So last week we packed up our kids and our cameras into our van, and set off on what will be a pretty big adventure – 6 months of road tripping! Choosing the gear for this trip was a big task, but we were really lucky to get our hands on a brand new Fuji X100F to test out on the road.
We’ll put together a more thorough review of the camera after we get the chance to use it more. So far it’s been pretty much a constant companion, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what we can create with it over the next little while!
For now here’s a sample of some of the images captured so far…
Note: These shots are straight out of camera jpegs (captured using the standard Provia setting) – unless otherwise noted. Lightroom actually doesn’t have an update yet for the X100F so I haven’t been able to take a look at the raw files – but the SOOC jpegs are pretty impressive (here’s an explanation of raw vs jpeg and why you should care).
Above shot: White balance adjustment, and contrast increase – it was captured through a tinted window
Above shot: contrast increased, highlights decreased, and shadows increased.
Above shot: exposure increased and shadows increased
Initial Impressions:
This is a remarkable camera. The huge APS-C 24MP sensor, along with a fixed 35mm equivalent f/2 lens is a winning combination.
For price / performance / features / style I think this is probably the best everyday carry camera you could ask for.
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What could be improved:
There are a lot of improvements to the X100F over the X100T – but there are still a couple areas I think could be better.
1. The EVF doesn’t seem like it has the best dynamic range. I’m pretty sure it’s not the same viewfinder you’ll find in the X-T2. The darker areas of the scene seem to lack detail. Turning off film simulation preview helped a bit, but it’s still not as bright as I would like. I’ll have to experiment more with adjusting the EVF brightness (I don’t want the whole EVF to be unrealistically bright just in order to see shadow detail).
2. The ISO dial is a lift and twist design. I would prefer to map the ISO dial to one of the front or rear control dials – which might be possible but I haven’t been able to figure out yet. Right now it’s a bit of a pain to quickly change the ISO
3. Finally, it would have been nice if the screen flipped up. A flip up screen really helps capture different angles. I can understand why it’s not there from a minimalist design perspective – but I know if it was there it’s a feature I would be using.
The Fuji X100F is currently available for pre-order through Amazon.com, and B&H Photo.
We’ll be using this camera to capture more of our trip over the next couple weeks. Stay tuned for more updates and a more thorough review!
David says
Rob, you can map the ISO to the finger dial on the front so it can be easily increased and decreased by rolling your finger. Also check out the digital zoom option for when shooting JPG, really handy.
Rob Lim says
Hey David!
Thanks for the tips.
I’ve looked through the menus a ton of times, but I still haven’t been able to figure out mapping ISO to the front dial. There is an option to change the ISO Dial Setting (A) from Auto to Command. Unfortunately when you put it on Command the front dial only lets you cycle through different ISO auto modes – not actually adjust the ISO to specific values.
Rob Lim says
Lauren just figured things out for me. When I you put it in command mode it seemed to start out at the high ISO auto settings, but when you scroll enough you get through those settings and make it to the total manual ISO settings.
Leon says
You said: “This is a remarkable camera. The huge APS-C 24MP sensor, along with a fixed 28mm equivalent f/2 lens is a winning combination.”
But thats wrong. The lens gives you the viewing angle of a 35mm lens on a “full frame” camera. with light gathering of f/2 and dof of ~ f/3 in “full frame” terms.
Rob Lim says
Hey Leon,
Thanks, my mistake! The lens is a 23mm f/2 on APS-C giving a 35mm equivalent.
Ivan says
Would you recommend the x100f as travel camera for taking photo of baby, family on the road? I currently have the xt2 and 56mm f1.2 but it’s in my bag most of the time due to the size and weight.
I’m thinking about getting either the x100f or the 23mm f1.4 lens. So which one do you recommend that I should get?
Thank you so much
Rob Lim says
Hey Ivan,
Have you considered the 23mm f/2 WR? It’s a lens we own – and gives a 35mm equivalent perspective. I think it might be the best option for you for your X-T2. Before getting the X100F the 23mm was the lens on our camera most often. One of the things I really liked about the 23mm f/2 vs. the f/1.4 was that the f/2 is quite a bit smaller / lighter – and is also weather sealed.
Hope this this helps!
P.S. We’re loving the X100F as a travel/everyday camera. We still use our X-T2 daily though – so both camera really compliment each other.