Fujifilm X100S Detailed Review

In additional X100S was introduced by Fujifilm in February 2013. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Fujifilm is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Fujifilm.

Also X100S has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of X100S’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The X100S’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Fujifilm supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Fujifilm’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The X100S uses an hybrid viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this.

The magnifcation is c. 0.50x, an average value for an electronic or hybrid viewfinder.

The X100S’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The X100S’s sensitivity is from 200 ISO and 6400 ISO.

Also, Fujifilm’s sensitivity can be boosted to 25600. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The X100S supports all general exposure modes.

The Fujifilm allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The X100S’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Fujifilm, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The X100S has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 9m (30 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The X100S features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.46 megapixel. That rather low resolution is no longer state of the art and will make it difficult to evaluate images on the display.

Unfortunately, the X100S’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The X100S does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

X100S video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Fujifilm X100S Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Fujifilm. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Fujifilm to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Fujifilm supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Fujifilm X100S works with a NP-95 battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 330 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The X100S’s battery battery parameters:

The Fujifilm X100S’s dimensions are 126.5 x 74.4 x 53.9mm³. (5.0″ x 2.9″ x 2.1″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 445 grams (14.4 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the X100S:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The X100S is not much bigger: