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IRL: Fujifilm X-Pro1, Garmin Edge 200 and Otterbox's Universal Defender case, revisited
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. If we've never explained where the idea for IRL came from, now might be as good a time as any. Our own Tim Stevens, a car nut in his own right and a one-time auto editor for Engadget, wanted to test gadgets the way auto mags do vehicles. That is to say, on an ongoing basis, over a long period of time. That mission rings particularly true this week: Jon's taken hundreds of test shots with Fujifilm's X-Pro1, Terrence has been commuting with the Garmin Edge 200 cycling monitor and Brian has owned the Otterbox Universal Defender case so long that he's actually taking back the praise he gave in a prior IRL. All that and more after the break.
Fujifilm outlines X-Pro1 lens roadmap, brings zoom at last this fall
If there's been one outstanding gripe with Fujifilm's X-Pro1 camera, it's been the absence of zoom lenses; short of French kissing the subject, you might not get the photos you want. While there isn't much of a solution right this second outside of buying the fixed-lens X10, the Japanese camera designer can say when we'll see an interchangeable XF-mount zoom lens: fall 2012. That's when a bright 18-55mm, f/2.8-4.0 optically stabilized lens will make its appearance, along with a 14mm f/2.8 prime. Fujifilm will revert to unveiling nothing but pancakes and primes during early 2013, but the middle of that year will finish covering the zoomable basics through a wide-angle 10-24mm f/4.0 OIS lens and a 55-200mm, f/3.5-4.8 OIS telephoto. We wouldn't expect pricing with the new glass still months away -- but at least you can start planning that Sumatra vacation knowing you won't have to chase down the wildlife to get a good keepsake shot.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 packs for business class: $9000 lens suitcase revealed
Nestled at the head of Fujifilm's FinePix camera family, the X-Pro1 has now been coccooned in luxury. If you baulked at the $1,700 body-only price tag, you probably won't be interested in this limited edition Globe-Trotter case kit. The tan leather suitcase houses a complete X-Pro1 system, including an external flash, 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 and 60mm f/2.4 lens. As is often the case with these pricey collections, there's just 12 sets to go around and you'll have to charter your private jet for London -- they're only available at Harrods.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 shows up on Amazon, confirms $1700 price (update)
Oh Amazon, why must you tease us so? Not content on leaking the Fujifilm X-Pro1's lenses before the mirrorless ILC was even announced at CES, the retailer just confirmed the camera's price. It appears you'll have to plunk down a hefty $1700 to get your dirty little mitts on this high-end rangefinder-ish 16 megapixel APS-C shooter -- and that's just for the body. As a reminder, you'll also be able to purchase the 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0 and 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 lenses for $500 each, and the larger 60mm (91mm equivalent) f/2.4 macro lens for $600. This camera may not be quite a sexy looking as its fixed-lens cousin the X100, but it sure looks more than up to the task of taking beautiful pictures. Guess we'll have to wait until late February to find out for sure. Update: Looks like Fujifilm has confirmed the info we reported on above. You'll find all the details in the press release after the break. [Thanks, Amad]
Fujifilm X-Pro1 interchangeable lens camera preview (video)
The interchangeable lens camera market grew by one this week, following Fujifilm's confirmation of its new X-Pro1. The 16 megapixel APS-C ILC may be in fact be a mirrorless model, but company reps prefer that you don't use "the M-word," insisting that the shooter stands alone in its own category as a "premium" interchangeable lens camera. And after spending an hour with the oversized, solidly-built ILC and viewing a variety of comparison samples, it's not difficult to confirm that the assessment may not be far off. The entire hands-on experience was in line with that premium claim -- from the white gloves we were required to use when handling the camera to the Japanese design lead taking care to make sure sample models were clean of markings and positioned just right, it's clear that Fujifilm is taking this launch very seriously, and you should, too. Join us past the break for an early CES look at what may very well be the sharpest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera to date.
Fujifilm confirms X-Pro1 at CES: 16MP APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, price TBA
Amazon all but confirmed the camera's existence when it leaked three lens pages yesterday, but Fujifilm just officially unveiled the X-Pro1 at CES, in all its rangefinder-esque goodness. The camera's centerpiece is an APS-C sensor, but unlike the X100 and X10, Fujifilm's new flagship includes an interchangeable lens mount. The camera can capture 16 megapixel stills, and will be compatible with three lenses at launch: an XF 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 lens and a larger 60mm (91mm equivalent) f/2.4 macro lens, though the company says it plans to introduce nine more lenses within the next three years. Pricing hasn't been announced for the camera or lenses, though yesterday's Amazon link listed pricing at $500 for the first two lenses, and $600 for the 60mm macro. The camera itself will ship in late February, so you won't need to wait long to get your hands on the first Fujifilm X-series ILC. Jump past the break for the full PR, and keep an eye out for our hands-on later this week.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 lenses get Amazon product pages, prices
Well, that didn't take long. Just yesterday, Wells Fargo Advisors reportedly outed the Fujifilm X-Pro1, a possible successor to the X100 -- today, Amazon's thrown up a trio of product pages for the shooter's leaked lenses. The product descriptions match the previous rumors to a tee, pricing the 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0 and 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 lens at $500, and the larger 60mm (90mm equivalent) f/2.4 lens priced at $600. Confirmation? Not exactly, but we'll find out soon enough -- Fuijifilm takes the stage on January 9th.
Fujifilm prepping X100 successor, the X-Pro1 for CES?
Between the X-S1 and various superzooms and point-and-shoots, Fujifilm unloaded an ungodly number of devices on us last night, ahead of next week's CES gadget blitz, but that doesn't mean that the company doesn't still have a few tricks up its camera-making sleeves. Take this interchangeable lens shooter, the X-Pro1, which is said to be the successor to its awesome X100. According to information offered up by Wells Fargo Advisors, the compact system camera will bring a 16-megapixel APS-CMOS sensor, a hybrid view-finder and will have three interchangeable lenses available to it, an 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 and 60mm (90mm equivalent) f/2. An image of the reported device (see above) has also popped up courtesy of a scan from French magazine, Reponses Photo, which claims that the camera will be seeing a March release. It's hard to say how much of this is spot on, but there seems to be a good chance that, at the very least, the company's got some more surprises planned for the big show -- we'll no doubt find out soon enough.
