Fujifilm XF1 pocket camera - hands on review


ed9119

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With all the buzz surrounding the big announcements during Photokina a few weeks back , some of us might have overlooked Fujifilm's new entry.

IMHO its a direct slot-in to compete with the prosumer non-interchangeable zoom compact segment thats dominated by the Panasonic LX-7, the Olympus XZ-2 the Canon S110 and the Samsung EX2

Except that now.... Fujifilm upped the styling stakes with the XF1 ..... I cant help but love the brushed metal look paired with either a Tan or Red leather ..... and no obvious On/Off button


xf1_side.jpg


xf1_new.jpg


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The E-Fn button when pressed gives a 2nd set of controls at the Up Down Left Right set of buttons
xf1_back.jpg


OK first things first.... the Photokina press release for those of you who missed it .....

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FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the XF1, a pocket-sized premium compact digital camera. This latest addition to Fujifilm’s X-series range of cameras is due to be on sale in November this year. With its perfectly matched lens and sensor, careful attention to detail on appearance and design, and accessible technology, the XF1 extends the X series range to a much wider audience.

The XF1’s stunning retro body features a newly-developed f/1.8 FUJINON lens with a manual 4× optical zoom (25mm-100m). The 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR Processor provide the superior image quality, feel, and ease-of-use people have come to expect from Fujifilm’s X series. Compact enough to take anywhere with you, the XF1 enables you to shoot high-quality photos whenever you feel the urge. In terms of appeal, the XF1 functions equally well as an upgrade to a compact camera or as a second, “back-up” camera for the more advanced photographer.

Highly praised for their superior image quality and ease of use, Fujifilm’s X series cameras are aimed at those “passionate about photography” and currently features the award-winning X-Pro1, X100, X10, and X-S1 along with the new recently announced X-E1.

High-end design
Meticulous attention to ease-of-use and the choice of premium materials produces a stylish, high-end design for the XF1. The aluminium body is both light and durable, while the synthetic leather covering reproduces the feel of genuine leather while ensuring an improved grip. The XF1 comes in a choice of three very appealing colours: Tan, Black and Red.

Manual 4x zoom lens (25mm-100mm)
Newly developed for the XF1, the wide-angle, f/1.8 lens features a manual 4× optical zoom (25mm-100m) operated simply by twisting the zoom ring. This offers the photographer the ability to compose shots quickly and conveniently. The camera is powered on by a twist of the lens ring, and when in standby, the ring can be pushed into the body to minimise camera size and aid portability.

Stunning results in low light with f/1.8 lens
The XF1’s fast f/1.8 lens allows poorly-lit subjects to be photographed without raising sensitivity levels, keeping noise to a minimum. The slim-line lens achieves its aperture of f/1.8 with a construction that features 7 lens elements in 6 groups (four aspherical and three extra low dispersion), the first with a highly variable profile and a high refractive index, and the second an aspherical element with an extremely high refractive index. All elements are subjected to FUJINON’s unique Wide-band High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating process (developed for FUJINON broadcast-use lenses), reducing ghosting and flare for crisp results in even the most difficult shooting conditions.

Featuring a unique Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) mechanism that shifts one group of four lens elements to reduce blur, while avoiding colour shading and lost resolution at the edges of the image, the XF1 will ensure that noise levels are minimised to produce clear low-light photographs.

Other features include Macro photography at ranges as close as 3 cm, and also the opportunity to capture images using the beautiful “Bokeh” depth of field effect (for crisp subjects set against out-of-focus backgrounds) by taking advantage of the XF1’s fast lens and six diaphragm blades.

Premium high image quality with a larger 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor
Everyone can take full advantage of the superb image taking potential of the XF1 by using Fujifilm’s premium EXR Auto mode, the technology takes charge and selects the optimum settings (from 103 patterns according to the scene’s demands), making extremely high photo quality easy to achieve, with almost any subject, whatever your ability!

Adjustable sensor controls are still on offer for the more advanced photographer. The 2/3-inch, 12 million pixel EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s three switchable sensor modes (SN - high ISO and low noise, DR dynamic-range, and HR resolution) which can be selected according to the subject for bright, sharp images.

Fast AF in even dark scenes with EXR processor
With its EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR processor, the XF1 camera offers fast Auto Focus speeds even in dark scenes. The quick read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations; start-up in just 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds. Additionally, the EXR processor offers high-speed processing for hassle-free HD movie recording and burst-mode photography.

Manual feeling with new GUI
A rich assortment of multi-function controls is available to those who prefer to select camera settings manually. The main command dial simplifies the task of altering the shutter speed and aperture, while up to 6 frequently-used settings can be assigned to the expanded-function button as desired, allowing the photographer to capture the scene exactly as intended through intuitive operations performed while viewing the LCD monitor. With it s bright, 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered glass which protects from scratches, you will not be disappointed.

Artistic filters
The XF1 features a new “advanced filter” option that lets you enjoy quite different forms of photographic expression. Choose from 11 creative filters; Pop colour, Toy camera, Miniature, High-key, Dynamic tone, and six Partial colour options (shoot in B&W plus one selective colour: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple), and preview the effect of any of the filters on the LCD monitor.

Fujifilm XF1 key features list:

Pocketable premium camera available in 3 stunning colours (Tan, Black and Red)
12 megapixel 2/3” EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
Fast processing and response times
Manual 4x FUJINON optical zoom (25-100mm equiv.) and up to 8x Intelligent Digital Zoom
Manually twisting zoom mechanism for power-on and zooming
F1.8 (wide) - F4.9 (telephoto)
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
Full manual controls
3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered glass for scratch protection
Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap
Artistic effects including 11 “Advanced filters” and 5 “Film simulation modes” for additional creative expression, plus an individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots
Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording. Now also with Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing
Coordinating retro-style cases available to complement the XF1
 

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Specifications can be found here http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_xf1/specifications/

Model Name FUJIFILM XF1

Number of effective pixels*1 12.0 million pixels

Image sensor 2/3-inch EXR CMOS with primary color filter

Storage media
Internal memory (approx. 25 MB)
SD / SDHC / SDXC(UHS-I) memory card*2

File format
Still image
JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3)*3, RAW (RAF format), RAW + JPEG
(Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
Movie
H.264 (MOV) with Stereo sound

Number of recorded pixels

L : (4:3) 4000 x 3000 / (3:2) 4000 x 2664 / (16:9) 4000 x 2248 / (1:1) 2992 x 2992
M : (4:3) 2816 x 2112 / (3:2) 2816 x 1864 / (16:9) 2816 x 1584 / (1:1) 2112 x 2112
S : (4:3) 2048 x 1536 / (3:2) 2048 x 1360 / (16:9) 1920 x 1080 / (1:1) 1536 x 1536

<Motion Panorama>
360° Vertical 11520 x 1624 Horizontal 11520 x 1080
180° Vertical 5760 x 1624 Horizontal 5760 x 1080
120° Vertical 3840 x 1624 Horizontal 3840 x 1080

Lens
Fujinon 4 x optical zoom lens

Focal length
f=6.4 - 25.6 mm, equivalent to 25 - 100 mm on a 35 mm format.

Full-aperture
F1.8 (Wide) - F4.9 (Telephoto)

Constitution
6 groups 7 lenses (4 aspherical glass molded lenses included)

Digital zoom
Intelligent digital zoom approx. 2x (up to 8 x when combined with optical zoom)

Aperture F1.8-F11(Wide)
F4.9-F11(Telephoto) 1/3EV step (controlled 6-blade aperture diaphragm)

Focus distance (from lens surface)
Normal
Wide : Approx. 50 cm / 1.6 ft. to infinity
Telephoto : Approx. 80 cm / 2.6 ft. to infinity
Macro
Wide : Approx. 3 cm - 3.0 m / 1.1 in. - 9.8 ft.
Telephoto : Approx. 50 cm - 3.0 m / 1.6 ft. - 9.8 ft.

ISO Sensitivity Auto / Equivalent to
ISO 100 / 200 / 250 / 320 / 400 / 500 / 640 / 800 / 1000 / 1250 / 1600 / 2000 / 2500 / 3200 / 4000* / 5000* / 6400* / 12800* (Standard Output Sensitivity)

* ISO4000 / 5000 / 6400 : M mode or lower, ISO12800 : S mode

Exposure control TTL 256-zones metering, Multi / Spot / Average

Exposure mode Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual

Shooting modes
SP Natural Light, Natural Light & Flash, Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (Tripod), Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Party, Flower, Text, Underwater

MODE DIAL
EXR, AUTO, P, S, A, M, C1, C2, Movie, SP, Adv.

Image stabilizer Lens shift type

Exporsure compensation -2.0EV - +2.0EV 1/3EV step

Shutter speed (Auto mode) 1/4 sec. to 1/2000* sec., (All other modes) 30 sec. to 1/2000* sec.
* 1/2000 sec. at small aperture, 1/1000 sec. at full aperture

Continuous shooting

TOP
Super High : approx. 10 fps (Size M, S)
High : approx. 7 fps (Size L, M, S)
Middle : approx. 5 fps (Size L, M, S)
Low : approx. 3 fps (Size L, M, S)
*SD memory card with a class 4 write speed (4 MB/sec.) or better is recommended.
*The frame rate varies depending on the shooting conditions or numbers of frames in continuous shooting.
others
Best Frame capture :
Super High : approx. 10 fps 8 / 16 frames (Size M, S)
High : approx. 7 fps 8 frames (Size L, M, S) / 16 frames (Size M, S)
Middle : approx. 5 fps 8 frames (Size L, M, S) / 16 frames (Size M, S)
Low : approx. 3 fps 8 frames (Size L, M, S) / 16 frames (Size M, S)

Auto bracketing AE Bracketing : ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV

Film Simulation Bracketing
: PROVIA / STANDARD, Velvia / VIVID, ASTIA / SOFT

Dynamic Range Bracketing
: 100%, 200%, 400%

ISO Sensitivity Bracketing : ±1/3EV, ±2/3EV, ±1EV

Focus mode
Single AF / Continuous AF,
Manual AF (One-push AF mode included)

Focus type
TTL contrast AF, AF assist illuminator available

AF frame selection
Multi AF, Area AF, Tracking AF

White balance
Automatic scene recognition
Preset : Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White), Incandescent light, Underwater, Custom, Color temperature selection

Self-timer 10 sec. / 2 sec. delay

Flash Auto flash (super intelligent flash)

Effective range : (ISO AUTO (800))

Wide : Approx. 50 cm - 7.4 m / 1.6 ft. - 24.2 ft.

Telephoto : Approx. 80 cm - 2.7 m / 2.6 ft. - 8.8 ft.

Flash modes
Red-eye removal OFF : Auto, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro.
Red-eye removal ON : Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction & Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Red-eye Reduction & Slow Synchro.

Hot shoe - none

Viewfinder - none

LCD monitor 3.0-inch, approx. 460,000 dots, color LCD monitor, approx. 100% coverage

Movie recording 1920 x 1080 pixels / 1280 x 720 pixels / 640 x 480 pixels (30 frames / sec.) with stereo sound

Optical zoom (manual) can be used.

Photography functions

EXR mode (EXR Auto / Resolution priority / High ISO & Low noise priority / Dynamic range priority),
Face recognition, Face Detection,
Auto red-eye removal,
Film simulation,
Framing guideline,
Frame No. memory,
Histogram display,
Best frame capture,
Advanced mode (Advanced filter, Motion panorama360, Pro focus, Pro low light, Multiple exposure, Individual shutter 3D), High Speed Movie (70 / 120 / 200 frames/sec.),
Electronic level,
Advanced Anti Blur,
Date stamp,
Recording movie in the EXR
Auto mode&#65306;Automatic Scene Selection. (Auto, Macro, Landscape, Night, Portrait, Portrait+Night, Backlight Portrait),
E-fn (extended function) BUTTON CUSTOM SETTING
Playback functions Face Detection, Auto red-eye removal, Multi-frame playback (with micro thumbnail), Protect, Crop, Resize, Slide show, Image rotate, Voice memo, Histogram display, Exposure warning, Photobook assist, Image search, Favorites, Mark for upload, Panorama, Erase selected frames, RAW conversing

Other functions PictBridge, Exif Print, 35 Languages, Time difference, Silent mode

Terminal
Video output
NTSC / PAL selectable with Monaural sound
Digital interface
USB 2.0 High-Speed
HDMI output
HDMI Mini connector

Power supply
NP-50A Li-ion battery (included)
CP-50 with AC power adapter AC-5VX (sold separately)

Dimensions 107.9(W) x 61.5(H) x 33.0(D) mm / 4.2(W) x 2.4(H) x 1.2(D) in.

Weight
Approx. 225 g / 7.9 oz. (including battery and memory card)
Approx. 204 g / 7.1 oz. (excluding battery and memory card)

Operating Temperature 0°C - 40°C
Operating Humidity 10% - 80% (no condensation)

Guide to the number of available frames for battery operation approx. 300 frames CIPA standard

Accessories included
Li-ion battery NP-50A
Battery charger BC-50B
Hand strap
Lens cap
USB cable
CD-ROM (Viewer software, RAW File Converter etc.*4 )
Owner's manual
Optional accessories Li-ion battery NP-50
Battery charger BC-45W
A / V cable AV-C1
Soft case SC-XF
DC coupler CP-50
AC power adapter AC-5VX

*1 Number of effective pixels: The number of pixels on the image sensor which receive input light through the optical lens, and which are effectively reflected in the final output data of the still image.
*2 Please see the Fujifilm website to check memory card compatibility.
*3 Exif 2.3 is a digital camera file format that contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing.
*4 OS compatibility
Viewer software: Windows7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X 10.5-10.6
RAW File Converter: Windows7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X 10.5-10.7

Memory Card Capacity and Image Quality / Size
Number of images Modes Still image (L)
Number of recorded pixels 4000 x 3000 (4:3) 4000 x 2664 (3:2) 4000 x 2248 (16:9) 2992 x 2992 (1:1)
Quality JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL
SDHC memory card 4 GB 800 1260 900 1410 1060 1670 1060 1670
8 GB 1590 2520 1800 2820 2120 3320 2120 3320
Number of images Modes Still image (M)
Number of recorded pixels 2816 x 2112 (4:3) 2816 x 1864 (3:2) 2816 x 1584 (16:9) 2112 x 2112 (1:1)
Quality JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL
SDHC memory card 4 GB 1280 2460 1450 2800 1690 3260 1690 3260
8 GB 2550 4890 2880 5570 3370 6470 3370 6470
Number of images Modes Still image (S)
Number of recorded pixels 2048 x 1536 (4:3) 2048 x 1360 (3:2) 1920 x 1080 (16:9) 1536 x 1536 (1:1)
Quality JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL JPEG FINE JPEG NORMAL
SDHC memory card 4 GB 2360 4460 2620 5020 3440 5020 3090 5740
8 GB 4700 8870 5210 9980 6850 9980 6140 11410
Number of images Modes Still image (RAW)
SDHC memory card 4 GB 200
8 GB 390
Recording time Modes Movie*5
Number of recorded pixels Movie recording time
Quality FULL HD (1920 x 1080)*6 HD (1280 x 720)*6 VGA (640 x 480)*7
SDHC memory card 4 GB 37min. 47min. 1hr. 52min.
8 GB 1hr. 14min. 1hr. 35min. 3hr. 43min.

*5 Use a class 4 card or better when shooting HD movie and High speed movie.
*6 Individual movie files cannot exceed approx. maximum 29 minutes.
*7 Individual movies files cannot exceed approx. maximum 120 minutes.
 

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To turn ON/OFF the camera you'll need to turn the lens barrel anti-clockwise to Unlock it first to Standby state. A further turn switches the camera on at the 25mm (equiv) position
Unique to say the least. Practical ..... yes too but when I give it a healthy turn, it usually ends up at the tele 100mm (equiv) end of the zoom

At rest OFF mode
xf1_off.jpg


At Standby mode
xf1_standby.jpg


Fully ON and ready to shoot mode
xf1_side3.jpg
 

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HOW small is this camera ?

It fits inside my external HDD pouch with room to spare .... this camera will fit into tight jeans

z_xf1_neoprene.jpg


Camera on top of and inside my little external HDD pouch

z_xf1_on_neoprene.jpg

z_xf1_neoprene3.jpg
 

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With X'mas round the corner, more than a few ladies have quickly commented/hinted that this will go very well with their handbags

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Share a few more images taken with the camera these last couple of days

b_girl.jpg


b_bike_phone.jpg


b_step.jpg
 

im really liking the look of this camera. great review! i love the design, the looks, and that manual zoom ring. and the way it folds in makes it just a bit slimmer than my RX100 - although according to camerasize.com its just a bit wider/longer
 

i agree .... but its very flat

Anyway, feedback time:

postivies
1. very flat and jeans-pocket friendly
2. top marks in the style class
3. love the f1.8 Fujinon lens
4. very easy to understand and navigate user interface
5. able to playback WITHOUT turning the camera ON .... just press the playback button
6. I SUSPECT that the Spot Meter to be VERY narrow and truer to a near 1deg spot meter than what other manufacturers claim
7. EXR mode helps in High ISO low noise, Dynamic Range or Resolution pirority
8. All the special effects are found in the Adv setting on the dial (then hit Menu for list)
9. One of the unusual Special Effects is the SuperImpose mode where 2 images are merged into one
10. One of the coolest Special Effects is the 360deg ... YES 360degrees Panorama mode
11. Dont know how to do this but it looks promising.... 3D shooting mode

can be improved:

1. how about a firmware upgrade to include AEL choice in Fn button
2. turning On the camera sometimes leaves me at longer end of the zoom
3. if you are using the Pop Up Flash ..... keep subject within 3-4m
4. metering from dark to bright areas can be a teeny bit sluggish
5. difficulty focussing in the dark (u will need to use AF Assist lamp)
6. because of its twist On/Off nature , turning On/Off the camera is a 2 handed operation (unless you are born with a wide palm and 7 fingers )
7. lack of Wifi and/or web uploads which is what most of the current newest models in this class are offering
 

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For a small sized sensor , I wasnt expecting much from the XF1 at higher ISO but it surprised me

NO post processing and NO noise reduction applied .... just cropped off the dark areas for a panorama perspective

ISO2000 f2.0 1/17sec NO Noise Reduction or post processing applied
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cropped portion of above image
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ISO 800 F2.2 1/13sec NO NOise Reduction or post processing applied
a_bay.jpg


cropped portion of above image
a_bay_crop.jpg
 

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Sigh ........ a Fujifilm medium format rangefinder fanboy pointed me towards the recent accolades collected by Fujifilm for their Fujinon lenses


FUJINON Lens : The Quality of FUJINON Lenses is Recognized Around the World | Fujifilm Global

Fujinon has won the Emmy Award 3 times (In 2009, 2005 and 1996)

Other Awards

2003
Camera Journal Press Club Special Award

2001
Motion Picture and Television Engineering Society of Japan Award
Yoshinori Koyama, an experienced technician (lens processing) won the award for Contemporary Master Craftsman.

1999
Hi-Vision Promotion Association, Chairman's Award
FY1998 Motion Picture and Television Engineering Society of Japan Award

1998
The Japanese Society for Quality Control, Quality and Technology Award
The Society of Operating Cameramen (US), Technology Award

1996
SATIS New Technology Award
 

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