Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix

Fujifilm

Will the Fujifilm FinePix X10 win over amateur shooters?

There are two ways to look at the Fujifilm FinePix X10. You can view it as a cynical attempt to capitalize on the fanboy frenzy of the X100 with a camera that looks a lot like it, but that lacks everything that made it desirable to the fans. Or you can look at it as Fujifilm's first serious entry into the enthusiast compact market, going up against stalwarts from Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic (and newcomers like Olympus), with a design and specs that don't look too shabby in that crowd. I'm taking the latter view.

Keep in mind, however, that Fujifilm hasn't released the price, which makes it close to impossible to say anything meaningful about the camera. So I'll frame it this way: unless it can deliver absolutely stellar, X100-class photo quality, which I doubt, then anything more than $599 is too much.

With that in mind, here's how I picture its competition:… Read more

Fujifilm X100 verdict: The next one should be great

From a market standpoint, the pricey Fujifilm FinePix X100 is a bit of an oddball. Though we traditionally call models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 or Canon PowerShot G12 "large sensor" compacts, their CCDs are relatively tiny compared to the APS-C-size CMOS in the X100. ILCs like the Sony Alpha NEX or Samsung NX series have APS-C sensors, but they're higher resolution with smaller photosites. The X100 also sports a prime lens with a 35mm-equivalent focal length, while the less expensive, more mainstream-focused compact models incorporate zoom lenses; no matter how short the zoom range, a prime … Read more

Unboxing the Fujifilm FinePix X100

The much talked about and hyped Fujifilm FinePix X100 has finally arrived. In CNET Asia's offices, at least. If you haven't heard about the X100 before, here's a quick brief history of it and why it's one of the most anticipated snappers this year.

The X100 was announced last year at the Photokina imaging trade show, and it stole the limelight with its retro styling. It looks like a rangefinder camera from the past, giving it a nostalgic feel.

What's also interesting about this FinePix is its hybrid viewfinder: It combines both optical and electronic viewfinders in a single component. More about this in the hands-on that we'll put up soon, so check back for that. … Read more

Fujifilm announces pricing, availability for expensive X100

The Fujifilm FinePix X100 isn't news. In fact, it's been "trade showed," previewed, twittered, and generally overexposed (if you'll pardon the expression) for months now. And yet, until today, we haven't had U.S. pricing or availability for it. The wait is over: it'll be available in March, and you'll be shelling out $1,195.95 for it. Yup, $1,200.

The irony of this post is that despite Fujifilm's buzz-generation machine, I haven't yet actually covered the camera, save the photos from CES linked here. So I'll rectify … Read more

Fujifilm announces 16 point-and-shoots

LAS VEGAS--Fujifilm announced 13 cameras at 2010's annual Photo Marketing Association's PMA trade show that followed CES at the end of February. With PMA moved to the end of September for 2011, though, Fujifilm didn't hold back for CES 2011, announcing 16 cameras.

That's a lot of cameras. And frankly, without a little hands-on time and better information than what's in the press releases, I can't do a decent analysis. With that in mind, below are the product blurbs provided by Fujifilm minus some of the marketing speak. I know it's lame, but … Read more

Fujifilm reveals more information about the X100

In September, Fujifilm showed off the X100 at the Photokina trade show in Germany. Aside from several mockup units and prototypes on display, the company was tight-lipped when pressed for more details. Since then, the hype for this camera has waned, but the firm just revived interest by releasing more information regarding the FinePix's specifications.

According to the Japanese camera maker, the X100 will have three focusing modes: manual, single autofocus, and continuous autofocus. In manual-focus setting, photographers can rotate the focusing ring around the lens to focus on the subject. Using the hybrid viewfinder, users can magnify a portion of the scene to check if the frame is sharp.

There will also be a dedicated RAW button. When you press the button in JPEG mode, the camera will capture in both RAW and JPEG. Included with the snapper is the SilkyPix RAW software which lets users convert RAW photos to common formats such as JPEG. … Read more

3D cameras and camcorders: The first wave

Up until 2010, there were nearly no off-the-shelf cameras for consumers to create digital 3D photos and movies; it was pretty much a hobbyist or professional thing to do. But with people hungry for content to view on their 3D-enabled TVs or computers, manufacturers started trickling out cameras and camcorders this year that just about anyone can use for shooting 3D.

The cameras don't all create 3D in the same way, though. Panasonic, for example, is currently relying on add-on lenses that feed stereo images to a single sensor. Fujifilm, DXG, and others, however, are using dual lenses and sensors, which is the more traditional way--and some might argue the best way--of creating stereoscopic images.

Sony skips both of these methods by using a single lens and high-speed shooting and processing to simultaneously capture left and right images that are stitched together in camera. (I expect the remaining manufacturers that don't have 3D cameras to go this last route, as it's likely the least expensive option to implement.)

Plus, there's software to take the 2D content you already have and convert it to 3D, which saves you the trouble of buying a new camera or camcorder altogether. (You could always go back to film or DIY, too.)… Read more

Quick Take: Fujifilm FinePix S1800

CNET did not review the Fujifilm FinePix S1800, but we did review the Fujifilm FinePix S2550HD, which is very similar.

Both 12-megapixel models feature a Fujinon 18x zoom and 28-504mm-equivalent lens, HD movie recording (720p), mechanical sensor-shift image stabilization, and a 3-inch LCD and electronic viewfinder. The S2550HD, however, has a Mini-HDMI out for connecting directly to an HDTV or monitor, which will cost you roughly $30 more. However, the key components are the same, so we expect that the shooting performance and photo quality would be identical.

The S1800 does have a couple extras to make you think twice … Read more