Fuji announce X-Pro 1 camera

It seems Fuji boffins have been busy in recent months, with the company announcing several new cameras and lenses. Amongst these is the X-Pro1 compact camera, offering interchangeable lenses, 16 MP APS-C sensor and a new lens mount. Here is what the company had to say:

"FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori) are proud to announce the FUJIFILM X-Pro1, an all-new interchangeable lens camera system. The X-Pro1 features a 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor™, a brand new X lens mount, Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and three prime lenses."

Now I have to confess, I am very interested in this particular camera. For many years I have used the Fuji 602z bridge camera and been impressed with the quality of its image, despite the lowly resolution of 3.1 MP. Interestingly, the X-Pro1 has abandoned the use of the SuperCCD technology in favour of a more traditional sensor. It has a 23.6mm×15.6mm（APS-C）X-Trans CMOS with primary colour filter, offering 16.3 million pixels. In addition, they have dispensed with the need for an optical low-pass filter, through the use of a colour filter array. Fuji say they have done this as the use of a low-pass filer degrades resolution.

The fact that, unlike the new Canon PowerShot G1 X, it has interchangeable lenses, makes it all the more an attractive proposition. Also, the sensor size is much bigger, being APS-C (23.6mm x 15.6mm) compared to the G1 X sensor, which though 6x bigger than that in the G12, is still only 18.7mm x 14.0 mm in size. Whether this makes much difference when it comes to image quality remains to be seen.

One has to bear in mind, of course, that the two cameras are aimed at different sectors of the market. The Fuji X-Pro 1 is targeted at the semi-pro market whilst the G1 X is more for the serious amateur. This is reflected in the pricing, with the Fuji X-Pro1 coming in around £1,000 just for the body, with lenses around £450-500 each. In contrast, the Canon G1 X is expected to retail for around £699 complete.

Specification:

Number of effective pixels	16.3 million pixels
Image sensor	23.6mm×15.6mm（APS-C）X-Trans CMOS with  primary colour filter
Sensor Cleaning system	Ultra Sonic Vibration
Storage media	SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC(UHS-I) memory card *1
File format  (still image)	JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3 *2),  RAW (RAF format), RAW+JPEG (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
(movie)	H.264（MOV） with Stereo sound
Number of recorded pixels	L：<3:2>4896ｘ3264　<16:9>4896ｘ2760　<1:1>3264 × 3264　　　 M：<3:2>3456ｘ2304　<16:9>3456ｘ1944 <1:1>2304 × 2304 S：<3:2>2496ｘ1664　<16:9>2496ｘ1408 <1:1>1664 ×1664 ＜Motion Panorama＞ L　  Vertical：7680ｘ2160　Horizontal：7680ｘ1440 M    Vertical：5120ｘ2160　Horizontal：5120ｘ1440
Lens mount	FUJIFILM X mount
Compatible Interchangeable lens	・ FUJINON LENS  XF18mmF2 R ・ FUJINON LENS  XF35mmF1.4 R ・ FUJINON LENS  XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
Sensitivity	Equivalent to ISO 200  - 6400  　(Standard Output Sensitivity) AUTO mode : AUTO(400)/AUTO(800)AUTO(1600)/AUTO(3200) Extended output sensitivity equivalent ISO 100, 12800 and 25600
Exposure control	TTL 256-zones metering, Multi / Spot / Average
Exposure mode	Programmed AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual exposure
Exposure compensation	-2.0EV - +2.0EV,　inclement with 1/3EV step
Shutter control	Focal Plane Shutter
Shutter speed  (with mechanical shutter)	(P mode) 1/4 sec. to 1/4000 sec.,  (All other modes) 30 sec. to 1/4000 sec.    Bulb (max.60min.) Time　2 to 30 sec Synchronized Shutter speed for flash ：1/180 sec or slower 1/180 sec can be automatically set at some shooting condition on P mode or A mode. 1/160 sec or slower (S mode or M mode)
Continuous shooting	Max 6 / 3 fps selectable
Auto bracketing	AE Bracketing (±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV) Film Simulation Bracketing (Any 3 type of film simulation selectable) Dynamic Range Bracketing (100%, 200%, 400%) ISO sensitivity Bracketing (±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV)
Focus   (mode)	Single AF / Continuous AF/MF　Distance Indicator
(type)	TTL contrast AF, AF assist illuminator available
(AF frame selection)	Area （EVF/LCD：49 areas with 7ｘ7、OVF：25 areas with 5ｘ5）/ Multi  * changeable size of AF frame: among 5 type
White balance	Automatic scene recognition Custom, colour temperature selection (K) Preset: Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, underwater
Film Simulation mode	10 type　（PROVIA/STANDARD, Velvia/VIVID, ASTIA/SOFT, PRO Neg Hi, PRO Neg. Std, MONOCHROME, MONOCHROME+Ye FILTER, MONOCHROME+R FILTER, MONOCHROME+G FILTER, SEPIA）
Dynamic range setting	AUTO（100-400％）、100％、200％、400％
Self-timer	Approx. 10sec. / 2sec. Delay
Flash modes	Hot shoe with TTL contacts; sync terminal Red-eye removal OFF: Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro. Rear-curtain Synchro, Red-eye removal ON: Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash,                        Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro. Red-eye Reduction & Rear-curtain Synchro
Hot shoe	Yes ( dedicated TTL　Flash compatible)
Viewfinder	Hybrid Multi Viewfinder Optical viewfinder Reverse Galilean viewfinder with electronic bright frame display  Magnifications : 0.37x / 0.6x Coverage of frame area v.s. capturing area  :  approx. 90％  Electronic viewfinder 0.47-in., approx.1,440,000-dots colour LCD viewfinder  Coverage of viewing area v.s capturing area :  approx. 100％ Eye sensor installed Eye point  : approx. 14 mm
LCD monitor	3.0-inch RGBW (White) LCD monitor, approx. 1,230,000dots,  (Approx. 100% coverage)
Movie recording	1920x1080　pixels, 1280 x 720 pixels  (24frames / sec.) with stereo sound Individual movies cannot exceed 29 minutes in length.
Photography  functions	Select custom setting, Motion panorama, colour space, colour (Saturation), sharpness, Dynamic range, Film simulation, Gradation, Auto red-eye removal, Framing guideline, Frame No. memory, Histogram display, Preview depth of focus, Focus check, Electronic level, Multiple exposure, Date input, Fn button setting (RAW, Movie, etc)
Playback  functions	RAW conversing, Image rotate, Red-eye reduction, Photobook assist, Erase selected frames, image search, Multi-frame playback (with micro thumbnail), Slide show, Mark for upload, Protect, Crop, Resize, Panorama, Favourites
Other functions	PictBridge, Exif Print, Languages selection, Time difference, Quick start mode, Power save mode, Silent mode
Terminal (Video output) (Digital interface) (HD output)	ー
	USB 2.0 High-Speed
	HDMI mini connector
Power supply	NP-W126 Li-ion battery (included)
Dimensions	139.5 (W) mm x 81.8 (H) mm x 42.5(D) mm / 5.5in.(W) x 3.2in. (H) x 1.7 in. (D) (Minimum depth: 34.1 mm/ 1.3 in.)
Weight	Approx. 450g / 15.9 oz. (including battery ) and memory card)
	Approx. 400 g /14.1 oz. (excluding accessories, battery and memory card)
Operating Temperature	0℃ - 40℃
Operating Humidity	10 - 80%  (no condensation)
Battery life	approx 300 frames
Starting up period	Approx. 0.5 sec. ( Approx 1.0 sec, when QUICK START mode and Power save mode is set to OFF)  * evaluated  by FUJIFILM method
Accessories included	Li-ion Battery NP-W126 Battery Charger BC-W126 Shoulder strap USB cable Body cap Metal strap clip Protective cover Clip attaching tool CD-ROM (Viewer software, RAW File Converter etc. *3 ) Owner's manual
Optional accessories	Li-ion battery NP-W126 Battery charger BC-W126 Shoe Mount Flash EF-20、EF-42、EF-X20 Interchangeable lens  FUJINON LENS  XF18mmF2 R Interchangeable lens  FUJINON LENS  XF35mmF1.4 R Interchangeable lens  FUJINON LENS  XF60mmF2.4 R Macro Protector Filter PRF-52    52mmΦ Protector Filter PRF-39　　39mmΦ Hand Grip  HG-XPro1  Leather Case LC-XPro1   * The lens of focal length at 35mm or less can be placed in this leather case with the camera X-Pro 1.
*1 Please see the Fujifilm website to check memory card compatibility. *2 Exif 2.3 is a digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing. *3 OS compatibility Viewer software      :   Windows7/Vista/XP,   Mac OS X 10.3.9-10.6 RAW File Converter   :   Windows7/Vista/XP,   Mac OS X 10.3.9-10.7

Nikon D4 new top dog in Nikon line-up

Nikon's new D4 is attracting a lot of favourable comments. The fact that it has a list price that is £500 cheaper than the rival Canon EOS-1DX hasn't gone unnoticed either.

In terms of features, the incorporation of EXPEED 3 is an important step forward, offering as it does, high-speed 16-bit image processing to help deliver smoother gradation and abundant tone and detail. Another feature that will enhance the appeal of the D4 is the addition of two mini-joysticks to the back of the D4. These are used for selecting the AF point, with one being within easy reach of the right hand thumb when the camera is in upright (portrait) orientation.

Another ergonomic feature is the introduction of a small thumb-grip towards the base of the D4, making it feel a little more secure in your hand when shooting upright images.

Another nice touch is that the buttons on the top, back and side of the camera can be illuminated slightly when the camera is in use, making easier to see them when using the camera in low light or the dark.

The D4 is due for release in the UK in February and is available on pre-order for around £4,750 (body only) from various retailers.

Features:

• 16.2 megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor with fast channel readout and up to 11 fps consecutive shooting in FX-format.
•  100–12800: extendable up to 204,800 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent). High signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range. 
• Multi-area format D-Movie: records Full HD (1080p) movies in FX- and DX-format, as well as in native Full HD (1920x1080) crop. Offers uncompressed full-resolution HDMI output to external devices.
•  developed, highly durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit:standard life cycle rating of 400,000 releases, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 to 30s and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec. 
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. Sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F). 
• EXPEED 3 image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation. 
• 8 cm (3.2-in.), 922k-dot LCD monitor with auto brightness control. Anti-reflective with wide color reproduction. 
• 3D Color Matrix Metering III: 91k pixel AE AF sensor with full-time face recognition. 
• 100% viewfinder coverage and three Crop Modes: 5:4, 1.2x and DX-format. With viewfinder masking. 
• Movie frame rates: offers 30p, 25p and 24p and a max recording time of approx. 20 minutes. 
• High-fidelity audio control: features a stereo microphone input and an audio out for external headphones, which lets you fine tune audio in isolation both before and during recording. A line input setting for PCM linear recorders is also provided. 
• Storage media: two card slots. One for high-speed CF (UDMA 7) cards and one for high-speed, high-capacity XQD card slots. 
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4 or the newly designed compact Wireless Transmitter WT-5.

You can read more about the D4 at Nikon's site.