New Fuji X30 compact unveiled

Fujifilm add to X-series line up with new premium compact camera

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the new FUJIFILM X30 premium compact digital camera. Now in its third generation, the X30 replaces the FUJIFILM X20 and features an innovative viewfinder along with new functions and improvements that make it a joy to use.

The X30 features the newly-developed Real Time Viewfinder – which is the largest, fastest and highest resolving viewfinder in its class(*1) – a large 2/3-inch X-TransTM CMOS II sensor(*2) (12 megapixel with no optical low pass filter), EXR Processor II image processing engine and a new ‘Classic Chrome’ film simulation mode. Further additions include a new control ring along with extra dials and function buttons for more control and a tilting 3.0-inch 920K-dot premium clear LCD monitor. Battery performance has also been improved, with the X30 capable of shooting approximately 470 photos(*3) on one charge thanks to a capacity approximately 1.8 times greater than that of previous models and a new, energy-saving design. Two colour options will be available: black or silver.

Real Time Viewfinder

With a magnification of 0.65x(*4) and a display lag time of just 0.005sec.(*5), the X30 has the largest and fastest viewfinder in its class. It offers a clear, high-definition Live View thanks to the new 2.36M-dot organic EL electronic viewfinder and newly-designed dedicated lens, plus visibility has been improved by automatically controlling finder brightness according to the ambient light levels. The Live View display can also be set the ‘Preview Pic. Effect’ function to reflect shooting conditions or offer a natural view close to what is seen with the naked eye, while the viewfinder’s eye sensor will also automatically switch the visible information when the camera is positioned vertically; something that was not possible with the previous model’s optical viewfinder.

Manual zoom and control ring, two dials, six function buttons and a tilting LCD

A new control ring positioned behind the manual zoom control allows the immediate change of aperture settings and shutter speed while fine-tuning composition. Functions such as ISO sensitivity, film simulation, white balance and continuous shooting can be assigned by pushing the control ring setting button at the front. Two top-plate dials and six function buttons positioned on the back of the body also offer faster access to regularly-used features for a more instinctive operation, while the 3.0-inch 920K-dot premium clear LCD monitor can be tilted so shooting can be enjoyed from any angle.

A light but strong magnesium alloy is used for the top and bottom of the body. Metal rings milled from aluminum are used for the lens, while the large 3 dimensional rubber grip fits well in the hand and enhances overall operation.

Long-lasting battery

The NP-95 battery has a capacity approximately 1.8 times greater than that of past models. Couple this with a low energy-consumption design due to system optimisation and the X30 enables shooting of up to approximately 470 photos with one charge. By using the supplied micro USB cable, the camera can also be charged anytime and anywhere without a battery charger.

X-Trans™ CMOS II sensor

The X30 features a 2/3-inch X-TransTM CMOS II sensor which has a unique, random pixel array to control moiré and fake colours without needing an optical low-pass filter. Since the low-pass filter - which would cause a drop in image quality - is not required, light from the lens goes straight to the sensor to deliver excellent resolution and low noise.

Fujifilm’s renowned image quality, produced through the development of photographic films, helps to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green trees in beautiful colours, just as they were in the actual scene. And the X30 features the unique ‘Lens Modulation Optimiser’ image processing technology which maximises lens performance by correcting optical effects such as diffraction based on optical performance and characteristics of each lens setting.

World’s fastest(*6) high-speed AF at 0.06sec.

A combination of the X-Trans CMOS II sensor with phase-detection AF and the EXR Processor II processing engine means the X30 delivers a high-speed performance, along with high resolution and low noise. The phase-detection system focuses in just 0.06sec but the camera will automatically switch to contrast AF according to the subject and scene, so high-speed and high-precision AF is guaranteed on any scene. A startup time of 0.5sec.(*7), shutter time lag of 0.01sec., and shooting interval of 0.3sec. also mean that users will never miss a photo opportunity. And High-speed continuous shooting of 12fps (18 frames continuously during JPEG shooting) at full resolution is possible.

High precision F2.0-2.8 28mm(*8) -112mm(*8) 4x manual barrel zoom lens

Fujifilm’s designers have paid incredible attention to detail when designing the X30’s high precision lens. It is made up of 11 glass elements in nine groups, including three aspherical lens elements and two ED lens elements. The result is an ultra-bright lens with a wide-angle maximum aperture of f/2.0 and telephoto maximum aperture of f/2.8. FUJINON's proprietary HT-EBC is applied to the elements to effectively control flare and ghosting.

The optical 4x manual zoom lens allows quick, precise control over composition. The use of metal for the lens barrel and its internal structures provides a really smooth zooming action, while the Super Macro mode allows you to get as close as 1cm from your subject for stunning close-up shots. The X30’s unique image stabilisation mechanism shifts five lens elements to compensate for camera shake by up to 3.0 stops(*9), it also effectively prevents motion blur while stopping vignetting and loss of image resolution that usually occurs during camera shake compensation.

Additionally, the X30’s lens incorporates seven diaphragm blades which enable you to create a beautiful soft ‘bokeh’ effect to make your subject stand out from the background.

Perfect your colour photos with Film Simulation and artistic photography

Fujifilm’s unprecedented image quality has been cultivated through the development of photographic films over the past 80 years and helps to reproduce warm skin tones, bright blue skies and rich green trees, just as photographers remember the scene. The X30 features the new, ‘CLASSIC CHROME’ film simulation mode, which delivers muted tones and deep colour reproduction. Users can choose from ten different modes that simulate the effects of traditional Fujifilm films. These include colour reversal film effects (Velvia / PROVIA / ASTIA/CLASSIC CHROME), professional colour negative film (PRO Neg.Std / PRO Neg.Hi), monochrome filters (MONOCHROME, Ye filter, R filter and G filter) and SEPIA.

Source: http://digitalslrphoto.com/