First there was the mighty X-Pro 1—the alpha dog in Fujifilm’s range of interchangeable lens cameras that carried a 16-megapixel APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS sensor in a retro-style chassis. Then came the X-E1, which was nearly identical to the X-Pro 1, but came with a more attractive price tag. Today, Fujifilm Philippines launched the small, more affordable, but equally powerful and versatile X-M1, carrying the same 16.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and EXR image processor, plus compatibility with the X Mount lens ecosystem shared by the two aforementioned cameras.
While the X-M1 costs significantly less than the X-Pro 1—it’s roughly PHP 30,526 (USD 699.99) compared to the PHP 69,950 price tag of the latter—the core components of the two cameras are almost identical. As mentioned, it hosts the same type and size of sensor and an enhanced version of the imaging engine (EXR Processor II), plus it also has the same ISO range (100-25,600). It can also shoot 1080p videos at 30 frames per second (fps). However, the most notable difference is that the X-M1 features no viewfinder, and this is probably why there’s such a big difference in cost. X-M1 users will have to compose photos using its 3-inch, 920,000 dot rear tilting LCD.
The X-M1 is the first camera in Fujifilm’s X Series to feature wireless technology (previously, only FinePix models were equipped with this feature). It is Wi-Fi-capable, which means you can wirelessly transfer your photos to your mobile device if you have the appropriate app installed.
The app, named FUJIFILM Camera Application (free for both iOS and Android), lets the X-M1 transfer up to 30 photos in one batch. Video transfer is also supported within the app. The device’s wireless functions are launched by pressing the dedicated Wi-Fi button found on the back of the device.
On top of all the wireless features, the X-M1 also features support for Eye-Fi SD memory cards.
The device also comes with an integrated pop-up flash and a hot shoe.
PASM and scene modes are onboard. Creative capture modes include Toy Camera, Partial Color, High Key, Multiple Exposure, and Fujifilm’s signature Film Simulation filters, which mimic three of the company’s brands of film: Provia, Astia, and Velvia. Monochrome and sepia filters with tonal variations are also on deck.
Burst shooting is enabled up to 30 frames at a speed of 5.6 fps.
Fujifilm Philippines says that the X-M1 will be available this August in a body-only kit, as well as one that comes with a 16-50mm XC lens.
There are three color variations for the X-M1: pure black, black with silver, and brown with silver.
