Red Dot Photo had the privilege to preview the hotly anticipated Fujifilm Finepix X100. Since its announcement at Photokina in September 2010's, the camera has been the topic of discussions in photography forums and websites.
Red Dot Photo had the opportunity to run a few tests with the pre-production model in a short preview session.
1. First impressions
(Size comparison-Left: Fujifilm X100, right: Panasonic Lumix GF2)
"Developed without compromise", the Fujifilm X100 is a very attractive compact camera. With a well-crafted chassis inspired by traditional analogue film cameras, the model will impress with its old school appearance.
(Fujifilm's X100's top plate: users can adjust shutter speed and exposure compensation with the dials, which echo Fujifilm's classic camera designs)
The camera has a comfortable and solid grip and feel, which is no surprise, given its magnesium alloy cast and leather body. The mode dials (shutter speed, exposure compensation) are well placed to allow quick adjustments. On top of that, the camera's switch button is also part of its shutter release, allowing users to quickly start-up the camera to capture photographs. Finally, the X100 is also equipped with a hybrid viewfinder that allows users to switch easily between electronic and optical modes using a toggle switch located at the front of the camera.
On first use, the camera's button layout does not seem very intuitive and it will take some time for users to find out how to change certain settings, such as the changing of focus points during image capture. In addition, it was also not easy to figure out how to use ND filters. Changing basic settings such as aperture, ISO, and shutter speed was a breeze.
Below is a brief rundown of the X100's technical specifications:
TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS GOES HERE
2. Noise
First up, the X100 was tested for noise levels.
The camera was excellent at controlling noise levels, even at high ISOs such as 6400 and 12800.
Comparatively, noise was already evident at ISO 3200 for the Panasonic Lumix GF2.
3.Barrel distortion
Next, the X100's Fujinon 23mm prime lens was tested for barrel distortion.
Barrel distortion is apparent at 23mm. Seeing that the X100 would be a fixed lens compact, this is an issue that Fujifilm may be able to iron out in its production models.
4.Sharpness
To test for centre to edge sharpness, a Fujifilm's bag and boxes were photographed from apertures 2.0 to 16.
(#1: 100% crop of image's centre, #2: 100% crop of image's upper left edge)
Images captured at f/2.0 and f/4.0 were comparatively softer than images taken at other apertures.
At f/4.0, the image was much softer, which might be a glitch of the pre-production unit. It is likely that this quirk will be ironed out before the camera's official production release.
Centre crop images were sharpest at apertures f/5.6 and f/8.
(Click here to view in high resolution)
(#1: 100% crop of image centre)
At f/2.8, the image's upper left corner was softer when compared to other apertures. The image is exceptionally sharp at f/2.0.
A vignetting test was also conducted, where a white wall was photographed, from f/2.0 to f/16.
6.Conclusion
The Fujifilm X100 is excellent for shooting in low light. However, being a fixed lens compact, it might affect consumers' decisions when shopping for a camera, given the zoom ranges found in the present hybrid competitors, such as Sony's NEX series and Olympus's PEN series.
On the other hand, its large sensor, unique hybrid viewfinder, old school appearance, and sturdy build may also allow it to gain a foothold in compact camera sales.
Fujifilm X100 cameras are expected to go on sale in mid March 2011.
Look out for Red Dot Photo's future in-depth review where we will also cover the camera's video taking capabilities and ND filters will be included.
Written by MJ
Edited by Poseidon
RDP eShop
Contact Us
Reply With Quote
(Click here to view in high resolution)
Posting Permissions
