Fujifilm X100S First Look

January 2013 | By Andy Westlake

First look preview based on a pre-production X100S

When Fujifilm announced its FinePix X100 retro-styled compact at Photokina 2010, it instantly captured the imagination of serious photographers. With its fixed 23mm F2 lens and SLR-sized APS-C sensor, it offered outstanding image quality, while its 'traditional' dial-based handling and innovative optical/electronic 'Hybrid' viewfinder gave a shooting experience reminiscent of rangefinder cameras. On launch its firmware was riddled with frustrating bugs and quirks, but a series of updates transformed it into a serious photographic tool. Certain flaws remained, apparently too deeply embedded into the hardware to be fixable, but despite this, it counts as something of a cult classic.

The X100S sees Fujifilm revisiting the concept, but while the external design is essentially unchanged, it's a very different camera inside. It uses a 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS sensor similar to that seen in the interchangeable lens X-Pro1 and X-E1 models, but now with on-chip phase detection promising much-improved autofocus speed. This is supported by a new processor, the 'EXR Processor II', which includes a new 'Lens Modulation Optimiser' function. According to Fujifilm this 'overcomes' lens aberrations such as diffraction and peripheral aberrations, and should give improved image quality at the largest and smallest apertures. The electronic viewfinder has been upgraded to a higher-resolution 2.35M dot display (from 1.44M dot); however this isn't the OLED unit used in the X-E1, but an LCD instead.

Two additional manual focus aids are available when using the EVF or LCD - a focus 'peaking' display that outlines in-focus elements, and an all-new 'Digital Split Image focusing' display that uses phase detection data from the sensor, and is designed to offer a similar experience to manual focus film cameras. In addition, the sensor on the manual focus ring has been upgraded to detect movement with greater precision - which Fujifilm says will make the dial more responsive.

The user interface gains all the improvements Fujifilm has made in its X-series cameras over the past few years, including an onscreen 'Q' menu to access major settings, and a much-improved tabbed menu system. We haven't yet seen a fully working camera (this first look is based on an early example Fujifilm showed us in December, which also had non-finalised rear controls), but on paper the X100S certainly has the potential to be very special indeed.

Fujifilm X100S key features

Fujifilm-designed 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
On-sensor phase detection autofocus
Novel colour filter array to suppress colour moiré, no optical low-pass filter
EXR Processor II image processor
Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder with 2.35M dot LCD EVF
Analogue dials for shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation
Fixed 23mm F2 lens (same as X100)
Improved manual focus system (more responsive focus ring, focus peaking and split-image displays)
2.8" 460k dot LCD
On-screen 'Q' control panel and tabbed menu system
Full HD 1080/60fps movie recording, 36Mbps bitrate
Socket for electronic remote release/stereo microphone

Aside from these headline features, Fujifilm is promising a whole host of smaller tweaks and improvements covering every aspect of the camera's design and operation - no fewer than 70 in total. Many of these address bugs and quirks highlighted by users and reviewers, demonstrating once again Fujifilm's laudable desire to listen to feedback and learn from it. Some controls have been subtly tweaked, movie mode is much improved, and small but important operability issues addressed - for example the live histogram now works correctly in manual exposure mode. We'll cover these in detail on the next page.

Side-by-side with the Fujifilm X20

Here's the X100S side-by-side with the X20 that Fujifilm has announced at the same time. The two cameras are very different beasts, of course, but share a lot of common features, and the family resemblance is obvious.


Here's the X100S alongside the co-announced X20 zoom compact. Both cameras feature X-Trans CMOS sensors with on-chip phase detection AF, optical viewfinders with detailed information overlays, and lots of external controls. Their on-screen user interfaces and menu systems are very similar too. The big difference is that the X20's fast (F2-2.8) 28-112mm equivalent zoom is coupled to a smaller 2/3" type sensor.

Here's the X100S alongside the co-announced X20 zoom compact. Both cameras feature X-Trans CMOS sensors with on-chip phase detection AF, optical viewfinders with detailed information overlays, and lots of external controls. Their on-screen user interfaces and menu systems are very similar too. The big difference is that the X20's fast (F2-2.8) 28-112mm equivalent zoom is coupled to a smaller 2/3" type sensor.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

Images which can be viewed at a larger size have a small magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the image, clicking on the image will display a larger (typically VGA) image in a new window.

To navigate the review simply use the next / previous page buttons, to jump to a particular section either pick the section from the drop down or select it from the navigation bar at the top.

DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.

Comments

Total comments: 212

This new X100s looks like a step ahead from the current one at least on paper but they could have changed at least the clunky menu dial/button and used the button on the XE1 or the X-Pro 1 instead.
The current X100 is a camera that you have to own to really appreciate. Reading the specs and reviews on sites like this and forming your opinion is unfair at best. It's a quirky camera specially before the firmware update but once you get over that and learn how to use it, it's a great camera specially in the IQ department and with this new S version it's a big improvement specially in autofocus speed.

Comment edited 38 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

If this new x100s sells for the same recommended price as the old x100, its going to be a steal. I really like how Fuji is developing these X cameras, its a development rather than a replacement strategy.

In a single prime scenario, I'd be a 50mm man, though this 35mm x100s looks very impressive on paper - and the other x series models before it have either delivered or have been rectified under warranty.

Well done again Fujifilm, any ex Kodak/Agfa people at Nikon and Canon are likely to be feeling a little 'déjà vu'.

Comment edited 19 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

so is the all BLACK X100s going to be another limited, over priced deal?

0 upvotes

Do you have one?

0 upvotes

Highly likely. No idea why Fuji does this silly "limited edition" pricing strategy. If anything, the "limited edition" should be the nostalgic silver/black combo.

1 upvote

Limited edition would have to be more than all black to raise an eyebrow... copper highlights perhaps, or titanium sheet metal instead of steel.

0 upvotes

Love my X100 - and will upgrade to this in due course. The slides said faster than any m4/3rds and larger sensor camera to focus... if that's true, this will be a killer camera, although I'd be surprised if the existing lens focusing motors could deliver that speed - have the lens motors been replaced?

Fantastic, hugely welcome move by Fuji - this looks like a camera design which will mature rather than be senselessly tweaked.

0 upvotes

@DPR: on the mfg.'s camera listing page
http://www.dpreview.com/products/Fujifilm/cameras
you usually mention when it's not a tiny sensor (APSC) in the brief summary.

0 upvotes

No FF sensor would be enough. will stick with my X100

0 upvotes

"If only it had a FF sensor"..and bullet/radioactive proof body too..?

3 upvotes

yes please. and a 50mm equivalent lens.
thanks for bringing it up.

1 upvote

If only it had a FF sensor

2 upvotes

Why?

2 upvotes

Given the expected sensor quality and the fact the fixed lens is so bright, I'd rather keep the size and weight down to keep the 35mm equiv field of view.

If the sensor were larger the lens would need to be bigger or less bright. The latter would negate most of the benefit from the larger sensor, and the former would increase the size and weight to the point where you'd probably be better served with a 5d and 35mm f2.

0 upvotes

I would have liked to see a new lens at f/1,8 and FF sensor. It's time for the FF sensors to penetrate the compact camera market 2013! I am quite sure that more will follow the Sony RX-1 during 2013-2014 and the prices will come down allot!

0 upvotes

There IS the nice RX1 you can buy to satisfy your fancy. I don't see the point of wanting a camera just for the sake of it having this or that brand label on it. They are both quality brands.
I'm sure Fuji will come out with a FF X-trans sensor in due time... I think they have certain market share inertia goals to meet before they do that though. Otherwise it wouldn't be viable for them.
However, I WOULD vote for a version with a 50mm equivalent lens with a f/1.4 aperture as soon as possible - this would definitely be do-able for them in the short term, and would probably be a killer to steal market share away from the competition, especially the RX1's space.

1 upvote

I am in particular curios about the EVF quality (the original was not so great).

0 upvotes

Having bought an rx1 and finding several things not so hot. I believe the rx1 is going back and I've already preordered.

X100 was my favorite fixed lens camera but for the sluuuuuuuuuugishness. If they've fixed that. They have my money.

1 upvote

What is so wrong with it? Please share!

0 upvotes

He can't share anything because he doesn't own one. I doubt if he even own the X100. It's a fantastic camera for people who know how to shoot.

Comment edited 45 seconds after posting

1 upvote

" It's a fantastic camera for people who know how to shoot."

Let me guess! Like you.

0 upvotes

I just sold my X100 LE for the same price I bought it! :)
Now, I just have to wait patiently.

2 upvotes

Yum yum.

1 upvote

So this is a hands-on preview of a non-working camera? So why hands on?

6 upvotes

It says pretty clear "Fujifilm X100S First Look", not hands-on. So, why hands on?

3 upvotes

I quote the previous page:
"Click here for our hands-on preview of the Fujifilm X100S"

3 upvotes

Lets how the hands on review compares to the the X100 first. New specs look good but will it improve the camera..I certainly hope so :) In anycase its nice to see that this line is continuing and rightly so. Love my X100 and its trials and tribulations.

6 upvotes

I appreciate some progress (especially if dual-picture MF will be usable in practice). But I am deeply disappointed that the old unreliable SAB prone lens was not replaced. I'll wait about 1/2 year to see some service reports - if the lens is likely to survive at least 2-year's working cycle.

0 upvotes

from one point of view I really understand Fuji: why to improve X100 by means of FW upgrade if you can do it for $ by means of X100s
that is the life we live in nowadays
but on the other hand: is it worth to upgrade this camera for about 600$ (at least: I mean: sell old one for 600$ and get new one for 1200$) or more?
are these changes so important?
I've done over 10k pictures with X100 for last 1 year and due to AF issue I use only MF
I would be so happy to get back to AF, maybe even new sensor (with new filter and a bit more pixels) would be nice.
But again... are we - current users of X100 - lost now?
I don't know now, lets see
On the other hand: some improvements still could be done for X100 by means of FW and those changes would not change X100 to S version so many customers would go for new one anyway...
Am I dreaming?

2 upvotes

Which of the improvements in X100S are you dreaming can be implemented in X100 by a firmware upgrade ?

4 upvotes

From where I stand the worst part of X100 is the menu system and user interface. This horrible click-wheel with ok-button meant to children fingers. As these things are not improved I will resist to temptation to upgrade.

0 upvotes

So this probably means no 2.0 firmware update for the X100 owners :-(
That's a shame. I will have to find some additional funds again.
So far for the value of second hand X100´s.

0 upvotes

Fuji, please just show me more lenses you promised!
XPro1 & XE1 owners aren't waiting for full frame.

4 upvotes

I want full frame!

2 upvotes

No way.

5 upvotes

I like the size of this camera. I dont think FF is necessary. The IQ is great.

4 upvotes

Can you please explain the advantages of a FF fixed lens camera to this camera? I'm just curious why people are always screaming for FF. I can understand if it is a DSLR but for a compact camera like this I don't think it's necessary. If you really want a FF fixed lens compact, there is a Sony which they sell for a ridiculous price.

0 upvotes

I don't see the need for a full-frame compact. The Sony is not so 'compact' and feels more fragile than any full-frame SLR. And I couldn't help but think of all the things it _couldn't_ do, as if somebody had put the sensor in a cage or a straitjacket, not a camera body. I think the X100s is awesome with the present sensor.

0 upvotes

FF is interesting as regards bokeh. The x100 is not à 35mm but a 23mm, and that induces limitations for bokeh.

0 upvotes

These Fuji X offers, this one in particular, are so tempting for old but increasingly broke leicaphiles such as me. So familiar and re-assuring. At the same time, they annoy me by playing this much on the retro/pseudo vintage chords in terms of design cues. This is 2013. Why are we trying to pretend to be in 1956?

The feature list and tech innards are fantastic. But the design references....am I the only one to be bothered?

4 upvotes

If you don't like retro design, there's plenty of larger plasticky Nikon and Canon models that won't fit in a smaller bag due to large grips and tall protruding optical viewfinders.

8 upvotes

@photobeans: You're imposing a false dichotomy here, suggesting the only alternative to these Fuji designs are the likes of DSLRs. And yet a camera like Nikon's P7700 is similarly compact yet not bound by retro-aims (i.e., it uses more modern materials and a slightly larger grip); ditto Sony's NEX series and many of the 4/3 offerings of Olympus and Panasonic.

1 upvote

Retro is actually a very practical design. It is more stealth and make people around you more relax.

4 upvotes

I found this design 'absolutely beautiful'!
And the images it captures will still be much sharper then your 2013 iPhone6!

4 upvotes

Yes, why are we still using design concepts 100yrs old (1st Leica prototype)? These cameras were far from ergonomic since control dials had to physically link with the shutter, aperture etc. This is not the case with modern electronics so why have a big shutter control knob on top which requires two fingers and change of position of hand and arm rather than a simple, quick movement of one finger? Just compare this throwback to a modern camera like the NEX6 which is 100g lighter and 0.68 the size, apsc sensor, interchangeable zoom lens and ergonomic design. I can only imagine people who buy retro cameras just want to pose as Cartier Bresson or Robert Frank. I would rather have an efficient tool for the job.

2 upvotes

and built (like a tank) like its 1956.I love it

0 upvotes

Strange answers. Seems we are hooked to 1956. Strictly from a superficial design point of view (the "enveloppe"), this sends a backward looking message.

if you look at this from a "form follows function" point of view, there is a lot of effort on the X100(s) design to "make pretend" we are still facing the production conditions Leica or Contax were facing in the first half of the 20th century.

I own and use old Leicas, so I do love the look & feel and form factor.

But, just like with music, cars, houses, clothes, bicycles and other human productions, I wish we were more forward looking and more creative. The hunger for nostalgia bugs me. In cameras, the Nex design is interesting (not beautiful). I also liked the V1. The XF1 is more subtle in its retro cues. Anyway, the X100s seems fabulous in terms of combining quality, performance, size, features, and I will certainly give it a try when available.... Never mind if it makes me look like a Cartier-Besson wannabe....

1 upvote

Dedicated dials rather than modal dials. Dials that indicate directly what they are set to (even with the camere turned off). Can be used with your eye to the VF. Yeah, they sure didnt know how to make user interfaces in 1956.

0 upvotes

@jesperMP. Not specifically slaying dials or whatever UI options per se. I grew with those dials, and I have an easier life with those than with Sony's ridiculous menu trees for example.

I am harping more about the lines, the proportions, the pseudo-chrome and pseudo-vulcanite, llittle carvings, slopes and "art deco" cues, the old style logo on top cover, the millings on lens barrel, etc, etc. All made to look "as if" we were "back then".

Do not get me wrong: the darn thing is pretty, and I am seduced. I'd just like us, collectively, to move on and stop "recreating" the "good old times". Canon's latest square Powershot N is creative design. Nex is creative. Neither is elegant however. They will not become icons. I want creative and elegant design (on top of efficient), and I ain't seeing much of that. I want us to challenge ourselves to produce objects and tools that will be seen in 30 years as 2013 icons.

1 upvote

some people cant make difference of "retro" and "classic" design

0 upvotes

@JesperMP "Dedicated dials rather than modal dials. Dials that indicate directly what they are set to (even with the camere turned off). Can be used with your eye to the VF. Yeah, they sure didnt know how to make user interfaces in 1956."
Yeah in 1956 there was no exposure info in the viewfinder so if you wanted to know what aperture or shutter speed was set you had to move the camera from your eye - those were the days - yeah, yeah, yeah!

0 upvotes

Well, some people still like watches with dials rather than a digital face that provides more information or have larger numerals or whatever.

Sometimes, it is about beauty. However that is defined... The style can be affected and it can be tasteful. To different people. Relative things, sure.

It makes me think of a Canonet I have as a bookend. I like the old camera. If it were a proficient digital camera, I would like to use it tomorrow..

Now, it would be nice to have the technical innards of this camera in a newer body like the Sony cameras. It would be nice to have a choice between that and the style of the camera here. That would be the best of both worlds...

I think people that don't really like the retro look just wish the camera could be available as the Sony-style with different interface. They may not want a Tag and might be happy with a digital Suunto.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I'm more interested in how the subject looks to the camera than how the camera looks to the subject.

2 upvotes

@tan68: exactly that! I do rather admire the Nex7 body design, including the 3 navi command & control, but I dislike the consequences on lens size (24mm Zeiss in particular) and hate the menu "logic". I really like the X100s feature list and size, but smirk at the old timer camouflage. But as @mrmart says, the looks of a camera are not that crucial. This X100s is a neat package!

1 upvote

Then buy a mirrorless from Sony, Samsung, Pentax, Nikon, Canon, or whoever.

There's only really Fuji & Olympus going fully retro.

Comment edited 30 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Fuji X100 is one of 4 digital (Canon 5D mkII, 40D and G15). Nice walk around camera that I use for street shots and low light club music shooting. It has it moments that test my patience by being unresponsive autofocus or incorrect in light metering but quality of image makes for it. Zone focusing to make it instantly ready for street photography is one option I use frequently. It is not my first choice to have it as only camera. Love old fashion dials on it familiar and easy, fast to use just as my old mechanical cameras. Biggest minus for me is digital focusing ring.......... After all ergonomics are its just a preference of the operator and if you can't get a good photo there is no technology that will take care of that................

0 upvotes

I'm going to say something profound. Ready.... I own an X100. It's not perfect. It has faults but it is a beautiful camera one binds to rather quickly. If you experience the same with a Sony, Nikon, etc then enjoy it. For me I experience it with the X100 and I have multiple cameras like D600, M3, Fuji MFT, etc. I don't really understand all the hating on one end and justifying the purchase on the end. Relax....enjoy...focus & shoot.

0 upvotes

Well now about one grand. With a great, if not one of theee greatist sensors. Small lite. Not full frame, not 24mp. But not nearly four grand with the stuff you need to make it work right, Sony. Are you kinding, this is the best fixed lens-all a round take with you every camera made. I would by one, but I have the Pro 1. Happy are those who buy the X100 over Sony.

4 upvotes

Apples and oranges. Fuji and Sony both are good camera producers and market innovators and make great cameras.

0 upvotes

expect the 2500$ limited edition version in a wooden case soon after...

2 upvotes

We know why they are silver and black though don't we?

Comment edited 42 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

What about an infrared modified version, with a lens with no hotspots...thats what I want next christmas...

0 upvotes

Me like.

Me no have money to buy. :(

11 upvotes

Then by all means open up a central bank and print all the money you want! This is a matter of have or have not!!!

2 upvotes

If they'd only release a Monochrom competitor, I would be all over it.

4 upvotes

Somebody will eventually do this. It would be nice if it were with a sensor of this quality.

0 upvotes

In your specs the viewfinder coverage is listed as 100%. Is that both electronic and optical? On the Fujifil.com site optical coverage is listed as 90%, same as the X100.

Comment edited 20 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

It's 100%/0.48x electronic and 90%/0.5x optical, the same as the X100.

1 upvote

Also, bear in mind that the 90% quoted for the OVF relates to the framelines. The finder itself covers a substantially wider angle.

1 upvote

Thanks Andy for clearing that up.
Cant believe how much confusion there has been in discussions because the specs simply state "viewfinder coverage = 90%" for the OVF. It should be "viewfinder coverage = 120%, framelines at 90%".

2 upvotes

Impressive and beatiful camera.
Fujifilm, to innovate for the real street photographer.

7 upvotes

If this new sensor is like the XE-1/XPro1, does that mean that the X100S now shares the RAW processing issues of those cams?

Comment edited 22 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

Sure sounds like it.

0 upvotes

Yes. But it's worth checking the X-Pro1 review to see how significant the 'issues' are. Internet discussion can sometimes amplify the apparent severity of a problem.

10 upvotes

no no, its significant. Once youre out there shooting with it the issues start to be obvious. If youre a printing photographer its even worse. Heres crossing fingers for capture 2...

2 upvotes

I've been testing the beta version of Capture One 7.02 with RAF images from my X-Pro1, and all I can say is the quality of the RAW conversions I've obtained with it has been *superb*.

2 upvotes

I bought an x-e1 and I returned it. For personal reasons not because of the camera. But before doing so I tried CO 7.02. And I agree, what I got was superb. Far from what I could do with Lightroom.

0 upvotes

What I would like to know is how many of these improvements can be added to the X100 by firmware upgrade? I really hope that some can as with the X10, when the RAW button was converted to a Q button with a firmware revision. Any thoughts?

2 upvotes

Sadly my guess would be not many. Fujifilm has updated the firmware for the X100 several times, so I suspect they're reaching the limit of what they think can be done with its hardware.

4 upvotes

Probably the focus peaking only...

0 upvotes

Reducing the number of turns of the lens dial to focus manually.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

@JesperMP: apparently not. The FujiGuys said in their first look that they had to add more motion sensors to the lens barrel to enable the shorter throw. If you shorten the throw without enough motion sensor resolution, focusing becomes "jumpy" and you can't do it precisely enough.

0 upvotes

It is certainly a beautiful camera.

6 upvotes

So was my ex...camera... in her best days ... back almost 10 years...

1 upvote

The image of the "menu/ok" button on page 2 appears to be from the X100 rather than X100S notable by the word "drive" (missing on the X100s and replaced with "AF")
I'm hoping this signifies swift AF point selection may now be possible.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

That's an image of the pre-production X100S we were shown (and it matches the press images we've been supplied). However, it seems to be something they're still deciding on.

0 upvotes

It's a shame they didn't move to the control dial layout (5 buttons rather than a wheel) of the X-Pro 1; and the same goes for the AF switch.

I love my X100 but those are definitely "niggles" I thought they would fix given the XP1 & X-E1.

0 upvotes

On the promo video you can see the word drive is missing with AF in it's place. The "Fuji guys" mention more saying the AF button on the left is used to change the drive mode, and AF has been moved to the control dial. Great news!

1 upvote

The promo videos I've seen are of computer renderings, so it could be that the pre-production models are still using X100 screen printing. I've got used to the AF button being on the left - never found it a problem, personally.

1 upvote

Total comments: 212