Fujifilm has unveiled its FinePix X100 digital compact camera featuring APS-C CMOS sensor, Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and newly-developed Hybrid Viewfinder. The model is aimed at professional photographers and photo buffs looking for a compact (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. It has reportedly been manufactured to match the APS-C custom sensor and has an EXR Processor that encapsulates the latest in the company’s image processing technology.

The company sounds gung ho about its hybrid viewfinder that can reportedly show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. It comes with the ability to switch between optical finder (for sharp, clear view) and electronic viewfinder (with electronic displays containing shooting data). Displayed shooting data is updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings. The company explained in the electronic viewfinder mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the ‘through the sensor’ image review. Available with one-touch switching ease, this capability enables the user to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field effects, white balance, and macro shots.

The model features a CMOS sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model. It facilitates sharper and clearer images. Besides a 12.3MP sensor, the camera comes with a 2.8-inch LCD on the rear for controlling the menus, manual/semi-manual modes, ISO 200-6400, 720p movie support and an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Exploiting the merits of fixed focal length lens, the camera’s newly-developed lens seeks to deliver sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. The lens uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A large F2 aperture and high-quality optics let users take photos with a soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect. The graphical interface (style and rendering of the LCD information) has been upgraded in the newly developed LSI to improve the clarity of the information presented.

In terms of looks, the camera’s upper control deck/bottom surface has been cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting). The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather accents. The is due for commercial release early next year.