Sunday, March 31, 2013

My viewpoint on Fujifilm X100S

Ever since Fujifilm comes up with the older version of X100, this camera always in my watch list. On March 2013, the X100S has arrived. It seems to have fix most of the major problem faced by the older X100 such as the AF problem, menu layout, ISO performance and so on. Suddenly, it seems like a perfect camera already! Or is it?

Basically it still has the same 16.3 million pixels APSC X-Trans CMOS sensor that is on the older generation. What has changed is the new sensor comes with newer processor and lack of an optical low pass filter. They have redesign the color sensor pixels to counter the moire effect. This means the photos can be really sharp! Besides, they have put in phase detection into the sensor to incorporate with contrast detection for better AF performance. The menu system has been re-organize similar to its bigger brother X-E1 or the X-Pro1. They have also changed the "RAW" button to "Q" button for quick access. The EVF resolution has been doubled and now the burst mode can go up to 6 FPS. However, the only thing that remain is the fixed fantastic 23mm (35mm equiv. in Fullframe format) f/2 Fujinon lens.

Here I provide few reviews from different sources so that you can have the idea how great this camera really is.

Kenrockwell:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x100s.htm

Digital Rev:
http://www.digitalrev.com/article/fujifilm-x100s-vs-x100-what/NzkzOTM4ODI_A



Bert Stephani:


The Camera Store TV:


Zack Arias:


Jim Marks:

After watching all the videos and reviews (especially Bert Stephani one), I am so tempted to get one!!! However, there are few things that still holding you back. I better list it out for you to consider before you plunge your head into it.

  • Price
    • This camera is selling at around RM3400 - 3600 at the moment. With this price point, you can get many DSLR or mirrorless camera system such as Canon EOS 650D, Sony NEX-6, Olympus OMD, or even Fujifilm X-E1!
  • Fixed lens
    • It's fix! So you cannot change lens like all the model I stated above. To practise with you current camera, try put on 23mm (if you are on crop sensor) and use it for the whole day. Even I'm using 17-50mm focal length on crop sensor, I still feel sometimes I need a little bit wider or longer. Look at the positive side, it lets you concentrate on composition instead of zooming in and out.
  • Bokeh
    • Bokeh-ness depends on 3 factors. Focal Length, sensor size and aperture. This camera have decent sensor size and aperture. However, the focal length is abit wide. Therefore, you cannot get the effect like you normally get from 85mm f/1.8. However, the bokeh is smooth and way better than point and shoot.
  • Image Stabilization
    • The camera body and lens itself DOES NOT have image stabilization / Vibration Reduction / Optical Stabilization / Vibration Compensation / Shake Reduction what ever you want to call it. Therefore you does not get the benefit for slower handheld shutter speed.
  • Video Mode
    • The camera shoot full HD videos but without the Image stabilization, the video would easily makes the audience seasick! You can put external mic though which is a nice feature to have.
  • Responsiveness
    • You cannot compare this with the dslr responsiveness as it still lag a little when you half pressed the shutter release and take the photo. However, it is still very decent compares to point and shoot and even some of the mirrorless.
If you think you can live with the 6 points that I mentioned, I think you are pretty much ready for it! Just like Kai saying, "if you like it, the worth is all relative to desire!".

Update: My Own review! here