But one of my favorite cameras at that time was the Konica Hexar with comparable optics, comparable stylish appeal and had the same size as the X100. That is why I hear at this point, to find fault, but also because the X100 in contrast to the aforementioned Olympus μ and Yashica T4 has easily set dials for aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation, which is why they - looking back on the analog era - rather Konica Hexar must be compared with the same size, by the X100 in their technical capabilities (shutter speed, integrated neutral density filter, configuration options, etc.), but significantly topped.
The lens of the X100 is beyond any doubt. At aperture 2.0 already impressive sharp (if the focus is correct), it is sharp even at f 2.8 up to the corners and tops even some current prime lenses for DSLRs. The low noise of the sensor is impressive. For noise reduction at the lowest setting, the noise at high ISOs looks more like film grain and interfere (me) not.
The movies (720p / 24fps) was unfortunately integrated rather neglected by the developers, although the camera can make not only nominally but also visually high-resolution movie recordings. The AF focuses during filming not at close range (up to 1.5 m)! The MF is not an option, because it must be set before the picture and can not be tracked (the tackernde stepper motor of MFs would the soundtrack also make useless). After all, you can take the MF to focus at close range (but the sharpness just not tracking). The taking into account you can even film with the X100, an adequate substitute for a video camera but it is not and should unfortunately not be: The manual required to explain the film function as much space as the explanation of how to attach the strap is ...
When shooting in AF mode Aperture 2.0 should be avoided beyond the critical range (below 1.5 m) because the AF even when completely trouble-shooting situations for pumping tends and the maximum aperture when shooting in any case considerably "softer" than when shooting acts, no longer has much to do with HD. A similar soft image gets any way in PAL film end and MPG2 recording camera - good cameras can even without sharpness pumps.
Why the same film simulation (Provia / Velvia / Astia) filming each must have a significantly harder contrast and greater color saturation than the photos taken under the same conditions, do not open up to me. And the H264-compressed clips are packed just in a Quicktime container (MOV), like happy Mac user - but that should be the only ones.
One highlight, however, is that despite the fixed focal length of 35 mm (KB equivalent) while filming a short telephoto (105mm KB) is available by without auflösungsverminderndes "digital zoom" of pixel binning (combination of several sensor pixels to a recorded pixels) on Non- is pixel binning switched, ie the sensor pixels are in the Telematic 1: 1 to receive by just one part of the sensor (ie, the middle 1280x720 pixels) is used, which has neither the noise nor increased degradation result, which proves the pixel binning no advantages, but only a technical solution is to bring the resolution of "multi-megapixel sensors" on the lower film resolution.
What is now to think of the movie function of X100? With the same focus distance and aperture at from 2.8 it is very useful, but can not replace a real videocam.
Some critics were put out since the announcement of the price at its height. These people may simply try it to find a APSC DSLR with 23 / 2.0 or 24 / 2.0 at the same price. The only alternative would be a Micro Four Thirds Panasonic 1.7 / 20, but not the free garaging of Fujinon 2.0 / 23 who X100 and it also visually not the water can range (haptic anyway), any more than the half as large sensor, but nevertheless has an image stabilizer. Sony has now launched a similar fixed focal length to its mirrorless APS mini cams on the market - the price of a X-100. Only Sony service must pay the camera separately. ;-)
CRITICISM
- No image stabilizer (1/30 already requires a steady hand, 1/15 is critical, 1/8 gambling)
- Camera is not waterproof and dustproof (Pentax creates in its DSLRs the same price range)
- AF measurement is when working with selective focus (large aperture) often times next
- Menu / OK button is "fiddly", ie with the thumb is not safe to operate, since one thereby easily operated, the four-way rocker, you have to take the camera away from the eye to use the fingernail
- ISO Auto hidden deep in the menu instead of directly into the ISO setting
- No lens hood supplied; totally overpriced separately sold Lens Hood LHX100 but vignetting in principle anyway the lower right corner of the EVF
- Use of filters and lens hoods only with optional filter adapter AR-X100 or step-down adapter possible
- Parallax appears separately for light frame and AF area. Why are bright-line frame and AF point instead appears not equal parallaxenkorrigiert? (Had no higher technical effort.)
- Panorama function (Motion Panorama) fails regularly on some subjects (diagonal in the picture), but has anyway a reduced vertical resolution (1440 pixels). This can be circumvented with still images that you composed any one Stitcher classic with Photoshop's Panoramic function or. This point is not really a drawback, because the function is merely a gimmick.
- AF assist lamp too close to the lens, is shadowed may (Lens Hood)
NOTES TO CRITICISM
Missing image stabilizer and missing leaks were of course known in advance and are not included in the rating.
The Image Stabilizer I miss not really, because the camera is turned down even with noise reduction very little noise or the existing noise does not bother - it has more film grain character.
The lack of water and dust proofing is really bad with this camera as it is a take-along camera because of their size and the fast lens and the low noise invites not only for night photography, but also in general for taking pictures in low light, as in bad weather is the case.
BTW
You do not need the original Fuji-flash (EF-20 provides too little for the money), but can also use non-system automatic flashes. In the case one sets aperture / ISO on the flash and the same values on the camera and the automatic flash take care of the amount of light. However, test shots to determine a correction factor may be recommended.
CONCLUSION
My aforementioned criticisms resulting from my claims to dedicated photo and film equipment and are "grumbling at a high level". The X100 is a top camera and I do not regret a Euro, I paid a few months ago as "early adopters" for them, even if they can not replace a DSLR, not a good video camera and no pocket suitable Compact. The jack of all trades, there are just not (yet), but the X100 already covers many claims, and who can live with compromises, not only happiness is a step closer, but can be happy with the X100.
