just got my X100s and haven't touched my Canon gear since. the clarity and quality in low light have introduced me to so much more shooting opportunities than my 77. great review, thanks for taking the time to make it.
Just wanted to say, I'm currently using the X100s and i couldn't be happier with it. I upgraded 5 weeks ago from my beloved X100 and have not regreted my choice since. The new camera's AF does not blow me out of the water (FW will make it even better) but the IQ and SIO performance is excellent. One thing that is a very worthwhile upgrade for me was the fixing of the aparture dance (when you shoot outdoors, there will be a big shutter delay), its not here anymore! I can fianlly zone focus!
Have not used the x-e1 yet so I can't directly compare. The X100s had a fairly good evf, nothing as good as the Sony A77. It had a bit of delay but it was good enough to be worth it. I only used it during sunny days since the back screen is better and the X100s has the optical viewfinder also. The only problem with the optical viewfinder is that it doesn't give you accurate framing and thus it is tough to focus using it.
haha, I don't blame you. But my main camera is the 5D3 so I had the two next to each other to compare. Go take a look at the Fuji X100s images I have available for download in the review article on my website, learningcameras. Even in the RAW files, 3200 ISO and 6400 ISO are super clean. I can't explain it but unless the camera is lying to me, it sure looks like the X100s really is that good...at least to my eyes. But go ahead and check it out yourself. That's why I post the RAW files.
Great question. The fact remains that the X100s is my favorite smaller camera. Still hoping that Canon puts out a new mirrorless this summer so I can use my high quality zooms if needed, but as of now, I love the X100s. But, I always end up taking the 5D3 & 24-70 when I can for the zoom range and because I find 35mm to be fairly wide for most of what I shoot so I do not use the X100s as much as I would like. It's not that it is bad, but it is still limiting. Still have not found better though.
I'm with you on the high ISO statement. It's shocking how good it is even at the very highest settings (JPG only for some reason for those two settings) - 12800 and 25600. Wow....
Tough call as they are so different. The D3200 can do more with interchangable lenses and better video options. However, the X100s will have better low light performance and is vastly more portable than even a small DSLR. If you find that the D3200 is to large to bring with you everywhere you want, I'd consider the X100s. Otherwise, the D3200 is a bit more multi purpose with interchangable lenses.
you overlooked the reason I bought this camera....the leaf shutter!!. Hi speed flash sync! And yes, as former Canon user....this little guy is fantastic.The fixed lens should inspire creativity rather than limit. The great designer Paul Rand said that the more constraints he placed on his students, the more creative they became.
it's all about how you want to photograph, i sold my d7000 and got a d600 ( heavier and bigger) + lenses, im so in love with photography that i do not mind keeping the weight with me, if portability is IMPORTANT to you then go on, but consider the x-e1 for different lenses (more shooting options), i will consider THE x100s as A COMPANION of my dslr as soon as i have funds, and it doesnt 'limit' myself with no extra lenses (for that, d600)
I have a full set of Nikons, both analog and digital, ranging form the old Nikon EM to the D3X, and the fujifilm x100s is so much nicer to use, more emotional. It also makes me think more, with its fixed lense, not to mention the fact that I dont need to think "Which lenses should I bring today? which bag should I use? Should I bring the speedlights". It is perhaps not the camera to have as your only camera, but as a complement to your pro dSLR kit, this camera is the ticket
Awesome! My jaw just about dropped when I first looked at ISO 3200 and 6400 files. I thought the camera was lying to me. There just wasn't any grain in my images. The only other cameras I have seen that clean are the Nikon D3s & D4. And thankfully, the X100s is way more portable. Enjoy it.
How is the autofocus compared to the X Pro 1 after the firmware update to make the X Pro 1 focus faster? You can get an X Pro 1 used for about $899. Big difference considering the sensor is likely the same quality and you can use those awesome Fuji X lenses that put Canon and Nikon to shame (Yes I said it)
Should I sell my d7000 for this? I want something smaller but with good results. I never carry my Nikon because it's so large and too much to carry. Any thoughts?
now that you have had the x100s for a while, do you have any new opinions about it, the big question I have is the same question you asked, do i want to pay that money for a fixed 35, I am curious what your opinion is on the best mirrorless system, camera and lenses, that you think is out today, if you factor in size, image quality, focus speed, iso performance, it is a very hard choice to make, between fuji, olympus, Panasonic, Sony, I have my 5Dlll already, but also want a smaller system
It is better in almost every way though only incrementally so. The body is very similar but just about everything has been improved. I would not be rushing to sell my X100 but it would easily be worth $200 more to pick up an X100s vs the X100
.I have huge hands. If I shoot a lot, it gets a little cramped. So I picked up a thumbs up grip and a halfcase from leicatime which has a bit of an extra grip. It also does another thing that I really like: It adds a bit of organic in the contact with the camera, reminding me that it is more than just a tool I hold in my hands, it is a paintbrush.I know the leicatime costs a lot, but man, is the quality great. I have testshot the xpro1 extensively, before settling on the x100s instead. .
I would not call it great quality, and there was a bit of delay when using it. But it was good enough for me to not mind using it at all and I am extremely happy to have it. It has been improved but the improvement is not night & day
I think when the XE2 comes out, it will be everything the X100s is, and have interchangeable lenses, but by that time, Sony might have a full frame Nex, and there will be a OMD 2, but with the news about Panasonic and fuji having a new sensor that has twice the dynamic range as the D800 sensor, if that comes out soon, no other company will be able to compete with them, Canon and Nikon will be in Trouble along with everyone else, are U using the Tamron 24/70 f2.8 vc or the Canon 24/70 f2.8 ll ?
thanks , really a great review. I am seriously considering this camera to replace my X-E1 to go with my D800E. I think I might be fine with just 35mm FOV but not very sure if this one is a better camera than my X-E1 in almost every possible way. BTW, have you really compare it vs your 5D3 at high ISO(say ISO3200) ? I don't think the X100s beats your Canon 5D3, but if it does, then it also beats my D600 hands down since the 5D3 is a bit better than my D600 at ISO3200 and onwards. thanks.
As a X100s owner. One of the best looking cameras out there. IQ very nice and nice Fuji colors. Yes focus not the greatest and in low light it just does not want to focus sometimes which is a shame as IQ is so good in low light or at higher ISO - So frustrating not to be able to lock focus in lower light. My OMD-5 and GX1 and even NEX7 do so much better in focusing in low light but X100s has the nicest IQ in low light which makes no sense. Not for beginners camera.
I have the earlier x100, but the high iso performance is staggering. As good if not better than my Nikon D700 and that was know as the, "low light monster". Brilliant camera. Considering an X-Pro2 when it comes out. Can't praise these x fuji cameras highly enough.
I really like your videos and your reviews so please don't get me wrong, but for gods sake have you ever heard of AE lock or manual exposure while making videos ? Just take a look at Fuji X100s Hands On Review & Test and tell me that that is not WAAAAAAAY overexposed. It makes other-ways great review look really amateurish.
Well x20 has way more focal length, at iso 100-400 IQ is comparable to the x100s (I've tried both) x20 has 10fps at full res compared to x100s 6fps. x20 has 1cm super macro compared to 10cm on the x100s.
For gods sake do something about those overexposed videos man! It really does make people believe that you should first learn how to use cameras and then start telling other people how to do it eh ?
just got my X100s and haven't touched my Canon gear since. the clarity and quality in low light have introduced me to so much more shooting opportunities than my 77. great review, thanks for taking the time to make it.
Got the x100s on Sunday and simply loving it. Still reading, learning and not forgetting shooting pics.
Just wanted to say, I'm currently using the X100s and i couldn't be happier with it. I upgraded 5 weeks ago from my beloved X100 and have not regreted my choice since. The new camera's AF does not blow me out of the water (FW will make it even better) but the IQ and SIO performance is excellent. One thing that is a very worthwhile upgrade for me was the fixing of the aparture dance (when you shoot outdoors, there will be a big shutter delay), its not here anymore! I can fianlly zone focus!
Have not used the x-e1 yet so I can't directly compare. The X100s had a fairly good evf, nothing as good as the Sony A77. It had a bit of delay but it was good enough to be worth it. I only used it during sunny days since the back screen is better and the X100s has the optical viewfinder also. The only problem with the optical viewfinder is that it doesn't give you accurate framing and thus it is tough to focus using it.
Really good review, mate. You answered a lot of my questions. Thanks.
haha, I don't blame you. But my main camera is the 5D3 so I had the two next to each other to compare. Go take a look at the Fuji X100s images I have available for download in the review article on my website, learningcameras. Even in the RAW files, 3200 ISO and 6400 ISO are super clean. I can't explain it but unless the camera is lying to me, it sure looks like the X100s really is that good...at least to my eyes. But go ahead and check it out yourself. That's why I post the RAW files.
Great question. The fact remains that the X100s is my favorite smaller camera. Still hoping that Canon puts out a new mirrorless this summer so I can use my high quality zooms if needed, but as of now, I love the X100s. But, I always end up taking the 5D3 & 24-70 when I can for the zoom range and because I find 35mm to be fairly wide for most of what I shoot so I do not use the X100s as much as I would like. It's not that it is bad, but it is still limiting. Still have not found better though.
Excellent, practical review.
I would like to see a comparison between the image quality and ISO of your X100s and your 5D3, keeping your 5D at 35 f2
I'm with you on the high ISO statement. It's shocking how good it is even at the very highest settings (JPG only for some reason for those two settings) - 12800 and 25600. Wow....
Tough call as they are so different. The D3200 can do more with interchangable lenses and better video options. However, the X100s will have better low light performance and is vastly more portable than even a small DSLR. If you find that the D3200 is to large to bring with you everywhere you want, I'd consider the X100s. Otherwise, the D3200 is a bit more multi purpose with interchangable lenses.
THX for this one... i love the X100S. But i didnt sell my X100... because it has an unique look on the photo side. Love both...
Great review. I have the X20. Now considering the x100s after your review.
you overlooked the reason I bought this camera....the leaf shutter!!. Hi speed flash sync! And yes, as former Canon user....this little guy is fantastic.The fixed lens should inspire creativity rather than limit. The great designer Paul Rand said that the more constraints he placed on his students, the more creative they became.
i know d3200 is just an entry level camera... but should i replace it with this camera?
it's all about how you want to photograph, i sold my d7000 and got a d600 ( heavier and bigger) + lenses, im so in love with photography that i do not mind keeping the weight with me, if portability is IMPORTANT to you then go on, but consider the x-e1 for different lenses (more shooting options), i will consider THE x100s as A COMPANION of my dslr as soon as i have funds, and it doesnt 'limit' myself with no extra lenses (for that, d600)
I have a full set of Nikons, both analog and digital, ranging form the old Nikon EM to the D3X, and the fujifilm x100s is so much nicer to use, more emotional. It also makes me think more, with its fixed lense, not to mention the fact that I dont need to think "Which lenses should I bring today? which bag should I use? Should I bring the speedlights". It is perhaps not the camera to have as your only camera, but as a complement to your pro dSLR kit, this camera is the ticket
Im considering between this cam, the sony rx1, or a leica x2.... Im leaning more towards this one though
Would you consider doing a comparison film between this and the RX1?
Awesome! My jaw just about dropped when I first looked at ISO 3200 and 6400 files. I thought the camera was lying to me. There just wasn't any grain in my images. The only other cameras I have seen that clean are the Nikon D3s & D4. And thankfully, the X100s is way more portable. Enjoy it.
How is the autofocus compared to the X Pro 1 after the firmware update to make the X Pro 1 focus faster? You can get an X Pro 1 used for about $899. Big difference considering the sensor is likely the same quality and you can use those awesome Fuji X lenses that put Canon and Nikon to shame (Yes I said it)
Should I sell my d7000 for this? I want something smaller but with good results. I never carry my Nikon because it's so large and too much to carry. Any thoughts?
now that you have had the x100s for a while, do you have any new opinions about it, the big question I have is the same question you asked, do i want to pay that money for a fixed 35, I am curious what your opinion is on the best mirrorless system, camera and lenses, that you think is out today, if you factor in size, image quality, focus speed, iso performance, it is a very hard choice to make, between fuji, olympus, Panasonic, Sony, I have my 5Dlll already, but also want a smaller system
It is better in almost every way though only incrementally so. The body is very similar but just about everything has been improved. I would not be rushing to sell my X100 but it would easily be worth $200 more to pick up an X100s vs the X100
yup yup. Main difference is the size of the sensor itself though in it. Much much larger than that of the X20.
.I have huge hands. If I shoot a lot, it gets a little cramped. So I picked up a thumbs up grip and a halfcase from leicatime which has a bit of an extra grip. It also does another thing that I really like: It adds a bit of organic in the contact with the camera, reminding me that it is more than just a tool I hold in my hands, it is a paintbrush.I know the leicatime costs a lot, but man, is the quality great. I have testshot the xpro1 extensively, before settling on the x100s instead. .
I would not call it great quality, and there was a bit of delay when using it. But it was good enough for me to not mind using it at all and I am extremely happy to have it. It has been improved but the improvement is not night & day
I think when the XE2 comes out, it will be everything the X100s is, and have interchangeable lenses, but by that time, Sony might have a full frame Nex, and there will be a OMD 2, but with the news about Panasonic and fuji having a new sensor that has twice the dynamic range as the D800 sensor, if that comes out soon, no other company will be able to compete with them, Canon and Nikon will be in Trouble along with everyone else, are U using the Tamron 24/70 f2.8 vc or the Canon 24/70 f2.8 ll ?
Fuji has a wizard that does magic to there sensor. Wish Fuji and pain would get together and make an awesome video capable camera...
how does the evf compare to the one in the x-e1?
i have a x100 and am tempted to upgrade; but if they had a 50mm equiv model too i would go for one without a thought and keep the x100. ;-)
Is it really that much better than its predecessor?
thanks , really a great review.
I am seriously considering this camera to replace my X-E1 to go with my D800E.
I think I might be fine with just 35mm FOV but not very sure if this one is a better camera than my X-E1 in almost every possible way.
BTW, have you really compare it vs your 5D3 at high ISO(say ISO3200) ?
I don't think the X100s beats your Canon 5D3, but if it does, then it also beats my D600 hands down since the 5D3 is a bit better than my D600 at ISO3200 and onwards.
thanks.
what strap are you using on this? thanks
As a X100s owner. One of the best looking cameras out there. IQ very nice and nice Fuji colors. Yes focus not the greatest and in low light it just does not want to focus sometimes which is a shame as IQ is so good in low light or at higher ISO - So frustrating not to be able to lock focus in lower light. My OMD-5 and GX1 and even NEX7 do so much better in focusing in low light but X100s has the nicest IQ in low light which makes no sense. Not for beginners camera.
I have the earlier x100, but the high iso performance is staggering. As good if not better than my Nikon D700 and that was know as the, "low light monster". Brilliant camera. Considering an X-Pro2 when it comes out. Can't praise these x fuji cameras highly enough.
0:19 nice
TOMORROW!!!!
Wow, that video is so blown out.
Very good review
I love you vids but I don't think the Fuji X100s beats the 5D3 at high ISO.
I really like your videos and your reviews so please don't get me wrong, but for gods sake have you ever heard of AE lock or manual exposure while making videos ? Just take a look at Fuji X100s Hands On Review & Test and tell me that that is not WAAAAAAAY overexposed. It makes other-ways great review look really amateurish.
Viewfinder is so good on x100s
Very good. Thank you.
Well x20 has way more focal length, at iso 100-400 IQ is comparable to the x100s (I've tried both) x20 has 10fps at full res compared to x100s 6fps. x20 has 1cm super macro compared to 10cm on the x100s.
can you say overexposed?
Overexpre...damnit! Apparently not
Love the review, but we are photo people dude...someone get this guy a scrim!
Iso monster!! :o
Hii 2024 february 13 I love my x100s😎
Your wide video shots always look overexposed? Very washed out! Great content and information though.
Uuuuh, it's not smaller than the X20...
For gods sake do something about those overexposed videos man! It really does make people believe that you should first learn how to use cameras and then start telling other people how to do it eh ?
Shake,,,shake,,hands,,,i´m like drunk now. I need an image stabilization to look at this video.
you said it, but it's not true
Why are you so overexposed? Creative choice?
Good review, terrible video!