And as you can see at the FR dealsrunner sidebar, a user just found the X-M1 available for preorder at fotomundus (Germany)! Share your own findings with dealsrunner… they will automagically appear at the FR-sidebar and visible for all FR-readers immediately. It’s the best way to help us to save money ;). Let’s share deals!
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Brandon Remler is testing the 27mm lens on the streets of New York city. These are the first shots (with some 100% crops) he did with new 27mm pancake lens. Click here to see more samples and crops.
The X-M1 is now available for pre-order at AmazonUK here.
You can read pixelogist thoughts about the new Fuji camera here. From the conclusions:
“For the price, the X-M1 looks to be an excellent product. The feature list speaks for itself: the awesome X-Trans sensor, the EXR II processor, fast 5.6fps shooting, 1080p video with the option for an external mic, built-in WiFi, and even an improved contrast detect AF system that is supposed to be very fast. All that in a beautifully designed rangefinder-style body that goes for $699. Or $799 for the kit However, I didn’t’ love everything about it. The lack of any sort of viewfinder will be a big negative for some. Me included. That’s part of the whole draw of the X-series mirrorless system, isn’t it?”
Smaller (X20 alike), cheaper, WiFi, better and tiltableLCD screen and a faster processor (EXR Processor II of the X100S). If all this is enough for you to justify the missing viewfinder, then here is where you can buy the brand new X-M1!
[UDPATE] MJr carefully read the official FujiUSA page about the X-M1 and noted this: ” ISO100 – 25600 Sensitivity setting range Select from the broad sensitivity range of ISO100 – 25600 for shooting at a full 16-megapixel resolution. The FUJIFILM X-M1 also lets you set the AUTO ISO range (up to ISO 400 – 6400) and the shutter speed limit. For quick access to ISO settings, you can assign this function to the Fn or Q Button.” Is that what we all waited for? Read it here.
On 25th June and on 23rd July Fuji will upgrades the firmware. They will provide improved AF performance for all Fujinon XF lenses and add a ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing. Check the firmware update site here. More details at dpreview here. Read Fuji’s announcement here.
dpreview conclusions: “it looks very much as though it might be one of the most usable, photographer-friendly small mirrorless cameras on the market. Other companies have generally made their small models as externally-simple as possible, for fear of driving away beginners, but Fujifilm has instead gone ahead and covered the X-M1 with more controls than you’ll find on some entry-level SLRs. We’re not sure if it’s the smallest twin-dial interchangeable lens camera ever made, but it has to be close. […] Overall, then, the X-M1 combines a compact form factor with proper twin-dial controls, Fujifilm’s lovely JPEG colour rendition, and a full range of exposure modes which means it can be used by a novice while still offering enough manual control to keep enthusiasts happy. The new XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 kit zoom offers a usefully wider-angle view than typical 18-55mm kit zooms, and impressively fast focusing. This makes for a pretty mouth-watering package that looks very close to the [shoplink 13800 ebay]Olympus PEN E-P5[/shoplink] at a distinctly lower price point”
VIDEOS
FIRMWARE press release
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) today announces the release of two new firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras, one on 25thJune and a further one on 23rd July.
25th June firmware update:
FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.2.05, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.1.06
1. Additional functionality to improve “one-handed” camera operation
A ‘Focus Frame Selection’ option has been added to the ‘Fn’ (function) button.
This offers easier/quicker operation when setting the Focus Frame Selection using only your right hand.
A second ‘Fn’ button can be allocated.
This enables you to allocate a function to the selector “down” button. The default setting is ‘Focus Frame Selection’ but this can be changed to whatever suits your shooting style.
2. Enable aperture control for lenses without aperture rings (XF27mmF2.8 / XC16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS)
If you are using either of these lenses which do not feature aperture ring, this firmware update allows you to adjust the aperture setting by using the command dial.
23rd July firmware update:
FUJIFILM X-Pro1 Ver.3.00, FUJIFILM X-E1 Ver.2.00
1. Improvement of AF speed. Improves AF speed on all existing XF lenses, thanks to the updated algorithm throughout the full range of focal length. Lenses covered:
XF14mm F2.8 R
XF18mmF2 R
XF35mmF1.4 R
XF60mmF2.4 R Macro
XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
NOTES:
The AF Speed on the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS lens has been already optimised.
For all lenses other than the XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R MS OIS, the firmware for each lens must be also updated.
2. ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function for manual focusing
A ‘Focus Peak Highlight’ function, which features on the X100S and X20 cameras, can be added via this firmware update. It assists accurate and sensitive manual focusing by enhancing the outline of your subject in high contrast.
3. Improvement in ‘Checking Focus’ operation: how to change magnification ratio in manual focusing
The process to check focus by selecting manual focus magnification has improved. Just press and rotate the dial right or left and the camera will alternate magnification between 3x and then 10x , whichever way you continue to turn it.
To download the new firmware files & instructions on upgrading your cameras:
Please visit Fujifilm’s global website: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/