X-M1: high demand and limited supply + leave the point and shoot world behind
The X-M1 is scheduled to be released on July 29. But now AmazonUS says: “Due to high demand we anticipate being unable to fulfill all customer orders with our first allocation. Product supply from Fujifilm is very limited“.
I really hope that people who purchased the X-M1 won’t have to wait for their camera as long as those who bought the X100S (and are still waiting!).
The X-M1 is tailored to those point and shoot customers who want to “upgrade“. Fuji now delivers them a user-friendly camera where they can experience a touch of professionalism: a great image quality in one of the smallest cameras with APS-C sensor, easy to use, tilt screen, face detection, fast processing times (EXRII), focus peaking, WiFi, mode dial and still the opportunity to adjust shutter speed and exp. comp. (and aperture) through the dials (depending on how you set the mode dial).
Sure, no viewfinder (and no option to add it as accessory!!!) can be a deal breaker for enthusiasts and pros. But the X-M1 is more something for those who want to step-up from a point and shoot camera, leave the “automatic snapshot world” behind and turn photography into a real hobby (but it could also be a fine camera for those who look for a small, compact backup camera that deliveres the same image quality and colours of the X-PRO1.)
And if the X-M1 sales well Fuji will have more resources to speed up the development of their high end models. So, Fuji, after “conquering” the mass market with the X-M1 (and the upcoming X-A1), please go back to the roots and focus again on the high end models.
And to what concerns the “X-soul” debate, at the FR-facebook page Matthew said: “It’s a camera, a tool you can use or not. Pretty sure the “soul” is in the photographer.”
Now, it’s up to you to see if the X-M1 fits in (or not) with your needs.
X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm) – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA
XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore