Fujifilm X-S1 12MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with Fuijinon F2.8 to F5.6 Telephoto Lens and Ultra-Smooth 26x Manual Zoom (24-624mm)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



First, you must know what you are getting into when you buy/use this camera.



WHAT IT IS NOT: this is not a DSLR replacement for use at high ISO's, it will not replace a top end video capable micro-4/3 camera or similar (ex. GH2/GH3), it's AF is not as fast the Olympus OM-EM5, It's sensor is smaller than m/43 but larger than the average point & shoot and other bridge cameras. It is NOT for pixel-peepers.



NOTE/CAVEAT: If you have a body with a serial number starting with the numbers 21 or 22, this is an old production unit and will most likely have the noted (in other reviews) sensor blooming and lens issues. I have a SN 23X.... (replaced by Fuji with a new camera) and it is perfect for these two issues.



WHAT THIS CAMERA EXCELS AT:

1) Good ISO performance for sensor size up to ISO 800, 1600 useable.

2) Excellent MANUAL zoom, silky smooth. Note, it does have a rubber gasket you can hear (internally) if you put your ear up to it - this is a good thing.

3) Optics are sharp, contrasty and the lens alone is worth the price IMO. f/2.8-5.6 is nice for the range.

4) The FPS is nice an speedy if you need it

5) Shoots full HD, but does not have full manual control, but for most causal video people this isn't an issue. If you are a video enthusiast, look elsewhere.

6) Great Fuji auto-white balance

7) Great Fuji colors

8) Full manual control on the photographic side of the camera

9) Weather sealed to a certain level - although not completely. Ex. There ARE seals in the lens, battery door, connection port door, SD card door, ,etc. I cannot confirm seals internally around knobs. The Canadian Fuji site called it sealed, but the USA site does not. Keep this in mind.

10) The body, while large, is a joy to hold and use, high quality feel vs. the cheaper plastic cameras

11) The EVF is great IMO - nice and large, comparable to my old Panasonic GH1

12) Nice built in flash that is pretty powerful for its size (good to about 20') with excellent exposure



Overall, if you are a photo enthusiast who KNOWS how to get the most from a camera and is willing to learn this camera inside and out it can be very rewarding and is in a class of it's own overall. BUT, if you are looking for a more consumer oriented fun bridge with some better video, look at the Panasonic FZ200 or step up to micro 4/3.



For daylight shooting, this beast is excellent and I do not miss my DLSRs at all. It's AF is quick to lock (with the newer serial numbers IMO) and I've successfully used it for action as well. Overall, for what you get for you money, I don't think you can go wrong. YES, you can get better IQ with a DSLR body. But the tele lenses you will get are slower on the short end (f/3.5) and will put the cost higher in the end if you want to keep cost down. Sure, you could match the DSLR to a nice 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and it would smoke the X-S1, but those lenses are $1000+. For the PACKAGE, it's a great option.



This camera is not the only camera I shoot with, for ultimate image quality, I prefer my Fuji X100 which is a stellar performer. I've shot with many high end DSLR's and some of the best glass around and that's the background for this review. For what it is, the X-S1 is very nice!



via Amazon Best Seller V2 copy copy http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-X-S1-Fuijinon-Telephoto-Ultra-Smooth/dp/B006T7QRN2/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_p_photo_3