What If?

[shashinka-ichiban]

As the title stipulates, what if the Fuji X100 kicks off a massive new segment, whether it be a retro-rangefinder, or vintage style manual digital camera, whatever?

What would we call this new segment? Point and shoots conjures up basic cameras that are mostly fully automatic, with dozens of easy-to-use automation face detection, art filters, scene modes designed for the bottom end consumer who just wants to whip it out, bang off a few pix and stick it back in their pocket all in the $2-0-200 price range.

But does this make the X100? This camera is designed for manual simplicity, without any fancy filters, scene modes, and whatnot. Hell, the camera has an integrated ND filter, show me a CoolPix user that would have a clue what that is.

I'm sure if the lenses were swappable, they'd either be rangefinders or EVIL cameras, but what if this new breed of camera is fixed focal length cameras. But in theory let's say the X100 is a run away success, Fuji makes more of these cameras with different focal length, and other manufactures join in. Then what do we call these new cameras?

 

[jsrockit]

Compact Digital Camera

 

[Arjay]

I think it will depend on the success of this camera whether competitors will step in and present cameras that are close or comparable to the X100.

There will only be a specific term for this type of camera if it actually represents a market that offers sizeable potential for profit. So, let's watch sales volume and turnover - these parameters (together with the less tangible and harder to document profitability figures) will determine if there is a viable market and thus a need for a new camera class label.

 

[Snapper_uk]

It's another Point and Shoot!

You point, you shoot, camera does the rest. 'Nuff said.

 

[jsrockit]

It's another Point and Shoot!

You point, you shoot, camera does the rest. 'Nuff said.

Hmmm... yeah, maybe for you, but I plan to use the shutter speed dial, aperture ring, and focus ring to my advantage. 🙄

 

[urje]

I'd say "large sensor compact" would fit the bill, just like DPx-es and X1s are called nowadays.

 

[antiquark]

Large sensor head-up-display fixed lens retro styling: LSHUDFLRS!

 

[Sparrow]

Large sensor head-up-display fixed lens retro styling: LSHUDFLRS!

I think Leica already use that one

 

[FPjohn]

Digital Hexar AF Equivalent

yours
FPJ

 

[Frankie]

I had always addressed the X100 by its key feature O/EVF that Fuji richly deserves...and perhaps one day O/EVIL. We can add prefix or suffix to make it work as a name...d-O/EVF or d-O/EVIL. 😀

The X100 is in a class of its own...for now.

 

[skibeerr]

yaaaaaaawn

 

[ibcrewin]

How about the awesome camera segment. Nuff said.

 

[GSNfan]

Fixed lens, retro style digital compact.

 

[shashinka-ichiban]

It would be interesting to see what the new segment would spawn