Zeiss getting serious about mirrorless and announces high quality prime lenses for 2013!


Zeiss (Click here) just issued an intriguing press release: “Another highlight will be the presentation of a design study, with which Carl Zeiss will offer a sneak preview of a new family of autofocus lenses for mirrorless system cameras (CSC) that will most likely be available in mid-2013. Due to their performance and high speed, these new lenses will be ideal for deliberate photo composition, making them perfect for more sophisticated photographers as well. Carl Zeiss plans to initially offer fixed focal lengths in the wide angle and standard range as well as a macro.

There is no info about what kind of system will be supported by the new lenses. But it’s only 12 days to go until Photokina starts! Than we will finally see what Zeiss plans to do for real…

Fuji announces the X-E1 with two new X lenses. And the XF1 compact camera.

Finally the new Fuji stuff has been announced and here is the post with all you need to know about the new cameras and lenses. I am continually updating the article and including new links to reviews and preorders!

Preorders:
Black Fuji X-E1 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Silver Fuji X-E1 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Black Fuji X-E1 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Silver Fuji X-E1 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Fuji 14mm f/2.8 lens at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
Fuji 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 OIS lens at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).

Reviews, Previews and Image Samples:
Hands-on at Dpreview. Hands-on in spanish at Quesabesde. Hands-on review at Imaging Resource. Hands-on review at Techradar. Official X-E1 page by Fuji.

Videos:

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Fuji X-E1 Hands-On Preview by CameraStoreTV. First look by Fujiguys. Introducing the X-E1 by FujiUK. X-E1 in action by FujiUK. In action part two by FujiUK.

Official press release:
ThePhoBlographer, Photoscala, Dpreview, DSLRmagazine, Techradar, TheVerge, Photographyblog, ePhotozine, Pocket Lint, FujiFilm, Systemkameraforum, Cnet, Engadget, Amateurphotographer.

X PRO 1 firmware:
Dpreview, Photoscala, Techradar, Photographyblog.

And here it is the leaked Fuji X-E1 press text!

No anti-triad Fuji, the newly released interchangeable lens camera X-E1.

Google cache has no mercy and we can now read the full X-E1 press release via hb.qq.com! Here is the text:

[IT168 Information] Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (President: Goosen Shigetaka) honor announced a new X-E1, Fujifilm year paragraph interchangeable lens digital camera. Keeping up with the pace of the market has been acclaimed X-Pro1, X-E1 uses the same X-Pro1 Fujifilm’s exclusive X-Trans CMOS sensor, high-specification organic EL electronic viewfinder, with built-in flash compact body and X-mount compatible Fujinon XF series lens product line. In addition, Fujifilm will this fall XF series lens group to expand from three to five, and will be extended to 10 in 2013 years, in order to better adapt to the needs of different customers.

Has a more portable body size, ultra-fast focusing speed of up to 0.1 seconds, combined with newly developed F2.8 large aperture zoom lens with optical image stabilization, X-E1 is the new X-Series product line stunning for. In order to cater to the needs of the market in November this year, X-E1 will be two different appearance color available in silver and black, destined to become the focus of the market when the X-E1 excellent performance and classic design.

Classic design brings intuitive control experience

No matter from which parts Made in Japan, are sufficient to show its high quality. The top cover and front cover die-cast from magnesium alloy, the X-E1 has a tough exquisite designs. X-E1 Dimensions and X100 are similar, but the X-E1 uses a more compact and lightweight design, weighing only approximately 350g * 1. Plus additional rubber handle design, fitted XF series lens, you will get a very comfortable grip and operation feel.

Fujifilm engineers in the research and development of X-E1, the importance attached to the product’s ease of use in the future. Like other X-series cameras, the the turntable side on the top panel texture design, so that users have a more relaxed and smooth operation feel. You can adjust the aperture ring on the lens with the left hand with his right hand on the top panel to quickly and easily achieve adjust the shutter speed and exposure compensation, and in this process, you do not have the eye leave the viewfinder framing to diversify on the attention. You can also the shooting function definition to the Fn (Function) button, at any time convenient to call.

No anti-triad Fuji, the newly released interchangeable lens camera X-E1

Fuji X-E1 back button

X-E1 will have two different color’s appearance. Which black is not significant publicity, be able to match with any of your clothing is ideal for shooting documentary style photos. Silver is relatively avant-garde, suited to show the cool and the excellent quality of the X-E1.

Although there is a compact and lightweight design, X-E1 still has excellent battery life, shoot about 350 photos in a single charge * 2, so you do not have to worry about your creative impact because of low battery. In addition, X-E1 equipped with a built-in flash equivalent flash index 7 * 3, high precision TTL flash system will bring you excellent indoor macro shooting.

2.36 million pixel high-resolution, high-brightness organic EL electronic viewfinder

Different from the X-Pro1 multiple hybrid viewfinder, X-E1 brand new 2.36 million-pixel electronic viewfinder organic EL is currently on the market a new pixel electronic viewfinder. Natural, bright, easy-to-view viewfinder has a viewing angle of 25 °, allowing users to quickly and easily complete the composition viewfinder. The image on the organic EL panel through a unique lens structure (including two glass lenses and a double-sided aspherical lens) projection to the eyes of the photographer, to bring you high quality comparable to the optical viewfinder framing effect.

No anti-triad Fuji, the newly released interchangeable lens camera X-E1

The Fuji organic EL electronic viewfinder

Fujifilm X series and many other products on the unique optical viewfinder technology, in order to enhance the comfort and ease of use of the user watch the shooting data, when the image is rendered, the new organic EL panel will bring you clear any The angles are not graphic display distortion. From the position of your eyes and the surrounding environment, even when the LCD is difficult to show the bright sunlight and special occasions, new viewfinder will bring excellent viewfinder composition shooting experience.

Subsection organic EL panel has a rich color gamut performance and ultra-high contrast ratio of up to 1:5000 * 5 in the focus, exposure, white balance, and film simulation effects, will bring you extremely excellent reproduction . Different distances of about 23mm and the eyepiece on the application of a special soft resin, even if the user wears glasses also do not need to take off his glasses premise excellent visual effects. In addition, you can also get a clearer display effect through the diopter adjustment dial.

Exclusive Fujifilm APS-C size X-Trans CMOS sensor for superior color reproduction and image resolution

FUJIFILM X-E1 equipped with FUJIFILM X-Pro1 exactly the same 16.3 million pixel APS-C size X-Trans CMOS sensor. Its unique color filter array can not use the optical low-pass filter to reduce moiré and false color generated. The direct benefits of this design is the ability to very substantially increase the resolution of the digital camera, it is possible to bring you a more clear and bright perfect shooting.

Conventional color filter array using the arrangement of the 2×2 pixel unit, bring the greatest adverse impact in the highly ordered arrangement is moiré and pseudo color is often generated. Usually in the digital camera industry, the installation of a low-pass filter between the color filter and lens to effectively solve the problem of moiré and false color. However, the use of the low-pass filter, on the other hand will lead to a sharp decline in image resolution. As a veteran film maker Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensor design, using a unique similar to traditional silver halide film color filter array design the 6X6 pixel unit structure looks messy, and this state-of-the-art The disordered arrangement designed to fundamentally eliminate moiré and false color generated, so that the removal of the low-pass filter ripe. Finally, X-Trans CMOS sensor in the resolution of the sensor has been the greatest degree of improvement in the removal of the low-pass filter design. You may even be able to enlarge the image to 2700mm X 1800mm size no problem.

Unique color filter array design is also excellent in the photo noise control high sensitivity. In addition, in the role of the large size of the APS-C sensor, the user is able to get a clear prospect of a very beautiful bokeh effect, bokeh shallow depth of field shooting.

X-E1 equipped with a high-speed, high-precision “EXR processor PRO” image processing engine, to bring you high-speed shooting responses. The acquisition of complex X-Trans CMOS sensor signal high-speed real-time image processing without any delay, to ensure that your next creation.

New tailor-made for the X-E1 Fujinon XF 18-55 F2.8-4 R LM OIS lens, only 0.1 seconds to bring you the ultra-high-speed focusing performance

The the XF18-55mm lens in the newly released high-end linear motor with CMOS sensor read-out of high-speed signals as well as the newly developed EXR image processor the Pro perfect combination to bring you the speed and accuracy of autofocus qualitative leap. Only 0.1 seconds, the fastest high-speed precise focus using contrast detection AF mode X-E1 will I bring.

No anti-triad Fuji, the newly released interchangeable lens camera X-E1

Fujitsu X-E1 and lens group

Another masterpiece as the field of optical design, the new XF-18-55mm lens with 10 groups of 14 all-glass structure design, which contains three aspherical lens and an anomalous dispersion lens, using a 7-blade circular aperture design. The zoom lens focal lengths covering the most commonly used 18mm wide-angle to 55mm telephoto * focal lengths, able to adapt to different occasions photography needs.

F2.8-F4 aperture, large aperture to bring you the perfect low light photographic effects, including beautiful bokeh effect. Compact lens design, making it more lightweight and easy to carry. The state-of-the-art optical and mechanical design is a strong guarantee to keep the lens compact despite its F2.8 large aperture, the size of this lens is only 65.0mmX70.4mm. Like other XF series lens, the new lens uses the same design of the aperture ring, allowing users to a high degree of concentration in the shoot ease with his left hand to carry out the adjustment of the aperture size. The lens OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) system to prevent the image jitter, image stabilization performance equivalent to 4 shutter speed correction effect will always ensure that you get clear and not blurry photos.

The Fuji X bayonet native will maximize the performance of the lens

Fujifilm X-mount system has a very short 17.7mm flange distance, and maximize the performance advantages of digital camera mirror.

Wider opening design allows the lens deep enough to insert them to the camera body about 7.5mm, followed by lens focal length shortened, and thus make the lens compact and lightweight design easier. The shortening also reduces the occurrence of the edges of the image resolution to reduce the phenomenon of the back focus.

X bayonet in a 10-contact design, the more high-speed and efficient communication between the lens and body, which include auto-focus, aperture and other lens mobile data, high-speed communications.

The Fujifilm original M bayonet adapter ring the huge group M-mount lenses, X-E1 can be used to greatly expand your photography fun.

A variety of shooting modes faithful reproduction of the traditional professional film color

X-E1 is also equipped with Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation mode, digital camera reproduction is similar to the traditional professional film is so unique color and flavor. Including the reproduction of nature bright colors, ultra-high saturation and prominent red and green tones of Velvia mode, reproduce the soft, fine, smooth skin tones ASTIA mode and more emphasis on natural color reproduction PROVIA mode. The new film simulation mode also includes two professional color negative effects, including shades more smooth PRO Neg.Std in and suitable for indoor portraits sharpness PRO Neg.Hi. Single-tone mode also has three types of filter effects and show nostalgic old photo style sepia mode. The film simulation bracketing function allows you to get three completely different film simulation effects in a single exposure at the same time.

In the era of film cameras, multiple exposures is the only one by for leaflets film by two exposure images superimposed photography. Advanced digital image processing technology, X-E1 is also able to simulate this technology to select multiple exposure mode, shooting photos, and then EVF or LCD display, you can directly view the first exposure effect has been completed and accurate superposition of the second shot, overlay effect to get creative scene.

Full HD video capabilities

Not only can you shoot Full HD (1920X1080) 24fps speed movie. In addition, you can also be applied to the film simulation mode video shoot them, thanks to the large-size image sensor and the large aperture lens for X-E1, your movie will also have a very nice bokeh effect.

Through a microphone connected to the fuselage ?2.5mm caliber microphone / remote shutter line interface, you can be more clear and loud sound of the recording. The interface is particularly suitable for the lens motor sound worried fuselage operation tones will be recorded into the video.

(1) including the battery box memory card, not including the lens

(2) equipped XF35mmF1.4 R lens

(3) ISO200? M

(4) FUJIFILM survey; August 2012

(5) Varies dependent on image quality setting depends on the different image quality settings

(6) Equivalent 35mm format: 27mm to 84mm 35mm equivalent: 27mm to 84mm

FUJIFILM X-E1 Key Features at a glance:

? 16.3 million effective pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor

? EXR image processor PRO

? FUJIFILM X mount (for Fujinon XF Series Lens)

? Ultra-high resolution 23.6 megapixel organic EL viewfinder

? 2.8 inch (460,000 pixels) LCD display (high contrast, high brightness and wide viewing angle)

? Built-in pop-up flash (with hot shoe, which can be accessed outside the flash)

? ISO 200 – 6400, expandable to ISO 100, 12800,25600 (ISO Auto is available ranges from ISO400-6400)

? 0.05 seconds shutter lag

? Q (quick) button Quick menu settings

? Built-in RAW conversion

? Film simulation mode (Velvia, Astia, Provia, Monochrome, Sepia, PRO Neg Std & PRO Neg Hi)

? Creative shooting functions include multiple exposure and panorama mode

? Auto Bracketing (AE / ISO / DR & FS)

? Full HD camera function

? Microphone / shutter line interface (?2.5mm)

? Single charge can take about 350 photos

FUJIFILM X-E1 optional accessories

No anti-triad Fuji, the newly released interchangeable lens camera X-E1

Genuine leather camera bag BLC-XE1

? Leather camera bag BLC-XE1

? Fujinon XF lenses (listed 3 & 2 simultaneous release of 10 in 2013)

? M bayonet adapter ring

? Handle HG-XE-1

? Three dedicated hotshoe flash optional (EF-X20, EF-20, EF-42)

? Protection filter (PRF-39, PRF-52 and PRF-58)

? The remote shutter Line RR-80

Next mirrorless rumors rounduop: NEX-6 image leaked, GH3 specs, Pentax announcement next week.

20120904-150002.jpg

While we are waiting to see the new Fuji X-E1 announcement today we have to post three new rumors:
1) On top you see a new image of the Sony NEX-6 with 16MP sensor and 2,4k dot built in viewfinder.
2) Full Panasonic Gh3 specs have been posted on 43rumors.
3) Nine new Pentax products will be announced next week according to Pentax Russia (via PR).

Ok, now waiting for Fuji….

Fuji announcement tomorrow (Sept 5th). Sony NEX DDay next week (Sept. 12th).

There are many announcements coming soon. The first one is from Fuji and coming tomorrow (Sept. 5th). There will be a compact X camera with tiny 1,7 inch sensor and the interchangeable mirrorless camera X-E1:

Fuji X-E1 specs:

  • Same 16MP sensor as in the X-Pro1 (with max ISO of 25,600)
  • 6 fps
  • Light magnesium body
  • Improved AF speed
  • Price: bellow $1000
  • To be released before Christmas
  • Same video recording capabilities as the X-Pro1
  • Mic input
  • EVF only (not hybrid as the X-Pro1)
  • Two colors: black and silver
  • Pull 25 ISO to simulate Velvia in JPEG mode

And Sony will announce peltny of NEX cameras and lenses next week on Sept. 12th:

NEX Cameras and Camcorders

  • Sony NEX-VG900 camcorder: interchangeable lens HD camera with 24MP Exmor CMOS full frame sensor, 1080×1920 video recording at 24p/60p, 3″ LCD, XGA OLED EVF, price: $3,300.
  • Sony NEX-VG30/VG30H camcorders: 16MP Exmor APS-C sensor, BIONZ processor, 1080×1920 video recording at 24p/60p, 3″ LCD, XGA OLED EVF, available in November from $1,800.
  • Sony NEX-6: 16MP Exmor CMOS APSC sensor, AVHCD 2.0. Price around $1000.

Sony NEX lenses:

  • Sony 10-18 f/4 OSS: available in November 2012 for $850.
  • Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS: available in December 2012 for $450.
  • Sony 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 OSS (kit lens): available in January 2013 for $350.

 

And of course we will have a Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless announcement too! Hope to get the data soon!