JOY MACHINE: FUJIFILM X100 REAL-WORLD REVIEW

A photograph i shot with the Fuji X100

PhotoGraphia regulars may recall a post in which I praised Fujifilm for their then newly announced X100 premium almost-compact camera. It was October 2010, the only interesting news at Photokina came from the enhanced-quality/smaller-size segment and the hybrid viewfinder technology sounded like being a winner.

Nine months (and tons of enthusiastic reviews) later, a small parcel coming from Hong Kong was delivered to my studio and the next minute I was unboxing that beautiful little gem.

I have been shooting only with the X100 since then. The last time was today, trying to catch the sunrise light over the sea of the French Riviera during my usual (on holiday) early morning bycicle ride. By the way, I have tons of French sunrises in my hard disks wich are not likely to be ever made public; but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

As usual, I will leave to professional reviewers the task of scientifically measure and rate every single feature of the camera. Which has already be done by many, on the other hand. I don't remember any photo product being described, commented and buzzed as widely as the X100. And for sound reasons.

In putting my hands on the X100 for the first time i got amazed: a camera that looks and feels like... well, like a camera! Seen from above, the unit shows everything a photographer could expect from his tool: analog dials for aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation (all of which can be read even when power is off), a Fn button which is ideal for ISO setting, along with a threaded release button (allowing the use of any classic $10 universal flexible release, instead of a bulky and clunky $80 dedicated remote) and a moderately protruding pancake lens.

 
The X100 seen from above: 100% pure photography

Build quality is top class. Despite its moderate -but not insubstantial- weight, the body feels sturdy and reassuring. The leatherette covering thoroughly matches the metal top and base plates, which are somptuously painted and engraved. Generally speaking, the X100 could be mistaken for a luxury analog compact from the Seventies, back side apart. Only the poorly designed rear wheel and the flimsy battery/card cover on the bottom deserve a word of reproach.

Though the sore point is yet to come. Because, after a full charge of the battery (the same as previous cameras from the house: well done, Fuji), the poor photographer would want to set his brand new camera up according to his own taste and needs. Well, I fear that the only way to do it without getting completely lost would be by taking the same drug Fuji menu designers are obviously addicted to. Unfortunately it's not mentioned in the user's manual.

Briefly, I have no suggestions about this issue. The only way is that you take your time, concentrate, breathe deeply, write notes and keep your fingers crossed. As a matter of fact Fuji partly addressed the harsh criticisms quickly aroused by the X100's menu system one month ago, when firmware version 1.10 was released. But, apart from some crazy behaviors and bugs which have been duly fixed, the song remains the same. On the other hand this painful procedure has to be performed only once (and whenever the firmware is updated, unfortunately). I mean, this kind of camera only requires to be set up once for all. It's not like when you fiddle with a sophisticated DSLR to choose among a wide range of specialized performances in extreme shooting conditions. Forget all this. Once you have decided if you need the histogram to be displayed or not, or the DOF scale, or the spirit level, or the grid, if you want auto-ISO or whatever being set on, and what function the Fn button should be enabled to, I'm pretty sure you will forget about crappy menus and everything, and will concentrate on composing your photograph and shoot. Because this is a back-to-basics tool: once configured, you get quickly used to it that way, and you are done.

One of the first photographs I shot with the Fuji X100 (out of camera jpg)

The hybrid viewfinder has been considered as the X100's forte months before the camera was actually released. No surprise. When switched to electronic it's as good as the Olympus EPx's add-on unit. Well, not as bright, perhaps. Anyway, although definitely too dim for daylight use, it helpfully gains EVs in low light, allowing an accurate framing even in the darkest shooting conditions. Nonetheless the real treat comes when it's switched to optical. Imagine a current Leica M viewfinder, only a little smaller but definitely clearer and brighter, with a neat and crisp rectangle accurately outlining the actual framed area, and surrounded by additional, fully customizable and easily readable informations. Framing through such a perfectly engineered device is a unique and exciting experience most young photographers can't even imagine. And soon you realize that not only your left eye, but also your right hand is perfectly at ease with the X100, because its insane menu system is lavishly made up for by its stunning ergonomics: everything is simply in the right place, has the right shape and works the right way. The silent release button is the cherry on the cake (provided that the stupid fake shutter sound is set to off, of course). Nothing to do with the clunky and noisy Leica M9's. The X100 can be unnoticeably used during a theater performance or a classic music concert.

A switch on the left side of the body allows the focus to be set to manual (or continuous). Don't delude yourselves, the X100 manual focusses by-wire, which has nothing to do with the experience of a proper, true mechanical focus ring. Therefore I prefer to make do with the autofocus, which is reliable and not too hesitating.

Another photograph I shot the same day with the X100 (out of camera jpg)

Don't worry, I didn't forget that a camera is about taking photographs in the first place. Nor did Fuji engineers, who made a really great job in this respect: the X100 lens-sensor-processor-firmware pipeline is definitely the best performer I have ever tried in my life (as of August 2011). Let me make one thing straight: I have only shot jpg's with the X100 so far, and I won't change. As this blog's regulars know, I'm allergic to raw formats and I expect a good camera to properly do its job, which is to take a photograph and properly process it into a usable file, instead of subcontracting this task to the photographer. Whenever a masochist outburst makes me want the hassle of raw reviewing and processing, I shoot with the Leica M9, which delivers the lousiest out-of-camera jpg in the history of digital photography.

A 100% crop of the above photograph (out of camera jpg, no sharpening)

Whith all the picture parameters of the X100 set to standard you get awesome colors and tonal values, rich details and microcontrast, a sharpness you'd expect from a 16 Mpixel camera at least, no visible noise (at reasonable ISO values), no distortion, no corner fall-off, no chromatic aberration. The lens' better performance is at f5.6 and f8. If you need more depth-of-field f11 is the best compromise. At f16 the effects of diffraction become obvious. I warmly suggest to avoid the film modes, as they dramatically cut down image quality. If you want to play with those effects you better save the expense of a real camera and use the Hipstamatic app with your iPhone. Moreover, by living all picture parameters on standard you will not have to fiddle with the crazy menus of the X100. In-camera black&white is also to be avoided, as it generates visible artifacts in the smooth areas like, for instance, a deep blue summer sky. This is probably due to a weakness often found in the blue channel of digital cameras.

Incidentally, I don't see the point in clumsily trying to imitate film rendition with digital capture, when the best film cameras can be purchased for nothing nowadays and films are still easy enough to find and get processed. It's like buying furniture covered with fake wood. It's a little sad, I think. You like wood? Buy real wood. You want a film look? Make your life easier: use film.

So are we talking about THE perfect camera? I don't think so, but we are very close to it. The X100 is a light and swift tool, but not as fast. On the other hand speed is not the first attribute we'd expect from such a camera (personally, I couldn't care less). Pro DSLR are there for that, and they do an excellent job in that field. Wake-up time could be slightly improved, perhaps, as well as focus reactivity. Somebody could miss an interchangeable lens, but a fixed 35mm equivalent focal length is part of the DNA of this kind of camera. And after so many years of zoom addiction (I confess being an addict too), leaving home with only what is considered as the "golden focal length" can be highly educational: if you only have a hammer with you, you'll only see nails and won't miss one.

To get instructions, and a safe guide through the fanciful menu system above all, forget the user manual and refer to Ken Rockwell's cleverly thought and written Fuji X100 User's Guide: everything you'll ever need to know is there. As for accessories, I got my X100 bundled with the adapter ring and hood as well as the ever-ready case. The latter is a very well built and sturdy classic brown leather case (with matching strap), perfectly tailored around camera's body and fast to open thanks to its magnet system. As a biker, I'm a fan of this kind of camera protection, and my X100 sits inside it since the very first day. As for the adapter and hood kit, despite the top quality build and finishing mine is still unused, as it's not compatible with the case. Too bad.

At the end of the day, if you like the idea of strolling around with a light and compact rig -made even more unobtrusive by its handsomely nerdish appearance (especially with it's brown leather case)-, go back to the essentials and find the pure joy of photography again, the Fuji X100 is your camera. Period.

Comments

[Stefano Mazza]

Well done Gianni, thank you so much for your applied review.
I understand that you're fully enthusiat of this camera, with the exception of some minor details.

I just would like to know your sincere opinion about the camera price: do you think it's reasonable ?

[Gianni Galassi]

Thank you, Stefano, for your appreciation.
Considering its image and build quality, and the innovative hybrid viewfinder design, I don't think the X100 is utterly overpriced.
Yet I'm sure next Fuji X generation (if any) will be better and cheaper. But this is the way it works with digital products.

[A. Non]

Gianni, Thank you for your review and the beautiful picture at the top. I had an X100 for 1 month and returned it in frustration, and yet I agree with everything you said! The X100 is ideal for static scenes like the ones you specialize in, but works poorly for most everything else.

[Gianni Galassi]

A. Non,
I imagine how irritating trying to use a tool which doesn't match our needs could be. Despite its appearance, and Fuji's clever marketing strategy , the X100 is far from being fast and responsive, and I find it totally unfit for action shooting. It is not fit for macro photography either, like any rangefinder camera on the other hand.

[Tom McLaughlan]

A wonderful, insightful and informative review - many thanks. If I could rid myself of my zoom addiction then I would be badly tempted! As it is, well, perhaps I just have to wait for the first pancake 200mm lens to be released :-)

[Gianni Galassi]

Tom,
I'm sure Fuji engineers will get inspired by your suggestion. The trickiest thing will be parallax correction :-)

[Gene]

Interesting review. I look forward to more of your adventures with the X100. I have one and just love it, flaws and all. I smile when I read the criticisms of it's flaws. When I started photography 40 years ago (I am your age), the cameras we used would make this younger generation howl with frustration but it was what we had. My high school photography teacher started us the first day with Kodak Instamatics (b&w). I love the inherent limitations of the one body, one lens X100. Suits me just fine. I think as time passes we will see some amazing images from this camera in all venues of photography including action as creative people figure it out. Keep the adventure going.

[A. Non]

Gene, 40 years ago did they make a camera whose controls locked up for 10 seconds after every picture you took?

[Gianni Galassi]

Gene,
you can see how I started photography here:
http://giannigalassi.typepad.com/blog/2010/09/camera-galore-1.html
As for the inherent limitation of the X100, I share your opinion. Which does not mean that I despise my six-lens Leica kit. They are simply different rigs for different shooting situations.

A. Non,
no, they didn't. Nonetheless I don't miss anything and I would never go back to the film era. On the other hand faster and more responsive digital cameras can be bought even for less than the X100 nowadays.

[Gene]

A. Non,

No, the cameras didn't do that since they didn't personal computers then and that is all a digital camera is but there were a lot of other issues to deal with. The point is to enjoy making images and don't worry about the inherent flaws of the equipment. There is no perfect camera and there never will be. The joy is in the making of images not in the particular tool.

[Andrew]

I think you misunderstand how the film simulation modes work. They don't really mimic the older film look as much as they just use fuji's film names as descriptors for contrast/vibrance presets. They don't have Hipstamatic like effects, it doesn't add vignettes, or colour shifts or anything like that. It just makes alterations to the jpeg, much the way you could do with a raw file.

Having said that, I do shoot in Raw, so it doesn't make a difference to me.

[Gianni Galassi]

Thank you, Andrew, for your sharp remark.
I'm sure I misunderstood how the X100's film simulation modes work. Nonetheless they dramatically worsen image quality and, under a lexical point of view, I find that the use of misleading picturesque words in a technically well-defined context -as a menu system should be- is completely crazy.
Quoting the Hipstamatic app was only a figure of speech to make my point of view about film simulation as clear as possible. I'm sorry if this caused a misinterpretation among PhotoGraphia readers, who seem to be more than usual in these last days.

Having said that, one of the reasons of my allergy to raw is that I have an old version of Photoshop whose raw developer doesn't recognize the X100, I don't plan upgrading to CS5 and the raw file converter bundled with the camera stinks and does not work with Mac.

[Stefano Mazza]

OFF TOPIC: camera makers and software developers should sit together on a meeting and decide how to create a universal (galactic, I mean) RAW standard. I use Linux and every time I try different RAWs I go crazy to find a program to process them. I'm lucky that Panasonic GF1 RAWs are easily seen by most of the softwares, but it's not the same for, say, the LX5.

IN TOPIC: Gianni, I've seen some very nice B&W out of the X100, but in your review you firmly say they're just out of standard, typically for uniform colour patterns. Do you think in-camera BW can't be never used, neither for, say, street, still life, or urban shots?

[Gianni Galassi]

Stefano,

OFF TOPIC (but not that much): we will see peace in Middle East before that, I am afraid. This is why I'm so stubbornly interested in cameras that are inherently good jpg performers. I'm fed up of upgrading my expensive photo editor or trying to learn how to properly use new (and gimmicky and poorly developed, quite often) raw-treatment software only because I'm temporarly using a new camera. I already wasted too much of the average human life expectation looking at Windows machines taking ages to restart themselves or working for my computers instead of the opposite. At a certain age one pays more attention to this.

IN TOPIC: you can try yourself by shooting a blue summer sky and a street scene in both ways and judge according to your needs. I don't do street, so I can't be very helpful about this matter.

[Ed]

Stefano, Gianni is gonna cost me about a 1000 buck due to this review......:-). But that will be when peace reaches the middle east and the banks will behave in a anthropocentric manner. First things first and that is investing in my own little company. Having said that.....I use RAW not JPG of which I'm about as allergic as Gianni is to RAW. In RAW I make my own colors.....and GF1's Silkypic is a charme (although everybody hates it).

BTW Gianni, have you seen the workaround from Kenn regarding the UV filter.....great, now that is TRAS.....(the Real American Spirit) that these people need so bitterly.

Greetings, Ed

[Grant]

Wow! Gianni,

Many thanks for posting this long anticipated review. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, impressions and perspective. Thank you!

One question I still had after reading the review: With the Panasonic TZ and Canon G series cameras, as well as your brief foray with the Canon 5D Mark II and 50 - 200mm, many of your images were composed by using the cameras zoom lens. Of course, the X100 has a fixed 35mm lens. So, how did you find using a camera that does not feature a zoom option? Did that affect your shooting/composing style?

Many thanks,
Grant

[David]

Gianni
BRAVISIMO
When I posted in reply to an early post about how good the X100 is I was so pleased when you bought one.
I have shot concerts at 3200 throughout the summer and have A£+ exhibition prints to show for it.
What makes me angry about the knockers is that at a fith the price of an M9 but with a better spec. and better out of camera JPEGS across the board they knock relentlesy.
With the other 4/5th s of the price of an M9 you can buy an excellent DSLR kit., and Oh yes I own an M9 so know what I am saying.
I have had contact with Fuji's technical department and I am hopeful for more firmware updates which will solve some of the quirks such as autofocus speed.
I read one person's comments that he did not want to hand over is creativity to Fuji by using a fixed lens as he felst he could be more creative with a bag full of lenses - HMM.
Well done my friend and keep entertaining us with you images.
I have abandoned my bolg, wweb sites, Facebook et al in favour of writing with a pen on paper, back to my roots drawing and photography with the X100, but I am wedded to technology for processing my images and once a week bolg and email reading

[David]

Hi Gianni
I forgot, re your cycling, motorcycling I use ...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=billingham+avea+5&_sacat=0&_odkw=billingham+ave+a+5&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Takes the X100 inc the adapter ring and lens shade in its case snuggly with spare battery and card in rear pouch.
The cases are designed for side pockets to a camera bag but easily clip on a belt.
I also use a standard 49mm lens cap to keep the filter clean.
Regards

David

[Gianni Galassi]

Ed,

you are right about Ken Rockwell. I'm a makeshift fan myself, though.
And you are right about money to invest as well. I did the same with my company (along with my partners) years ago, and it turned out to be one of my best decisions ever, as most of our competitors made banks strangle them with the interest payable. Perhaps you will be ready for an upcoming X200?

[Gianni Galassi]

Grant,

yes, the lack of a zoom option does affect my shooting/composing style. Which is healthy for my photography, I think. I was already in a prime lens mood lately (this is one of the reasons why I traded my Canon 5D MkII for a Leica M9), so the X100 arrived at the right time.
On the other hand I still own an Olympus EP2, which greatly mates with Leica glass, but is also a good performer with the Panasonic Micro 4/3 14-45 and, most of all, with the 14-140. As you can see I'm well off as far as zoom lenses are concerned.

Thank you for your appreciation.

[Gianni Galassi]

David,

sometimes I like the idea of strolling around with a light and unobtrusive fixed lens camera, and sometimes I haul a bag with two Leica M bodies and five lenses, plus batteries and a small Manfrotto tripod. It depends on my mood and needs, and I don't feel like criticize neither way.
I'd rather praise your decision of an healthy return to pen and paper. A man needs to make a thorough cleaning, from time to time.
As for the carrying case I know that product (I own a bigger Billingham bag myself), but I'm planning to modify an old waist Lowepro bag I have in my closet in order to attach it directly to my bicycle handlebar.

[Jeffrey Goggin]

I wish I wasn't quite so rigid when it comes to formats and focal lengths. Based upon your description, the Fuji sounds as if it would be the perfect carry camera for me, except that it has a 3:2 format and 35mm-equivalent lens. Although I can work around the former by cropping ~15% of the pixels in post, there's no way to crop a 35mm lens into a 28mm or shorter lens. Perhaps the "X200" will offer more flexibility in these respects?

[Gianni Galassi]

Jeffrey,
I perfectly understand your concern about angle of field. Although not being a wider lens fan, I found myself missing a 24mm equivalent just today. But it occurred only once so far, to tell the truth.
Perhaps your more flexible camera will be called X100W, as in Fuji tradition.

[grafik bildbearbeitung]

Unbelivable photography by fujifilm.

[converting flv to mp4 free]

I like the idea of strolling around with a light and unobtrusive fixed lens camera, and sometimes I haul a bag with two Leica M bodies and five lenses,