Fujifilm X100s Review

If you are looking for a simple entry-level camera, the Fujifilm X100s might not be the right one for you. Despite its simple design, this camera comes with all the features that more advanced users would need in a camera.

The price tag may appear to be on the higher side especially if you consider the fact that it’s a compact camera. So, let’s have a look at the features that make this device worth it. One of the things that you will quickly notice about the Fujifilm X100s is its retro style due to its front and back design cover. The lens of the camera comes with an aperture ring that looks very similar to cameras found in the old days. Overall, its build is pretty solid and the design has a very appealing vintage quality to it.

On top of the camera there’s a speed dial just like the one found in film cameras. This one together with the aperture ring give the user easy access to settings such as aperture priority, shutter priority and manual exposure. With this, there is no need for including mode dial in the camera. We all know the merits and demerits of both the electronic and optical viewfinders. The Fujifilm X100s makes the selection process easy since it has both optical and electronic viewfinders. There is a lever on the front part of the camera that is used to toggle between the electronic and optical viewfinders. If you are a camera geek, you will be quick to notice that the focus ring is not really a mechanical one. However, this doesn’t have any effect on the performance because it responds to adjustments accurately and with an impressive timing.

When it comes to focus assistance, you will get three options. First there is the Focus Check mode that offers a 4x magnification on the image as the focus is being adjusted. Next, there is the Focus Peak Highlight mode that ensures that all the areas that are sharply focused within the frame get a white highlight. Finally, there is the Digital Split Image that uses autofocus points that are in the main sensor to identify the areas that are out of focus and the magnitude by which they are out of focus. Image quality in this camera is simply amazing with sharp images in both dim and bright scenes and very little visible noise in dark areas. The only aspect of this camera that didn’t follow the retro pattern is the inclusion of a video mode that obviously wasn’t included in the older cameras.

The Fujifilm X100s can capture video with a resolution of 1080p at either 60 or 30fps. Another problem is the slightly slow autofocus that took some time to update. With a price tag of over a thousand dollars, this camera definitely has great expectations to meet. The good news is that in most areas, the camera justifies the price tag by delivering above average results. Therefore, if your requirements need much more than just an average camera, then you should consider getting the Fujifilm X100s.