Since the release of the X100, Fujifilm has shown the photography community that they're very much alive, and not going down without a fight. They showed their fight once again today, with the announcement of their new affordable mirrorless camera the Fujifilm X-M1, and an additional prime and zoom lens for their X-Mount lens system.
Fujifilm X-E1
Priced at $699, the X-M1 looks to find its place in the affordable mirrorless camera market while still maintaining the X-Mount lens mounting system, allowing you to use all the lenses in the X-Mount lens lineup. Additional features include a 16.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full 1080p HD video with Stereo Sound, Built in Wi-fi, and availability in 3 colors - Black, Brown and Silver.
This camera is currently available for preorder as a Body only for $699, or with the XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens for $799.
PRESS RELEASE
FUJIFILM UNVEILS THE NEW X-M1 PREMIUM CSC FEATURING A 16.3 MP APS-C X-TRANS CMOS SENSOR, EXR PROCESSOR II AND A KIT OPTION FEATURING THE NEW XC16-50MM LENS
New X-M1 also includes a 3” tilting, high definition LCD screen, wireless image transfer for easy photo sharing and advanced filters for creative picture taking
Valhalla, N.Y., June 24, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the all new, premium FUJIFILM X-M1 compact system camera (CSC), the third interchangeable lens system camera introduced within the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Series. The X-M1 is a lightweight camera that includes the same 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor used in the critically acclaimed FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 that delivers outstanding image quality, all in a premium, beautifully crafted body.
The X-M1 will ship with a newly-designed FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm)*1 F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens that allows enthusiast photographers to capture crystal clear wide angle to mid-telephoto range images. The XC16-50mm is a versatile lens that is ideal for a wide range of photographic subjects, including stunning low-light scenes, true to life portraits and rich colorful landscapes. The lens consists of 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element. The lens features seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV increments for precise aperture control.
“The X-M1 is a perfect combination of power and performance, all within a lightweight and well-built chassis. Photographers and enthusiasts alike can confidently take the X-M1 everywhere they go, and it will deliver images that exceed their expectations,” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation.
“The remarkable new X-M1 with its large APS-C X-Trans sensor, 3” tilting LCD screen, new XC16-50mm lens and easy wireless image transfer, gives enthusiasts the ability to capture amazing quality images and also share them effortlessly.”
Award-winning 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor and EXR Processor II
The FUJIFILM X-M1 uses the same large APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor that is found in the X-Pro1 and the X-E1 with a unique color filter array that minimizes moiré and false color without the need for an optical low pass filter. This makes it possible for the camera to maximize extremely high resolution, and to capture each image with accuracy and clarity when using high performance FUJINON lenses.
With the X-M1, users can set the sensor sensitivity from ISO200 to as high as ISO6400 in 1/3 step increments, and even take advantage of the extended range of ISO100 and ISO25600 to obtain amazingly clear and low-noise images even in low-light conditions when shooting at night or indoors.
Together with the EXR Processor II, the X-M1 gives customers incredible speed and response times with a start-up time of 0.5 seconds*2, a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds and a maximum burst speed of 5.6 frames per second (max. 30 frames*3).
Compact performance and advanced features
The X-M1 compact ILC combines advanced features in a go-anywhere design. The X-M1 weighs just 11.6oz*4 and measures 4.6” W by 2.6” H by 1.5” D, about half the size of a traditional DSLR body. With a slim profile of 1.3” at its trimmest point, the X-M1 is easily carried anywhere, and can be trusted to deliver high-quality images.
Along with its large APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, the X-M1 also features a 3” tilting high resolution LCD screen with 920,000 dots for easy image viewing and framing at various angles.
The 3” LCD monitor tilts at variable vertical angles, facilitating both low-angle and high-angle shots whether on or off a tripod.
The X-M1 gives users additional flexibility with its built-in high precision flash, with the guide number 7*5, and Super Intelligent Flash technology that automatically controls flash strength according to scene types to reduce highlight clipping.
Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button
The X-M1 features a WiFi button that lets users transfer photos and movies*6 from the camera to smartphones, tablets and computers allowing enthusiasts to upload high quality images to social media sites for easy sharing.
To connect the X-M1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the X-M1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.
Intuitive design and easy operation
The intuitive design of the X-M1 gives users the ability for one-handed camera operation, which is perfect for the fleeting moments when you need to pick up the camera quickly and start shooting.
The X-M1 has its key operation buttons and dials positioned on the right side of the camera’s rear panel for easy use and quick picture taking. The Mode Dial for selecting the optimum setting for each scene gives access to the Advanced SR Auto function, which automatically recognizes each scene and selects the best settings for sharp and clear images.
The Advanced Filter function gives users a range of creative filters to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks. The use of two perfectly positioned Command Dials allows users to effortlessly adjust the aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation, while frequently-used functions are given individual buttons, thereby enabling intuitive and quick operation.
FUJIFILM X-M1 key features list:
• 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
• EXR Processor II
o Start-up time of 0.5
o Shutter lag time of 0.05
o Shooting interval time of 0.7
• 3” (920K dot) tilting high resolution LCD screen
• Full range of ISO100 – ISO25600
• Wireless image transfer
• Q Menu shortcut button
• In-camera RAW processing
• Film Simulation modes (Velvia, ASTIA, PROVIA, Sepia, and Black & White)
• 8 Advanced Filters (Toy Camera, Miniature, Dynamic Tone, Pop Color, Soft Focus, High Key, Low Key and Partial Color)
• Multiple Exposure mode to superimpose a second exposure on the first exposure
• Full HD movie 1080P\30fps and built-in stereo microphone
• Available accessories include: Leather Case, Hand Grip, and Clip-on Flash
FUJINON XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS
• 24-76mm equivalent F3.5-5.6 lens
• Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount
• 12 all glass elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical elements and 1 ED element
• Seven round-edged aperture blades, which offer 17 stops in 1/3 EV steps
The FUJIFILM X-M1 (body only) will be available in black and silver in July 2013 for $699.95.
The FUJIFILM X-M1 and XC16-50mm (24-76mm) F3.5-5.6 OIS lens (kit) will be available in July 2013 for $799.95.
The FUJIFILM X-M1 (body only) will be available in brown in August 2013 for $699.95.
The FUJIFILM X-M1 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1 and X-E1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses will work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.
The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:
• XF 14mm F2.8
• XF 18mm F2.0
• XF 27mm F2.8
• XF 35mm F1.4
• XF 60mm F2.4
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 OIS
• XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 OIS
• XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS
*1 35mm format equivalent
*2 Quick Start mode
*3 Maximum number of frames can be shot in JPEG setting, using a “Class 10” or higher SD card
*4 Including the battery and memory card, excluding the lens
*5 ISO200・m; When shooting at ISO200, the light reaches a subject up to (7/F number) meters away
*6 FUJIFILM Camera Application for iOS can save movie files up to 1280 x 720
Pretty cool, but I think I want a viewfinder built in.
Pretty cool, but I think I want a viewfinder built it.
If you want viewfinder just buy fuji XE or X-PRO 1.
But i like this price point better..lol
Yep, cameras like this without viewfinders is nothing more than a P&S.
some people prefer it for the 100% view. plus most DSLR cameras have live view that people use exclusively and since all their other cameras have a view finder, its pretty reasonable to ditch it to cut cost and minimize size. i wouldn't consider it a P&S based just off the viewing mode. it has the same sensor as the XPRO and interchangeable lenses!
"not going down with a fight..." ???? I think you forgot the word "out".
:-)
Thanks
What fight? These guys have been on a roll for ages.
i would probably be sold if did not have the dial dedicated to A, S, P, M, etc like point and shoot cameras. i know this is more for normal consumers, but i think they should have stuck with a dial for shutter speeds and then the other dial for exposure comp.
Id have to disagree. This is definitely a starter consumer camera. I doubt this one will do as well as the others since these lines of cameras are aimed at enthusiast/pros, not the amateurs. I will say tho, I think the layout is the perfect way to "try" to get into that market. Give them the option for manual but make it easy to shoot right out of the box with familiar controls.
its still easy to put the camera in A, S, P, and M mode with the shutter dial from the X100/XPRO line. so doing it this way just makes it harder for more advanced shooters to control things and it doesn't get much easier for a consumer to use.
While I agree that it doesnt make it eaiser for those that know what they are doing, it does make it 10 times easier for those that dont. Thats who the camera is aimed at. Those who dont know exactly what they are doing and thought the camera looked good and like the idea of interchangable lenses. If you want more control, get the x-e1 or the x-pro1. Your point about making it harder to use the camera because it has these dials is like saying a d800 or 5d are hard to use because they have a/s/p/m but we all know those arent hard to use.
Im not saying its harder to use the A,S,P dial. I'm saying that the A,S,P dial is not that much easier then using the original dials found on XPRO and XE1. Set the aperture to A and shutter to A for full Auto. All the lenses will have the A on them either way. i think it could have still been marketed to an average consumer with the old dial setup while giving more experience users more easy control.
And ya, can but an XE1 or XPRO but i like the XM1 for its size! throw the little 23 on that thing coupled with the tilt screen! you could have an amazing street photography camera. i Have the X100 and being able to use those dials is AWESOME for control without having to look at the camera.
im sure its still an awesome camera, and they may have something i don't know of that makes the camera easy to use? but in my opinion, using up that dial for something that what already easy to do to begin with was more of hindrance...
I get what youre saying. For your needs, a smaller camera with the same controls as the others would make street photography easier to acomplish with the dials up top.
The problem though, is that is not what Fuji had in mind when they designed this body(and lenses to be released). They wanted something that somebody with no experience could pick up and just start shooting.
I find it incredibly difficult for some people to understand how shutter speed/apreture/iso all work together to produce an image. There are some people(like you and me) that just get it and can adapt. This camera was not meant for those types of people.
Funny thing, I think at this point, we may just be talking about different points.