Built around the same 16MP APS-C CMOS X-Trans sensor as the Fujifilm X-E1 and Fujifilm X-Pro 1, the Fujifilm X-M1 is designed for quality-conscious enthusiasts on a tight budget as well as for owners of the higher-end models who need a low-cost back-up body.
The Fujifilm X-M1 will be available at Adorama in Black, Silver, and Brown for $699.95, and in a kit with the 16-50mm XC lens for $799. It can be pre-ordered now and will be delivered on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until order ships.
Fujifilm X-M1 Key features
- 16.3 Million Pixel X-Trans APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO range 200-6400 (extendable to 100-25,600)
- Shutter speed range 30-1/4000 sec
- 3-inch, 920k resolution tiltable touch-screen LCD monitor
- Video recording at 1080 @30p, and 720@30p
- Linear PCM Stereo
- Mode Dial
- Wi-Fi, Smart Phone communication
- Built-in flash
- Hot Shoe
And Then There Were Three
The big news here is the camera’s price—$699.95 body only—which puts the outstanding Fujifilm X-Trans sensor within reach of photographers who have been enviously eying the X-Pro 1 and X-E1 but couldn’t justify the higher pricetag. The X-M1 will also ship with a newly designed Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-4.6 OIS zoom kit lens, which covers a 24-76mm (35mm equivalent) view, for the Adorama price of $799.95.
The Fujifilm X-M1 is the third member of the growing X-series of interchangeable lens compacts, all of which are built around the same 16MP sensor which uses a unique randomized sensor array that avoids the need for a low-pass filter and has been shown to deliver outstanding image quality in Adorama Learning Center field tests. The camera seems to be positioned as a “step up” camera for point-and-shooters looking for the interchangeable-lens photography experience.
Approximately the same size as the small-sensor Fujifilm X-20—it weighs 11.6 ounces, and measures 4.6×2.6×1.5 inches—the X-M1 has the Fuji X-mount and accepts the growing lineup of X-series interchangeable lenses, but it lacks an eye-level viewfinder, and the shutter speed dial is replaced with a mode dial. Shutter speeds and other features can be controlled via an unmarked thumb dial on the far right corner of the top plate. The camera seems to be designed to compete with basic DSLRs.
WiFi Sharing
The X-M1 is the first Fujifilm X camera to offer WiFi wireless file transfer capabilities, via a WiFi button. Still images and movies can be transferred to smartphones, tablets and computers, from which users can edit and upload images to the cloud and social media sites. A free Fujifilm Camera Application is available for iOS and Android devices. It lets users transfer up to 30 pictures at a time.
External Controls
While its pricier siblings have old-school type exposure controls, the Fujiflm X-M1 is a more purely digital beast. The X-M1 has its key operation buttons and dials positioned on the right side of the camera’s rear panel. There’s a Mode Dial for selecting the setting for each scene and gives access to the Advanced SR Auto function. The Advanced Filter function gives users a range of creative filters. Two Command Dials allows users to effortlessly adjust the aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation, while frequently-used functions are assigned individual buttons.
In addition to the X-M1 Fujifilm also announced the Fujifilm X-F 27mm f/2.8 R Lens, in black and silver. It will can also be pre-ordered from Adorama for $449.95.
The Fujifilm X-M1 will be available in July from Adorama.
