Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Steve Weldon on February 18, 2011, 11:47:02 am

Title: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 18, 2011, 11:47:02 am
Anyone have any thoughts on this soon to be available camera?

I'll probably be one of the first in line.. I think it will make an excellent 'off duty' camera, at least for my needs.

I'm also excited about the controls, the knurled dials, etched numbers, and the ability to change the aperture via the lens ring like on my old Olympus SLR's.  It will be a big plus if we don't need to use the LCD to make setting changes, especially in bright light. 

Curious what others think on this.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: uaiomex on February 18, 2011, 12:00:51 pm
I was one of the earlier detractors of this camera and for the sole reason of its fixed prime. I've been looking for a small camera to carry to gatherings, on trips or for just plain joy of photography. My 5D2 with any lens is just too much of anything to be fun for these purposes.
So, I've been learning about the Canon 600D, S95, G12, Olympus Epl-1 and 2, EXZ1, Leica X1, the Panasonics, etc., etc.
So far no camera has everything I want. Portability but with human scale controls, great IQ, good hi-iso capabilities, price and multi focals.
Out of these 5 requirements, the only I can give up is having multi focal lengths, and the main reason is that I can sort of provide that with my feet. I know is cliché but in many instances walking is a good provision. For the others, none of them I can create.
In my earlier days as a photographer, before I went pro, I had a Nikon F2 with only one lens, a 24mm. It was so easy to carry all the time. With the years I acquired a whole bunch of equipment. "If I bought this new lens I should pack it too. If not, why in the hell I bought it?" Well, that was my own trap. My joy became pain and eventually I quit photographing for myself. This story of course is not as absolute as it sounds. It's to make a point.
So far in my quest for the best "non-work" camera the X100 is on top of my list. Funny enough, this camera is more "pro" than most digital cameras in existence.  :D
If nothing better shows up soon, I'll be a first-time Fuji owner.
Eduardo
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: LKaven on February 18, 2011, 01:01:31 pm
This camera is an important example of a camera that is almost what /a lot/ of people want.  But to be the camera that a lot of people want, Fuji would have had to go further.  I think the camera as it is is one many people will want, but not the same people and not for the same reasons.

What I'd like is this:

- Body with compact form factor, pro quality build
- Optical viewfinder with /heads-up/ display superimposed, but mainly for the purpose of intelligent focus tracking and manual focus aid.  Imagine focus points lighting up through the scene as you rack through the focus range.  Imagine further that there is optional feature detection, that might favor, for example, the eyes for focus.
- Very high resolution LCD for live view shooting when needed.
- A modest range of interchangeable lenses (eg, 24-105) that /can/ be used with the optical viewfinder, with framelines superimposed intelligently via heads-up display.
- Specialty lenses (ultrawide, macro, telephoto) that can be used with live view
- FF chip

Something in this realm is a candidate for replacing the M series if the build quality is high enough.  There are many nice things about the M series, but there is no need to be limited to its opti-mechanical rangefinder, the equivalent of a single focus point in the digital realm.  How many times do we have to say we don't want to do "focus and recompose (and lean back)" any more? 

Imagine if the heads-up display were (by setting) just barely visible.  As you move focus back and forth, small marks appear over parts of the scene that are in focus.  With feature detection settings tuned, a quick twist, and you know your portrait subject's eyes are in focus.  No need to acquire through the center focus point, which already messes up the creative process. 

This is the palmable camera I want.  No bigger than a Leica M or Nikon F with no prism.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Plekto on February 18, 2011, 01:45:15 pm
I think it's certainly better than most of the competition at this point.  This is supposed to be a mini DSLR, and that means some things are lost in the mix.  The question is if it is acceptable and if the compromises are worth it.   The lens appears to be a very good lens, though most people are going to want a zoom of some sort.  Of course, the silly price is the real deal-killer.

The one that I think is best right now is the Samsung NX100.  Half the price of the Fuji, essentially the same size sensor, and interchangeable lenses.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 18, 2011, 02:05:44 pm
I was one of the earlier detractors of this camera and for the sole reason of its fixed prime.
Good reasoning.  Certainly every camera is a compromise in one way or the other.

I was first put off by the fixed lens and I suppose I still am to a point.  Yet, I notice that I've taken to carrying the Sony NEX-5 with it's 16mm (24mm equiv) lens 99% of the time.. wishing it was a lot faster and just a bit longer and had less perspective distortion.  You know what that sounds like.   ::)
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: LKaven on February 18, 2011, 02:11:13 pm
Of course, the silly price is the real deal-killer.
I wonder how far off the price is?  A $1000 APS-c body and a $300 lens.  For $1000, it certainly is a lot more body than a D5000 or a 600D.  It would be easier to swallow if the body were $1000 and there were a range of interchangeable lenses available at /whatever/ price.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: viewfinder on February 18, 2011, 03:55:16 pm
I think it's a designer camera and as such not really intended for actually taking photographs.   If you question it's value for money and why it's about twice over priced, then it probably isn't aimed at you.

Unfortunately, I have several aquaintances who are prime candidates for owning the X100.   None of them will balk at the price, question it's design, picture taking qualities, or indeed take any 'pictures' with one. I know that my dentist wants one and is looking forward to hanging it around his neck.    From what he has said, I think he is hoping that it will make him look sexy and might just attract a woman.     Of course, it's a long time since he took a picture, even longer since he looked sexy and a very, VERY long time since he had a woman........

.....He will no doubt tell me all about it with enthusiasm, but I won't be in a position to smile,...at least not for a while. 
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: AlanPezzulich on February 21, 2011, 02:52:26 pm
This camers is optimized for street shooting. I have one on order. It would be nice to have a zoom lens but then you give up something else (size). It will make a perfect take along camera when I don't plan on taking photographs but I want something if the opportunity arises. I am interested in its ablitity to take night and indoor shots.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 21, 2011, 05:22:37 pm
This camers is optimized for street shooting. I have one on order. It would be nice to have a zoom lens but then you give up something else (size). It will make a perfect take along camera when I don't plan on taking photographs but I want something if the opportunity arises. I am interested in its ablitity to take night and indoor shots.

I agree with all of this.  Manual controls like this, the 35mm focal length, speed.. all lend themselves well to popular styles of street shooting.  I often roam the nightlife areas and lately I've found my Sony NEX-5 useful for it's articulating LCD and its small size which everyone ignores.  If I take one of my Canon 1d series or even a 5d2 to the same locations I risk the wrath of the punters and the possibility of being set upon by thugs employed by the bar owners.. I think this small x100, IF the low light capability proves decent, will be invaluable for this type of shooting.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: tokengirl on February 21, 2011, 06:49:43 pm
I think it's a designer camera and as such not really intended for actually taking photographs.   

Are you sure you're talking about the same camera as everyone else in this thread?
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: uaiomex on February 21, 2011, 07:13:29 pm
I second this question.  ???
Ed

Are you sure you're talking about the same camera as everyone else in this thread?
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: BernardLanguillier on February 21, 2011, 07:28:10 pm
I think it's a designer camera and as such not really intended for actually taking photographs.   If you question it's value for money and why it's about twice over priced, then it probably isn't aimed at you.

Unfortunately, I have several aquaintances who are prime candidates for owning the X100.   None of them will balk at the price, question it's design, picture taking qualities, or indeed take any 'pictures' with one. I know that my dentist wants one and is looking forward to hanging it around his neck.    From what he has said, I think he is hoping that it will make him look sexy and might just attract a woman.     Of course, it's a long time since he took a picture, even longer since he looked sexy and a very, VERY long time since he had a woman........

.....He will no doubt tell me all about it with enthusiasm, but I won't be in a position to smile,...at least not for a while. 

Had a bad day?

Why on earth would you find unfortunate that somebody else buy a camera that you find irrelevant?

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Paulo Bizarro on February 22, 2011, 04:34:32 am
Hi think that Fuji are on to something here, and as a first generation product, the X100 will be a fine camera indeed. All that complicated hybrid viewfinder, and the high quality lens, is what probably justifies the high price? I also hope that the camera is fast, otherwise I fear it will go the same way of the Sigma DPeses cameras, or the way of the Dodo... hardly anyone ended up buying those...

The compromises of the fixed lens, are just that, compromises... photography is all about getting the right camera/tool for your photography, and accept some compromises on the way. For me, the X100 is too expensive, and I can get along with the Panasonic GF1 and 20mm pancake lens. Sure, I have to compromise on the lack of in-camera viewfinder, but I can accept that.

It is interesting, but I can not help thinking that the X100 is what the Leica X1 should have been in the first place.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: viewfinder on February 22, 2011, 04:39:49 am
Because the x100 is not about photography it's about 'style culture'.     If it succeeds in making any real money other makers will seize upon the formula and we will be deluged with styled cameras that offer vastly reduced potential for twice the price.  The x100 is simply a styled expensive gadget,..there's nothing wrong with enjoying gadgets and personally, I LOVE to play with gadgets.  The problem is that this is being touted as a serious camera which, to me it niether is, nor is intended to be.   Having watched the digital scene hopefully for the last five or so years we have seen a distinct lack of design and originality prevaling, and now this is going in the wrong direction......

.........There's nothing wrong with a 'less is more' approach but this is going to attempt the stule icon category with a  potentially detrimental influence for photographers looking for flexible modern systems.   If x100 was in the two hundred quid bracket I would have one to keep in the car,...the trouble is it's FOUR times that price and is aimed a people who could'nt care less about photography.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 22, 2011, 05:27:01 am
Because the x100 is not about photography it's about 'style culture'.     If it succeeds in making any real money other makers will seize upon the formula and we will be deluged with styled cameras that offer vastly reduced potential for twice the price.  The x100 is simply a styled expensive gadget,..there's nothing wrong with enjoying gadgets and personally, I LOVE to play with gadgets.  The problem is that this is being touted as a serious camera which, to me it niether is, nor is intended to be.   Having watched the digital scene hopefully for the last five or so years we have seen a distinct lack of design and originality prevaling, and now this is going in the wrong direction......

.........There's nothing wrong with a 'less is more' approach but this is going to attempt the stule icon category with a  potentially detrimental influence for photographers looking for flexible modern systems.   If x100 was in the two hundred quid bracket I would have one to keep in the car,...the trouble is it's FOUR times that price and is aimed a people who could'nt care less about photography.

I suppose this is one opinion, and I did ask for opinions.

Perhaps you'll find someone else who agrees with you, but maybe not on a photography forum.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: tokengirl on February 22, 2011, 06:43:03 am

.........There's nothing wrong with a 'less is more' approach but this is going to attempt the stule icon category with a  potentially detrimental influence for photographers looking for flexible modern systems.  

I am willing to bet right now that the majority of people who buy this camera already own "flexible modern systems" and just want a small camera that produces good quality images without having to lug around their "flexible modern system".

If this camera is not for you, that's fine.  But it sounds like you're crapping all over it because it's not what YOU want.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: JohnBrew on February 22, 2011, 06:58:31 am
Just waiting for the reviews...
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: JBerardi on February 22, 2011, 07:34:12 am
the trouble is it's FOUR times that price and is aimed a people who could'nt care less about photography.

Ok, so that's why you don't like the iPhone, but what about the X100?

While they could have paired the button/feature soup back a little more if they wanted to really make a photographers camera, I'm not sure how you can look at the state of cameras today and come to the conclusion that the X100 is the one being marketed at people who don't care about photography. Honestly, at this point, any camera that doesn't have Baby Mode and Baby Mode 2 on the main dial easily qualifies as a photographer-centric design.

(http://images.digitalcamerainfo.com/images/upload/Image/new/reviews/2009/PANASONIC/FZ35/screens/PANASONIC-FZ35-modes.jpg)

I do like the X100, but that viewfinder is going to have to work insanely well to keep me from going m4/3s... or the price is going to have to fall.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Ben Rubinstein on February 22, 2011, 08:05:23 am
Just too expensive, like almost double the price that it should be, I can see why Viewfinder thinks that it is going to be marketed specifically at the 'camera jewllery' crowd. For all that a Leica M camera may be an incredible picture taking machine, I'll bet most of those sold are hardly used 'in action' and given the Japanese market, that is who this camera, especially at that price, will be heavily marketed to.

Shame, with a 50mm equivelent lens and a more reasonable price, I'd be all over it. You can't even expect it to drop that much in price either, although the Epson RD-1 is ancient in pretty much every way, it's price on the 2nd hand market is still super inflated for what it is and I doubt it will be much different.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 22, 2011, 09:36:10 am
Just too expensive, like almost double the price that it should be, I can see why Viewfinder thinks that it is going to be marketed specifically at the 'camera jewllery' crowd.

I think some people are basing what it 'should be' priced at, by comparing image quality and digital features as the pricing indicators.  I think there is potential for this camera to offer much more.  We won't know until the first ones are in the hands of trusted reviewers, but  a 35mm F2 lens of quality just by itself could be worth the price difference not to mention the apparent (and previewed) build quality.  But to say there isn't a market out there at this price point for a quality camera of this type.. or that 'real photographers' won't be using it.. is short sighted at best.  We don't know yet, but it's looking like Fuji made the perfect blend of quality camera body, ergonomics, and digital capability into one sweet little box that will become a 'must have' camera.  It will depend on the lens, image quality, and supporting electronics.. the areas which haven't yet been confirmed.  The camera body itself looks good from here.

I wrote this about the x100 for fun.  (http://www.bangkokimages.com/Articles/Steves-Musings/entryid/964/Fuji-X100-A-Convert.aspx) I hope it comes true.  http://www.bangkokimages.com/Articles/Steves-Musings/entryid/964/Fuji-X100-A-Convert.aspx
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: viewfinder on February 22, 2011, 11:57:49 am
"......one sweet little box that will become a 'must have' camera..."

Well YOU said it better than I can!    As they say; "I rest my case".........
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: feppe on February 22, 2011, 03:28:18 pm
I'm also entirely underwhelmed by X100, and have really hard time understanding the hype no matter what objective angle I take. The closest to understanding it is that it's a rangefinder, which for some inexplicable reason have a rabid following.

Also there's a lot of oohs and aahs about the hybrid eyepiece, which is AFAICT nothing more than a standard EVF, or with the flip of a switch OVF with superimposed exposure data - something which we've had for, what, two decades in film cameras.

I do think it's a serious camera and it sure looks nice - but so does Olympus Pen, Leica M9 and numerous other cameras in all price ranges - and has a large sensor, but it's huge for what it is and has a fixed lens.

Haven't really taken a look at the image samples since I'm not interested in buying the camera, but pundits on the internets have been disappointed with the IQ. If I ever see it in a store I'll take it for a quick spin to see what's so special about it. If it delivers on what it promises, it might be a compelling product for those who can live with its limitations.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: jasonrandolph on February 22, 2011, 04:48:13 pm
Holgas aren't considered to be "serious" cameras by many people either, but some darn fine images have been made with them.  The same can be said for the iPhone too.  Bottom line is that it is just another tool, and everyone chooses the tool they most enjoy working with and gives them the results they can reasonably expect to get from it.  Some will choose the X100, and others will look elsewhere. 
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on February 22, 2011, 05:13:44 pm
I'm also entirely underwhelmed by X100, and have really hard time understanding the hype no matter what objective angle I take. The closest to understanding it is that it's a rangefinder, which for some inexplicable reason have a rabid following.

Also there's a lot of oohs and aahs about the hybrid eyepiece, which is AFAICT nothing more than a standard EVF, or with the flip of a switch OVF with superimposed exposure data - something which we've had for, what, two decades in film cameras.

I do think it's a serious camera and it sure looks nice - but so does Olympus Pen, Leica M9 and numerous other cameras in all price ranges - and has a large sensor, but it's huge for what it is and has a fixed lens.

Haven't really taken a look at the image samples since I'm not interested in buying the camera, but pundits on the internets have been disappointed with the IQ. If I ever see it in a store I'll take it for a quick spin to see what's so special about it. If it delivers on what it promises, it might be a compelling product for those who can live with its limitations.

In order:

a.  It's entirely fair for someone to be underwhelmed with any camera.  I'm under whelmed with any camera I can't apply to my style or workflow. 

b.  I don't think people are excited because it's a rangefinder.  I think they're excited because the OVF provides something not commonly available in the mirrorless class of cameras.  We have what 'could be' a better choice than using an LCD or EVF if properly implemented.  Having the choice of all three, is much better than the choice of only 1 or 2.  The OVF adds to the way you use the camera in the same way the aperture ring, shutter dial, etc. does.  It allows the camera to be used in a different way which may be more comfortable.

c.  As far as size goes, it is larger than the E-PL2, GF-1, etc.. but not by much.  It's certainly still in the same class.  2mm wider than the X1, 3mm taller than the GF-1 and the same width as the NEX-5.  Or.. we could say it's thinner than the GF-1 or DP2 and lighter than the GF-1..  So "huge" compared to these I don't think is accurate.

d.  The last time I remember pundits 'not' being disappointed with images from a pre-release camera.. was the Canon 1ds Mark II?  A long time ago.  Criticism of pre-release and even product cameras in reviewers hands is quite common no matter which camera.  "Pundits" generally only think the images are good when they take them.. :)

e.  I'm personally not excited about the X100 because it will be replacing my working cameras.  I'm excited because it promises to be a much better option than my current non-working cameras for personal and casual use.  It promises to be satisfying for casual travel as well.  I see it actually being better for 'some' of my work where it comes to street photography in my particular area.  And I'm really excited to have a camera with the manual controls and high build quality.. I'm hoping it catches on to DSLR's.  I realize this is personal, but I think there are a lot of people raised on old style SLR's and rangefinders who will really appreciate the controls and build quality of the X100..

Of course none of this will mean squat if the lens, electronics, and image quality doesn't measure up.  I hope they got it right.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: douglasf13 on February 23, 2011, 02:32:12 pm
I'm also entirely underwhelmed by X100, and have really hard time understanding the hype no matter what objective angle I take. The closest to understanding it is that it's a rangefinder, which for some inexplicable reason have a rabid following.

Also there's a lot of oohs and aahs about the hybrid eyepiece, which is AFAICT nothing more than a standard EVF, or with the flip of a switch OVF with superimposed exposure data - something which we've had for, what, two decades in film cameras...

  An OVF is a big deal for a digital camera that has AF and doesn't use a mirror, and being able to use a live histogram with an OVF and AF is very new. IMO, the hybrid OVF is the main reason to consider the camera.  Granted, there are other things that make the camera great for some users:

-built in ND filter
-essentially silent shutter
-physical dials
-sync flash to 1/1000
-yes, the form and build quality of the camera

  Personally, I'm an all M mode shooter, and just about any modern DSLR, MFDB or mirrorless camera offers what I need in regards to options... ie. very little.  So, the camera size, how the camera feels in the hand, and the viewing and focusing methods of the camera are rather important to me.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: BFoto on February 24, 2011, 11:28:13 am
  An OVF is a big deal for a digital camera that has AF and doesn't use a mirror, and being able to use a live histogram with an OVF and AF is very new. IMO, the hybrid OVF is the main reason to consider the camera.  Granted, there are other things that make the camera great for some users:

-built in ND filter
-essentially silent shutter
-physical dials
-sync flash to 1/1000
-yes, the form and build quality of the camera

  Personally, I'm an all M mode shooter, and just about any modern DSLR, MFDB or mirrorless camera offers what I need in regards to options... ie. very little.  So, the camera size, how the camera feels in the hand, and the viewing and focusing methods of the camera are rather important to me.

I tend to agree.

There r some potentially excellent features of this camera. I have the GF1 and love it. The only thing stopping me from testing this one is the fixed lens. If this had interchangable lenses at the quality they speak of this could amazing.

Remember, the wholy grail is to find the poor mans leica....or rephrased, a similar but not quite as good build, lens, and image quality as a leica for an 8th of the price.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: jasonrandolph on February 24, 2011, 04:25:59 pm
Not to start any rumors/conspiracy theories, but considering MR is such a huge Leica fan, I find it a bit peculiar that he has been silent on the X100.  Granted, he's down in Mexico at present, but perhaps he has been trying one out and is bound by a NDA from giving us his impressions.  I'm sure we'll be hearing from him soon after its officially release.  It will be interesting to get his opinion on the camera.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: feppe on February 25, 2011, 12:16:50 pm
Samples posted on DPReview (http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/albums/fujifilm-finepix-x100-pre-production-samples).

Base ISO looks ok to good to me. But take a look at the 6400 ISO sample (http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/reviewsamples/photos/940705/6-iso6400_dscf0374?inalbum=fujifilm-finepix-x100-pre-production-samples), it's remarkable!
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: John Camp on February 25, 2011, 02:03:48 pm
I'm a skeptic, but there are different kinds of skepticism. I think that it might be nice to handle and have good IQ, but I'm skeptical about its salability. And if it doesn't sell, support will die. I am also somewhat skeptical about its general usability -- most people, including me, really do want (need) either a zoom (even a short zoom) or interchangeable lenses.

About the banana photo -- that ISO 6400 *is* pretty interesting.

Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: LKaven on February 25, 2011, 02:59:34 pm
What do others think of a full-frame compact with a hybrid viewfinder and interchangeable lenses as a concept, with build quality up to at least Fujiblad standards.  If the hybrid setup were elegant enough, I think it would be a smash.  The overlay could optionally just give you the cues you needed without being intrusive -- focus indication with feature detection and framelines.  Set the feature detection for 'eyes' and watch the subtle focus indicators move from eye to eye as you move the focus.  No more rangefinder patch, no more focus and recompose.  Do others want this as much as I do?
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Christoph C. Feldhaim on February 26, 2011, 03:43:22 am
@Luke: +1
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Craig Arnold on February 27, 2011, 10:05:22 am
I know that my dentist wants one and is looking forward to hanging it around his neck.    From what he has said, I think he is hoping that it will make him look sexy and might just attract a woman.     Of course, it's a long time since he took a picture, even longer since he looked sexy and a very, VERY long time since he had a woman........

Oh no, you mean it won't make me attractive to women? I wish I had known before I put in my order - had to pay 100% down in order to secure the camera. Obviously a lot of dentists out there!  ;)

It's what I've wanted for years.

I won't be ditching the 5D2, this will be replacing the Panasonic P&S I own but never use.

It will likely be relegating my Zeiss Ikon (and the thrice-damned Coolscan) to only very occasional use too. I love rangefinder cameras, but I also like digital. Can't afford an M9. Tough luck for me eh? Well it has been until now.  ;D

This will be my carry-everywhere camera.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: viewfinder on February 28, 2011, 04:13:05 am
"I won't be ditching the 5D2, this will be replacing the Panasonic P&S I own but never use."......

.............Presumably then, it will become the fuji x100 you own but never use...........I can certainly envisage that happening.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Craig Arnold on February 28, 2011, 04:37:49 am
"I won't be ditching the 5D2, this will be replacing the Panasonic P&S I own but never use."......

.............Presumably then, it will become the fuji x100 you own but never use...........I can certainly envisage that happening.

So if you can imagine it it must be true? LOL.

Actually at the moment I carry either my 5D2 or Zeiss Ikon with me just about all the time. Which I take depends, on any given day, on whether I'm more irritated at the weight of the Canon or the prospect of scanning the output of the ZI.

But of course you might be right. I might buy it and never use it.  ???
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: AFairley on February 28, 2011, 08:52:33 pm
What do others think of a full-frame compact with a hybrid viewfinder and interchangeable lenses as a concept, with build quality up to at least Fujiblad standards.  If the hybrid setup were elegant enough, I think it would be a smash.  The overlay could optionally just give you the cues you needed without being intrusive -- focus indication with feature detection and framelines.  Set the feature detection for 'eyes' and watch the subtle focus indicators move from eye to eye as you move the focus.  No more rangefinder patch, no more focus and recompose.  Do others want this as much as I do?

Expect the Leica M series to end up there, logical progression for them.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: LKaven on February 28, 2011, 09:03:31 pm
Expect the Leica M series to end up there, logical progression for them.
I used to write wishes in the Leica forum for this.  My wanting it has apparently not made them come up with it any faster.  But I figure at this point, something has to be on the prototype bench.

Which makes me wonder.  Wouldn't Fuji be just the people you'd want to see if you were Leica and you wanted a prototype built.  Maybe the X-100 is the outcome of/escapee from such a collaboration.  Then again, Fuji is just nutty enough to go this way on their own.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Christoph C. Feldhaim on March 01, 2011, 02:58:27 am
I strongly believe the future is EVIL once the EV part is solved and the OV not better any longer.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: jasonrandolph on March 01, 2011, 04:20:48 pm
I strongly believe the future is EVIL once the EV part is solved and the OV not better any longer.

I agree.  However, my experience with the Oly E-P2 EVF tells me that we are a long way away from the day when EVFs beat out the OVF.  EVFs are great in good light, but they clearly show their shortcomings  at night.  It's like watching a TV with lowsy reception (back in the days before we had digital signals). 

With a camera like the X100, that appears to have great results to ISO 6400, you need a viewfinder/LCD that will allow you to properly compose your images in low light, and sadly, nothing beats out an OVF for such cases.  We can only hope that this problem will be resolved sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: LKaven on March 02, 2011, 05:48:33 am
An EVF capable of 4k resolution at 120 fps with a 10 msec latency would be nice. 

I do think there will be some convergence in the near term that will favor the EVF.  In my view, the next milestone will be the ability to record video from downsampling full frame captures in real time, instead of using decimation.  This will come first at 24/25/30fps, and later 50/60.  This process will produce beautiful HD frames, which can be streamed to the EVF as well as to storage. 
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Craig Arnold on March 02, 2011, 07:09:25 am
Well, I don't have the camera yet obviously.

But I like the idea of the hybrid finder, it's something that might have significant application in a lot of different cameras.

There may be a great deal of interesting innovation in this area with DSLRs too. I'm guessing Sony might go first with a development of their semi-transparent mirrors into a true hybrid design.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: schrodingerscat on March 06, 2011, 02:49:57 pm
Had a bad day?

Why on earth would you find unfortunate that somebody else buy a camera that you find irrelevant?

Cheers,
Bernard


Probably because other people do not have the wisdom to agree with them. Hubris seems to be the new world pandemic.

As people have mentioned this camera to me recently, thought I'd check it out. My guess that the main reason it has generated such a pavlovian abhorrence, flying spittle and all,  is that it looks like a Leica, the mere mention of which engenders apoplexy in many. As it seems to be the camera that a lot of folks have been clambering for over the last few years, my guess is that the main problem is it wasn't produced by one of the two main religions.

Fuji makes fine cameras, always has. To give credit where credit is due, not only did they develop their own sensors, but an entirely new technology that produces very nice images. They are an odd company tho. Owners are pretty much stuck with sending repairs to the mother ship. They do not support independent , authorized or not, repair facilites. I know an authorized tech who cannot get parts or manuals for anything. He finally gave up and schlepps everything off to fuji.

Luckily I live in a dogma free zone.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on March 15, 2011, 02:14:52 pm
I happened to be home when B&H sent out their "available for pre-order" emails.. lucky me.

Can't wait. .
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: JohnBrew on March 17, 2011, 07:44:00 am
Steve, I hope you don't have to wait too long since Fuji has stopped production of the X100. The plant was damaged in the earthquake/tsunami. Since they had previously announced delays it looks like the camera will be scarce for quite a while.
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: Steve Weldon on March 17, 2011, 08:25:44 am
Steve, I hope you don't have to wait too long since Fuji has stopped production of the X100. The plant was damaged in the earthquake/tsunami. Since they had previously announced delays it looks like the camera will be scarce for quite a while.
B&H 'usually' only takes preorders to account for that they know is in the pipeline and scheduled to arrive.  I hope that's the case this time as they've already charged my credit card which they specifically said they wouldn't do until it's shipped!

But I'd agree, if I manage to get my hands on one, and it's not DOA, it will be one of the first shipped and the second shipment will be sometime in arriving..
Title: Re: Fuji X100
Post by: JBerardi on March 24, 2011, 06:15:40 pm
Just too expensive, like almost double the price that it should be.

Ebay begs to differ. (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2011/03/x100s-selling.html)