FUJIFILM DELIVERS MORE COMPACT X-T SERIES CAMERA

FujiFilm’S X-T2 and X-T20 X mount mirrorless cameras have a new – and much more affordable – baby brother in the shape of the X-T100. It’s loosely based on the existing X-A5, but is an SLR-style model with a built-in OLED-type electronic viewfinder and a three-way tilting LCD monitor screen with touch controls. It has an aluminium top plate and a dial-based control layout which both contribute to the retro-look styling. The body weighs just under 450 grams (including the battery pack) and there’s a choice of three colours – black, dark silver and champagne gold. The EVF has a resolution of 2.36 megadots and a magnification of 0.62x (35mm equivalent).

Unlike the higher-end X mount models though, the X-T100’s ‘APS-C’ sensor employs a conventional Bayer-type colour filter layer rather than Fujifilm’s own ‘X-Trans’ arrangement. However, it does have the ‘Intelligent Hybrid AF’ system which uses 91 phase-difference detection type measuring points and, according to Fujifilm, a newly-developed AF algorithm which improves both the speed and precision. The sensor has an effective pixel count of 24.2 million and a sensitivity range equivalent to ISO 200 to 12,800 with extensions to ISO 100 and 51,200. Continuous shooting is possible at up to 6.0 fps for a burst of 26 best-quality JPEGs.

Exposure control is via a choice of multi-zone, average and spot metering methods which drive the standard set of ‘PASM’ control modes with automatic subject/scene recognition available in the ‘SR+ Auto’ fully-auto mode. The X-T100 has both a conventional focal plane shutter and a sensor-based shutter, the latter giving a top speed of 1/32,000 second. Flash sync is at all speeds up to 1/180 second and there’s both a built-in pop-up flash and a flash hotshoe. There’s a set of 11 ‘Film Simulation’ picture presets and 17 ‘Advanced Filter’ special effects. Other features include auto bracketing for exposure and white balance, WiFi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, customisable ‘Quick Menu’ control screen and in-camera panorama stitching.

On the video side, the X-T100 can record at the 4K UHD resolution, but only at 15 fps which isn’t all that useful. Full HD recording can be at 50 or 24 fps with stereo sound, and an audio input is provided for connecting an external mic.

Australian availability is from late June and the X-T100 is priced at $1049 packaged with the XC 15-45mm f3.5-5.6 OIS PZ power zoom lens. For more information visit www.fujifilm.com.au