Review: Fujifilm X100S specs

In 2011,Fujifilm released the first Fujifilm X100-series rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. Two years later, they released the upgraded Fujifilm X100S. The X100 range are a fixed focal length, or prime, lens cameras. But they are still adaptable using wide or telephoto conversion lenses that offer 0.8x and 1.4x magnifications respectively. The Fujifilm X100S is a beautiful-looking camera, reminiscent of classic M-series Leica rangefinders in terms of design and controls.

The X100S includes a 16.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II APS-C format sensor, a fixed 23mm f/2 lens, on-sensor phase detection autofocus, an EXR Processor II, a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder with a 2.35million dot LCD, a rear 2.8-inch [7.1cm] 460K dot LCD screen and a Quick Menu (Q) button on the rear.

The on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system was introduced in the X100S to improve the autofocus speed in comparison to its X100 predecessor. Phase detection autofocus is more specifically designed to track moving subjects—unlike contrast detection autofocus, which is more suited to subjects that are still or have minimal movement. The camera’s sensor is also notable for is its colour filter array, which is designed to reduce moiré and false colours without the requirement of an optical low-pass filter in the camera. The key benefits of this are highly accurate and pleasing colour reproduction, combined with sharp reproduction of fine detail in images.

The camera’s hybrid viewfinder offers photographers the choice of either an optical viewfinder or an electronic viewfinder. Traditionally, optical viewfinders were only seen in DSLR cameras, but Fujifilm introduced the hybrid viewfinder technology in the original X100.

An optical viewfinder can show you a live image, without any time lag, to give you better clarity and dynamic range when you're trying to compose an image. Generally speaking, optical viewfinders are better for low-light work as, unlike some electronic viewfinders, they can't artificially boost brightness. So, you’re likely to get a more authentic image preview. An electronic viewfinder, on the other hand, displays a much closer match to the final image. It relies on an image generated by the camera’s sensor and it can give you more information than an optical viewfinder, such as a histogram to help you to adjust exposure, much closer to the info you’d normally see on a rear LCD panel. The choice between the two options depends on your photographic abilities and setting preferences. But the word here is ‘options’—you have them!

The camera’s autofocus system has 49 points, with phase-detection autofocus available across the frame. The autofocus system is fast and helps to ensure that movement in a frame is focused on quickly and accurately. The available focusing modes are Manual, Multi-area, Single, Continuous and Live View. With regards to focusing, the fixed 23mm lens—equivalent to a focal length of 35mm in 35mm format—on the X100S has an f/2 maximum aperture, which is ideal for throwing the background out of focus and isolating the main subject.

The standard ISO range is 200-6,400, but this can be taken down to ISO 100 or boosted up to ISO 25,600. This means you can shoot in almost any light condition while retaining fine details in your pictures with little noise apparent to the naked eye. On the rear of the camera is a 2.8-inch [7.1cm], fixed TFT colour LCD screen with a resolution of 460K dots. It offers a Quick View screen via the Q button on the rear, allowing you to rapidly view and change frequently-used shooting settings.

The X100S has a mix of simple control and digital technology. It will appeal to traditional digital photographers, who like to take control and set up their cameras manually, as well as modern digital photographers, who like letting the camera do the work. It’s an excellent choice for street photography, discreet photojournalism, portraits and low-light shooting, especially if you don't need a zoom lens. With the X100S, it’s a case of great looks, compact size, ease of use and image quality—if those are your key factors in choosing a camera, then the Fujifilm X100S has major appeal.

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