Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I'm an amature, spend too much money on "stuff" I never use and travel a lot. The X100 has become a part of me. It's with me wherever I go and its used far more per day than any camera I've ever owned (in over 50 years).

The IQ is excellent. If you hear different, question the photographer. I bought the camera and immediately upgraded to 1.21, so I don't know the issues with the previous firmware. I'll go through some of my observations while on a European trip as I write this.

Auto focus: slow, deadly accurate, excellent low light (relative to fast glass on a dslr). I've seen all sorts of complaints in this area. Other than slow, I have no issues with af. Manual focus with the AF button is fast and accurate, though a smaller focus area, as in AF-S, would be welcome. Zone focus if you need speed. Ignore the dof meter as its extremely conservative.

Ergonomics: Not great. I added some rubber bits to the back (thumb) and front. They greatly improved the situation but I don't feel comfortable carrying the camera around holding the body. I put on a cheap Pentax hood that's built like a brick and that's my carry grip. Button placement is fine, no issues with anything while shooting other than the focus slide switch which is a pain.

Battery Life: Awful. Measured in hours, not shots. I've had as low as 12 shots, 25 to 30 shots is not uncommon. I do not use any of the power savings options and use the ovf most of the time, lcd is always off, no previews. If you want decent battery life, turn the camera off between shots. Mine comes on quicker from off than sleep so its a no-brainer. This approach get's me through a day. Two batteries a must.

Lens: A bit weak at f2 but a winner overall.

Menus: A mess, no, an execution by a challenged engineer who has never used a camera. Set the top function button for ISO and use the menu's to format. Being careful you do not select the Reset all selection which is adjacent to the Format selection (yes, the rest of the menu is much the same).

Glitches: In 1,500 shots, I have had the camera freeze twice, had af refuse to work twice (restart required), burned through batteries in a matter of a few hours and struggled to learn the camera.

Overall: The X100 is a definite keeper. I always shoot wide, so the 35mm is no big deal, light, very well built, the IQ is delightful. I compare the X100 to a German car, there may be frequent times when its not operating quite the way it should, but the experience is tough to duplicate and the end results are superb -- considering the relatively low cost (including the opportunity to not being able to spend money on lenses) the X100 is a gem.

Less one star as Fuji let more than a few weaknesses out of the factory that should not exist and would have been simple to improve upon.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

It´s a great camera. Ok, I can call it a gadget, since I miss the big cameras and lenses that does not leave the shelve anymore. Great sensor, and what a sharp lens! I wanted to take the X-Pro, but that one was way too expensive for a brand new system. And with no flash. The fixed lens in the X100 will help me increase my photographic skills. Oh, and I must also thank B&H´s Staff: they were really helpful.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

Very discreet camera, great for street photography, image quality rivals dslr and it looks fantastic!

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I love the silent shutter and the incredible quality of the sensor
Highly recommended
Good job Fuji

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I've been waiting for a digital camera that is both small in size and rivals the image quality of a bulky SLR. This is it, can't say enough good things about it.
The X100 certainly does not replace an SLR but it is a good compliment to an SLR and can be used as a take anywhere point & shoot type camera.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

For times when a SLR just isn't convenient, the X100 is perfect. Fixed focal length keeps me on my feet literally, which isn't a bad thing. There are quirks and less than efficient controls; however, the performance with the 1.21 firmware update makes things better. Who knows, a future firmware update will surely make things even better!

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I never liked shooting with my 5Dii, or any other digital camera or that matter, till this gem. Not only is the IQ outstanding, but the noise is far more film-like or grainy, it's beautiful. The manual focus is non existent as for a hip-shooter, i use the "multi" focus mode often. I really miss focusing, but it's great to use a camera that I can operate without looking at. Note, the battery can go in backwards, upside down, and both, so watch that. I would rather have a 50mm version than an X Pro 1.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I have had mine for about 5 weeks now, and this has really brought the fun back into photography! I was beginning to want a break from carrying my D700 and bag of lenses with me everywhere I went, so I decided to try to find a lighter solution that could still live up to my desire for good image quality.

I tried the m43 format, but was not happy with the low-light performance that I was able to achieve. I then read the reviews on the X100 and decided to order one. It is quote possibly the best decision that I have made concerning photographic gear!

The IQ is stellar, the camera is easy to handle and the hybrid VF is superb! I also am very satisfied with the fixed and very useful 35mm equilalent focal length.

If you are on the wall about getting this, go for it! You will be happy that you did!

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I do not even qualify to be an amature photographer. My wife and I vacation a lot and I spend way too much time trying to balance lighting, flash, etc. The X-100 is amazing. Although it has some very sophisiticated options, about the onlly option I need to consider is flash or no flash. Otherwise, almost every picture is perfect under any lighting condition. I was able to take a picture of my wife with a flash from across the Potomac at night. The flash was soft any the Capitol could be clearly seen in the background. Truly amazing!

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I'm a photo hobbyist , have always shot pictures of family and friends, vacations and etc. I was looking for a medium sized camera that traveled well and took pictures that were good enough that I didn't feel disappointed with the results.
The X100 is that camera.
You do need to learn it.
Its a bit of a learning curve, but in a couple of days your good to go.
Make sure to update the firmware.
Fuji has done a beautiful job with this camera.
It delivers the old school look and much of the feel of traditional rangefinders with the ease of modern digital technology.
Nice Lens !

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I wanted something better than your high end point&shoot camera, but lighter than a dslr mounted with a 50mm for walking around. The X100 works great for this need. Easy to throw over your shoulder and spend the day snapping shots without being weighed down. The camera is actually so light, I barely notice that it's there.

As far as picture quality goes, you'll end up with outstanding quality shots that are good for developing decent size prints. I'll use this camera for work too as a photojournalist along side my dslr. Does good in low light with its f/2 lens. Not the best camera for someone who doesn't know what they're doing. It's a pro camera, so be warned if you're looking to buy as your first.

My only complaints is the focusing distance forces you to stand away from your subject a bit more than I would like, specially since it has a 23mm lens which sometimes needs you to be closer to your subject than the camera will allow for focusing. It does better with this in AF-C though and it does have a macro mode, but takes time to switch the setting. I also wish it didn't use the smaller usb cable so that I don't need different cables for each of my cameras. It takes a bit of time to wake up from sleep mode as well, I think it's actually quicker just to turn it off then on again.

All in all though, I'll be shooting this camera like mad. A better choice than a higher end point&shoot I think. I used to use a Canon S95, but enjoy shooting this a lot more.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

Less noticeable on the streets and really silent!
Turning off the beeps, sounds and photo review, it is quite difficult to know if you really took that picture.

Although it has a fixed focal length (35mm equivalent), it doesn't matter because with this camera you can get close and personal (and unnoticeable) to the subject.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

Had issues with it after a few months, awesome when everything goes right on this. But to be honest I don't trust this camera anymore.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I've had this camera for a year now, having fallen in love with it from the moment I purchased it (before even). That love affair has now withered to the point where I scarcely use it, and it's in the process of being sold.

Positives - romantic retro looks (makes you feel like a 1950's war correspondent) superb build quality and excellent lens for a camera of this type. It has an innovative viewfinder that works extremely well. The camera has excellent ergonomics and is capable of producing superb images.

Now the negatives - the software is awful, and remains so after several firmware upgrades; autofocus is slow and unpredictable, manual focus is effectively non-existent, the image quality is good, but not as good as a half decent D-SLR (not as good as my old Canon 30D for example), the fixed 35mm equivalent lens is more limiting than I thought it would be and attaching filters and the (unbundled) lens hood has more associated issues than I can go into here.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I love this camera, it's small, light, fun to use, and it takes wonderful pictures. But, it's also counterintuitive and it requires a lot of thought to operate successfully. The controls are obviously meant to emulate a pre-digital rangefinder camera's controls. There is no "automatic" setting on this camera nor are there preset formats. You can shoot in manual mode, aperture preferred, or shutter preferred. But, it has NO point and shoot capabilities. That takes some getting used to. But, these idiosyncracies aside, it is a pure delight to take pictures with it once you've figured out how to shoot with it. The camera is almost -- not quite -- small enough to fit into the pocket of my cargo pants. It will easily fit into a jacket pocket. It is unobtrusive and its shutter is nearly silent. The pictures it produces are bright, sharp, and detailed. Obviously, Fuji has done a great job with its lens/sensor combination.

I recommend that if one purchases it he/she also buy the accessory filter ring and lens hood. I don't carry my cameras without protective filters and the ring is necessary in order to attach a filter (49mm) to the lens.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

Great small digital rangefinder type camera for street photography and snaps

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

The X100 is my Nikon D7000 companion and has ended up being with me everywhere I went during my last trip to visit family in Pittsburgh and New York. 600 photos later (family, photo documentary in the city, shooting at just about everything) the images created are truly remarkable. All those issues people mention about the menu layout and focusing shortcomings never came to mind (you do need to be able to read and think properly about what you are reading).

The EV knob on top right does get infrequently unintentionally rotated, so I check in the view finder when shooting to make sure it is set as needed. Also putting the adapter ring and 49mm filter still allows the leather case to close but it's not a perfect fit.

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

Even as a professional photographer, I rarely dragged my Mark II's around with me to capture decisive moments and more importantly, the genre of everyday life with my chidlren. I wanted something I could bring with me everywhere, with a vewfinder and a great fast lens. This is that camera! Although I have to get used to the crop ratio, I am capturing really great images. The only downside is the lag between focus and capture... therefore, it not great for moving targets. The lens is very sharp and I love shooting at 2.0. The menu takes a bit getting used to, but once you do it's pretty easy to manuever around. I like this little guy so much, I might play around with it at my next wedding reception.... a few hours in, of course!

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I'm a professional photographer bla bla bla...Owing x100 is like dating a super model who's not very sharp... She's beautiful, ppl will turn back to take a look at her, but when you want to have a conversation she has nothing...I've been traveling in SE Asia for a last 5 month and I needed compact camera which will give me high quality images. Fuji x100 is perfect for this. Images are great, quality is superb, but you have to fight this camera, it doesn't help you to take this images. IPhone has better focus then this camera. Forget about aperture or speed priority, manual only. Lowest ISO is 200. Buffer is very slow.However, if you get it, the image is great. Great sensor. I was alway a fan of fuji range finders. 6x9 was amazing, 645 where great as well, so it puzzels me why fuji can't get their [*] together, but I must say they are on a right track, just need to fine tune it. It works fine for me, I'm working it thru Cambodian dust and Laos sun and it's love/hate relationship, but at the end of the day I'm glad that I don't have to carry expensive SLR. Just FIX IT Fuji, you are on the right track!Oh yeah, get 2 extra batt. $20 Problem solved.Oh, Manual focus is not a manual focus, get a Leica if you want one...

Comments about Fujifilm FinePix X100 Digital Camera:

I have had this camera for about 6 months and have produced some great images with it- it is CAPABLE of a very high quality image. However, I have now encountered the "sticky blade" problem with frequent severe overexposure. In addition, the camera is SLOW when compared to any camera in its prices range.