FUJIFILM X100: A Welcomed Hybrid
Conceptually speaking, hybrids have enabled companies to offer an approach to design that enabled it to be progressive without alienating users with design and aesthetics that could potentially be lost on the consumer. In the case of the FUJIFILM X100, the Japanese camera maker offers an aesthetic that has many reminiscent of their original vintage cameras all while incorporating the latest in hybrid viewfinder design with an optical and electronic viewfinder. We take a look at one of this year’s most anticipated cameras as well as having select people contribute their own thoughts in a series of Q+A segments.
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FUJIFILMFinePix X100Conceptually speaking, hybrids have enabled companies to offer an approach to design that enabled it to be progressive without alienating users with design and aesthetics that could potentially be lost on the consumer. In the case of the FUJIFILM X100, the Japanese camera maker offers an aesthetic that has many reminiscent of their original vintage cameras all while incorporating the latest in hybrid viewfinder design with an optical and electronic viewfinder. We take a look at one of this year’s most anticipated cameras as well as having select people contribute their own thoughts in a series of Q+A segments. |
REVIEWThe first thing that draws you to the FUJIFILM X100 is its retro design. The camera does ooze a certain degree of class thanks to its relatively hefty and robust footprint as well as contrasting silver metal and black leather finish. The fixed focal length f/2 23mm lens (or 35mm equivalent due to the APC-S sensor) has drawn initial criticism for its lack of interchangeable options, making the X100 camera essentially a niche product in the eyes of many. But despite this, what it does do is offer outstanding image quality when paired with a 12.3 MP sensor that has notably been immune from any ongoing megapixel war which seems to be trailing off as of late. Shooting in high-ISO is a breeze with X100 as there’s little loss of detail when shooting upwards of ISO 6400. Composing and shooting with the hybrid viewfinder is an interesting experience. From a digital perspective, you have all the settings as well as review at your disposal while the optical viewfinder when activated, provides a more visually-simple approach. |
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| The X100 can shoot movies in 1280 x 720 format @ 24 fps, but a lack of initial user-friendly controls makes this feature more of an afterthought. Another potential downfall is the lack of any lens threads for 3rd party filters. At the end of the day, a highly satisfying user experience should attract both seasoned and new photographers alike despite the shortcomings due to the lens. | While much more technical reviews exist out there which take into consideration many greater factors, pixel peeping is something we’ll leave to the experts. Over the next few pages, we have four individuals who each contribute their own thoughts and insights into the camera including Kai Wong of DigitalRev, The Fuji Guys, Kevin Poon of CLOT and actor/singer Shawn Yue. |
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Billy Luong, Matthew Menard, Paul Woodall and Emilie AubutTHE FUJI GUYS What initially drew you to the camera? What do you usually prefer to photograph? What are your thoughts on the aesthetics of the camera? What’s the camera’s greatest strengths? What would you change about the camera? Who represents the ideal person to use an X100? |
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Kai WongDigitalRev What initially drew you to the camera? What do you usually prefer to photograph? What are your thoughts on the aesthetics of the camera? What’s the camera’s greatest strengths? What would you change about the camera? Who represents the ideal person to use an X100?
Photography: Hermann Lee |
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Kevin PoonCO-OWNER OF CLOT What initially drew you to the camera? What do you usually prefer to photograph? What are your thoughts on the aesthetics of the camera? What’s the camera’s greatest strengths? What would you change about the camera? Who represents the ideal person to use an X100? |
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Shawn YueActor/Singer What initially drew you to the camera? What do you usually prefer to photograph? What are your thoughts on the aesthetics of the camera? What’s the camera’s greatest strengths? What would you change about the camera? Who represents the ideal person to use an X100? |
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Technical Specifications
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