Fujifilm Launches X-E1 Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm wasn't exactly successful in keeping the X-E1 a secret, since the press photos leaked to the web last month, but that doesn't seem to have robbed the official announcement of attention.

The X-E1 from Fujifilm is a mirrorless camera with an APS-C X-Trans CMOS image sensor of 16.3 megapixels and an ISO range of 100-25,600.

For those who don't know what ISO means, it is the measure of a film's, and by extension, a digital imaging systems', sensitivity to light. Thus, the higher the better.

25,600 is a high number indeed, so it should be no problem to capture clear images, even when the ambient light is less than stellar.

That said, the X-E1 can perform RAW shooting and 1080p movie capture as easily as it snaps single or multiple shots.

"It's an exciting day for Fujifilm as we launch our second premium interchangeable lens digital camera this year, the Fujifilm X-E1, and two extraordinary new XF lenses" said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, Fujifilm North America Corporation.

"The X-Series has thrilled photographers around the world with its exceptional image quality and stunning design, and the new X-E1 promises to continue that tradition with a slightly smaller body and all of the attention to detail that is the hallmark of Fujifilm X-Series digital cameras."

The X-E1 is designed with an OLED viewfinder whose resolution is the highest available on digital cameras with electronic viewfinders (2.36 million).

Other specs include a 2.8-inch LCD on the back (460,000-dot, TFT), various quality-enhancing technologies (red eye remover and more), support for several memory card types (SD, SDHC and SDXC), 350 shots per battery charge, and compatibility with an entire range of lenses.

When shipments begin, in November, Fujifilm will ask for $999.95 / 792-999 Euro. As for lenses, all M-mount models will be compatible, but there will be two new ones up for sale too: XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 and a 14mm f/2.8 prime ($900/712 Euro and $700/554 Euro, respectively).