Fujifilm X-T1 offers weather-resistant body and improved EVF

Following its cloaked appearance in a teaser ad last week (and then a comprehensive leak), the Fujifilm X-T1 makes its official debut. It’s a weather-resistant, SLR-styled mirrorless camera bearing Fuji’s 16MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, borrowed from its X-E2 sibling. Its built-in 2.36M dot EVF is similar to that of the XE-2, though it boasts a higher 0.77x equivalent magnification and claimed lag time of 0.005 seconds. Also included is built-in Wi-Fi, now with remote capture, and a tilting 3.0-inch LCD.

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Press Release:

FUJIFILM X-SERIES REACHES A NEW PEAK WITH WEATHER RESISTANT X-T1

X-T1 features a huge, real-time OLED viewfinder, extreme AF speed, and premium craftsmanship for photographic freedom anywhere

Valhalla, N.Y., January 27, 2014 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image resolution, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM X-T1, a weather-resistant premium interchangeable lens camera with a large OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) that delivers a near-instant image preview, the latest generation 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and the segment’s fastest autofocus of 0.08 seconds*1 for a truly remarkable photographic experience anywhere.

The FUJIFILM X-T1 now gives professional and enthusiast photographers the award-winning imaging power of the X-Series in a water, dust and temperature resistant body that braves outdoor challenges like never before.

OLED viewfinder perfection
The FUJIFILM X-T1 combines a unique wide-angle 2.36m dot resolution OLED view with the world’s highest magnification (0.77x) for a digital camera *2 and shortest display lag-time of just 0.005sec*3 to react as quickly as you need in any environment.

The OLED viewfinder also includes cutting-edge technology to bring users even closer to their subjects. The X-T1’s viewfinder uses a newly designed Graphic User Interface that provides an exciting shooting experience with clear details and a comfortable at-a-glance view of your settings.

The X-T1 has four OLED EVF Display Modes:

1. “FULL” mode takes full advantage of the high magnification ratio of the X-T1’s viewfinder to give an unrivalled view of the scene
2. “NORMAL” provides an optimum view, including shooting settings
3. “DUAL” is specially designed for manual focusing with a clever split view. The regular view and manual focus area can be simultaneously checked (with Digital Split ImageTM or Focus Peak Highlight)*4
4. “PORTRAIT” view in “NORMAL” and “FULL” modes automatically rotates the displayed information when the camera is held vertically

Award-winning 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II
The FUJIFILM X-T1 uses the award-wining EXR Processor II and X-Trans™ CMOS II sensor with built in phase detection that delivers an astonishing response time of just 0.08 seconds and a super-fast 0.5 second start-up time*5, along with a 0.05 second shutter time lag and a 0.5 second shooting interval*6.

The X-T1 can also shoot up to 8 frames per second*7 with tracking AF and is the first-ever CSC*8 to be compatible with SDXC UHS-II format memory cards for data writing speed (in Continuous Mode) that is approximately twice that of a conventional SD card.

Tough, weather-resistant design
The FUJIFILM X-T1 is the first weather-resistant X-Series CSC (when used with a weather-resistant lens) that performs in a wide range of challenging environments. The X-T1 uses more than 75 points of weather sealing, and the camera body is dust-resistant and water-resistant. The X-T1 is also freezeproof to -14°F for full-fledged field photography work, while the premium clear 3” LCD screen with 1.04 million dot resolution is made of tempered glass for additional outdoor protection.

Traditional handling, modern response
With five mechanical dials on the top-plate, two command dials; one on the front and one on the rear, and six fully customizable function buttons, the FUJIFILM X-T1 feels and functions like a proper photographic tool in the hand. The top-plate includes two machined-aluminum double-deck dials for the shutter speed and metering, and the ISO sensitivity and drive modes, and each is designed to turn with a reassuring click, while their textured surfaces gives a firm confirmation when setting up a shot.

With their exposure values clearly marked, the X-T1’s settings can be checked at a glance without using the rear LCD and the dials are perfectly arranged so that functions can be changed without removing your eye from the viewfinder. The six customizable function buttons and two command-dials arranged on the front and rear complete the picture, ensuring instant setting satisfaction.

WiFi and remote camera operation
The X-T1 one-touch WiFi connectivity lets you easily share images to your smartphone or tablet – pictures that these devices cannot capture – and remote shooting via smartphone or tablet using the Fujifilm Camera Remote app for unique capture opportunities.

Additional grip and weather resistant lenses
The optional vertical battery grip (VG-XT1) has the same hardy structure as the X-T1, so when added to the body, it is completely secured against the elements.

Fujifilm is launching three weather-resistant zoom lenses to complement the X-T1 camera in 2014, including the XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R OIS WR, XF16-55mmF2.8 R OIS WR and the XF50-140mmF2.8 R OIS WR.

FUJIFILM X-T1 key features list:

• 16.3 million Megapixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
• Dust and water-resistant body with more than 75 points of weather sealing. Freeze resistance to -14°F
• EXR Processor II
  o World’s fastest AF of 0.08 seconds
  o Startup time of 0.5 seconds
  o Shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds
  o Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds
  o Phase detection AF and motion predictive AF for continuous shooting up to 8 frames per second
• High-precision 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder
  o Highest viewfinder magnification for digital cameras of 0.77x
  o Wide viewing angle (diagonal 38° and horizontal 31°)
  o Ultra-fast Real Time Viewfinder with a lag-time of 0.005sec (less than 1/10 of existing models)
• Four different display modes: Full, Normal, Dual and Vertical.
  o Full mode: Displays shooting information at the top and bottom of the screen to avoid obstruction of the view
  o Dual mode: Adds a small second screen for checking focus point with Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image
  o Normal mode: Lets you concentrate on framing the shot in Auto Focus mode while keeping you aware of how the shooting conditions are changing, making it the perfect setting for sports and action photography
  o Portrait mode: When in Full or Normal modes, it rotates the shooting information interface when the camera is turned vertically
• Tempered glass 1.04 million dot high-precision 3” tilting LCD monitor
• Digital Split Image and Focus Highlight Peaking
• World’s first compatibility with Ultra High Speed UHS-II SD memory cards
• Vertical battery grip VG-XT1 and three new zoom lenses offer the same weather resistance to secure the entire system
• Redesigned circuit board design enables high ISO 51200 setting*9
• ISO200 – 6400, extended ISO 100, 12800, 25600, Auto(maximum ISO setting from ISO 400 – ISO6400 available)
• Lens Modulation Optimizer technology maximizes each lens’ performance
• In-camera RAW converter
• Die-cast magnesium body provides a sturdy and durable, while compact and lightweight design
• Body and grip designed for correct balance when attaching telephoto and large-diameter lenses
• Two command dials and six Function buttons for instant control and customization
• Interval timer shooting for Time Lapse photography is available with intervals of 1 second to 24 hours and up to 999 frames

FUJIFILM X-T1 accessories:

• Dedicated all-leather case BLC-XT1 New
• Vertical battery grip VG-XT1 New
• Hand Grip MHG-XT New
• Four dedicated flash models to choose from depending on requirements (EF-X8 New, EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42)
• Protector filters (PRF-39, PRF-52, PRF-58, PRF-62 and PRF-72 (For XF10-24mmF4 R OIS) New)
• DC coupler CP-W126 NEW
• AC adapter AC-9V NEW
• M Mount Adapter for additional lens compatibility
• Remote release RR-90
• Stereo Microphone MIC-ST1

The FUJIFILM X-T1 (body only) will be available for $1,299.95, and the X-T1 with the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens (kit) will be available for $1699.95, both in February 2014.

The FUJIFILM X-T1 uses the same FUJIFILM X-Mount as the X-Pro1, X-E2, X-E1, X-M1 and X-A1, and all FUJIFILM XF and XC lenses work with all X-Series interchangeable lens cameras.

The current Fujifilm lens family includes the following FUJINON XF and XC lenses:

• XF 14mm F2.8 R
• XF 18mm F2.0 R
• XF 23mm F1.4 R
• XF 27mm F2.8
• XF 35mm F1.4 R
• XF 56mmF1.2 R
• XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro
• XF10-24mmF4 R OIS
• XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS
• XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
• XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS
• XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS

*1: Fastest AF speed among digital cameras equipped with an APS-C or larger sensor. Measurement conducted by Fujifilm research based on CIPA guidelines using the X-T1 equipped with XF14mmF2.8 R lens in High Performance mode as of January 2014
*2: Highest VF magnification ratio among digital cameras. Fujifilm research as of January 2014. Approx. 0.77x magnification with a 50mm lens (35mm format equivalent) set to infinity and -1.0DP
*3: Fujifilm research as of January 2014
*4: “X-Trans” and “Digital Sprit Image” are a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
*5: Equipped with XF27mmF2.8 in High Performance mode
*6: MF mode *7: AF-C shooting mode
*8: RAW shooting mode
*9: Expended output sensitivity

Fujifilm X-T1 specifications

Comments

Very nice. Probably the closest thing we’ll see to a digital K1000.

What sounds really interesting are 16-55/2.8 WR and 50-140/2.8WR.

why max shutter speed 1/4000 ?????

Because they used a cheap shutter unit with 1/4000 max and 1/180 sync speed.

Why do they need 2 unmarked dials when everything needed is already on marked ones? Well, some X lenses lack aperture, so one nice to have sometimes. But two?

I wonder if the EVF lag time is the response of the panel or the time from stuff happening to you seeing it. I suspect the former. (Otherwise needs too fast exposure time for low light, well unless the 5ms is in a desert at midday.)
Does look good though.

I really can’t imagine that the lack of weather sealing significantly impacted their sales. But it will have considerably added to the price of this camera.

Considering the XE-2’s lamentable plasticised jpeg skin textures at high ISO, the moving of the Q button (from somewhere reasonable to a ridiculous location, with tragic loss of the view button), the sharp cut in the shadows, the over-tightening of the EV dial; it’s arguable that Fuji have been listening too much to their customers and reviewers.

Let’s hope that the shadow setting now goes down to -3 (or more) to compensate for that shadow cut.

It remains to be seen whether this model clips the shadows (and reduces shadow depth) like the XE-2, and disastrously plasticised jpeg skin texture at high ISO. We need that DR, fuji. Stop messing about.

I passed over the XE2 for that reason, depsite the highly desirable phase AF.

..and apparently the cut on the shadows was due to a comment in the dpreview review. Thanks for nothing, dpreview.

1/4000 and f/1.2/1.4 lenses should work well. Why not 1/8000 on such an advanced model at a high price point?

Doesn’t seem so high to me. Isn’t it £400 cheaper than when the XP1 was released?

It’s quite encouraging, on the price front, that it’s so much less. It suggests to me that the blow-outs on the XE-1 and XP1 were not desperation but a genuine cost of manufacturing reduction.

ISO100 simulation is for you for those sunny days .. i know its not same, but if you really want to use bright aperture maybe you consider carrying an ND filter! I know even then its not same, but can be least significant cons!

+1

PERFECT!

I always thought an iso dial would be great. Now I am not sure.

why, you learned its not useful or is it bec you read too many critics comments over this forum

I wonder why they just couldn’t let go of the retro theme and choose a more ergonomic design principle a la Olympus E-1: Remove everything on the left side of the lens mount, give it half an inch more air on the right hand side and install a whacking big default grip and battery underneath it.

If that means – for the sake of keeping everything centered – using a smaller LCD: Fine! Having such a great EVF, why bother spending so much real estate on something so redundant anyway? The ISO dial could be sneezed on the left side of the EVF housing just as well. Oh and btw, without 1/3 or even 1/2 steps, pretty please (in times of RAW, you really don’t need such fine exposure adjustments anymore)

And by the way … with the added flexibility of an EVF: Please move it much further back to help guys with noses in their faces and take properly care of the eyepoint for those wearing glasses.

E-1 was (is) the most comfortable camera I ever had…

They wanted to carter hipsters.

EVF done right perhaps.

I guess this camera will support the larger telephoto lenses that Fuji is planning to release in near future. I just want Fuji to release a 90/100mm macro lens with 1:1 magnification ratio before I decide to buy into the X-system.

Looks like a very interesting camera. The build- and picture quality is doubtlessly as good as the other X-series from Fuji. Lovely design, too. Very, very tempting.

The camera looks very nice but AF seems to be the same as in the X-E2.

Except the weather resistant thing and the EVF on a divergent spot this is te same as an X-E2? I don’t get all the fuss, can someone explain?

WR
2 extra dials (ISO and unmarked at the front)
Much bigger EVF with lower lag
Much faster processor (8 fps with C-AF vs 3, faster startup and AF)

Wish the kit lens was a bit faster and wider or had more tele or both. Nice control layout if only Canon had come up with this.

OMG.. Please take my money too Fuji. This camera is mine! You just won my heart again!

Here we go. Take my money.

My next camera!

That looks real nice, though what I want is more of an X100s without the OVF (more like a Ricoh Fuji GR, 50mm lens).

A good step, Fuji

Mine! Its beautiful!