Fujifilm’s new infrared camera isn’t for photographers, but cops, doctors, scientists

By Enid Burns August 3, 2015

Fujifilm X-T1 camera top lens macro — Fujifilm hasn't released any images of its new X-T1 IR, but it will look identical to the standard X-T1 (shown here), except it'll have the ability to detect ultraviolet and infrared light.

Fujifilm introduced an industrial version of its X-T1 mirrorless camera. The 16.3-megapixel X-T1 IR is the first X-series infrared camera that’s designed for law enforcement, medical research, fine art photography, and other technical and scientific uses – not so much for regular photography. Other than its ability to detect ultraviolet and infrared portions of the light spectrum, the X-T1 IR has identical specs and design elements to the X-T1 (a Digital Trends Editors’ Choice camera), and is compatible with all Fujinon XF lenses.

The added infrared feature uses professional-grade infrared technology that captures from the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared portions of the expression between approximately 380nm to 1,000nm – information that’s invisible to the human eye. This can be useful across various fields, and for multiple applications. Doctors and medical professionals can use infrared to diagnose and monitor patients with certain conditions. Law enforcement officials will be able to use infrared mode when investigating crime scenes, and possibly for surveillance; the X-T1 IR has a 100-percent silent electronic shutter, and the electronic viewfinder allows for night vision via an infrared light source.

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There are also applications for the fine art community including museums, art galleries, and other areas dealing with art where infrared photos might help determine the authenticity and even history of paintings and other artwork.

Users can expect much of the same functionality and sturdiness as the standard X-T1. The camera body is constructed from a magnesium alloy that’s weather-resistant (it’ll tolerate splashes, dust, and hot and cold temperatures), although it is not ruggedized.

Fujifilm plans to release the X-T1 IR in October, for $1,700 (body only).

Features (per Fujifilm):

Professional-grade infrared technology from the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) portions of the spectrum (approximately 380nm – 1,000nm)
3 Megapixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
Dust and water-resistant body with approximately 80 weather sealed points. Freeze resistance to 14-degrees F (-10-degrees C).
EXR Processor II
- Startup time of 0.5 seconds
- Shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds
- Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds
High-precision 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder
Highest viewfinder magnification for digital cameras of 0.77x
Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38 degrees and horizontal 31 degrees)
Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005 sec (less than 1/10 of existing models)
Four different display modes: Full, Normal, Dual, and Vertical.
Tempered glass 1.04-million dot high-precision 3-inch tilting LCD monitor
Digital Split Image and Focus Highlight Peaking
Completely electronic shutter up to 1/32,000 seconds
ISO200 – 6,400, extended ISO 100, 12,800, 25,600, Auto (maximum ISO setting from ISO 400 – ISO6,400 available)
Die-cast magnesium body provides a sturdy and durable, while compact and lightweight design
Interval timer shooting for Time Lapse photography is available with intervals of 1 second to 24 hours and up to 999 frames
Full HD video 1080p at 60fps; bit rate of 36Mbps for clear capture of delicate movements; frame rates of 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps, supporting worldwide motion picture formats

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