Fujifilm Launches Compact 16MP APS-C Mirrorless Camera

The X-E1 is Fujifilm's second compact camera of 2012 and is built around the same 16.3 megapixel APS-C 'X-Trans' CMOS sensor used in its more-costly X-Pro1 body. Designed with travel friendliness in mind, Fujifilm engineers trimmed the X-E1's size by 30 percent.

A key feature, according to Fujifilm, is the sensor's color filter array, developed to minimize moir? and false color without the need for an optical low pass filter. The camera includes a high-definition, high-luminance OLED electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million dots, among the highest currently available on an EVF-equipped digital camera. The viewfinder's 25-degree horizontal field of view allows users to easily scan the entire scene.

To leverage its mirrorless design, the lens's X-Mount has a short flange back distance of 17.7mm. This moves a lens closer to the sensor, reducing its back focus distance. When fitted with a Fujifilm M Mount Adapter, the X-E1 can use a wide variety of standard M lenses.

Two New Lenses

The Fujifilm X-E1 is being launched with two lenses, a zoom and a fixed focal length.

The XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm equivalent) F2.8-4 zoom was designed to deliver fast focusing speeds for action photography. According to Fujifilm, The lens's linear motor, combined with the high-speed signal readout of the X-Trans CMOS sensor and the EXR Processor Pro, significantly improves autofocus speed and precision, using contrast detection to bring subjects into sharp focus in as little as 0.1 seconds. The all-glass lens structure consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and one extra low-dispersion element, as well as a seven-blade rounded diaphragm. It also features optical image stabilization that manages to give shooters up to an extra four stops.

The XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 fixed focal length ultra-wide-angle lens consists of 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspheric and 3 extra-low-dispersion elements, and a seven-blade rounded diaphragm. With its distance and depth of field scales printed on the barrel, the lens is versatile enough for a range of shooting techniques.

Slated for availability in November, the X-E1 body is being offered in two-tone black/silver or solid black and is priced at $999.95. The X-E1 body is also available as a kit with the zoom lens for $1,399.95. The XF14mm and XF18mm-55mm lenses have been priced at $899.95 and $699.95, respectively.