Fujifilm X100 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS EXR Digital Camera with 23mm Fujinon Lens and 2.8-Inch LCD

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Theres something about his old school view-finder digicam that is habit forming. Its smaller than DSLRs, and even many, if not most, mirrorless cameras. If youre focused on taking pictures and not so much the equipment, this camera soon becomes part of you. The old school dials and buttons are great relief from fiddling with layer upon layer of menus. Fuji has continuously updated this cameras firmware, even though it has been out of production for many years. I understand the firmware was pretty much a non-starter when first launched, but is now able to take advantage of the cameras features in basically unanticipated ways. One of the only foibles left is the slow speed in recording images to the SD card. If youre used to how fast DSLRs can record images, this will take getting used to. The other glaring weakness is videos. But if you are a careful, deliberate still image shooter, none of this really matters, does it? People love and admire this camera. I am asked about it frequently. For those unaware of Fujifilms expertise in designing and manufacturing broadcast and other professional lenses, the 32mm (equivalent) F2.0 lens can produce unexpectedly great images for the right owner, even at high sensibilities. I pretty much always set the auto ISO to 3200 maximum, and frankly dont worry about noise at reasonable print sizes. I understand high sensitive images can be a vulnerability for other rangefinder cameras, even elite ones. I understand some of the early production models have had problems with some of the hardware, so please do your research before shopping for one of these. I bought a used one from a supposedly trouble-free batch at Amazon, at a small fraction of the original $1,000+ cost, and didnt expect to be so draw to using it basically exclusively. One more thing -- the fill flash is remarkable in getting the exposure right, in lots of different situations. I know some owners who basically leave the flash on. Fuji really got the fill flash right, but it is weak thought, so if you need something with a little more reach or need bounced flash, a hot shoe flash is probably required. If you have one of these, it can become addictive. Zoom? No zoom Im afraid. You may have to use your feet.

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Lots have been said about the autofocus on this camera. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it out. It locked immediately with no issues at all. It was way faster than I thought itd be. The firmware is 1.30. I think Fuji really improved the autofocus with firmware updates. For a point of comparison my other camera is an Olympus EP3. The EP3 with the Panasonic 20mm lens is comparable in autofocus speed. The Panny 20mm is known as a slower focusing lens in the micro four thirds system. I walk around all day with the 20 on my EP3 and never miss a shot. The x100 feels just the same. I tried the autofocus in very very dim light. I went outside at 11pm and tried locking the autofocus on different things at different distances. To my surprise it locked just fine. No hunting at all. It was so dark that all I could see in the viewfinder was black. The only autofocus issue still left is macro. It does hunt in macro mode. The fix is to put the camera in manual focus mode and lock the focus using the AEL button on the back of the camera. For some reason this is way faster than putting the camera in macro mode. It works very well. I do find that even with this method the x100 will hunt a bit in close up from time to time. Not too bad though. High ISO is stellar. ISO 3200 is way better than ISO 1250 on my EP3. Havent tried 6400 yet but Id have no problem using 3200 without giving it a second thought. Lastly the hybrid viewfinder is awesome. EVF is great in low light and macro. Optical viewfinder with info overlay is worth the price of admission alone. I have no regrets getting this over the newer x100s. It seems to do everything I need very well.

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In short this is a "restore everything you loved about film" camera, and then some. In many ways it matches the human visual systems characteristic in high contrast and low light scenes. Those who love working a 35 or 50mm prime lens will have a blast with this. Those without will learn to work more creatively. After having this for a couple of weeks, I am very impressed with the photos this camera takes. It has a nice F2.0 lens (fixed, 35mm equivalent) and is obviously very retro in style. I like they way the viewfinder senses you putting your eye up to the camera and puts the EVF up (and can also go all-optical in the rangefinder viewer) What I like: * has a 400% dynamic range setting which does a very good job of preventing blowouts in the highlights and shadows. This has to be seen to be believed, but it reminds me very much of the dynamic range of color film, which I have greatly missed. * Good pics even at ISO 12,000! The x100 at 6400 has less noise than my Nikon at 800. You can shoot handheld in moonlight. * I almost never use flash, but this little camera does it right, faces look warm and never blow out. * The manual controls and auto-ISO. Get things set the way you like and start shooting. * really low latency (instant?) on rear-screen and electronic viewfinder. Also a rangefinder style all-optical path. * much lighter than my SLR, but same or better picture quality at 35mm What I use it for: * Indoor/Outdoor candid photos in low light * High contrast shots, dynamic range abilities must be seen to be believed. This camera reliably captures at least 12 stops. * a dedicated exposure compensation dial * walkabout. lens is tack sharp. Use your feet to zoom * "sweeping panorama" shots are good enough in a pinch to replace a 17mm wide angle shot * Intentional shooting, where you know what you want in the image and how to compose the shot, this camera will capture a sharp image with great dynamic range, like color or B&W film have been doing for a hundred years. What I dont like: * macro mode should be automatic, the threshold between requiring macro (which does 10cm) and normal close focus is about arms-length. When youre close its annoying to have to switch as you see it focus-hunt. * menu system is a little unwieldy, but 3 sets of custom settings help. This is a fantastic "second camera" for the semi-pro. I find myself grabbing it on the way out the door, much more often than I was willing to lug around my SLR. Its much quieter and its very athletic in controlling both low-light and high dynamic range situations.

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Im a hobbyist who was attracted to the X100s retro design, hybrid viewfinder and solid build but my decision to purchase the camera was based on its superior image quality, true-to-life colors and shooting performance. The cameras color performance cannot be overstated - its remarkable even under difficult mixed indoor lighting. Its outdoor color performance is equally excellent even with strong UV light, reflective light, backlighting, and color casts. In regard to lighting, the X100s built-in flash may be it most understated feature. It compliments almost all lighting conditions and delivers natural color and balanced tones. The flash acts more as a fill than as a primary light source. It blends equally well with mixed light, direct sunlight and low light. Also, the flash has excellent reach of up to 50 feet, and it enables nighttime photography of any subject within range that can be seen with the naked eye. Shooting performance is also very good - there is no shutter lag. While not as fast as a dSLR, Ive been able to shoot action - swimming and pole vaulting - again with accurate color rendition. Swim events can be difficult to photograph because of harsh lighting, shadows, color casts, and movement. The cameras "normal" JPEG mode provides excellent images and shooting JPEG rather than RAW greatly increases performance. While Im not against shooting RAW, I greatly prefer the speed, size, and convenience of JPEG files. Overall, the camera is a pleasure to hold and use. The primary controls are responsive and their placement is ideal although the secondary controls, i.e. Command Control, Command Dial and Menu/OK button could be better. The Menu/OK button needs to be larger and the Control Dial should be replaced with four buttons. The current dial is sloppy. Also, the Command Control which has a nice tactile feel serves little purpose as its currently configured but could easily be made much more useful with a firmware update. For instance, allowing it to be configured as an optional Menu/OK button would resolve the problem with the size of the current button. Also, a simple firmware update would make the manual focus ring more responsive and practical. Lastly, there are several useful and reasonably priced accessories for this camera. Ken Rockwell has an excellent suggestion for an inexpensive lens cover alternative using two reverse mounted 49mm filters (see his website). AC MAXX has a quality universal 2.8" LCD protector and there are excellent low-cost two piece leather cases which are useful both in the field and for safe storage. Also, Digipower makes a fast travel charger which allows you to leave the supplied charger, with its easy to loose plastic spacer, at home along with the nicely made but easy to loose lens cover. All of these items can be found on Amazon. I highly recommend the X100 to photography enthusiasts and believe that its manufacturers list price is reasonable. However, I would not recommend the camera to "point and shoot" photographers who are dependent on pre-sets and dont have the patience or desire to learn photography fundamentals.

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I loved this Camera. Its the best camera Ive ever owned and Ive owned a lot of camera. This camera and its siblings have made photography fun exciting and profitable for me. It is handsome, intuitive, takes great photos and attracts beautiful people. After two plus years I just sold this one to purchase a used Limited edition version of the same. Im as happy as a pig in a mud hole. Read the reviews and watch the serial numbers. Someone just purchase my pristine X100 with original box, accessories and extras for $475. A steal. Highly Recommended if you can get one. Its a Keeper. Me, well I just lusted after the Black LE. By the way, they are still comparing the latest Fujis, Sonys, Panasonics, and Leicas against this cameras image quality.

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One of my earliest cameras was a Yashica Electro 35 GSN so the form factor, build and aesthetics of this X100 bring back fond memories. My main camera is currently a Canon EOS 7D with a number of L lenses. I travel frequently but am loathe to drag along the DSLR because of its bulk, the potential hassles at airport security and its value. I have tried a number of compact digital cameras (the last was a Canon G11) for this purpose but always felt let down by the image quality and limited by the lack of selective focus. The X100 with its frequently exquisite image quality, epic low light and high ISO performance, beautiful fast lens and excellent bokeh is a winning combination for me. Consider also its superb fill in flash performance, its high flash synch speed and built in ND filter and you have quite an exotic specification and capability in a small package. Finally, the X100 offers the much discussed optical/electronic viewfinder combination which really adds to the business of picture taking. Its important to note that all of the firmware and handling complaints noted in other reviews here are valid. However, with the latest firmware release -1.21, almost all of the deficiencies have been addressed in a very robust fashion (arguably transforming). On my X100 with V 1.21 firmware, focusing in strong and low light is fast and sure, new functions are assignable to the RAW and Fn buttons and overall camera operation is much quicker. This leaves only the price as a barrier to entry - if you treasure the ability to make fine images, the appeal of well made hardware and the possibility of taking it with you everywhere without a bulky bag or a Sherpa, then the decision becomes clearer. I have no reservations about this camera now and look forward to taking it everywhere. Its going up a volcano with me in three days where I will trust it with pictures not easily remade. With all that said, I would second the opinion of others, that this camera is probably most satisfying for deliberate photographers. If your primary requirement is fuss free snapshots of children, family gatherings or pets, you may be happier and have money left over with a lower cost digital compact with reduced specification.

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The weight and complexity of too much gear was weighing me down. I needed relief. This camera came to the rescue. It is light, compact, and keeps a very low profile. The online reviews are confirmed. The AF is not speedy and the menu organization was done and implemented on a napkin at a football game after too many beers! and... I dont care. The images rock. Its easy to use. And I have it with me instead of in my car or backpack. There is only one lens so I used my feet to zoom. I havent decided what I think about the electronic viewfinder- it works. The optical finder is BRIGHT. The downside- -expensive -slow AF -slow turn-on -slow shot to shot -get and carry one or two spare batteries..... The good- -love the viewfinders -light -stealthy -great images Overall- I Recommend you forget all the gear, buy this, and go shoot............ I did and I have newfound inspiration! ENJOY!

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Ive always wanted a camera that I can carry with me everyday wherever I go. I have an SLR camera, but the size & weight are not always convenient to carry everywhere. For convenience, I started carrying the Canon PowerShot G9, which gave me great results. However, the G9s small sensor wasnt good enough for the information I wanted to capture; The FUJIFILM FinePix X100 was exactly what I needed with its compact size & larger sensor. Sensor & lens (+): The APS-C sensor, which is (almost) the same size as the Nikon DX sensor, giving a crop factor of x1.5.. The X100 has a fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens, with the crop factor it becomes equivalent to 35mm. Perfect for most of your everyday compositions, especially if youre a fan of shallow depth of field like me :) Noise (+): My old SLR can go to a maximum of ISO-1600, which isnt very convenient in low light conditions. The X100 supports ISO from 200-6400 in RAW format, and can be boosted to 12800 in JPEG format.. But Im sure those who like the RAW format, wont even consider JPEG.. Regardless of your choice, the noise reduction technology is absolutely wonderful (posted some samples with this review). Focus (-): You can set auto-focus in different ways: have the camera choose the focus point for you (almost always fails), or you set the focus point & compose accordingly (almost always succeeds, especially when you make the focus point as small as possible).. The X100 also has manual focus, but I hate (really hate) electric focus. Viewfinder (+): You can hold your camera in front of you & use the large LCD to compose & capture the image (EVF), or peep into the eye viewfinder for the old fashioned optical viewfinder (OVF) which you can also switch to the electronic viewfinder & see the same information as the LCD display (EVF).. The beauty of the (EVF) is it allows you to see the depth of field, EV compensation, and any film effect youre applying (B&W, B&W+filters, Velvia, Provia, Astia, or Sepia). Film Simulation (+): The simulations are B&W, B&W+filters, Velvia, Provia, Astia, or Sepia.. FUJIFILM really did a good job in these simulations, Im 99% on B&W (monochrome) and switch to Velvia every now and then. Film Simulation is only applied on JPEG, thats why Im shooting RAW+JPEG. But the simulation is so good, I didnt need to use the RAW files for B&W conversion. Motion Panorama (+): Im used to creating panorama by taking several shots & stitching them later in post processing on a computer. The X100 allows you to make a motion panorama, just pan the camera (120º or 180º) and it takes the needed frames & stitch them for you. The result is a JPEG panorama in the Film Simulation of your choice. Battery life (-): The camera ships with a battery that lasts around 300 shots, which isnt enough.. All I can say is, order an additional battery when ordering the camera. I ordered 2 OEM batteries, they cost roughly 20% of the original battery. Enjoy the camera & happy photography :)

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I spent a lot of time researching small portable cameras to use a carry around camera for street photography and something low key to carry around at events. I use nice cameras that are really fast so I was pretty disappointed when I started using this camera. Firstly- the navigation using the buttons is horrible. Its almost impossible to avoid hitting the wrong button they way that they have set it up. Second -The focus is incredibly slow and unless you going into full manual mode it hardly seems to work for street photography. If youre ready to wait a few seconds for the camera to dial in the auto-focus than it will not be a problem but if youre trying to take pictures of anything moving, good luck. This camera is beautiful and the picture quality cannot be argued however its highly, highly overrated.

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I just purchased this camera last week, and it arrived a couple of days ago. Ive hardly used it yet, but I love it. Its one of those objects that is so perfectly sized and designed that its fun just to pick it up and take a look through the viewfinder. And as a bonus, it does indeed take excellent photos. Like most products like this from the Pacific Rim countries, the owners manual is considerably less than logically laid out and useful. Some reviewers have termed the cameras menu terminology quirky, and it is a little, but no big deal. If you purchase the X100, or if you already have, I strongly, strongly recommend you visit Ken Rockwells web site at [...] and click your way to his X100 users guide. He leads you completely through the setup and shooting menus, at each stop explaining the options and the one that he prefers. I differed with him on only one of his choices, and by the time I had gone through this process, the camera was ready to go, and I came away with a pretty good understanding of its controls and functions. Since writing this review, Ive had a chance to use the camera, and am just as pleased with it as I had expected. In that regard, its interesting to me that, while this camera markets naturally to what I would consider a fairly narrow spectrum...professional to advanced ametuers who choose the X100 as a "fun" camera to carry in given situations as an alternative to a pro-line DSLR...it sure is tough to get hold of one. Before ordering the camera from Amazon, I had previously tried to buy one on a trip to New York when my wife had damged her Coolpix in a non-serious stumble. My first thought was to pick up an X100 and give her my own point-and-shoot. Guess what? As near as I could ever find, the only Fujifilm for sale in Manhattan was in a camera store in the Murray Hill neighborhood, where the shop keeper absolutely refused to sell it other than in a kit, with a card, an extra battery, auxilliary lenses and a selection of other schlock stuff I didnt want or need. Hopefully, he still has it! The attractive things about the cmera, to me at least, are that it takes excellent photos, but you can make it as easy or as complex to use as you see fit. I find that I actually like the fixed focal length lens. When I want to take a picture, I just lift the camera, compose, and shoot it. Its easy enough in Photoshop to crop it to nicely frame the center of interest. No sweat. Id say that if you are looking at the X100 as your only camera, you might want to consider something with more features, such as the new Nikon 1, which I just bought for my aforementioned wife, who loves it. But if you fall in that category of somebody looking for a nifty and retro looking, but high performing, camera to carry around with you when visiting, say, an exciting city, this is it. Go for it!

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