Fujifilm retro-styled X-E1 mirrorless camera leaked online
updated 11:08 am EDT, Fri August 24, 2012
Pop-up flash, digital viewfinder possibly included
Photos of an unannounced Fujifilm mirrorless camera have surfaced online. Japanese site Digicam Info published leaked images of the X-E1, a camera that looks similar to the Fujifilm X-Pro1 high-end model, complete with classic retro-inspired styling and a pop-up flash on the top. The model replaces the "hybrid" optical and electronic versions on the X-Pro1 and X100, respectively.
Although missing an optical viewfinder, it does still have what appears to be a digital version on the top left corner at the rear. A lens attached to the camera in one image is a f/2.8-4 18-55mm, also supplied in a separate standalone image.
Although the lens has previously been announced, it has not yet been put on sale, and no details for other lenses being used with it have been made available either. It is notable that all previous pro lenses from Fujifilm were primes, making this one an unusual entry.
This lens gives the best hint of the camera's availability as well, as a previous roadmap leak had the lens due in the fall. The X-E1 should arrive around the same time, and the lens will be interchangeable with the X-Pro1 as well.
It s possible that the X-E1 would fall between the X-Pro1 and the X1000 in the mirrorless range of Fujifilm cameras. Pricing is so far unavailable, though it would likely be well below the $1,700 of the X-Pro1. An official release date is also speculative without an official announcement from the company, although the images suggest both black and grey top section options will be available.
