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

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Comments

Total comments: 445

Excellent & very thorough review. Well done Barney, worth the wait!

2 upvotes

I have used the X100 for the last two years mostly for B&W. I have since 3 monthes the X100s and I am very pleased with the X-Trans sensor, the results in B&W (raw + LR4) are quite outstanding . The X100s for B&W photographers is clearly a "monochrome" camera alternative !

See some exemples : http://my-finepix-x100s.blogspot.com

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

I agree with you. 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).

Comment edited 51 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

"Auto ISO is available when using manual exposure, but disappointingly it doesn't respect the exposure compensation setting in this mode, which reduces its usefulness...........(Pentax Ricoh is the only company to explicitly offer such a Shutter + Aperture priority mode)"

This may be strictly true but the reality is that other manufacturers offer the same functionality in manual mode - they don't give it a separate mode with its own place on the mode dial, but you can do the very same thing. I have an RX1 and a Nikon Coolpix A that both have that functionality incorporated into the M mode (the Nikon has the most overall useful auto-ISO setup I've ever used).

But the basic point is right that Fuji falls down (hard!) by omitting this function. And a top minimum shutter speed of 1/125 is better than not being able to set it, but just barely. Ricoh's 1/250 and Nikon's 1/1000 are both far more useful...

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

'There is little need to shoot RAW'. ?, Are You talking to Yourself here? I don't care what You think You need to shoot. A $1300 camera to shoot jpg's. Who is kidding who?!

6 upvotes

Whom.

14 upvotes

I guess I am kidding myself too, then. I am using this camera to shoot JPG's. With excellent results. The JPG's are fantastic.

6 upvotes

Funny sign "I'm sorry". But i think you shouldn't even excuse yourself for anything.

If anything, readers should say "We're thankful".

11 upvotes

You're right.
Thanks dpreview.

5 upvotes

Can DPR do a formal comparison between ACR and Iridient on X-Trans. ACR does not seem to do Xtrans justice, no matter your sharpneing work flow. This is especially try for foliage and low contrast details.

See example here:
http://www.thevisualexperience.org/web/processing-x100s-raw-with-iridient-developer-part-2/

4 upvotes

The tradeoff is that Iridient has more problems with chroma noise. As the saying goes, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

2 upvotes

Hmm more cons (a very long list) than pros and closely looking at the IQ of RAW vs competition, can't see how it gets an 81% score and gold award?

3 upvotes

A somewhat lengthy list of little niggles doesn't negate the list of pros. And the pros are superb, as are the results. I guess that's why.

2 upvotes

poor detail past ISO 400 or away from center of the frame is not superb for a camera that cost over a $1,000 in 2013

3 upvotes

Great review, thanks!
However, in your summary pro / con listing I would like to have seen some of the pro's associated with the leaf shutter included (you've identified a couple of con's!).
It's silent (something you commented on in the body of the review) and the ability to sync flash at all available speeds. The latter is a wonderful feature and really helps in strongly backlight situations.
For me the shutter is worth the gold award on its own!
Cheers, Jeff

5 upvotes

This is an excellent camera. I'd disagree with the ergonomics being better than the Ricoh GR. The Fuji Jpegs are over smeared but the RAWs are great. The general handling of light is the best I've seen from any lens.
And update and comparative review of the Xpro1 would be good, given Fujis stand that it won't be updated this year.

3 upvotes

If you can go without retro styling, cool viewfinder, extra dials and buttons maybe grab a $1,000 cheaper EOS M with 22mm F2 lens. You get a fun touchscreen, much better detail, smaller size for pockets.

6 upvotes

Trying to booster a completely different camera makes little sense.

7 upvotes

Well there is a good chance people looking at this camera are looking for a compact APS-C sensor cam with very good image quality with a small 35mm lens. If that is the main concern then its a no brainer to get one that is more compact with better image quality and 4x less expensive. If main concern is dials, viewfinder, styling, then it is a mute point. Makes sense?

7 upvotes

No. It doesn't make sense.

If your point were "moot" rather than... mute, the statement might make some sense.

You'd still be incorrect.

8 upvotes

Right, no sense. Same as $299 EOS M having more detail at 3200 sensitivity than $1,299 X100S at 1600 doesn't make sense.

Yet X100S will sell well and be applauded for high ISO ability.

Prices charged for cameras, prices people will pay, what is most important in a camera for people all does not make sense.

You can hardly see the dot for the i in Paul Smith at ISO 800 with the X100S where you can in 4 year old APS-C cameras at 1600 or 3200. Same sensitivity the girl's face shows poor detail with edge enhancement and noise reduction - both JPEG and RAW.

5 upvotes

Odd, I find the detail on my X100s up there with my D800E. The real story here is that the X100s needs different RAW processing to get the best out of it.

2 upvotes

I would love to know where you get the Canon eos m has enter image quality

0 upvotes

maybe if standing twice as close with X100S using same focal length and using low ISO sensitivities.

I generally like Fujifilm cameras, even have family that works for them, couple of their classic models in my safe I will never get rid of - but this is what it is.

2 upvotes

Just repeating yourself doesn't make it true. Again - where you get the idea. Of course you are also ignorin all other aspects like aF, viewfinder , etc but we can still start with this claim.

1 upvote

Just repeating yourself doesn't make it true. Again - where you get the idea. Of course you are also ignorin all other aspects like aF, viewfinder , etc but we can still start with this claim.

0 upvotes

Just repeating yourself doesn't make it true. Again - where you get the idea. Of course you are also ignorin all other aspects like aF, viewfinder , etc but we can still start with this claim.

0 upvotes

Raist3d, compare here Canon 650D (same sensor and processing) with X100S. Compare on Imaging Resource - EOS M vs X100S. Better at detail in all cases at least up to 3200 and plays the same role. Compare EOS M at 3200 vs X100S at 1600....or EOS M at 1600 vs X100S at 800.

2 upvotes

Sorry for all the posts. The dpreview site was going me an error when it was still posting the text. No intentions of repeating.

0 upvotes

Sorry but these comparisons do not use a better raw converter for xtrans like capture one or iridient but adobe which is know to still smear out detail. So yes, I you must use Lightroom/ace I can see your point.

2 upvotes

Where is a source posted with JPEG images from recommended converter?

2 upvotes

You can do that homework- Capture One 7 is free for 60 days (!) and Iridient is free except is water marked. Download the raws yourself from Imaging Resource.

That said, this is just dealing with the statement you made. I will agree with you for $300 USD the EOS M is a very nice proposal. Do keep in mind the reason the EOS M is so cheap is because it's discontinued *and* a market failure. But I also agree that, that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad for someone.

Funny though you talk about a "fun touch screen" and ignore the many other advantages in usability the X100s proposess. BTW, not everyone likes touchscreen- easier to change something by accident imho- but that's all besides the point.

3 upvotes

@ Raist3d

I think you will find that he mentioned some of the form factor attractions of the Fuji in his very FIRST post.

1 upvote

I looked at the Image quality compared to in Raw...
Am I missing something, or are all the samples from the FujiX100s super soft in all ISO's by comparison to the Ricoh GR and the Coolpix A?
Please somebody compare the different cameras in Raw and tell my that I am mistaken, because even the Fuji X100 is muuuuch sharper.

13 upvotes

It's Adobe's default output.
It looks much, much better in other RAW converters like C1 or Iridient or dcraw.

6 upvotes

You are. It's superior to those cameras when properly processed

3 upvotes

Adobe's X-Trans conversion straight out of the box leaves a lot to be desired, unfortunately. So it falls short in "standardized" tests. When all of the above are optimized, things line up better. As others have said, other processors (C1, Aperture, Iridient, RPP, DCRaw, etc) all get a great amount of detail out of the sensor.

3 upvotes

"Am I missing something"

No you are not.

Just read again the "X-Trans explained" page. X-Trans is inherently softer since it uses not 2x2 (Bayer's RGGB), but 6x6 pattern. IOW, right there you have decrease of the resolution. Some of it is recovered, but it still can't do miracles.

The difference is highly visible in pixel peeping, but IRL (in real life) it is pretty negligible.

1 upvote

So, what all are saying is disregard the soft files that are part of the test because this is not indicative of the performance...

Disregard the fact that the test was not performed with the new center to edge sharpness target which was used in the Ricoh Gr and Coolpix A test...

Disregard the fact that the dynamic range is lower than both the Ricoh GR and the Nikon A (As Barney Britton stated in his review it's more than enough because Fuji said so)...

You don't need to shoot Raw as per Barney Britton because the Jpegs are so good, even though this is not seen in the samples (since when did Ken Rockwell take over DPReview)...

There seems to be a lot of disregarding in this test, in favor of the FujiX100s

3 upvotes

This camera has very good high ISO performance compared to Nikon or Canon.......good job from Fuji......

1 upvote

Only if you like smeared files, lacking detail.
Take a look at the Raw files from ISO 1600 up, everything is soft and smeared, by comparison to the competition. I don't get it?
It is way softer than even the FujiX100.

13 upvotes

Lots of noise reduction happening jpeg and raw. Not as good

6 upvotes

Certainly softer than the competition and the cleanness is coming from more NR on the RAW rather than being a better sensor. Looks like the lens is not as good as it should be either when you look at low ISO shots.

4 upvotes

Agreed. The DPR comparisons fail to demonstrate what the camera is capable of. An example of a "fair" test using identical settings producing an "unfair" or at least inaccurate result

2 upvotes

Dear Dpreview Staff,

could you please please Pooolllleaaaaaasse, comment on the Fuji X overstating ISO on JPEGS? I didn't see any mention of it in your review (sorry if I missed it)

There are numerous claims by very credible photographers on Dpreview forums that Fuji is overstating JPEG ISOs on their Xtrans sensors (i.e. the camera tells you it's ISO6400 where it's really more like ISO4000 on other cameras for instance)

Unfortunately no credible reviewers (such as yourself) ever comment on this as far as I know.

Sure would help a bunch to hear from you about it.

Thanks in advance.

5 upvotes

Review page 11:

"By our tests, the X100S's measured sensitivities are within 1/6EV of indicated, which is within the tolerance allowed by the ISO specification. In other words, ISO 100 indicated = ISO 100 ..."

17 upvotes

Thanks P@l

I don't know how I missed that.

Think I should stop reading reviews at 1 AM in the morning :)

1 upvote

Barney do you ever get fed up with people whining about the reviews?

1 upvote

Fortunately, I feed only on bile. But credit to the commenters on this review - compared to some other interactions, people are being very pleasant, and I appreciate it. I shall have to find something else to eat...

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

10 upvotes

Barney, it's interesting that I did not see the very chart you are standing in front of in the Fuji X100s review.
Although this chart was used in the Ricoh and Nikon test to show corner lens performance...What gives, considering that you have been using this camera almost exclusively for the past few weeks as you stated in your review?
I would think that a camera that gains the Gold award, and is stated as not even needing to shoot Raw would get the same stringent testing as the other cameras in this price point...

1 upvote

Oh, it got very stringent testing, let me assure you... but some of the back-end work (boring stuff like coding, skinning and deployment which is much harder to do than to say) for this new studio comparison scene is still being perfected. Which is to say - we'll have the shots ready for you soon, but not yet.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

6 upvotes

Great review, thank you. I am astonished that a camera this size gives ISO performance and IQ apparently = my D4. This may be the "digital Hexar" I have been hoping for. I can't wait to check it out in person. Keep up the good work.

1 upvote

X100S review!? ALLELUIA!
ohh a nice camera too!

3 upvotes

ARTIFACTS?
========

Did not DPReview look for or encounter these issues?

http://diglloyd.com/blog/2012/20121206_1-FujiXE1-artifacts.html

Thanks in advance.

3 upvotes

Somewhat like the images from the old S5 when using the 12mp setting.

2 upvotes

Probably not: diglloyd is a hack with a beef about fuji. I can't take anything he says about any fuji camera seriously. The problems are over exaggerated or fabricated

1 upvote

@sgoldswo
If you read Diglloyd often enough you will learn that he is very demanding, detailed/thorough in his testing, and more than a little fussy about image quality.

But a hack he is not, nor exaggerations or fabrications does he do.

1 upvote

Geez make us wait while you make an awesome sign! i never! ;)

2 upvotes

I don't get why this is a con: "Focus must be acquired for every exposure in AF-S mode (use AFL to get around it)"

Isn't that practically how all cameras behave in single shot mode, unless you engage some form of focus lock (e.g. manual focus, AF-L, etc)?

0 upvotes

No, most cameras don't need to re-lock focus as long as you keep the shutter button half pressed. That's quite an odd thing for Fuji to do.

2 upvotes

Sorry, I don't follow. Let's say I decide to focus on a subject (with any camera), I half-press the shutter. It focuses and confirms lock. Then I fully press to take the picture. Now when I half-press again, it's going to attempt to focus and lock again.

Am I missing something here?

0 upvotes

Yes, and it happens right after you fully press the shutter. As joejack951 said, on many cameras you don't have to release the shutter button fully. You can keep it half-pressed and press it again to prevent the camera from re-focusing.

2 upvotes

I was thinking the same thing as Adrian. Never knew I could keep it half pressed. Thanks for the tip.

2 upvotes

That's interesting, I wasn't aware of such a feature either.

2 upvotes

It used to be one of the small, annoying differentiators between low and high end SLRs. These days, I only notice when a camera doesn't let you do it. But some people I'm sure will never be aware of the 'feature'. I suppose it comes down to how you use your cameras.

1 upvote

hehe. I tried my K-5 and G10, both had the feature. And I have never known about it. Hmmmm ... for G10 it was kind of hard to use though, It was very easy to let the button up too much.

You never stop learning. Thanx!

0 upvotes

I really think this should be on Fuji's firmware "todo" list.

0 upvotes

No mention of the fact that the X-100 JPEG colors are nicer than the X-100s JPEG colors? Why?

1 upvote

Thats strictly a matter opinion.

Just like IMO oly's XZ-2 colors are nicer vs the X20...which means they may be better then every X camera!

Is that the truth....who knows....but its an opinion of someone that doesnt own a XZ-2 and has a XE-1

2 upvotes

Good review.

I found the real world shots in this review to be very helpful in giving readers an idea just what the camera can do. The original X100 was a winner but the damn blade problem was real and a downer for those who had to deal with it. I give Fuji full credit for repairing the early cameras that had the problem AND making sure newer models didn't have that issue. The X100s looks like a real winner and I would not hesitate to pick one up.

Thanks for the review. Well done.

2 upvotes

Fuji makes wonderful mirrorless cameras that have some funky quirky issues. They are better than Sony mirrorless line from my ownership and usage of both in past several years.

make sure you have a warranty because you may need it with a Fuji X camera. After saying this I say that the X100S is a useless model when you have the X-E1 and lens selection.

3 upvotes

I am sure the X-E1 is a nice camera. That said, it is a different beast than the X100S. The X-E1 does not have the supernice Hybrid viewfinder with an optical view option, nor does it have the wonderful silent leaf shutter with the magically fast flash sync speeds, that with a press-of-a-button ND filter (another missing feature of the X-E1) allows you to shoot outdoor sunlit portraits and fill-flash withs packed with loads of creamy bokeh.

2 upvotes

I think not - I own both, and the XE1 is great, but you can't get the XE1 in your pocket with a lens selection, nor can it match the heights of the IQ from the X100S

1 upvote

No no X100S can not be useless camera, indeed it is great camera. You can say that you are not comfortable with fix lens, so for you X-E1 is perfect.

I agree with you. I made some videos by using Fujifilm X100S, if you get time see my videos, here are links:

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

0 upvotes

They're 2 separate concepts for different purposes. I'd wager that one won't be able to distinguish the X100s shots from an XE-1 with the upcoming 24mm f1.4 prime lens when Fuji releases it later this fall.

0 upvotes

People who need to put cameras in their pocket have far better choices. This group also are likely rank amateurs.

0 upvotes

Give me a full-frame sensor and a function to automatically set the focus to the hyperfocal distance of the selected aperture, and I'll give you $2,000. Weatherproof it and I'll give you another $300.

9 upvotes

Pity Fuji does not like to put both viewfinder and articulated LCD on the same camera.

6 upvotes

Wow, that's seriously impressive at ISO 6400...

10 upvotes

control your exuberance. the stated ISO and the actual are not on in the same.

6 upvotes

not one in the same as in different. excuse my misspelling. a well known fact but the X100s still does well in lower light with what it works with: smoke and mirrors.

0 upvotes

@Ybor

"By our tests, the X100S's measured sensitivities are within 1/6EV of indicated, which is within the tolerance allowed by the ISO specification. In other words, ISO 100 indicated = ISO 100 ..."

5 upvotes

By Asylum Photo (13 min ago)

@Ybor

"By our tests, the X100S's measured sensitivities are within 1/6EV of indicated, which is within the tolerance allowed by the ISO specification. In other words, ISO 100 indicated = ISO 100 ..."

Doubt this to be true. Sorry.

0 upvotes

I'm Leica virgin but I touched for the very first time a X100S a few days ago and my heartbeat...

3 upvotes

Thank you, Barney! MUCH appreciated! :-)

4 upvotes

Pleasure - I was as keen as you to get this review on the site, I've been chipping away at it for bl**dy ages...

3 upvotes

Dear Fuji,

If you read this, please think about how many more additional units you would sell if you also sold a black version. Even David Hobby has gaffer-taped his silver version. Take a hint. People on all kinds of photo forums are asking for a black version. And please no silly Limited Edition version to help you sell your overpriced accessories. Just a plain black version please.

I promise I'll buy one! Really.

7 upvotes

Yes. But Fuji can't make enough of the Silver version to meet sales demand, I don't think their sales would be any better with also having a black version.

0 upvotes

Good work, Fujifilm! The samples speak for themselves.

Excellent, thorough review!

0 upvotes

Should also add those to the con list:
1/ No black colour body option;
2/ Would be better if a bit smaller.

0 upvotes

LOL. Nice apology.

6 upvotes

Actually after checking the cons list I can say, most of them if not all are not considered cons at all..If I am to mention one thing I don't like about X100S it would be ; Fuji not providing it in BLACK..it just doesn't feel so good shooting with something that shiny in streets.

Great review, the best indeed(technically speaking)

2 upvotes

This camera is a joy to use. Best camera I've ever owned.

5 upvotes

Likewise. Absolutely zero regrets since I purchased mine back in May.

1 upvote

Skin tones with no wrinkles. Fuji has detail without texture, as someone else said.

5 upvotes

You have to view the JPEGs at 100% to see this minor smoothing. So unless you want to print huge, don't worry about it. If you do need to print huge, then it's RAW and Lightroom 4.4 to the rescue.

1 upvote

Also, the smoothing is minimized when NR is set to -2, I've found (XP1/XE1 user).

9 upvotes

JackM..."print huge" then it's RAW and Iridient Developer. ID kills ACR/LR..seriously.

0 upvotes

Dang I sure want to buy this camera but for street photography I sure would miss the flip up screen that's on my OMD.

3 upvotes

While I am sure the camera is great and the image quality is superb this camera has very limited use. I would think that would know several points off the score.
Telephoto
Standard portraits (70-135mm)
Ultra wide angle
This camera can't do a lot of very common things people do with their cameras.

1 upvote

Yeah, you know what else is limited is the iPhone, but that is the most widely used camera ever. Funny how it also has a 35mm field of view.

Somehow I used nothing but my X100S for three days and three nights at Disney World and brought home about 120 keepers. I was so happy to have DSLR quality in my pocket.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

4 upvotes

You can't subtract points just because the camera isn't what it's not supposed to be. A fixed focal length camera is not meant for general use, but for use cases where that particular focal length is appropriate (and that might be more cases than you'd think). If you want to shoot telephoto or ultra wide angle, you should use a camera that is designed to do just that.

4 upvotes

True, The X100(s) isn't everything a DSLR can be, but I've to say that after getting my X100, I've stopped using the D300. For TWO full years. It's actually amazing (and somewhat ridiculous) how much I enjoy using the X100. Sure I miss getting telephoto ranges at times, but the sheer enjoyment of being able to bring my X100 anywhere, anytime sure makes for it.

I'm even considering trading in both my X100 and D300 for a new X100s... tempting.

5 upvotes

Since it seems that someone from Fuji might even read the comments ... I really wish that original X-100 had added functionality to add new Quick menu from X-100S. That should not be too complicated as it basically uses the same button (RAW on X-100) and I would happily give up RAW for improved user interface.

Also with all words of prise for new X-100S .. one thing the older sensor from X-100 excels easily with ... is Dynamic Range ...surprisingly... I would not imagine the difference would be so substantial ...

So I am keeping my X-100 for now and hope Fuji will make it even better camera via next firmware update .... Pretty Please!

0 upvotes

DPREVIEW: "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".

2 upvotes

Read the next part after that.

0 upvotes

I'm not sure why Continuous Autofocus (AF-C) is referred to as the "least useful option" a number of times.

Least useful for who? The reviewer? That's pretty subjective.

2 upvotes

It's a fixed 35mm - there really aren't that many applications where we found that AF tracking is really useful. That's a feature we use more at longer focal lengths (you may of course disagree, but that's just what we concluded).

4 upvotes

Like I say, it's subjective. My camera is almost always in AF-C. I find it very useful when shooting concerts or in "street photography" (not a fan of this term, but it's the accepted terminology) where the subjects are constantly moving. As you're probably aware this camera is very popular with the burgeoning street photography contingent and no doubt they'd find AF-C the most useful option.

Shooting sports up-close like skateboarding and BMX benefits from AF-C. Even shooting candid-style portraits with a model that is moving quickly from pose to pose can benefit from AF-C.

In any case I just don't think making blanket statements like the "least useful option" makes sense without a qualifier. The least useful option for you isn't the least useful option for everyone, so it comes off as misleading without any clarification. That's just my 2¢...

1 upvote

DPR you are giving away gold awards to the majority of cameras now (not counting your "rugged camera" reviews). I'm not saying that the X100s doesn't deserve it but I think you're really diluted the value of a gold award and it's almost like a silver award means its a camera to avoid. You really need to rethink and clearly define your criteria for rating cameras because right now you are sending a lot of mixed messages.

Comment edited 58 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

I think this has less to do with dpreview tossing out gold awards like candy and more to do with rapid camera advancement and the creation of several new camera spaces with no standard to compare the camera being reviewed to.

4 upvotes

I don't think so. When it is good, it is good. When it is less good or even bad, they say so too. Digital is getting better and better, many cameras are at least "silver" or "gold" these days.

Which says more about progress and development than about DPR.

1 upvote

@ Alpcns2: HALLELUJAH Brother. In case most of the populace doesn't get it, we've been in the "Golden Age" of camera development for some time now. You can't go wrong with the X100s or the OMD or the RX100 or the Nikon A or a D800 or or or or or or....

What doesn't exist now, nor will it EVER exist despite the whining and moaning forum heads dish out is a "perfect" camera for everyone in all circumstances.

If you don't like the X100s, go shoot with something else you like better.

0 upvotes

calking....YOU deserve the HALLELUJAH Brother !!

0 upvotes

Actually Video IS important today in 2013 and a camera for $1299 should not get Gold award with a completely neglected video feature. Other than that it is a good review.

4 upvotes

People don't buy this kind of camera to shoot video. Why must every camera be good at everything? If Fuji had marketed it as a stills/video hybrid, then you would be right, but they don't.

8 upvotes

It's a valid criticism, and one that is called out in the review (and reflected in the score). But yes - Revenant's point is a good one, and that's basically the reason why it didn't cost the X100S its gold award. Awards are subjective, and there's no inherent connection between score/award (it's explained in a link next to the scoring widget on the conclusion page).

5 upvotes

Re: video, the problem is that Fujifilm was the one who heavily promoted the new video features, namely 1080p60 at 36 mbps for both the X100s and X20. And when I got my X20, I was surprised by the moire, and that 1080p60 was nothing like the Sony or Panasonic AVCHD 60p video that we are used to. But no, the X100s is a still camera down at it's core so it's not a big deal at all.

1 upvote

Don't apologize - you are just pandering to the brat mentality of the few.

Great review and great camera. Those ISO 6400 sots are the best I have seen on any APS-C sensor.

Cheers

19 upvotes

ISO 6400 is actually ISO 3200 on Fuji X100s

3 upvotes

"ISO 6400 is actually ISO 3200 on Fuji X100s"

Who cares - as long as the rest of exposure parameters are the same.

0 upvotes

"ISO 6400 is actually ISO 3200 on Fuji X100s"

"By our tests, the X100S's measured sensitivities are within 1/6EV of indicated, which is within the tolerance allowed by the ISO specification."

Well look at that.

Comment edited 11 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

jacketpotato...no, it's not...as ryrychung pointed out. Do you think Canon, Nikon, Sony & Pentax are standardized and 100% accurate in their ISO ratings? Certainly not. Fuji has done a superlative job with the X trans & iso performance.

0 upvotes

Wow with so many cons list, it still getting Gold award.

Lets wait what is Canon answer for Fuji compact ?
I hope Canon S200 is really good with APS-C sensor, and fast lens

3 upvotes

The original X100 got a silver award so unless the lens fell off (or it produced the white orbs that were going to put Fuji out of business) the outcome of this test was obvious. And it is an excellent camera. In fact, they both are.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

The Canon S200 has a 2mp sensor, 2x optical zoom, selectable ISO from 50-400, and can be bought on Amazon for $39. I had one. It was pretty good. :)

0 upvotes

Oh no! I think I'm about to relapse with G.A.S.!

0 upvotes

Awesome camera. I miss my X100 everyday. It's always a bad idea to sell something with such excellent IQ that is so pretty.

But it's a detailed, well-done review. I might have been nice to have the IQ comparison widget default to the other two fixed lens cameras without AA filters, the Ricoh GR and Coolpix A. But I suppose you had a reason for picking the EM5. But fortunately the widget allows us to compare all cameras in the database.

Anyway, terrific camera that should get top honors for the hybrid VF alone. Throw in the outstanding high ISO ability, and Phase Detect AF, and Fujifilm has a winner indeed.

7 upvotes

Add VR to the lens and an articulated 3' screen, this will be a perfect pocket camera.

4 upvotes

You've got some big pockets!

2 upvotes

Cool sign and highly functional as well.

Barney's sign can be reused for the Canon EOS M, Nikon D4, Canon 1D X, ....

6 upvotes

A winner, indeed

0 upvotes

typo: "Sony's RX1R, which offers a full-frame 245MP CMOS sensor ".

would be a bargain of a camera on a per pixel basis if that were true :)

2 upvotes

Fixed now, sorry.

0 upvotes

This camera is a clear winner.

3 upvotes

Jpeg rules. RAW is for posers.

Only thing missing is face recognition.

3 upvotes

The whole JPEG vs. raw debate is a pseudo-debate. It's not like they are two conflicting image formats.

You do realize that the JPEGs you get from the camera started out as raw sensor data? And that the end result for those who shoot raw is also a JPEG image (or another RGB image format, such as TIFF)? The only difference is that raw shooters prefer to have full control over noise reduction and other parameters, rather than using the limited in-camera controls. Why does that make them posers?

12 upvotes

LMAO, Revenant! Yeah, buddy! Preach to me!

3 upvotes

Well, not my intention to preach, really. I'm just a little fed up with the whole JPEG vs. raw thing. Nothing personal, buddy! ;-)

2 upvotes

this was a weird exchange. can someone help me out?

1 upvote

Weird exchanges are pretty common around here, I think. I guess we're just trying to blend in. :-)

1 upvote

Johnsonj's post is meaningless. It only illustrates his ignorance about the advantages of shooting RAW vs. JPEG.

A knowledgeable photographer will be aware of the advantages/disadvantages of both RAW and JPEG and will select the image file format based on the situation and his/her particular requirements.

Good easily-understandable explanations of the advantages of RAW vs. JPEG can be found at http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/u-raw-files.shtml and http://bythom.com/qadraw.htm.

1 upvote

lol ... Revenant !!!

0 upvotes

There is a reason why this camera is a best seller.

The downside is people's patience are tested due to the large back order.

The upside is there is as yet no clear contender in sight, so Fuji is just chugging along with normal production... Lad dee dah...

Comment edited 39 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

Total comments: 445