My impression with the new Fuji X100
May 24, 2011 Leave a comment
This is my first impression of the New Fuji X100. I wouldn’t say this is a full blown review, but i can tell you that this is my personal experience with the new Fuji X100 after playing with it for 5 days.
I have been looking for a decent compact size digital camera for quite some time now. I was really close to get the Olympus EP2, the Sony NEX-5, and the Panasonic GF2 until i heard about the new Fuji X100. After doing intensive reviews online, i’ve decided to pre-ordered mine. Due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, i finally got mine from Amazon last week.
Note: my camera was shipped out the 1st week of May and it actually came with firmware 1.0.1(updated version). I use a 8GB Panasonic Class 10 SDHC card, so I didn’t feel the lag like some other users did. Start up time was reasonable, and read/write time is acceptable.
We all know the Fuji X100′s spec on paper, but lets see how does it perform.
Here are a list of features i absolute love about this camera. (not in any particular order)
High ISO performance.
F2.0 1/1000 ISO 6400
F2.0 1/1000 ISO 12800
low light night shots
F2.0 1/20 ISO 5000
F2.0 1/15 ISO 3200
Images shot around ISO 3200 are very usable.
Beautiful Skin tones
Outstanding Bokeh
F2.0 1/350 ISO 200
F2.0 1/340 ISO 200
Extremely Sharp when in Focus
F2.0 1/1000 ISO 200
F2.0 1/800 ISO 200
the Hybrid Viewfinder
At first i thought the Hybrid Viewfinder is just a hype, but after using it for 5 days straight. i am in love with how the digital imposed overlay display right after a photo is taken. and how the digital information lay on top of the bright Optical Viewfinder when shooting.
Leaf Shutter
With leaf shutter, i am be able to do high-speed sync with the flash and with external flash.
F4 1/2000 ISO 200 with Canon 480 EXII flash
f4 1/2000 ISO 200 with Canon 480 EXII Flash
And there are also a couple of “issues” i wish Fuji can fix
Focusing
The electronic Focus by Wire system is quite annoying in Manual Focus mode. and in low light, Autofocus may become a slight issue.
Battery life
The battery life is not the best, so having an extra battery would be very handy.
Video Mode
Well, i didn’t expect this to be a video camera, and of course the performance of the Fuji X100 is not going to compare with a Canon 5D2 or Canon 7D, 60D, but I just wish Fuji could give us an option setting Aperture and Shutter Speed in manual, oh and if we can use manual focus in video would be much appreciated.
Filter ring, adapter, hood, etc
Well i love how the camera is built, i wish Fuji could make it a little bit easier to attach a Lens UV Filter on the X100. Though i think the build quality on the X100 is superb, i would like it to be more rugged built if i am going to take this camera everywhere I go. ie, weather sealed and a friendly UV filter thread. I can see myself getting a leather case and lens hood/filter once it becomes more available online, but until then, I would have to be very careful using/carrying it.
I do agree with other reviews on the web saying the menu and buttons on the camera are hard to navigate, but i think this is something we have to get used to.
I truly like this camera a lot and i do see my self carry the Fuji X100 everywhere I go.
To sums up my “experience” with Fuji X100. i would give it a 8.5 out of 10.
The Fuji X100 is not going to replace your DSLR, and it is NOT a DSLR. I also feel like this is not a “Point and Shoot” either, because you will need to do a little bit more than point and shoot. i do find myself changing the ISO, ND filter, Aperture, and Shutter speed every so often, but i suggest you could leave everything in Auto and just shoot away…(but whats the fun of that?)
If you understand how to work your camera in Manual mode. then i think you will quickly get used to this camera and fall in love with it too. The Fuji X100 would be a camera that add on to your current camera collections, its for the serious hobbyist, for the ones who are into photography, and are willing to play everything in Manual mode, and for the creative individuals. The Fuji X100 a perfect camera to take notes with, to snap something that inspires you, and simply to capture the moments.
Yes, there are many settings on this camera and it may not respond (focus) as fast as you wish. But this camera sure takes great photos if you can work it right.
A camera is just a tool and its all about how you use it.
below is an unboxing video with some sample images I made.
-willteeyang
