X100 First two weeks, some observations

[Pinphot]

I've had the X100 for a little over two weeks. In that time, I've shot around 6 editorial jobs with the camera, and so far, had 3 pics from the X100 used in 3 UK broadsheets.

On the whole, I am really happy with it, but there are a few quirks which I hope will be fixed in firmware updates.

I've been onto the technical department at Fuji UK, who have been incredibly responsive and really seem keen to take notice of user feedback, so hopefully some of the issues I have raised will be fixed in firmware.

Firstly, the camera needs fast memory cards. the buffer implementation is more akin to a point and shoot than a comparably priced DSLR for example, (which has been documented here a little bit). in that the camera won't allow for the reviewing of images or menu access until the buffer has fully written to the card. Allied to this is the rather clunky implementation of the burst shooting mode, which locks up the camera until the card has again been written too.

My next problem has been with the implementation of the AF lock on the shutter release. The camera will not hold AF after an exposure if the shutter is held down, meaning the release finger has to be released and AF reacquired otherwise the camera will focus on the background if the subject is off centre. This quirk prevents the shooting of short bursts and introduces quite a bit of lag whilst the camera reacquires AF. You can get around this by using the AF button to focus in MF shooting mode, but this introduces it's own set of quirks, the main one being that the camera does not adjust the framelines for parallax until the shutter button is pressed and does not then hold the parallax correction after the exposure. On the issue of framelines, I'd prefer it if the camera would maintain the framelines view in the finder, (and parralax correction), after exposure, rather than them disappearing until the card is written, as happens at the moment.I have a feeling this is an oversight, and will hopefully be one of the first things they fix in firmware.

The next quirk is the camera not applying universal ASA settings over all shooting modes, meaning that if I have 400ASA set in M for example, and I then shift to another mode ie P or Av, the camera reverts to the ASA setting last set in that mode, which is not neccesarily the same.

The AWB appears to work well on the whole, but I've never been particularly happy using AWB and prefer to use the presets. In a previous post, I've complained about the camera tending towards the blue/cyan in the daylight preset, which I've found hard to fix in post. Having looked at other Fuji files on Flick'r and other places from other Fuji cameras, it appears that this is the 'Fuji colour', which I'm not particularly happy with. Applying +3, (red), in the r/cy and -1, (more yellow), in the b/y WB shift menu option appears to give a much more neutral and pleasing, (to my eye and calibrated workflow), and is close enough to my Canon 5D2 files to allow the submission of files from both cameras to clients without colour matching issues.

I sometimes find the AF a bit hitty missy, in that the camera will occasionally be unreliable, even in fairly benign circumstances, rather strangely not correctly focusing on objects at infinity, (or near infinity), but DOF at those distances is usually enough to compensate. A good tip when using the OVF at closer distances, is to sometimes offset the camera slightly to the left and up a bit to compensate for the parallax between where the AF spot is in the viewfinder and where the camera is actually taking AF from through the lens. This feels a little bit like the slight reframing shift I used to do instinctively when I had an old Leica IIIa many years ago.

Regarding shooting menu parameters, I have everything set pretty much to low-colour, sharpness etc as this seems to give the most post production friendly files, rather than the sometimes slightly garish results at default settings, although this is strictly my personal preference. Rather oddly, the Provia/standard setting appears to give slightly softer more muted result than the Astia setting??

As I said above, I'm really getting to like the camera, and am learning to live with it's little foibles, (as I did with my old Contax G2's in my analogue days), and as such, am posting my observations in good faith, and as a pointer to issues I think users should be aware of rather than in any attempt to court controversy or flaming

Cheers,

Mark

 

[rover]

Thanks Mark, it is good to hear comments from someone actually using this camera.

 

[damien.murphy]

Great write-up Mark, as rover mentioned it's great to hear real user/ field experiences. It's great that Fuji are taking such feedback on board too.

 

[Keith]

So, no cat photos then? 😛

Seriously ... good write up and very good that Fuji are listening. 🙂

 

[kuvvy]

Nice to know user info even if it's not always positive. I'm liking the image quality I've seen so far though. My local dealer (in the UK) has been trying to negotiate with Fuji for stock of the X100. It's only a small local shop and at the moment he has orders for just three. Found out this morning that Fuji won't supply such a small amount and my dealer told me to try elsewhere.
Rang a few places this morning but can't find any.

 

[jsrockit]

Found out this morning that Fuji won't supply such a small amount and my dealer told me to try elsewhere.

Must be nice to turn away business. This won't last for long Fuji... and then you'll be supplying those small amounts. 😀

 

[Wadcha]

Mark,

I concur with your list and up you a list compiled from my own thoughts and others that have used the camera. If you are in contact with Fuji, I would love to have these passed on.

Best,
Chad

X100 Bugs and Anomalies

1. The view finder histogram is not referenced in the user manual. Further, it does not change with changes to shutter speed or aperture. It is only influenced by the exposure compensation knob. It does not display on a ½ press when the lens is stopped down to shooting aperture. The peak on the over exposure side is less on the viewfinder histogram than on the playback histogram.

2. When the camera is in "P" Program mode, neither the command control or command dial effects a program shift as described in the user manual on page 23.

3. Some users have complained of a random occurrence of image review during shooting with image review turned off.

4. Provia and Astia settings are switched - Shooting Provia results in softer images, while Astia gives more pop.


X100 Improvements & Suggestions

1. ND and Macro access

The novel ND filter and more standard Macro function are two features likely to be used often and thus demand better access. Currently the user must be viewing either the EVF or LCD to make changes to the settings. This throws a speed bump up in front of the user when they are in OVF mode. Since both settings have indicators on the OVF overlay, why not make them direct toggles? One push of the Macro button would automatically switch the view to EVF if you were originally in OVF. For ND the option would have to be programmed to the Fn button but the change would be instantaneous and the user would have confirmation from the "ND" icon that is currently available in the OVF.

Also, Macro setting needs permanence - currently lasts for one shot only if you hit the play button to review the image.

2. Function Button

Per item number 1, the Fn button should be contextual. Options that have simple on/off states should perform as direct toggles, not as entries into a menu system.

3. RAW Button

Love the in-camera processing, hate that it takes up a button when it should be a menu option. Let us reprogram that button Fuji!

4. AF Frame size

The AF Frame can be resized in EVF or LCD mode but the setting does not lock and will revert back to the original size when switching between finders. There should be a menu option to select the default size for the AF Frame size or at least grant permanence to the current change function.

5. Image Review / Menu Settings vs the Buffer

This is a big one. Currently the user can do a few essential things in-between shots while the image is being cleared out of the buffer and onto the card but that cannot do others. Fuji needs to move all items to the "Can" column.

Can:
• User can shoot again!
• User can change mechanical controls such as aperture, shutter speed and exposure comp
• User can view the image if the auto image review feature is selected

Can't
• Change any controls that are accessed through the menu system or rear buttons.
• Switch between displays
• Use the play button to review an image
• Zoom in on an image that has been displayed in auto image review

6. Auto ISO

When in Auto ISO, the camera displays your maximum ISO selection in the finder. So if you selected 3200, you will see "ISO Auto 3200" in the display. Once you meter your subject the display updates to reflect the auto-selected ISO speed. This methodology is slightly distracting and I would prefer to just see "Auto ISO" in the VF until the scene is metered.

Also see issue related to DR expansion below.

7. DR Expansion

This is undocumented in the X100 manual but the DR settings (100-400%) have a direct correlation on ISO. When set to DR 400% ISO is limited to 800 minimum. When set to DR 200% ISO is limited to 400 minimum. If your ISO is set below 400 the expanded DR options will not be available. And if the camera is in Auto-ISO you will find yourself shooting at 800 ISO in the sun. I guess this is not a Firmware issue as much as it is a documentation issue.

8. Hyperfocal focus setting for MF operation

I'd like to set the aperture and have the lens move to the hyperfocal for it, and stay put. Instant shutter release. That would be perfect.

9. Add auto ISo to the FN ISO list

When you press the Fn button (assuming it's still assigned to ISO) it only gives you the list 200-6400 (or 100-12,800 if you have expansion on). I'd suggest making it loop around, and add the auto-ISO as the first item in the list.

10. Improve AF speed to the extent possible (especially in low light)

11. Improve SD card write speed or accomplish all items in #5 above through multitasking.

12. Image magnification in manual focus needs to be increased or selectable by the user with options.

13. Image magnification on play back is not adequate to check focus in all situations and needs to have higher power magnification available.

 

[berlincontemporary]

I've had the X100 for a little over two weeks. In that time, I've shot around 6 editorial jobs with the camera, and so far, had 3 pics from the X100 used in 3 UK broadsheets.

Any pictures?

 

[damien.murphy]

Hmm, many of Wadcha's observations lead me to suspect Fuji is still programming functions and menus in isolation to each other. Many of your points, were things I feared might be present in the X100, given Fuji's track record in menu design. Seriously, if Fuji are listening, how hard is it to give overall responsibility of menu's to one person, so as to ensure everything works together with each other.

This sort of thing is what I've seen many times in the past with fuji compact digital cameras, where wrestling with the menus is the norm - I would have hoped for more in the X100. Not trying to be too negative here, but I would expect this sort of stuff to be tested and designed so it works seamlessly, and bear in mind I'm a tolerant amateur shooter, as opposed to a hard working, fast shooting pro..

 

[NLewis]

This is a sophisticated set of comments, reflecting a pro user and also comparison to contemporary SLRs. I think it shows that Fuji did a lot of things right with this camera, that it could be compared to SLR performance and not just dismissed as "bleh, it's basically a point-and-shoot."

For example, the X1 comes nowhere near SLR performance, my S90 walks all over it in terms of AF and other handling issues. Good lens and good files though.

 

[viramati]

Chad and Mark pretty much fit with my ideas
I would especially like to see items 6,9,4,1 and 2 ind Chad's list

1.I also find the Raw button useless and would like to see it as another fn button. Ina any case once LR3 can begin to handle the RAw file I will probably only shoot in RAW
2. I would like to be able to make the focus patch smaller when in manual mode.

I must say that after the simplicity of my Leica M9 I'm finding all of these menus and button a bit of a pain and really makes me appreciate the simplicity and clarity of the leica menus but then it is obviously a much simple camera. I had been hoping that as the X100 is a sort of leica look alike that they would have also carried on with the manual philosophy and simplicity of the the shutter and aperture controls into the menus system

 

[Wadcha]

I must say that after the simplicity of my Leica M9 I'm finding all of these menus and button a bit of a pain and really makes me appreciate the simplicity and clarity of the leica menus but then it is obviously a much simple camera. I had been hoping that as the X100 is a sort of leica look alike that they would have also carried on with the manual philosophy and simplicity of the the shutter and aperture controls into the menus system

I agree David. There is a definite learning curve to the X100 that simply isn't there with the M9 or even the X1. That said, once you spend time with it and begin to understand how the camera operates, it can be controlled very well.

The fact that there are essentially three methods of finder viewing, inherently creates a bit more complexity. I think that Fuji has done a really nice job of creating an intuitive system of viewing the OVF and then the LCD, then back to the OVF but the overall menu and function settings need some work.

I can only assume that Fuji will be quicker to update the firmware then Leica has on the X1. My guess is that we are seeing what is essentially beta firmware that was not quite ready for primetime.

 

[Wadcha]

This is an odd world we live in when we give manufacturers a pass for releasing half baked firmware with expectations that everything will be made right later.

I myself am guilty of accepting this reality...

 

[Quinn Porter]

These real world observations are far more informative than any review I've read to date.

Thanks!

 

[M4streetshooter]

You guys did a real nice job of compiling the list.
Thanks for the real nuts and bolts approach.
It's a shame that we buy products and pay good money to really be a beta tester.
I hope Fuji addresses this list and more.
Thanks again, shooter

 

[viramati]

I see that fuji have a specific email for the X100

X100@fuji.co.uk

I presume that this would be the place to send firmware update suggestions

 

[Pinphot]

Startup issues and AF driving me mad!!

Startup issues and AF driving me mad!!

Another week on, I am really loving the file quality from the X100, especially in low light.

I've still got some serious misgivings about two issues i've already touched on though.

Firstly, the startup on the camera is very unreliable. Shot a job today photographing a choral rehearsal in Hexham Abbey and the reliability of startup and wake from sleep was driving me bonkers. I'd see something fairly fleeting, bring the camera to my eye, press the shutter release to wake the camera.......and nothing. the camera wouldn't wake from sleep and would then often take several cycles of the on on off switch switch to restart, by which time i'd missed what I wanted to capture.

Secondly, the AF was very flaky. I've pretty much given up using the the camera in s-af mode because of the inability to lock focus on the shutter button without resorting to the AF lock. I was using the camera in MF mainly, and using the AF lock button to acquire focus. I'd frame the AF spot on a subject maybe 1.5m away, press the button to focus, and the distance scale would show focus at 5 metres, i'd try again, and this time it would maybe be 3m, third try, it would nail focus, (maybe). I spent the whole afternoon having this issue, fighting the AF system and missing a lot of spontaneous shots in the process. My other issue with the focus, was the camera having to use the AF light quite regularly, which was alerting the subjects to my presence and again helping to destroy any spontaneity.

I never had these problems with my Panny GF1 and 20mm, which still appears to be the gold standard contrast detect AF systems.

As i've previously mentioned, I suspect that Fuji have utilised a processor from a point and shoot, rather than the more robust systems that might be found in a midrange DSLR or the Panny GF1 for that matter.

As I said, i'm really loving the file quality from the X100 when it works, having shot much of this afternoon at 2500ASA alongside my 5D2 with an 85/1.8 at 3200, and the shots are indistinguishable from each other without some serious pixel peeping, (and I reckon the chroma noise out of the Fuji is better), but the AF and startup issues are really starting to get me down and are making what should be a fairly seamless and fluid shooting experience a chore and somewhat cumbersome and the camera is getting in the way.

I hope Fuji get a move on and fix some of these issues in firmware soon.

I'll post some images when I've sat down later to do an edit.

Cheers,

Mark

 

[Pinphot]

Focus scale misreporting?

Focus scale misreporting?

Further to my previous post above, i've just had a play around with the camera at home, and the focus scale appears to be manifesting odd behaviour. As mentioned, whilst working today, I was having issues with the camera appearing to mis-focus, requiring several attempts sometimes to get the camera focus in the ballpark. Focusing on an object across my office at around 3 1/2m this evening, the camera reports a focus distance of perhaps 2m, (patently wrong), but I still shot a frame anyway. Refocusing, the focus scale nows shows 3 1/2m which appears correct, and another frame is shot. Getting both shots into the computer and opening them in photoshop, they are both sharp, which suggests that the camera is focusing correctly, but the scale is misreporting the distance.

This is a relief in one sense, but in another is not good, as I still don't feel confident in trusting that the camera has nailed focus correctly when using the focus scale as a guide to whether AF has been correctly acquired. This also tends to set the parallax correction incorrectly if the actual focus distance is at variance from the reported distance.

I'd be interested in hearing whether this kind of behaviour is manifesting itself with any other users?

On a separate note, the postman delivered some non OEM NP95's I ordered from 7dayshop.com for the princely sum of £2.99 each this morning and they have a slightly higher capacity than the OEM battery that came with the camera, (3.7 1800mAh/6.7Wh rather than 3.6V 1800mAh/6.2Wh on the OEM item). Having charged one and put it in the camera, the startup seems much more responsive and less reluctant to wake from sleep. I'm not an electrical engineer, but is it possible that a difference in capacity of maybe 8% could make that much difference, or is it possible that the supplied battery is just not quite delivering the capacity required for the camera to work reliably?

Mark

 

[bwcolor]

This is an odd world we live in when we give manufacturers a pass for releasing half baked firmware with expectations that everything will be made right later.

I myself am guilty of accepting this reality...

This is the norm for all electronics these days. If a company waits to perfect the product, the competition has moved on to the next generation.