The Fujifilm XF1 Compact Camera: A Worthy Alternative for Dual-Camera Photographers

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fujifilm_XF1 image The newest DSLR cameras and interchangeable lens camera systems (ILCS) may grab most of the headlines because of their technological advances; however, the manufacturers are also pushing the technology envelope of compact cameras. During recent years, many photographers, who generally use a DSLR for their most creative and/or professional efforts, have discovered the value of also owning a compact camera, especially for personal use. They may love their DSLRs and the images they produce, but they don’t love carrying it and all the ancillary equipment at family events, casual outings or during vacations and travel.

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The camera manufacturers have identified this market, which is why they have been building and introducing a few models with pro-like features, such as complete manual control and RAW format imaging. DSLR photographers who want second cameras have been able to choose from two groups of compact cameras: Those with fast lenses or zooms with a long telephoto range or those that emphasize a small, compact body, so they can be carried in a pocket.

Canon has had the winning edge for many years in this second group of compacts for DSLR photographers with its S-series, but other manufacturers have joined the competition. Released during summer 2012, the Sony DSC RX100 Cyper-Shot leaped into this niche market in a big way with a 1” Exmore CMOS sensor that is twice as large or larger than the sensors in most compact cameras. The physical size of a sensor may be the most important characteristic to produce the sharp and highly acceptable images that DSLR photographers have come to expect.

With the success of its high-end X-Series of compact and interchangeable lens cameras, Fujifilm introduced its XF1 during October 2012 to compete with Canon and Sony for the secondary-camera dollars of DSLR enthusiasts.

You won’t have any trouble recognizing the Fujifilm XF1, as its body design is much more fashionable than the Canon S100 and Sony RX100’s rather standard black bodies. The XF1 presents a wonderful contrast between its silvery top and bottom body plates and lens and the leatherette color and texture of most of the body, which is available in black, brown and red.

Although attractive, stylishness is not the primary reason to shoot with a Fujifilm XF1. The first of these is that it is the smallest compact with a mechanical zoom ring surrounding the lens. The ring is also how the camera is powered on or off. In addition, the lens will retract within the dimensions of the body for the convenience of carrying it in a pocket. At approximately 4.25 x 2.5 x 1.25” (108 x 62 x 33mm), the Fujifilm XF1 is just a bit larger than the Sony RX100 and Canon S100. The XF1 weighs just 9 oz. (255g) with batteries, as compared to the Canon, at 6.98 oz. (198g), the Sony, at 7.5 oz. (213g).

Although the XF1’s 12-MP sensor may not be as large as the Sony’s 20.9, the Canon PowerShot S100 essentially matches the Fujifilm compact at 12.1-MP. Sony’s 1” sensor (in terms of physical size) is certainly an advantage over the XF1’s 2/3” and the S100’s 1/1.7” sensor, making it the smallest of the three. Where the Fujifilm XF1’s sensor proves to be more flexible is that it can register a full-resolution 12-MP image or combine pixels for 6-MP photos with less noise or a broader dynamic range. In addition, to have the RX100’s larger, 1” sensor, you’ll pay $648.00, compared to the XF1’s price of $499.00. The Canon S100 is the least expensive at $342.99, but that is to be expected, having the smallest sensor.

The specifications of the lens on the XF1 also compares well with its two primary competitors.

Lens Specifications	Fujifilm XF1	Sony RX100	Canon S100
Focal length range	6.4–25.6mm	10–37mm	5.2–26mm
35mm equivalent range	25–100mm	28–100mm	24–120mm
Aperture range	f/1.8–4.9	f/1.8–4.9	f/2.0–5.9
Aperture range equivalent	f/7.0–19.1	f/4.9–13.4	f/9.3–27.4

Other Important Specifications of the Fujifilm XF1

ISO 100–3,200, ISO 4,000–,6400 at 6-MP resolution, ISO 12,800 at 3-MP.
Optical image stabilization, with as many 4 stops slower handheld.
Complete manual control.
RAW format recording.
Three-inch, 460,000-dot LCD.
Full-HD movie recording with built-in stereo microphones.
Film simulation modes.
In-camera RAW conversion with adjustable in-camera processing.

The Fujifilm XF1 Compact Camera is available from Amazon for $499.00

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