Berger Blog

By Al Statton III

Fuji FinePix X-100

This entry is an overview about my impressions from using my Fujifilm X-100 Digital Rangefinder Camera. The look, style, finish and feel of this camera is amazing! This camera has the traditional styling of the classic film rangefinder cameras. It offers the impression of rugged endurance, solid build and performance. Feels solid in my hand, is extremely capable of great photographs and is a great example of available excellence in digital photography technology.

The current trend away from a true optical view finder at times, does not allow the use of all traditional photographic techniques. A series of alternatives in technique can be a must. The photographer strives to master the art of painting with light. To do this, one must be able to see each subtle detail such as aspects of proper exposure, shadows and shades of color. This may be difficult without a superb viewfinder. The optical and hybrid viewfinder of the Fujifilm X-100 is superb. An electronic overlay is available with important shooting data. The electronic alternative is bright, as sharp as the best available, has great color and a custom selection of shooting information. This is one of the best electronic viewfinders available. The adjustment between the viewfinder modes is fairly easy (add to this an awesome in camera dynamic range)!

The photographs when properly exposed rival the best intermediate professional digital single lens reflex cameras. The color is an unmatched presentation of Fujifilm’s legacy of outstanding color reproduction. One does not have to shoot in raw, just to fix colors in software afterwards. I have several professional DSLR bodies and a Fujifilm S5 Pro. The only camera that matches the Fujifilm X-100, color wise shot for shot is the Fujifilm S5 Pro. The X-100 is a testament of a legacy of true excellence! Photos are sharp, and may be adjusted per taste. There are modes with the labels of their film style equivalent, such as Provia, Astia, Velvia and Monochrome. Easier to remember than setting 1a, 1b, II and etc (reminds me of my film days). Nice to choose a film; well done.
The Fujifilm X-100 has remarkable low light performance. I have gotten clean shots as high as ISO 2500. Depending on available light, I have shot at ISO 3200 with very little digital noise. Amazing!!!! It out performs many of my earlier DSLRs. It appears to have not yet been equaled in the “Point & Shoot” arena. The APS “C” sensor raises the bar.
The lens is sharp, settings on the ring are easy and focus is great. The shutter settings on top are clearly marked. Exposure compensation settings also are clearly marked.

The “FN” button is out of the way of my fingers and can be reasonably set; I keep it at the default of “ISO”. The rear controls are brightly and clearly marked. The screen of the rear monitor in my opinion is among one of the best. With the electronic data variations, many custom user settings are available.
The photographic file sizes can be very large. Processing of raw images can be slower than the current digital single lens reflex cameras. Combinations such as raw plus fine may slow the camera from shot to shot. The camera has performed very well for me with the following scenes: fine art, landscape, cameos, portraits, still life and available light.
The accessories I use are an extra NP-95 battery from Promaster, the adapter ring, lens shade, 49mm multi-coated UV filter and circular polarizing filter. These allow the most flexibility and creativity when using this fine camera.
This camera is an advanced photographic instrument. There are not any presets or icons for general use. I would suggest this camera for the advanced photographer, photography student and professional photographer. There are automatic settings; however, this camera should be explored to be fully appreciated.
Due to the outstanding quality and colors of the photographs, post processing is enjoyable in Adobe Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5. The use of the outstanding NIK Software Filter Suite only further enhances photos, limited only by the vision of the photographer. This camera as well as being a welcome challenge, is a pleasure to use and an outstanding addition to my photographic tool collection.