Fujifilm's new X-E2 and X-Q1 cameras share the image processing power of the company'sX100s and X20 but are both available at more affordable prices.
The X-E2 features a 16.3 Megapixel APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS II Sensor with an original colour filter array. This eliminates the need for an optical low pass filter that typically minimises moiré but does so at the expense of resolution. Instead, the X-Trans CMOS II sensor can capture unfiltered light from the lens.
Quality is further improved by the Lens Modulation Optimiser (LMO). Its processing of the various lens parameters as well as data from the screen centre to the edges, corrects diffraction blur when shooting with a stopped down aperture and compensates for the slight blurring in the lens periphery.
An aperture ring on the lens and a shutter dial on the top of the body allows full shooting control while keeping your eye to the viewfinder.
In addition to achieving an AF speed of 0.08 seconds, the X-E2 has a rapid startup time (0.5 seconds), virtually no shutter lag (0.05 seconds), and high-speed continuous shooting of 7.0 fps (up to 28 frames).
Accurate framing and focus checking is assured via the high resolution 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder and Fujifilm’s original optical design gives a distortion-free field of view. The LCD monitor size has been increased to 3.0" but the body is thinner. It has a high viewing angle and 1.04 million dot reinforced glass. The scratch-resistant surface reduces reflections and improves visibility.
Manual focus has been made easier by the inclusion of Digital Split Image technology. This helps the user achieve sharp focusing by simply adjusting focus to line up the four stripes displayed in the central part of the live view and match the left and right split images. Focus Peak Highlight, the highlighting of the outline in high contrast areas of the subject during focusing, further assists the user achieve sharp shots.
The X-E2 shoots Full HD video (1920x1080) up to 60fps and the AF tracking performance in movie mode has been improved with good focusing speed, accuracy and smoothness.
Quick tracking of the subject is possible in a variety of situations, such as when panning and zooming, or when the subject moves closer to or further from, the camera.
Film simulation settings and exposure compensation (±2) can be used during movie recording, and a high bitrate (36Mbps) has been set.
You can transfer images wirelessly from the X-E2 to your smartphone or tablet after installing the free FUJIFILM Camera Application app. There are no troublesome ID andpassword settings; just press the Wi-Fi button on top of the camera and then add the images directly to your blog or share them with friends on your social networking site.
You can also use the X-E2's built-in Wi-Fi to save your photos to your PC.
Through the in-camera RAW development function, a RAW image can be converted to JPEG without a computer, while 14bit RAW capture enables RAW conversion with richer tonality.
The X-E2 will ship in November for $1,000 in body-only form, or $1,400 when paired with an 18-55mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens.
Photographers looking for a more pocketable shooter will want to look at the XQ1.
The ultra-small (at just 100mm (w) x 58.8mm (h) x 33.3mm (d) camera features a newly developed F1.8 4x zoom lens and the same type of 2/3" X-Trans TM CMOS II 12 megapixel sensor and EXR Processor II as used in the FUJIFILM X20 camera.
The XQ1’s sensor is able to deliver an AF speed of just 0.06 seconds.
The camera's sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.
Image quality is enhanced by the Lens Modulation Optimiser. It corrects even marginal optical defects and diffractions caused when the lens aperture is narrowed. This maximises the resolving power of the lens for edge-to-edge image clarity.
The camera also boasts a shooting interval of 0.3 seconds until the next frame can be taken, while shutter lag is just 0.015 seconds.
It supports Wi-Fi connectivity and is equipped with a 3.0" 920K dot Premium LCD with an 85°vertical and horizontal viewing angle.
The XQ1 should arrive later this month for $500.
Fujifilm X-E2 Key features list:
- 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
- Original colour filter array to control moiré and false color
- EXR Processor II
- FUJIFILM X Lens mount
- Lens Modulation Optimiser for improved image quality
- Extra high resolution 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- ±3 Exposure Compensation dial
- 3-inch (1.04 million dot) LCD (High contrast, High Brightness and Wide viewing angle)
- Built-in pop-up Flash (hotshoe attachment also available for external flash)
- ISO 200 – 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600, Auto (max range of ISO400-6400 when using ISO Auto)
- AF speed 0.08sec
- Q (quick) button to easily access shooting menu settings
- In-camera RAW converter
- Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Monochrome, Sepia, Pro Neg.Std & Pro Neg.Hi)
- Artistic features inc. Multiple exposure, Panoramic shooting, and 8 Art filter effect
- Selection of Bracketing functions (AE / ISO / Dynamic Range & Film Simulation)
- Full HD Movie
- Microphone/shutter release input (Φ 2.5mm)
- Approx. 350 shots per battery charge
- Available in solid Black or two-tone Black and silver
Fujifilm XQ1 Key features list:
- 12 megapixel X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
- Original colour filter array to control moiré and false colour without an optical low pass filter
- EXR Processor II
- F1.8-F4.9 4x optical zoom equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format
- 4x intelligent digital zoom (16x combined with optical zoom)
- Lens Modulation Optimiser for improved image quality
- Wireless transfer of images using FUJIFILM Camera Application app
- 3" 920K-dot premium LCD with 85°vertical and horizontal viewing angle
- In camera RAW converter
- ISO 100 – 12800
- Built-in Super Intelligent Flash
- Five Film simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia and Monochrome)
- Eight Advanced Filter Effects: Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Colour, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key, and Partial Colour
- Full HD Movie