Fujifilm FinePix X100 review

Fujifilm FinePix X100 at a glance:

• 12.3-million-pixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• EXR processor
• 23mm f/2 fixed lens (35mm equivalent)
• Hybrid viewfinder with electronic brightframe display
• 2.8in, 460,000-dot LCD
• 256-zone TTL metering
• 720p HD video capture
• Street price around £999

Fujifilm FinePix X100 review - Introduction

Back in September 2010, Fujifilm unveiled the prototype of its new flagship compact camera. The styling was reminiscent of an old rangefinder, while internally it was said to feature an APS-C-size sensor. This combination of classic looks and potential for DSLR-quality images was a surefire winner, and without knowing much more photo enthusiasts the world over needed one.

Now, more than six months on, the Fuji FinePix X100 has finally arrived and, judging by the interest at this year’s Focus on Imaging trade show, the excitement is still palpable. The first shipment is all but sold and, due to the current situation in Japan, it may be some time before any more arrive. As the excitement subdues, however, we can look at the performance of the camera, from its handling to its image quality, and judge objectively whether it merits its £1,000 price tag.

Natural comparisons can be made between the Fuji FinePix X100 and the Leica X1, and even the M9, although it is also worth noting its features and performance against the recent spate of compact system cameras (CSCs), particularly the APS-C-format models from Samsung and Sony.

Aside from its looks, the Fuji FinePix X100 has plenty to please the photo enthusiast, from the Fujifilm-branded film effects to the hybrid viewfinder with the impressive-sounding, reverse-Galilean optical viewfinder, capable of either a full electronic or a standard optical view.

There is also the new combination of high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and EXR processor to consider that, with the fixed-focal-length lens, should be able to produce impressive results in terms of resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range.