Fuji x100

Can’t give you real personal experience (just played twice with one, loved it, but didn’t spend enough time to give an informed opinion), but you may find info on this thread: http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/pointshoot-or-pocket-camera-advice
Best,
Pat

Hi,
I’ve used the X100 almost daily since May 2011 – it’s come a long way since then.
Answering your questions:
- You will only need to update the firmware once to the 1.30 version (if it hasn’t already got it)
- Focusing is noticeably quicker than when the camera first came out – still not DSLR but good enough for me
- Don’t have any ISO setting problems (not sure what you mean here)
- Batteries are giving me about 250-280 shots per cycle (I picked up more 3rd party batteries here in Bangkok – they are cheap and easy to get)

Bottom line is that the images this camera produces are superb although it will take you a while to learn what settings suit you best, the camera is a joy to carry everywhere and the fun of photography returns.

Personally I love it.

Best regards from Bangkok,

Matt

Everything Matthew said is true, to which I’ll add:
- not only are batteries cheap, but third party chargers are too. You can get two batteries plus a charger for around 20$. NB: I am getting far less that 250 shots in raw, but it is probably because I am used to Nikons and keep the camera on at all times when shooting, and don’t let it go in sleep mode. Batteries/chargers being so cheap and light makes it a non issue.
- Many amateur photogs bought this camera at full price when it came out and realize now that, although it looks cool, it is not what they wanted (no zoom and not being used to focus+recompose). That is great because you can now find plenty of used X100 for cheap.
- Even with the firmware updates, you need to get used to the AF. It is not a DSLR. But it does not take long to learn when the AF locks on vertical or horizontal lines and you are in business. Use the EVF!
- no clue about what ISO setting problems you are talking about either.

Most frustrating part of the camera?
The compensation dial is rather loose and can turn without you noticing.
Put a rubber band around it to add friction or make a trip to home depot and get some rubber O-rings to achieve the same result.
Don’t buy FUJI’s expensive filter adapter or lens shade. Get a step up (or down ring, can’t remember), and get cheap third party alternatives on eBay.

I have used one for the past 18 months. Firmwares made it better and better. Not an action camera but great otherwise. Excellent quality of prrints at A3. I use D800, M 9. The X100 is light, unobtrusive. I have just ordered the add-on optical complement to make it a 28 mm.

Thanks guys.
I see no reason not to get one after reading your comments.

Matt.
I saw some of your x100 BKK images on your site.
Great shots.

Why don’t you get a XE-1 instead? It got the new Xtran sensor and you can swap lenses also. Or if it is in your budget, the Xpro-1. I bought one a month ago and the result just amazing me; the DR, low light noise, even the jpeg out of the camera is just fantastic. Also with the last update, the AF is very improve…

@L—T thanks for the compliment – hope you enjoy the X100 as much as I do.

Matt.
One last thing.

Did you need/bother to install the software disc that came with the camera?
Is it necessary to do so?
If yes-what’s it like?
Shall I even bother to install it?

I’ll probably be on a MacBook Pro laptop & the discs that came with my Nikon DSLR & a Canon G11 were not needed to be installed to be able to use the cameras with it.

Thanks again for you time.
Best Regards.

Hi – wouldn’t bother with the software Fuji provides, I’ve never even opened it. I also use a MacBook Pro and usually download straight from the card inserted into the SD card slot – Actually I have my Canon EOS software installed and tend to use that for transferring.

Guess you must have bought one then? BTW If you are on twitter I am @forestmat there too

No time for twitter/facebook Matt as I don’t really enjoy using computers, so I try to get all I can from a camera & so reduce editing time. I don’t enjoy editing but love taking photographs. (As I’m not a pro photog it’s not so important).

Thanks again Matt.
ps.
Ready for the aftermath of the Thai Kings death?

I did a quick review of a X100 that I borrowed from a friend on my site here: http://www.keithdunlop.com/humanitarian-photojournalist-keith-dunlop-reviews-the-fujifilm-x100/1337

I found it lacking as a professional tool, but I can see its appeal for people willing to put up with it’s idiosyncrasies. The X200 is rumored to be just around the corner and I’m hoping there are improvements. You can also look at the Sony RX-1 which is getting many raves from pros.

L_T-

I picked up an x100 before a trip to Korea back in November. I exclusively used the camera while out and about shooting on the streets. (I used my DSLR for a landscape project I’m working on there.)

The image quality is great. The styling is nice; the controls are direct. The dual finder options are versatile. The menu’s are fairly intuitive.

The two negatives are that it does eat batteries and the E.C. dial should have a lock. I found that for a full day of shooting I needed all three batteries I have. I’ll probably pick up a second charger so that I can charge two batteries simultaneously overnight. Pulling the camera out of a jacket pocket or from a bag the E.C. dial is easily knocked. As Olivier noted, an o-ring fixes this problem.

It isn’t my primary camera for paid gigs, but I definitely see it as a second camera to provide something my DSLR kit doesn’t. As an everyday or travel camera, it hits most of the right buttons.

Hey L_T, I just got the Fuji X100. It’s a wonderful little thing though the autofocus IS something of a problem. It is slow and inaccurate even under the latest firmware. But it’s possible to get used to. And if you consider how small and light it is compared to a DSLR it’s definitely a good trade-off. Pictures look simply lovely and the camera sits really snugly in yr hand. EV rocks. In January I’m taking it on a long reporting trip and see how it handles itself under pressure. And with the wide-angle converter that turns it into a 28mm I see no reason not to get one. In any case I’m happy I don’t have to lug my D700 around anymore.

@Balint:
Read this:
http://fujixfiles.blogspot.fr/2012/08/fuji-x-pro-1-af-autofocus-speed-and.html

The article is for the XPro, but a lot applies to the X100.

Thanks, Olivier.

I highly recommend it. I shoot on the X100 and DmarkII, and have been in many situations where the X100 outperforms in low light. When I shoot demos in Cairo, the small size and film camera-look has saved me many times from standing out. It’s not as fast as my DSLR, but I could never go without it. I update every few months(it solves all initial auto-focus issues), and it only takes about 10 minutes. My only beef is focusing while filming video…maybe I just haven’t figured it out manually, but the autofocus royally sucks for video. I don’t have battery issues, I use one stock and one aftermarket. When considering something to complement your DSLR, this is a fabulous option, I can’t recommend it enough. Can’t speak much for the XPro1, but I’m sure if you can dish out, its worth it.

might want to hold off for a few days.

fujirumors.com is hinting that the new x100 (the x100s) may be announced on Jan 7th, and possibly available in feb/march.

i’ve enjoyed working with both x100 and xpro1 cameras, and would definitely recommend them to experienced photographers. but they do leave plenty of room for improvement so it’ll be interesting to see what the next generation looks like. i think it would be worth waiting a few days to see what they announce on the 7th.

A very helpful & informative thread this has turned out to be (for me).
Thanks for all the X100 info & suggestions of cameras to look at, which I have done, but I still want a X100.
I’ve found a new one, firmware is 1.30 & is selling @ approximately GBP £569.00.
-——
Can I ask?
How do you guys know that 5-7 Jan 2013 is when a new model, if there is one, will be announced?
-——
I will wait for that date & if there is a new one the price will obviously be about double & the question for all of us is how much better will it be? (£500.00 worth?)

Have a good 2013.

it’s just a rumour at this point.

but the CES International trade show is on january 8-11 in Las Vegas – this is a big trade show where electronics companies will often preview new products. Fujifilm is holding an invitation only press conference on January 7th, in Las Vegas. The title of the press conference, as advertised on the CES website, is “FujiFilm, Expect INNOVATION – New Digital Cameras for 2013” (http://www.cesweb.org/For-The-Press/Exhibitor-Press-Events-Schedule.aspx)

so we know they will be announcing something on the 7th. just don’t know what yet. fujirumors.com has been hinting pretty strongly that the X100s will be one of the new announcements. they also speculate that the x100s will have a second generation X-Trans CMOS sensor, a new and improved hybrid viewfinder, with some kind of “rangefinder-like focusing gimmick”.
(http://www.fujirumors.com/rumor-update-x-100-replacement-x-20/)

we’ll just have to wait and see…

and see…

Yeah, the X100s is due out, but I’m not going to waste another 1200 for such small incremental improvements. I have both the X100 and the X-Pro1, they have essentially replaced my D3s/D4 except for the high end needs like using a 70-200 f/2.8

In fact, while I was contracted to the Washington Post and assigned to the US Navy for the newspaper at Naval District Washington, I used this camera in professional service daily, passing on the D3s on nearly EVERY assignment.

Most of the whiners and complainers about this camera are techies who collect or who just point and shoot with really little to no understanding of photography at all, IMHO. I’m in the same boat here as Matthew Richards, and have had mine since May 2011, and agree with everything he has stated.

While the AF is nothing to brag about compared to a D3s, I hyper focus, 90% of the time anyway any only would use the AF-L button to get a ball park area to begin with. But to be honest, I find the AF in the X100 to be faster and more accurate than the X-Pro1 I have had since the day it came out. (All of which get new FW updates as they are released)