Fujifilm X-S1 review
Image Quality
Fujifilm X10 review - Image Quality
X-S1 review: Tone & Exposure
The X-S1 employs a 256-zone metering system, with the choice of either Multi segment, Centre-weighted or spot metering modes. For the most part these modes options cope well, though it's not uncommon for shots to err towards a bright, near-overexposed level.
The inclusion of Fuji's EXR technology means image quality can be approached in a variety of different ways. It's possible to get full resolution 12MP files from the camera, but the EXR mode also opens up SN (High Sensitivity, Low Noise) and DR (Wide Dynamic Range) modes. For the latter two the output is halved to 6-megapixels as each of these mode uses two sensor diodes per image pixel.
SN uses the signal from both diodes for a cleaner signal to limit image noise, while DR takes two exposures simultaneously for a broader exposure to cater for both shadow and highlight detail within the one shot. These modes work with some success, in particular the DR option.
X-S1review: White Balance & Colour
The X-S1's colour rendition is accurate for the most part, though some scenes will ‘dial out' warmer light - whether sunlight or additional lighting - to some degree.
There is also a collection of Film Simulation modes that mimic the characteristics of Fujifilm's pro stock too - Provia, Astia and Velvia modes features alongside Mono and Sepia options.
X-S1 review: ISO Sensitivity & Image Noise
The X-S1's larger sensor goes a long way in improving overall image quality in regards to image noise. In fact we'd say the X-S1 has better image quality and lower noise than any other superzoom camera out there, though it won't quite beat the majority of Compact System Cameras (from Nikon 1 sensor size and larger).
The X-S1's standard ISO 100-3200 range can be captured at full resolution, reduced to 6MP at ISO 6400 and a meagre 3MP at ISO 12,800. Capping shooting at the standard ISO level is best advised as this is where shots remain at their best.
From ISO 100-800 Raw & JPEG shots are very good. Although image quality deteriorates from ISO 3200-6400 it's still an improvement compared to the rest of the current superzoom market. JPEG noise reduction can be a bit ‘strong' for the higher ISO settings, which softens shots overall, though shooting Raw will provide fuller control.
X-S1 review: Sharpness & Detail
With a lens spanning from wideangle through to a considerable telephoto focal length, the X-S1's optical performance is impressive. At the wideangle setting there is some distortion but it's quite acceptable, and neither edge-softness nor vignetting posed an issue. Chromatic aberrations, too, were absent throughout the frame at all focal lengths.
Sharpness is reasonable throughout, though as it often becomes a necessity to increase the ISO sensitivity at longer focal lengths, so the overall biting detail will diminish. The lowest ISO settings, on the other hand, maintain a sharper appearance.
X10 review: Specular Highlights
An ongoing issue, as found with the Fujifilm X10's 2/3in sensor, is where specular highlights are rendered as hard-edged white orbs. It's an issue that only rears its head in specific circumstances - points of light, such as lamps in nightscapes, or some reflections from reflective surfaces in bright sunlight can, though won't always, pose a problem. As with any such highlight, the light source needs to be direct from subject to lens. This isn't flare from a lens-based issue, it appears to be an early-level processing issue as it affects both Raw and JPEG files in the same way.
It's not necessarily a reason to panic, as most shots in our test weren't subject to the issue, though a number of lamps in example night shots did succumbe to this problem. If you're a star-gazer or night photographer then this sensor may not be the one for you. A firmware fix update is anticipated in the coming months, though whether this will dampen or fully eradicate the problem is unclear.
X10 review: Raw vs. JPEG
The X-S1 comes bundled with Silkypix's Raw File Converter EX software in the box. It's comprehensive enough to provide plenty of control over Raw shots, though the ongoing ‘white orb' issue will show itself whether shooting Raw or JPEG.
The Raw files appear flatter and have a more muted colour palette, as is to be expected, yet their far larger uncompressed file size provides plenty more room for adjustment than JPEG equivalents.
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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.