Valhalla, NY—Fujifilm North America Corp. showcased a broad range of photo-imaging solutions at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, verifying its commitment to developing innovative technologies to create advanced imaging products.
“Fujifilm believes that taking and sharing images are fundamental activities that help people capture their most memorable moments, and our line of products represent our commitment to that experience,” said Go Miyazaki, president and CEO. “From our premium picture-taking products, including the award-winning X series, to our stunning image printing capabilities in the Frontier-S DX100, Fujifilm is dedicated to enhancing the entire picture-taking process.”
Here is a summary of the company’s CES introductions.
X-Series Digital Cameras. Fujifilm exhibited its professional-grade X-series digital cameras, marketed to professional photographers and advanced amateurs. The cameras combine Fujinon lenses and advanced APS-C X-Trans sensors with the latest EXR image-processing technology. Two additions to the line were announced: the X100S Black and the Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R.
X100S. For the first time, the pro-grade X100S will be available in a sleek. all-black design. The camera features three high-performance Fujifilm components: an APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor; an improved EXR processor II; and a bright Fujinon 23mm f/2 fixed lens designed to deliver edge-to-edge image quality—all within a compact body. The camera is said to provide “the world’s fastest autofocus speeds of up to 0.08 second, and increase its image resolution by 25% and reduce noise by 30% over the first generation X100.”
Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2R. This 85mm-equivalent premium portrait lens fits all Fujifilm X-series interchangeable-lens cameras. Lightweight and less than half the size of an equivalent full-frame camera lens, it has a metal aperture ring for a premium quality feel and is engineered to offer speed and silence in the studio. Its new optical design has 11 elements in 8 groups and includes two ED (extra low-dispersion) elements and one double-sided aspherical element, plus four elements with a convex surface facing the subject, which combine to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations.
FinePix P&S Digital Cameras. Fujifilm also announced a new line of FinePix digital cameras “that are specially designed to give consumers an enjoyable user experience that fits their lifestyle.” They include: the FinePix S1, a weather-resistant super-zoom camera; the FinePix XP70, a go-anywhere waterproof point and shoot; the 50x super-zoom FinePix S9400W bridge camera with advanced image stabilization and Wi-Fi functions; and the pocket-friendly FinePix S8600 with a 36x zoom, 25–900mm lens.
Fujifilm also showed the all-new Instax Share smartphone printer and the Mini 90 Neo Classic.
Instax Share SP-1 Printer. The SP-1 enables consumers to print mobile photos instantly from their smartphones or tablets, anywhere, anytime. The printer acts as its own Wi-Fi hotspot, and it works with iOS and Android to produce instant film prints from any picture stored on the mobile devices. With the Instax Share app, users can print pictures with a couple of taps on their devices. There’s also a range of editing functions and templates so they can get creative with their smartphone images and Instax mini film. The SP-1 can also print “real time” information on the film prints, including date and time, location and weather conditions.
Instax Mini 90. Also on display was the new Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic instant film camera, with a retro camera design and a full range of camera functions. Featuring new shooting modes, the Instax Mini 90 now includes double exposure and macro modes.
The company also demonstrated its retail printing solutions.
Frontier Digital Lab Systems. On hand was the new Frontier-S DX100, which was developed with high print quality in mind to combine the benefits of a dye-sublimation printer size with the color reproduction and deep blacks of an inkjet printer. Geared for photo studios, event photographers and retailers, it offers a small footprint, Frontier-quality printing, linear consumable pricing, variable print sizes and surface flexibility. It will be available April 2014.
Fujifilm VNX Kiosk Photo Terminal. Fujifilm also showed the new VNX Kiosk Photo Terminal that has a modern design and features a 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen, a multi-touch 1080p high-resolution monitor and USB 3.0 connectivity for faster data transfer of customer images. The terminal also offers an improved customer experience with support for higher capacity media cards, an easier to use interface and an easy-load receipt printer. Coupled with Fujifilm’s Version 6.0 software, retailers can offer a range of photo print and specialty products. When combined with the Frontier-S DX100, it provides retailers with a variety of instant and lab print configurations that offer on-site scalability. It, too, ships April 2014. fujifilmusa.com
