Fujifilm has announced the forthcoming release of the X-M1, the third member of the company's X-Series interchangeable lens camera systems. The lightweight compact sports the same 16.3 megapixel sensor found in the X-Pro1 and X-E1, as well as up to ISO25600 sensitivity, built-in Wi-Fi technology and an LCD display that tilts vertically. The company has also placed all of the camera's key buttons and dials on the right side for one-handed operation.
The Fujifilm X-M1 compact system camera features a 16.3 megapixel APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) X-Trans CMOS sensor, with a unique color filter array that's claimed to keep moiré and false color to a minimum without the need of a low pass filter, for high resolution image clarity and accuracy. The sensor works with the EXR Processor II imaging engine to offer continuous shooting of 5.6 frames per second (fps) for a burst of 30 frames in JPEG format or 10 frames in RAW/RAW+JPEG, or 3 fps for 50 frames in JPEG.
There's a standard ISO sensitivity range of 200 - 6400, which can be extended down to 100 and up to 25600 for low noise, low light photography that should make the use of the included pop-up flash a rare occurrence indeed.
With the quick start mode switched on, the X-M1 will be ready to snap in just 0.5 seconds. With it turned off, you'll have to patiently wait for a full second. There's a 3-inch, 920,000-dot tilting LCD display to the rear. Frequently-used functions are treated to individual buttons and, in addition to a PASM mode dial, the X-M1 features two command dials for adjusting aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation.
The compact is capable of full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording at 30 fps, and benefits from a built-in stereo microphone. There's an included 802.11b/g/n wireless transmitter to facilitate the transfer of images from camera to smartphones, tablets and computers without needing to dig out the appropriate cables. Fujifilm has also created a free dedicated iOS/Android app to help move things along on mobile devices.
Minus the lens, and with an SD/SDHC/SDXC media card and Li-ion battery inserted, the camera tips the scales at just 11.6 oz (330 g). The battery is claimed good for up to 350 frames between charges.
The X-M1 is scheduled to ship next month for a body-only price of US$699.95. It's also available with a newly-designed Fujinon XC16-50 mm (24-76 mm)*1 F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens (made up of 12 glass elements in 10 groups) for a bundle price of $799.95.
The X-M1's feature set is outlined in the video below.
Product page: Fujifilm X-M1 CSC
