DxOMark recently released test data for the FuiFilm Finepix X100 and it show the new APS-C sensor Fujiflim developed for the X100 is an excellent performer.
DxOMark Comparisons
Putting the X100’s performance in perspective compare its DXoMark test results (shown in the images below this article) to the best current APS-C DSLR, the Pentax K5, and a leading compact digital camera with a 4/3 sensor, the Olympus EP2. The results summary chart below shows the X100’s imaging sensor approaches the Pentax’s, and is clearly superior to the Olympus.
For a compact digital camera the X100’s low light performance is impressive, with a DxOMark score in this category double that of the Olympus EP2. FujiFilm in the X100‘s specifications suggest the X100 has an expanded ISO range while DXO Mark only tested the normal ISO range, this would make the X100’s score even better.
The new 12 megapixel APS-C size digital sensor is large for a such a compact digital camera. Fujufilm say they overcame the problem of excessive light fall off in the corners of the digital sensor. Digital sensors work best when the light comes straight into the photo receptors inside the sensor. The normal design solutions are to use small sensors, bad for image quality, or to increase the distance between the back of the lens and the sensor, meaning a bigger camera.
Fujifilm say they achieved this with a combination of sensor and lens design. Possibly one reason why the X100 does not have a zoom lens, or interchangeable lenses, as the designers tried to maximize the distance between the rear of the lens and the X100’s digital imaging sensor.
Another interesting DXOMark comparison is pitting the Fuji X100 against a real range finder digital camera, the Leica M9, and representative of the small sensor range finder look alikes, the Canon G10. Surprisingly the X100’s APS-C sensor outscored the Leica’s full frame sensor in the DxoMark tests. Not bad for a camera costing about a fifth of the Leica. Of course the Leica does have interchangeable lenses available.
The Finepix X100 has a dramatic advantage over the Canon G12, especially in less than perfect conditions with better dynamic range and a huge advantage in low light.
X100 Body and Optical Viewfinder
The Finepix X100’s design evokes thoughts of traditional excellence in compact cameras with its Leica look styling. Reinforcing the retro rangefinder styling the designers gave the X100 solid metal tops and bottoms and real metal adjusting and selector knobs.
Completing the rangefinder analogy the X100 has an optical viewfinder in the same position and style as the optical viewfinder of a rangefinder camera. However, in the Finepix X100 the viewfinder has no optical focusing functions. The X100 relies on current digital autofocus technology for the main focusing operation. It is possible to manually focus the X100 using the distance scale on the lens, or relying on the electronic view.
Relying on the Autofocus system is not significant drawback as most photographers use AF most of the time. With the moderate wide angle 23mm focal length of the Fujinon lens ( 35mm in 35mm film equivalent view) there is generous depth of field at common subject distances.
Fujifilm gave the X100‘s optical viewfinder a shot of innovation that allow sit to display comprehensive camera settings along with exposure information superimposed on the optical view, just like a heads up display on a modern jet fighter.
Photographers also have the option of shutting the front of the optical viewfinder and turning it into an electronic viewfinder displaying the through the lens view in the viewfinder.
The X100 is a similar size to the slim Olympus EP-2, the main difference is that it is 5.3cm deep compered tot the Olympus at 3.5 cm. This is the compromise necessary to enable the use of the larger digital sensor
Fixed Wide Angle Lens
The Fujifilm Finepix X100 comes with a fixed 23mm focal length lens harking back to a time before zoom lenses. Classic rangefinders relied prime lenses that offer compact size with wide maximum aperture and the X100’s Fujinon lens has a maximum aperture of f2 to help in low light conditions, or offer shallow depth of field as an option for the creative photographer.
The Fujinon 23mm lens offers the view equivalent to 35mm lens on a film SLR which many photographers find is an excellent choice for everyday photography. The wide angle of view is ideal for group portraits and scenery yet still capable of rendering a pleasing single portrait.
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