Fujifilm today announced the launch of the FUJIFILM XQ1, bringing X Series quality in its smallest size yet. The pocket-sized XQ1 features a newly developed F1.8 4× zoom lens and the same type of 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II as used in the highly regarded FUJIFILM X20. The 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II 12 million pixels sensor controls moiré and false color generation without need for an optical low pass filter.
The EXR Processor II also more than doubles the previous processing speed so noise is controlled and image clarity maintained, meaning greens, blues, and skin tones are all beautifully reproduced. Sensitivity ranges from ISO100 to ISO12800 so you can take natural and clear images even in low light.
The newly developed F1.8 4x zoom (25-100mm) is constructed with 4 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion lenses, with all lens surfaces covered in Fujinon original HT-EBC coating to reduce flare and ghosting. The bright F1.8 aperture gives the background a natural bokeh effect for a beautiful contrast with the main subject. Through the in-camera RAW development function, a RAW image can be converted to JPEG without additional software and a computer.
A quality performance is matched by the XQ1’s luxury looks and first class handling. Settings from Advanced Filters to high level manual focusing, aperture, and shutter speed can all be changed by turning the machined aluminum high texture control ring fitted around the lens. This avoids the need to go into the menu. Plus, it’s easy to access your own preferred functions too, using the expansion function (E-Fn) button on the back of the camera.
You can easily transfer images wirelessly from the XQ1 to your smartphone or smart tablet after installing the free Fujifilm Camera Application app. The built-in Super Intelligent Flash accurately controls the amount of light for the shooting situation. For example, natural-looking indoor portraits, macro subjects, or food images can all be taken with over-exposure carefully controlled.
The XQ1’s 3.0” 920K-dot premium LCD makes viewing easy even in bright conditions thanks to the high contrast, anti-reflective glass and an 85° vertical and horizontal viewing angle. Focus Peak Highlight, the highlighting of the outline in high contrast areas of the subject during focusing, helps achieve critically sharp shots when using manual focus.
Movies can be filmed in Full HD at 60fps and the dedicated image stabilization function helps keep things smooth when shooting handheld. Fujifilm XQ1 measures 100mm (W) × 58.5mm (H) × 33.3mm (D). Its elegant design and classy finish really makes the XQ1 stand out. It is available in a stylish Black or Silver bringing an essential stamp of luxury, making it the perfect premium compact for discerning users. The Fujifilm XQ1 will be available in October 2013 for $499.95 in both all-black and all-silver.
