The S Factor :: Fujifilm X100s

New from Fuji is the X100s, an update to the original X model. Fujifilm has done the opposite of what a lot of camera manufactures do by just giving the camera an S rather than naming it the X200. How many times do we see new models coming out with very minimal improvements? With the X100s, it looks like there has been a huge leap in the technology inside the camera, but very little on the outside. I'm really glad it's that way round as the the camera looks stunning!

Here are some of the new features:

  • 16.3 million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
  • EXR Processor II
  • Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF / EVF)
  • FUJINON 23mm F2 lens
  • Intelligent Hybrid AF (with the world’s fastest AF speed of 0.08 secs
  • Start-up time of 0.5 secs
  • Shutter time lag of 0.01 secs
  • Shooting interval of 0.5 secs
  • High-contrast and wide viewing-angle 2.8-inch Premium Clear LCD (460K dots)
  • Super Intelligent Flash
  • Burst shooting rate of up to 6 frames per second at full resolution (max. 29 frames)
  • Focus Peak Highlight function
  • Digital Split Image display
  • Artistic filters
  • Full HD movie recording (60fps / 30fps)

 

It's nice to see the old split screen focussing making a comeback. I have a similar thing in my Olympus OM2-n, but with a horizontal line, rather than vertical. The X100s looks like a cross between that and a rangefinder patch in the centre of the screen. I'm looking forward to trying it out. The X100s will also have the fastest focusing in it's class.

Let's hope we get an update to the X100 firmware to get an updated menu and to add a Q button function to the Raw button. While I'm on the subject of firmware, we really need a minimum shutter speed added to the Auto ISO in the X-Pro1 and X-E1. This should be a Fuji priority!