 seconds
·
High-contrast and wide viewing-angle 2.8-inch Premium
Clear LCD (460K dots)
·
Super Intelligent Flash
·
Burst shooting rate of up to 6.0 frames per second at
full resolution (max. 31 frames)
·
Focus Peak Highlight function
·
Digital Split Image display
·
Artistic filters
·
Full HD movie recording (60fps/30fps)
(10) Premium
Accessories available for the FUJIFILM X100S
·
Wide
conversion lens WCL-X100 – designed specifically for X100 and X100S, shortens
the lens’ focal length from 35mm to 28mm. It offers a broader field of view
while maintaining the powerful performance equivalent to that of the main
body’s lens.
·
Leather
case LC-X100S - -Users can remove/ insert a memory card and battery
without having to take this case off. This is a practical ‘Quick Shot’ case,
made of premium genuine leather.
·
Shoe Mount
Flash – Three types of Fujifilm external flash are available,
capable of the proprietary high-precision TTL auto flash control: EF-20 and
EF-X20 with the guide number 20, and EF-42 with the guide number 42
·
External
stereo microphone MIC-ST1 – For recording real sound with impact to go with
premium-quality images and full-HD movie.