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New high-style Fujifilm X100S and X20 introduce enhanced CMOS sensor and image processor

Les Shu
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Check out our review of the Fujifilm X100S digital camera.

Fujifilm has confirmed the rumors of new X-Series cameras with the official unveiling of the retro-styled pro-level X100S and X20 cameras.

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The 16.3MP X100S ($1,300) replaces the X100 and features Fujifilm’s newly enhanced APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and improved EXR Processor II. Toshi Iida, Fujifilm’s worldwide marketing manager of their Electronic Imaging Products Division, said the APS-C sensor is close to that of a full-frame DSLR sensor, allowing for the highest image quality without increasing the size of the sensor. The optical low pass filter (OLPF) is removed so that light can reach directly and effectively to the surface of sensor, which would maximize resolution and improve noise reduction. The X100S incorporates a FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed lens, which features a nine-blade shutter to achieve bokeh effect.

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Through the trio of core technologies (the sensor, the image processor, and lens), Fujifilm says “the X100S is capable of the world’s fastest autofocus speeds of up to 0.08 seconds, and increases its image resolution by 25 percent and reduces noise by 30 percent over the first-generation X100.”

Made with magnesium alloy and synthetic leather, other features of the X100 include Intelligent Hybrid Autofocus, which allow for speedy start-up time, shutter lag, and shooting interval; burst mode of 6 frames per second (29 frames max); a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder system; a “revolutionary Digital Split Image function that uses the X-Trans CMOS II Sensor’s built-in phase detection pixels to display dual images that can be manually focused by the user;” a “new Focus Peaking function that highlights high contrast areas of subjects for precise focusing, so that users can achieve perfect focus every time;” Full HD video recording (60 fps and 30 fps); and a 2.8-inch LCD (460K dots).

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100S
Hands on with the Fujifilm X100S.

The second X-Series camera, the X20 ($600), improves on the X10 with a new 12MP 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II Sensor and EXR Processor II, delivering the world’s fastest autofocus speed of up to 0.06 seconds, according to Fujifilm. The X20 has an enhanced optical viewfinder with a Digital Trans Panel that “displays critical imaging information syncing perfectly with the manual zoom lens.” It uses a FUJINON F2.0-2.8 4x manual zoom lens.

Like the X100, the sensor allows for improved noise reduction (30 percent) compared to the X10, as well as a 20-percent improvement in image quality.

Other features include the Intelligent Hybrid Autofocus, Focus Peaking, 2.8-inch LCD (460K dots), a Super Macro Mode (to .039 inches), new Graphical User Interface, Full HD at 60 fps, and a microphone jack. The X20 will also be available in black and silver.

Fujifilm X20 (in black)
Fujifilm X20 (in silver)
Fujifilm X20
Fujifilm X20
Hands on with the Fujifilm X20.

For Fujifilm, it’s “quality, size, and speed” that set these two cameras apart from smartphones and DSLRs. The company believes there’s a third category besides DSLRs and smartphones in digital photography, and their X-Series cameras are in this category.

Both cameras will be available by end of March, in addition to a bunch of new complementary accessories. Fujifilm also says new add-on lens adapters are on the way, starting in April. 

The Fujifilm X100S, X20 in black, and X20 in silver.
To demonstrate image quality and performance in low light, Fujifilm demonstrated enlarged, unprocessed photos taken with the new X-Series cameras.

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Fujifilm adds to the X-series and gets rid of the fixed lens with the X-Pro 1
fujifilm pc

In yet another unsurprising announcement today, Fujifilm took the wraps off its already-leaked X-Pro 1. Last week, specs and images surfaced, showing off the brand's first ICS system camera in all its glory. Now, we've got word from Fujifilm itself.  
Following up the success of its fixed-lens, high-end X-series comes the X-Pro 1. The X100 and X10 seemingly defied category, and were hybrid, hobbyist combinations of the increasingly popular ICL, micro four-thirds systems flooding the market and impressive DSLR devices. Both of these cameras were met with rave reviews, and it seemed to hint that Fujifilm would make an even bigger move in this market. 
And now we're seeing this come to fruition in the X-Pro 1. The camera isn't coasting on hype alone: it features a newly developed 16-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor from Fujifilm, as well as the manufacturer's impressive hybrid viewfinder (complete with next-gen upgrades). 
Fujifilm claims the new sensor system is on par with that of "some" full frame DSLRs, which is huge feat and could bump the X-Pro 1 above nearly all of the MFT/compact ICL competition. However that "some" phrasing is crucial, and the system isn't likely to best results from cameras like the Sony a77 or Nikon D3 (when asked, Fujifilm would not say whether it planned to use full-frame sensors in future iterations of the X-series). That said, we're expecting impressive resolution performance from the X-Pro 1. 
The device also boasts a new processor, the EXR Processor Pro. Fujifilm says this will contribute to an all-around, faster, higher-precision experience. 
But no feature can quite create a hype like the hybrid viewfinder. Fujifilm first showed off this OVF/EVF mechanism in the X100, and it nearly overshadow the camera itself. Now, we're seeing the next iteration of the inventive tool in the X-Pro 1, which will decrease shutter lag (which caused some complaints for the X100) and add bright viewing when using the optical viewfinder mode. Live view will be available via the EVF. 
Of course, the X-Pro 1 doesn't spare anything when it comes to aesthetics. Like the originals of the X-series, it has a magnesium alloy chassis and a detailed retro body. However, it looks slightly less toy-like: there was something of a "for looks only" aspect to the X100 especially, giving its severe throwback styling. The X-Pro 1 is all business in a black-on-black casing and heavy duty looks. It definitely doesn't look like a collector case item. 
The new, thin X mount from Fujifilm is yet another upgrade in this camera. This design is catered for the new XF lenses from Fujifilm as well as mirrorless camera systems. The rear lens mechanics are that much closer to the sensor, which will reduce the back focus of each lens for higher resolution images. 
The X-Pro 1 shows Fujifilm intends to capitalize on the "third generation" camera craze hitting the market. In today's press conference, the company specifically called out other brands' mirrorless and MFT devices, including the Olympus PEN lineup and Sony NEX system. Admitting that some of them range in stylishness, they are low quality. And that while DSLRs capture superior images, the X-Pro 1 rises above the competition--in looks and technology. Fujifilm says this camera is aiming for the professional market, specifically mentioning wedding and street photographers. 
The X-Pro 1 hasn't been ultimately priced yet, but it's expected to be around $1,700; lenses around $600 each. This will not be determined until the end of January. It will be shipping late February. 
Fujifilm isn't forsaking the rest of its models however. Today we heard units of all prices will be released, including an entry level device at $100. Even still, at those prices and with this much investment on Fujifilm's part, it's clear the manufacturer wants to take full advantage of this developing interest in new-age camera body's with DSLR results. And it makes sense: Fujifilm said that while it doesn't have exact numbers on sales, the X100 is still backordered and has far exceeded its original expectations. 

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Leaked images of Fujifilm’s new mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera
fujifilm lx

Well look what we have here. Fujifilm could be the latest digital camera manufacturer to offer up an interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera, according to these leaked images. The photos first showed up on the Chinese forum Xitek (they've since been removed), and it looks like it could have been taken right at the factory itself.
While Panasonic, Olympus, and Sony have become the more veteran purveyors of the MFT/mirrorless market, some big names have hid in the shadows behind their point-and-shoots and DSLRs. Nikon just entered the race with its 1-series, and now it looks like Fujifilm is following hot on its heels.
Fujifilm’s recent big release was the X100, a throwback, fixed-lens camera that took heavy cues from Leica’s M series design. The refresh, the X10, has also been introduced, but up until now a mirrorless, ICL camera from Fujifilm has only been an idea.
According to Photo Rumors, the Fujifilm LX is rumored to have an APS-C sensor and may actually be a full frame device--which would make it something of a game-changer among its competition. You can tell from the images that it appears to have similar styling elements of the X-series, but with a more modern, chrome-like finish on the front. It will ship with an 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, a 60mm, and a zoom probably in that 18-60 range. And what about the hybrid viewfinder Fujifilm premiered with the X100? It's too soon to tell but if that feature is packed into the camera, we expect it to sell quite well. 
The company’s president and CEO last year said the brand would introduce such a camera, and that it would launch in the spring of 2012. But given the timing, maybe we’ll get to see something from Fujifilm sooner. 

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Fujifilm announces its new X-series camera, the X10
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Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 made waves in the photography community this year, becoming something of a legend before its release. The very retro camera has been the subject of both contempt and adoration, but it’s nothing if not innovative. As it turns out, the X100 was only an introduction to the X series, and now Fujifilm has released details about its newest addition to the lineup.
The X10 is the X100’s follow up, and Fujifilm tells us the new camera is a little less for the professional set and rather for the “prosumer” and enthusiast category. This leads us to believe it has something of a shallower learning curve than its predecessor, reportedly without sacrificing quality. The X10 features a larger, 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a bright Fujinon 4x manual zoom F2.0-F2.8 wide-angle lens.
Like the X100, the X10 has retro styling. It has a throwback look with magnesium alloy and aluminum parts, and that same heavy chassis.  It’s slightly smaller than its predecessor however, weighing in at 12.3-ounces (compared to the X100’s nearly 16 ounces) and measuring 4.6-inches (w) x 2.7-inches (h) x 2.2-inches deep (X100: 5-inches x  2.9-inches x 2.1). Fujifilm says it will have a slightly more tangible grip on the right hand side then the X100 does, which is something users complained about. The X100 is a two-hands always device, and it’s possible the X10 will offer easier handling.
It features full manual dial control of aperture, zoom, shutter, and exposure, as well as shooting RAW and RAW + Jpeg. Fujifilm tells us the sensor has been improved to reduce noise at extreme ISOs, and the X10’s ISO range is 100 to 12,800.
The biggest difference between the X100 and the X10 is the new camera’s lack of the infamous hybrid viewfinder. This feature was easily the most-lauded and most impressive of the X100, but won’t be included in the next X-series addition. Instead it will be replaced by a traditional optical viewfinder.
Fujifilm emphasizes how fast this camera is, saying the whole concept of the X10 is to “never miss the shot.” Shutter-release lag time is approximately .01 seconds, and we were told auto-focus speed is quick and precise. We hope this last part is true, as it was one of our (and other reviewers') major complaints, most specifically in poor lighting.
The X10 also features 360-degree Motion Panorama, which the X100 did not, and has a new type of battery. According to Fuji, in viewfinder mode, you should get about 580 shots per charge. Using the LCD, it should be around 300 shots per charge.
The X-series is an exciting lineup, deviating from some of the retro and MFT models we’re seeing with less consumer-friendly features and more technology-focused takes on traditional elements (which can be hit or miss) of photography. Given the cult-like following that shadowed the release of the X100, we figured a side-by-side comparison of the X10 and its predecessor might interest you. The X10 will be available in November, but pricing has yet to be announced. 

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