Fujifilm X100F: Best Compact Camera


Fujifilm X100F is an excellent compact camera. This small camera has three alternatives: Single, Zone, and Wide following. The X100-series cameras have been very popular since they were introduced to the market and the X100F is the fourth iteration of the product. Sporting a 24.3 MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, a fast X-Processor Pro image processor, an improved 91-point AF system and an updated button layout with joystick autofocus control for easier AF point selection, the Fujifilm X100F is the most refined camera of the series. I had a chance to test out the Fuji X100F earlier this year for a few months when traveling to Morocco and Uzbekistan, so I decided to write this review based on my field experience.

Since it took over two years for Fuji to release the X100F, it was a much-anticipated release, with many existing X100-series owners wanting to upgrade to a worthy successor (especially those who owned the first and second-generation cameras). The camera has seen quite a few changes overtime, but the differences between the X100F and the X100T were not all that drastic. The 16.3 MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor was upgraded to 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III with an expanded ISO range of 200-12,800. The processor was upgraded to the latest X-Processor Pro for faster processing, faster continuous shooting of 8 fps and quicker autofocus calculations. The autofocus system was updated from 49 points to 91 total AF points, while the menu system also saw slight changes and improvements. However, the biggest changes, as I detail further down below, were delivered ergonomically. These changes aren’t as subtle as some of the feature differences, impacting the way one uses the camera in the field. Let’s take a look at these differences in more detail.

Camera Construction and Handling

Thanks to the magnesium alloy top and bottom covers and overall solid build, the Fuji X100F is a camera that is built to last. Although I wish the whole shell was made out of magnesium alloy like on some other Fuji cameras like the Fuji X-Pro2, it would have certainly added to the weight of the camera. Instead, Fuji used a plastic shell for the middle section and covered it with high-quality synthetic leather.

The overall look of the camera has been getting some facelifts from generation to generation and while the X100F certainly looks similar to its predecessors, some of the buttons and dials have been re-arranged. Arguably, the front of the camera has seen the least amount of changes overtime, with slight changes here and there and the addition of the front command dial on the latest X100F. The top of the camera has also seen minimal changes, with the exception of the added ISO function to the shutter dial (ISO can now be changed by lifting, turning and dropping the outer part of the dial), as well as the updated exposure compensation dial with a new “C” position that allows up to ±5EV of compensation.

The back of the camera is where the X100F stands out from the rest of the X100-series cameras. Fuji decided to move the key function buttons such as “Playback” and “Trash” from the left of the LCD to the right, while the “View Mode” button has been moved up to the top magnesium alloy panel. In addition, the “Drive” button has been moved as the top button on the four-button control pad, while the “AFL / AFL” button has been moved up to roughly where the “Drive” button used to be. To make it a consistent experience with other Fuji cameras, the “Q” (Quick) button has also been moved to the right of the camera.

For me, the most important change in the X100F design is the addition of the joystick for quicker autofocus point selection. This is one important feature that I wish every camera had from the get-go – I cannot stress how important it is for one to be able to quickly move a focus point towards the subject in a timely and convenient manner. The updated layout and refinements, along with the joystick are the two main reasons why I would personally upgrade to the X100F from the previous-generation X100-series cameras. These changes make a big difference in the way one uses the camera.

The stylish retro design of the camera is certainly one of the factors that attract so many people to the Fuji X100F. Having a similar look like old film rangefinders / compact SLRs, the Fuji X100F is a very appealing instrument with a unique “character” to it. Sadly, not something we see in modern mass-produced cameras anymore. I strongly believe that if it was not for this stylish retro design, the X100 line probably would not have been nearly as successful. The X100-series cameras have that “Leica” look in them, certainly grabbing the attention of those that appreciate such fine tools. I am particularly fond of the silver version of the camera. When using it in the field, I was approached a number of times by other people, who asked what I was shooting with.

Pros

  • High-quality images
  • Impressive feature
  • Autofocus mode
  • Comes with a viewfinder
  • In-lens ND filter
  • 1/4000s High Shutter Speed
  • 12.800 Max ISO
  • Timelapse Recording

Cons

  • Heavy to carry
  • No touch screen
  • Face detection is not reliable

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