The Fujifilm X100S camera is perfect for my everyday photography. It’s small, easy to carry, and takes amazing photos. I love the hands-on controls, making it fun to use for travel and street shots.
The Fujifilm X100S camera takes great photos in all lighting. It’s small, affordable at $400, and easy to carry. While it doesn’t zoom, it focuses close without needing macro mode. Find out why it’s one of the best cameras in this review.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming discussion on the Fujifilm X100S camera, where we’ll cover its features and performance in detail.
Fujifilm X100S Camera Overview – Explore the details!
Released in 2013, the Fujifilm X100S was an upgrade to the original X100, featuring a 16.3MP APS-C sensor, hybrid viewfinder, and a fixed 23mm f/2.0 lens. The camera quickly became a favorite among photographers for its film-like image quality, compact build, and retro aesthetics.
Key Specifications – Check out specs!
- Sensor: 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II (APS-C)
- Lens: 23mm f/2.0 (35mm full-frame equivalent)
- ISO Range: 200–6400 (Expandable to 100–25600)
- Autofocus: Contrast-detect + Phase-detect AF
- Viewfinder: Hybrid Optical/Electronic Viewfinder
- LCD Screen: 2.8-inch, 460k-dot fixed display
- Video Recording: 1080p at 60fps
- Weight: 445g
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Target Audience – Who Is the Fujifilm X100S Camera For?
The Fujifilm X100S camera is designed for photographers who appreciate a compact, high-quality camera with a classic design. It caters to various photography styles and preferences, making it a great choice for specific types of users. Whether you are a street photographer, travel enthusiast, or someone who loves the vintage film aesthetic, the X100S offers a unique shooting experience.
Street Photographers
The Fujifilm X100S camera is perfect for street photographers due to its compact size and silent shutter, which allow for discreet shooting in urban environments. The 23mm f/2.0 lens offers a natural perspective for street scenes. Its hybrid viewfinder provides flexibility to switch between optical and electronic modes for better composition.
Travel Photographers & Minimalists
With its lightweight design, the Fujifilm X100S is ideal for travel photographers who need portability without sacrificing image quality. The fixed 23mm lens captures landscapes and portraits with ease, eliminating the need for multiple lenses. Film simulation modes allow for beautiful colors and tones straight from the camera.
Film Photography Enthusiasts & Retro Camera Lovers
The Fujifilm X100S appeals to film photography lovers with its manual dials and film simulation modes, offering a nostalgic yet modern shooting experience. It mimics the look of traditional film stocks like Provia and Velvia. The hybrid viewfinder replicates the feel of a classic rangefinder camera while offering digital convenience.
Professional Photographers Looking for a Secondary Camera
For professional photographers, the Fujifilm X100S serves as a compact, high-quality secondary camera that’s easy to carry on the go. It features RAW shooting capabilities for professional-grade edits. The discreet design makes it great for documentary and candid shots.
Beginners Wanting a High-Quality Compact Camera
The Fujifilm X100S is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a simple, intuitive camera with DSLR-level quality. The fixed 23mm lens removes the need for lens selection, helping users focus on technique. The manual focus tools and hybrid autofocus make learning photography easy.
Design and Build Quality of the Fujifilm X100S – Assess build quality!
- Retro-Inspired Aesthetics
The Fujifilm X100S boasts a vintage design that takes inspiration from the 1960s Leica cameras. Its silver top and bottom plates, paired with a black leatherette finish, provide a classic yet professional look, combining modern functionality with a timeless appearance. - Sturdy Construction
This camera is built with magnesium alloy for the top and bottom covers, offering a durable and lightweight feel. The middle section uses high-quality plastic, wrapped in synthetic leather for an added grip and sleek design, ensuring that it’s both sturdy and comfortable to handle. - Compact and Lightweight Design
Measuring at 2.9 x 5 x 2.1 inches and weighing less than a pound, the X100S is compact and portable, making it ideal for travel or street photography. Despite its small size, it has a solid build that provides a premium feel, appealing to photographers who enjoy well-constructed gear. - Handling and Ergonomics
The direct-access dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation enhance usability by reducing the need to navigate menus. However, the lack of a pronounced handgrip can make it a little harder to hold securely, especially compared to models like the Fujifilm X20. - Attention to Detail
The X100S features thoughtful details, like a metal push-on lens cap with a felt lining, adding to its premium feel. The “Made in Japan” engraving on the body further emphasizes its high-quality craftsmanship, reflecting Fujifilm’s commitment to producing reliable and stylish gear. - Weak Points in Design
The LCD screen is small (2.8 inches) and has low resolution, which may not look as sharp as some users would like. Also, the four-way controller and control wheel can sometimes accidentally open the menu, which can be annoying.
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Lens & Focal Length – The 23mm f/2.0 Fixed Lens!
The 23mm f/2.0 lens (35mm full-frame equivalent) is one of the biggest highlights of the X100S.
Lens Performance
- Sharp images with excellent color rendering.
- Smooth and natural bokeh at f/2.0.
- Fixed focal length encourages creativity in composition.
Macro & Close-up Capabilities
- Minimum focus distance: 10cm.
- Not ideal for extreme close-ups but great for portraits and daily photography.
Performance and Image Quality of the Fujifilm X100S – Analyze its output!
Exceptional Image Quality
The X100S delivers sharp and detailed images thanks to its 16.3 MP APS-C sensor and X-Trans II processor. It produces vibrant colors and minimal noise, even in low-light conditions, making it perfect for both professional and casual photographers.
Impressive Low-Light Performance
With an ISO range of 200-6400 (expandable up to 25600), the X100S performs well in low-light settings, capturing clean images with minimal grain. This makes it suitable for shooting in dimly lit environments without compromising quality.
Fast and Accurate Autofocus
The hybrid autofocus system, which combines phase and contrast detection, ensures quick and reliable focusing, even in most lighting conditions. The system provides accurate focus, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Sharp Lens and Excellent Detail
The 23mm f/2 lens, paired with the APS-C sensor, offers impressive sharpness and rich detail, producing crisp images with natural-looking bokeh. This lens ensures clarity in both wide-open and stopped-down settings.
Strong Color Reproduction
The X100S is known for its excellent color science, delivering vibrant, true-to-life colors straight out of the camera. Fujifilm’s film simulation modes, like Velvia and Provia, allow users to fine-tune their shots for a variety of color tones.
Video Capabilities – See its recording power!
The Fujifilm X100S is primarily designed for still photography, but it does offer video capabilities. It can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second, providing decent video quality for casual users. The video quality is sharp, and the camera’s autofocus system helps maintain focus during recording.
However, the X100S lacks advanced video features like 4K resolution, microphone input, or more frame rate options. It’s not the best choice for professional videographers, but for casual video recording, it serves its purpose well with solid results.
Pros and Cons of the Fujifilm X100S Find your match – Consider the cons!
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Image Quality | Excellent Image Quality: Sharp and vibrant photos thanks to the APS-C sensor and lens. | Small LCD Screen: 2.8-inch screen with low resolution, making it harder to review images. |
| Design | Retro Design: Vintage look with modern features, appealing to those who love classic aesthetics. | No 4K Video: Limited to Full HD video recording, not suitable for 4K video users. |
| Portability | Compact and Portable: Easy to carry, perfect for street photography and travel. | No Zoom Lens: Fixed 23mm lens limits versatility, making it less flexible for some situations. |
| Autofocus | Fast Autofocus: Quick and accurate autofocus for capturing spontaneous moments. | Limited Battery Life: Average battery life, needing extra batteries for longer sessions. |
| Manual Controls | Manual Controls: Physical dials for shutter speed and exposure, offering full control. | No Built-in Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder may not be ideal for all, especially those who prefer electronic viewfinders. |
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Who Should Buy the Fujifilm X100S? – Find your match!
The Fujifilm X100S is great for photographers who want a small, high-quality camera with a classic design. It’s perfect for street photographers and travelers because it’s easy to carry and has a fixed lens for everyday shots. The camera’s viewfinder and manual controls are ideal for those who like to control their photos.
It’s also a good choice for professionals or hobbyists who need a backup camera. If you like the look of Leica cameras but want something more affordable, the X100S is a great option. However, it’s not the best for casual users, people who need different lenses, or anyone needing advanced video features. It’s best for photographers who want great images and creative control.
Fujifilm X100 vs. X100S – Compare the models!
The Fujifilm X100S is much better than the original X100. It has a 16.3 MP sensor, while the X100 has 12.3 MP, giving you sharper and clearer photos. The X100S also focuses faster and more accurately, thanks to new technology. Plus, it works quicker, with faster startup and image saving.
Fujifilm X100S vs. Newer Models (X100T, X100F, X100V)
The newer models like the X100T, X100F, and X100V have even more features. The X100T has a better viewfinder, and the X100F comes with a 24.3 MP sensor and a joystick for easy focusing. The X100V has a 26.1 MP sensor, better low-light performance, a flip screen, 4K video, and is weather-sealed. Each new model has better focusing and more photo options.
FAQs:
What are the main advantages of the Fujifilm X100S’s hybrid viewfinder?
The Fujifilm X100S’s hybrid viewfinder lets you choose between an optical and electronic view. The optical view shows a wide-angle shot, while the electronic view gives you a real-time display. This makes it easy to capture photos in different situations.
How does the hybrid viewfinder impact battery life on the Fujifilm X100S?
Using the hybrid viewfinder in the Fujifilm X100S can save battery life when using the optical view, as it doesn’t require power. However, switching to the electronic viewfinder uses more battery since it needs power for the display. Overall, battery life is longer with the optical viewfinder.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm X100 and X100S?
The Fujifilm X100S features a new 16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, which provides better image quality and faster autofocus compared to the original X100. It also includes improved operational speed and a more intuitive menu system.
Is the Fujifilm X100S still a good purchase in today’s market?
While newer models like the X100V offer more advanced features, the X100S remains a great choice for those seeking a compact, high-quality camera with excellent image quality and a classic design, especially at a lower price point than newer models.
Is the Fujifilm X100S durable for outdoor use?
While not fully weather-sealed, the X100S has a robust build with magnesium alloy parts, making it durable for light outdoor use, but it’s best to protect it from extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion:
The Fujifilm X100S is a remarkable camera that combines classic design with modern performance. Its hybrid viewfinder, excellent image quality, and compact build make it ideal for street photographers, travel enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a portable yet powerful camera.
While it may not have all the advanced features of newer models, it still delivers impressive results, especially for those who appreciate manual controls and a tactile shooting experience. If you prioritize image quality, portability, and a retro-inspired design, the X100S remains a solid choice for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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