Sparrow
Veteran
... in these things perceptive I am, new members posting only positive x100 threads I trust not
eurotramp
Member
perhaps Yoda refers to me
we are all new members at some time.By my posts judge me, by my age not
andrew00
Established
Here's my initial thoughts that I also posted to that thread. I really like the camera so far because it feels good to hold and shoot with but it's going to be a learning curve to get the best out of it.
Put simply, it feels like a camera you want to shoot with whereas a lot of other cameras I've had over the past year I didn't feel that with.
Also just flicking through the below, it might look critical, and in a way it is, but more critical in the sense of pointing out the divise thoughts, my initial impressions are very positive however hehe.
To add to the below, if you turn off the operation controls (so you don't get the beeps of the menus and focus etc, but do still get the green confirm box) and turn the shutter to it's quietest then you get a really quiet camera, which is a positive.
That being said, I can't currently find an option to turn off all operational controls but leave on the focus confirm beep as that'd be kinda useful and I think that's how all other cameras I've used can be set. So hopefully it's just that I'm not seeing it in the menu as it'd be nice to have the confirm beep w/o having the menu beeps which are annoying.
---
Received it yest too, charged the battery for a long time so haven't had a big play but I agree with most of what you said.
-The OVF is brilliant, the EVF isn't bad but feel bad in comparison b/c the OVF is so good. I just wish the OVF would focus closer, I found myself having to switch to the EVF for objects of a medium distance which isn't great.
-IQ seems solid at first shot though the camera is def more 'pro' in feel so has a learning curve. AWB also seems a bit suspect in low light, most my images had a green feel to them in low light shots.
-AF is fast, when it gets it, however perhaps a little worrying the Contrast AF wasn't that good at picking out objects unless there was a reasonable amount of contrast. My Ricoh GRD3 can focus in all but the most difficult and dark circumstances, whereas I sold my Sigma DP2S because it couldn't focus in anything but the best. I hope it's just teathing but I'm a little mindful of this on the X100. Perhaps it'll change if I change the size of the focusing window, which is fine for me as I spot focus anyway.
-I'm left handed and so left eyed - which means my nose gets pressed up against the LCD when I take a shot. Not a deal breaker but still pretty annoying. I guess I'm used to either DSLR's which are bulkier and give you a bit of space, 35mm P+S's which don't have screens, or modern mirror less cameras that don't have VF's (never had a m9)
-Buttons are fine but a bit difficult to press at times, esp the menu/ok button. I didn't feel like jamming at it with my nails and my thumb was a bit too big to press it comfortably.
-Changing options through the VF feels weird, I'd say the camera isn't quite comfortable to hold up to your eye tbh. Maybe it's first usage teething but I found it a bit straining so I can see myself using the LCD to change options and the VF to shoot, which means you're using power to both so will need batteries.
-Menu is big and confusing, prob b/c it's new and there's a lot there but it's no Ricoh menu system.
-Size/Weight are fine, although my only concern here is maybe it's a bit too big for a pocket sized compact style of shooting but also a bit too small for rangefinder style shooting. As in it feels a bit gawky, a bit uncomfortable in it's own skin. Again, first impressions etc, might change etc.
-Battery compartment is plasticy and cheap, which is a shame. The camera is very modern in that it looks robust and powerful but contains plastic and feels a bit 'fake', the leather doesn't feel like leather but has the texture and look of leather etc. Although I would say that - what do you expect? - it's a modern camera that isn't priced in the £5k like a Leica, I'd expect it to be imperfect, the experience isn't really affected and the IQ isn't either.
-On-board flash actually seems pretty good so far, reminds me of my Sigma DP2S flash which felt like a good fill and maintained colours etc, didn't wash the image out.
-All in all it's a really fun camera to use, and feels good in the hand, feels like a camera to shoot with. The above criticisms aren't deal breakers, the positive clearly outweigh the negatives, but as you'd expect, she ain't perfect!
Put simply, it feels like a camera you want to shoot with whereas a lot of other cameras I've had over the past year I didn't feel that with.
Also just flicking through the below, it might look critical, and in a way it is, but more critical in the sense of pointing out the divise thoughts, my initial impressions are very positive however hehe.
To add to the below, if you turn off the operation controls (so you don't get the beeps of the menus and focus etc, but do still get the green confirm box) and turn the shutter to it's quietest then you get a really quiet camera, which is a positive.
That being said, I can't currently find an option to turn off all operational controls but leave on the focus confirm beep as that'd be kinda useful and I think that's how all other cameras I've used can be set. So hopefully it's just that I'm not seeing it in the menu as it'd be nice to have the confirm beep w/o having the menu beeps which are annoying.
---
Received it yest too, charged the battery for a long time so haven't had a big play but I agree with most of what you said.
-The OVF is brilliant, the EVF isn't bad but feel bad in comparison b/c the OVF is so good. I just wish the OVF would focus closer, I found myself having to switch to the EVF for objects of a medium distance which isn't great.
-IQ seems solid at first shot though the camera is def more 'pro' in feel so has a learning curve. AWB also seems a bit suspect in low light, most my images had a green feel to them in low light shots.
-AF is fast, when it gets it, however perhaps a little worrying the Contrast AF wasn't that good at picking out objects unless there was a reasonable amount of contrast. My Ricoh GRD3 can focus in all but the most difficult and dark circumstances, whereas I sold my Sigma DP2S because it couldn't focus in anything but the best. I hope it's just teathing but I'm a little mindful of this on the X100. Perhaps it'll change if I change the size of the focusing window, which is fine for me as I spot focus anyway.
-I'm left handed and so left eyed - which means my nose gets pressed up against the LCD when I take a shot. Not a deal breaker but still pretty annoying. I guess I'm used to either DSLR's which are bulkier and give you a bit of space, 35mm P+S's which don't have screens, or modern mirror less cameras that don't have VF's (never had a m9)
-Buttons are fine but a bit difficult to press at times, esp the menu/ok button. I didn't feel like jamming at it with my nails and my thumb was a bit too big to press it comfortably.
-Changing options through the VF feels weird, I'd say the camera isn't quite comfortable to hold up to your eye tbh. Maybe it's first usage teething but I found it a bit straining so I can see myself using the LCD to change options and the VF to shoot, which means you're using power to both so will need batteries.
-Menu is big and confusing, prob b/c it's new and there's a lot there but it's no Ricoh menu system.
-Size/Weight are fine, although my only concern here is maybe it's a bit too big for a pocket sized compact style of shooting but also a bit too small for rangefinder style shooting. As in it feels a bit gawky, a bit uncomfortable in it's own skin. Again, first impressions etc, might change etc.
-Battery compartment is plasticy and cheap, which is a shame. The camera is very modern in that it looks robust and powerful but contains plastic and feels a bit 'fake', the leather doesn't feel like leather but has the texture and look of leather etc. Although I would say that - what do you expect? - it's a modern camera that isn't priced in the £5k like a Leica, I'd expect it to be imperfect, the experience isn't really affected and the IQ isn't either.
-On-board flash actually seems pretty good so far, reminds me of my Sigma DP2S flash which felt like a good fill and maintained colours etc, didn't wash the image out.
-All in all it's a really fun camera to use, and feels good in the hand, feels like a camera to shoot with. The above criticisms aren't deal breakers, the positive clearly outweigh the negatives, but as you'd expect, she ain't perfect!
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Sparrow
Veteran
perhaps Yoda refers to me
By my posts judge me, by my age not
No offence sir
I am a cynic by nature, sorryeurotramp
Member
No apologies needed please... i might not agree with you but i definitely respect your right to an opinion.
Cheers!
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
It doesn't pay to be a dewy eyed idealist around here!
eurotramp
Member
Just on my best behavior in front of the parole board
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tonyhartphoto
Member
Hello everyone,
I was directed here by someone on the MacRumors message board. It's my review you're discussing.
Let me reassure you that I don't work for Fuji. I really wish I did. If so, I might not have had to drop £1000 to get hold of my X100! I was a Focus on Tuesday and bought a 2nd 5DII (which I didn't intend to buy on that particular day) because there was an exceptionally good price as a show special. I also handled the X100 on the Fuji booth. The chap there seemed to think late March, early April was the best chance I had of quickly receiving my pre-order, but the divergent information around the show was astonishing.
The @Fujiguys on twitter suggested early April as the soonest for UK users. Several retailers around Focus had X100's displayed in their cabinets alongside other 'purchaseable' cameras. I enquired after every one, but all explained they had no availability. One seller even had a price and the words 'show special' next to the X100. I enquired but no joy. They were all using it as bait!
Then, lo and behold, about 15mins after I'd picked up my 5DII I receive a call from Park Cameras saying they have my preorder in. Obviously I paid there and then over the phone (while standing on the Ilford booth if you really want to know) but the credit card damage was horrendous. 5DII and X100 in a single day. Ouch.
Anyway, there's no doubt I worked myself into a bit of a lather regarding the X100, my personal anticipation has been massive, but I don't work for Fuji and there's no way I'd offer anything other than an honest appraisal of it's pros and cons.
I'll be shooting with it more and hopefully posting further thoughts as they develop.
I was directed here by someone on the MacRumors message board. It's my review you're discussing.
Let me reassure you that I don't work for Fuji. I really wish I did. If so, I might not have had to drop £1000 to get hold of my X100! I was a Focus on Tuesday and bought a 2nd 5DII (which I didn't intend to buy on that particular day) because there was an exceptionally good price as a show special. I also handled the X100 on the Fuji booth. The chap there seemed to think late March, early April was the best chance I had of quickly receiving my pre-order, but the divergent information around the show was astonishing.
The @Fujiguys on twitter suggested early April as the soonest for UK users. Several retailers around Focus had X100's displayed in their cabinets alongside other 'purchaseable' cameras. I enquired after every one, but all explained they had no availability. One seller even had a price and the words 'show special' next to the X100. I enquired but no joy. They were all using it as bait!
Then, lo and behold, about 15mins after I'd picked up my 5DII I receive a call from Park Cameras saying they have my preorder in. Obviously I paid there and then over the phone (while standing on the Ilford booth if you really want to know) but the credit card damage was horrendous. 5DII and X100 in a single day. Ouch.
Anyway, there's no doubt I worked myself into a bit of a lather regarding the X100, my personal anticipation has been massive, but I don't work for Fuji and there's no way I'd offer anything other than an honest appraisal of it's pros and cons.
I'll be shooting with it more and hopefully posting further thoughts as they develop.
eurotramp
Member
we believe you tony
I think a servant of the Enemy would look fairer and feel fouler. LOTR
Need to stop watching too many movies
I think a servant of the Enemy would look fairer and feel fouler. LOTR
Need to stop watching too many movies
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Welcome to RFF Tony ... great that you could drop in on this thread.
Though I see you joined in Feb 2010.
Though I see you joined in Feb 2010.
tonyhartphoto
Member
Just started re-reading LOTR myself actually. On an iPad this time which is an interesting experience. Right. Back to topic!
Thanks Keith, I had some questions about a couple of original model Canonet's I found in one of my Mum's cupboards. Shot a few rolls with them, but they've been of mixed success!
Thanks Keith, I had some questions about a couple of original model Canonet's I found in one of my Mum's cupboards. Shot a few rolls with them, but they've been of mixed success!
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tonyhartphoto
Member
Hmm. Just seen about the Platinum Support service in the other thread. I've already registered mine using the usual method... Wonder if anything can be done. Call to the dealer me thinks!
Thardy
Veteran
That's the genius of not giving a glowing review. People figure that with it's form factor and specs that the camera has to be good, but the shooter is just not up to the task of bringing out its best.
eurotramp
Member
Interesting take, definitely a point to ponder...
willie_901
Veteran
Sparrow
Veteran
Hi Tony ... I hope you'll forgive my cynicism, given the way it's been hyped to date
tonyhartphoto
Member
Totally understandable point of view if you ask me! I've been very skeptical of things like this in the past often finding out that people I respect like Jeff Ascough, actually have an allegiance to one brand or another, so I totally understand your wariness.
Other than my 6 month anticipatory salivation over the X100 no-one else has paid me anything or nudged me in any direction. It's just me and my camera!
Other than my 6 month anticipatory salivation over the X100 no-one else has paid me anything or nudged me in any direction. It's just me and my camera!
Arjay
Time Traveller
Tony, I have a question regarding your experience with the X100:
I read the user manual, and it doesn't make any reference to an overexposure warning (blown out highlights displayed as blinking in playback mode). What kind of support does the camera offer to avoid getting blown-out highlights? Is the real-time histogram in the VF any help in that respect? How do you nail a correct exposure 'to the right' with the X100?
I read the user manual, and it doesn't make any reference to an overexposure warning (blown out highlights displayed as blinking in playback mode). What kind of support does the camera offer to avoid getting blown-out highlights? Is the real-time histogram in the VF any help in that respect? How do you nail a correct exposure 'to the right' with the X100?
shashinka-ichiban
写真家 一番
IMHO, every Fuji digital camera I have ever owned including my S2 and S2 over expose and blow out highlights. I also have found it mission critical to ensure color profile for shooting outdoors is at sRGB and not Adobe, dear lord never shoot outdoors with Adobe RGB in a Fuji.
jsnack
Newbie
Appreciate the review...but, really..all this after only 12 hours?