FUJIFILM X100F: A PROFESSIONAL COMPACT

FUJIFILM X100F: A PROFESSIONAL COMPACT

We have two mantras in the Photographer's Blog. One is that there is no such thing as the perfect camera, but rather the ideal camera for each person. The other is that the camera does not make the photographer. Starting from these two important premises, we must bear in mind that the tools with which one works are important. It is essential to find the ideal camera, that is, the one that meets your needs. Today I present to you the Fujifilm X100F, so you can discover if this is your ideal travel companion.

Because although having a Formula 1 does not make you Fernando Alonso, obviously he will not do the same race with a Fiat Tipo as with one of the Toyotas he uses for his races. Just as he has not used the same vehicle for the Dakar as for a Formula 1 race, right? I think that with this everything is perfectly understood. Each camera has a target audience and each photographer has an ideal camera for their needs, which can range from taking photos of their family's birthdays and outings, to earning a living with their photos; passing of course through many other degrees of hobby.

WHO IS THE FUJIFILM X100F FOR?

That said, we already know that this camera has a target audience, one that will be able to make the most of it and that will see its needs covered. And based on the fact that it costs a bit and that it is a compact one, it is already giving us clues that it is for a very specific audience.

The ideal user is someone who is looking for a compact camera but who has a very high quality requirement. Someone who can afford it, of course, but who knows how to take advantage of all its benefits. For a compact its price is quite high, but its performance justifies it.

It is perfect for lovers of classic or vintage due to its aesthetics. Ideal for social, travel, street or documentary photography, due to how light it is and how comfortable it is to transport, in addition to the fact that its optics, despite being fixed, are very versatile and suitable for the type of photography in these disciplines.

It is also perfect for the professional photographer who needs a second camera, either to support their SLR; or as a camera for more personal use, so as not to have to carry heavy equipment, but not lose performance or quality.

It is not an ideal camera for those who prioritize video over photos, or who navigate between these two waters, in this case, although it performs well enough, videographers are not their ideal audience. For its price, it is not suitable for those who are starting out, or only shoot automatically , because they will not take advantage of all its functions and it is a waste of money.

Let's take a look at its features to see if it's what you're looking for.

CHARACTERISTICS

It is a compact, so it has a fixed lens, but with all the manual control options that an SLR camera can offer. It has an APS-C sensor and is a very nimble camera compared to its predecessors.

The ignition is much faster than its predecessors and although it does not have a touch screen, it has a joystick with which you can control the focus point. It offers great ergonomics with the changes incorporated with respect to its predecessors, you can handle it with one hand without problem.

  • Hybrid viewfinder: it has a normal optical viewfinder, but with the lever on the front you can turn it into a digital viewfinder
  • Sensor: 24MP APS-C
  • Lens: FUJINON 23mm (35mm equivalent). Aperture f/2-f/16. 9 diaphragm blades. Focus Distance: Approx. 10cm – Infinite
  • ISO: 100-12800 (Extended to 51200)
  • Shutter speed: 30s to 1/4000 sec (mechanical shutter) / 30 sec. at 1/32000s (electronic shutter)
  • Exposure compensation: -5.0EV – +5.0EV in 1/3EV increments
  • File format: JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG. In MPEG-4 AVC video
  • flash shoe
  • Screen: 3.0 inches, aspect ratio 3:2 approx.
  • Battery life: 300 shots approx.
  • Dimensions: 126.5 x 74.8 x 52.4mm
  • Weight: Approx. 469 g (battery and card included)
  • Colors: Blackand Silver
  • Hereto see the full specifications
  • Price: 1,200 eurosapprox

OTHER FEATURES

In addition to all of the above and the more specific specifications, it has some quite interesting functions, for example:

  • Film Simulation: 15 Film Simulation options including PROVIA/STANDARD Velvia/VIVID and ASTIA/SOFT, named after the famous photographic film.
  • Filters: Eight artistic filters are available.
  • Integrated ND filter: to control the entry of light.
Image comparison with and without ND Filter of the Fujifilm X100F

CONS

In addition to its price, which not everyone can afford, it has few drawbacks. Perhaps one of its weakest points is the ISO control, which is not the most comfortable or practical.

Another weakness is the battery life, although this is easily fixed with a spare battery.

PHOTO GALLERY

These images are taken with a Fujifilm X100F to give you an idea of what it can do.

  • architecture from inside
    dry leaves in hand
    cat
    garden
    interior of a car with golden light
    patterns with chairs
    plants in a garden
    black and white portrait

SUMMARIZING

There is no other compact that shadows it. Its price is high, yes, but well justified, because if this focal length is enough for you, you don't need anything else, you have all the features in a compact, lighter body and without having to change lenses.

With great image quality, captivating bokeh, surprising colours, good dynamic range, good control of noise and chromatic aberrations, the Fujifilm X100F does not disappoint. It is beautiful outside and inside.

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