Photography

Fujifilm X100F Camera: Review & Comparison to the Fuji X100T

Overview of the Fujifilm X100F Camera

Fuji just announced the new Fujifilm X100F. The X100F is the fourth generation of Fuji’s fabulous X100 fixed lens camera line. I have owned the X100S and X100T models, which I reviewed here. The X100 line all had a prime lens, a large sensor, and a classic 60’s rangefinder style. The X100 line became renown both for its Leica M-series looks and the quality of images produced by the 35mm equivalent f/2 lens.

As I previously noted, which camera works ‘best’ depends on the situation. The camera that I use the most is my iPhone 7 Plus, simply because I have in my pocket at all times. Additionally, the iPhone is my best tool for capturing 4K video. For portraits and street photography, I prefer to use my X100T over my Nikon D7100 dSLR primarily due to its size and weight. To be frank, the X100T remains a niche camera with a difficult to use focusing system. Under the right circumstances, the X100T produces exceptional images. Unfortunately, it never received the ‘kaizen’ improvements that the X-T1 did, including improvements to auto-focus, continuous tracking, auto macro, and eye detection. So, I fall back on my Nikon gear when I am shooting action or landscapes, loaning a camera to a family member, or need to use either a large flash or zoom lens.

Following is an early review of the X100F. I will update it and include photo samples after I receive my unit.

Fujifilm X100F Refinements

New 24MP Sensor and Improved Focusing System

The two most important improvements to the Fujifilm X100F over the X100T are the new sensor and focus system. The X100F is now powered by a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, the same as Fuji’s flagship interchangeable lens cameras, the X-Pro2 and X-T2. Fuji states the X100F has a faster startup time (0.5 seconds), a faster shooting interval (0.2 seconds) and faster shutter release time lag (0.01 seconds). Coupled with the new X-Trans is the new X-Processor Pro, which Fuji claims is 4x faster than the X100T.

X100F X-trans. Photo credit Fujifilm.

If pixel count were all that mattered, then the X100F’s 24MP now catches up with current rangefinders as well as older ILC’s, like my Nikon D7100. Since the X100S, many have argued that the X-Trans sensor has an inherent advantage over comparable resolution Bayesian sensors. The X-Trans sensor is specially designed to avoid color moiré and thereby eliminate the need for an optical low-pass filter.

X100F X-Processor Pro. Photo credit Fujifilm.

The X100F’s new focus system is considerably improved, though some early reviewers suggest it is not as fast as the X-Pro2 and X-T2. Fuji claims it has “the fastest AF of 0.08 seconds”. To enable this, the  number of focusing points has been increased from 49 in the X100T to 91 (up to 325 points) in the X100F. 40% of the imaging area is now covered with phase detection AF pixels, an increase of 230%.

There are now six AF modes: AF-S for stationary subjects and AF-C for moving subjects. For each, you can choose Single Point AF, Zone AF or Wide/Tracking AF. Early reviewers say that Fuji has finally solved the X100T’s issues with locking on a target, without constant hunting. Single point AF is much quicker and more accurate than the X100T. Focus using continuous shooting now consistently follows the target. Low light AF is also much better than the X100T.

RAW images can now be captured at an ISO up to 51,200, though up to 12,800 ISO is standard. The X100F’s noise reduction algorithm is reportedly much better than the X100T’s.

Film Simulation Modes

With the X100T and all my previous cameras, I preferred shooting photos in RAW and then enhancing images in post-production. With the X100F’s highly-acclaimed ACROS mode, I plan to shoot in RAW+JPEG in the future. ACROS is designed to produce monochrome footage with smooth gradation of tones and deep blacks. You have the choice of additional filters (red, green and yellow) to add more contrast. My preference is  the red filter because it calls out the highlight areas like the sky. Another notable mode is ‘Classic Chrome’, which is a Kodachrome replica that emphasizes “subdued colors and rich tonality”.

Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder

Like the X100T, the X100F features an optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). There are two significant improvements in the EVF in the X100F: first, the EVF’s frame rate has been boosted to 60 fps. Second, you can now view 100% of the image. Further, you can switch between modes by pressing the rear dial.

Analog Operation

X100F Analog Controls. Photo credit Fujifilm.

One of the great things about the X100 series was the analog controls that permitted photographers to literally dial in their preferred settings. The X100F features a new ISO control: you can lift the outer portion of the dial and selecting the desired ISO number shown in the viewing window. The ‘C’ position enables ±5 stop exposure compensation.

Industrial Design Changes

From the front, the X100F is nearly indistinguishable from the X100T apart from the missing ‘T’ label. If you buy the silver model, the finish on the metallic surfaces has been improved. Special coatings have been applied to create a steel-like texture.

Like its predecessors, the X100T features a FUJINON 23mm (equiv. 35mm format) F2 lens. It is a testament to Fuji’s lens designers that the old lens continues to work well with the new sensor. And, it reduces the number of new things that I need to buy for my Fuji gear bag.

The rear side of the X100F is markedly different: the LCD has been shifted to the left and all controls are now on the right so that the X100F can be used exclusively with your right hand, similar to the X-Pro2. Like the X-Pro2 and X-T2, the X100F features a joystick. Its primary value is navigating the auto-focus faster but it also is useful for navigating the settings menu.

X100F Analog Controls. Photo credit Fujifilm.

The Parallax Correction function is now applied to the focus area in addition to the guide frame. This is supposed to enable better framing and focusing in the Manual Focus mode.

X100F Parallax Correction. Photo credit Fujifilm.

 

HD (But Not 4K) Video Recording

The previous X100 models including the X100T were terrible at video recording. Issues included soft image quality, terrible moiré, and false color. The X100F no longer suffers from these shortcomings but it still falls short of the iPhone 7 Plus because it can only record in 1080p, not 4K. The X100F’s one advantage is that it can apply the film simulation modes, notably ACROS and Classic Chrome, to video recordings.

Other Features

ND filter: like its predecessors, the Fujifilm X100F’s lens has a built-in ND filter. This is valuable when shooting with the aperture wide open in bright sunshine or when using a slow shutter speed. The three-stop ND filter can cut down the amount of light to 1/8th. This feature is only available in the X100 series, not Fuji’s ILC cameras.

Digital teleconverter: initially, I expected this to be an optical zoom, similar to the iPhone 7. I usually skip this function in favor of software cropping during post-production. However, this X100F mode permits you to select a 50mm equivalent and a 75 mm equivalent. It will then produce an upscaled 24MP file with the corresponding crop. Picture quality isn’t as as good as a true 50mm or 70mm but it is better than traditional optical zoom.

New battery: other than the AF issues, one of my biggest complaints about the X100S and X100T was the short life of its battery. I carried around two extra batteries for any given event. The X100F standardizes on the longer-life NP-W126, the same battery as the X-Pro2 and X-T2 use.

Compressed RAW Format: until now, I exclusively shot my photos in RAW format. With the larger sensor size, it is good that Fuji supports compressed RAW format. This preserves all the original details that the sensor captured while reducing file sizes up to 50%.

Missing Features

No weather-sealing: one feature that I really wish that the X100F included is weather sealing. Unfortunately, this is not the case (pardon the pun). The Fujifilm X-T1, X-T2 and  X-Pro2 are all weather sealed. My old Nikons including the D7100 are weather sealed. Given that the X100F is a fixed lens, it is at least  resistant to sand, dust and rain.

No flip screen: other Fuji models and many competitors feature a vari-angle LCD screen. This is less important to me than the (lack of) weather-sealing.

My Fuji Camera Bag, Revisited

Fuji X100T. Photo credit Michael Connelly.

I bought the following gear originally for my X100S, all of which worked perfectly with the X100T. I expect the following changes with the X100F:

Sample Images

Fuji posted sample images here. I will post my own photo samples after I receive my unit.

Resources

The Fujifilm X100F manual is here.

Fujifilm X100F firmware updates will be posted here.

Tips

  • Stick some scotch tape above the strap bracket so you don’t scuff the X100F
  • Given the maximum aperture settings, the X100T (like its predecessors) doesn’t produce sharp macro images. If you want sharp images, you need to stop it down to f/4.
  • Similarly, the field of view is too wide for anything that’s distant like wildlife or sports.

 



Updated on March 11th, 2020