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Fujifilm updates premium compact cameras with better lenses

Les Shu
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Besides the new rugged and long-zoom FinePix cameras, Fujifilm also announced two new premium cameras in its X-Series: the X-A2 compact system camera and XQ2 pocket point-and-shoot. Like the FinePix models, these two X-Series cameras are updates from existing models, but there are some new features worth looking at.

The X-A2 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera improves on the X-A1 announced in 2013. While using the same 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and EXR Processor II image processor, the X-A2 comes with a new Fujinon XC16-50mm II (24-76mm, 35mm equivalent) F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom kits lens. The specs are similar to the original kit lens, but Fujifilm says the newly developed glass has a closer shooting distance. Fujifilm says the optical image stabilization system’s 3.5 stops allow for better telephoto and low-light shots, especially when using the new Fujinon XC50-230mm II lens.

For the selfie obsessed, the X-A2 now has a 175-degree flip-up LCD and intelligent autofocusing and shooting when doing self-portraits. Autofocus, in general, is more efficient. Video recording, however, is only Full HD 1080 at 30p. The X-A2 with lens will list for $550, and comes in black, white, and silver. Expect to see it in February.

Fujifilm X-A2.
Fujifilm X-A2. Image used with permission by copyright holder

As mentioned, there’s a new telephoto lens. The Fujinon XC50-230mm II (76-350mm). The lens has image stabilization to help reduce blur even further, especially when shooting at telephoto. Pricing was not mentioned.

Related

In the point-and-shoot category, besides rugged and megazoom models, camera makers are seeing success in the premium/advanced sector. The XQ2, like the XQ1 announced in 2013, is a pocket camera that’s packed with horsepower. It retains the 12-megapixel 2/3-inch version of Fujifilm’s lauded X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II. With phase detection, the camera has a fast autofocusing speed of 0.06 seconds – the fastest in its category, Fujifilm claims. The XQ2 has an improved 4X (25-100mm) optical zoom lens that’s coated to reduce flare and ghosting. New is a “Classic Chrome” mode that simulates film, as well as intelligent autofocusing with improved algorithms. Otherwise, there isn’t anything revolutionary over its predecessor.

The XQ2 will come in black, white, and black/silver; retail for $400; and arrive in February 2015.

Fujifilm XQ2.
Fujifilm XQ2. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Key features listed are (from Fujifilm):

X-A2

  • 16.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
  • EXR Processor II
    • Start-up time of 0.5 seconds
    • AF speed of 0.3 seconds
    • Shutter lag time of 0.05 seconds
    • Shooting interval time of 0.4 seconds
  • 3-inch (920K dot) high resolution LCD screen that can be tilted to 175 degrees
  • Full range of ISO100-25600
  • Wireless image transfer
  • Q Menu shortcut button
  • In-camera RAW processing
  • Super i-Flash accurately controls light output according to individual scenes
  • “Classic Chrome” and other film simulation modes
  • Multiple Exposure mode to superimpose a second exposure on the first exposure
  • Full HD movie 1080P/30fps
  • Wi-Fi enabled
  • Photos can be sent to the Instax Share Printer using the free Instax Share App (iOS and Android)

Fujinon XC16-50mm II (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

Fujinon XC50-230mm II (76-350mm) F4.5-6.7 OIS

  • 76-350mm equivalent F4.5-6.7 lens
  • Fully compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount
  • 13 all glass elements in 10 groups including 1 aspherical lens and 1 ED element
  • Optical image stabilization that minimizes blur at longer focal lengths and in low light
  • A precision stepping motor for high-speed autofocusing

XQ2

  • 12 Megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
  • EXR Processor II
    • Start-up time of 1.0
    • Shutter lag time of 0.015
    • Shooting interval time of 0.3
  • AF speed 0.06 seconds
  • F1.8-F4.9 4x optical zoom equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm format
  • 4x Intelligent Digital Zoom (16X combined with optical zoom)
  • Lens Modulation Optimizer for improved image quality
  • 3-inch (920,000 dot) premium clear LCD (High contrast, High Brightness and Wide viewing angle)
  • Built-in Super Intelligent pop-up Flash
  • ISO100-12800
  • Full HD Movie and built-in stereo microphone
  • Wi-Fi enabled
  • “Classic Chrome” and other film simulation modes
  • Photos can be sent to the Instax Share Printer using the free Instax Share App (iOS and Android)

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Les Shu
Les Shu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am formerly a senior editor at Digital Trends. I bring with me more than a decade of tech and lifestyle journalism…
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