Fujifilm X100S Review

July 2013 | By Barnaby Britton (additional material by Andy Westlake)

Review based on a production X100S with firmware 1.03

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 Optimizer' 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 movement sensor on the manual focus ring has been upgraded to detect movement with greater precision - which Fujifilm says will make it 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.

Fujifilm X100S key features

Fujifilm-designed 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
On-sensor phase detection autofocus
Novel color filter array designed to avoid color moiré, no optical low-pass filter
EXR Processor II image processor
Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder with 2.35M dot LCD
Dedicated 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 rear LCD
On-screen 'Q' control panel and tabbed menu system
Full HD 1080 60p/30p movie recording, (H.264 MOV - 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 have been addressed.

Side-by-side with the Fujifilm X20

Here's the X100S side-by-side with the X20 that Fujifilm announced at the same time (we reviewed it earlier this year). 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 much smaller, 2/3"-type sensor.

Compared to Sony Cyber-shot RX1R

The X100S's most natural peer (forgetting the massive price difference) is Sony's RX1R, which offers a full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor and a similar 35mm (equivalent) F2 lens as the X100S.

The X100S is slightly taller and wider, but on the plus side, it has a better-defined grip, and of course that unique Fujifilm built-in hybrid viewfinder. Given that the RX1R is packing a full-frame sensor inside it though, the Cyber-shot is impressively compact.


From behind, its the X100S's viewfinder that represents the main difference between the two cameras. The rear control cluster on both models is pretty standard, but the RX1R does have a larger display (which partly makes up for the lack of a finder).

From the top, it is very obvious just how big the RX1R's lens is compared to the almost pancake design of the Fujifilm's 23mm F2. Both cameras have manual aperture rings, and external exposure compensation dials, but the X100S also offers a manual shutter speed dial. The RX1R features an exposure mode dial, in the same position.

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.

GearShop

Fujifilm X100S Compact Camera●

Buy on GearShop

Fujifilm X100S 16 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver)	Too low to display
Fujifilm X100S 16 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver)	Too low to display
Fujifilm X20 12 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Silver)	$599.00
Fujifilm X100 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS EXR Digital Camera with 23mm Fujinon Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD	$899.00
Fujifilm X-E1 16.3 MP Compact System Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD and 18-55mm Lens (Black)	$999.00
Fujifilm X10 12 MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with f2.0-f2.8 4x Optical Zoom Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD	$339.00
Fujifilm X100 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS EXR Digital Camera with 23mm Fujinon Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD (Special Edition - Black)	$1,099.00
Fujifilm X20 12 MP Digital Camera with 2.8-Inch LCD (Black)	$599.00
Fujifilm FinePix S4200 Digital Camera	$154.95
Fujifilm X-M1 Compact System 16MP Digital Camera Kit with 16-50mm Lens and 3-Inch LCD Screen (Silver)	$727.98
Fujifilm X-S1 12MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with Fuijinon F2.8 to F5.6 Telephoto Lens and Ultra-Smooth 26x Manual Zoom (24-624mm)	$629.00

Show all listings (11) ...

Get more prices from Amazon

Comments

Total comments: 445

In the studio comparison the x100 raw files look better that the x100s raws. But in jpeg the x100s looks much better. Either the raw processing software was sub-optimal with the x100s or the in-camera processing of the x100s is very good.

It seems with this camera one must shoot jpegs.

0 upvotes

Again - this is due testing procedures of dpreview and the default unsharpened output of Adobe products.
In real life you can use other RAW converters like Aperture, C1, dcraw or just sharpen the output and it looks much better.

Just download the trial of C1, the RAF files from dpreview and see for yourself.

1 upvote

As dengx said, if one wants to see what the x100s, Xpro1, etc is capable of in terms of IQ, you MUST avoid ACR at this time. It's getting better...slowly... but still sucks.

Iridient Developer (Mac Only) is the best imo, followed by Capture One Pro 7, followed by Aperture. Windows users, download the C1P7 trial...you will be shocked at the difference compared to ACR.

2 upvotes

Not a word on the conclusion page about the detail-smudging and that have probably been the major complain among the owners of the X100 which bought the X100S as well or looked close at sample images.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

The color smearing, etc is due to ACR. Try Iridient Developer (ID), C1P7 or Aperture and voila...goes away. I've needed ID's CA removal to a small degree on some shots..otherwise the images are very impressive.

If you and others don't want to be bothered with trying new workflows to see the full potential of the Fuji cams...ok, I understand, but that's not the camera's fault.

4 upvotes

Actually is it is the camera's fault if the camera does not work well with the standard processor for the industry.

But then can't anyone use other processors for their cameras to get ultimate quality.

So your recommendation is to start trying out other processors until you find one that allows it to perform as good as the Ricoh or the Nikon does with ACR.

Or like Ken Rockwell says, I mean Barney Britton, just shoot Jpegs...

1 upvote

We've heard that all before.
But the truth is that ACR does a vey good job, but not at its standard settings. And to be honest I can't see anyone using only the default RAW output of any RAW converter because it just doesn't make any sense.

Moreover C1 and Aperture are as much as industry standard as ACR, and only ACR default output looks bland.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

How does DR feel in RAW, anybody know?

0 upvotes

Fuzzy

0 upvotes

Nice review
It's so much better than my X100 ; even the lens at F2 is reasonably sharp.

I change cameras like others change socks but not this one ; for the first time I've paid for a 4 year warranty.

Dropping Highlight tone -2 might help with the Fuji colours particularly blue skies.

1 upvote

Congratulations to all who now feel better that DPREVIEW have validated their purchases.

6 upvotes

Cong. FUJI for Gold - awesome Camera

0 upvotes

The detailed score at the end of the review shows a strange conclusion: if you select the X100 in order to compare its score to the X100s you'll see that the X100 has a better Metering and focus accuracy score than the X100s!
How is it possible?

1 upvote

Those scores are only relative to the other cameras in the same market at that time.

1 upvote

why not - for me, the X100 has a gold medal

1 upvote

Honestly, I think this is a brilliant camera, but why I am underwhelmed with Fuji color ? Everyone states how amazing Fuji color is, but honestly I think it looks a bit flat, maybe a tad off hue.

5 upvotes

I like to shoot mine with color +1. I don't find the color "off" either. My X100S shots go nicely in the same album as my 5D3 shots.

1 upvote

Imho, usually Fuji color is not that vibrant just as if there’s very slight silver tint. For this, it gives better-than-real skin tone and many times, tender color overall. Still it makes better color than most of others do (greenish tint, unbalanced color etc.)

0 upvotes

I'd say your conclusion is a matter of personal opinion. You can always adjust the color settings in any modern camera to taste.

2 upvotes

It is odd that the Ricoh GR is not among the default comparisons. And it performs very well comparatively. Better, maybe, than the Sony.

0 upvotes

Bought one a few weeks ago after owning the original model.
Where the original 100 fell down was in shooting my grand kids:
the pic I was expecting... was not the one I got. I was that disappointed that I sold my X100 and just on the strength of the first reviews, quickly bought the new S model. Guess what? Same problem! There's an inherent shutter lag here: that shows markedly when taking pics of the fleeting facial expressions of children. The cam missed the shot a good 9 out of 10 times. Not like my Sony A77 or my Sony A900! For that reason alone I took the X100S back to the sellers.
Perhaps the next iteration will fix this: that criticism aside I loved the camera and for everything else including my passion... landscapes, it worked superbly.
For shooting active kids...NO! For everything else... incomparable! Like I said; I am eagerly awaiting the third iteration of the X100!

4 upvotes

On the contrary, I find the shutter lag to be very small. Perhaps you are not pre-pressing the shutter button halfway first.

3 upvotes

Or your settings were wrong, using too slow a shutter speed or aperture, etc. What's interesting is that hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- of street shooters and experienced photographers ae able to capture moving subjects indoors and out without this issue.

Neverthelss, after an infinite number of online reviews that have been done on the x-series cameras it is really common knowledge that these aren't (and never were) intended as replacements for DSLR cameras like your two Sonys when it comes to "action" and sports photography. Still, children aren't always running and photographers who have good anticipation skills can take sharp photos with the x100s -- witness Ken Rockwell's review of the camera and how he shoots his own kids with it.

Why someone thinks they need to ditch perfectly fine camera gear just because it doesn't "do it all" is beyond me. I have a Nikon DSLR, Fuji XE-1, and a Sony RX100. When I am not shooting fast action or extremes I prefer the Fuji or Sony. Easy.

3 upvotes

Interesting. I find that using the OVF, I many times think I just missed the expression when pressing the shutter, the image taken has just captured (can be seen already in the brief preview that flashes by in the viewfinder as the shot is taken) is that fleeing expression, just as if the camera took the shot before I pressed the shutter almost. I guess that is one clear advantage with an OVF compared to EVF. Maybe you were using the EVF or LCD? Try the OVF optical view instead? I find it works really well actually photographing my daughter, and trust me, she can sometimes have many different expressions in just a couple of seconds...lol

0 upvotes

To B. Britton or A. Westlake

"This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position."

This sentence is probably carved in the stone of your studio scene frame but inaccurate for non-zoom non-removable-lens cameras like this one: I doubt you silently cropped the resulting image...

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

ah boilerplate text...

0 upvotes

The only problem is the price.

X100S / 35mm equivalne: $1299
EOS-M / 35mm equivalnet: $299

...not saying the M is better, but I've used both and the X100S certainly isn't $1000 better (for me).

4 upvotes

It seems from some reports that the 22mm from the canon is a very good lens...is that correct? how do you feel about AF speed afetr the firmware? thanks.

1 upvote

Carlos ...the 22 is a good lens. Not perfect but for the size and price very good.

AF speed is still slow ...but better. Don't plan on shooting fast moving subjects kind of slow.

For $299, IQ wise, it may be the best out there relative to price.

2 upvotes

EOS M 22mm lens is better than most $500 lenses - camera is free in my view. It is a very good lens for video especially and very sharp at F2 besides very outer corners

1 upvote

I suppose I paid $1000 for the aperture ring, shutter speed dial, and the wonderful OVF. When you put it that way it sounds ridiculous, but yet I still have no regrets. If you got your start with a Pentax K1000 or if you've spent time with a Leica, the manual controls are invaluable.

3 upvotes

I don't think it's reasonable to compare the X100S to a camera out of the bargain bin (the EOS-M).

People actually like and want the X100S. The EOS-M was clearly a mistake. Canon is losing money selling it to you for $299. They're just trying to cut their losses.

1 upvote

I love the camera and everything about it. just took some shots wit the x100 so far. good stuff - but i have the feeling that the lens is good but not outstanding like the rest. If the the next generation get THE LENS (F1.4) i will forget that i already have a very good camera : )

0 upvotes

if only they'd make a black version....

thnx for the fine review!

0 upvotes

Thanks for the review. It mirrors my personal experience entirely. I have to say though that if I liked EVSs (which I don't) I would probably have gone with the Olympus OM-D as my every-day camera to compliment my Nikon stable.

The OOC JPEGs never fail to impress. Some of my all-time favorite images were taken with the X100S that you'll find in my user review. But you have to be patient, it's not a run-and-gun camera, IMO, compared to a DSLR.

EDIT: I usually shoot RAW+JPEG, and usually throw away the RAW except in tricky exposure situations.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

What's all the whining and fussing about? Complaints about single focal length lens....X-Trans no good, bla, bla, bla. Well, fortunately there are many choices these days for cameras, so you can buy what makes you happy ;-). Me personally, I'm in love with my X100S AND its X-Trans sensor (shooting RAW and processing in LR too - OMG!, say it ain't so). But I also keep a Nikon D600 with a few lenses for any time when a 35mm focal length won't do.

:-)
http://www.openbloom.com/CAMERAGEAR/Fuji-X100S-Gallery/30483531_HnS7cs

7 upvotes

A camera that shoots at only one focal length? No thanks.

0 upvotes

That certainly is the populist view, but many, including myself, won't agree.

7 upvotes

I LOVE the fixed 35mm view. I find it liberating, not restricitve. You can see the shot prior to raising the camera to your eye.
Horses for courses...

2 upvotes

Beyond foolish is your reply.

0 upvotes

I always shoot RAW. I actually spent several days perfecting SilkyPix to get results out of RAW that were same as jpg. I developed a process to export TIFF from SP that demosaiced the RAF perfectly then used lightroom for editing. I respectfully disagree with anyone who says its simply an algorithm. the simple fact is pseudo random and excessive green pixels require more interpolation in the demosaic process and the results will always be mushy. Color will also never be as true compared to Bayer. Bayer requires less and more balanced interpolation. It's just a fact. There is no way anyone that knows good image quality can say that any of these images provided in the dpreview of the x100s are good. If they do it's complete denial. And frankly I am concerned that DPReview would rate this camera so high while leaving requiring more "read between the lines" in the conclusion. I have been a dpreview fan since the first days with Phil Askey and could trust the conclusions with my wallet.

5 upvotes

" It's just a fact. There is no way anyone that knows good image quality can say that any of these images provided in the dpreview of the x100s are good."

Anyone who disagrees with me is wrong, but I won't bother offering any evidence of my viewpoint at all except anecdata.

6 upvotes

What David is saying is plain as day unless you romance what the Fuji cams are producing.

2 upvotes

David, you've clearly not processed an image in Capture One, Aperture or Irident

1 upvote

David, if you had just hanged on a little longer with you X-E1 and shot RAW, Iridient Developer transformed the X-Trans sensor into a real gem IM HO

2 upvotes

I had the X-E1 for a short while. Moved to EOS M. The X-Trans is the issue for this camera. All shots included above, especially the young lady outside look sick. Flat, unsharp, and no detail. I use 5DMIIs for paid work, but for family and vacation shots I would be very upset to come back from long vacation to see all my photos looking anything like those in the examples. Fuji should ditch the X-Trans and refund people their money or send replacement camera with Bayer sensor. The X100 with Bayer sensor was the best. They should have stuck with that. Anyone else, in my opinion, that believes that the images in the test look good for $1k camera is in denial.

9 upvotes

I really wanted to buy X100s but am holding back. I hear Fuji is going release a new model in X-line( maybe Fuji X-A1) with a Bayer sensor ...
I strongly believe that X200 will be without this X-Trans Sensor ...

1 upvote

The picture with the woman in the blue tracksuit was shot at ISO 2000!
The other woman is ISO 6400!!
Did you just miss these facts or are you in denial?

Pictures taken with any(!) Canon APS-C Camera at these ISO values look just pathetic compared to the X-Trans sensor.

5 upvotes

David, if you're correct, then I must be utterly blind. Not to mention other numerous pro photogs raving about the Fuji cams on the inter webs :)

Also, if someone is using ACR/LR for raw conversion or even SilkyPix, you are completely missing the boat. Iridient Developer (!) or Capture One Pro 7 are far, far superior. If someone had shown me images from the Fuji cams via ACR, there's no way in hell I would have bought a Fuji kit.

4 upvotes

Fantastic camera for street photography, now that the problems with the legacy model have been ironed out its very, very tempting.

2 upvotes

Well, it's well worth the read and conclusions, thanks!
It's not a 'have to use' camera for me, as it is for I think most people. It's a 'want to haver' for sure.

The 100(S) gets quite a bit of attention here in Japan, and I've seen already many of them in the field and it can be found often placed at large stores close to the RX1, and GRX cameras'

I found that the AF especially under artificial lighting got quite a bit 'confused' several times

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 10 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

Thanks for the review I enjoyed reading it and agree with most of your comments.
A small point about the command control dial. It also serves as full zoom button in playback mode and toggle between Focus Peaking and Digital Split Image in manual focus mode. I agree though it would be nice if you could assign custom functions, I currently use the function button to toggle between still/movie and I know a lot of people use the function button for ND filter, it would be nice to have both options, function ND filter, command control stills/movie.

Nigel

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Lol Barney! :)

P.S. What's up with Cane below asking the same question about 5 times? ;)

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

The only competition to the X100S is another X camera but my basic stripped down EOS M 22 f2 lens at a cost of $299 gives me amazing image quality that takes in same field of view.

3 upvotes

I think the only comp is the Ricoh GR. The RX1 is too expensive to compare

0 upvotes

EOS M with 22mm lens, 11-22mm IS lens, EOS adapter, and one of several 50 to 100mm Canon EF primes under $500 = all together same or less price as Fuji X100S by itself.

Think of like this. If offered two 60" television sets - one is $800 with better image quality and more modern , sleek look - other is $1,800 with more buttons on the remote and more bulky, retro styling - who going to pick the $1,800 set?

What else but cameras will people still jump all over the second scenario. Nevertheless, I am glad it is helping keep Fujifilm strong.

4 upvotes

True:
The issue in the US is that Canon may NOT release any future EOS-M cameras. They are not importing or supporting the wide angle zoom.
With the improved AF with the new firmware, the EOS-M with the 22mm is a superb camera.
My issue is that I prefer cameras with viewfinders. I wand an EOS-M variant with an integrated EVF.

0 upvotes

@IchiroCameraGuy I'd like you to expand your dubious analogy to the missing viewfinder. How about: no option to change the volume?

0 upvotes

The only 'problem' now is:
x100s is £1000.
Xpro 1+ 35mm f.14 + 18mm f2 is £1200.
Ricog GR is £600

I find it hard to choose between fixed 28, fixed 35 and the option of lenses. I'd keep them all if I could! Have used all three for a long time. Favourite is prob x100s overall. Ricoh snap + IQ + size and price is amazing, and wider angle. Xpro1 feels so nice to use. Lovely size and weight and some great lenses...

Real life first world problems!

5 upvotes

Why not release the review after the product being discontinued, then X100s could raise the price at 2nd market rocket high! This is not first time that Dpr release late product review for brands except C/N!

2 upvotes

Really wish Fuji would go back to bayer filters on their sensors. At the very least offer ONE interchangeable bayer option for its really sweet X system. The IQ of RAW files with this idiotic xtrans filter still is way behind bayer-filtered 16MP sensors. Cameralabs.com illustrates this very well with their X-M1 review and resolution results. The EP-5 and GF6 even blow it away in JPEG and RAW. Please, Fuji, see the light and bring us a "B" camera that uses your "X" mount!!

6 upvotes

I prefer X-trans and I wouldn't use Fuji X cameras if they went back to bayer sensors wholesale (I think Fuji will offer a bargain bucket option with a bayer sensor). The output from x-trans clearly gets very close to full frame sensors and exceeds the image quality of bayer sensor cameras when properly processed from RAW. When properly processed from RAW using a good RAW converter the results exceed all bayer sensor cameras (including all you mention) other than full frame or greater sensors.

9 upvotes

Are you kidding? Or just trolling?

Cameralabs conclusion (comparing X-M1, E-P5 and GF6): "Regardless of the technicalities the X-M1's sensor comes out of this comparison a winner by a clear margin."

And comparing X-E1 and the EOS-M (same sensor size) they conclude: "This is a fairly emphatic win for the X-E1 over the EOS M."

Did you even read the review at Cameralabs???

3 upvotes

DreamingWatchman, if you look at cameralabs page on the X-E1 review comparing the X-E1 to EOS M you will see plain as day that the EOS M always has more detail and resolution. Not sure how he decided it was the opposite - it is not by a nose but obvious.

You have to go back few years to find a Canon APS-C with lower detail and resolution than X-E1 or X100/S.

Remember EOS M is the one on the right side -
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Fujifilm_X-E1/outdoor_resolution.shtml

3 upvotes

@IchiroCameraGuy: This page compares JPEGs.
If you compare JPEGs you compare the processing (e.g. sharpening) done in camera. You do not compare the camera or the sensor.

Look at the noise comparison an you will see that the EOS-M does not stand a chance.

I have had a Canon 7D for years and I never knew how noisy and mushy my 7D is - until I got a X-E1.

1 upvote

Looking at those results I think you are mistaking contrast for sharpness. There appears to be more fine detail in the Xe-1 files.

2 upvotes

The only thing that's idiotic about the X Trans are the people who use LR / ACR to process the images. ACR is hideous with X Trans de-mosaic interpolation. Iridient Developer (ID) is night and day better.

I got curious and tried ID for for my D800 files...a nice improvement over ACR as well, though not nearly as dramatic as with the Fuji files.

1 upvote

dreaming: when I read a review, I don't simply skip to the end and read the summary of someone ELSE's opinion, I look at the evidence at hand. In both the X-M1 and X100S reviews on CameraLabs, the JPEG & raw both were inferior to bayer comparisons at base sensitivities. You are welcome to your opinion, but responding to everyone rudely really doesn't help build a framework of rational discussion.

I find the X-trans sensored images to be lacking in fine detail. To each his own, but the evidence is pretty bluntly clear to me that neither the JPEG or raw output from these cameras has the fine per pixel detail as bayer rivals.

1 upvote

"Looking at those results I think you are mistaking contrast for sharpness. There appears to be more fine detail in the Xe-1 files."

No mistaking anything - there is details of objects in the EOS M images that are completely missing in the X-E1 images.

It is like some people have a type of spell put on them by the hype and retro cool of these Fujifilm cameras.

Someone mentioned sharpening - EOS M has very low sharpening by default for JPEG file. This is like some type of strange religious debate where imaginations equal fact.

These new Fuji APS-C cameras do not have good detail period.

1 upvote

Well, the guy to whose comparison pictures you refer disagrees with you. From your link:

"The EOS M shares the same sensor as the T4i / 650D and in terms of processing the crops look typical of those from a Canon consumer model, which is to say that they've been processed for a 'consumer-friendly' look, nice and contrasty with crisp edge detail. But I don't see quite the same level of detail in the EOS M crops as in those from the X-E1."

If you want a concrete example: in the last picture in your link, right in the centre of the crop, you can clearly see a white antenna in front of the big red roof in the X-E1 picture. In the EOS M crop, there's just a grey smudge.

Maybe someone's put a spell on you.

Comment edited 13 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Does everyone that buys a fixed lens camera like this primarily focus on street shooting? I don't fill my hard drive with pictures of strangers I spied, so I just can't see how to be happy without UWA, portrait, and and a little reach.

2 upvotes

Many people do, but I don't. I primarily shoot nature with my X100S, because that's what is around me every day.

2 upvotes

IT's my everyday camera. When with the family or when I know I may want to take some quick shots but know I don't feel like lugging my D600+lenses and know that I will still get great IQ.

Comment edited 20 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

0 upvotes

Not everyone does street shooting, but a fixed 35mm lens can be used for a lot of things in addition to street shooting. I guess I'd personally find it limiting, but if I used it for a while, I'm sure I'd get used to it and work with what 35mm gives me.

On another note, if you post a message and don't see it immediately, but there's no obvious error or failure, it's a good idea to wait a few minutes just in case the server on the other end is just being slow. And it's perhaps a good idea for the server to warn ("are you sure?" kind of thing) when suspected duplicates are detected.

4 upvotes

I got a strange error message that the server was full, and it said to refresh and try to post at a later time, so I tried it again. Sorry.

0 upvotes

Not often I make the time to play about with the comparison images. Thoughts:

- Surprised how my own latest and greatest does (an E-PM2) in many parts of the test photo (and not surprised where it is weaker).

- Raw: preferred the output of the Ricoh GR

- JPEG: Fuji all the way, leaving Olympus trailing in distant second.

1 upvote

I sold all of my dslr kit to buy this beauty of a camera. I have had it little over a week so in reality I am only just beginning learning how to use it. So far, all I can say is one hell of a WOW!!! This camera really delivers. No more changing lenses and big camera bag. I have this gem of a camera that more than replaces my old kit. Even though it has the restraint of being a fixed lens, I feel that my creative side kicks in every time I click the shutter. Looking forward to a long and happy relationship with my Fuji X100s.

13 upvotes

Yes, it will make you a better photographer because you will use your brain all the trime. And manual (walking) zoom is great too..... I got cheaper version, Ricoh GR and I am happy too.

Comment edited 27 seconds after posting

7 upvotes

I use a 35mm f1.8 lens on my Sony A55 quite often when I want to challenge myself. I don't see any real purpose to spending so much on this camera when a mirrorless camera can give you very similar performance at lesser price and in a smaller package (yes many mirrorless cameras are smaller than the Fuji). In fact the Fuji XE-1 with 35mm f1.4 costs a little more and is far more versatile as I can use others lenses when I want to.

0 upvotes

As a 4 month long intensive photographer with the X100S and over 2 years with the X100, I took the time to comment on the DPREVIEW conclusion 'Cons' from my point of view in this thread:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51896120

2 upvotes

An old friend who is the head of photography at a very large international NGO (they shoot Canon, mainly) bought the earlier version as it seemed to "tick all the boxes" (ugh) for a lightweight camera to issue for non-critical assignments. It didn't take them long to realise the camera was over-hyped and generally unsatisfactory on many counts. Now there's an "improved" version. We just keep falling for the same old marketing swindles.

2 upvotes

Guess all the pros currently heaping praise on it must be totally wrong then because your old friend didn't care for the prior model. Why not try one yourself and then post something truly insightful.

18 upvotes

X100S is amazing camera: I made some videos by using Fujifilm X100S, if you get time see my videos, here are links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12nMvhLVsgw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNrPgVxiuaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSqJ8BotoaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJMgYV764No https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbniTwGxfKc

And this is my exclusive facebook page on my city Ahmedabad, all photos are taken by Fujifilm X100/ X100S:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AhmedabadHD/105782226238881?hc_location=timeline

Kind Regards,
Kaushik Parmar Ahmedabad (India).

1 upvote

In a nut shell us users of the X100 had a long list of things we would like to fix regarding the camera. The X100s quite literally addressed them all. And even now with the X100s the small issues we have with this camera are already being addressed with firmware updates. Believe the hype about this camera it is a cracker. When you have one in your hand all you want to do is just hit the road and take pictures.

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

5 upvotes

So the people at the ngo are idiots. People were probably peeved of because it did not zoom and they could not change lenses. Let photographers pick their camera's do not shove it in.

Comment edited 36 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

Maybe he is an old head without a brain. . .

1 upvote

Maybe he is an old head without a brain. . .

0 upvotes

Good review but the quality out of the camera is much better then the one you see here. Just grab a different RAW processor.

http://www.thevisualexperience.org/web/camera-image-quality-why-dpreview-may-be-sometimes-wrong/

2 upvotes

There's no way round it, this is an expensive instamatic.

In this day and age buying a camera with a fixed semi-wide lens marks you out as having more money than sense.

3 upvotes

Since moving to FF, I've found that my favourite lens is the 35mm f/2. The X100s is a very very attractive camera.

7 upvotes

LOL -- guess all the folks who buy the Nikon A, Ricoh GR, Sony RX1 and for that matter, anyone who shoots mostly with a 24mm prime lens on APS-C are all senseless, eh?

Why don't you spend some time looking at the work product you see REAL photographers posting online with fixed focal length cameras.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

6 upvotes

Yes, totally agreed. And even for those of us with too much money on our hands, I would at least expect Fuji to also bring out a 85mm version as well.

0 upvotes

You can hardly call it an Instamatic, all the manual adjustments are there and more accessible and usable than almost any other camera. The manual focus doesn't just work it actually begs to be used.

3 upvotes

Having started photography in the early 70s with a Canonet QL17 40mm fixed lens rangefinder camera, this camera evokes a lot of fond memories. It really look like the QL17 except that it has a 35mm equivalent f/2.0 fixed lens. History is trying to repeat itself.

Shooting with a fixed 35mm lens camera has some advantages. It simplify the shooting process. One just zoom with the feet. Its a good way to master photography - master the focal length, in this case the 35mm angle of view. One has to learn how to maximise the capability of the camera and concentrate on composition and exposure.

No, this is not an expensive instamatic. Far from it. A modern point and shoot camera is. The aperture priority is real so is shutter priority and manual exposure. One can use them to their best effect.

35mm is adequate for most shooting although some prefer 28mm. One would be surprise it is excellent for a lot of landscape photos too. A good general purpose camera.

5 upvotes

35mm (equivalent) is a very useful focal length to have. It is almost equivalent to the human eye when looking at a direction. 28mm is when one is looking with both eyes. Some prefer 28mm for enviromental portraits where the surrounding tells a story or for group photos.

For that reason, I prefer shooting with my Canon 5D MkII with the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 lens most of the time, ocassionally using my 24mm f/1.4L MkII when I need a wider view and the Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Macro for closeups.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Actually your newbie comment doesn't ever deserve a response, but you do know that legendary photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson, shot with large aperture prime lenses similar to the 35mm f/2 on the X100s? And no Bresson didn't use an Instamatic.

http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/968

0 upvotes

Actually if you shoot landscape the 35mm equivalent lens works very well, and with a 2600 line resolution you can crop a photo pretty hard and still get a printable image.

Your criticism is not only inappropriate but marks you as someone with more hubris than intellect.

0 upvotes

and marike6 your comment shows what a poseur you are. I bet you think Leicas are good value too.

35mm is indeed a useful focal length, as long as it's not your ONLY focal length. What sheep you are

0 upvotes

The basic problem is, you started your post without having any idea what an instamatic is. Or if you do, you were just trolling. You can pick what is more embarrassing.

And now you followed it up with ad hominem attacks.How surprising.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

The review is OK but you can't find the camera for sale anywhere.

2 upvotes

or for that matter on display in BB or Fry's etc. Same problem is with Ricoh cameras and any other Fuji cameras. I have stopped buying cameras based on just the reviews; online.

0 upvotes

Just too bad the fuji distributor in the US is not given his allocation, or maybe in a worse scenario, Fuji is trying to create an artificial shortage.

Try buying the camera in Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong. There seem to be plenty going around. And have a holiday in Bali or Krabi, Thailand for some great photo opportunities.

The US is not the only place to buy cameras.

However, don't consider buying cameras in Bali or Krabi. They are just great holiday destination with interesting landscape and beaches.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 14 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

The Fuji x100s is the best camera for a photographer to start a career and for a professional photographer to query his visual language. Maybe it's also the best tool to end up a professional career: 'back to basics' is guaranteed.
The fuji x100s is my best investment ever. I can furnish my blog daily with images, which could have never been produced without this camera. It's also a way of making professional pictures, without being considered as a pro...

11 upvotes

Maybe you could post this again, preferably in comprehensible form.

4 upvotes

Yes, I know my English is far from perfect. Maybe my pictures could explain better...

5 upvotes

I like the blues of this camera.

0 upvotes

Based on the "Noise and Noise Reduction" chart, the X100S has significantly better high iso noise than the Nikon D4, Canon 5dm3, and other full frames. I find that a bit hard to believe. Am I missing something?

1 upvote

X100s ISO should be halved to get actual ISO.

Ie. X100s ISO 1600 is actually ISO 800.

3 upvotes

@ jacket- Sorry, but these values are always standard. The value set by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Point not taken.

4 upvotes

"Per pixel" noise measurements always give benefit to lower pixel count bodies in their comparison tool, but are not representative for "per image" comparisons. Which you can do yourself.

And second, the demosaïcing process of X-trans files seems to add quite a bit of smoothing and filtering too, which makes them look more like processed in camera jpegs, than converted RAW files, even with all NR set to zero.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

4 upvotes

@ I_d_allan: I too felt that at higher ISO the X100s giving better images than the D4, the D4 images becoming somewhat more warm in nature where the X retains the colors well. But its hard to believe still unless you have shot with both. Its truly difficult to believe.

2 upvotes

@jacketpotato
That is a bit too drastic when it comes to the X100S! These tests often don't take the T-Stop of the lens into account. But in direct comparison to the X100 (perfectly comparable due to exactly the same lens with the same T-Stop) I'd give the X100S 1/2-Stop too optimistic ISO value.

3 upvotes

I allowed myself 3 month with my X100S to review it against my X100 and pretty much came to the same conclusion and list of benefits on the X100S.

I did not even touch video on either one, though. But thanks for the reminder that this feature is somewhere hidden in there ;-)

Here is my X100 vs. X100S - 'was it worth the upgrade?' review:

www.FujiXfiles.com

In direct comparison between the X100 and the X100S I saw about a 1/2 stop difference in ISO sensitivity between the two. The X100S beeing about 1/2 stop less sensitive at similar aperture and shutter time.

I wonder if Fuji has ever said anything about the phase detection AF and if it can still be improved to lock in more situations in future FW updateds? That would be a nice extra goody to look forward to :)

3 upvotes

And this is my exclusive facebook page on my city Ahmedabad, all photos are taken by Fujifilm X100/ X100S:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AhmedabadHD/105782226238881?hc_location=timeline

Kind Regards,
Kaushik Parmar Ahmedabad (India).

4 upvotes

I am proud owner of Fujifilm X100, and I am using it since last two years, I have a had privilege to use X100S for 15 days, and I really love this new X100S, I now do not like old X100.

I have gone through with your review two times now and I am fully convinced, this is great review, it is deep review! Now I would like to let you know guys that, I am interested to use X100S' video function, I really like videos created by X100S, yes of course we can not have videos like Panasonic GH2 (I own Panasonic GH2), but for me I found videos are not bad, it really produce decent videos. I made some videos by using Fujifilm X100S, if you get time see my videos, here are links:

1 upvote

Hi! Greetings! This is Kaushik Parmar from Ahmedabad (India). I am regular visitor of DPReview. I am a huge fan of Fujifilm and I was waiting for your review on X100S, and finally I fond it today, so much exited! And I am glad you guys give "Gold Award" and X100S deserve it, well done Fujiflm!

I really enjoyed this extensive review, so much hard work you guys have done and full marks to all if you guys, keep it up!

2 upvotes

This camera has got lots of SWAG.

If other cameras were like people, this is what they will say...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfu0KNNd3Q4

3 upvotes

13 PRO

17 CON + (less DR etc etc)

Imho = bronze

3 upvotes

It's not as simple as just weighing the number of cons against the number of pros. One has to consider the consequences of each pro and con with respect to one's own photographic needs. Obviously, the reviewer thinks that those 13 pros far outweigh the 17 cons.

4 upvotes

You shouldn't judge a camera just by looking at the last page of the review and counting the pro's and con's and the points on the list have different weights. For me an 'excellent image quality' is a much more appreciate PRO than a 'fiddly button' CON.... and frankly most of the CONs are things that could have been done better, but that have much less impact on the user than the PROs. Know what I mean?

1 upvote

A lot of cons for a gold award.

6 upvotes

yes.a lot of cons never seen before for a gold award?

bronze award is right value, don't?

1 upvote

Once you will use it you will come to know why GOLD has been given! You can see my work, I posted links. Have a nice day!

3 upvotes

The shadow dynamic range issue is really very disturbing. I've stuck to film cameras all these years, until recently, because of DR issues.

For example, I frequently under-expose faces, in strongly backllit conditions, for the sake of atmosphere, and I need as much shadow DR as I do highlight DR as I can get (particularly for the sake of eyes). That, skin tones, + OOC JPG quality are what had me finally move away from film. I would have immediately pre-purchased the X-Pro 2, except for this review. I'm astonished that fuji have seen fit to reduce DR they are famous for.

Fuji see this as improving shadows, but I don't buy that. It's a loss of irretrievable detail and capability. Consumer vs Enthusiast/semi-pro.

In the X-Pro review, putting shadows to -2 extended the shadow DR even more but isn't shown here. The fact that the X100s has the same settings doesn't mean that we can resurrect the shadow DR capabilities of the previous cameras. If we can then I can put aside my concern.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

6 upvotes

In honesty the shadow recovery is nothing short of miraculous whether you refer to the X100S or X-Pro1. I've never even noticed a difference in real world use of both.

The X100S has better DR than almost every other APS-C camera on the market - it may or may not be worse than the X-Pro1 but I'm not sure I would lose sleep over it.

2 upvotes

Not according to this review. Look at the graph. It's the same as any other APS-C. And compare to the X-Pro 1 with Shadow at -2 in its review; which, as you say, is miraculous. That isn't tried here, so we don't know.

Are you talking of RAW? RAW is something I wish to avoid if at all possible. The case for RAW in these cameras, even for the X-pro 1, is not straightforward.

1 upvote

You might try shooting RAW and post processing your high-contrast images for that missing shadow detail you allude to instead of basing your entire experience of DR on an online review, graphs, and sample photos. While the X- series cameras offer some of the best DR available, NO camera can be relied on to give you infinite detail in both dark and white with OOC JPGs.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I am using the X100s, and there are some more really advantageous Pros worth considering.
1. The X100s can shoot at an insane flash-sync speed. Can even shoot at 1/4000 shutter speed. Capturing stage with fast moving subject is no problem with this device.
2. Has a built-in ND filter allowing you to keep your aperture wide open even in broad daylight to create amusingly shallow DOF

3. This machine can click making almost no-sound. Very suitable for capturing theatre/ Concerts and Street

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 7 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

I don't understand...

From drpreviw
"Our tests show that the X100S clips to black more suddenly than previous X-Trans cameras though, giving about two stops less dynamic range in the shadows. Fujifilm has confirmed that "

Fuji confirmed x100s has less dynamic range in shadows tone compared previous model (x-pro1 superior, and x-e1 too)

dpreview say:
"and in real-world use, the shadow contrast tweak is not noticeable when comparing the X100S with its competitors."

interpretation:
"competitors" different word to say...x-pro1 and x-e1 do it better...but x100s compared with different brand camera is superior

why x100s sensor (born after x-e1 and x-pro1 with af superior) is inferior in DR?

2 upvotes

Total comments: 445