It may only be January but Fujifilm is ready to go with multiple product announcements today, for the X series. This includes a new X100F APS-C point-and-shoot, the X-T20 mirrorless camera, and XF 50mm f/2 R WR lens. The X100F’s top improvements are the 24.3MP sensor and the implementation of a joystick for enhanced control. The X-T20 also gains a 24MP sensor, as well as 4K video recording and a touchscreen LCD. Finally, the XF 50mm joins Fujifilm’s ever-growing compact lens lineup. This article will walk you through all the other improvements and additions for these models, but that isn’t all Fujifilm has for today. The company is officially unveiling details for its G-Series medium format camera, the GFX 50S, which you can read about here.
X100F, Now with Joystick and 24MP Sensor
Premium compact point-and-shoots have created their own niche in the digital imaging world, and Fujifilm’s X100 series has always been considered among the best in the category. The X100F builds on this reputation with a few substantial upgrades, including enhanced physical controls and a new image sensor. Something that has remained the same as the previous model is the highly regarded 23mm f/2 lens, but this pairs well with the APS-C 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor for a 35mm equivalent focal length. This sensor also forgoes the use of a low-pass filter for maximum sharpness, and when combined with the X-Processor Pro, users will see improved performance and speed in all lighting conditions.
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The X100F boasts a vastly improved AF system, thanks to this enhanced processing performance, featuring 91 points, which can be segmented into a total of 325 points. The center 40% of the imaging area features 49 phase-detect AF points for even faster focusing. Also boosting focus performance is an update to the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, which allows users to change the magnification of the electronic rangefinder function, providing a small window as an EVF at the bottom right of the optical finder. Real Time Parallax Correction is available, as well as a guide frame to help with framing and focusing in manual focus mode.
Notable physical upgrades and additions aim to make operation more intuitive and tangible. Arguably the biggest change is the implementation of a joystick on the rear of the camera, which will help users adjust and control the AF point in the expanded system more easily. Also new is an ISO dial, which is built into the shutter speed dial, and a C position on the exposure compensation dial for setting the amount in-camera from -5 to +5 EV. Minor changes include a redesign of the back that moves all the buttons to the right side of the camera, making one-handed operation possible.
The X100F, which is available in black or silver, is being announced alongside a variety of new accessories. The conversion lenses available for previous models have received some updates, the WCL-X100 II Wide and TCL-X100 II Tele. These will convert the equivalent focal length to 28mm and 50mm, respectively, and are designed to maintain image quality, even wide open. The X100F will recognize when they are attached and will display a guide frame in the optical viewfinder for composing your photos. Those looking for protection and style will be interested in the LC-X100F Leather Case, which you can pick up in black or brown. This case allows users to eject the battery and SD card without needing to be removed, and offers protection for the entire camera.
X-T20 Elevates Fujifilm’s Mid-Range Mirrorless
Sitting just below Fujifilm’s pro mirrorless line is the very capable X-T20, which can almost be viewed as a more compact and affordable X-T2, due to the significant improvements over its predecessor. The major update comes in the form of a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor that omits the low-pass filter for maximum sharpness. It also offers a reworked AF algorithm, the X-Processor Pro engine, a tilting touchscreen monitor, and the ability to record 4K video with Film Simulation modes.
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The X-T20 boasts much improved speed and responsiveness throughout the system, thanks to the X-Processor Pro, with a startup time of just 0.4 seconds, a shutter lag of 0.05 seconds, and shooting interval of just 0.25 seconds. This camera is also capable of 5 fps continuous shooting in live view at 24MP. Operation is designed to be intuitive with a tilting touchscreen monitor on the rear, alongside an electronic viewfinder. Other additions include an auto mode selector for fully automated Advanced SR Auto mode, and the exposure compensation dial now offers a C position for setting the compensation from -5 to +5 EV using the camera’s menu.
Along with a revamped AF algorithm, users now have access to AF-C Custom Settings, which offers five presets that will adjust the system to react more appropriately to your subject matter. One of the biggest improvements to the X-T20 is the implementation of 4K video recording. A video option is now present on the Drive Dial and users will have access to Film Simulation effects, including ACROS, during recording. Video can even be output over HDMI to an external monitor, and a mic jack is present for attaching a microphone.
Available in black or silver, the X-T20 is a great addition to the X-Series lineup. It will also be available as a kit with the XC 16-50mm lens, a kit with the XF 18-55mm lens, or as a kit with the XC 16-50mm and XC 50-230mm lenses, with all options available in black or silver. Many existing accessories will work with the X-T20, including the BLC-XT10 Leather Case and MHG-XT10 Metal Hand Grip.
XF 50mm f/2 R WR Continues Compact Lens Series
Continuing a current trend of Fujifilm’s X-series lenses is the XF 50mm f/2 R WR. This lens offers a more compact form factor, as well as excellent weather resistance, while providing a fast maximum aperture of f/2 for shallow depth of field. This lens features a 76mm equivalent focal length for a short telephoto perspective—and it weighs just 7 ounces. It also claims fast and silent autofocusing. Additionally, it is weather- and dust resistant and is being able to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F. It will be available in black or silver. A new 46mm Lens Cap is available, as well as a 46mm Protector Filter, both of which will work with the new 50mm lens.
