Fujifilm X100T Refines The Hybrid Viewfinder: First Look

Written by Adorama
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Published on September 9, 2014
Adorama Learning Center
Adorama Learning Center
Adorama
Adorama ALC

The Fujifilm X100T and Graphite X-T1 camers and 56mm f/1.2 and 50-140mm lenses can be pre-ordered now from Adorama. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis once the products are in stock. Credit cards will not be charged until orders ship.

Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm today unveiled the highly anticipated Fujifilm X100T, arguably the most advanced “posh” point-and-shoot camera to date. While the camera has numerous improvements in exposure compensation, top shutter speed and focusing features, the big news is the viewfinder. Fujifilm calls it a “Digital Rangefinder”: As with previous models, you can toggle between digital and optical viewfinders, but in Digital Rangefinder mode an electronic detail enlargement pops up in the optical viewfinder mode to help you with manual focus. Pretty neat.

Fujifilm X100T

Key Features

  • 16MP 23.6×15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS II sensor
  • 23mm f/2 lens (35mm format equivalent: 35mm)
  • Optical reverse Galilean viewfinder with electronic bright frame plus EVF with 2,3660k dot resolution
  • 3-inch 1040k dot LCD monitor
  • Focus to 3.9 inches
  • 256-zone TTL metering
  • Shutter speeds: 1 sec-1/4000; up to 1/32,000 sec in electronic shutter mode
  • Film Simulation Bracketing
  • AF and Manual focus with Intelligent Hybrid AF, AF Assist
  • Built-in flash, Hot Shoe
  • 1080/60fps HD video
  • Geotagging, wireless image transfer

Here’s a summary of the Fujifilm X100T‘s new or refined features

  • Hybrid viewfinder refined
  • Enlarged EVF Projected Inside Optical Finder
  • 3-step exposure compensation dial (increased from 2ev)
  • Classic Chrome mode replicates reversal film
  • Top electronic shutter speed 1/32000 sec
  • Multi-Target AF
  • Exposure Compensation during manual exposure (changes ISO)
  • Spot metering in selected AF area
  • Bright Frame covers 92% (up from 90%)
  • Wide dynamic range live view
  • EVF/LCD Image QUality adjustment
  • Moviews can be shot while in optical viewfinder.
  • Finder display automatically switches between vertical and horizontal
  • Compatible w/Fujifilm Camera Remote, image transfer to smartphone and tablets
  • Customizable Q Menu
  • Fn Button can be customized on Fn setting screen
  • Battery claimed up to 700 shots per charge
  • ISO range 100-51200
  • Face Detection
  • Interval Timer
  • Hand Grip MHG-X100 (Optional)

Let’s take a closer look at those new features.

A world-first viewfinder feature

The original Fujifilm X100’s viewfinder was groundbreaking: Users could choose to view either an optical reverse-Galilean viewfinder with 90% coverage and a heads-up projected framing and exposure display, or an EVF with 100% coverage, at the flip of a switch. The Fujifilm X100T takes this a step further with what Fujifilm is calling an Electronic Rangefinder. While shooting in optical finder mode (the optical finder now covers 92% of the scene) and using manual focus, an enlarged digital view of the focus area pops up on screen, complete with focus peaking and digital split image options to help you focus manually while still seeing the entire scene. According to Fujifilm, this is a world first.

In addition, when in manual focus mode, real-time parallax correction is achieved. Parallax is the gap between what you see in the viewfinder and what the lens actually captures. Parallax is more pronounced when shooting close subjects. By shifting the displayed edges of the frame based on focus in real time, the camera lets you frame images faster and more accurately.

Exposure Controls

The Fujifilm X100T continues the line’s tradition of physical exposure controls with embossed settings, just like the classic manual cameras of yore. They have expanded the exposure compensation range from +/- 2 to +/- 3 stops. As before, the aperture ring is placed on the lens barrel and can be adjusted in 1/3 stop click indents.

While the shutter speed dial shows a range from 1-1/4000 sec (using the mechanical shutter), the quieter electronic shutter delivers super-high-speed exposures, up to 1/32,000 sec. This lets you shoot at wide apertures for shallow depth of field even in bright daylight, without the need for ND filters. However, if you do want to use an ND filter to cut down on the light even more, there is a built-in one that reduces light levels by three stops.

For manual exposure shooters, the X100T now offers exposure compensation during manual exposure, as long as ISO is set to Auto. ISO is automatically changed as needed. In addition, you can now spot meter in the selected AF area.

Fujifilm is also announcing a new Classic Chrome film simulation mode, which delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction, similar to classic slide films of days of yore.

Focus speed-up

A new multi-target auto area AF mode allows the camera to determine subjects from multiple focus points, and variable target areas can be set during manual focus as well. Autofocus tracking continues at up to 5.8 fps. Fujifilm has also added face detection, making it easier to shoot portraits more efficiently. According to Fujifilm, the AF acquisition speed is 0.08 sec, while shutter lag is 0.01 sec and startup time is half a second.

Remote Operation

You can now operate the X100T remotely via Wi-Fiusing Fujifilm Camera remote from a smartphone or tablet. You can also transfer images to smartphones and tablets and turned into Instax intant prints using the Fujifilm Instax Share Smartphone Printer.

More custom options

The Fujifilm X100T is more customizable than ever. The Q menu can now be customized; functions can now be registered to the Q menu based on your choices. In addition, the Fn button can be customized by being assigned one of seven different functions. The camera body is constructed in die-cast magnesium on the top and bottom of the body. The aperture ring, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials now also have groove-patterns for a better feel.

Fuji also announced a new hand MHG-X100 hand grip, designed to make handholding more comfortable. The Fujifilm X100T will be available in mid-November from Adorama in Black or Silver for $1,299.95.


New Graphite Version of Fujifilm X-T1

In addition to the X100T, Fujifilm announced a Graphite Silver version of the X-T1. which features a unique six-step, three-layer coating to produce a snazzy Graphite Silver finish, giving the camera a luxurious feel; there’s also a matched shoulder strap and metal hot shoe cover. The camera will ship with new firmware that add new functions. This firmware will not be available for older X-T1’s until December.

New features will include a nearly silent, high-speed electronic shutter that goes up to 1/32000 second in 1/3-stop increments. The camera also features a new “Classic Chrome” film simulation moe which emulates the quality of muted tones and deep color reproduction of classic Fuji slide film. A final upgrade is Natural Live View, an EVF display mode that shows images just as the naked eye sees them, according to Fuji.

The Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Silver will be available for $1,499.95 body only, or $1,899 packaged with the 18-135mm Fuji X-mount kit lens.

Two New X-Mount Lenses

Fujifilm also introduced two new X-mount lenses, the Fujifilm X-F 56mm f/1.2 R APD Lens, and the Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8R LM OIS WR zoom lens.

The Fujifilm X-F 56mm f/1.2 R APD Lens (Adorama price: $ 1,499.95) is the fastest X-mount lens to date, and includes seven rounded aperture blades to produce pleasing Bokeh. While its specs are virtually identical to the current Fujifilm XF f/1.2 IFJ56XF, the newer lens is said to provide even smoother Bokeh, similar to the Sony 135mm f/2.8 STF lens. The 56mm lens has an 85mm equivalent angle of coverage.

The Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8R LM OIS WR zoom lens ($1439.96 at Adorama) provides an equivalent 76-213mm angle of coverage, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 that remains consistent throughout the zoom range. It focuses to approximately 3 feet and takes a 72mm filter, and is constructed of 23 elements in 11 groups and includes five extra low dispersion elements and one super extra low dispersion element, plus seven rounded diaphragm blades. Finally, as noted in its “WR” designation, the lens is water-resistant.

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