A Fuji X100 review made by a GH2 owner (First X100 on Amazon for $4,000)
I just noticed two things on Amazon. First a third party reseller is trying to cheat you by selling the Fuji X100 for….$4,000!!! Click here to see that on Amazon. The second news is that a current Panasonic GH2 owners posted a Fuji X100 review made from a m43 user perspective (Click here to read the full review on Amazon). You might be interested to hear what he thinks!
“The GH2 was my first exposure to an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and despite its real limitations when working in sub-optimally lighted conditions, I appreciated the ability of the EVF of the GH2 to display information that an OVF could not display. I decided to add a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and 14mm f/2.5 lens and was happy with the resulting setup which was even more compact and lighter than my Nikon D3100 and 35mm f/1.8G DX lens. While the image quality of the Nikon D3100 was still better than the GH2, the smaller lighter size of the GH2 and its excellent video capabilities made it my choice for many situations.
Then came the Fujifilm X100. Combining the small compact size of the GH2 and its compact prime lenses plus incorporating the advantages of both the optical viewfinder of the D3100 and the electronic viewfinder of the GH2, I became seriously interested in the X100. The fact that the lens was not interchangeable was not an issue for me as the X100 lens is a 23mm f/2.0 – the perfect focal length as far as I was concerned. The 35mm equivalent of 35mm would have been my favorite focal length with the D3100 and the GH2 but neither Nikon nor Panasonic makes a compact and light prime lens that has a 35mm equivalent focal length of a 35mm. That the X100 lens was also a fast f/2.0 lens was definitely an ace in favor of the X100. While cleaning the sensor of my D700 , I realized another reason why the non-interchangeable lens nature of the X100 was a non-issue. With a non-removable lens, the X100 will likely not need any sensor cleaning at all, I happily realized. Yes!
Viewed sideways, the X100 was considerably smaller and thinner than the D3100 with the 35mm f/1.8GDX lens and still substantially thinner than the GH2 with the 20mm f/1.7 lens. The X100 wins against the two others on this point.
The GH2 ranks lower than the X100 and D3100 in image quality and with the X100 being thinner and having both OVF and EVF and with my preferred focal length lens, the X100 is now my first choice for a small and light compact camera.”
P.S.: The first non asian Fuji X100 is sold by the French dealer Selecttoy on eBay (Click here). Hope this is a good sign that the X100 will be soon in Stock in eruopean and american stores too.
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Recent comments
Comment from che: glad to see we worked things out.
Yeah L...
Comment from DRooster: I don't think that "reviewer" owns an X1...
Comment from the other Rob: LED's are the future of lighting not com...
Comment from WT21: I guess I was a bit testy, but if you wa...
Ranger 9
2 years ago |So, we learn from the Amazon review that the X100 is better than the GH2 or DSLR as long as you don’t mind the fact that it doesn’t have interchangeable lenses.
This is a bit like saying that prussic acid is a delicious light beverage as long as you don’t mind the fact that it kills you instantly.
Memo to Amazon reviewer: They’re completely different categories of camera, gadgetboy. Wise up or bug out.
WT21
2 years ago |Using the X100 is like drinking prussic acid??? A little over the top.
Comparing apples to oranges was the reviewers POINT! He had been using two different bodies with a moderate-wide prime, and this one really nails it. Guess what — until the X100, there were no other choices, so this is a very valid review. If you are looking for the same things as this reviewer, then the reviewer is saying, you can drop your Can/Nikon/Pan/Oly and get the Fuji.
In other words, he was forced to use an orange all this time, and finally someone made an apple! So, in this case, comparing apples to oranges is helpful for others who want the apple.
I, for one, need an interchangeable system, but it was still a pretty good review for Amazon.com (i.e. not a photog site).
Tobias W.
2 years ago |I partially agree.
There’s still the smaller MFT bodies with the viewfinder being optional.
In fact, I use an E-PL1 with the 20mm (which is perfect normal focal length on MFT). I have both the VF-1 and VF-2, both very usable with the E-PL1. That combination is smaller and lighter than the X100.
I am not 100% decided whether I am going to get the X100. It depends on the performance of the lens. The Panasonic 20mm seems to be a better performer from all the reviews and sample images I have seen so far.
Aaron Martin-Colby
2 years ago |It’s a tough call. I don’t own the camera but I do know the local camera shop guy. He got in an X100 about a week ago (I think he’s decided to keep it). I came back to take shots of it compared to my GF1.
I shot RAW, NR:-2 on the GF1 and JPEG on the X100 and I’d call the lenses comparable. The X100 is much softer at the edges while wide open than most of the test images that I’ve seen online indicate. It’s still very smooth and pleasant, and lord knows, the 20mm is mighty soft at the edges at F1.7. Moreover, distortion is much lower on the X100, which gives it a fundamental advantage with corner resolution.
There is nothing wrong with the lens that would make you reject the camera, essentially.
frank
2 years ago |“until the X100, there were no other choices”, well I have been using my GF1 with the viewfinder and 20/1.7 which seems to be an excellent “other choice” for this type of camera
WT21
2 years ago |Can’t have it both ways. Can’t have Ranger 9 saying “they’re completely different” and Frank saying “they’re the same” — which is it?
MikeS
2 years ago |It’s just like drinking prussic acid. Think about it: just as the name suggests, people who ingest an X100 die almost 100% of the time.
Mr. Reeee
2 years ago |$4.00? Wow, I’ll take 2!
(Admin that should be a comma after the 4)
Price gouging isn’t uncommon for hard to find items.
Some Amazon reseller was asking $2500 for GH2s around Xmas.
Trevor
2 years ago |In most of Europe, it’s a period.
admin
2 years ago |I am used to use a point because I am european. Thanks for your correction
GreyOwl
2 years ago |I wonder if there is an ISO Standard for using a point or a comma?
GreyOwl
2 years ago |$4000 + $7.99 shipping!!!! This seller is either a fool or there is a typo………… $4000 as a typo makes no sense. I’m lost for words…….
Ulli
2 years ago |it should be $4000, free shipping, then i would consider it
Pan
2 years ago |I dunno……. personally, I’ve got a real boner for the long-end of the focal length, I love to shoot at long focal lengths and bringing the distance to me and using that as a frame of reference and making cool, un-natural shots, so staying at the single, wide angle can get real boring real fast!
rik
2 years ago |“With a non-removable lens, the X100 will likely not need any sensor cleaning at all, I happily realized. Yes!”
This person is going to be very sad when: 1) their sensor does get dust on it; 2) they can’t just remove the lens to clean it; and 3) will have to send it in to the factory repair center and wait several weeks to get their camera back.
WT21
2 years ago |I thought about that, too, when I read the review.
RW
2 years ago |Seems like a well-balanced and reasonable review by a reviewer who owns and uses cameras in full frame, m43, and DX formats. He primarily shoots with a single prime when he uses his D3100, so interchangeability isn’t really an issue to *him*. Your mileage may vary.
I don’t see anything slanted or fanboy-ish about his review – he is just stating his personal observations and comparing the X100 to other cameras in his stable. That sort of real world comparison is just what I like to read in a review – I find that infinitely more useful and informative than 100% crop pixel peeping and discussions of
obscure functions that I will rarely use.
YouDidntDidYou
2 years ago |I really really don’t understand why former Canikon owners find it difficult focusing in low light with the LCD screen its so damn easy…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/youdidntdidyou/5319847507/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/youdidntdidyou/4998284313/
btw I have never had to clean the sensors on my 4 four thirds cameras in 3 years of constant use and very frequent lense changes.
btw there is no such thing as a “perfect focal length”
Ulli
2 years ago |the 2nd link is an awesome shot!
CW
2 years ago |Agreed, that this was a balanced and reasonable review. As someone who has owned multiple m4/3 cameras (a GF1 and E-P2 with EVFs), I’m almost afraid to post something positive about the X100 at the risk of being flamed by the m4/3 community.
I totally GET that many m4/3 owners bought into the “system” component of the platform and that they are depending on it for all of their photographic needs. And that is great! It is a terrific system. But people need to be aware that there are a multitude of other m4/3 owners who bought in on the simple basis of size vs. quality and have never put anything other than the Oly 17mm or Panny 20mm lenses on their cameras in order to keep the size down.
Now here comes the X100 with better IQ, an amazing hybrid viewfinders, manual controls, compact size, and is built like a tank – all at around the same price I paid new for my E-P2 kit with the EVF. For me it was a no brainer.
Is the X100 for everyone? Of course not, but I’m tired of hearing people denigrate it as a poor purchase decision compared to m4/3.
WT21
2 years ago |You’re hanging around the wrong m43 communities, if positive X100 comments are made.
I don’t know if you’re mainly talking about DPR, but I gave up posting there a long time ago. There are better, more friendly and moderated sites out there.
John
2 years ago |“There are better, more friendly and moderated sites out there” such as (no sarcasm intended, i’m interested)
WT21
2 years ago |mu-43.com (m43 dedicated)
seriouscompacts.com (for all compact shooters)
Actually, they are affiliated sites, but they are moderated, and the folks are respectful there. There’s also e-p1.net, though I haven’t visited there in a while.
I am not affiliated with the sites. I just enjoy going there.
Jadakiss
2 years ago |What is the focal length of the X100 in 35 mm terms?
MikeS
2 years ago |35mm
Jadakiss
2 years ago |Thanks
John
2 years ago |… sorry wrong reply button
Jadakiss
2 years ago |Are there any wide-angle, telephoto or macro adapters that will work with the X100?
Dummy00001
2 years ago |> A Fuji X100 review made by a GH2 owner
And how is the opinion of a Nikon shooter about non-43/m43 camera is relevant to this site?.. Oh wait, nvm.
P.S. All forums are filled with the X100 stuff. I got bored of it weeks ago. Admin, I vote for a short term ban (1-2 months) on the X100 spam. (Review? – yes, please.) Unless of course it is greatly helping the unique visitor counter
Ahem
2 years ago |/signed on the bored of X100 stuff. Especially on a site which I would hope is concentrated on 4/3s and MFT – site being named 43rumors and all that.
Besides, I don’t get the enthusiasm for X100 since it has proved to have underwhelming IQ and has poor UI. Oh and the outrageous price.
admin
2 years ago |To me it looks like most of the people here is interested to hear what a GH2 owner thinks about the most popluar camera of the year. Just skip that post if you don’t like that. 98% of all posts are m43 related. If you blame me for the 2% than I don’t know what to say
Bob Bowné
2 years ago |I don’t have a problem with this posting on the site. There is a lot of interest in this camera. Ahem has his facts WRONG about the X100. It is well made, great idea, with very good image quality, with some caveats that are SIGNIFICANT…not my cup of tea though. To limited at that price. Fixed lens.
I will agree with Ahem though, I am REALLY getting tired of all the hype with this camera. If it had interchangeable lenses I could see this much excitement, ….that could be a game changer…but not this..with some obvious awkward problems with its basic functioning that will irritate its targeted audience. Surprised Fuji didn’t work out the bugs on this before it released the camera…..
If Fuji can work out the “awkwards” and deliver a similar camera with interchangeable lenses..then I would gladly pay $1200 just for the body with only an optical viewfinder. (hybrid probably isn’t possible).
CW
2 years ago |Not sure what review or user comments you’ve been reading but I assure you the IQ is best in class, the UI does have its eccentricities and the price is not outrageous by any means.
I’ve shot one for about a week and I have a similar view of the camera as Michael Reichmann over at LL.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/fujifilm_x100_test_report.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/fuji_x100_follow_up.shtml
Here are his final words from the X100 follow-up:
There clearly are some frustrating aspects to the X100. But, it would be dead wrong to suppose that the negatives outweigh the positives. Far from it. The image quality from this camera is nothing short of exceptional. Not just for a compact camera, but for any type of camera. And the innovative OVF / EVF is a real pleasure to use most of the time. The camera’s build quality is first-rate, and one feels that this is a picture making tool that will be in ones possession for some time – unlike so many camera purchases that simply become the flavour of the month.
For all its flaws (mostly fixable with a firmware update, if Fujifilm cares to) the X100 is definately a keeper!
WT21
2 years ago |Because of the issues with Japan just trying to survive, I am sure this is going to be a very slow rumors season. That’s why so many X100 posts (proportionally). Not much you can do about it, really. If you don’t like the boards, then go take photos instead (unless, like me, you use the boards to escape work!)
admin
2 years ago |Dummy. You are trying to cheat me
He is a Nikon AND Panasonic GH2 shooter. By omitting that in your comment you revealed the intention to discredit me.
Ahem
2 years ago |It’s not “cheating” to ask for an outrageous price when both parties agree to the terms and there’s no other shenanigans. Just because someone asks for the price doesn’t mean you have to pay it. It might bold or gouging, but it’s not cheating.
Jonathan
2 years ago |What a useless review.
For someone who owns and talks about a lot of other cameras, he provides very little actual comparison with the X100 which is what we really want to know.
His review breaks down into paragraphs like this:
- I have a lot of cameras
- I got the X100 5 days ago
- I don’t like compacts
- 2 paragraphs of waffle
- X100 has a 23/2 non-interchangeable lens
- The X100 is smaller than an SLR
- The X100 is a bit soft wide open, but generally better than the D3100 + 35/1.8*
- 4 paragraphs of waffle
- The X100 has better high ISO performance than the D3100*
His writing style is good, but as it drew on longer and longer it became obvious how little substance there is. He only made 2 actual comparisons to a D3100 (marked by * above) and didn’t say anything about:
- How does it compare to the D7000? Even the D700?
- How does it handle?
- Real-world example of how the compact size got you a great shot you otherwise wouldn’t have gotten with an SLR?
- Any difficulties coping with just a single focal length?
WT21
2 years ago |But it is, after all, an Amazon review, not on DPR or DCResource of anything.
Man, it’s SO slow with rumor news that we’re all (myself included) posting and ruminating over an Amazon.com review. Sometimes all you get over there is “I liked it” and that passes as a review!
che
2 years ago |Just to help on the price naming i think you should go either like 1800 or 1800,00 i just hate imperial system and other great american inventions
sorry this is not political its just that much greater percentage of countries use metric (which is international btw) system.
Also i would like Canon to stop naming its products in 3 (THREE) different ways (SO STUPID)
WT21
2 years ago |So, Che, do you think the US invented the IMPERIAL system??? Might want to Google that (or check out Wikipedia), and also brush up a bit on your world history. One hint — the IMPERIAL system was invented by a country who, at the time, had an EMPIRE. Let us know what you come up with!!!
(p.s. if you want to hate truly American inventions, then try the lightbulb. Get rid of all those light bulbs the nasty Americans invented).
atze
2 years ago |already happened :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/3174452/Traditional-lightbulbs-banned-by-EU.html
che
2 years ago |Sorry if i offended you, didnt mean too (i guess with my tone it was inevitable). I know my history…and the problem is why you sticked with it if the english invented or are stuck using it doesnt mean you have to (you dont drive on the right side do you).
btw with a lightbulb problem (the new ones) i think they are just stupid and they are not eco at all, they cost more, they have mercury (and they had a nerve to ban mercury batteries), in my opinion they dont live more and you cant use Potentiometer to fine tune the otput of them. So my vote goes to traditional lightbulbs. Im sorry for this heavy offtopic.
WT21
2 years ago |I guess I was a bit testy, but if you want to say Americans are stubborn and pig-headed, well, I’ll agree with that. I was just simply reacting to the comment of “another great American invention.”
I agree with you on the lightbulb bit, too. And it’ll wreak havoc on white balance for us photogs!
the other Rob
2 years ago |LED’s are the future of lighting not compact fluorescents.
che
2 years ago |glad to see we worked things out.
Yeah LEDs are cool but still too expensive in Europe and quite not so DIY friendly. I’ll stick with normal lightbulbs for now. I remember when i got my first daylight lightbulb i liked it so much for working on drawings and paintings but now i cant stand the cool tone of it when its night, during the day as a fill for daylight its second to none i think.
Arid
2 years ago |Why does he bother saying there is no 35mm equivalent lens made by Panasonic? Olympus make the 17mm, which is 34mm equivalent and completely usable on Panasonic cameras. If the lack of a 35mm equivalent lens was a reason for him to go with X100 then he made the decision based on ignorance.
Jacob
2 years ago |what about optical zoom? is that missed with a fixed lens?
i’m aware that’s how rangefinder-typed cameras are but would like to know how it compares with the versatility of ILC when one is used to be able to stick on different lenses. perhaps for the x100, u just crop the images in post pro then.
Björn Utpott
2 years ago |Great to see the X100 getting so much attention. Hopefully that will spur Panasonic and Olympus into creating competing ILCs; compact, high quality bodies with integrated EVF aimed at the serious photographer. In the meantime, I’ll use my GF2. Only 20g more than the X100 and I have a compact kit with two focal lengths; the 14/2.5 and the 20/1.7. Sure there are differences in IQ, even after taking the 1/2 stop faster maximum aperture of the 20/1.7 into account for low light shooting. But for me, the IQ of the 4/3 sensor is sufficient.
Hiplnsdrftr
2 years ago |Sorry to bum you guys out, but people will be talking about it, comparing other cameras to it for years to come.
admin
2 years ago |+1
GreyOwl
2 years ago |+2
DRooster
2 years ago |I don’t think that “reviewer” owns an X100, something – well, lots – about the writing style and content makes me think it is simply a wishful spammer.