16 Mar 2011
Hands-on with the Fujifilm X100 [updated 16 March]
Fujifilm sent us a review sample of its already-popular FinePix X100 compact camera, and before we put it to a rigorous three-week test, we took it out for a spin around Soho
Olivier Laurent, with Tina Remiz
Tags:
Fujifilm, Fujifilm finepix x100Update: Following comments regarding the camera's autofocus, our expert reviewer, Jonathan Eastland, says: "The question in need of an answer was whether or not the sample camera's AF mode was working properly. As soon as there was enough juice in the battery, I set all controls to standard at the highest jpeg file size, operating mode to manual with AF single shot and AF center focus and stepped outside into the yard.
Within in a few minutes I had about two dozen totally undisciplined frames of a variety of subjects mostly of people doing physical work. The FX100 AF mode manifests the typical split second focus mechanism and shutter lag delay experienced with many other types of AF equipped compact camera - digital or film. My initial appraisal is that in this case, it is short and on the nail when the camera user knows where to point the viewfinder AF segment.
The sample images are 100% crops taken from those images that were sharp - about 50% of my first shoot. On first look, I have no issues with colour palette, exposure (in this case all at 1/500th second at around f4-5.6. ISO 200.), image noise, sharpness or resolution. They are as good as AF currently gets in this class of tool. Default sensor resolution is 72ppi, delivering full size images approx 59 inches wide/tall."
Here are his sample images:
Note: This is not an official test, just a first, hands-on impressions of the Fujifilm X100. The camera is now in the hands of an expert reviewer, whose extended review will be published on BJP in the coming weeks.
BJP will be publishing in its May issue a full review of the Fujifilm FinePix X100 camera, but before it goes to our expert Jonathan Eastland, we had a quick play with it today, and here are initial impressions.
The FinePix X100 is a simply a great-looking piece of engineering. The retro design look is just perfect, and, as Adrian Clarke of Fujifilm told us earlier this week, was a conscious choice to appeal to professional photographers - the initial design for the X100 was too "futuristic," Clarke told us, and engineers had to go back to the drawing board.
The camera is not too light, but I would argue that it could be a bit heavier - you want to feel like it's worth £999.
Now, in terms of usability, it's a very easy camera to use. You want to change your aperture? Just turn the dial around the lens. What about shutter speed? That's on top next to the hotshoe. Manual focus is great as well, however, when it comes to autofocus, it needs a bit of getting used to.
After a quick stroll with this camera, I believe the X100 is an excellent compact camera - with good image performances. It's likely to be an enthusiast or semi-professional camera of choice. For a professional photographer, I don't see the X100 becoming his main camera, but I wouldn't be surprised if Fujifilm didn't think so either despite its "The Professional's Choice" slogan. As a backup solution, however, I do see it becoming part of a pro's kit.
One additional note: The hybrid viewfinder is a beauty. Switching from electronic to optical is fast and simple. Without any doubt, it's the camera's best feature!
Here's a slideshow of images shot on the Fujifilm X100, followed by quick ISO tests performed in low-light conditions (as always with Flickr, you can access the original files on each photo's individual page). Most images were shot by Tina Remiz.
Sample images (see them on Flickr)
ISO Test (see it on Flickr)
Comments
You say the manual focus is very good, is this because the viewfinder is excellent and makes it easy to focus?
I don't think i would worry to much about bad AF, if I was confident with the viewfinder quality.
If we are comparing the X100 to the expensive German RF's, both digi & analogue then I think we'll all agree the autofocus on the X100 beat the others hand down, seeing as they dont have autofocus!
Preset focus/F4/ISO 400 still works today as well as it did 40,50,60 years ago..........
As a news snapper I've been looking forward to the release of this camera. It would be great to have a small, High Quality Digital camera for some jobs that handles better than the Canon G11, and certainly better than most sureshots.
However, I'm not impressed so far with the images that have been posted. Not one image has any 'wow' factor. I have concerns about the sharpness, whether that is a focus issue, movement issue or photographer issue I can't tell.
Great handling is one thing. However, if the image quality is not good it will kill this camera. I await a good test and maybe even some comparison pictures with full size DSLR images. I know it's 'only' $1100 but if the image quality isnt good enough it wont be used by pros.
"For a professional photographer, I don't see the X100 becoming *his* main camera.." ... really? "his"....
I don't know if its a problem with the autofocus or the lens but they are not as sharp as I would have expected given the pre-production comments
Not sharp, motion blurred and overexposed. I still believe in this camera and tend to say it's the photographer's fault...
Looking at the EXIFs confirm my thoughts. Pictures are taken with +1/3 exp compensation and most of them with a much too slow shutter speed! You don't do Fuji a favor with this review, guys!
@ Nick Stern
Complaining about the image quality of camera for professional use shows a distinct lack of understanding of what professionals use.
The key concept here is "good enough" or "fit for the job". I have seen pusblished series of photos made with a Diana, it was good enough. I have seen orginal prints of early HCB prints and they were small and lacking details. Even by cameraphone standards.
What I've seen in this set, is not so good snapshots, made in a rush to get first impressions of the camera. Even on a computer screen, you can they have something more than your average compact camera and that's what's important.
If you need the best quality available, you invest in a 80MP+ digital back. If you need speed and/or low light performance you invest in a high end 35mm DSLR. This camera is meant as a modern interpretation of the rangefinder approach to photography, a modern notebook, discrete and fast, and that's why people are queueing for it.
Comparison shall be made to the Leica X1, Sigma DP2, Panasonic GF1 etc... Not to a Nikon D700 or another bulky DSLR.
And until we have the feedback of a pro trully working with that camera, we can't tell if it's good enough, or not.
G Helary
I've only been a press photographer for around 20 years... what the hell do I know...
The whole point of the camera is for documentary and street photography, I have high end SLR's however from what I have seen so far I would not shoot a job on this camera..
And I agree we need reviews from working pros and not just bloggers. Fuji should have given the camera to a select number of pros to review.
"A slight shutter lag": that is precisely what you do not want from a camera built around "street photography"
Hi,
Here are my humble samples for those interested to see (pictures from Singapore).
Initial thoughts. Focusing need time to get used to. AWB might be an issue.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilzworkz/sets/72157626243597960/
Disappointed, the X100 was called the poor man's Leica and this poorman was thinking of buying one..after reading your review & viewing the sample shots I will certainly have second thoughts..
The X100 was called the poor man's Leica and this poorman was thinking of buying one..after reading your review & viewing the sample shots I will certainly have second thoughts..
BJP isn't doing this camera justice.
I have this camera, and have been blown away by the image quality. I suggest rather than look at the rather mediocre test done by the BJP (honestly, these look like they have been taken by a total amateur), look properly on Flickr. Then comment.
No, it's not a rangefinder nor a SLR, it's something much more usable on a day to day basis. For professionals it will be a great tool for 'personal' work.
I will start a little blog in the next few days.. watch this space.
I don't think this guy is missing the decisive moment with his x100:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtytricks/5485724190/
Ever heard of setting focus at a set distance and working from there? How do you think news photographers worked with those monster graflex 4x5 cameras?
F8 and be there, baby.
The naysaysers (and the writer) don't have a clue as to the intent, design and use of the X100.
Shutter lag for street photography--who in their right mind uses AF for street work? If you do, the moment's passed, or you're not doing street work, you're stalking with a long lens with a pro DSLR. Even on an M, you PRE-focus, as in zone focus. And try MF on a Leica M--unless you're expert at RF focusing, my hunch is that the X100 will clearly beat it.
DSLR replacement--the camera will not a replace your DSLR but it is intended for pros and serious amateurs who already have DSLR systems, or those with advanced skills or are focused enough (no pun intended) to use this camera within its design limitations and intended design/purpose. Just like a Leica, it's not a sports/birding, 10 FPS camera with lightning fast AF. If you are still building your kit or have limited photo experience, this camera will very likely disappoint you, because you probably don't have the skills, discipline or courage yet to limit yourself to a single
focal length. Sorry, no 4mm-800mm zoom here.
Lens is not sharp/colors are wrong--how the heck can you tell on web jpegs, jeez!!!??? Yeah, it's not a Leica, but any Leica will set you back at least 2X or more. Try to get a 35mm Summicron for $800 and I've got a bridge to sell you. BTW, the lens is sharp--if the samples you're seeing are not, it's USER ERROR.
It was the same with the Nikon D3X--everyone who had no business in that camera stated their opinions, mostly rubbish (too expensive, too this, not that, etc.), but the pros and serious users that understood the camera have nothing but praise for the camera.
I've seen perfectly usable shots taken with the X100 at ISO 6400. Its low light ability falls between the Nikon D7000 and D700 - yes, that's nothing short of remarkable in a compact body. So don't tell me this camera is over-hyped. If anything, the opposite is true. I've been waiting years for a compact with fantastic low light ability, and finally Fuji have taken the prize. Leica can only look on in envy with their suddenly hugely over-prices X1 that doesn't even have a viewfinder.
The biggest issue with this camera at the moment is the way it's being introduced and reviewed.
Most of the items about it are from 'blogging' snappers and looking at the test shots and portfolios of these snappers, they are not great.
Fuji have done themselves a great deal of harm with the X100. They should have given the camera - pre release to a number of skilled snappers, maybe from Magnum, VII, Getty etc. let them trial the camera, that way we are looking at images from competant snappers who we know can produce great work... If Fuji would like to get one to me to test the know where to find me...
Nick Stern
So far I am totally underwhelmed, I was really looking forward to this camera.
Looks like it's the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5.
Testing X100 : who made these pics??
It seems the person who made these sample images held a camera for the first time in his life? These images are real crap!!! I thought BJP was a better source than this... Sorry.
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