Fujifilm XQ1 puts X-Trans sensor into an ultra-compact body

Fujifilm’s new XQ1 enthusiast compact takes the fast lens and slim design from last year’s XF1 and adds a 12 megapixel 2/3″ X-Trans II CMOS sensor with hybrid autofocus. The XQ1 features a 25-100mm (equivalent) F1.8-4.9 lens with optical image stabilization, with AF times as quick as 0.06 seconds, according to Fuji. Other features include a 3-inch LCD, focus peaking, 1080/60p video recording, and Wi-Fi. You’ll be able to pick one up for yourself this month for under $500, in your choice of silver or black.

Read more about the XQ1 in our first impressions review.

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Press Release:

NEW FUJIFILM XQ1 COMBINES STUNNING IMAGE QUALITY WITH ULTRA PORTABILITY

Pocket-sized XQ1 features bright F1.8 4x zoom lens, 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor and amazing 0.06 second AF speed

Valhalla, N.Y., October 18, 2013 – As a leader in advanced digital camera technology and outstanding image resolution, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the new FUJIFILM XQ1, a premium pocket-sized digital camera with a bright FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom lens, an advanced 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II^*1 sensor with phase detection, and the EXR Processor II that delivers the world’s fastest autofocus speed in its category of up to 0.06^*2 seconds.

“The XQ1 combines the amazing image quality of the Fujifilm X Series with ultra-portability that makes taking beautiful pictures enjoyable anywhere,” said Manny Almeida, senior vice president and general manager, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions. “The XQ1 is the most portable X-Series camera ever developed, and people can now experience a premium compact that easily slips into a pocket or purse.”

X-Series image quality and advanced focusing
The FUJIFILM XQ1 uses the 12 Megapixel 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor that is designed to control moiré and false color generation by using an original color filter array with a highly randomized pixel arrangement. This technology removes the need for an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) that degrades resolution. The image quality in the XQ1 is further enhanced by using a Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) for stunningly sharp pictures, as well as a 3.0 stop^*3Optical Image Stabilization for shooting in low light situations.

The newly developed FUJINON F1.8 4x zoom (25-100mm^*4) is constructed with 4 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion lenses and each lens surface is coated with HT-EBC to reduce flare and ghosting. The XQ1 also has a wide sensitivity range from ISO100 to ISO12800 so you can take realistic and vibrant images even in low light.

The EXR Processor II in the new XQ1 more than doubles the processing speed^*5 of the previous generation, and it easily captures the information taken from over 100,000 phase detection pixels incorporated in the X-Trans CMOS II to deliver astonishing images.

Superb shooting speed and premium compact design
The XQ1 boasts that world’s fastest AF of 0.06 seconds, a shooting interval of just 0.3 seconds^*6 between shots, and a shutter lag of 0.015 seconds to capture even the most fleeting and memorable moments.

With its auto switching AF, the XQ1 combines contrast AF with an improved phase detection AF algorithm that provides accurate capture of low-contrast subjects in low light as well as high-speed responsiveness. The XQ1 also gives users Focus Highlight Peaking that outlines high contrast areas of subjects during focusing, which helps users focus accurately for picture results that look fantastic on-screen and in print.

The XQ1 is made with outstanding craftsmanship and the classic design that the X-Series is known for, all within an ultra-small body that is 3.93” (w) x 2.3” (h) x 1.3” (d). With a sharp 920,000 dot LCD screen made of anti-reflective glass, the XQ1 gives photographers an amazing 85°vertical and horizontal viewing angles as they frame every shot.

Improved movie performance
The FUJIFILM XQ1 shoots full HD video with up to 60fps and AF tracking performance for quick and smooth focusing that records clear subjects, even when moving the camera body thanks to its dedicated image stabilization.

Easy Image Transfer with WiFi® button
The FUJIFILM XQ1 includes a WiFi button that lets users transfer high quality photos and movies*7 to smartphones, tablets and computers for easy sharing on social media sites.

To connect the XQ1 to a smartphone or tablet, users can download the free dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera Application” to their iPhone™ / iPad™ or Android™ smartphone or tablet device to transfer up to 30 pictures at a time from the XQ1. The app also lets users download movies, expanding the range of options available for enjoying pictures taken with the camera.

Once paired, users can press and hold the WiFi button to begin sharing images and movies immediately to their smartphone or tablet.

The XQ1 also has an Advanced Filter function and Film Simulation modes to give users a range of creative filters and film effects to apply and achieve unique and artistic looks.

FUJIFILM XQ1 key features list:

• 12 Megapixels 2/3” 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

FUJIFILM XQ1 accessories list:

• Bottom leather case (Black BLC-XQ1 BC and Brown BLC-XQ1 BW)
• Waterproof case WP-XQ1 for depth to 40 meters
• O Ring Kit ORK-XQ1

The FUJIFILM XQ1 will be available in October 2013 for $499.95 in both all-black and all-silver.

*1: X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation
*2: FUJIFILM research as of September 2013. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and using internal measurement methods under high performance mode
*3:  CIPA standard
*4: 35mm format
*5: Compared with the EXR Processor Pro
*6: In High Performance Mode

Fujifilm XQ1 specifications

Fujifilm XQ1

Comments

Except for the sensor size, it has a great set of features, containing some of the innards of the X-E2.

Sony RX100 optics?

No, as it is smaller image circle…

Finally – thats it. Bye bye Canon Powerscraps S100++
Thank you Fuji!

Great pocket rocket…!!! Like it a lot!

Is 2/3″ the same as as 1/1.5″?

Maybe …
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii301/moviemonster6/sensorsizes-v5_zps3fd3e82e.png

It’s exactly half the linear size of the 4/3″ sensor strangely enough.

Yes, it is.

Did Fuji forgot that Sony and Panasonic both release large sensor in similar compact body and also can change lens, $500 is ok in few yeas ago but not now.

It’s a good looking little camera and the image quality is probably decent. But the Canon S120 still looks more appealing in this price segment due to the excellent capacitive touch screen it incorporates.

Fuji, I love your other Xtrans cameras, but this is not it. This is an XF1 rebadged (the concept, not literally). Um…. no.

yup, it even says EXRCMOS under sensor type in the specs. Probably a typo. Even if its a rebadged XF1, I like it. And its not as if this is a new thing to do. All manufacturers have rebadged products with slightly new specs.

What I mean is- they could have gone for something NEW here. Something that makes more sense. This doesn’t make sense to me.

Wow, this is about as stripped-down and bare-bottom of a camera for $500 that one can come these days. Still, for those into things really simple — this Fuji XQ1 may be the ticket.