They’ve been teasing it and showing it around since last year, but it really wasn’t “officially official” just yet. But it’s official now. Fujifilm has (finally) officially introduced the FinePix X100, and it should start shipping in March. In a nutshell, this old-looking new cam is an enthusiast’s compact, featuring a 12-megapixel DSLR-grade APS-C sensor, a 23mm f/2 lens, a hybrid viewfinder that works as both a traditional rangefinder or EVF, and full manual controls for the tweak-happy photography nut.
Fujifilm just unveiled the XP30 rugged cam, which is basically an update of their existing XP10. The body dimensions are pretty similar, but this one’s improved with a 14-megapixel sensor and 720p video recording. The level of protection is also similar to the XP10, with a body that’s built to take dips in up to 10 feet of water, 3-foot drops onto concrete, and freezing (14F) weather, but the added GPS on this cam is what makes it pretty sweet. The GPS adds location data to your shots, which sounds like a natural fit for a rugged cam.
Quick update on the Fujifilm FinePix X100 that was recently unveiled: It’s going to be out sometime in March, and it won’t be cheap with a projected price of around $1,000. Not really surprising, since it’s certainly not an entry-level or consumer model, and again, it just looks awesome (and, according to Engadget’s hands-on time with the protoype at Photokina, it feels like a thousand bucks too).
The “retro look” doesn’t work on just anything. Case in point: big old boomboxes, bulky TV sets with channel dials, and your grandfather. However, they work really well on cameras. Case in point: a lot of advanced retro-styled cams have been turning out lately. Here’s another one: Fujifilm’s newly-launched FinePix X100, which rocks the classic metal-and-leather look and comes with enough manual controls to keep advanced shooters happy.
