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Beginning in 1934 as Japan's pioneering photographic film maker, Fujifilm has leveraged its imaging and information technology to become a global presence known for innovation in healthcare, graphic arts, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech areas

FUJIFILM announces the X-T4, its top performing mirrorless camera yet

FUJIFILM South Africa has announced the launch of the FUJIFILM X-T4, the flagship model of the X Series range of mirrorless digital cameras and the long-awaited follow-up to 2018’s impressive X-T3.

The X-T4 is the pinnacle of the X Series, delivering exceptional performance for both stills and video. As the leader of the pack, the X-T4 sports both a new 26.1MP sensor and processor: the back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and a high-speed X-Processor 4 image processing engine.

Importantly, the X-T4 offers a number of key improvements, including in-body stabilization (IBIS), a newly designed shutter, improved autofocus (AF) as well as a stronger battery.

IBIS takes care of the shakes

IBIS is a first for the X-T series and could previously only be found on the Fujifilm X-H1. This provides 5-axis 6.5 stop image stabilization when used with 18 out of 29 XF / XC lenses; a refined layout of the shutter’s shock-absorbing structure; and newly developed gyro sensors that boast approximately 8x the detection accuracy of the IBIS unit in the X-H1.

The X-T4’s IBIS unit employs magnetic force rather than springs, which boosts functionality while making it approx. 30% smaller and 20% lighter than X-H1’s image stabilization unit.

To help improve the shooting experiences, there’s also an ultra-fast focal plane shutter unit, newly developed for the X-T4 to be durable and quiet. With its high-torque coreless DC motor, the shutter has the capability to shoot up to the world’s fastest*1 15fps in burst mode, and has advanced response performance with a shutter release lag of just 0.035 seconds.

The shutter unit also boasts double the durability with 300,000 actuations*2 and is 30% quieter compared to the one found on the X-T3.

Impressive Autofocus improvements and battery life

A fast shutter will not help if autofocus fails, and the X-T4 features a new algorithm and phase detection processing capability which results in AF performance as fast as 0.02 seconds. Tracking AF performance has also undergone serious enhancement, with the tracking success rate now double compared to the X-T3. To help with portraiture and ease of use, the Face / Eye AF performance has also been dramatically improved.

Powering the X-T4 is the new NP-W235 battery with capacity approximately 1.5 times that of the older NP-W126S battery. It lasts for approx. 500 frames per charge in the Normal mode, approx. 600 frames per charge in the Economy mode and up to approx. 1,700 frames when two additional batteries are used with the optional VG-XT4 battery grip*3.

Features videographers will love

The X-T3 is a top performer when it comes to video, with the X-T4 continuing this legacy, capable of recording Full HD high-speed video at 240P and 4K at 60P. Video output to external storage media via the HDMI port is at 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit, which records more colour information. For even greater stability and smoothness, the IBIS can be combined with the digital image stabilization function (DIS) for use in the video mode, for situations such as shooting video while walking.

Video in the same format can be recorded on to two SD cards at the same time as backup, while the stills and video modes now have separate menus and the video-only Quick Menu (Q Menu) has enhanced the camera’s simplicity while recording video.

There’s also a new ‘Movie optimized control’ function, with which users can switch the STILL / MOVIE mode dial on the top panel to swiftly shift into video recording with stored video settings, and exposure can be adjusted with the command dial as well as the touchscreen panel.

As always, FUJIFILM cameras offer unique colour reproduction technology, with a new Film Simulation mode for use in stills and video found on the X-T4. ETERNA Bleach Bypass simulates ‘bleach bypass’, a traditional processing technique for silver halide films, creating images with low saturation and high contrast for a special atmosphere. Moreover, on the X-T4 highlight and shadow tones from -2 to +4 can now be adjusted by 1/2 stops, instead of 1 stop, allowing for finer tonality.

Accessorise with the optional battery grip

The VG-XT4 vertical battery grip is dust- and moisture-resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. This optional accessory fits two batteries and when combined with a third battery in the camera body, delivers up to approx. 1,450 frames in the Normal mode and 1,700 frames in the Economy mode. When one battery runs out, the camera switches seamlessly to the next battery while continuing to shoot, even in the burst mode or during video recording.

Pricing and availability

An amazing imaging tool for both photographers and videographers, the FUJIFILM X-T4 is packed with improved performance all around, including IBIS, a new shutter unit and a large-capacity battery, all housed into a compact and lightweight body. It’s the embodiment of the core philosophy of Fujifilm’s X Series range of cameras.

The FUJIFILM X-T4 will retail in the region of R26 000 for the body, and R31 000 for the kit that includes the Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens. At this stage, an official release date for South Africa is not available yet, although the X-T4 is expected to land in April.

For an overview of the FUJIFILM X-T4, please click here. For full specifications, please click here.

*1 As of February 26, 2020. When using mechanical shutter.

Among mirrorless digital cameras equipped with APS-C sensor or greater, according to FUJIFILM data.

*2 According to Fujifilm internal testing.

*3 All the numbers of frames per charge are based on the JPEG format and using only the LCD monitor.

FUJIFILM at NAB Show 2019

At NAB Show 2019, taking place from 6 to 11 April in Las Vegas, FUJIFILM Corporation highlights its cutting-edge optical technologies used in its wide range of zoom lenses, including for 4K and 8K broadcast, the use of which has been rising at a very rapid pace. The company also gives emphasis to its revamped lineup of cinema lenses that have received accolades among industry professionals, including an Emmy Award.

Broadcast Lenses

FUJIFILM will showcase the 8K lens series and the UA Series of broadcast lenses, which support 4K cameras equipped with a 2/3-inch sensor. On show will include the FUJINON UA46×9.5 portable 4K zoom lens for broadcast application equipped with a 46× zoom, the world’s highest*1 magnification broadcast portable lens for 4K video production, and the FUJINON UA107×8.4 zoom lens, which features an incredible 107× zoom, and is optimal for shooting various scenes, such as sports and concerts. Visitors to the FUJIFILM booth at NAB Show 2019 can watch dynamic 4K videos made with the latest FUJINON lenses.

4K-Compatible Box-type Broadcast Zoom Lens Product Development

FUJIFILM also premieres the FUJINON UA125×8 4Kcompatible box-type broadcast zoom lens that is under development with the world’s highest zoom ratio of 125×*2. The FUJINON UA125×8 covers a wide range of focal lengths from 8mm in wide angle to 1,000mm in telephoto (2,000mm with the built-in Extender). It is a multi-purpose high-power zoom lens that can be used in diverse situations, including live broadcasts of sporting events and concerts.

4K lenses with excellent optical performance, operability

In the UA Series 2/3-inch 4K portable lenses for broadcast application that are presently under development, FUJIFILM showcases two new models: the FUJINON UA18×7.6 and the FUJINON UA23×7.6. They are light and compact and have high mobility required for shoulder-type lenses and excellent optical performance needed for 4K.

FUJIFILM pushes forward with the development of these models to expand the FUJINON 4K lens lineup to total of 14 models.

Cinema Lenses

FUJIFILM also features at its NAB Show 2019 booth the Premista 28- 100mmT2.9, the standard zoom lens of the new Premista Series that the company announced on 3 April 2019. The Premista 28-100mmT2.9 is a zoom lens for high-performance cinema cameras and supports a large-format sensor. It covers focal lengths of 28 to 100mm. By combining a large-aperture aspherical lens and the newly developed focus/zoom system, the Premista 28-100mmT2.9 has achieved high optical performance from the center to the edges of the screen, thereby fully unleashing the capacity of the sensor. In addition, a mockup of the Premista 80- 250mmT2.9-3.5, which covers focal lengths of 80 to 250mm, is also on display. A rich lineup of cinema lenses also include the HK Series flagship model, which supports super 35mm sensors; the ZK Series and XK Series, which have earned high acclaim for their high optical performance and operation with a detachable drive unit; and the MK Series, which has achieved high optical performance, in a compact and lightweight body that is less than 1kg, with excellent cost performance.

Mirrorless Digital Cameras, Interchangeable Lenses

FUJIFILM also highlights at this year’s event the FUJIFILM X-T3 digital camera, the first in the X Series to support 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output and 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit recording on SD card in the camera, as well as the GFX Series medium-format mirrorless digital camera equipped with a large sensor. FUJIFILM X-T3 features important modes, such as ETERNA mode, which reproduces colours and grayscales of FUJIFILM cinematographic films; FLog, which allows video expressions with high degree of freedom; and Film Simulation modes, which realise diverse hues. In addition, FUJIFILM also displays the FUJIFILM GFX100Megapixels, which is equipped with an image sensor with 102 million pixels and an image stabilising mechanism in the body. The company announced the development of the FUJIFILM GFX100Megapixels in September 2018.

Ultra-Short Throw Projector Featuring Two-Axial Rotatable LensZ5000

Equipped with the world’s first*3 folded two-axial rotatable lens, the Z5000 (FP-5000) FUJIFILM PROJECTOR is capable of projecting images in various directions simply through the rotation of the lens without having to move the main unit. The FP-Z5000 hits the market in April 2019. In addition, the FP-Z5000 is an innovative projector which is able to be set up in places where a conventional projector could not be placed due to space constraints, and throw powerful images in directions that conventional projectors cannot handle.

1. World’s highest magnification zoom for 4K broadcast portable zoom lens. Based on public information as of 27 March 2019, according to FUJIFILM research.

2. World’s highest magnification zoom for box-type 4K broadcast zoom lens. Based on public information as of 27 March 2019, according to FUJIFILM research.

3. According to FUJIFILM as of 13 February 2019.

Fujinon Cabrio 20-120mm now available without servo

The Optical Devices Division of Fujifilm will introduce a new version of its popular Fujinon XK6x20 zoom (better known as the Cabrio 20-120mm) without the servo drive motor. The Cabrio 20-120mm without drive can be operated as a fully manual, par focal, cinema zoom lens.

As of 1 October 2018, the Cabrio 20-120mm will be available with or without an attached servo unit. The servo drive on other Cabrio Series lenses is interchangeable on the 20-120mm, if the 20-120 is purchased without a drive unit.

“Based on the success of our Cabrio series, many of our customers already have Cabrio drive units on other lenses,” said Thomas Fletcher, director of Marketing, Fujifilm Optical Devices Division. “The 20-120mm Cabrio has an optimal focal range for a variety of shooting styles and is the entry point lens in the series. If purchased without the drive unit, customers still get the incredible optical and mechanical quality of a Cabrio – at an exceptional price.”

Designed to be convertible between the video production and cinema markets, the Cabrio 20-120 features a flat T3.5 from end-to-end,with no ramping. It covers a S35-sized sensor (Super 35 format). Without the servo drive, it can easily accept industry-standard cine motors and matte boxes.

Just as third party manufacturers developed accessories for the Fujinon MK lenses, camera and lens support providers are offering solutions to benefit users of the Cabrio 20-120mm without a servo. Among them, Chrosziel and Heden have designed lighter weight servo zoom motor solutions for the 20-120mm.

“In reality TV, camera operators often need to hold the camera for 8 to10 hours a day. Saving a 20 per cent of the weight of the lens is a big deal to an operator,” explained Fletcher. “These lightweight third-party drives integrate seamlessly with Sony’s FS series zoom controllable hand grip.”

On the mount side, Duclos Lenses and IBE (Germany) offer EF mount and multi-mount kits for the 20-120mm.

The Cabrio 20-120mm is fit with a nine-blade iris to capture the most natural looking imagery and most beautiful bokeh possible. The zoom’s barrel markings are luminous for visibility in dark shooting situations, and distances are listed in feet or meters.

The Fujinon Cabrio 20-120mm zoom without an attached servo unit is now available for $12,000.

Fujifilm installs 22 Fujinon lenses in new BBC Studioworks facility

In September 2017, BBC Studioworks, a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, reopened its studio and post-production facility at the world famous Television Centre, incorporating some of the most state-of-the-art technologies in the UK studio industry. The three studios as well as the facility’s edit suites have already played host to programming for a range of broadcasters and production companies.

As well as installing a new fleet of 4K television cameras, screens and switchers, 22 Fujinon 4K HDR TV lenses were also installed, enabling productions to be shot in both 4K and HDR.

Elom Bell, procurement manager at BBC Studioworks said of the company’s decision to invest in new 4K lenses, “Television Centre needs to offer our clients the very latest technology, with full capability of hosting 4K and HDR productions. In the case of the lenses we provide, we need to ensure they last for many years to come. Fujinon delivered on time and spent a whole day on site, helping to test and configure all of the lenses”.

Marc Horner, marketing manager for Fujinon TV Lenses at Fujifilm UK, adds “Fujinon UA box and ENG lenses are simply the best on the market in terms of resolution and HDR capability. Light entering the lens is the first step in any production and anything that is lost at this stage cannot be recovered. This is why we have ensured our lenses contain the best technology to ensure every last detail is captured, and the blacks stay as black as possible.”

Since opening in September, Strictly Come Dancing’s popular spin off show, It Takes Two, and star-studded chat show, The Jonathan Ross Show, were some of the first productions to record at BBC Studioworks’  Television Centre facility.

Full kit list:

2x Fujinon UA80x9 1.2x EXT

5x Fujinon UA14x4.5BE

15x Fujinon UA27x6.5BE

 

RED Digital Cinema 8K camera paired with FUJINON zooms

Considered one of the premiere surfing competitions, Volcom Pipe Pro is the inaugural event for the World Surfing League (WSL), bringing together the world’s top pipeline surfers.

Live footage from the event was captured on RED Digital Cinema’s WEAPON with MONSTRO 8K VV sensor equipped with FUJINON Premier PL 25-300mm and 19-90mm Cabrio zoom lenses for Red Bull TV, in addition to Hawaii and Australia cable channels. The event also served as a real-world demo day with shooters from Red Bull, the WSL, and Uncle Toads Media Group trying out the new camera sensor and lens combination.

Local and visiting video professionals also received hands-on time with the RED camera and FUJINON zooms during an open house at Hawaii Camera on 11 February. This year the Hawaii Camera demo day attracted upward of 75+ attendees.

This marks the third year that RED and the Optical Devices Division of FUJIFILM have collaborated during the Volcom Pipe Pro.

To view clips shot with FUJINON zooms on a RED WEAPON 8K camera during this year’s VOLCOM Pipe Pro, click on links below:

https://vimeo.com/258295773

https://vimeo.com/258300521

FUJIFILM announces new addition to the team

David Webb recently joined Fujifilm’s Optical Devices Division as designated UK and European Sales and Business Development Manager – Cinematography.

David has a wealth of experience within the motion picture industry, including 17 years of experience at Kodak Limited where he was Business Unit General Manager for Entertainment Imaging: covering the UK, Middle East and Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. Previously he has held a number of worldwide and regional sales and marketing roles in Europe and Los Angeles, USA.

David Honey, General Manager Optical Devices said “Fujifilm are delighted to have someone of David’s extensive industry experience to strengthen our Optical Division and help us achieve our strategic objectives in developing our profile with cinematographers.”

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