Fuji X100s Manual Focus and Auto Focus Demo and Explanation Video

January 9, 2013 First Looks, Fuji, Just for fun, News 129

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Fuji X100s Manual Focus and Auto Focus Demo and Explanation Video – (keep scrolling for video)

The new Fuji X100s has been announced and today I was able to play with one at CES. First off, it looks exactly like the X100 as it uses the same body, same lens and same layout of controls, so it looks no different from an X100 besides the “S” on the bottom right front.

The inside houses some nice improvements though. The all new sensor, the new phase detect AF which allows Fuji to claim “Fastest AF in the world” and the new manual focus features such as split image and focus peaking, which is demoed in the video below along with the blazing AF speed.

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Fuji told me the camera will ship in March/April and as we know it comes in at $1299 and can be pre-ordered at Amazon HERE. 

and just what some of you wanted to hear (NOT)!  –  I also asked Fuji if this will come in black and they told me a big fat “NO” but there may be a special edition down the road like they did with the X100.

So all in all, if this camera can keep the IQ of the X100 or improve upon it even (which Fuji tells me that they did) then this is an out and out winner, and to me, the best of the Fuji X lot. I tried the manual focus and it is so much better than on the X100. Short focus throw and useful features for nailing that focus rather quickly. Very nice job by Fuji. The X20 looks pretty sweet as well BTW.

Check out the video below:

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129 Comments

  1. Aloha,

    I have had the x100s for almost six months. I am a professional photographer and got it as my carry around camera. It takes great photos but the auto focus in low or even decent light is terrible. Very disappointed so far.

  2. Hi all friends,

    I was very surprised to see X100s in a local camera shop in Chiang Rai, Thailand yesterday. I am the owner of X100 and is very happy with the image quality and the ability on the DOF, etc. I did not hesitage to buy one yesterday (now trying to see of my X100).

    Manual Focus: It is absolutely quick and no problem whatso ever.
    VDO: I have not play much of this function but it appeared to be much improve and focus very accurately.

    I hope to use it more in the next days and be able to write more of my opinions to share with all friends here.

    Looking forward for more reviews for X100s users soon!

    Enjoy
    Parkpoom (Thailand)

  5. I found this on their Fuji Japan website: http://fujifilm.jp/information/articlead_0197.html

    Change of Release Date “FUJIFILM X20” digital cameras and “FUJIFILM X100S”

    January 30, 2013
    FUJIFILM Corporation

    Dear customers
    Thank you for your patronage bestowed patronage is Fujifilm products.
    Recently, with the “FUJIFILM X20” with a digital camera “FUJIFILM X100S”, which has been guided (Sat) February 16, 2013 release date, consumer electronics world’s largest, which will be held in the United States (CES · because after the announcement at the show), we received inquiries and reflections than expected from all over the world, in order to secure a number of necessary and sufficient for the first shipment, provided the production period of one week, and change the day of the release date as follows: I was going to let me.
    We apologize for the inconvenience, thank you for your understanding as we look forward.
    Symbol

    Product Name
    Premium compact digital camera “FUJIFILM X100S”, “FUJIFILM X20”

    Release Date
    February 16, 2013 Release (Sat)
    February 23, 2013 Release (Sat)

  6. Very curious, has the veiling flare issue wide open at close distances been corrected in the X100S? It may not be an issue for many of the happy users, but it did bother me enough to end up getting rid of it. If it’s been fixed, Fuji may have won back a customer…

  7. I own the X100 and I love it. With that said I just need to reiterate what is my least favorite thing about this camera: Contrast detection auto-focus. It is because of contrast detection auto-focus that I had to dump the X100 in favor of a full-frame DSLR when I shot a wedding. Some people will say that the X100 is not the proper camera to shoot a wedding regardless and I agree in large, especially because it has a fixed lens. Even so, the X100’s achilles heel is that it can not lock onto focus in low indoor ambient light conditions. The X100 searches for high contrast and focus on this rather than on the subject. So though I want to focus on a close-up of someone’s eye, the X100 instead hunts and focuses on a window 20 feet away. Very frustrating. If I could change just one thing about the X100 it would be its focus system. Now, the X100S with “phase” detection auto-focus promises to fix the X100 failings. I am waiting with bated breath. Please, Fuji, pull this one out of your bag of tricks.

  8. I’m really looking forward to trying out the X100S. I really love the X100 and am please Fuji seem to have fixed many of the niggles. I use my X100 for wedding photography, the almost silent shutter is very useful as is the unobtrusive size and look of the camera. I wrote a few notes about the X100 at http://www.weddingphotojournalist.co.uk/blog/fuji-x100-camera-for-wedding-photographers/

    I’m looking forward to reading Steve’s thoughts on the X100S.

  9. It seems such a shame that Fuji is sticking with APSC. Would love to see X-Trans tech applied to FF. No AA filter, full frame, X-trans, focus peaking, high end EVF with a new series of Fuji glass would be a dream come true for me. With the cost/size of FF cameras falling like it has, I can’t think of any reasons to get anything less in the future.

  10. Well I just bought an x100 refurb from Fuji for £450 and the price on Amazon for the new one is £1099 so I’m not complaining. The focus speed on the x100 is not bad at all especially if you take your time to practice getting used to it. I started off using the AEL button to manually autofocus but now like using AFS with the really small focus box to get eyes in focus as I found a tip that says to press the shutter button straight down as opposed to pressing it halfway down and then firing it as I do on my DSLR. It’s now pretty damm quick. If I had the money I’d upgrade of course but for me personally as I dont make money from photography and dont have cash to spare I usually dont buy the next model on from the one I’ve got. When I can get an x100s for £450 then maybe I’ll consider it! The x100 is still a great camera and I feel lucky to have one.

  11. Ignore my previous comment — I followed the link to the explanation provided by the luminous-landscape link above.

    Just could not see the white highlights in your video.

  12. I must be the thick slow one in this group because your video simply served to confuse me when it comes to focusing this camera. Alas, a not uncommon feeling for us senior folks.

    I did sort of get that the first mode presents one with a fuzzy grey block that becomes less fuzzy as focus is achieved. And it appears that one can zoom in on that grey block to help achieve focus. Sort of like my E-PL1 without the color if I select the center focusing area.

    But the illustration of the focus peaking seems to be incomprehensible. All I see is a white box sort of floating around with much talk of highlights as the lcd scene varies as the camera is pointed seemingly willy nilly. The only way it seems to make any sense would be if the floating white box was attracted to that portion of the scene which is in focus. IOW just twist the focus ring until the floating white box settles in over the portion of the scene one wants to focus upon. Is this correct? If not, how does it work?

  13. I really dig my x100, but was close to selling to get an RX100 for faster AF and better video. Really interested to see how the 60fps looks. Might have to sell and upgrade…

  14. So this is to the x100 owners as one myself: Who see’s enough value to upgrade & buy the x100s? Speaking for myself, I like it but do not see the vaue & waiting for some sign of an XProII vs. XE1…

  15. If I would manage to persuade myself that I do not need more than a single focal length in a digital mirror-less camera (I fear I do not, I have a TLR for that), than X100s would be it. Looking forward to read a full review already 🙂

  16. I consider this release to be as the original X100 should have been from the very beginning. But i really can not understand why we have to wait for a black body and also pay extra for it when one can buy the XE-1 in any colour for the same price… Fuji still seams to hold on to their old quirks…

  17. hi, if the X100s has the same lens as the X100, will it have the same dreaded sticky aperture blades issue?? that was the only deal breaker for me as i had the X100 but sold it before i got the SAB problem due to i work at sea, and no matter how good the customer support is, it is non existent when you are out there. So image quality aside, i am also concerned with reliability and not only customer service.

  18. It may not seem like it now (based on some commenters who write that they are not upgrading and keeping their X100), but get ready for a deluge of X100 cameras filling up eBay after the new X100s’ hit the shelves. Should be some great deals both on eBay, Craigslist, and from online retailers!

  19. Well, life’s a bitch as they say. I would have gone for this over the limited edition version I purchased just 2 months ago. But the original X100 is awesome as well. Anyway, too late for me this time round, but things may change when the black one comes out. No doubt that will be just prior to the X100S2 coming to the market.

  20. I am wondering if the new sensor will not have the same magical look as the x100? I am trying to figure out which one to buy. Any thoughts?

    • I have the X100, I pre-ordered mine several months before it came out it the U.S., so I have substantial time and pics to show. I won’t be upgrading to the new one. I’m pretty happy with my old X100. If you don’t have an X100 yet, I suggest get the new one. I personally like to see a Xpro 2 in silver.

      Fuji is poor men’s leica? It’s like comparing a Lexus to a 1980s Ferrari. Everyone wants but cannot afford a classic Ferrari. Lexus is hi-technology that some models even can parallel park themselves. Both can bring you from point A to B. Unlike transportation, nobody else cares about how expensive or exotic your equipment is. It’s the vision that counts. It separates the old dude with Leica collection taking holiday pictures, from the 16 y/o with beginner dslr and kit lens having a photo exhibit in the National Gallery. If you can’t make art with a $2 dollar pencil, don’t even think you can do better with a thousand dollar Mont Blanc pen.

      • I shoot an M6 exclusively, and I am tempted to sell it and buy a X100. I am consistently impressed with the post processing packages that make it easy to obtain beautiful tones both in color and black and white.

        I’m sick of wasting my on processing, scanning, and printing with film. Not cost effective in the long run.

        I don’t care about the mystique of a Leica M. Its just a camera that gets out of my way. If the Fuji can do that, I’m sold.

    • That’s something I’m thinking about too. I have both X100 and X-Pro1. There’s some magic in the X100 files but when I look at files from X-Pro1 I see a more ‘mature’ (?) results, but yet every time I decide to work on files from X100 it brings smile on my face. Maybe it’s just the lack of proper RAW support in LR/ACR. There’s also magic in X-Pro1’s files, but it’s a different kind of magic. It’s probably the same comparison like comparing Ferrari 458 to McLaren MP4-12C (borrowing from Top Gear) – both are excellent but also different 🙂

  21. Honestly I don’t really care about the new AF in live view, sure it is faster, but it really wan’t that bad to begin with (certainly not after many updates that is). What I would really like to know is how the AF is when using the OVF – Is it faster and more accurate? I love the OVF in the X100, but it is too unpredictable to use with any degree of confidence, unless using with zone focussing, or distant subjects, but even then the distance scale is somewhat funky. With PDAF and the improvements to the OVF I am hoping it becomes truly usable in all but up close situations.

    • Hi Ron,

      Fuji. A poor mans Leica??? I think You have completely missed the boat on that one, friend;o) I have both Leicas as well as Fuji’s and they are not in any way even remotely related except for perhaps sometimes the color;o) And still they fulfill their individually assigned tasks with great competence.

      Best
      klehmann

      ps. – and btw. I dont consider myself neither poor nor especially rich – lol.

  23. This camera appears to be a homerun if the upgrade really lives up to the specs. can’t wait to see some real word usage reviews. What I wish Fuji would do isMAX out the accessories for the X100s. They have a killer wide angle conversion lens. If they would just do a telephoto conversion lens (85mm equiv) I would crawl across burning sand to get one for my X100. This will make old and new X100/X100s owners happy and and I guarantee it won’t cannibalize sales of the interchangeable lens X models.

  26. don’t think they will introduce focus peaking for their x system camera’s in near future. Fuji will never make it too easy for you using manual lenses like leica or voigtl.. They want to sell their fujinon lenses. That’s the same reason why we still don’t have fp for pen or OMD……

    The x100s has a fixed lens, so it’s ok for fuji to introduse fp.

    • Their fuji lenses have autofocus and are very good quality lenses. They will still sell tons and if they improve MF then they will sell more bodies to leica film users IMO.

    • That’s why they make an OEM M-mount adapter, because they don’t want you to use them. Hmmmmmm….

    • Focus peaking would greatly improve manual focus for Fuji’s own XF Series lenses. This is why you will almost certainly see it introduced in the XP1 sometime this year.

      Fuji won’t let its flagship camera languish throughout 2013 next to its more “amateur” offerings in the X-Series lineup.

  27. Ouch. How can anyone pull the trigger on a Xpro1 or XE1 knowing that the weakest part of the X system – the AF – is going to get a serious upgrade with the next version of the camera. Even if its not going to happen till Photokina or later – I wouldn’t buy an x-mount camera until the refresh.

    I love my x100 images – I just couldn’t stand the slow AF and non-existent MF so I sold it. The AF in the X-mount cameras wasn’t much better – if at all – so I waited. Looking forward to getting my hands on the x100s to see how it performs.

    • Its not really the biggest deal for focus peaking in the x100. I would say its more a great look at the future of x series cameras by Fuji. It will really come into play when using mf only lenses on lets say a new x pro 1. The best part of this update IMO is the af speed improvement. I owned the x100 and sold it due to the af performance. I would of used it as mf but the mf sucked on the original.

  30. I bought my X100 5 months ago and i refuse to upgrade. Most of these improvements could be done easily as a firmware update. I wont sell my X100 ( new now on 900 bucks?) for lets say 600 to spend 600 for a firmware upgrade. Sorry Fuji.

    • This isn’t just a firmware update. Its a hardware update too. New sensor and a new processor. Can’t update those via firmware. I am pretty sure their is a new motor in the lens as well.

    • And new contact sensors in the lens for faster, more accurate manual focusing…

      My kids are now 9 and 12, and they’ve kinda grown out of the “IT’S NOT FAIR!!!” reaction when someone else gets a better deal. Just saying.

      • Sour grapes and bad timing. People pay attention to when a product is introduced before spending your money. If you don’t do your research, you will always have buyers remorse.

  31. Honestly, I don’t see much use of the focus peaking on a fixed lens camera. On a XE-1 or XPro-1 makes a lot more sense, as you can use manual focus lenses. The new AF is instead a blessing, because I don’t think we will have a responsive MF update for the X100. But my question is: “do we really need a new processor to do all this”? Manual focusing response is mainly limited by the internal motor (and don’t tell me MF is slow because of that), split image is not heavy cpu work, an extra ISO stop is useful but not that much (ISO3200 gives plenty of room for low-light shots). The only reason is the phase detection, because it requires quite some computing power, but if MF worked well one could focus properly using EVF magnification. The rest is bloody marketing to sell a new camera, making current X100 impossible to sell.

  32. I think it’s not fair for those people previous bought those cameras with the slow AF if they can’t do the firmware update. (I have the X100)

    • Faster AF is achieved on X100S thank to PDAF sensors. That’s something FW update can’t fix, it’s hardware.

    • Of course it’s fair. That’s progress. The X100 is still a fine camera with a fast-enough-for-most-things af.

    • It’s been almost 2 years since the X100 was introduced to the market. Sorry you bought one recently before the X100s was announced. As with most technology, even after 6 months many products are already outdated. Speak with Apple iPad buyers who recently found their units without the latest advancements after only a 3 month cycle before the holidays!

  33. I am quite surprised that they are not planning on releasing a black version upon release. I guess I have to wait for the inevitable limited edition version. Oh well…

    Dave

  34. Thanks for this Steve.

    I’m loving the idea of the digital ‘split-prism’ style focussing. If implemented well, it could be closer to a rangefinder in operation than with peaking, which I find gets in the way sometimes. Next to rangefinder focussing, my next preference is split-prism SLRs, so this could be ideal for me.

  35. Sorry if this is an outdated question, but I have not kept up with Fuji lately. What is the status of raw processing for the x-trans in Lightroom? Do they play well together now? If they do I may be an X100 owner again.

    • X-Trans and LR – well, it’s a hit and miss. Foliage is the biggest problem. What I found is that if I really do spend a lot of time in the detail panel with amount/radius/detail sliders I can get very good results (not perfect though) but sometimes it might look too sharp. Each photograph require different settings and it’s not as simple like with files from X100. I can’t really use masking because the areas which are not covered by sharpening mask do exhibit artefacts, but luckily in the most of the cases (landscapes) we want all frame to be sharp. I don’t have problems with portraits or street photographs in LR, it’s only landscapes with foliage or any other fine details.

      Watercolor problem isn’t visible in prints (tried only A4, don’t have printer for larger formats) and it’s not visible on images for online viewing (don’t know who shares full res images and views them at 100%).

      Fuji says that Adobe have had documents for a year now on how to properly support X-Trans. Capture One from Phase One had BETA out there (closed on 07/01/2013) with X-Trans support and people, although under the NDA, reported much better results than in SilkyPix and LR/ACR. Phase One has completely re-written de-mosaicing algorithm to fully utilise 6×6 CFA.

      DXO admitted that they don’t have plans (or ETA) for support as it would require new algorithm.

      If you want to see some results, please check the link below. The weather was crap and these are not final renders, rather an exercise of what’s possible to achieve by playing with the detail panel in LR, so WB is a bit off. Also all photos from the forest are high ISO shots, ISO5000-6400. NR was set to 20 and in some photos I added a bit of grain with amount of 10-15 and size 1-6. These images were resized for iPad retina (2048px long edge):

      https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A1GWZuqDGwACp9

      • Hi hexx,

        re: “X-Trans and LR – well, it’s a hit and miss. Foliage is the biggest problem….”

        The above I realize is really what people are mentioning the most and also what the published photos of various C1-beta testers seem to focus on, however my own findings and major problems are mostly concerning peoples skin in certain situations (I believe it’s referred to as onion-peeling?)… offcourse I have experienced the smearing, the watercoloreffect etc but my main gripe is really the sometimes almost unfixable scenario when sharpening/noisered. is involved. C1 is by far the most acceptable solution at present in this respect (7.02beta) and I have used basically all the currently available raw-converters on the Windows-platforn (LR, SilkyPix EX and v5, dcraw-based apps. etc).

        best
        klehmann

        ps. and still I pre-ordered the X100s instantly;o) Used to have the X100 but gave up on it in favor of the X-Pro1. Now I miss a semi-small quality-compact for when out and about without the shoulderbag and cant think of any alternative that suits me better.

        • Unfortunately I was late to the game and missed BETA of C1 and tried SilkyPix only once (well, installed it, opened it and deleted it 🙂 ) I didn’t have problems with skin tones though, nor with smearing. Only problems I have experienced are related to fine details.

          I’m going to wait with my pre-order of X100S as currently there are only 2 shops in the UK (Amazon and WEX Photographic) which list price and it is £1099 which is way too much considering US price has not changed and is the same like for X100 and X100 was priced in the UK £999 and month later dropped to £899. I am keen to pay £999 for it but no more as I know the price will drop.

          The same was with X100, the price was £999 and then due to the floods and demand it skyrocketed above £1000 and it was impossible to get one until July. After July they became available and I paid £899 in a high street shop. I will keep my X100, might convince my girlfriend to switch from her old P&S (8 years old) to use something much nicer 🙂

          • Hi hexx,

            Its not the skin tones as such (as I said they are close to the best I have ever seen in this segment!) but rather the totally unacceptable fractal-like artifacts as also reported by digilloyd (not that I necessarilly always agree upon his various findings) and others – for me its mostly critical in portraits but luckily somehow its not always present – which kind of puzzles me? And it only ‘appears’ the minute You start tweaking in sharpness/noisereduction as also mentioned previously. Following the advice of ie Sandy/ChromaSoft and others has somehow lessened the issues Im having but obviously not totally.

            Btw. I hear You on the SilkyPix-‘issue’ – damn, what a change in mindset and workflow that one demands, at least coming from LR. Luckily I have been using C1 in the past so that was not really such a major challenge. Looking forward to ChromaSofts AccuRaw software though – that looks indeed VERY promissing indeed!

            The preorder-price for the X100S here in Denmark is between £920 and £995 – thats at worst almost £120 more than what the X100 was originally introduced for… I believe I payed in the neighborhood of £880 when it came… Guess the price naturally is steeper for early-adaptors – If I dont pre-order I’ll likely not gonna get it within at least 6-8 months due to lack of supplies… So I guess a little less than £100 is the penalty here;o)

            Best
            klehmann

          • How do you find the speed of C1 in comparison with LR? I watched their tutorial videos and it doesn’t seem to be that much different from LR so the transition shouldn’t be that hard, also they offer 60 day free trial so that should be enough to work out if I like it or not.

          • The 7.02beta at least, is blistering fast – which is NOT something I would normally attribute to C1;o) as opposed to my LR4.3 … but in all fairness I should mention that its being bogged down by some nasty huge catalogues at present… However a clean LR will certainly behave a lot better…. I think the trial currently available from Phase One is not the 7.02?

            At least now C1 have the capability to work with either single sessions or complete catalogues like LR. A nice touch if one is only gonna use it for occasional images… And thats how I use it for now… Its not THAT different from LR but certainly enough so that one has to decipher the various icons in the workpane before gettin’ around it seamlessly.

            Best
            klehmann

          • @klehmann – Thank you for your response. I think the trial is still 7.0.1 (was yesterday). I didn’t have problems with the speed of LR3.x but LR4 for some reason is slower on my MBA. I will give it a go when it becomes available 🙂

            I was stupid and thought that LR is final destination for me and all imported RAFs where converted to DNG and I didn’t back up original RAF files. It was after my divorce with Aperture and re-introduction of LR to me again (prior to that last version of LR I used was 2, then Aperture was faster and so on…)

  36. Steve, thank you for your report, do you find MF more like the MF on 35mm f/1.4 XF lens or not as good? I find MF on 35mm lens quite usable but MF on my X100, well, needs billion turns. Also I’ve read somewhere on dpreview forums (report from one of the members who got to play with X100S at CES2013) that AF is better than Sony/Samsung/OMD – would you agree?

    It looks like I will keep my X100, can’t really sell it now. All UK shops are selling off old X100 cameras for £550. I’m not keen to sell my X100 for £400m I’d rather keep it and get X100S too.

    Even though I have X-Pro1 and 18 + 35mm lenses I still use X100 a lot, it’s just great all purpose walk around camera and X-Pro1 is for used for wider captures and portraiture. Now with the same sensor in X100-sized body makes excellent combination – that’s what I have always with me every day, X100 + X-Pro1 with two lenses.

    • Focusing ring on the X100s requires much less turns to focus than its predecessor, even Fuji Guys highlight this improvement (check out their YouTube channel). Manual focusing should be really fast now.

      • Yep, I watched it but I always take it with pinch of salt, after all it’s their youtube channel 😉

        got response back from DPReview user who’s at CES now, he said that MF feels almost as physical MF. Really can’t wait to get my hands on one, long wait until March/April.

  37. Why are people constantly going on about the lens being fixed and not a zoom…Use your legs, 35mm is a great focal length…….If you want out and out speed get a pro DSLR…simple…..This is a cool product… A great photographic tool…And that’s what cameras are, tools…not objects of desire.
    By using fixed focal lens and forcing your self to explore the qualities of that lens, your photo skills will improve no end.

    • In agree but after owning the x100 and then a 50mm lenses on ILC I prefer that focal length. If 35mm suits you its a great camera.

    • There are certain shots and creative controls afforded by different length. EG. Shooting wide, or compression effect with a zoom.

      So its a perfectly valid requirement for some. Though, not for me.

    • Why are people constantly going on about the lens being fixed and not a zoom…Use your legs, 35mm is a great focal length

      The problem with “use your legs” is that moving closer or further changes perspective, which is not always an acceptable solution. For instance, you probably wouldn’t take a headshot with the X100 because you’d have to have it so close to the subject the perspective would do unflattering things to their face (and you’d probably be making them very uncomfortable by being so close, too).

      There are good reasons to stick to a single focal length, such as learning to previsualise, anticipating good framing, really getting to know how a lens well, and using the constraints as a way to focus your artistic energies. These will not be beneficial to everyone, and in fact might be too tight for some, but it’s important to recognise them for what they are.

      I think it helps to think of zoom lenses primarily in terms of perspective, not field of view: they let you choose between flatter or more exaggerated perspective, then let you zoom to adjust magnification and framing once you’ve found the right place to stand.

      • there’s X-Pro1/X-E1 and 18-55 zoom lens available if one is after Fuji or any other mirrorless camera with a zoom lens. Really don’t understand these comments regarding fixed focal length cameras – don’t like, don’t buy it – simple

    • Try getting a shot of the lion under the tree on the savannah with your 35mm lens. Or the sailboat 600 yards away. Or compressing the background on a macro shot. Or alternatively getting a photo of a group of family when there is a wall behind you and you cant back up. 35mm doesn’t work for everything, and zooming with your legs is an idiotic argument.

      • Using a x100 or the new X100s for capturing a lion is probably not a good idea, as you might get nibbled by Mr or Mrs lion, losing the camera in the process as I like the X100 that would be an issue for me….in this case I would whip out my Nikon D3s & 70-200 with a tele converter attached.

  39. Don’t forget that the ‘fastest focusing’ claim is only for fixed lens APS-C cameras. Which means the only competition is the X2 and the Sigma DP series.

    Also, the claim is only for 10EV. Which is essentially bright light. No mention if AF has improved in low light or whether it can AF as low as -4EV, for example. My guess is there is minimal improvement in low light AF, hence the peaking and split-image MF features.

  40. Very interesting upgrade to the X100. I am anxiously awaiting test results. Speaking of “World’s Fastest AF”, I am also considering the Olympus OM-D system. It would be fascinating to see a side-by-side comparison of the OM-D EM-5 and the X100s in terms of image sharpness, detail, ISO noise, and AF speed! Also, I wonder if Fuji addressed the “edge artifacts at any ISO” issue on the X-CMOS sensor that was noted on several sites.

    • I can tell you from experience with both the X100 and the EM-5, that the Olympus EM-5 is the most versatile of the two. With the Fuji X100s you are stuck with one lens only, forever. I think that sucks for a camera that is small enough to take with you anywhere. Oh, what a beautiful scenery, I want to make a photograph. Oh, darn, I have only a 35mm lens. The difference in image quality will probably be very small and not worth the limitations of a fixed lens camera. The lenses available for micro 4/3 are of amazing quality. You will be happier with a micro 4/3 camera I think.

      • Agree 100%…..have had both. The x100 does fit in most pockets in fairness which I think for the quality was its best feature. They could compliment each other in fact.

      • You need to know what you want and can live with in advance, but it’s not fair to compare oranges and apples and say that oranges are a fruit to avoid just because you prefer the apples.

        Ok, the X100 is a fixed lens and is sold as such. I took mine for a 12 days holiday and I survived (as I’m cautious I also took a Canon G10 just in case, and I used it twice mostly to “justify” myself for carrying it).

        There is no doubt the Olympus is a great camera but it is just a different kind of option.

        • I too went on vacation and took only a G10 and set it’s CF to 35mm and 85mm. I used the 35mm setting 99.9% of the time and thus Im looking at the fuji very seriously. My feet got me closer if I needed to be-not a tele lens. This x100s should be stellar-c’mon fuji-give us black too!!!

      • The X100s will undoubtedly be sharper with more detail than the E-M5, as it has no AA filter. The high-ISO performance should be much better too, as the X-E1 and X-Pro 1 images are known for being very clean at high ISO. Who knows what the AF will be like until it is thoroughly tested in various lighting conditions.

        I wouldn’t invest in a M4/3 system, as the sensor is too small for my liking. Within another year or two, who would even want such a small sensor camera, as there should be far better choices in compact cameras with interchangeable lenses and AF – either APS-C or full frame (hopefully). That said, I have to give M4/3s credit for influencing other companies, like Fuji and Sony, to make mirrorless cameras. The next few years will be very interesting…

        • Load of rubbish re above. Clarity, resolution, sharpness of OMD equal to x100 and yet to be confirmed but if not pixel peaking will remain the same. Can’t comment on ISO but it have to improve on x100 to do so. OMD AF in low light is fairly strong quality.

          I think Fuji will need to improve around how versatile their product is if anything vs OMD.

          As for 4/3 vs. FF hard to argue but not around APSC sensor…..

          • Sorry, but you can’t change the laws of physics. Comparing two contemporary sensors, the larger one will always outperform the smaller one, even if it is in such fringe areas as increased shadow details at higher ISOs. It is what it is.

            Having said that, Olympus have done a brilliant job with the OM-D…absolutely brilliant, and I love the camera. For everyday images enlarged to a modest size, one would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between pictures coming out of it, or coming out of say, a Nikon D7000.

            However, no way the OM-D will perform as well across a wide spectrum of shooting situations as the APS-C sensor in the X-Pro 1 or X100s. No way. The newly-designed X-Trans sensor in these cameras is demonstrably performing as well — and in some cases better — than equivalent full-frame sensors.

            I mostly agree with whomever said that the trend will move towards larger sensors in smaller bodies…as the price of full-frame drops. Economies of scale.

          • Robert – you are SO wrong!!!

            If your law of physics were true, and a larger sensor always out performed a smaller one, APSC camera’s from 1999 would still be out performing modern days cameras.

            You know that isn’t the case.

            Go compre a flagship Nikon D1 – this was a $5000 in 1999 2.6MP – APSC sensor.

            By your logic – that should be better than any smaller sensor camera of today.

            People really need to wake up to this sensor size obsession. It’s so misguided.

          • PS: I have a Nikon D100 here – a $2000 bit of kit from 2003 – my iPhone takes better pictures and that sensor isn’t even worth giving a size to.

        • E m5 sensor is 4/3 ratio. Crop apsc to 4/3 ratio and size difference is tiny. You are talking nonsence. With the m43 lens and system design the d7000 is the inferior model with its antiquated tech.

    • Hi
      I’ve owned both concurrently. The x100 to me is simply better to handle and more fun to use. I prefer the “offline”/pre-shot exposure controls. Camera hangs from neck. See a shot, flick power on, snap.

      The EM5 while technically competent has that fiddly power lever. Redundant pasm dial. And one needs to rely on evf and displays to compose a shot.

      Due to the handling and ease of use, I simply carry the x100 more often. Which means more shots and more value.

      The pixel peeping stuff is close enough as to not make an difference.

      Its worth your time to use either on an extended loaner.

      • On the other hand I find it the other way around! The fact OMD has SLR like access to Aperture and EV comp with one hand. In find that more user friendly. More custom Fn access, tilt screen is very useful, etc… But I had both and think they compliment each other if you want two systems.

        • The X100 fits in a pocket, the OM-D doesn’t (thanks to the horrible ‘fake’ prism).

          End of story for a lot of people including me.

          The OM-D is a GREAT camera, but it’s a mini SLR – whereas the X100 is a large compact.

  41. wow the af WAS fast
    im shocked! i was thinking it would be nex “fast”
    …ya know… slow…. 😉

    when will they have a black one out??? 🙂

  42. Question for x100 users:

    How often do you find you knock the control wheel when handling the camera? I’m asking as I have an E-PL2, and that thing gets knocked around while I’m taking pictures. Is there enough resistance so that doesn’t happen with the x100?

    Just curious.

    • No problems here! It’s low enough that it doesn’t get knocked, and it’s pretty recessed into the body. My thumb is next to it with enough space inbetween – although I will confess to having smaller hands.

    • It has never happened to me. Maybe I have a tighter exposure compensation dial (?) The only thing which is ‘easily’ changed is aperture if you grab your camera by its lens.

      • Even that never happens to me. Only the compensation dial fs up sometimes. Nothing you couldn’t repair in LR.

    • I bought a fullgrain leather case for my X100 from Luigi at Leicatime. The leather is so thick that the exposure compensation dial in now recessed and protected. Never had a problem after that.

  44. Don’t tell my friend who JUST bought (and loves the “standard” X100).

    By the way Steve the video won’t play for me?? Ok on YouTube though.

    He said twice the fps. So 10fps plus fast auto focus, focus peaking and focus splitting plus the X trans sensor. Plus much faster processing and everything. Wow!

    • Why only 10fps ??

      The X100 had 24fps with 720p video mode, the X100s now has 60fps with 1080p video mode…

    • Don’t believe everything people say at this kind of events as sometimes they are not real experts on the equipment.
      Fuji’e pdf catalog says a Max speed of 6 i/s and 31 jpeg shots to fill the buffer.

      • You are right:
        http://www.fujirumors.com/no-more-secrets-x-100s-complete-press-release/

        FUJIFILM X100S Key features list:

        · 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor

        · EXR Processor II

        · High Definition Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF / EVF)

        · FUJINON 23mm f/2 lens

        · Intelligent Hybrid AF (with the world’s fastest AF speed of 0.08 secs (*1))

        · Start-up time of 0.5 secs (*4)

        · 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)

  45. Thanks for the post!
    Did you asked if the new ISO menu with selectable minimum shutter speed in “auto ISO” mode is coming to the X-PRO1 and X-E1?

    • *fastest focusing in the world

      * in bright light. In dim light, it’s still an AF dog, as most cameras are. While I don’t have a Canon body any longer (30D), that seemed to focus faster in dim light than even my A65. Kind of disappointing.

      • The OMD is fast in low light. It’s also a contrast/phase hybrid.
        Why should the X100s by slower?

          • Full frame sensors are about 860 mm^2, and they can be built to focus fast.

            APS-C sensors are just at bit larger than MFT sensors, and APS-C are MUCH SMALLER than full frame.

            Full frame 864
            APS-C – 370. Crop factor 1.5 – 1.6
            MFT – 225. Crop factor 2.0

            The area of aps/ff is 0.4, whereas the area the mft/aps is 0.6, so aps is closer to mft than it is to full frame.

  47. Nice improvements I gotta say. I just wish the focus peaking would be in red rather than white. Much easier to see.

    Also, it’s gotta take some balls to say “Fastest AF in the world.” and not flinch.

    • “..I just wish the focus peaking would be in red rather than white. Much easier to see..”

      But some of us (..1 in 7 men?..) are red/green colourblind. I can hardly see red; I certainly can’t see red highlights! Web pages which say “please correct the information in the areas marked red” are meaningless to me. Red lines down the edge of the road, meaning ‘No Parking Here’, are invisible to me.

      So NO focus peaking in red for all those of us who can’t see it!

      • Hmm, if you truly are color blind, this is the first time that I’ve heard of this kind of color blindness.

        Red/green colorblindness (the most common type) is about mixing up the colors red and green, seeing them as one and the same color. Not that a color is rendered invisible, and absolutely seen as a different color than e.g. white or black.

        • I think you are right there Jonas. I struggle a bit with the nex peaking when it is red. The worst thing is hiking in the forrest following red marks on the trees :p I can only see them clearly when they are pointed out for me. But it is also so for faint hues of green and red, therefore I struggle a bit with whitebalance issues on my cameras, I need to know approximately the warmt of the lightsource before editing photos and use the kelvin scale alot.

          • But then you have the tint balance also, which I just leave in peace most ti es…I have a Nikon D 600 and have heard about the green tint on their screens, but never have I seen it myself while using it

  48. Did you ask if the other Fuji’s will get Focus Peaking/Split Image focusing through firmware updates?

        • Sony just did that, when they introduced NEX 5n they updated NX 5 firmware to allow focus peaking.
          So, let’s hope Fujifilm doesn’t let X100 owners down.

          • Aw cmon – Fuji would not be “letting X100 owners down”… The X100 is 2 years old and there has to be new cameras with new features. I *would* like the feature on my X-E1 but Fuji never made me any promises about that when I decided to buy the camera.

          • Good question.

            Probably to allow users to focus really focus in difficult conditions.

            I suspect that Fuji hangs out on photo forums watching all of those “I wish the x100 had ….” threads.

      • Given that an X-Pro 1 replacement probably isn’t due until next year, I doubt very much if Fuji will allow its flagship camera to languish and bring up the rear of its lineup, while its younger brethren usurp it in usability. Not good for XP1 sales or the company’s reputation.

        Since focus peaking is most certainly doable with a firmware update; Fuji has now demonstrated that they have the technology (and “rights”) to do it; and the Fuji rep told Steve, “I don’t know” (which is not the same as “no”), I think it’s safe to assume we will see it introduced into an X-Pro 1 firmware update sometime in the first half of this year.

        I imagine there will be some additional enhancements/tweaks to the X-Pro 1 as well.

        The successor, however (X-Pro 2), will likely be THE camera to watch for next next year. It will doubtless have improved versions of all the X100s’ new goodies, plus additional advances, too.

        I suspect an X-Pro 2 will really throw the gauntlet down in front of the Leica M.

    • Focus peaking should be doable with firmware update, it is done in software. Split image focusing probably can’t, it is reliant on the phase detection hardware.

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