Record: 17 Fujifilm Products Win the “Red Dot Design Award” 2017
Fujifilm sets its highest record with 17 products won the globally-prestigious Red Dot Design Award
In recognition of the designs and performance of diverse products including FUJIFILM GFX 50S, Medium-format mirrorless digital camera and FUJIFILM X-T2 the mirrorless digital camera.
PRESS RELEASE
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is proud to announce that its 17 major products, including the compact and lightweight medium-format mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX 50S,” carrying a large image sensor, have won the Red Dot Design Award 2017, a product design award program organized by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen based in Essen, Germany.
Fujifilm has won the Red Dot Design Award for five consecutive years since 2013 with its products, including the X Series of digital cameras, praised by professional photographers and photography enthusiasts for their outstanding image quality, excellent operability and premium design. This year, 17 products, the highest record for Fujifilm, have won the honor in recognition of their innovative product concepts that address leading-edge user needs, excellent performance, advanced technologies that enable the performance, and premium product designs.
<Award winning products for the Red Dot Design Award 2017 (15 products excluding 2 that has yet to be officially released)>
- Information about the unreleased product will be made available at the time of its launch. [admin note: you can see the 2 remaining winners (endoscopes) at the Fujifilm Award page here or at the very bottom of this post]
The Red Dot Design Award is an international product design award launched in 1955. It examines products released within the past two years, and they are judged in nine criteria including degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, ecological compatiblity and durability. It is among the world’s most prestigious design award, along with the “iF design award” in Germany and the “International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)” in the United States of America.
Encouraged by the selection of numerous Fujifilm products for the Red Dot Design Award out of a large number of entries from across the world, the company will continue to strive for developing excellent products.
<Award winning products>
■ Medium-format mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX 50S”
The GFX 50S is a mirrorless digital camera, carrying a large medium-format sensor (43.8mm x 32.9mm), which is approx. 1.7 times the area of a full-frame 35mm sensor. When mounted with dedicated interchangeable lenses, the camera delivers an impressive image quality, despite its size comparable to conventional DSLRs carrying a 35mm full-frame sensor. Other features include an electronic viewfinder that can be fitted with an adapter for tilt adjustment, a rear-panel LCD monitor that can be tilted in three directions, and a grip design that facilitates a firm hold, accommodating users’ versatile shooting styles. The camera can be used with three interchangeable lenses specifically designed for the camera, as well as other lenses with the use of an adapter. There is a wide variety of other accessories also available, including a vertical battery grip. The system provides a high level of image quality, operability and expandability to cater to any needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts.
■ Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T2”
The X-T2 is a mirrorless digital camera that inherits the popular “central viewfinder style” as well as compact / lightweight body from its predecessor. It carries the new APS-C “X-Trans™ CMOS III”* sensor (24.3MP, no low-pass filter) and the high-speed image processing engine “X Processor Pro.” Enhanced AF accuracy and improved operation speed in shooting interval, etc., have led to the highest image quality and moving-subject shooting capability in the history of the X Series. The camera also supports high definition 4K video recording and shoots 11 frames per second in the Boost mode (when fitted with the vertical grip). It features the X Series’ first three-direction tilting LCD display for streamlined appearance and slim-line form factor, the Focus Lever which can make quick changes to the focus area for accurate focusing, and a grip that assures a comfortable hold even when a large lens is mounted. These features dramatically improve operability, giving users the ultimate photographic pleasure.
- * X-Trans is Fujifilm’s trademark / registered trademark. The X-Trans™ CMOS III sensor uses a highly random color filter array to effectively reduce moiré and false colors without the use of an optical low-pass filter.
■ Premium compact digital camera “FUJIFILM X100F”
The X100F is the fourth generation of the popular “X100 Series” of premium compact digital cameras, inheriting the Series’ sophisticated design and body size while substantially improving performance. It carries the new APS-C “X-Trans™ CMOS III” sensor (24.3MP, no low-pass filter) and the high-speed image processing engine “X Processor Pro” to improve image quality. Another feature is the evolved version of Fujifilm’s original “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder,” which can be switched between optical and electronic viewfinders freely. Reflecting user demand, this model has undergone a complete overhaul of operation systems, including the Focus Lever, “Built-in ISO Dial” embedded in the Shutter Speed Dial, and re-positioned rear-panel buttons.
■ Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T20”
The X-T20 is a mirrorless digital camera that packs the new APS-C “X-Trans™ CMOS III” sensor (24.3MP, no low-pass filter) and the high-speed image processing engine “X Processor Pro” into a compact and lightweight body that delivers advanced mobility and outstanding operability. In addition to the fast and accurate AF performance, the camera features an electronic viewfinder with the shutter time lag of just 0.005sec, and the Drive Shutter Speed Dial for adjusting basic shooting settings. It offers functional beauty and fundamental photographic pleasure of “operating physical dials and looking through the viewfinder to shoot.” The performance of the image sensor and the image processing engine has also been enhanced to improve image quality significantly. While inheriting the previous model’s popular exterior design, intuitive dial operability and the Auto Mode Selector Lever for easily switching to fully automatic shooting, the X-T20 also carries a touchscreen LCD display for extra enhancement to its operability. It is a “compact yet full-feature” mirrorless digital camera that can cater to a wide range of users from beginners to professional photographers.
■ Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-A3”
The X-A3 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera optimized for “self portraits,” featuring an LCD display that can rotate 180 degrees, as well as three Portrait Enhancer modes to beautifully depict various types of human skin. The camera is equipped with an aluminum top cover and milled-metal dials for a sophisticated appearance that appeals people’s desire to own a high-quality product. Many dials and operation buttons are positioned on the right-hand side of the body so that users can make quick settings adjustments with one hand. The touchscreen panel offers intuitive operations such as Touch AF, Touch Zoom and Touch Shoot. Targeting entry-level users, this model ensures to produce high-quality images in any shooting conditions.
■ Mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-A10” *Overseas-only model
The X-A10 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera with an APS-C sensor, designed in pursuit of outstanding operability. Its rear LCD, which can be rotated 180 degrees, makes it easy to take self portraits. The thin camera body with a built-in flash has all dials and operation buttons on the grip side to enable a quick one-hand operation for added operability. The camera can shoot approx. 410 frames on single battery charge. It is a perfect camera for entry-level users, delivering high quality images at ease in any shooting conditions.
■ Interchangeable lens for the X Series of digital cameras, “FUJINON lens XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR”
The XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is an interchangeable ultra-telephoto zoom lens for the X Series of digital cameras, covering the focal lengths equivalent to 152mm-609mm in the 35mm film format. The compact and lightweight body features the best-in-class** five-stop*** image stabilization system. The use of rubber focus / zoom rings and easy-to-operate switches makes it possible to take pictures hand-held even in the ultra telephoto range. Advanced image quality, synonymous to the X Series, can be enjoyed when shooting a fast-moving subject, such as an airplane and motor sports. The application of fluorine coating on the front lens element and weather-sealing on the lens body means the lens is resistant to dust, moisture and low temperatures down to 10 degrees Celsius below zero. It can be taken outdoors in various weather conditions.
- ** Among zoom lenses whose focal length range extends to 400mm in 35mm-format equivalent at the telephoto end
- *** Compliant with the CIPA Guidelines, as measured at the telephoto end
■ Interchangeable lens for the X Series of digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF35mm F2 R WR”
The XF35mm F2 R WR is a standard focal-length prime lens in FUJINON’s compact, lightweight and stylish series of lenses. The fast f2.0 lens with the focal length equivalent to 53mm in the 35mm film format, delivers fast autofocus performance for ease of use despite its compact and lightweight form factor, weighing just 170g. Metal parts are used on the outside for added durability and quality feel. The weather- and dust-resistant structure that withstands temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius means the lens can be used in a variety of shooting scenes including outdoors. The aperture ring with just the right amount of feel and other features enable a fast and intuitive operation. The lens’s standard angle of view, which provides a natural perspective, similar to that of the human eye, as well as its compact and lightweight form factor, make it an ideal lens for snapshots and portraiture. It is available in black and silver for extra enjoyment with mirrorless digital camera photography.
■ Interchangeable lens for the X Series of digital cameras “FUJINON Lens XF23mm F2 R WR”
The XF23mm F2 R WR is a versatile wide-angle prime lens in FUJINON’s compact, lightweight and stylish series of lenses. The fast f2.0 lens with the focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm film format, delivers fast autofocus performance for ease of use despite its compact and lightweight form factor, weighing just 180g. Metal parts are used on the outside for added durability and quality feel. The weather- and dust-resistant structure that withstands temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius means the lens can be used in a variety of shooting scenes including outdoors. The aperture ring with just the right amount of feel and other features enable a fast and intuitive operation. The lens’s wide angle of view as well as its compact and lightweight form factor, make it suitable for a wide range of genres, including landscape and snapshots. It is available in black and silver for extra enjoyment with mirrorless digital camera photography.
■ High-end multi-functional hot-shoe mounted flash “EF-X500”
The EF-X500 is a multi-function hot-shoe mounted flash for professional photographers and enthusiasts, designed for the X Series of digital cameras. It supports the FP (high-speed synch) mode, used when firing a flash at a fast shutter speed, and the wireless multi-flash TTL auto function, required when multiple flashes are fired in synch, while also featuring dust and weather resistance to broaden the scope of shooting conditions. Its compact and lightweight design, matching X Series’ camera body, is combined with low center of gravity to ensure mobility and integration into the camera system. Various function settings can be linked to the X Series to cater to an even greater variety of shooting conditions.
■ Cinema camera zoom lens “FUJINON XK6x20”
The XK6x20 is a zoom lens that covers the focal length range from 20mm to 120mm, but still offers advanced optical performance suitable for use with digital cinema cameras. It maintains T3.5*4 brightness across the entire zoom range from wide angle to telephoto, enabling video recording of 4K and beyond with beautiful bokeh, achieved with cinema cameras’ high image quality and shallow depth of field. Since the lens offers wide focal length coverage, users can enjoy capturing video without having to replace or adjust lenses. It facilitates efficient and high-quality video recording for TV commercials, documentaries and TV dramas.
- *4 T (T number) is an index that indicates brightness of lens taking F value and transmittance into account. Smaller the number, brighter the lens.
■ Wide-angle broadcast zoom lens “FUJINON UA13x4.5”
The UA13x4.5 is a portable wide-angle broadcast zoom lens that boasts resolution exceeding 4K, high contrast and high dynamic range. It supports shooting at the ultra-wide-angle focal length of 4.5mm and the minimum working distance of 0.3m. The use of ultra-high-precision large-diameter aspherical lens minimizes distortion and compromised peripheral resolution, typically found in ultra wide angle shooting, while enabling high-resolution recording across its zoom range. When capturing landscape or sports for example, the lens addresses the needs to shoot dynamic and highest-quality video in ultra wide angle or close-up. The telephoto end covers up to 59mm in focal length, making it a perfect lens for a variety of situations, such as indoor / outdoor video production and news coverage.
■ 4K camera-compatible broadcast zoom lens “FUJINON UA80x9 1.2x EXT”
The UA80x9 1.2x EXT is a high magnification zoom lens that combines FUJINON UA 80×9, which incorporates the latest optical simulation technology to deliver 80x zoom and advanced optical performance with outstanding resolution, contrast and color-reproduction capability at the same time, with a built-in 1.2x extender. The extender extends the focal length range, covering from 10.8mm in wide angle to 864mm in telephoto. The lens’s unique “optical stabilization mechanism” corrects image blur caused by camera platform shake so as to produce stable footage even while giving live coverage of sports and concerts. Its resolution, exceeding 4K, enables dynamic video production.
■ Machine vision lenses in the “FUJINON HF-12M Series”
The FUJINON HF-12M is the top-of-the-range series of machine vision lenses for use in product inspections and measurements at production lines. The Series offers high-performance prime lenses that are compatible with 2/3-inch sensors with 2.7μm pixel pitch*5 (equivalent to 8MP) and boast the world’s smallest*6 and most lightweight*7 form factor. The series’ “4D High Resolution*8 ” feature, which mitigates resolution degradation associated with the change of working distance or aperture value, provides edge-to-edge sharpness across the frame under a diverse range of settings and shooting conditions. There are five models of different focal lengths available, so that users can choose the optimum lens for their applications.
- *5 Pixel pitch is an indicator of sensor’s image definition capability. The unit “μm” represents the distance between adjacent pixels. The smaller the number is (i.e. higher pixel density), the higher the image definition becomes.
- *6 The smallest external diameter in the world among C Mount lenses for 8MP+ machine vision cameras with a 2/3-inch sensor; Based on publicly available information as of April 4, 2017, according to Fujifilm data
- *7 The lightest weight in the world among C Mount lenses of the same focal lengths for 8MP+ machine vision cameras with a 2/3-inch sensor; Based on publicly available information as of April 4, 2017, according to Fujifilm data
- *8 FUJINON lenses’ own term for a high resolution feature that retains edge-to-edge sharpness across the frame (2D), and mitigate the degradation of image resolution associated with the change of working distance and aperture (diaphragm) value
■ Endoscopic ultrasound probe system “FUJIFILM SP900/CP900/RS900”
The SP900 / CP900 / RS900 make up an ultrasonic probe system for fiberscopes. The system inserts an ultrasound-emitting probe from fiberscope’s forceps channel*9 to enable ultrasound examination using endoscope. The system consists of the ultrasonic probe (SP-900), control pad (CP-900) and scanner (RS-900), and is used in combination with a light source and a processor. The SP-900’s display panel, CP-900’s operation section and RS-900’s probe connector are all designed in black to aid easy visual recognition during preparation and probing stages. For setting-up efficiency, the SP-900 has a slim-line design, and the CP-900 offers a compact form factor. The RS-900 is an arm-hanging type so that it is easy to adjust the probe’s cable height. The SP-900 is beautifully designed with rounded edges, while the CP-900 uses flat surfaces with minimum protrusions. These design features are for ease of cleaning, and also intended to minimize patients’ concern or fear that could arise from the devices’ appearance.
- *9 Opening for inserting a tool, etc.