Fujifilm ventures a bit far afield with its FinePix X100, a pro-targeted "compact" styled like a rangefinder that's been all the buzz in photo circles since Fujifilm previewed it last September.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
The camera boasts an APS-C-size 12-megapixel CMOS, f2.0 23mm lens with a nine-bladed aperture for bokeh fun. One of the highlights of the camera is the big, direct-view optical viewfinder with a digital information overlay that doubles as an EVF. The sensor is a custom design in which the on-diode microlenses are offset slightly to maximize the amount of light that hits the center of the diode, and the lens is optimally sized for the sensor, with additional lens elements on the sides whose job it is to refract light back toward the center.
Fujifilm hasn't officially announced the camera--that's slated for February 8--with pricing expected to fall between $1,000 and $1,200 when it ships in March.
