Fujifilm Finepix X100 preview

Fujifilm have announced their latest offering to the photographic stadium, the Finepix X100 camera.

Images from DPReview.com

There are so many offerings in the market these days for cameras including D-SLR, Film SLR, Compacts, Superzooms, Medium Format, Mirrorless interchangeable offerings but Olympus, Panasonic and Sony etc the list goes on.

Although i've invested in Canon DSLR to take advantage of the superb range of quality lenses Canon has to offer, occasionally a product comes along that makes me itch, and the X100 is one of those.

Key features include:

- 12 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor

- Fixed 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm in FF)

- 2.8 inch LCD screen (460,000 dots)

- Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder

- ISO 100-12,800

- 1/4000 sec - 30 sec, bulb

- Built-in flash and flash hot shoe

- Built in 3 stop neutral density filter

- SD/SDHC/SDXC

- 1280 x 720 HD video recording with stereo

Take a look here for DPReviews specs on the X100

The APS-C sized sensor has an advantage over its M4/3 rivals in dynamic range and ability to handle noise. The Sony NEX-3/5's navigation system isnt a match for the simple dials on the X100, not to mention the lack of a built in EVF. In fact the built in EVF in the X100 is a first of its kind and finally gets around the problem of display/capture lag inherent of compact style cameras.

The fast and wide lens is nice and small, making the X100 a handy package. 

Fujifilm are trying to emulate the essence of a Rangefinder camera even down to the styling and control layout, and 35mm equivalent lens. 

The X100's only downfall really is the lens not being interchangeable...

I wonder what the retail price will be when released later this year?

**Update - The retail price is approx $1300 AUD and ETA end March 2011