Now The Conundrum (of sorts): X100 vs X100s

[dcsang]

With this latest (and likely last) update - is it "worth it" to get a used X100 (currently probably around $600 CDN/USD) vs spending extra $$$ (double) to get the X100s? What are the trade offs? I know the new one is X-Trans while the old one is CMOS (I think..) but does the latest firmware update bring the old X100 into contention with the X100s?

😀

Cheers,
Dave

 

[yossarian123]

I haven't used an x100s yet. And I've only used the new firmware for 10-15 minutes. But so far it's completely undercut any rationale to upgrade. I was pretty close to ordering one a week ago but decided to wait it out. Based on last nights update, I'm holding on to my X100 for a while.

 

[jsrockit]

Well, it made one of the best used deals in digital cameras (X100) even better. The X100s is great too... but not as good of a deal.

 

[FA Limited]

for me i would take the original because i prefer the non smeary look of the x-trans ... i never really had an issue with the focus speed on the X100, more questions about focus accuracy.

 

[tbhv55]

So far, I'm finding firmware v2.0 to be excellent. The improvements are very welcome - in particular, for me, the changes to the MF operation.

Although initially half-interested in the x100s when it was released, I was never really in the market to upgrade, so the firmware upgrade hasn't changed my approach. Therefore Fuji hasn't lost the sale of an x100s to me.

However, what it might well have done, is persuade me that Fuji is the company to stay with, when I next make a purchase, since it looks after its customers. Ok, my individual purchases mean nothing much to a major company such as this, but if a large enough number of others see it the way I do, then Fuji are winning with regard to the forward projection of sales.

I presume that Fuji are hoping they have done themselves a favour, in the medium term, by providing continuing support for an obsolete model... and, if this is their thinking, I reckon that they could be right.

 

[JHutchins]

I've not used the X100s, but I find the XP1 results more satisfactory in low light than the X100 results so that is something in favor of the 100s. I also prefer the way the XP1 handles bursts (you can shoot quickly till the buffer's full then it slows down but keeps shooting) to the X100 (you shoot quickly till the buffer's full then it locks up) and my understanding is that the X100s behaves more like the XP1 in this respect. So that's another thing in favor of the X100s.

But by all means get one of them. When the X100 first came out I thought it very pretty and was kind of tempted by it but really wanted a camera I could change lenses on and never anticipated owning more than one digital camera (so many other things to spend money on and in any event I have very little room for stuff -- I mean *very* little room, I live on a boat). So the XP1 was the camera for me and I bought the first one that was available here and was happy with it. But, a couple of weeks ago, through a complicated series of accidents and transactions I wound up owning an X100 as well and now am a convert to the Church of the X100, with all the zeal typical of a late life convert. It is simple, it is elegant, it is lovely, it is <i>quiet</i> and with the new firmware it is even better (no more -- or at least a lot less -- of that silly switching to macro mode when things are close and markedly faster and more accurate focusing in low light).

After spending time with the X100, I find the XP1 irritating. The noise especially. If you use the XP1 at a theatre, a chamber music concert, in a small room or even a large acoustically live room -- any environment where people would be bothered by coughs, sniffles, paper rustling -- the XP1 shutter will be annoying. The X100 will not be heard and that is lovely.

 

[Takkun]

Still haven't figured out the purpose of continuous AF, but the fast startup time and and fast single-shot AF is much appreciated, seeing as this is my snapshooter camera, my primary AF/AE camera, and my primary digital.

Now on to get used to focus peaking, whatever on earth that means... 😉

JHutchins--when you say the XP1, you mean the XPro-1, right? I considered switching out all my Nikon gear for it, but then I took stock and realized my work was going more toward film, but I desperately wanted a compact camera, without going the all-auto-everything route. I've bored my friends and family to death about how much I love the X100.

 

[f16sunshine]

The original x100 has it's charms that is for sure. I am a hold out on upgrading to the x100s.
I've become almost determined to sell my xpro1 kit as well.
I just prefer the leaf shutter and single fixed lens concept (boy I know I sound like a broken record).

Dave if you need a few more pixels go for the x100s otherwise I would suggest you try an x100 and see if it does what you need it to do.
It's probably a safe bet to buy a used one on the cheap. If you re-sell it within a month you can re-coup your dough.

One thing I can and should admit comparing x-trans files with x100 files. The larger x-trans sensor definitely has a resolution advantage and it's a big one.
If you are like me and rarely need that from a compact camera, why pay for it up front or in added Hard Drive space required?

 

[f16sunshine]

for me i would take the original because i prefer the non smeary look of the x-trans ... i never really had an issue with the focus speed on the X100, more questions about focus accuracy.

I don't understand what you refer to by "smeary look". Do you mean with some non native wides.
The X-trans 16mp sensor is not smeary in any way. It's one of the sharpest clearest outputs i have seen.

I love the classic x100 look as well but I don't think it is sharper or better resolving (if that is what you are suggesting.. maybe you're not).

 

[jsrockit]

f16sunshine... they are referring to how the X-Trans sensor blurs detail. It can be easily seen in green foliage.

 

[MiniMoke]

I'm again in the market for an X100 now. For all I read, the firmware upgrade is quite phenomenal.

Is it an obsolete camera? Yes and No! It's obsolete when you consider pixel count, AF speed etc. But so is an RD-1 and still there are (understandably) diehard fans of this camera.

The X100s is tempting, but not now. Too expensive, perhaps in a year or two.

The X100 suits my shooting habits, it's a s slow as I am, composing and judging a shot before pressing the shutter.

When I want AF, it's there. When I want full auto mode, aperture or shutter priority, they are there as well just like auto ISO. And finally, when I need full manual, it's there too. And even manual focus seems OK now!

What shall I want more? Interchangeable lenses? I went out with my Leica CL, my X-E1 with 3 or 4 lenses in my bag and nearly always used the one that was already on the camera. Changing lenses in the field is not my thing.

The lens of choice was always around 35mm - the 40 Summicron-C or the 35mm of my XA2, the 42mm of the 35SP or the 40mm of the Olympus Trip.

I'm sure one day I'll lust for an X100s or X200, but for now, I'll stay frugal and try to score an X100 once again.

 

[jsrockit]

Is it an obsolete camera? Yes and No! It's obsolete when you consider pixel count, AF speed etc. But so is an RD-1 and still there are (understandably) diehard fans of this camera.

It's obsolete because it's been replaced, but it's still useful.

 

[bwcolor]

It is always difficult trying to decide between two good options. Purchasing used allows you to sell the camera with little financial loss should it not work out for you. The X100s does have a faster processor, so in theory it should be a bit more agile. I've not yet installed the new firmware in my X100 in order to compare the two.

 

[GaryLH]

However, what it might well have done, is persuade me that Fuji is the company to stay with, when I next make a purchase, since it looks after its customers. Ok, my individual purchases mean nothing much to a major company such as this, but if a large enough number of others see it the way I do, then Fuji are winning with regard to the forward projection of sales.

I presume that Fuji are hoping they have done themselves a favour, in the medium term, by providing continuing support for an obsolete model... and, if this is their thinking, I reckon that they could be right.

Same here...

As much as the new Sony a7 series cameras hit a lot of wish list check boxes for a lot of people, I really don't need ff frame for my type of photography....

On the other hand, I would rather wait to c what the next gen xp series camera is going to be like... Fuji has definitely shown me that they will go beyond normal bug fix support on their cameras. Features like focus peaking that they have added to an so-called obsolete camera like the x100, shows they are going to do that extra step to keep us happy. Very few of their competitors are doing that.

I have had the x100 since it was first available at my local camera store, plan to keep it until it gives up the ghost. Then I will upgrade to the rumored x200 if it becomes real... Or what ever is around by then. For me a leaf shutter fixed focal length camera is a most have....even though I own the xp1/xe1 cameras as well.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

To the op

X100s advantages
- better mf focus aids
- xtran sensor which means better high iso and higher mp
- better faster digital processing path
- faster af (still suppose to be faster then the x100 due the the faster digital path)..??
- better movie capability (not on my list at all btw)
- q button
- firmer exposure comp dial
- looks like they added support for lenses characteristics like what m43 has been doing in the x100s and xe2 (but I may not have understood correctly). In the article by Rico at Fuji Rumors he mentioned this new feature, I was not aware of.

X100s disadvantages
- cost
- if u are a adobe die hard, raw files support is not as good as the other sw vendors...

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

It is always difficult trying to decide between two good options. Purchasing used allows you to sell the camera with little financial loss should it not work out for you. The X100s does have a faster processor, so in theory it should be a bit more agile. I've not yet installed the new firmware in my X100 in order to compare the two.

Please give us your feedback. It would be interesting for those on the fence.

Gary

 

[burancap]

For me a leaf shutter fixed focal length camera is a most have....even though I own the xp1/xe1 cameras as well.

That is a good point. Though you mentioned other Fuji products, with this show of support above and beyond -though one may not upgrade to an S model today, that same customer is also not "upgrading" to another brand.

The X100 feels like a lifetime digital in our throw away society. Of course, it isn't ... but Fuji can expect this customer to knock on their door when that day comes. Bravo again.

 

[daveleo]

I can't compare the X100 to the X100s, as I have never used the X100s.
I have the X100 about a year (?) and if I had to spend $800 to replace it with a refurbished one or $600 for a plain "used" one, I would do that in a flash. But I am not ready to spend $1200 for the X100s.

Tonight I will look at the first batch of camera jpg's with the V2.0 software. If anything looks mentionable, I will post something hereabouts.

 

[f16sunshine]

f16sunshine... they are referring to how the X-Trans sensor blurs detail. It can be easily seen in green foliage.

Sounds like a RAW problem. I remember seeing that with LR4 but not any more.

Now, I use A3 for most and CO7 for some more complicated scenes (or recoveries rather).

As someone who is not a pixel peeper or macro enthusiast.
My comments are based on when I run out of cropping capability.
The Xp1 files have quite a bit more horsepower than the x100 classic. YMMV I suppose.

 

[willie_901]

The XTrans sensor is better. The faster processor is better. The EVF and LCD are better.

However if you are happy with a maximum practical ISO of 1600 (I happen to be) then the X100 with the new firmware 2.0 is highly cost efficient. The new firmware makes a huge difference for manual focus operation.

I plan to keep using the X100 as my every-day camera. My XP1 will be used for specific projects or when I anticipate having a different focal length with me might be useful. I am purchasing the 23/1.4 XF lens even though I will keep the X100. After the 56/1.2 XF lens my next purchase will be the next interchangeable OVF/EVF APS-C body Fuji releases.

and

Blurry greens can be minimized, if not eliminated with LR 5 by using different rendering parameters than one has used with Bayer - AA filter sensors. Using LR5 with raw XTrans files delivers a bit more detail than my D700 with a Nikkor 16-35/4 G lens.