Fujifilm reveals new cameras, lenses ahead of Photokina
For Fujifilm devotees, the company's announcements of new cameras and lenses ahead of next week's massive Photokina photography show in Cologne, Germany, were sure to please.
The most notable of its new slate of products was the sequel to the very successful X100S: Fujifilm's new X100T. Its updated body follows the same blueprint that has made previous X100-series cameras successful while improving speed, controls and featuring the signature hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder.
Beyond a few nips and tucks, the heart and soul of the X100S is carried over to the X100T. Fujifilm has addressed complaints about the X100S' lack of speed by enhancing the sensor's electronic shutter, ensuring no highlights get clipped even when shooting wide open.
Physically, the X100T tempers the retro good looks of the X100, and simplifies the control scheme, addressing one of the past cameras' weaker points. The raised buttons all over the camera's back look to make eyes-off shooting faster and easier, and the aperture ring around the lens now features 1/3-stop increments for finer control.
The X100T will replace the X100S but will remain at the same price point, hitting retail for $1,299.95 in both black and white versions. Look for it to hit store shelves in mid-November. For accessories Fuji also announced a new handgrip for all X100 cameras, while the X100T will also be backwards compatible with the existing X100 wide and tele adapters that were released this year.
Fuji's interchangeable lens customers were also thrown a bone, with Fuji announcing two new XF-mount lenses. The Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD will be one of the fastest lenses of its type on the market when it ships later on this year for the princely sum of $1,599.95. It boasts special technology to make out-of-focus areas incredibly smooth, enhancing the lauded Fujifilm "look."
Fuji also revealed the new XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lens, answering calls for more telephoto lenses in the X-mount system. With all of its tech and a constant aperture, the 50-140mm should be one of the biggest, longest XF zoom lenses to date.
The new 50-140mm lens is also weather resistant to match your X-T1 camera's body, protecting both from a sudden downpour. Expect the XF 50-140mm to hit your favorite camera retailer in December for $1,599.95.
But, as they say on TV, that's not all! Fujifilm has also announced an upcoming firmware for the successful X-T1 that adds a host of useful features. The brand-new Graphite Silver edition of the X-T1 will feature this firmware when it ships in November for $1,499.95. Other cameras will have to wait until December to receive the firmware update.
Finally, Fujifilm has announced a redesigned Instax Wide instant film camera, the Instax Wide 300. Pitched at film buffs and beginners alike, this wide-format instant film camera takes the current Instax Wide 210 and adds a new casing. Sporting pared-down controls, this Instax Wide camera also comes with a detachable close-up adapter. It'll drop for an MSRP of $129.99 in Spring 2015. The existing Instax Mini 8 will get two new colors as well (pink and purple), with the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic putting on an orangy-brown/silver getup. Expect these new colors in the spring.
Check back with Reviewed.com Cameras for more news from Photokina 2014 next week (September 16-21). We'll have a full crew in Cologne bringing you hands-on impressions, videos, and news from the world's biggest photography tradeshow.