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Fujifilm's FinePix X100 ships March 2011 for $1,000, we go hands-on (update: video!)
It's fitting that Fujifilm's thoroughly gorgeous FinePix X100 kicked off this week's flood of Photokina releases, and now we've learned a few more precious details from the outfit's press conference. For starters, it'll be a non-zoom apparatus, much like Olympus' Zuiko-equipped concept that was also launched here in Köln. Fujifilm's Adrian Clarke noted that the decision to include only a 23mm f/2 fixed lens was made in order to not make image quality compromises that are necessary when allowing for a zoom. We're sure that'll strike some as displeasing, but those who aren't afraid of moving forward and back could probably care less. Furthermore, he affirmed that the company was aiming for a March 2011 ship date, with a retail price to hit near the $1,000 mark. That's hardly affordable, but Fuji's making no bones about this being a decidedly high-end piece. After the presser, we were able to score some hands-on time with a pre-production model, and we have to say, this thing just feels like a thousand bucks. It's as solid as a stone, though light packers won't appreciate just how heavy it is. Regardless, the body exudes quality, and the grip was as comfortable as ever. Sadly, no fully functional units are present here at Photokina, but we're cautiously optimistic that we'll see one at CES. It's doubtful that Fuji will sell oodles of these given the limitations and price, but to the niche that's interested, things are looking up. Update: We just stopped by the Fujifilm booth in order to grab some video time with this guy, and sadly, the model that they had on display lacked a sensor of any kind. However, the dedicated toggle switch to flip between the OVF and EVF is a lovely touch, as were the dedicated control dials up top. Have a look yourself just beyond the break. %Gallery-102872% %Gallery-102874%
Fujifilm intros FinePix X100: 12.3MP APS-C-based camera with Hybrid Viewfinder, loads of gorgeous
Hello, beautiful! The clock just struck midnight here in the wilds of Cologne, Germany, and it's safe to say that Photokina 2010 is underway. Fujifilm's press event isn't scheduled until Tuesday, but it looks as if it'll be teasing us all by releasing information on its drop-dead gorgeous new FinePix X100 tonight. This rangefinder-esque cam packs a 12.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, and it's obviously designed to go mano-a-mano with Micro Four Thirds and the slew of other mirrorless / interchangeable lens compacts that are hitting the market. Aside from supporting 720p movies, boasting an EXR processor and shipping with a 23mm F2 Fujinon lens, this new handheld includes a Hybrid Viewfinder that enables users to toggle between optical and electronic viewfinders and display intricate shooting information right into the OVF. There's also a 2.8-inch rear LCD, a hot shoe on top and a magnesium alloy top / base plate that might be the sexiest we've ever seen on a camera in this sector. Low-light shooters will appreciate the ISO range of 200 to 6400, and there's also 5fps continuous shooting, a full-on manual mode, SD / SDHC / SDXC card support and dimensions of 127- x 75- x 54mm. Something tells us a lot of to-be DSLR buyers will be shifting to this far more portable alternative when it drops in early 2011... provided it doesn't cost a small fortune, of course. Needless to say, we'll be first in line come Tuesday to (prayerfully) get some hands-on time with this beaut. Video after the break. %Gallery-102708% [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Toshiba Camileo S20, H30, and X100 HD camcorders finally available in US
Toshiba has long been out of the US market camcorder game, but now it's jumping back in with... well, a trio of Camileo 1080p video recorders that have been sold across the sea for many months at this point -- gotta start back somewhere, right? First up is the ultra-thin and pocketable S20 ($180) featuring a 3-inch swivel display, 4x digital zoom, and 4 megapixel stills. Up next is the H30 ($250) with a more traditional body, a 3-inch touchscreen swivel display, and 4x digital / 5x optical zoom. At the top of the pile is the $400 X100 (pictured), which ups the ante on zoom at 10x digital / 10x optical. If you're really itching to have Toshiba written on the side of your home movies facilitator -- without pulling out a sharpie and cheating, of course -- the on-paper launch date is April 19th. Press release after the break. %Gallery-89871%
Toshiba Camileo HD camcorders get refreshed with S20, H30 and X100 models
Toshiba's just announced a refresh of its previous Camileo HD camcorder lineup, throwing three new models into the mix, all packing full HD resolution and dedicated buttons for uploading straight to the YouTube. First up, the S20 is an ultra-slim (17mm thick), "style conscious" model with a 5 megapixel sensor for still photography, plus a 4x digital zoom and a 3-inch rotating display. The beefier H30 and X100 models boast 10 megapixel sensors and LCD touchscreen displays, with the H30 boasting 5x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom, and the X100 packing 10x optical and 10x digital zooms, plus 4GB of built-in flash memory. All of these bad boys will be unleashed in the 4th quarter of this year, with the S20 running £119.99 (about $195), the H30 £189.99 (about $309), and the X100 will cost you £269.99 (about $440).
Double toil and trouble, VUDU rumor pot bubbles over
With apologies to Shakespeare, something is brewing at VUDU. With CEDIA just around the corner, the company has laid off some of its staff, most notably some of its marketing higher-ups. Additionally, rumors are swirling regarding just about every aspect of the upstart company's future. CEPro got some talk-time with the VUDU's national dealer channel manager, and a theme of decreased emphasis on the retail channel seems to run throughout the conversation, punctuated by a end-of-life status on the VUDU X100. Meanwhile, the company is making some CEDIA promises for its custom-install-targeted VUDU XL: more HD content (1,000 titles), more connectivity (HD over component) and lifetime warranties on purchased titles. It's all rumor, but we wouldn't be surprised to see VUDU move exclusively into the custom-install market where it seems to have a toe-hold. So what say ye -- is something rotten in VUDU, or should we hang up the codpiece and get back to work? [Image courtesy Blog of Wishes] Read - CEPro's VUDU interview Read - VUDU CEDIA plans
