Fujifilm Finepix X100: Digital Rangefinder in Classic Design

[MJ]

Fujifilm's latest and highly sought after large sensor compact, the Finepix X100, was quickly sold out upon its release, including at Singapore's recent IT Show. Once again, Red Dot Photo had the privilege to review a production model of the Finepix X100.

Tests similar to those in the our previous preview session were run and comparisons were made . Aspects such as the camera's APS-C 12.3 megapixels CMOS sensor, unique hybrid viewfinder and overall performance will be highlighted in this review.

Fujifilm Finepix X100's notable features

A summary of a few of X100's notable functions and features are as follows:

1. Innovative hybrid viewfinder



Fujifilm introduces a new viewfinder setup with the X100, offering photographers the best of both worlds by allowing them to toggle between electronic (EVF) and optical viewfinder (OVF) effortlessly.

Both the EVF and OVF display shooting information which can help users in composition and adjustment of settings. An electronic level feature is also available in OVF mode, enabling photographers to capture leveled shots when the need arises.

2. APS-C 12.3 Megapixels CMOS large sensor



At the heart of the X100 is an APS-C CMOS sensor that promises exceptionally high quality images by working in tandem with the new EXR processor and Fujinon 23mm prime lens.

The high-sensitivity sensor has 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional Fujifilm compact, allowing beautiful images to be captured throughout its ISO range (100 to 12800).

3. EXR Processor

The Fujifilm EXR processor takes advantage of the model's prime lens and high-sensitivity sensor to achieve unmatched image quality. The processor is a great improvement from Fujifilm's previous processor, allowing the system to be more responsive and faithful in producing captured images.

Tests carried out with the X100

Noise, vignetting, distortion and sharpness tests were carried out with the Finepix X100.

1. Noise Test

First, a simple setup was photographed from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 to test for noise. 100% crops of a selected section in photographs (as above) were then collated in the table below.

(Click here to view in high resolution)

Similar to our previous noise test with the X100, the camera was again excellent in controlling noise levels even at its highest ISO range. Some details were lost at higher ISOs but images were still well produced. It seems that Fujifilm's efforts in improving its processor has paid off!

2. Vignetting Test

Next, a white wall was photographed from apertures f/2 to f/16 (X100's full aperture range) to test for vignetting.

(Please click here to view in high resolution)

Light fall off is apparent only at f/2 but is hardly detectable between f/2.8 to 16.

3. Barrel Distortion Test

A barrel distortion test was also carried out with Fujifilm's Fujinon 23mm lens. Results were then compared with test results from the previous test.

(Please click here to view in high resolution)

As with the pre-production unit, barrel distortion was relatively well-controlled in the production unit.

4. Sharpness Test

A center to edge sharpness test was also carried out, where a setup derived from the ISO 12233 chart was captured from f/2 to f/16. 100% crops of the images' center and edge were then collated.

The results are as follows:

(Click here to view results for center sharpness)

As far as center sharpness goes, the image was soft at f/2 but remains relatively sharp at f/2.8 to 16.

(Click here to view results for edge sharpness)

For edge sharpness, the image was also soft at f/2 and remains sharp at f/2.8 to 16.

Images taken with the Fujifilm X100

Here are some images taken with the Fujifilm X100.

(ISO 100, aperture f/4, shutter speed 1/680 sec)
The X100 has good dynamic range, as can be seen in this photograph where shadows and highlights are well preserved.


(ISO 100, aperture f/11, shutter speed 1/220 sec)
Chromatic aberration is absent from the resulting image, highlighting the quality of Fujifilm's Fujinon prime lens.


(ISO 100, aperture f/2.0, shutter speed 1/150 sec)

(ISO 100, aperture f/4.0, shutter speed 1/100 sec)


(ISO 100, aperture f/4.0, shutter speed 1/7 sec)


(ISO 100, aperture f/2.0, shutter speed 1/900 sec)

Conclusion

The Fujifilm Finepix X100 is a high quality compact camera, both in terms of its aesthetics and performance. Its classic appearance and hybrid viewfinder is definitely its main selling points. Its ability to capture quality images will also attract the attention of professionals. The X100 resumed production on March 30 following the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. It is expected to ship in the first week of April.