Fujifilm X100
Monday, September 20, 2010 at 14:52 
Image Courtesy of FujifilmThis is one I wasn't expecting. There weren't any leaks whatsoever. Seems it's easier to keep a lid on a “development notice” than on a product that's ready to be released into the market. I can't say I like the literal rangefinder styling. I would prefer a more modern interpretation. Still, the controls look to be optimized for quick and efficient changes of exposure settings.
The most obvious competitor is the Leica X1. The controls, especially on the top deck, are surprisingly similar. The Fuji trumps the Leica in offering a one stop faster F2.0 lens. The X100 also does away with the X1's pop up flash (it has a fixed flash above the lens), replacing it with an innovative hybrid OVF/EVF. With an optical viewfinder, the Fuji is more of a Leica than the Leica. Framing coverage of the OVF is only 90%. Switching to the EVF yields 100% coverage since the feed is coming from the image sensor. You can also review images in the EVF which is convenient when there's a lot of glare and it's difficult to make out anything on the rear screen (a feature I really miss on the GF1).
With a larger APS-C sensor, image quality is likely somewhat better compared to Micro Four Thirds cameras. Fast Micro Four Thirds lenses like the Lumix 20mm F1.7 will compensate for some of that difference in low light image quality. But at the moment, there aren't any sample images and we don't know anything about the X100's performance: things like focus accuracy and speed as well as the lens' optical quality wide open will determine how strong of a competitor it ends up being.
For me, the X100 doesn't make a lot of sense. I've invested in excellent Micro Four Thirds lenses (and will be adding more). I prefer the flexibility of combining different lenses and bodies. Still, I suspect the new Fuji X100 is a very compelling camera for those who haven't invested in an existing mirrorless system and need an integrated optical viewfinder...or those who just have a lot of extra cash; it probably won't be cheap.
Personally, I'm a little disappointed by today's announcement as I had hoped that Fuji would join Micro Four Thirds. There were some rumours, but there's little chance of that now.
;)
Above is a scaled (using a CAD package) size comparison between the new Fuji X100, the Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm F1.7 pancake and the Sony NEX-5 with the 16mm F2.8 pancake lens. Click on image for an enlargement.
Fuji, Fujifilm X100, Panasonic GF1
Reader Comments (13)
Neither the GF1 or NEX have a viewfinder, and the NEX doesn't have it's flash attached. Be nice to see a feature-for-feature size comparison, with flash attached tp NEX and VF attached to GF1. That still leaves the NEX without a viewfinder though, so it's still not 100% fair.
I don't think it can ever be completely fair. Among other things, we're comparing cameras with different sensors, lenses with different maximum apertures, focal lengths and optical quality. This size comparison is not to make the Fuji look worse, but rather to better understand the size of the X100 by comparing it to cameras many of us have seen. The size itself isn't as important, especially if you need an integrated optical viewfinder. Then the X100 is the only game in town.
Thanks for the size comparison image. Given Fuji's past success with fixed focal-length lenses, the lens for this camera should be excellent. For me it will come down to focus speed and shutter lag. I hope to purchase an X100, but then my favorite camera is a Mamiya 7 with a ca. 40mm-equivalent lens.
Last night I was so sure that I would jump on the m4/3 wagon, but this camera and the expected 1,000 Euro price has kind of changed my minds. Or at least brought new doubts. Too bad it will arrive early 2011, but this seems like the digital Hexar AF I have been waiting for such a camera since I bought my first digital camera in 2004. I like the blending of new and older technology in this retro looking package. It comes close to my wish for simplicity!
Sorry to hear about you having new doubts, Wouter :-)
It's certainly an intriguing camera. I'd be surprised though if it didn't cost significantly more than 1000 Euros. And who knows which other tempting cameras will hit the market before the X100 is out in 2011.
I have to agree with you mostly. I do like the retro look, would truly love a workable viewfinder, and I just spent an hour or so today trying to rationalize the purchase of this new piece of kit. In the end, though, the chips fall on the side of the interchangeable lens. I'm happy with the results I get from my GF1, and don't believe that that the image qualities from the Fuji could possibly outweigh the interchangeable lens advantage for me.
Yes the Fuji X100 is one of those cameras one wants to have. I couldn't rationalize the purchase either. I have much less trouble rationalizing the purchase of a GH2; I'd have the flexibility of interchangeable lenses with the lenses I already own. Plus I'd get a large and clear viewfinder and an articulated screen.
Now that looks like a really interesting camera to me. Perfectly suits my style - it has a viewfinder and a single useful and sharp (hopefully, but think they will have a goodie at that price) lens.
Could be a good addition to my dSLR system.
Micro 4/3's makes no sense to me as it lacks viewfinder and I don't need interchangeable lens (with several lenses it starts to compete with my dSLR - which it cannot - in terms of use and looses much of its pocket-ability advantage) .
Yes, if you just want a large sensor camera with a fixed prime lens and viewfinder, then the X100 is a good bet. I wouldn't be surprised though if we get a "rangefinderesque" MFT camera with integrated EVF from Panasonic next year. So it depends how long you can wait; it'll be a while until the X100 is available anyway.
Thanks for posting nice reviews about Fujifilm X100 digital camera. if you are a normal photographer then it is good because it has latest features like sensors and good image clarity. I like fuji film camera because of its image quality, smart design and user friendly nature. you can suite photos any where and any time.
You're welcome, AShutosh. I don't know if you consider me a "normal" photographer, but if the X100 is responsive and the lens is of a high quality, then it could turn out to be a special camera. For me the X100 makes less sense since I have a considerable amount invested in Micro Four Thirds lenses.
I wouldn't be surprised though if we get a "rangefinderesque" MFT camera with integrated EVF from Panasonic next year. So it depends how long you can wait; it'll be a while until the X100 is available anyway.
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I agree that we will probably see a rangefinder style camera from Olympus or Panasonic. In any case, I prefer a camera with a mount. Even if I use it 90% of the time with a "normal" pancake, it's nice to be able to attach a wide angle for the other 10%.