Fujifilm X-S1 review
Review Date : Tue, 31 Jan 2012
Author : Mike Lowe
- Sample Photos: Fujifilm X-S1 review sample images gallery
Can this large-sensor superzoom take the category to a more professional level?
| Pros: | Best in class images, best in class viewfinder, great stabilisation system, manual zoom and focus rings |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Sensor issues with specular highlights, autofocus won’t rival a DSLR, on/off issue on occasion, it's rather expensive |
The very concept of a superzoom is to give an all-in-one package; a
camera system that's somewhere between a compact and DSLR that also has a significant zoom range. Enter the Fujifilm X-S1. Although it may look similar to many other superzoom cameras (and you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a DSLR), underneath the hood is a large 2/3in sensor size (the same as found in the high-end X10 compact camera). With a surface area more than twice that of a standard compact cameras' 1/2.3in sensor, the promise is for better image quality, all wrapped up in a high-spec body with a peppering of other top features. But with a £700 SRP, is the X-S1 high quality enough to tempt a more demanding audience?
Fujifilm X-S1 review - Key Specs
1. 12MP, 2/3in CMOS sensor
2. 26x optical zoom (24-624mm equiv.)
3. Manual zoom and focus rings
4. Lens-based image stabilisation
5. 100% FoV, 0.47in, 1.44m-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF)
6. 3in, 460k-dot, tilt-angle LCD screen
7. Full manual control
8. Raw & JPEG shooting
Fujifilm X-S1 review - Features
As the X-S1 features a larger sensor its lens isn't quite as far-reaching as some of the competition. The larger sensor demands a larger lens size in order to deliver an image circle of light to cover the sensor, though the 24-624mm (26x) zoom range is still considerably more than you'd find in any compact camera.
The lens' f/2.8-5.6 aperture is bright at the wideangle end, and rather more standard at the telephoto settings - though shallow depth of field (blurred background) is easily achievable and curved aperture blades make for a softer, more rounded bokeh effect (the type of blur). But what the X-S1 delivers that's unlike other superzoom, albeit much like Fuji's HS20 and HS30 siblings, is an all-important hands-on manual zoom control. The zoom ring on the lens barrel extends the lens much like using a DSLR lens, plus there's a separate manual focus ring set to the rear of the barrel. Only Fujifilm has brought this dual-ring style of lens to the superzoom market so far, and it's one of the camera's more attractive features.
Fujifilm X-S1 review sample image (24mm equiv.) - click for full size gallery
When shooting at longer focal lengths keeping the camera steady for not only a sharp image but accurate framing can be tricky. To assist the X-S1 has lens-based image stabilisation that mechanically manoeuvres the lens by the tiniest of amounts to counter hand shake, an essential feature for such a camera.
Fujifilm X-S1 review sample image (317mm equiv.) - click for full size gallery
Those that have contemplated buying a superzoom but who have found too many issues with viewfinder features will be interested in the X-S1's new electronic viewfinder (EVF). At 1.44million dots in resolution (that's SVGA or 800x600 pixels) and 0.47inches in size there's no other superzoom with an EVF like it. Coverage is 100% across the frame and the eye level sensor can be set to automatically switch the device on as your face nears the camera. It's great to see a step up in feature set, and although this isn't a revolutionary EVF - it's the same standard as that found in the likes of Nikon's V1 Compact System Camera, for example - it does represent a big step up in standards for the superzoom market.
On the rear of the camera is a 3in, 460k-dot LCD screen mounted on a tilt-angle bracket that's designed to assist with waist-level viewing.
Fujifilm X-S1 review sample image (317mm equiv.) - click for full size gallery
As has come to be expected, the X-S1 has the full array of manual controls, plus Auto and Fujifilm's EXR modes. The latter is a trio of shooting options that can auto-process an image in one of three ways: High Resolution uses the full 12-megapixel resolution when shooting in decent lighting conditions; Wide Dynamic Range produces a medium-size image where exposure is adjusted for both shadows and highlights; and High Sensitivity & Low Noise also produces a medium-size image where two sensor pixels are used for one final pixel in the image in order to achieve lower image noise. One-touch Raw capture is available, or full-time Raw and Raw & JPEG can also be activated.
Have your say!
Latest comments
February 13 08:05
tonysturn
I have been (and I still am) an avid fan of the fujifilm HS20. For over six months now, I found it to be a great camera and done all I needed,(that was once I discovered the manual mode). But people move on, and I think I'd gone just about as far as I could with it,and I wanted something with just a bit more IQ without giving up the versatility of the superzoom and the full manual control. Well I think Fuji must have heard me .. Enter the X-S1.. I received mine a few days ago and at the moment I'm overjoyed. It's more or less still the HS20, "but with bells on", all the shortcomings (or quirks as I call them) of the hs20 seem to have been sorted, 1- the viewfinder, (now great) 2- the burst mode ( now continuous, and it can also use100 ISO,(not limited to 200 minimum like before) 3- the slow focusing, (much faster now) 4- the slow write speed if you used burst mode ( much faster ,not a problem) 5- The image quality (noticeably more refined) 6- you can also use the full '12mp' so you have that extra crop factor 7- more IS0's to choose from in manual mode and there are many things I've probably forgot to mention (will try to update as they come to mind) Well I only got it a few days ago, and I'm still getting to grips with it (the buttons and switches in different places) but you can see a few pics I've taken (which I'm more than pleased with) at this link http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonysturn/sets/ So far it's all good, and no negatives ... Tonysturn ..
February 19 16:21
Andy Jones
The EVF resolution is exceptional even at full zoom , I honestly thought it was a prismatic (DSLR) camera, the camera had a professional feel to it and exceeds the S200EXR by miles. I will not be buying one until the price comes down.
February 26 21:42
Justin
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think RICOH aaerldy started doing this modular system. My friend has one and he can change the sensor box anytime. Tnx
May 05 09:00
Edward
I found the resolution of the lens at all settings to be disappointing. The camera itself is very well constructed and the viewfinder a gem. In the end however the image quality is below par and given the same sensor performs well on the X10 it can only be attributed to a lens stretched beyond its capabilities. Shame.