Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I won't add to all of the accolades the reviews have raved about. If you're a competent photographer and understand the fundamentals of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO then this camera is for you. The X100S brings you back to the fundamentals and it's a challenge especially when you consider you have a fixed focal length of 23 mm (35 mm equivalent). I like this camera because it is not conspicuous like a pro-body [I own an EOS 1D SLR]. Plus, the leaf shutter activation is virtually silent - just a barely perceptible click. Also noticeable is the image quality at high ISO - pretty amazing what you could shooting handheld in low light. Some slight negatives, but not a deal killer: (1) shutter button - needs a more solid feel; it's easy to knock out of position and inadvertently turn your camera on and draining your battery. (2) need to use ND filter when shooting wide open in bright conditions. (3) battery life - better get one or more spare batteries.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

In summary, I sent the X100s back after a few weeks. I felt sad. I really wanted to like this camera, but we just didn't bond.

Let me first begin by pointing out three things about the context of the test this camera took: 1) I shoot mostly medium and large format film, so that kind of pegs the standard against which I personally compare image quality 2) This camera was intended as a second quick shooter I could use on family shots and just generally to have around for fast moving situations, or when I don't want to lug around my other cameras. 3) The ability to quickly take snippets of video was also very important.

I read essentially every review I could find of this camera and went in with a high degree of anticipation. But I also recognized that video, though improved, might still be a weak point.

I am going to focus on some of the negatives in my write-up, as I haven't seen these discussed as much. Overall, it's a decent camera with limitations others may have no problem with. For me it just didn't fit the role I had in mind as well as I hoped.

My very first experiences with the camera were emblematic of what I ultimately decided were show-stoppers for a camera at this price point. I am a big fan of prime lenses, and love the advantages of being able to shoot at wide apertures. Foot zoom is fun! I was a little shocked, though, at the bizarre ghosting and other artifacts that I saw in both jpg and raw files from shots taken with the X100s wide open: essentially unusable. OK, so I eventually figured out that in certain conditions wide open was not a big issue, and in others it just looked almost Holga-like. Hmm. So, not really an f2 lens, it just happens to open up that far. A limitation that could be worked around, but strikes me as odd if the selling point of a camera like this is you get a fast prime as part of the deal.

The autofocus sometimes also mysteriously got totally lost. I mean, really lost. Point the center-focus square at a cherry blossom, depress shutter halfway, watch it give me a focus confirmation, then notice it focused on stuff behind the blossom that was not in the focus box. Try again. No. Try again, oh I think that got it. Release shutter. Good thing cherry blossoms can't run away. Then there was an interior shot, a low-ish light portrait of my son, who sat patiently still while the camera repeatedly told me he was in focus (again, his eyes were right in the focus confirmation window), while in fact it was clearly focused on the wall around and behind him. It was almost as if the focus window was telling me exactly what it would not be attempting to get in focus. Weird. It just meant that I frequently found myself questioning whether I was actually getting focus on the right thing. My trust in the AF having been somewhat shattered, I found myself often switching to manual to work around it.

The manual focus features are cool - the electronic rangefinder is particularly nifty and something I would probably use frequently if I held on to the camera. Being spoiled by the 2.25x2.25 inch viewfinders on my TLRs meant, however, that it still seemed a little alien and difficult to nail focus in all situations. I'm sure practice would overcome that.

Lightroom 4 made a hash of the raw files, at least using default processing or with my tweaking to sharpening and nr settings. The colors looked over-cooked, and the details were smeared. As many have commented, the jpgs are really quite good. They showed better color and better resolution and detail than the processed RAWs. If shooting just out-of-camera jpg serves your ends, then this will not be an issue. I suspect I could have done better with the RAW processing if I spent time with it, but it was just another area where I felt like I was going to have to make investments of time that were not really the goal here.

The many comments out there about the image quality from this camera had me prepared to chuck these issues in the back seat once I got to review the files in detail. This is where my context is important to understand. Forget comparisons with MF film. The X100s certainly does not compete with that. Its files still looked very digital to me compared to my film scans– fragile highlights, weird artifacts in high frequency detail areas, lower resolution etc. The usual digital stuff. OK – so it's not like X-trans is that kind of revolution. Fine, I don't need it to be, that's why I shoot film. My other digital camera is a seven year old canon Rebel XT. The X100s did beat that in overall resolution and noise – especially at low light levels where the progress in sensor design is clearly visible. But, it didn't beat it as badly as I hoped and expected. My 8 mpix Rebel XT with Canon's decent 35mm EF (not the L) prime mounted on it produces nicely sharp files – and does not periodically render a bizarre mess at f 2.0. And it is a compact package that is frankly not that much larger than the X100s, and it focuses MUCH more reliably. Hmm. But, the Rebel is still bigger than I would like to just carry around, and it doesn't do video.

So, I tried the video. Not that bad at all. Some of it came out downright pretty. The lack of a dedicated video button is a bigger problem than I expected, however. Having to fish around to get video going when the kids were having a "moment" often meant capturing a lot of "after moments." Alas.

So, decision time came and it went back. I was sad about that because I truly like the range-finderness of the X100s, but it just didn't check the right boxes for my purposes. It wasn't good enough to compete with my film cameras (wasn't my goal anyway), and it wasn't convenient enough to be the "family" cam (which was my goal). The X100s is pocketable in the geek sense, but doesn't bear comparison with a point and shoot like the Sony RX100, which is a marvel of pocketableness. I ultimately found the Sony RX100 to be a better fit as the digital complement to my film arsenal.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

If you're thinking about it, just get it. It lives up to the hype.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I bought this camera thinking I could switch over from a DSLR to a more compact camera with most of the same features and be happy. I was right for the most part. the image quality is truly phenomenal. Even the high ISO grain is beautiful. It's lightweight, very portable and gets tons of compliments. (maybe not so great for some people)

Here's some Cons:
The "Point" autofocus is a bit hard to use in a rush. I often tap the up button without triggering the "change autofocus point" feature and then try to move the focus point only to end up turning on the flash or even worse...macro mode. Not exactly the best point selection system out there. The AFL/AEL button is easy to miss when the camera is up to your face. If you are a hip shooter, this camera will probably frustrate you beyond belief. Maybe the "Multi" focus function works better. I wish it were easier to switch between the two. Q button function?

The battery gauge is not useful at all. It will say full battery all the way until it suddenly dies a painful death. You can still squeeze out a couple of shots if you turn it off, wait a bit, turn it on an immediately shoot.

Pros:
If you love taking casual portraits of friends and people you know, this camera is great. I often shoot kids whom I'm in after school education and my photos are much better than any of the other photos that the other instructors take since I got it. (wipes dirt off shoulder)

This may a bit silly but it feels like the camera has some ability to take the photo a millisecond prior to when I'm used to the camera firing. Maybe it's the timing of the camera, maybe it's the devilish good looks but I tend to get better expressions of of people as well. There's nothing empirical to support this claim but I wanted to add it in there.

I have to admit that the hybrid viewfinder is pretty cool. I actually use both of them almost equally. (Different strengths and weaknesses)

Verdict?

Now that I've had the camera a little over a week, I still feel the magic. I bought this camera to get me shooting more and worrying about gear and perfect lighting less.

Yes, I'd buy this camera again.

PS. I taught my digitally illiterate girlfriend how to use the camera in less than 5 mins. She thinks

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I own a Nikon D90 and needed a more compact camera with similar image quality and X100s does not disappoint. In fact, the IQ of this camera is far superior (shooting the D90 in raw gives acceptable results). The auto focus problem of X100 is mostly gone although the camera still struggles in very low light situations but quite acceptable. I have no idea how fujifilm has been able to produce a camera with such a true-to-life color quality. It is a fixed lens camera and it is not for everyone but if you are looking for a compact camera equipped with a large sensor and a bright lens and breathless IQ, order this one.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I use this mainly for casual street and portrait shooting. Great speed and dead on fun using the controls. AF is primo. Images/colors are exceptional.
Fits eaisly in my handlebar pack for bicycle touring and on long hikes the weight/size is perfectly compatiable with ultralight gear.Thanks B&H, you shipped it much sooner than expected.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I've had this camera in hand for a few weeks, it's the first one I've ever pre-ordered. I bought it as a replacement to my Canon G10. I hope it's a sign of things to come as I really love the throwback aperture, shutter speed, and shutter controls. I'm reminded of some of my favorite old film rangefinders.

On top of that, the focus is lightning fast and the image quality is amazing. The build quality is top notch and it has a very solid feel. The flash has some interesting setting that I'm still expoloring, but it does a great job. The fill flash (or suppressed) does a great job of providing enough light without blowing out highlights. I just can't say enough good things. It's expensive, but once it's in your hands, you know where that money went.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Since getting the x100s, I'm not sure I've left my house without it. It's small enough to never be cumbersome in my messenger bag, and carries a big enough punch to capture everything I need to capture.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I have used several digital cameras over the years including point and shoots such as the Canon S45 to S95 and DSLRs such as the Canon xTi, T2i and the Nikon D7000. While they all can capture good images outdoors, it has been difficult to obtain good images of people indoors. Increasing the ISO leads to noise while using flash creates flat pictures. Unless people are sitting still you can't use long exposure times. The DSLRs tend to get heavy.

The Fuji X100s costs a lot of money. However, I am able to obtain reasonably good quality pictures of my kids indoors, without using flash and without having them sit still. The picture quality including white balance is excellent. While there may be a personal preference for colors, expecially skin tones, even the black and white images look substantially different. I find them pleasing. Even my wife stated, that I may have finally learnt how to take pictures!

The shutter is silent and you can continue to engage your subject, looking at them and talking to them and they never know when you have taken their picture. This creates opportunities for wonderful looking faces.

I've added an additional 49mm B&W UV filter (from B&H) to protect the lens that has not made a difference in the picture quality.

The shutter count increases everytime you turn the camera on and off, press the play button to view the pictures or change the viewfinder from OVF to EVF. After learning this from the manual, I leave the camera switch in the "on" position (it goes into standby in 2 min & wakes up if you press the shutter button), bought a (Fuji) spare battery and do not view the pictures on the camera. This may be a con to some, but I intend to keep the camera for many years and so don't care about the shutter count.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

One week in and the camera is flawless. The fit & finish are excellent, the image is as goos as it gets without a full SLR and the functionality is really intuitive - don't even need a manual.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

This is the perfect camera if you can't or don't want to carry a DSLR around all day. It takes a bit of time to get used to it, but the size/performance ration is excellent. Great image quality too.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I have had all three of the x-series cameras- the X-Pro1, then the X-E1, and now the X100s. As much as i loved them all and their incredible sensor, i think i was in a search for the form factor that worked for me. Traveling a lot and to not-always so safe areas, the x100s is the perfect companion. Quick to pull out of the bag. Quick to hide. Small. Lightning fast AF, and spectacular colors in the photos. I think this is the one!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Everything I wanted to correct in the previous model it's been corrected
Bravo Fuji

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

We rarely use the word "classic" to describe digital cameras, but X100/X100S is one of the exceptions. The X100, IMHO, literally changed the digital camera landscape by introducing a system that combines modern photographic technology with traditional range-finder shooting style. The X100S is a great successor to X100, with the improved X-TRANS sensor and a few other tweaks and additions. I use the X100s as a day-to-day substitute for my X-Pro1. I found it very easy to carry around, and great ergonomics when holding in hands, even if just with a single hand, with the security assured by a wrist strap. The image quality is superb, even under low light like in a small restaurant at night. This translates to performance at high ISO. The design is classic and beautiful, almost timeless. It is maybe the most beautiful camera I have ever used, and the maybe is due to the Leica M6 I have, which is also a very beautiful camera.

My biggest problem with it, though, is the autofocus. Once I was trying to take photos of my friend's baby son in a west-facing apartment during the day, and the AF missed about 9 out of 10 shots. I even suspected my camera was broken. But as soon as I moved to a room with better lighting, the focus is sharp again. In low light situation I would either pre-focus on something with high contrast, or manual focus. There is a rumor that the AF of firmware 1.01 is not as good as 1.0. Hope this problem will be corrected by Fuji.

The manual focus assistance, the split image and focus peaking, in my opinion, are not that useful. It takes a few good seconds to focus with them. And this time is enough to alarm your subject if you are doing street photog. I would use the traditional zoom focus, but on this camera it is not as easy as on a Leica, since you have to read the focus distance from the LCD.

But even giving the drawback in focusing system, I still love this small and beautiful camera that bring strong imaging capacity everywhere I go. I carry it with me everyday. A great companion.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I loved the X100, but it had a couple of issues that could have been better. Like the manual focus, shutter lag and menu system.
The X100S fixes all of those issues. If you're looking for the perfect walkabout camera, this is it. If you already own the X100 and wonder if it's worth upgrading...I'd say yes. Probably the best camera ever made, certainly my favorite.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Love this camera! smaller, lighter and simpler* than my D7000 but definitely packs a punch. Great for all around use and On-the-go. It even fits in my backpack when I go to school and the beach, rather than my DSLR which would require me to slug around a completely separate backpack of its own.

I have yet to test it for fast speed action shots but have taken some macro, wedding, family gathering, nature and other miscellaneous shots with it that I am definitely satisfied with.

The only cons I have about this camera is that the crop option has a banner obstructing the final image and the 'delete all' is easily mistakable if you're not paying attention.

Discovering new stuff every day with it, film simulations, adjustable f-stop increments other than the ones seen on the top dial alone, shooting modes (toy camera, pin hole, hazy light, etc...)

Love it!!!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

As a former newspaper photojournalist who carried multiple camera bodies, several f2.8 zooms, faster prime lenses, and lighting equipment, I was looking for a lightweight camera as I headed into retirement. Going to a single fixed focal length camera is challenging me to explore new avenues of photography. The Fuji X100S has the autofocus that helps me to transfer from DSLR equipment to something different. Great image quality, lots of capability, even video (if YOU are into that sort of thing) make this a great choice for me.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I am an amateur at best but really enjoy the x100s. I have a nice DSLR (5d 3) and an awesome pocket camera (Sony RX100) but wanted something that would make me a better photographer, make me think and work harder to setup the scene. This is that camera. Fixed lens makes me move or improvise and the results are great. I didnt play with the X100 so cannot compare but it is plenty fast (searches a little in lower light) and has gorgeous color.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I'm a novice, seeking to pick up digital photography as a hobby. I've always purchased high quality point and click cameras (currently a Canon S90) but struggled with low light conditions and mediocre processing speeds. And I've always wanted to learn old school photography and how to make adjustments for varying conditions. Man did I hit the jackpot. I stumbled across the X100S when researching 'next level' cameras within my initial budget. The X100S is highly portable and discreet (for street and candids), plus has interesting range for landscape shots, portraits, etc. Surprisingly I've picked up the operating system and controls pretty quickly. I'm blown away by the quality of images and flexibility of this camera. Love it!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Ditch my nikon dslr for x100s. It is light, small with better image quality. What not to like, now I can have it with me everywhere I go so I don't miss any moments.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I won't add to all of the accolades the reviews have raved about. If you're a competent photographer and understand the fundamentals of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO then this camera is for you. The X100S brings you back to the fundamentals and it's a challenge especially when you consider you have a fixed focal length of 23 mm (35 mm equivalent). I like this camera because it is not conspicuous like a pro-body [I own an EOS 1D SLR]. Plus, the leaf shutter activation is virtually silent - just a barely perceptible click. Also noticeable is the image quality at high ISO - pretty amazing what you could shooting handheld in low light. Some slight negatives, but not a deal killer: (1) shutter button - needs a more solid feel; it's easy to knock out of position and inadvertently turn your camera on and draining your battery. (2) need to use ND filter when shooting wide open in bright conditions. (3) battery life - better get one or more spare batteries.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

In summary, I sent the X100s back after a few weeks. I felt sad. I really wanted to like this camera, but we just didn't bond.

Let me first begin by pointing out three things about the context of the test this camera took: 1) I shoot mostly medium and large format film, so that kind of pegs the standard against which I personally compare image quality 2) This camera was intended as a second quick shooter I could use on family shots and just generally to have around for fast moving situations, or when I don't want to lug around my other cameras. 3) The ability to quickly take snippets of video was also very important.

I read essentially every review I could find of this camera and went in with a high degree of anticipation. But I also recognized that video, though improved, might still be a weak point.

I am going to focus on some of the negatives in my write-up, as I haven't seen these discussed as much. Overall, it's a decent camera with limitations others may have no problem with. For me it just didn't fit the role I had in mind as well as I hoped.

My very first experiences with the camera were emblematic of what I ultimately decided were show-stoppers for a camera at this price point. I am a big fan of prime lenses, and love the advantages of being able to shoot at wide apertures. Foot zoom is fun! I was a little shocked, though, at the bizarre ghosting and other artifacts that I saw in both jpg and raw files from shots taken with the X100s wide open: essentially unusable. OK, so I eventually figured out that in certain conditions wide open was not a big issue, and in others it just looked almost Holga-like. Hmm. So, not really an f2 lens, it just happens to open up that far. A limitation that could be worked around, but strikes me as odd if the selling point of a camera like this is you get a fast prime as part of the deal.

The autofocus sometimes also mysteriously got totally lost. I mean, really lost. Point the center-focus square at a cherry blossom, depress shutter halfway, watch it give me a focus confirmation, then notice it focused on stuff behind the blossom that was not in the focus box. Try again. No. Try again, oh I think that got it. Release shutter. Good thing cherry blossoms can't run away. Then there was an interior shot, a low-ish light portrait of my son, who sat patiently still while the camera repeatedly told me he was in focus (again, his eyes were right in the focus confirmation window), while in fact it was clearly focused on the wall around and behind him. It was almost as if the focus window was telling me exactly what it would not be attempting to get in focus. Weird. It just meant that I frequently found myself questioning whether I was actually getting focus on the right thing. My trust in the AF having been somewhat shattered, I found myself often switching to manual to work around it.

The manual focus features are cool - the electronic rangefinder is particularly nifty and something I would probably use frequently if I held on to the camera. Being spoiled by the 2.25x2.25 inch viewfinders on my TLRs meant, however, that it still seemed a little alien and difficult to nail focus in all situations. I'm sure practice would overcome that.

Lightroom 4 made a hash of the raw files, at least using default processing or with my tweaking to sharpening and nr settings. The colors looked over-cooked, and the details were smeared. As many have commented, the jpgs are really quite good. They showed better color and better resolution and detail than the processed RAWs. If shooting just out-of-camera jpg serves your ends, then this will not be an issue. I suspect I could have done better with the RAW processing if I spent time with it, but it was just another area where I felt like I was going to have to make investments of time that were not really the goal here.

The many comments out there about the image quality from this camera had me prepared to chuck these issues in the back seat once I got to review the files in detail. This is where my context is important to understand. Forget comparisons with MF film. The X100s certainly does not compete with that. Its files still looked very digital to me compared to my film scans– fragile highlights, weird artifacts in high frequency detail areas, lower resolution etc. The usual digital stuff. OK – so it's not like X-trans is that kind of revolution. Fine, I don't need it to be, that's why I shoot film. My other digital camera is a seven year old canon Rebel XT. The X100s did beat that in overall resolution and noise – especially at low light levels where the progress in sensor design is clearly visible. But, it didn't beat it as badly as I hoped and expected. My 8 mpix Rebel XT with Canon's decent 35mm EF (not the L) prime mounted on it produces nicely sharp files – and does not periodically render a bizarre mess at f 2.0. And it is a compact package that is frankly not that much larger than the X100s, and it focuses MUCH more reliably. Hmm. But, the Rebel is still bigger than I would like to just carry around, and it doesn't do video.

So, I tried the video. Not that bad at all. Some of it came out downright pretty. The lack of a dedicated video button is a bigger problem than I expected, however. Having to fish around to get video going when the kids were having a "moment" often meant capturing a lot of "after moments." Alas.

So, decision time came and it went back. I was sad about that because I truly like the range-finderness of the X100s, but it just didn't check the right boxes for my purposes. It wasn't good enough to compete with my film cameras (wasn't my goal anyway), and it wasn't convenient enough to be the "family" cam (which was my goal). The X100s is pocketable in the geek sense, but doesn't bear comparison with a point and shoot like the Sony RX100, which is a marvel of pocketableness. I ultimately found the Sony RX100 to be a better fit as the digital complement to my film arsenal.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

If you're thinking about it, just get it. It lives up to the hype.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I bought this camera thinking I could switch over from a DSLR to a more compact camera with most of the same features and be happy. I was right for the most part. the image quality is truly phenomenal. Even the high ISO grain is beautiful. It's lightweight, very portable and gets tons of compliments. (maybe not so great for some people)

Here's some Cons:
The "Point" autofocus is a bit hard to use in a rush. I often tap the up button without triggering the "change autofocus point" feature and then try to move the focus point only to end up turning on the flash or even worse...macro mode. Not exactly the best point selection system out there. The AFL/AEL button is easy to miss when the camera is up to your face. If you are a hip shooter, this camera will probably frustrate you beyond belief. Maybe the "Multi" focus function works better. I wish it were easier to switch between the two. Q button function?

The battery gauge is not useful at all. It will say full battery all the way until it suddenly dies a painful death. You can still squeeze out a couple of shots if you turn it off, wait a bit, turn it on an immediately shoot.

Pros:
If you love taking casual portraits of friends and people you know, this camera is great. I often shoot kids whom I'm in after school education and my photos are much better than any of the other photos that the other instructors take since I got it. (wipes dirt off shoulder)

This may a bit silly but it feels like the camera has some ability to take the photo a millisecond prior to when I'm used to the camera firing. Maybe it's the timing of the camera, maybe it's the devilish good looks but I tend to get better expressions of of people as well. There's nothing empirical to support this claim but I wanted to add it in there.

I have to admit that the hybrid viewfinder is pretty cool. I actually use both of them almost equally. (Different strengths and weaknesses)

Verdict?

Now that I've had the camera a little over a week, I still feel the magic. I bought this camera to get me shooting more and worrying about gear and perfect lighting less.

Yes, I'd buy this camera again.

PS. I taught my digitally illiterate girlfriend how to use the camera in less than 5 mins. She thinks

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I own a Nikon D90 and needed a more compact camera with similar image quality and X100s does not disappoint. In fact, the IQ of this camera is far superior (shooting the D90 in raw gives acceptable results). The auto focus problem of X100 is mostly gone although the camera still struggles in very low light situations but quite acceptable. I have no idea how fujifilm has been able to produce a camera with such a true-to-life color quality. It is a fixed lens camera and it is not for everyone but if you are looking for a compact camera equipped with a large sensor and a bright lens and breathless IQ, order this one.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I use this mainly for casual street and portrait shooting. Great speed and dead on fun using the controls. AF is primo. Images/colors are exceptional.
Fits eaisly in my handlebar pack for bicycle touring and on long hikes the weight/size is perfectly compatiable with ultralight gear.Thanks B&H, you shipped it much sooner than expected.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I've had this camera in hand for a few weeks, it's the first one I've ever pre-ordered. I bought it as a replacement to my Canon G10. I hope it's a sign of things to come as I really love the throwback aperture, shutter speed, and shutter controls. I'm reminded of some of my favorite old film rangefinders.

On top of that, the focus is lightning fast and the image quality is amazing. The build quality is top notch and it has a very solid feel. The flash has some interesting setting that I'm still expoloring, but it does a great job. The fill flash (or suppressed) does a great job of providing enough light without blowing out highlights. I just can't say enough good things. It's expensive, but once it's in your hands, you know where that money went.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Since getting the x100s, I'm not sure I've left my house without it. It's small enough to never be cumbersome in my messenger bag, and carries a big enough punch to capture everything I need to capture.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I have used several digital cameras over the years including point and shoots such as the Canon S45 to S95 and DSLRs such as the Canon xTi, T2i and the Nikon D7000. While they all can capture good images outdoors, it has been difficult to obtain good images of people indoors. Increasing the ISO leads to noise while using flash creates flat pictures. Unless people are sitting still you can't use long exposure times. The DSLRs tend to get heavy.

The Fuji X100s costs a lot of money. However, I am able to obtain reasonably good quality pictures of my kids indoors, without using flash and without having them sit still. The picture quality including white balance is excellent. While there may be a personal preference for colors, expecially skin tones, even the black and white images look substantially different. I find them pleasing. Even my wife stated, that I may have finally learnt how to take pictures!

The shutter is silent and you can continue to engage your subject, looking at them and talking to them and they never know when you have taken their picture. This creates opportunities for wonderful looking faces.

I've added an additional 49mm B&W UV filter (from B&H) to protect the lens that has not made a difference in the picture quality.

The shutter count increases everytime you turn the camera on and off, press the play button to view the pictures or change the viewfinder from OVF to EVF. After learning this from the manual, I leave the camera switch in the "on" position (it goes into standby in 2 min & wakes up if you press the shutter button), bought a (Fuji) spare battery and do not view the pictures on the camera. This may be a con to some, but I intend to keep the camera for many years and so don't care about the shutter count.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

One week in and the camera is flawless. The fit & finish are excellent, the image is as goos as it gets without a full SLR and the functionality is really intuitive - don't even need a manual.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

This is the perfect camera if you can't or don't want to carry a DSLR around all day. It takes a bit of time to get used to it, but the size/performance ration is excellent. Great image quality too.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I have had all three of the x-series cameras- the X-Pro1, then the X-E1, and now the X100s. As much as i loved them all and their incredible sensor, i think i was in a search for the form factor that worked for me. Traveling a lot and to not-always so safe areas, the x100s is the perfect companion. Quick to pull out of the bag. Quick to hide. Small. Lightning fast AF, and spectacular colors in the photos. I think this is the one!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Everything I wanted to correct in the previous model it's been corrected
Bravo Fuji

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

We rarely use the word "classic" to describe digital cameras, but X100/X100S is one of the exceptions. The X100, IMHO, literally changed the digital camera landscape by introducing a system that combines modern photographic technology with traditional range-finder shooting style. The X100S is a great successor to X100, with the improved X-TRANS sensor and a few other tweaks and additions. I use the X100s as a day-to-day substitute for my X-Pro1. I found it very easy to carry around, and great ergonomics when holding in hands, even if just with a single hand, with the security assured by a wrist strap. The image quality is superb, even under low light like in a small restaurant at night. This translates to performance at high ISO. The design is classic and beautiful, almost timeless. It is maybe the most beautiful camera I have ever used, and the maybe is due to the Leica M6 I have, which is also a very beautiful camera.

My biggest problem with it, though, is the autofocus. Once I was trying to take photos of my friend's baby son in a west-facing apartment during the day, and the AF missed about 9 out of 10 shots. I even suspected my camera was broken. But as soon as I moved to a room with better lighting, the focus is sharp again. In low light situation I would either pre-focus on something with high contrast, or manual focus. There is a rumor that the AF of firmware 1.01 is not as good as 1.0. Hope this problem will be corrected by Fuji.

The manual focus assistance, the split image and focus peaking, in my opinion, are not that useful. It takes a few good seconds to focus with them. And this time is enough to alarm your subject if you are doing street photog. I would use the traditional zoom focus, but on this camera it is not as easy as on a Leica, since you have to read the focus distance from the LCD.

But even giving the drawback in focusing system, I still love this small and beautiful camera that bring strong imaging capacity everywhere I go. I carry it with me everyday. A great companion.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I loved the X100, but it had a couple of issues that could have been better. Like the manual focus, shutter lag and menu system.
The X100S fixes all of those issues. If you're looking for the perfect walkabout camera, this is it. If you already own the X100 and wonder if it's worth upgrading...I'd say yes. Probably the best camera ever made, certainly my favorite.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Love this camera! smaller, lighter and simpler* than my D7000 but definitely packs a punch. Great for all around use and On-the-go. It even fits in my backpack when I go to school and the beach, rather than my DSLR which would require me to slug around a completely separate backpack of its own.

I have yet to test it for fast speed action shots but have taken some macro, wedding, family gathering, nature and other miscellaneous shots with it that I am definitely satisfied with.

The only cons I have about this camera is that the crop option has a banner obstructing the final image and the 'delete all' is easily mistakable if you're not paying attention.

Discovering new stuff every day with it, film simulations, adjustable f-stop increments other than the ones seen on the top dial alone, shooting modes (toy camera, pin hole, hazy light, etc...)

Love it!!!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

As a former newspaper photojournalist who carried multiple camera bodies, several f2.8 zooms, faster prime lenses, and lighting equipment, I was looking for a lightweight camera as I headed into retirement. Going to a single fixed focal length camera is challenging me to explore new avenues of photography. The Fuji X100S has the autofocus that helps me to transfer from DSLR equipment to something different. Great image quality, lots of capability, even video (if YOU are into that sort of thing) make this a great choice for me.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I am an amateur at best but really enjoy the x100s. I have a nice DSLR (5d 3) and an awesome pocket camera (Sony RX100) but wanted something that would make me a better photographer, make me think and work harder to setup the scene. This is that camera. Fixed lens makes me move or improvise and the results are great. I didnt play with the X100 so cannot compare but it is plenty fast (searches a little in lower light) and has gorgeous color.

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

I'm a novice, seeking to pick up digital photography as a hobby. I've always purchased high quality point and click cameras (currently a Canon S90) but struggled with low light conditions and mediocre processing speeds. And I've always wanted to learn old school photography and how to make adjustments for varying conditions. Man did I hit the jackpot. I stumbled across the X100S when researching 'next level' cameras within my initial budget. The X100S is highly portable and discreet (for street and candids), plus has interesting range for landscape shots, portraits, etc. Surprisingly I've picked up the operating system and controls pretty quickly. I'm blown away by the quality of images and flexibility of this camera. Love it!

Comments about Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera:

Ditch my nikon dslr for x100s. It is light, small with better image quality. What not to like, now I can have it with me everywhere I go so I don't miss any moments.