Best Settings for the Fuji X-s1

[alroot]

I have just bought a Fuji Xs1. I'm impressed with the camera. It is solid as a rock and the zoom is incredible.

I like to know what are the best settings for shotting jpg mainly and any tips

Thanks to all

 

[Lightpath48]

Three members who post here would be worth looking into. Timur Born, Trevor G and Kim Letkemann are all deeply conversant in the EXR sensor and processor of your X-S1, though they write from the perspective of the X10 which has the identical sensor and processor to yours. In condensed form, their advice is to shoot in M size, raw + jpeg, ISO 100, DR 400 for the best overall image characteristics. After a year of experimenting I find their advice to be spot-on. The Provia (standard) film simulation provides the best dynamic range, and very good color. Velvia and to a lesser extent, Astia settings compress the dynamic range somewhat (more clipping of highlights and deepest shadows.) though they both increase saturation and Astia is maximized for flesh tones. I would also mention a "bug" in the EXR DR in-camera software. It tends to overexpose by +0.66% or even +1.00%. A neighbor of mine has an X-S1 and finds this to be true. So I'd stay away from Auto EXR though its marketing hype makes it tempting. Please post some of your work, as you're getting acquainted with your X-S1!

 

[Lightpath48]

I've stepped into the back yard this morning to shoot a subject in broad dynamic range with various colors, at the settings outlined in the previous post. The lens of course, is on an X10. But the settings characteristics would be identical to yours. I find an exposure compensation of -0.33% pleasing in a scene like this.

M size, raw + jpeg, ISO 100, DR 400 Provia (default) Film Setting, original in-camera jpeg

Astia Film Setting (in-camera raw conversion)

Velvia Film Setting (in-camera raw conversion)

 

[cantanima]

If you still have the RAW file on your camera, try adjusting it w/shadow tone set to soft. I'm curious to see the result in this situation: normally, I find it helps immensely. (If you already had shadows set to soft, then never mind.)

 

[bill2reg]

It's hard to say what the "best" settings are for you. It depends on what you like to shoot, and how you want your images to look. But there are many options on the X-S1 so that you can get the results you want. I shoot RAW+jpeg, and the camera does a good job with the jpegs. But it's good to have the RAW file there if I find that I want to post-process for some reason. I do have highlight and shadow tones adjusted for my preference. I think one of the best ways for you to find your "best" settings is to setup a tripod for a scene that is typical for what you want to shoot. Then take a controlled series of shots, varying one setting at a time, and then evaluate the results. In the end, only you can determine what is best. I know you'll enjoy this camera as I do mine. Best of luck with your new camera!

 

[Lightpath48]

Yes, shadows were already set to soft, but more could've been done in a subsequent post process. I mainly wanted to show how the output looked in-camera. Thanks for the suggestion. I agree.

 

[alroot]

Thanks to all. I'm going to experiment

 

[bill2reg]

As I said in my last reply, I think trying a controlled series experiment is probably the best way to determine your "best" settings. Enjoy the camera!

 

[Bruce Jones]

The responses have been helpful to me too. Sad to say, I don't pay much attention to camera settings. Kinda tedious to figure this stuff out, really. Shooting photos is my way of escaping from having to think, after all.

Thanks handing out the Fujifilm "Cliff Notes."

 

[kwa_photo]

Congratulations, enjoy your camera! I've had mine for over a year and it is a great camera in the super zoom category! Will it full replace a DSLR? For some users, yes. For others, no. But there is no doubt it's a fun camera to shoot with

Here is what I tend to do and get the best results with:

GLOBAL SETTINGS:

• EXR 100, if really "needed" EXR 400 manually set
• M jpg settings
• default of -1/3 exp comp in daylight, adjust as needed (sometimes in BRIGHT light, -2/3)
• Provia for almost all except images where I prize skin tones, then Astia. Velvia crunches the DR too much for me. The color can be manually boosted to match in PP if you want.

LONG TELE:

• Shoot in S/shutter priority mode
• Use the old rule of thumb of 2x focal length and do this out to 300mm. So at 300mm, shutter speed = 1/600 or greater
• For loooonger tele, ex. 400+mm, I go to about 2.5x focal length as, at least for me, handheld I get the sharpest results. So at 400+, I tend to go to 1/1200 if lighting allows.
• To maximize long distance images, I tend to choose high speed 10fps burst and capture between 4-6 images quickly. Typically one or more are sharper than the others related to motion blur if hand held. The I.S. is not the best (think Olympus OM-D line with 5 axis I.S.) >300mm.

The best setting is YOU...experiment and have fun

 

[Lightpath48]

I've also just bought an X-S1 to complement my X10, and it is arriving next Tuesday. I'm anxious to try it out on some fall colors and other nature subjects.