Hands-on with the Fujifilm X100S: Digital Photography Review

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Not sure if this adds to or subtracts from the current conversation. I'm a working photojournalist who put down my professional Nikons last June and have been using the x100 and xpro1 for press work ever since--including several published in The New York Times. The x100 is a terrific little camera, and, although not as responsive or as quick to focus as my Nikons, its optics are superlative--on par with Leica if you ask me. With this in mind, I'm not entirely sure what all the talk is about. Comparing the x100 to the x100s is like splitting hairs. Ultimately what matters is the image, and keeping your eye healthy. This camera makes me work for photos. I find I need to predict more, and I'm also moving about, backing up, circling in on subjects, like I used to do with my Leicas. Here's the pic published in the Times, taken with the x100:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/14/manhattan-prosecutor-to-centralize-efforts-against-cybercrime/

Jan 26, 2013permalink

57even

That's it! I'm not buying another camera until the Xpro2 comes out with all the new features.

In the meantime my Xpro1 will do me just fine :-)

Jan 22, 2013permalink

Backstage

I do own a X100 for some time and upgrade it by a X-E1 for some weeks now. I thought it was an improvement of the X100. But after some time I feel like the X100 is still a camera I like to have with me, I love to take pictures with and where the results still let me smile. The mechanical interaction with the camera (aperture ring, size, ...) is IMHO much more intutive that the X-E1. So the simple idea of a boosted X100 without changing the body's design let me think of this irrational upgrade I will plan for 2013 :-)

Jan 16, 2013*permalink

Computer Controlled

If only they would have made the lens a 1.4, or even a 1.8. I sold off my X100 for the X-Pro1, but i do miss the X100. If they would have made the lens fast than an f2, i'd be all over it again!!

Jan 15, 2013permalink

marike6

I can't imagine a third of a stop, in the case of an f1.8 lens making much of a difference to most users, especially with the excellent low-light capabilities of the X100/X100s.

An f1.4 would likely be huge, defeating the whole high-quality compact concept. The X100 is so nice to use vs the X-Pro1/35 1.4 because the lens doesn't protrude much at all, making it much more pocketable.

Jan 15, 2013permalink

nawknai

Exactly.
An f/1.4 lens would have little benefit at a high cost in terms of weight and size.

If you wouldn't have sold your X100 if it had an f/1.8 lens, then you don't really understand cameras all that well.

Jan 18, 2013permalink

Superka

Fuji is the best!

Jan 12, 2013permalink

Cipher9250

will the wide conversion lens for x100 work on the x100s thanks

Jan 12, 2013permalink

Petteri Sulonen

Yes.

Jan 13, 2013permalink

Matthew Jardine Photography

Is it safe to assume that given the X-E1 employs contrast detection autofocus, the X100S will provide better autofocus performance? And I was all set to go out and buy an X-E1! It'll be a long wait before the X-E2 is available, I reckon (X-Pro2 will get the X-Trans2 sensor first...)

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

Tandua

I read the-top-7-complaints-of-the-fuji-x100-and-how-i-get-around-them-by-steve-huff (link below) about "old" X100

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/05/11/the-top-7-complaints-of-the-fuji-x100-and-how-i-get-around-them-by-steve-huff/

examples:
#1: The Menu Button is TOO small.
#2: Startup time is insanely slow.
#3: The AF is not accurate most of the time etc
#5 – Low light Auto Focus Performance is not so hot and day time AF is slow.

x100s seems better. No? I have pre-order it.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

hplens

Since i own a X-100 i use it more often than my SLR equipment - the results are outstanding. And the X-100S promises even more fun and quality. I wonder what the average age of these "Retro-users" is - up or below 40? And i also wonder if this is really "retro"-design. Isn't it a design which is simply convenient, fast, easy to use? What some call retro is - IMO - an everlasting design which has been developed in a period over 100 years - think of the first Leicas. All these touch-screens and buttons have only one purpose: to save money in the production of the cameras.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

zakaria

LUCKY you are fuji! more than 4 topics on front page!

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

zinedi

I would say that Fuji designers are, by contrast to Sony electronic techies, photographers. They know, that even the best electronics without a photographic soul and feeling, means nothing - especially to photo-enthusiasts.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

moimoi

I have had an x100 and I own an a900. In terms of responsiveness, the Fuji is a turtle and the Sony a jack rabbit. I could not pass on the usability of the x100, I have tried but I did not thinkg the x100 was a finished product (although it can take great photos). I hope Fuji has eliminated the quirks of the x100. More importantly, they need to provide a decent raw jpg conversion, the raw are almost useless at the moment.

Jan 12, 2013permalink

moimoi

My comment about raw files was concerned with the x trans sensor.

Jan 12, 2013permalink

zinedi

To compare SLT a900 interchangable lens camera with fixed focal lens small mirrorles is a bit nonsens, but nevertheless - I see it as big award to X100 if you do it. In fact X100/ X100S is not able and not meant to replace SLT or SLR camera (especially in speed) - they are different leagues. But in it's league - in mirrorless enthusiast photo camera, easy portable, X100S beats competiion (on paper for the present) in IQ, handling, enjoyment, design innovation, .., and in what I call a photographic soul - he who has had some range-finder camera may understand what I mean. X100 had quirks and issues, many of them addressed by firmware updates. I hope that the next evolution step will be better. On the other hand, SLT principle even worsened by EVF is return to 50 years old failed photo-zombee and electronics won't resuscitate it to be a good camera.

Jan 13, 2013*permalink

moimoi

First of all the a900 is a dslr, not a slt camera. With the current xtrans sensor, Fuji has failed to deliver any good methods to get the raw data unspoiled from the non bayer layer, which make the raw pretty much useless in many circumstances. Anyhow, as far as I am concerned, a good camera must be responsive, something Fuji did not do it right with the x100. Hope they will be fixing their mistakes with the x100s. And I hope the raw files will look free of artifacts.

Jan 14, 2013permalink

digby dart

Doubtless the Sony RX1 and or a single lens Leica M/Nikon D4 have their advantages, some physical, some in the ether - this Fuji X100s is the one that makes the dream affordable - plus it brings some advantages of its own.

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

starwolfy

Like sticky aperture ?

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Greg Gebhardt

The biggest advantage the X100S has is it is cheaper. As far as image quality and detail the RX1 will always win. Those who do not agree are in denial and likely are regretful Fuji owners. Lol.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

smatty

How can someone be in denial if we have not seen a direct image comparison between the two?

The Sony will probably show more detail due to the 24 vs. 16 MPix advantage, but the lack of an AA filter on the Fuji might make up for some of that.

And you will naturally have a better DOF control on the Sony (35mm f2 on FF vs. 23mm f2 on APS-C)

But better IQ also has to do with color rendition and in this department the Fuji will probably be ahead. We'll just have to wait and see untill DPREVIEW finishes their reviews :)

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

Petteri Sulonen

No viewfinder, no sale.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

zinedi

No built-in viewfinder - no camera, no delight, no enjoyment of photography, no sale.
The new Fuji sensor without AA filter may have potential to outperform or equalize the IQ of full frame - for 1/3 the price of Rx1 and in much nicer looking shape and with better handling.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

slncezgsi

I wish my photography was so good that I would be hold back by the performance gap between RX1 and X100s. Do not get me wrong - I believe that RX1 is great image taking machine, but X100s seems like a great camera - improving on already good one.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Ariston

this has to be the biggest BS post I have read.

Jan 13, 2013permalink

smatty

I am just curious to find out if the X100s is now finally able to lock focus on horizontal lines im landscape orientation?

Although the way they have implemented the split screen mode I am afraid that it still wont't be abel to do that (just like the X100, XE-1 and X-Pro 1)
Maybe DPREVIEW can check on this during the in depth review?

Here is what I'm talking about (look at paragraph No. 1):

http://fujixfiles.blogspot.com/2012/08/fuji-x-pro-1-af-autofocus-speed-and.html

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

Ariston

the X100s shames the RX1 by a mile.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

gl2k

Fast AF, integrated VF, standard hot shoe, handy controls layout, enough control elements to quickly do what you want. What more could one ask for ?
I'm not really a fan of this retro-look but that's just my taste.

Anyway, this camera if it holds what it promises on paper is a real winner !!!

Jan 11, 2013permalink

dvilaplana

24-105 f2.8-4 lens? That'd be the perfect travel camera! ;-).

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Ak pinxit

All this Fuji line is very , very good , the only "but" , is RAW PP . Having worked for years with ACR (and liking it) it is hard to switch to other soft (nor having fully able to PP JPGs , never mind how well they come out) .

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Michael

Luckily sold my x100 will get the new version back

Jan 11, 2013permalink

yonsarh

please FUJI, make DSLR with kodak sensor

Jan 11, 2013permalink

MrPetkus

Tantalizing cam. As a consumer, it's frustrating that Fuji's 3 APS-C offerings are in such different evolutionary states. I like the XPro1 but the recent XE1 has a better EVF spec. Now the X100 comes out with on-chip phase detection and both focus peaking and split focussing...

I, for one, will certainly not purchase either the XPro1 and XE1 knowing that these important (to me) features are in the pipeline. Fuji's outstanding trio is out of sync.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Richard Butler

In fairness, it's unusual for any company to replace all its models at the same time. As such the first camera of the next generation will tend to overshadow the existing models.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Klay

Knowing that Fuji has possibly come up with the much improved focusing using the xtrans sensor (for both manual and autofocus), I'd also find it difficult to purchase a X-Pro1 or XE1. It might be a long wait but that would just convince me to hold onto the SLR a bit longer...

Jan 11, 2013permalink

andywhoa

R Butler, while your comment is accurate, it is ultimately inconsequential. MrPetkus is absolutely correct. We can all presume this technology, which (in my opinion) has dramatically bettered an already awesome X100 camera, is coming to the X-Pro 1 and X-E1; and sales of these cameras could see a very sharp decline.

Now I just have to stop myself from purchasing an X100S so I can purchase an X-Pro 2. This is like quitting smoking.

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

starwolfy

You didn't know MrPektus that 'Frustration' is the key to a good marketing strategy ?
See how all those happy Fuji X100 owners are about to break the bank again, some months only after the X100 (if they didn't already did it for the X-Pro 1 or X-E1) because Fuji adressed their frustrations with the X100S.

Don't worry thought...there will remain some frustrations to be adressed in the next next camera update ;) to be willing to switch to X-Pro3 and X-E3

Jan 11, 2013permalink

andywhoa

That's right, starwolfy. I was so miserable with my iPhone 4 that I bought the 4S.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

Aroart

Love the fuji line but it's messed up they released info about these cameras after Christmas . I bought the xe1 and love it but it would have been nice to know about these cameras. Guess business is business , but prob dont feel as bad as xpro 1 users, most that i know are mad and feelin cheated about the price of the xe1.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

offertonhatter

Very nice camera. I liked the original but never bought one. however a few photo friends did, and love the X100.
I might be tempted to get one now, especially as the results of the "mk1" look stunning! Mind you so do the X-Pro1 and XE-1 models which yet another friend has both.
I think Fuji really have found their niche, great design, great performance and well made cameras. All of the X series of cameras appeal (even the XS-1 to some extent)

Jan 10, 2013permalink

Funduro

You're on point, Fujifilm does have a great many cameras that are retro in style but loaded with cutting edge technology. I expect many other companies to offer similar cameras soon. X100s will be another success story for Fujifilm. Heck even the new X20 will be more popular.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

highwave

Very nice camera

The X100 was amazing since the day it was released. Now they even went and made it much much better. Fuji really scored a home run with this camera this time. Well almost a home run. I sure wish it was a bit cheaper. As it is now, one would think twice for that price tag considering the competition.

oh one more thing. I'm just amazed that after all these years since it was introduced, it still looks stunning to the eye. The looks didn't dull down at all.

Jan 10, 2013*permalink

theranman

Is it just me, or does that camera look huge in that guy's hands. I've never handled the prior model, so it's hard to gauge.

Jan 10, 2013permalink

RStyga

Yes, it is a brick; large and heavy (for a compact, that is).

Jan 10, 2013permalink

ManuelVilardeMacedo

Tha guy has small hands, that's what. The camera's puny.

Jan 10, 2013permalink

vkphoto

Agreed, looks beautiful and of right size

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

The Davinator

The camera is small and light.

Jan 11, 2013permalink

RStyga

It is large and heavy for a compact. You might like it but it is what it is.

Jan 13, 2013permalink

Infared

Hmmmm....I guess that the Fuji Pro-X2 is the camera to wait for...... :-)

Jan 10, 2013permalink

codeNsnap

Now I will hold back buying the XE-1 till gets the new image sensor and processor..

Jan 10, 2013permalink

(unknown member)

A LOT of people are going to do as you do. FUJIFILM has killed their sales with the X-E1.

Jan 10, 2013permalink

Shamael

This is a way of thinking only, and, the best excuse to never buy anything. You want to make good shots now, buy one. You want to make the better shots of the year 2020, well, wait till there and do nothing. Fuji knows that too. You can refuse to buy an X100 now claiming the XE2 will have a better sensor than this one. If you do this, you do just what I wrote in this comment, you wait .... My philosophy, since I am a philosopher, is this one. If you get a beer for free or cheap, get it and drink it, if you die in 5 minutes, you missed one. If I where you, I would get another brand, a Pen PL5 or a NEX-6 make huge shots, same good shots as this one, and, for a better price.

Jan 11, 2013*permalink

louie c

"...the best excuse to never buy anything."

Jan 14, 2013permalink

CameraLabTester

Nice camera just got better.

Jan 10, 2013permalink

MarkByland

Minty.

Jan 10, 2013permalink

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Readers' Showcase: Philip Ewing Nov 8, 2015	Readers' Showcase: Gene Smirnov Sep 5, 2015	Readers' Showcase: Greg Krycinski Aug 16, 2015	Fujifilm TCL-X100 teleconverter for X100/S samples gallery May 2, 2014


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