Traveling to Germany twice in a month. Sounds fun, but the real excitement comes from seeing Fujifilm’s latest releases in their popular X-range of compact system cameras at Photokina 2014.
We didn’t have many complaints regarding Fujifilm’s X-T1, but that hasn’t stopped the Japanese camera maker from improving it anyway.
The main feature on the X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition is its new gunmetal finish on its metallic strip, which apparently requires a special six-step process to achieve. Also found on the camera are a completely silent electronic shutter, the beautiful Classic Chrome film simulation mode first seen on the X30 – which will soon also make its way to the original X-T1 via a firmware upgrade – and a reworking of its buttons for a much-improved feel.
We can expect to see the camera in November, along with a firmware update in December.
The second upgrade to the fantastic X100 premium compact is the X100T, which is largely similar to last year’s X100S. The main differences are the addition of the silent electronic shutter for noiseless shooting, Classic Chrome film simulation mode, real-time parallax correction, an updated graphic design for the advanced hybrid viewfinder, and an electronic rangefinder for easier focusing.
There’s also Full HD video recording with more manual control and frame rates. Oh, and you can now use the camera as it’s being charged via USB with your portable battery pack too.
It too, will hit shelves in November, though like the others there’s probably a slight delay before it hits SA.
Two new lenses
A compact system camera is nothing without the lenses to support it. That’s why Fujifilm’s working on more lenses for their X-range of cameras, including the new XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF 56mm F1.2 R APD.
The former is a versatile telephoto lens with great image quality thanks to a series of technological advancements. This includes the world’s first triple linear motor for fast and silent autofocus, best-in-class optical image stabilisation, and high weather and dust resistance with temperature tolerance down to -10 degrees celsius.
The XF 56mm F1.2 R APD (due November), on the other hand, is billed as an excellent lens for portraits due to the addition of an apodization filter for ideal bokeh. What this filter does is provide a softer bokeh effect for higher contrast between the sharply focussed subject and blurred background, leading to a more three-dimensional image.
