Fujifilm X100S camera: specifications and reviews

Fashion for digital technology actively eradicates the last signs of analog devices. The trend did not begin today, but there is no need to talk about the complete withdrawal of classical solutions. Still, the love of a large part of consumers to the mechanics does not disappear. This is most clearly illustrated by the position in the segment of button phones, where the combination of a traditional keyboard with new functions provides manufacturers with high demand. No less interesting solution was prepared by the developers of the camera Fujifilm X100S, the review of which will help to find out its features, advantages and disadvantages.

General information about the model

Before the advent of digital cameras, there was a stereotype about the dependence of device dimensions and the quality of the images obtained. Later this opinion changed and it became obvious that the sensor has a direct influence on the characteristics of the photos. Already in our time such elements were supplied only with mirror models. Later, quite worthy mirror-free cameras began to appear. In this context, it is especially unusual for the position Fujifilm X100S occupies in its segment. Technologically, it is rather a mirrorless device, but it is equipped with a large fixed lens and a CMOS sensor. The result is a compact camera with a finely realized and modern filling. External styling for classic film cameras also gives the model a charm, for which it is valued by both amateurs and professionals. I must say that this concept with technical implementation is not the first time used by the manufacturer. For example, in 2012 the X100 model was released. The device in the first performance was in many respects imperfect, which, however, did not stop him from gaining quite high popularity.

Specifications

Capabilities of shooting at the camera are wide and, most importantly, they are backed up by well thought-out optics. On other advantages of the modification Fujifilm X100S can be judged by its technical characteristics:

• Light sensitivity - from 200 to 6 400 ISO.
• Focusing options - in normal mode, the range is from 50 cm to infinity, and with macro shooting from 10 cm to 2 m.
• The matrix is 16-megapixel with the size 23,4x15,6 mm.
• The exposure range is 60 s, 1/4000.
• The display is a 2.8 "LCD.
• The screen resolution is 460 thousand points.
• Type of viewfinder - electron-optical (hybrid).
• Connectors - USB, HDMI, AV.
• Battery - Li-Ion capacity of 1,700 mAh.
• Dimensions - 127 mm in width, 74 mm in height and 54 mm in thickness.
• Weight - 446 gr.

Housing and design

At the first glance at the camera it becomes clear that the alliance of designers and designers Fujifilm has worked to fame. The choice of materials and assembly does not cause the slightest doubt as to the quality of the apparatus. By modern standards, the dimensions are large, but otherwise everything is perfect - backlashes and areas with unpainted plastic and are not closely observed. But retro-style is realized in the best traditions of cameras of the last century. The upper and lower areas are made of aluminum, which gives the Fujifilm camera strength and durability. The central part of the case is girded with soft rubber, the texture resembling the skin. Particularly pleased that this solution is not only decorative, but also a practical function - the coating provides a comfortable and reliable grip. As for the lens, it moved to this model from its predecessor and is located in the central place on the front panel. The protrusion beyond the line of the body is a couple of centimeters - here, the adjustment rings of the diaphragm and focus are carried out. On the front panel there is also an autofocus illumination lamp with the viewfinder mode switch.

Screen and viewfinder

One of the main disappointments for a sophisticated amateur photographer can be the display model. Still, 460 thousand pixels with a diagonal of 2.8 "- such indicators even in budget models of DSLRs are considered an exception to the rules, but this does not cause any serious difficulties in the operation - all elements on the screen are clearly different and are in. A hybrid viewfinder deserves special attention. Since the beginning of its appearance in the X100 line, there have been rumors that it does not fit in with some lenses, but it's not so.You can also use the Fujifilm X100S converter from the WCL series to convert the focal length to the equivalent 28 mm. The optical and electronic viewfinders are instantaneous, and you can switch between manual and automatic modes.The optical viewfinder mode provides the output of graphic information.You can find focus points, horizon level, compositional grid and distance scale in the list of settings. As well as the electronic mode of the viewfinder, in which the picture is broadcast directly from the sensor.

Functionality of the apparatus

Thanks to the convenient adjustment of the focal length, the model can be considered as a universal and does not require a change of optics. The device has a fairly high rate of light in f / 2.0, which also improves shooting efficiency. There are also pleasant trivia for fans of synchronization of flashes on ultra-short exposure - this is provided by a shutter of the central type. In the lens itself, a filter with a neutral density is provided, which allows you to shoot saturated landscapes even on a sunny day on an open diaphragm. In addition to normal photography, the Fujifilm X100S camera is equipped with slide-image simulation modes. Also provides support for recreating images by the type of new films and filters for shooting with miniature effects. Tools for panoramas are also implemented at a decent level - one finger tap allows you to get a 120 or 180-degree view with the device wiring in any direction. Available camera and the possibility of shooting in RAW format, which in itself is a good reserve for professional photography. The developers have provided support for 14-bit RAW, which resembles the quality of pictures from expensive DSLRs such as Nikon D4.

Additional options

In addition to the standard shooting settings, the user can more finely adjust the tone of light and shadows, sharpness, noise level, and white balance to his requests . All these indicators in this case are regulated beyond the capabilities of the dynamic range. Unfortunately, there is no built-in stabilizer in the model, but for an unmovable fixed focus lens this is not so terrible. But there is a flash that improves the quality of shooting in low light. It should be noted and the possibility of video shooting Fujifilm X100S, which markedly progressed in comparison with the predecessor of the device. Recording is performed with a decent frequency of 60 frames, stereo sound and progressive scan. There is also a MOV container, but for some reason the creators abandoned this function far in the menu, and did not withdraw it with a separate button. It can be seen that in general, the developers did not make a special emphasis on video shooting, although the quality of the received materials is very worthy.

Battery

In the set of the device is provided the same battery, which is supplied and X100. This is, in principle, the usual element of the brand NP-95, providing 1,700 mAh. As noted in the instruction Fujifilm, the full charge should be enough for 330 photographs. Such a high result was achieved due to the optimized power consumption, which allows to rationally use the battery capabilities according to the CIPA standard. However, in practice, the device uses a number of images in the range of 290 - 310. The deviation is small, but it's not even that. In fact, the charge is enough for one day of shooting, which is not always convenient. Unfortunately, this is a problem not only for Fujifilm, but for most models even from the middle level.

Shooting Quality

In terms of quality of photos, the model deserves the most generous and harmonious epithets. The colors are natural and saturated at the same time. Body shades are also optimal: the cover shines, but does not break out into the light. Even in severe conditions, the exposure automatic works perfectly, and the speed of autofocus can be envied even by premium SLRs. In many respects, shooting provides such high results due to the company's refusal from the Bayer network. The creators together with this abandoned the low-pass filter and, accordingly, from the moire. At all advantage of low-frequency filters, they negatively affect sharpness. As shown by the tests Fujifilm X100S, within the permissible is the noise level. Even with maximum light sensitivity, the image looks very good.

Positive feedback about the camera

The owners, first of all, praise the excellent matrix, which minimizes the level of noise. This allows not only to make high-quality pictures during the day, but also at night. There are many positive opinions about the quality of the lens. For example, its brightness and clarity are noted. The developers have provided the opportunity to open the diaphragm to create portraits with unsharpened backgrounds. Although many digital cameras have such capabilities, reviews about the development of Fujifilm highlight a few rare qualities. For example, the company allows you to shoot with stylization for obsolete branded film. In the arsenal of the owner are a filter for dramatic landscapes with bright colors, and options for soft portrait photography, as well as other tools that allow using a digital device to return to retro-style photographs.

Negative feedback

Among the drawbacks of the model owners note the nonsmooth operation of autofocusing, the lack of a stabilizer and high cost. Sometimes mentioned and the lack of interchangeable lenses, but this is a fundamental solution for the line of the Fujifilm X100S. Reviews also criticize the model for some gaps in ergonomics. For example, there are delays in menu transitions, implementation of settings and adjustments. The same is observed in the process of viewing the pictures taken. As a result, the overall course of the survey slows down.

How much is?

For its characteristics, the model is not cheap, but overpayment is compensated by a number of notable advantages. First of all, this is the original performance. Of course, the manufacturer is by no means new in the exploitation of retro style, but in this case, a symbiosis of several directions is interesting with the inclusion of a sensor and new digital technologies. But the main advantages are reduced to the quality of images Fujifilm X100S. The price, as a result, averages 60-70 thousand rubles. Again, the nominal characteristics of anything supernatural are not promised, but practice shows that it was the implementation of the technical stuff that provided noticeable progress against the backdrop of the basic X100 model.

Competitors of the model

Similar opportunities are offered by different manufacturers. For example, compact models with APS-C sensors in the spirit of Sigma DP1, as well as mirrorless devices from Sony and Samsung can compete with this model. If we talk about the comparison by design, then the retro style with a similar filling also successfully combined the brand Pentax in the fresh version of the MX-1 and the manufacturer Olympus, which released the camera OM-D E-M5. If we talk about the quality of shooting, which has a Fujifilm camera, the closest characteristics are noted in the CyberShot RX1 from Sony, which is also provided with a non-replaceable lens. Comparable in two competitors and the characteristics of optics, and the difference is expressed in a better screen with the RX1, its improved matrix and a full 35 mm focal length. However, the cost of the offer from Sony is much higher.

Conclusion

The model confirmed the prospects for the development of the concept proposed in the first version of the X100. Moreover, the novelty has demonstrated the results of successful work on errors. In particular, the camera Fujifilm X100S markedly improved the picture quality, gained a higher focus speed, and its controls became more responsive and more convenient. However, there is still something to work on. Users still expect a better display, as well as fixing minor flaws in ergonomics. In other respects, the device provides the optimal possibilities of modern shooting on the basis of high-quality optics. In this case, do not forget about the original form factor and stylized design. In this case, it is not just an external design for a rare film camera, but also a full-fledged implementation of control elements in the form of mechanical lambs on the body.