Fuji Finepix X100 12.3 Megapixel Advanced Compact Reviews Roundup
On September 20 2010, Fujifilm announced the new FinePix X100, a high-grade point-and-shoot digital compact camera featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor at 12.3 Megapixels resolution, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder.
The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon. In additions to the newly-developed EXR Processor, it also comes with the new Hybrid Viewfinder, which combines the window-type "bright frame" optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras. By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Useres can instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple "one touch" control. You'll also get a 2.8-inch display on the back.
The FinePix X100 is listed for retail at around $1,200.
Fuji Finepix X100 Camera Reviews Roundup
| GearGuide: "After patiently waiting so long to get to finally try the Fujifilm X100, we find ourselves walking away just a bit confused. To be clear for the most part, the X100 is a wonderful camera that truly takes lovely photos. There's no question that short of a much more expensive Leica, that the X100 has to be one of the most attractive cameras you can buy, with a build to match. It also happens to sport some really nice..." - Feb 23 2012 More » | |
| TechCrunch: "The first thing I did was try to focus the camera on something on my desk. The autofocus labored, the image flashed, and... nothing was in focus. I tried again and again. Apparently I had to switch to macro mode for objects closer than 20 inches or so. And that's when I first used the d-pad/dial. What a cheap-feeling little piece of junk it is! It wobbles all over, you have to kind of hit it with your thumbnail, and..." - Aug 30 2011 More » | |
| byThom: "The big surprise from some was what Fujifilm coaxed from the Sony sensor. The sensor in the X100 is a custom one, with some offset to the microlenses. Whether that's the special ingredient that made the difference or not, you have to admire the results. This may be the first camera I've experienced where I prefer NR Normal to NR Low. For some reason NR Low seems to put a little bit of smudge in the results, where NR..." - Aug 05 2011 More » | |
| Photoxels: "We find the overall image quality of the Fujifilm X100 to be excellent at ISO 200 with low noise and good image detail. Image quality is very good up to ISO 1600. Noise starts to be visible at ISO 3200 and is usable up to ISO 3200. At higher ISOs, images suffer from noise and loss of detail. The Fujifilm X100 has a fixed lens (i.e. it does not accept interchangeable lenses) with a fixed focal length (i.e. it's..." - Aug 02 2011 More » | |
| AkihabaraNews: "Now it's time to talk about image quality. Like its outstanding build-quality, the X100 does not disappoint once you start using it. One of the most impressive aspects of the X100 is that from ISO 100 up to 3200, you get a noise-free picture. It is only when you reach ISO 12800 that you will really start noticing image color desaturation and strong visible noise in JPEG. Once you switch to RAW, you will get a noise-..." - Jul 18 2011 More » | |
| Imaging Resource: "After all I'd heard, I expected to write a short list of complaints about the Fujifilm X100 and move on, but as soon as I started using it, I discovered what the buzz was all about. The Fujifilm X100 is not made for everyone who ever liked the look of an old camera. Neither is it made for every hobbyist who likes to tinker. A good selection of the photography-loving populace will hate it. Anyone shooting at night wo..." - Jul 14 2011 More » | |
| Steve's Digicam: "Looking at our outdoor sample images, you can see that the X100's image quality is outstanding. The new EXR system provides image quality that has far surpassed what we are used to seeing from Fuji. Its samples are incredibly sharp with great exposures and amazing color. Even when looking at the images at 100%, there is nothing that stands out as a flaw in the images. Chromatic aberrations, ghosting and image noise..." - Jul 14 2011 More » | |
| NeoCamera: "While the most attractive aspect of the Fuji Finepix X100 is clearly its external design, it ends up excelling far more in its performance than usability, once again demonstrating technological achievements by Fuji. The 12 megapixels CMOS sensor in the X100 captures images of very high quality. Just as expected, noise-level and dynamic-range compare well to the performance of modern cropped-sensor DSLRs. Image..." - Jul 13 2011 More » | |
| TOP: "I agree with the reviewers who, almost unanimously, claim that the X100's image quality is excellent. Images are sharp and flesh tones appear natural, although the camera's auto-white balance does have a bias toward blue/green. I was initially struck by how similar X100 RAW image files appear to those from the Leica M9 and M8. Fujifilm claims that, like the Leica M8 and M9, the X100's sensor has been customized to m..." - Jul 12 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Info: "The Fujifilm X100 (MSRP $1199.95) is the kind of camera that should only be purchased by someone that can appreciate its intricacies-and overlook its eccentricities. While the camera is capable of capturing incredibly good photos, you have to have some patience to really get the most out of the camera. The autofocus is slow and unreliable, several of the controls are a bit complicated to use in tandem, and many opti..." - Jul 03 2011 More » | |
| CNET US: "As far as I can tell, the X100 delivers better photo quality than all of its less-expensive competitors, generally comparable to or better than the midrange dSLRs in its price range. It produces extremely clean images as high as ISO 800, with usable ones as high as ISO 1600. Although the results get a bit soft at ISO 3200, images don't look like they've been run through a filter, and they remain very saturated. Furt..." - Jun 20 2011 More » | |
| PopPhoto: "With impressive resolving power for a 12.3MP sensor, some of the most accurate color reproduction we've seen, and commendable noise control, the X100 earned an Extremely High rating for overall image quality in the Popular Photography Test Lab. Its Fujinon lens, with its aspheric element and high-refractive-index glass, no doubt contributed to the camera's Extremely High rating in our resolution test. At 2260 l..." - Jun 16 2011 More » | |
| KenRockwell: "The X100 is much slower than a real DSLR like the Nikon D3100, but focuses much faster than a LEICA. The X100, like the LEICA, is designed for pros who know how to shoot deliberately, not casual shooters who shoot hundreds of shots of nothing and that hope they magically "turn out" later. With the X100, you take your shot, then take your next shot. You don't just blaze away and pray for something..." - Jun 12 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Review: "Cropped sensor DSLRs of the latest generation have shown some significant ISO noise improvement over their predecessors in low light conditions, and with the X100 packing a DSLR style APS-C sensor you'd expect it to perform pretty well in the low light arena. Your expectations have been met. The X100 has a nominal 200-6400 ISO sensitivity range, with extensions to 100 and 12800 available. There's really nothing..." - Jun 07 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Review: "For those of you unfamiliar with the X100, its design mimics a classic rangefinder camera but includes a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor and fixed 23mm f/2 lens that shoots at 35mm (in 35mm film equivalents) owing to the sensor's 1.5x crop factor. A 720 HD video /capability is onboard along with a 2.8-inch LCD monitor. Fuji styles the X100 as the "professional's choice," and..." - May 31 2011 More » | |
| dpreview: "The X100 is without doubt one of the most highly-anticipated cameras of recent years, due to its combination of traditional, 'rangefinder-esque' design and the innovative technology of its hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder. The good news about the X100 is that in certain key respects - its basic operation, viewfinder, and image quality - it's excellent, and more than lives up to the pre-release hype. The bad ne..." - May 17 2011 More » | |
| Ryan Brenizer: "The first thing you will note about using the X100 is that it's fun right from the start. The innovative hybrid viewfinder alone will make you want to run around and take pictures with your eye glued to it. You know a camera is fun when it wants to make you take photographs even if you know the composition is garbage, just because the act of taking a photo gives you enjoyment. That's how we all start when we pick up..." - May 11 2011 More » | |
| Digital Camera Resource Page: "The FinePix X100 could easily be mistaken for a Leica M9 if you spotted it on the street. It's pretty much an exact copy of a Leica rangefinder camera, but hey, it works. The camera is made of magnesium alloy (in most areas), and has a faux leather panel on the front to make it easier to grip. Being a rangefinder-style camera, you should not be surprised to hear that the X100 has manual focus and aperture rings, as..." - May 05 2011 More » | |
| SteveHuff: "The good news is that the X100 can put out a really nice quality image. The 35mm equivalent lens on the camera is more classic than modern, but it's VERY nice. At F2 the camera is sharp but classically smooth. By 2.8 it is SHARP and detailed as you could want it to be. There IS barrel distortion with the lens though and if you take a close up portrait you can see it with the effect of someones face or nose being lar..." - May 04 2011 More » | |
| pdn: "Exposures from the Fuji X100 were good and the color sensitivity and extended tonal range were consistent with what Fujifilm has been especially well known for. Strong blue rendering was evident in the skies, green in grass and textured areas of red were quite well represented. And this didn't stop the camera from resolving subtle tonalities as well as flesh tones. Please note, Fujifilm is the only company responsib..." - May 03 2011 More » | |
| Steve's Digicam: "There have been loads of complaints about this camera as well as equal amounts of praise. So which is it? Most say the image quality is not up to the X1 and that the manual focus is not the best (I agree) but what about everything else? For me, the handling, controls, and feel are equally as important. I did do some digging and while I did not find any photos from the X100 that truly wowed me like those from the M9..." - May 02 2011 More » | |
| RegHardware: "It has to be said that it is disappointing that the lens can't be changed. On a camera this expensive, the ability to use a reasonable telephoto or wide-angle lens would be appreciated. Still, if you're going to be stuck with a single optic, it may as well be one as good as the 23mm, f/2 prime lens on the front of the X100. There's no barrel distortion to speak of, and it's impressively sharp, even wide-open. T..." - Apr 29 2011 More » | |
| DJOP: "Street shooting, arguably one of the most likely uses, is something the X100 does reasonably well with, providing you're in control. Any distance set manually is remembered after powering back up while the handy distance scale is shown in the viewfinder along with the depth-of-field, which is essential for zone focusing. Some slight shutter lag seen previously from the AF is now negligible but there are still a few..." - Apr 27 2011 More » | |
| PhotoReview Australia: "It was difficult not to be impressed with the review camera's performance. JPEGs straight from the camera were sharp, colour-accurate and, in the main, well-exposed. Imatest confirmed our subjective impressions and showed the camera to be capable of above-average resolution for both JPEG and RAF.RAW files. Slight edge softening was revealed by our Imatest tests. However, you had to look hard to find it in most..." - Apr 13 2011 More » | |
| Trusted Reviews: "We were lucky enough to be testing the X100 under some early spring sunshine, giving rise to blue skies and verdant flora, conditions that were bound to show most cameras in (literally) the very best light. Incidentally, this was also perfect weather to test the X100's built-in neutral density (ND) filter. Surely the Fuji couldn't fail to impress? Well yes, and no. Unfortunately such 'ideal' conditions very occ..." - Apr 06 2011 More » | |
| Pocket-lint: "Unlike some other Fujifilm cameras that have EXR sensors, the X100 has a more standard construction APS-C sized CMOS sensor that utilises the company's latest EXR Processor. The idea behind this is to output the sensor's captured information in a different arrangement to that of standard sensors for the benefit of image quality. Exactly how, of course, isn't explicitly detailed by Fujifilm, though representatives te..." - Mar 29 2011 More » | |
| What Digital Camera: "Tonally, images displayed a smooth graduation through the range, with plenty of detail in the mid-tones, helped by the EXR processor. Metering is calculated with a TTL 256 multi-zone metering system, with the choice of Multi/Spot/Average metering modes. In Multi, the metering system coped extremely well under a range of lighting conditions, delivering consistently well-exposed images. In some cases, it was necessary..." - Mar 24 2011 More » | |
| PhotoRadar: "It's clear that Fujifilm has put a tremendous amount of thought into the X100 and in many ways it's exactly what many people want: a small-form, large-sensor camera, with a fast optic and all encased in a beautiful and solidly-built body. Whereas similar models have essentially been digital cameras with the influence of a classic design, the X100 turns things the other way round and has the design very much as the p..." - Mar 19 2011 More » | |
| ePhotoZine: "The Fujifilm FinePix X100 is a unique camera in an increasingly competitive category. For a long time the difference in image quality between compact cameras with small sensors, and Digital SLRs with much larger sensors has been well known. The Fujifilm FinePix X100 aims to bring the image quality of a large sensor to a smaller camera, and should also bring the speed of DSLRs with it. Thankfully Fujifilm has deliver..." - Mar 19 2011 More » | |
| Photography BLOG: "The Fujifilm Finepix X100 is one of the most surprising, appealing and well-realised cameras of recent times, offering a compelling mix of intuitive handling, impeccable image quality, and a truly innovative viewfinder. That's not to say that you should all rush out and buy one - by its very nature a retro-styled, film-inspired 35mm fixed lens camera with a leaning towards street photography will limit the X100's na..." - Mar 18 2011 More » | |
| BJP: "The FinePix X100 is a simply a great-looking piece of engineering. The retro design look is just perfect, and, as Adrian Clarke of Fujifilm told us earlier this week, was a conscious choice to appeal to professional photographers - the initial design for the X100 was too "futuristic," Clarke told us, and engineers had to go back to the drawing board. The camera is not too light, but I would argue that..." - Mar 17 2011 More » | |
| PhotoReview Australia: "Fujifilm's Finepix X100 has been designed with photo enthusiasts in mind and, as such, is totally unsuitable for point-and-press snapshooters. And at a local RRP of $1299, it's priced at the top end of the compact camera market, where it competes with 'prestige' brands. As by far the most interesting camera to be released in the first quarter of 2011, it has created a frisson of excitement in a jaded market tha..." - Feb 17 2011 More » | |
| PhotoRad: "First impressions of the Fuji X100 samples we were shown are that it feels lighter than its magnesium alloy body and solid metal dials would suggest, but it still feels solid and substantial in your hand. The analogue-style control dials on top of the Fuji X100 body are a nice feature, and based on user feedback Fujifilm has made the Function button on top of the body programmable so that photographers can set their..." - Feb 02 2011 More » | |
| dpreview: "The X100 is a camera that has intrigued ever since its announcement, and this has only been compounded by the wait since Photokina so see a working version. And while the model we have is still a prototype, it's fair to say that it lives up to expectations in many respects. The X100 is every bit as pretty in the flesh as it looks in pictures, but what these can't convey is the sheer quality and solidity of the..." - Jan 25 2011 More » | |
| Pocket-lint: "So, give or take, you can do most of your photography without even bothering with the screen on the back. All the same, you might want to because the 2.8-inch LCD is a really pretty stunning 1.4millon dot display and offers excellent levels of contrast and details of what it shows. It looks to be a winner particularly for playback mode when you'll genuinely be able to tell if you've captured that shot in the way tha..." - Sep 27 2010 More » |
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User Review of the camera - Fuji Finepix X100
Excellent travel Camera for Snapshots but!!, Jerry13
For low light pictures OOC JPEG, it is very good, the colors are amazing (I have a 5D II and unable to produce the same colors even when playing in lightroom). You need to slow down and think what you are doing otherwise you will be frustrated. I returned the camera not because I did not like it but the price dropped by $200 (within 3 weeks) and amazon would not credit my account without me physically returning the camera and then ordering again.
I am going to wait for the holidays and see if the sony Full frame beats this, if not then I will reorder this one (hopefully the price is lower)
x100 camera with a soul...., daniel stern
All:
I gave it a 5 but should be a 4.5. There are many technical write ups/reviews so I will not bore you with my non-technical jargon. Many talk about the beautiful aesthetics and I agree so I will not go there.
A lot of talk about the beautiful image quality and I agree so I will not go there. And lots of praise of the perfect marriage of the fixed 35mm lens so.... you got it. But I will say this- the camera has soul- and brings out the best you got to give to capture little frames of art..... enjoy it. BTW the minus 1/2 star is for the wheel and OK button that is not perfect to navigate through the menu.....
X100 creates best picture, Young Bae Park
I was using Pentax DSLR, with zoom, limit and star lense. It is great. Only problem is it is large, which was OK before but it is getting more and more cumbersome with change of my lifestyle.
Also I have used m4/3 system, olympus PEN E-PL2, Panasonic G2 and G3, with 20mm pancake lense, 45mm Macro lens and GX14-42 lens. It is much more portable than DSLR, have great selection of lens and produce nice images. (Actually, I think m4/3 is very nice for one who looking for versatile camera with lens replacement).
But there were two reasons why I bought X100. M4/3 camera system was a bit less than "impressive". Not bad design, not bad image quality, etc but I was not able to feel the love, the love similar to what I had with Pentax 40mm limited lens several years ago. The other reason was, maybe some people would laugh, but m4/3 with extra lens were still bulky for me to carry outside.
X100 is great camera. Yes, it have fixed focal length. Yes, its autofocus sometimes struggles. (Many of the complaints fixed with firmware update thus I do not have any complaints on the user interface or firmware anymore).
The important thing is, it takes picture - the pictures are beautiful and impressive. I have another superzoom camera to fulfill my "I need zoom" desire, but to express my satisfaction on my X100, I'll give you two example.
(1) After I took picture, I review it in PC and delete, keep or put as favorite. X100 have highest ratio to make picture as favorite compared to any of my previous camera.
(2) My wife call X100 as "fake" camera, because when I take picture of my children, then she check the result and says "Another fake picture. Those children are not cute and lovely as in the picture."
Hope you enjoy your X100. Maybe in the future, if situation allowed, I would like to use X-E1 system but currently X-E1 is a bit larger than X100..
Awesome Camera!, S. Tang
Overview:
I got this camera when it first came out. I kind of got lucky when I was traveling I happened to find it in a local camera shop. In any case, when I first opened up the box, the camera and everything about it to the packaging just screamed of quality. This camera is really well built and is definitely an attention grabber. Everybody who sees it immediately gravitates towards the camera and starts asking questions about it since most people have never heard of it. Most, though, are very surprised to find out how much it costs! As far as picture quality goes, I don't think you can really do much better than this in the size of this camera. I have owned many mid to high end compact cameras before this.... Canon, Sony, Nikon, Ricoh, etc... NONE of them came close to the picture quality you can get out of this camera. With it's fixed f2 lens and APS-C sensor the pictures and bokeh you can get with this camera are incredible. I've had many people comment on my pictures I've taken at weddings/etc about how good they turned out!
Pros:
- Style... this camera is great in this department... Fujiflim really knocked it out with this
- f2 lens, APS-C sensor... cannot beat this combo, especially since the lens and sensor are mated for one another (lens not removable)
- EVF is great, especially with the eye sensor
Cons:
- focusing is a little slow, especially in low light
Conclusion:
Overall, I'm very happy with this camera and can see myself keeping it for a long time to come given that I don't think that it's vintage/retro look will go out of style. Since I got this, several new cameras have burst out on to the scene including the Sony NEX7 and Olympus OM-D as well as others. While those cameras intrigue me, I think I'll stick with the X100... The newer mirrorless cameras seem great and all but removable lenses on such a small package kind of defeat the purpose of having a compact camera. For serious shooting I'll always have my full frame digital SLR. The X100, though, is perfect for taking with you on the go when you don't want to carry around your large SLR.
Trials and Tribulations, J. Miller
I own the Fuji X-Pro1 and decided to buy the Black Edition x100 as more of a carry anywhere camera. Just arrived today-Saturday-with an extra battery from Fuji and the camera is dead. It will not start up with either battery after charging both or with or without a card. This is utterly unacceptable. Turns out this is more common than I ever imagined as there are many posts of either dead X100's or ones where start-up is inconsistent. Sent Fuji an email but may just box it up and send it back. I love my X-Pro1 and have never had any of these kinds of issues with it. For this weekend it's an expensive paperweight until I can either talk to someone on Monday or just send it back for a refund.***As a follow-up, I've spoken with Fuji and Amazon and have decided to return it. In the past 48 hours since I purchased it the price has dropped $300. Bottom line is while it feels like a hefty well-made product, I've decided after reading too many comments on quality issues to not have it replaced. Maybe the X200 will come in as a better product. My X-Pro1 still works awesome. It's just too bad this X100 doesn't work.***
***10/11: As a final follow-up, I decided to give the X100 another try with another Black Edition. This time, after much crossing of fingers and candles burning with chants to the Fuji gods, the battery went in and the X100 actually turned on. Something the previous one never did. So far it keeps turning on and the output is truly lovely. While it doesn't have the Xtrans sensor of my X-Pro1, I don't know if I would be able to tell unless I really started pixel peeping. I bought the X-Pro1 for the simple reason that my D700 and lenses were not great traveling companions due to their size and weight and needed something smaller and more inconspicuous. As small as the X-Pro1 is compared to the D700, it still isn't a pocket camera. The X100 feels like an X-Pro1 left on high in the dryer for too long. It will fit-barely-into my jeans pocket and looks diminutive sitting next too my X-Pro1 with the 35/1.4. The quality and weight actually feels better than my X-Pro1. The first time I picked up the X-Pro1 I thought it would feel heavier while I had the opposite view and reaction to the X100. It is small, solid and feels substantial in the hand. The silent mode was a pleasant surprise as it is literally silent. If I didn't see the picture come up I wouldn't know it had taken one. That's how utterly silent it is.
Here are some of my personal conclusions around the mirrorless enthusiast camera segment after owning a few:
1: The rangefinder style works great on smaller sized cameras. Your nose is out of the way as you look through the viewfinder and it is very easy and quick to go from observing to shooting something you just came upon.
2: I'm not a fan of the style that does not have a viewfinder at all. I owned an X1 for a couple months and sold it for many reasons. A big one-after the WB issues and slow performance-was using the lcd screen only left me feeling disconnected with what I was trying to capture. The viewfinder for me is the tunnel where everything else falls away and I can concentrate on the moment and outcome.
3: The only time I miss my D700 or 1DS Mark II-both of which have gone onto ebay heaven-is low light combined with movement such as kids moving around the Christmas tree, etc. Other than that, my back, wrist and briefcase are all much happier. There are trade-offs with the Fuji(s) but so far the trades are good ones.
4: While I have been in software for 20 years and love hearing people talk about iPhone versus Android around features and interface, the original interface starts with your hands and fingers. How something feels to grab and hold relates directly to if you want to pick it up or put it down. Fuji has figured out how to build beautiful quality products that I want to hold and ultimately use. The OM-D has a similar feel. Light, thin, slippery-smooth with cheap plastics just don't encourage usage for me. Heft and quality make the difference and you'll find both Fuji's always charged and ready to go on my desk and one always with me in person. I want to use them.
There are so many great new cameras coming out in this segment and it will be fun to see what comes next around the RX1, X200, etc.
Doubt you could go wrong nearly anywhere.
Just find your style of shooting and what makes you want to pick one up and use it.
Brand new X100 Black Edition dead on arrival, J. Miller
I own the Fuji X-Pro1 and decided to buy the Black Edition x100 as more of a carry anywhere camera. Just arrived today-Saturday-with an extra battery from Fuji and the camera is dead. It will not start up with either battery after charging both or with or without a card. This is utterly unacceptable. Turns out this is more common than I ever imagined as there are many posts of either dead X100's or ones where start-up is inconsistent. Sent Fuji an email but may just box it up and send it back. I love my X-Pro1 and have never had any of these kinds of issues with it. For this weekend it's an expensive paperweight until I can either talk to someone on Monday or just send it back for a refund.
Use like Pentax with ISO preference (S mode on K-5)!, S. Marcus "pdtpoet"
I bought the X100 with some degree of trepidation since I was looking for a great camera that was easy to carry. The reviews for the X100 (with firmware updates) were a truly bizarre mix of love/hate and all seemed to have a "great camera BUT..." But the images posted just knocked my socks off. I own a Pentax K-5 and S mode is my preferred shooting mode. I was afraid that the X100 would be too finicky a customer. After 2 weeks with the camera, reading every review and tips on the Web, I have to tell you that this is a wonderful camera with astounding amounts of controls...but you must update the firmware when you get it unless you purchase the black version. Secondly, I found I could use it in an S mode by simply setting the lens to A (auto aperture) and the shutter dial to A as well. You can then use the Fn button and the "command wheel" to set your iSO and have the camera in ISO-driven mode. That, plus the "EV-bracketing" drive setting automatically gives you 3 shots bracketing the auto EVF setting by the interval you choose. Amazing! The lens is superb... I highly recommend this camera for those who are serious about photography and willing to learn how to use an astonishingly flexible camera.
Fuji X100 360 Spin and Praise, abhi shelat
Should be a 4.5 Star (CLOSE to perfect!), William
What a HUGE surprise this camera is! Just received it Thursday morning...!
Build quality is superb! Feels like a much more expensive camera! Fits my hand well - great view finder and options! Logically placed buttons, easy to see LCD even in bright light.
* * * Image Quality is AWESOME! * * *
Had no problems transferring images to LR4 or Aperture 3.4. Noise control works well at high ISO settings - pictures remain tack sharp!
I am a B&W photo fan and this camera really performs well - includes in-camera filters!
(2) minor annoyances:
Menu system seems non-intuitive and sometimes confusing (but a plethora of great adjustments and features are there)
Owner's Manual is 100 useless!
I AM VERY IMPRESSED AND DELIGHTED WITH THIS CAMERA!
I also have a Canon 7D, 40D, RebelXTi. I think they will be seeing less use now that I have this sweetheart!
Good Retro style but failed with its weight, S. BAIK
First of all, i do like fuji's digital cameras like x10 or p&s ones. X10 and X100 have a same issue. I expected more compact and light one but actual products were not. Style is not bad but there is something missing design by comparing leica stuffs. IQ? I am not sure that is not bad but not great either. Cheaper dslr with good lens combination can make a better quality i believe. Why comparing with dslr? Here is a fact. For instance, canon's t2i body or nikon, pentax, sony's entry level dlsr camera and x100 is not big difference between their weight. I thought x100's grip is not comfortable too than other small dslrs. I am not a big fan of small sensor or small body p&s cameras. There is something missing always depends on my memory.
Here is simple words for x100. Looks classic Looks smaller Looks lighter. There is only 'looks like' fact. It is not real classic not light and size is not beautifully small.
I am strongly recommend. If you want some great level of IQ, then just go any dslr with fixed focal length lens. APS-C or Full Frame? Any types will be okay. If you want small, just satisfied with your smartphone camera. They are not bad(8mega pixel camera with iphone4s, or recent designed phones :D)
I can say it is good try for fuji but x100 is something missing. I want to see their s2 pro type camera and Fujinon lens is still valuable in its class.
Thank you for reading.
Wow!, David Peterson
I have been using my Fujifilm X-100 for two months now, and am still awed by its IQ. Its highly publicized quirks have been mostly dealt with via firmware updates. It took a little getting used to, to be sure, but I love shooting with it, and am learning new things about its capabilities every time I shoot.
The layout of the controls seems very natural and user friendly to me, I guess because of my manual SLR upbringing. (Have been using the Olympus OM system since the OM2 was new and exciting). On the X-100, it all just makes sense. Want shutter priority? Select your shutter speed and it's done. Want aperture priority instead? Just choose your aperture, and it's done. It's that simple. Of course you can go fully manual as well. Set your shutter speed or aperture as needed, the viewfinder shows whether your exposure is correct or not, through the lens, just like in the old days. Perfect. Exposure compensation? RIght on top, where it used to be. About the only time you need to go menu diving is to pull up the ND filter, or to do auto-bracketing. And you can assign two different buttons to your favorite menu items anyway, so you will rarely need to access the menu. When you do, it is clear, simple, and intuitive.
Everything on the X-100 works the way I expected, or better, except for the manual focus, which is not really usable. The camera looks great, feels great, very solid.
Because it is small and unobtrusive, it is easy to take candid shots on the street or in groups without interrupting the mood. Non-photographers don't realize it's a serious camera, since it doesn't weigh 3 pounds and sport a bulky super-zoom.
Go ahead and get the filter and hood adapter, an extra battery, and a fast SD card if you tend to shoot in "burst" mode. I will probably get the lens hood too, as a few shots would have been easier without having to try to keep the sun out of the lens with my hand.
Everyone who is serious about photography in my life stops me to talk about the X-100. It is simply an amazing camera.
I'll never go back to standard point and shoots cameras after the Fuji X100, Ruby
I never took photography lesson basically I just like taking pictures in family events and vacations. I'm used to point and shoot cameras and never into DSLRs. Despite the seemingly complicated buttons and features I find this camera easy to use. The pictures are amazing especially the colors. People are amazed at the quality of my pictures. A gallery owner even asked for copies of my shots because mine were better than the ones she took. This camera definitely made a lot of difference.
Buying the black limited edition set at least ensures that I forego the hassle of buying a case and lens protector separately and this set is boxed securely.
Given the price of this camera, I did my researchI heard there are cases of sticky aperture lenses on some of the earlier models. Buying the limited edition black set ensures you get the new production as the black limited editions are all manufactured at a later date wherein the issue has been solve.
The silent shutter feature is also great as it enables me to capture plenty of candid moments without anyone being the wiser. THis would be something those big luggy SLRs cannot offer and the images are just as good.
Unlike my usual point and shoot camera this doesn't have zoom lens, so I would not recommend it for a trip to Africa but it's excellent for all other occasions than does not require zoom lens feature.
The price tag would likely scare the casual photographer like myself and I initially had my doubts as well but was glad I took the risk to try it. (as long as I can return the product in a week why not?) But once I saw my photos, all doubts are set aside.
I definitely recommend this camera even for amateurs who at least have a bit of know how and it not easily intimidated by all those buttons.
Quirky- Light- and Fun!, Matty "n2mv"
The weight and complexity of too much gear was weighing me down. I needed relief.
This camera came to the rescue. It is light, compact, and keeps a very low profile.
The online reviews are confirmed.
The AF is not speedy and the menu organization was done and implemented on a napkin at a football game after too many beers!
and...
I don't care.
The images rock.
It's easy to use.
And I have it with me instead of in my car or backpack.
There is only one lens so I used my feet to zoom.
I haven't decided what I think about the electronic viewfinder- it works.
The optical finder is BRIGHT.
The downside-
-expensive
-slow AF
-slow turn-on
-slow shot to shot
-get and carry one or two spare batteries.....
The good-
-love the viewfinders
-light
-stealthy
-great images
Overall-
I Recommend you forget all the gear, buy this, and go shoot............
I did and I have newfound inspiration!
ENJOY!
Quirky- Light- and Fun!, Matty "n2mv"
The weight and complexity of too much gear was weighing me down. I needed relief.
This camera came to the rescue. It is light, compact, and keeps a very low profile.
The online reviews are confirmed. The AF is not speedy and the menu organization was done and implemented on a napkin at a football game after too many beers (or Saki).
and...
I don't care.
The images rock.
It's easy to use.
And I have it with me instead of in my car or backpack.
There is only one lens so I used my feet to zoom.
I haven't decided what I think about the electronic viewfinder- it works.
The optical finder is BRIGHT.
The downside-
-expensive
-slow AF
-slow turn-on
-slow shot to shot
-get and carry a spare battery
The good-
-light
-stealthy
-great images
Overall-
I Recommend you forget all the gear, buy this, and go shoot............ I did and I have newfound inspiration!
Best $1000 I ever spent., phtograshlee
I'm completely serious when I say that this was the $1,000 that I've ever spent. I am beyond in love with this camera. 12.3 MP is absolutely outstanding for such a small camera. I photograph with a Nikon D7000 and occasionally a D90 usually, but this camera does just as good. This camera is completely perfect for street photography & close ups, and when I don't want to lug my big D7000, this one fits perfectly into my purse. A lot of reviews say that this isn't a beginner's camera, and I agree to a certain point. If you're looking for a point-and-shoot there are much better cameras for you to choose from. But if you're used to a D7000 or other DSLR then this camera will suit you wonderfully.
PROS:
1. You will get SO many compliments & inquiries due to it's classic look
2. Outstanding picture quality
3. "Film simulation" options
4. Great video quality
5. Great manual focus option
CONS:
1. Sometimes slow
It won't or shouldn't replace a DSLR but it is a PHENOMENAL camera for the money.
To see some of the shots I've taken with my Fujifilm Finepix X100, check out my photoset on flickr:
[...]
Be Aware of Price Change, pcines
Just got the camera a few days ago with the latest firmware. Like everyone else, the APS-C sized sensor is amazing and the f2.0 aperture produces nice shots with excellent bokeh. Unfortunately the lack of image stabilization creates some shaky pictures. Be sure to get a highs speed card so saving is faster.
In addition, if you've been following the the price of the x100, you may've noticed that there has been a significant price change of $200. Luckily, I purchased it directly from them and I was able to get a $200 refund without any hassel.
A gem, Eye Forget
There are a lot of reviews here and a lot of good information. I like it so much I sold my dslr and 3 lenses. It's my only camera, a very unusual experience. What follows is based on firmware 1.30.
Some pointers/suggestions:
If you have little knowledge of photography the X100 is not a great place to start. It's complicated, a bit rough around the edges and not all that flexible with a fixed lens. Rough edges are an underpowered processor, undocumented ways to get around some of the camera's issues (autofocus), pitiful battery life and a poor menu/controls setup for a few key settings (like iso). If you machine gun shots, this is not the camera for you. The buffer's too small and the battery too small. Inconsistent start times from sleep. Its a function of remaining battery life for sure, as well as other stuff that appears to get in the way. I don't let the camera sleep as on/off gives a start time that's consistent. When rushed, the camera can get a bit weird. Pop the battery and you're up again. I use a 95mbps card. I doubt if you can go much slower. The lens hood is over priced and sort of stinks. It blocks the af assist light and the slot supports on mine line up exactly where I need to see through the slot (the JJC hood did a fine job of copying Fuji's as their slot supports are in the same place. Stacked empty filter rings are better.
X100 strong points:
For the money, build and materials quality is excellent. The lens is very good. You can easily spend more on worst lenses that this entire camera costs. f2 is soft, 2.8 is good, above that it's superb. The lens is a bit dark in the corners. ACRs lens profile takes care of it -- most people won't even notice it. While AF is not dslr fast, it's quicker than its telling you. You do not need to wait for focus confirmation. Simply press the shutter in one continuous press and you're in focus (except in macro where you need confirmation as it can hunt). I believe the lag is related to the slow refresh rate of the evf/rear display and the ovf's confirmation is tied to that chain of events. AF accuracy is superb. It took me a bit of time to get used to the camera and I certainly had some out of focus shots during the first week or two. But since then, af is virtually always spot on. It can hunt in low light but a single tiny move of the focus spot will usually get focus. It's certainly less hunting than fast glass on my Nikons. Superb low light/high iso performer. Many appear to have focus issues in low light. I do not and I do a lot of low light shooting (AF-S, nothing special). Lovely in hand. Outstanding IQ. Outstanding out-of-camera jpeg's. It took me months to wean myself off RAW but I'm finally there and shoot jpeg only (Astia in my case). I use the RAW button in lighting situations where I believe I may want bits and bytes. For jpeg, I use auto iso and auto DR.
I'm a somewhat deliberate shooter who has always shot with wide lenses. I also value small and light. For me the X100 is a great tool. However, it's not for everyone so don't be swayed by the hype and the looks.
happy with it, taylor
i have to say that it is a little over priced for a compact camera, but I'm pretty happy with the pictures taken with it, so it's all good. and i love the look.
Top notch images, N. Coult
I am coming to the X100 from the Nikon D90 with a ton of lenses. With the D90 I always shot RAW and tweaked afterwards in Lightroom. Taking the camera on an outing was always a bit of pain due to the bulk, and because of needing to post process in Lightroom it was always time consuming to get photos ready for others to see.
With the x100, that has all changed. It is small and light so I can take it anywhere. The out of camera JPEG images are absolutely stunning, even at 3200 ISO, and are better in their color and tonality than my best Lightroom-tweaked images from the D90. My wife, who is not a camera or photo person at all, immediately noticed the difference. I feel I have actually upgraded in image quality from the D90 while saving time and weight. So far I have not missed the zoom I had before - fixed focal length is causing me to put more thought into composition, which results in more fun and creative photos.
That being said, the x100 is not a DSLR. As mentioned that is actually a positive in many ways. But I don't get that instant snap focus with the x100. While the AF performance is faster than I thought it would be based on reviews I read, it it still a slight lag. This means you will miss shots of fast action (such as toddlers playing) unless you can prefocus or shoot in bright light with a narrow aperture.
I love this camera, sean dougherty
I've had my share of cameras. Leica M6, M8, M9, Panasonic Lumix GH-2. Canon 30D. While the M9 (and Leica lenses) are out of this league, the X100 is an amazingly compact, sharp and fun camera to work with. I also love how there's a fixed focal length lens on it. It really simplifies things.
Great build. Great design. It has its quirks but unless you're one of those people who collects cameras more than shoots with them, you'll probably not even notice the quirks.