Mega-zoom and entry-level FinePix cameras round out Fujifilm’s new 2013 CP+ unveils

By Les Shu January 30, 2013

In addition to the FinePix F900EXR and F850EXR cameras, Fujifilm at 2013 CP+ introduced new mega-zoom and entry-level models.

For those who want to step up to a long-zoom camera but aren’t ready or willing to invest in a interchangeable lens system, Fujifilm has for you two new S-Series mega-zoom cameras: the S6800 and S4800. These “all-in-one bridge” cameras feature a 30x Fujinon zoom lens (24-720mm) with optical image stabilization, and “consists of 17 elements in 12 groups, and combines aspherical and ED elements that help to reduce aberrations and promote a superior level of image quality.” A Super Macro mode lets you get as close as 0.78-inches to a subject.

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Where they differ is in the components. The S6800 uses a 16-megapixel 0.43-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor that has a ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800. Autofocus speed is 0.3 seconds, while startup time is 1 second, interval time is 0.5 seconds, and a burst mode of 8 frames per second. The camera can also shoot ultra-high-speed at 60 fps (60 frames max at 1280 x 960) and 120 fps (60 frames max at 640 x 480) for slow-mo capture.

The back of the Fujifilm FinePix S6800. (Front is shown above)

The S4800 has the same sensor size and resolution as the S6800, but it’s a regular CCD, so it lacks the low-light performance of a BI CMOS sensor. Autofocus is still 0.3 seconds, but startup time is 1.3 seconds.

Both cameras have a DSLR-like mode dial and a 3-inch LCD (460K dots for the S6800, 230K dots for the S4800). For video capture, the S6800 shoots HD video at 1080i at 60 fps and slo-mo capture at 480 fps, while the S4800 records in 720p at 30 fps. The two cameras are powered via four AA batteries, so you’ll need to stock up on those or buy some rechargeable ones.

The S6800 comes in black, white, and red, and has a list price of $250. The S4800 comes in black only, and will sell for $230. Both cameras will shelves in March.

In the entry-level JX line, Fujifilm unveiled the FinePix JX680, a compact camera with a 5x optical zoom (26-130mm). Unlike higher-end offerings, the JX680 uses digital image stabilization and a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. It shoots HD at 720p, and has a 3-inch LCD (230K dots).

The FinePix JX680 will list for $100 in March.

Fujifilmm FinePix JX680

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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 reveals pricing for the FinePix X10

We recently introduced you to the Fujifilm FinePixX10, the upcoming addition to its infant X-series. The X100 was an inspiring, retro-throwback that created something of a frenzy. The X10 is the follow-up with similar retro styling and simplified interior hardware.
The ever-so-slightly downgraded specs and bumped up ease-of-use factor led us to assume the X10 would cost less than its predecessor, which was a gut-busting $1,300. As luck would have it, we were right. Fuji tells us the X10 will retail for $599.95 and will be available next month.
$600 is a massive reduction from the original X-series camera, and given that many reviewers major complaint was that the steep price would elude many consumers, the X10 could be a much larger commercial success.
Like we noted, the notable difference between the X10 and the X100 is that the coming camera won’t featured the extremely-hyped hybrid viewfinder. Instead the X10 will feature an optical viewfinder, so traditionalists and manual camera loyalists should still feel at home with this homage to classic camera styles.
If you're particularly excited about the new release, be sure to check out our quick Q&A segment on the X10.

Photography

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.