Fujifilm X100
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Fuji X100 Review
Incredible Engineering. A viewfinder which works perfectly. ISO capabilities to be sought after.
If I could think of any I'd say. But I can't.
Ever since the X100 was announced I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. However every shop I looked in didn't have it. So I couldn't believe my luck when a friend of mine asked me if I'd like to borrow his for a week whilst he was away on holiday.
So after using the camera for the past week here is my review...
The first thing I noticed about the X100 was just how good it looked. Looking at a picture of the camera on a computer screen doesn't do this camera justice. It's by far the best looking camera I've seen. Things got even better when I picked it up. The quality and weight of the camera are so perfect I don't see how you could get better. It is built like a tank and you can just feel the outstanding workmanship which has gone into it.
The first thing I had to try when I first turned the camera on was the hybrid viewfinder. It is, for me, the most exciting feature of this camera and it didn't disappoint. The optical viewfinder is HUGE and really bright. I had my doubts about the EVF but by god is it awesome. Its so crystal clear and sharp you'd be forgiven into thinking it was optical. The switch between the OVF and EVF is seamless and doesn't leave you waiting around meaning you can go straight from the OVF to the menus without taking your eye away. One thing I did notice with the OVF was that it couldn't focus very close. This is due to parallax which is where the viewfinder and lens see slightly different images which increases when you get closer. To solve this the camera automatically switches to the EVF when you select macro mode. It's little things like this which make the X100 the awesome camera it is.
The screen is also brilliant quality, and like other Fuji cameras, is super clear and lag-free. It is a joy to use whether your looking at the menus or reviewing photos.
The controls are so well made and having all the dials right under your fingers makes taking photos so much quicker, easier and satisfying. The way the dials have been implemented is really clever. You can change the shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO and white balance all within one touch or turn of a dial. The dedicated RAW button is a great inclusion which I think should be added to more Fuji cameras.
The customisation of the camera is just what I've been waiting for in a camera. You can change everything to suit your style. Colour, noise reduction and sharpness all have six options to choose from.
I was also surprised at the manual focusing. Although it is electronic it's much faster than any other electronic manual focus I've used before and because it's so smooth it makes it really easy. It's still a long way from real manual focus but it is very usable.
Now onto the big one... image quality. There isn't much more I can say about the X100 other than whatever you point it at will turn into an beautiful photo. The way the camera renders tones and colours is extraordinary. I heard quite a bit about the ISO capabilities of the X100 before I used it, so I knew it would be good. It surpassed all my expectations.
The fixed focal length lens is a big plus for me. Not only does this make the lens super sharp, even at the maximum aperture of f2, but it also made me think so much more creatively. As I didn't have to worry about which lens to use or even which focal length to use I could just focus on what was in the frame which improves composition.
The built in flash is superbly balanced. I never found it overexposed or washed out the image. It is so good I found myself using flash with most photos because you can't tell you've got the flash on. It just looks natural.
The thing I like most about this camera though is just that everything works and does what it's supposed to do. When taking photos you feel unlimited as to what you can capture. It's difficult to explain but taking photos with it seems so natural. I went out a couple of times with the camera you could see from peoples faces they thought it looked awesome. Then there were those who looked at me as if to say "like he knows how to use that"! :)
I'm struggling to find a negative point with this camera. I don't like to sound to one sided but I honestly cannot find anything wrong with this camera which I would change.
At first I didn't think this camera would suit me, especially with its fixed lens. How I was wrong. I could easily see myself using the X100 all of the time as its so fun to use.
After testing most of Fuji's range the X100 is exactly the camera they needed in their rang. Something which is so refined and engineered to the highest possible quality. It takes all the best parts from Fuji's other cameras, makes them better and adds a whole bunch of new features. This is what make it the best camera I've ever used. It was a sad day when I had to give it back but without question I will be purchasing one. I will have the X100 again one day... and I cannot wait!
As I said on another post "you really won't know how good it is until you use for yourself"
**I may add some more to this review when I have time. There are just so many things to talk about**
Photos;
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I hope you found this review interesting and helpful.
Jack.
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Great review with some excellent pictures as always, Jack. Time to start saving the pennies!
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Thanks Fred. Yep, I've started penny saving already.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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As very extensive review Jack. One thing that hit me straight away was your remark about the large optical viewfinder, a point that I myself raised about the HS10, it being so small.
Good luck Jack is saving the pennies. You ought to sell some of your photos!!!! Lol
A very professional review M8.
Steve
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Great review Jack. Great pictures too.
In your review you say: "I was also surprised at the manual focusing. Although it is electronic it's much faster than anything I've used before and because it's so smooth it makes it really easy.".
All review I read so far say that manual focus is too slow and that you have to rotate the focus ring for zillions of times to get from near to far focus. How can it be that you say it is fast? Have they upgraded the firmware?
Thanks for your answer,
Hans
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Yeh jack, great review, nice to see what it can do in your hands also, will think about getting one oneday. Goodluck matey
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Hi Hans,
Thanks very much for your kind comment.
When I say it is faster than anything I've used before I mean faster than any other electronic manual focus system I've used before. It is still a long way from "real" manual focusing but it isn't half as bad as other cameras I've tested and is quite usable. It also seems to react better if rotated slowly.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Thanks alot Jack for this awesome review. The image quality of the X100 is superb. Not needing any comments, I want one.
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Lucky you to have such trusting friends who dont take their camera on holiday. I wish I had one with a Nikon D3.
Its hard to tell from such small pics but they do look good. Im hoping the forthcoming bridge camera with the same sensor will be as impressive. I dont really use manual focusing very often so thats not a big issue for me.
So long and thanks for all the fish
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What a brilliant review our Jack, with all your advertising for Fuji, with the three page spread coming up I think you should get a freebie, after all you're our biggest star on here!!
I must say I am tempted like you to save pennies, but the lack of zoom, I know you said it wasn't a problem to you, but with the new S1 coming out, I'm now torn between the two. Do you think it's because you just don't bother with subjects away off?
Thanks again for this review, just hurry up and get the camera cos I want to see some more of your brilliant work with this in your hands.
Viv
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Thanks everyone, I'm glad you found it helpful.
Viv, Like you I didn't think this camera was going to suit me because of the lack of zoom. Yes, it's not a camera for wildlife but I've got my S200 for that. The X100 is more of a walkaround camera. I found it really helpful not having to worry about focal length as this makes you think of whats in the frame.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Hi Jack.
I'm glad you enjoyed the experience of handling quality kit.
It really is an eye opener isn't it.
I wish you had put up a few more shots though possibly linked to the full sized pictures as I do rate your work quite highly, and it would be nice to see someone's pictures that has a good eye that you would trust to get the best image they could out of a camera for a review.
I think when you try a camera that is possibly heads above that of which you have already tried it is hard to find fault with such a device.
It's also easy to look over some of it's possible problems.
So on reflection, what do you think of it's write or read times ?
Did you try the video mode?
What was the battery life like ?
Was there anything only accessible from the menu that you would have preferred a button for ?
I know the camera is now gone but I have often returned gear and then only when it's gone have I realised what I would like to have seen added or a function or button I would have swapped for something else.
It is OK to have some negative feelings even when faced with a brand loyalty because if the niggle is a genuine one and it gets noticed by the right people I'm sure things get thought about and improved on the next or further along the line product releases.
Please could you just do me one favour.
When or before you get your X100, perhaps go to a shop and look at one during the run up to Christmas.
Ask to look though any full frame camera's viewfinder, any make, with a reasonable lens attached for me.
Then let me know what you think of the view :)
As for you review, I think your photos speak for themselves and I liked your take of the on board flash and EVF systems to which I have genuine surprise so thanks for the information.
The way you describe the experience and the results is the main reason I'd like to see the full sized pictures as I trust your workmanship to produce the best this camera can deliver.
I was looking forward to reading this Jack and you didn't disapoint.
Nicely done.
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Great review - exiting reading stuff full of information and your enthusiasm for photography
Only the test photos are without informativeness.. (you would take great photos with a used 5.-€ camera from a jumble sale..
)
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I knew you had fallen in love with it from the reply you gave me to post.
To those reading this review, go out and find a shop with the X100 in-stock.
And you will see what me and Jack have been talking about. An amazing camera the will tick all the right boxes.
Great review mate. and I can see the shots you have taken, have a whole new dimension to them.This camera changes the way you think and frame shots.
Nice one Jack.
Phil
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Thanks Ray,
I am happy to put the full size photos on here I'm just not sure how to do it. Do you have any ideas?
Yeah I agree with you. Having not used any high end DSLR's I wouldn't know how they perform but I know for definite full frame DSLR with decent lens will be much better than the X100. I will certainly try one out.
I think what I try to do in my reviews is compare it to the other cameras I've tried. Which with this particular camera probably isn't the best thing to do as its definitely better than Fuji's compact and bridge cameras and probably better than my Nikon DSLR.
The Read/Write times are very good. I didn't find my self waiting around even after shooting multiple RAW files in the single shot drive mode. The continuous burst mode fires off around 15 photos at 5fps and then slows to around 3fps.
I only had to charge the battery twice and I was using the camera a lot. I think its because I was using the viewfinder most of the time and there's no zoom to power. I must have taken around 500-600 photos on a charge.
I did try the video mode, and whilst good, I wouldn't buy the camera for its video mode. Its just as good as Fuji's other cameras.
As for the buttons I'd have to be really picky and say the AE button on the left side of the camera could have been a second function button as I didn't find myself using it as much. Apart from that I personally wouldn't change anything.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Nice review Jack, though I would disagree with a few small points. The menu system is far from good and needs to be split down to four main sections rather than the current two with the consequent reduction of the number sub menus in each. The control dial is a little on the small side and very easy to accidentally change with the wheel, along with the 'ok' button when you have big hands.
Manual focus at the short end is all but unusable as it requires countless turns of the focussing ring. This doesn't reallly affect me much as it is not how I use mine, but is a point nevertheless.
The need for an adaptor ring to attach filters and a hood is somewhat disappointing and though they can be acquired quite cheaply, it still feels a little bit of a 'have' to need one.
With these few small points in mind, I would have to agree that the X100 is a superb piece of kit. Quality all the way - and the viewfinder? - I am running out of superlatives for it. - Masterpiece of design is the only thing that comes close.
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Thanks for that Jack, it's really helpful, but I'm still having battles in my head!!
Never mind, maybe I should do the lottery, you never know!!!
photogirl
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No Problem Viv. Sounds like a plan
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Hi Jack.
I Just realised how that reads
I found your shots on flickr though they didn't show in my contacts new uploads which is strange.....
Really good examples Jack.
Even if I use the browsers zoom to increase the picture size I can see the lack of artifacting. Always the sign of a good picture.
Linking from flickr images is relatively straight foreward .
Just use the image box as usual but put the flickr url in instead of a myfinepix one but the rules at flickr say the picture must link back to flickr so then use this site's ' chain button' to put the image page url into the picture you have put into the review. and highlight the picture you want to link it to by clicking the picture in the editor before you 'save' it.
You may be able to do that but I can't as you have disabled the ability for others to download your images from flickr.
I could still do that but it would be unethical for me to try. Disabling downloads doesn't stop anyone that really wants to and is only a couple more clicks of the mouse.
However I can give links to your flickr larger images
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoodj1234/6405458455/sizes/l/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoodj1234/6391459903/sizes/l/in/photostream/
If you mind, say, and I'll remove the links.
Thanks for the additional information, especially that it behaves like a DSLR in as much as it slows down rather than stops shooting like a bridge camera does as the memory buffer fills. Also the battery life and how you used it is also key information.
Also seeing the exif from the flickr shots that the cobweb shot was ISO 1000 is impressive as well as knowing your preferred metering mode for the shot.
Also interesting that you felt the need to use a lot of in camera sharpening.
I also agree with your statement that it's probably better than your DSLR , at least with the high ISO capabilities of that leaf shot at 1600. I don't think any of Nikon's current APS-C sensor cameras are that good at that ISO setting. It also has good light for f5.6 despite the long shutter time.
There is no sign of artifacting or tonal graduation failure in that shot magnified by 400% and that's immensely impressive.
Is the exif correct that it was taken in RAW ?
If so it's interesting you did it with CS3.
So you see, there's a lot of useful info if the info is correct
Thanks again for the extra info Jack.
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Thanks Ray.
I've just added a quick link under the photos for a larger view. I will add links to the other photos later because you really can't appreciate the detail captured on some of the photos (especially the woodland one) without them being enlarged.
Yes the photos were taken in RAW. However I used CS5 to open them but for some reason I can't save as jpeg in CS5. So I have to save as .PSD then open them in CS3 and save as Jpeg.
The hard sharpening is just personal preference. The Jpeg engine (if that's what its called) in the X100 is very very good. I'd even go as far to say the Jpeg's straight from the camera were equal, sometimes better, than the edited RAW files in most situations. It just seems to get things right.
Your right. There is a lot of useful info in the EXIF data. I never really look at it but it is interesting to look back over some of my older photos and see which settings I was using at the time. (some of them were quite shocking
)
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Hi Jack.
In CS5 , did you have to open the RAW file as a DNG file or would it open the Raw file ?
Can you save anything as a jpg with CS5 ?
When we start out llof us make odd choices for settings.
I still do
It seems odd.
I look forward to your additional information
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Hi Ray,
I open RAW files in Camera Raw, then import it to CS5. I then only have about 4 formats to save in. So I save in .PSD then open in CS3 and save as Jpeg.
This is only with .RAW or .PSD files though. If I open a jpeg file in CS5 I can save it as jpeg.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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Jack
Are the files 16 bit?
Standard jpg is only possible in 8 bit.
Kind regards,
Chas.
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Thanks Chas, yes the files were 8 bit. I might contact Adobe as I think it's an error within the software.
January Competition Entry "Me, Myself & I" - http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/572394
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You can save as a copy in JPEG from RAW in CS5.
Shift+Ctrl+S(save as) screenshot shows a 15.4mb RAW image tried save as in 8bit,16bit. and both can save as Jpeg.
don't understand why you can't do it in CS5 Jack. I also use adobe bridge to upload from camera mostly, wife uses picaso which lets her open shots in CS5 and convert them to Jpeg.
hope this helps Jack.
Phil
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Interesting article, still not sure though, it looks good for street photography.
Jack, have a look at the top end of DSLRs such as a Canon 5D MkII for example, buttons available for changing specs as required, and a viewfinder that you can see through. Press the shutter and pic taken instantly with no reduction in resolution.
Also, make sure you are saving a copy of your RAW file, and not overwriting it with a JPEG, that's probably why you only have a few choices in CS5?????
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Very good review like the cobweb shot nice little camera that X100