Fuji announced that the X100 will be available in March in USA and in April in Europe. It will be priced at $1,199.95 (US) or 1.000 Euro. You can preorder the camera at Amazon (Click here). Sorry, I didn’t find any preorder option in Europe.
They also announced a new list of accessories:
Case
To perfectly complement the look and premium quality feel of the X100 camera body, a retro leather “quick shot” case with matching strap has been designed to fit the X100 like a glove. Made out of luxurious leather it has been thought out with uncompromising attention to detail, ensuring the ultimate ease of use and practicality .
Lens Hood and Adapter Ring
Precision milled from metal, the lens hood and adapter ring will be available as a set. The adapter ring is also compatible with commercially sold 49mm filters.
TTL Flash
EF-20 (Guide Number:20) and EF-42 (Guide Number:42) will be newly added to the TTL flash line-up.
Fuji posted a few official image samples at finepix-x100 (Click here). We do all agree the camera looks very nice but I do believe the camera will NOT sell well simply because it doesn’t take interchangeable lenses. You know the features, the price and you have see the image samples…so what are you going to do?
[poll id=”39″]
Via Enagadget and Photoscala.
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I repeat: There are three reasons why we talk about that camera on 43rumors:
1) Fuji is part of the Four Thirds group
2) We were told by an anonymous source that Fuji is getting help from one of the current Micro Four Thirds members (which is making some parts of the cameras).
3) Because many 43rumors readers do like innovative concepts and well made cameras and I hope Panasonic/Olympus will take notice of our interest to make a [shoplink 17020]DMC-LC1[/shoplink] or [shoplink 17129]Olympus 35RC[/shoplink] version of the X100 (of course with interchangeable lenses!) 🙂
116 Responses
It has a nice design. But we still don’t really know how well it functions… There is no consistent review yet, plus it is a bit expensive…
I think it should cost under $1000 us.
I love its design and would have bought it if it took interchangeable lenses, but it’s just not for me. I still think it’s cool though!
I will be buying the all black version…
Was it already announced?
Depends on Olympus upcoming rangefinder styled pro m43 camera. Admin, it’s time to start leaking what you know. I’m afraid I’m not the only one hesitating between this one and the X100…
Don’t you have a heart? 😉
yes I heard something but I want to double check it first. I guess we have to wait a little bit more than expected. that’s all I can say for now. It sounds like everybody wants to wait the Nikon announcement before to announce new products!
Awww, go on, give us an FT1. Be brave, we don’t mind!
Hi Admin
When you say one of the Micro43 members is making some parts for the Fuji – I for one certainly hope its parts for the viewfinder and that Olympus is planning a model with EVF in top corner with a small prism to “fold” the light as per the Fuji!!! I realise Oly cant have the full hybrid viewfinder with IntCHangeable lenses. Come on give us a clue.
THanks
Nikon announcement is planned (as per previous rumors) in April.
I hope you are not going to keep us waiting that long. 😉
I’m interested in the X100, but if there would be some competition to it, I’d want to be aware of it.
Hm, I will most certainly NOT buy this camera, check the Shutterlag on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhkaHDMkzTo&feature=player_embedded
Its not much different from the shutterlag from my Panasonic LX3. Guess Im still stuck with analogue cameras for a few years more..
I need the shutter to be instantanious! Like in all old film-cameras.
I think you misunderstood. What counts is half-pressed to shoot, and this is reportedly 0.01′.
Larger point: there is no info yet how fast/good X100’s AF is.
I personally want to see how fast it is in low light situations. Comparison to e.g. GH2 would be nice.
Shutter lag is inherent to digital cameras. If you want fast, when you press is when you get the photo, you need a mechanical camera.
I really like just about everything about it, but: there is nothing to put it above a m43 body with the Panny 20mm F1.7, except the built in viewfinder and gorgeous looks. I also expected the lens to be faster, after all, they managed to make a similar 35mm F1.8 way back in the 1960s…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbroglin/4226085846/in/photostream/
It certainly has given the m43 manufacturers something to aim at. If only Cosina would build their version for m43…
too large + no interchangeable lenses + no IS + too retro = no buy
Olympus and Panasonic should take some clues from the design of the X100 back end and put similar layout on E-P3 / GP3.
I think Sony has a better price…. wouldn’t walk with a 1K camera on the streats…
0.5K sounds better end feels better… Above 1K I would choose a EOS SLR… 😉
Based on the looks I would buy it, but having seen the image samples I’ll probably pass till they put a Fuji made sensor
inside.
What particular IQ problems you see?
ATM there is only official image sample gallery and it is not really very representative of IQ.
I probably need to upgrade my opinion, as published they look rather flat but after some pp done I started to like them much better. So let’s wait and see what reviewers say.
They looked good to me, even at 100%.
I have seen some pixel-peepers on DPR forums posting slightly over-sharpened versions of originals, but I’m personally no fan of Canon-style oversharpening. Careless oversharpening often leads to appearance of aliasing artifacts when resizing image on computer screen, while adds very little visual details (or rather make some details pop into your face).
P.S. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=37675932
A good lesson to me is that the samples turned down to be be pretty tweak-able (even with such bare bone programs I have on my Mac), and I can make them looking more to my tastes.
I probably get used to that some companies, like Panasonic, would show samples with all make up already done.
Bokeh isn’t much better than 20/1.7 and the lack of lens interchangeability holds me back. Bring on the FF compacts!
I am considering to buy a follow-up, X200 😉 Does this counts?
The current model has a few limitations which FujiFilm may address in the future.
This thing will sell like hotcakes
The external design and ergonomics are almost exactly what I have been wanting, and the viewfinder seems like a great advance. Like several other posters, though, the lack of interchangeable lenses is a deal breaker, especially at the list price.
Case is optional. OK. I kind of get it. Though still sucks for the camera to have no case included.
But “Lens Hood and Adapter Ring” are optional too!? What’s next? Deliver an empty box, stating that camera itself is an optional extra??? This is laughable.
It’s an APS-C Cam not m43, why should Fuji scale down for a interchangeable lens version?
I wait for the street price in half a year. I think they will sell a lot and we will see more of such solutions soon.
Hopefully a FF interchangeable lens version with this kind of viewfinder will come to market. I think many manufactures are waiting for the next released FF chips from Sony.
I have no idea why they didn’t make it an interchangeable prime only lens/camera system. It could be nearly as small, and work very similarly. Then launch it with a wide, normal, and telephoto single focal length and add specialty lenses later. It would have provided far more value this way.
It’s either hybrid rangefinder or interchangeable lenses…
I suspect it’s the hybrid rangefinder. It would be either too expensive to couple more than one focal length or parallax error would be too much and everyone would complain.
sample pictures are far from impressive
way too retro and stylised. it’s going to be dated before it’s a year old
Agreed. It’s already dated.
At that price, without interchangeable lenses? No thanks.
Granted, the viewfinder concept sounds intriguing.
Whoa… not related.. but did you read this ? Looks like Sony is counter attacking..
Zeiss, Cosina-Voigtländer, Sigma and Tamron. All do join the Sony NEX system!
http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/zeiss-cosina-voigtlander-sigma-and-tamron-all-do-join-the-sony-nex-system/#comments
I won’t call that counter attack, but lens companies need to expand their sources of income.
I like it a lot.. would be perfect with interchangeable lenses.
The sample pics remind me of the D90 output, so nothing earth shattering there. I do like the body though. The shutter lag doesn’t look that bad from the video Danonino put up, but I haven’t seen anything about the focus speed. The focus speed seems pretty important, at this price point-remember the EP1 at launch :(.
I think if you consider that the lens alone would probably cost 3- 400 bucks, then it puts the camera in the 8-900 dollar range, which probably isn’t too bad considering it’s the first of it’s breed, metal, retro and nice looking. I think under a grand would be more realistic though and I’ll bet it gets there pretty quick, as soon as the all the retro people get theirs and sales start to decline.
I’m on a list for one, but I may wait it out and let the smoke clear a bit, because there doesn’t seem to be anything that jumps out at me, about the image quality, judging from the samples.
The camera is not too expensive for what it offers. Just try to build a comparable setup using MFT.
Take an E-PL1, add the 20mm Panasonic and the Olympus Viewfinder. What’s the price on all of these items? And then you’d still not have that nice finish of the Fuji, the dials, the controls, the bigger sensor and so on.
For the use case it has been built for, I think the price is very compelling. I already own an E-PL1, the viewfinder and the Panasonic 20mm. And yet I am very excited about the Fuji. If my budget allows, I will probably still get it.
Fully agree with you Tobias in terms of building a similar system with the Pany20mm at its heart. I have the E-PL1, VF2 and Panny 20mm, and it cost me more than the Fuji would have.
But then a single legacy prime added to the system turns that argument on its’ head.
I think of this as a “Tuxedo” camera, great for a party or any time you want to look good and get a good result. If I had the extra cash to buy a Rolex, this camera would go well with it……
Well…
It’s not really suited for portraits i guess.
If it had a fast Leica (fixed or not) zoom lens
and and a flash that could bounce.
Then…
Count me in !
I think it’s all riding on the lens. I hope it lives up to the hype..
$1199 and the lens hood and filter ring adapter come as accessories? What a sham. Also, I remember when the E-P1 first came out it was priced pretty high and the price dropped drastically six months later when the E-P2 was announced. Let Fuji get their R&D money back from the early adopters. Personally, I’m waiting until the price drops.
I should have said “lens hood and filter ring adapter come as accessories that you need to buy additionally”
I know it’s a shame it’s not included, but given what it is, they have to salvage anywhere for profit margin in order to make this project profitable. Maybe it is expensive from consumer’s point of view, but it is a very expensive project. This is a new product, not a remake like Canon 40D, 50D, 60D and probably XSi, Ti1, Ti2, Ti3, etc., which all share the same basic parts. Those cameras’ total cost is very close to cost to manufacture because almost all initial R&D costs are already paid off.
Unless you prefer Fuji charges you $1,500 then throwing all the “freebies” to you, this is the more honest pricing strategy. Only people who want those accessories need to pay for them. Lens hood not included is really strange (but Canon doesn’t give lens hood for free either), but filter adapter is not weird to me, since I don’t know many people except myself use filters (other than UV filter) extensively.
The Fuji X-100 is avaiable for pre-order from at least two independent photo retailers in the UK. I pre-ordered from Clifton cameras back in the middle of January. Park Cameras is another retailer that has been taking pre-orders from mid January as well.
Those images look nice, excellent natural looking colors, great red on the fire truck (what Fuji is known for) and good detail and noise. Not one image over iso 400, I think, but I bet it’s ok at high iso. If it matches the D90 for DR and noise I’d be happy. If it has snappy, accurate focus, might have to eventually get one, depending on m43 releases.
lol
$1200 on a fixed lens camera
gooood luck to all buyers
it is more expensive than d60 + kit lens
i know i know
it is a small size cam
but still $1200
ROFL
i wonder what kind of sane person will buy it???
People that have disposable income? Plus it really isn’t much more than a EP-whatever + viewfinder + 20mm 1.7.
PS I preordered one just now.
> i wonder what kind of sane person will buy it???
Me for example – as somebody who had missed lots of opportunities, because lugging dSLR around is a bother and even pulling dSLR out of bag can sometimes ruin the mood.
X100 is a discreet, walkaround camera, targeted at enthusiasts and professional. I hope it lives up to the hype.
Exactly! Different strokes, for different folks!
d60? Like the Nikon plastic d60 thing? That’s not even in the same league.
There are tons of sane people called photographers who would love something like this.
BTW, the closest thing to this in build quality, sensor size, etc. is the Leica X1. Its $2400. It’s also fixed lens, but doesn’t even have a viewfinder!
Not to mention Leica X1 has loads of problem…. I don’t remember the detail, but please google it.
A lot of people compare the price to the EPL2, however, seeing the metal build quality and the mechanical controls available on the camera, it really should be compared to the EP-2 or its future replacement.
I’m bet you the camera is going to be in preorder 😉
Love the camera. Hate the price.
So no sale.
To all those who love to observe the pixel-peepers in their natural habitat: head to the DPR forums and check the X100 threads, which popped up in last few hours. Do not forget the popcorn!
In the year 2000 a black Contax T3 cost about $1,000 and you still had to pay for film and processing. It was a full frame 35mm film camera with a built in finder, built in flash and a built in 35mm lens.
So a Fuji X100 for about the same price in 2011 (no film or processing required) seems like a fair deal to me…
Love the camera, hate the price, buying it anyway. This will be my first early adopter purchase in 10+ years. I usually wait a year. I think this will be a limited release and a classic for years to come so I’m taking a chance. I much prefer this fixed lens on the APS-C size sensor and would consider that an upgrade to most m 4/3 lenses on the smaller sensor in a heartbeat.
i think i’m going to spend the 1000 euros on one of the new lenses from zeiss, cosina or schneider when they come out for my m43 😀
I like it enough that I don’t mind parting with my $1,200. The way I look at it, I’m buying a lens with a camera attached to it. If they come up with X200 with a fixed 50mm, I might get that one too for portraits, lol.
Exactly what I want for street photography. We have an order for 12 for our shooters to cover urban events. It’s really a perfect concept that died out with the onslaught of SLR baggage.
too many coments to see if anyone has written the same as I am going to write.
I would buy an X100 if I had the money. But I am not likely to have that sort of money for a very very long time. So it isn’t worth thinking about buying one. But then, come to think of it, if I had that much money there are lots of other things worth buying too. Because it is so expensive it will end up just a toy for wealthy people. It is a shame really. I do believe that the X100 is an excelent, and truly ground breaking, camera and I genuinely would like to own one. But to be honest, it doesnt really offer me anything other than being a really nice toy.
Make up your mind: a toy or a ground-breaking camera?
Im just jealous I cant afford one. T_T
now ive had a think about it, I will stick with what I originally said. It is both a ground breaking camera and a camera that only the wealthiest can buy. X100 is extremely expensive and that limits its sales but the camera has created enough of a buzz that other camera manufactuers have got to take note; that is a camera that is primarily geared towards photography without useless gimmicks tacked on.
It is only a matter of time before a similar camera for a cheaper price is available from another camera manufacturer.
….or maybe I am wrong and stupid.
When The Panasonic GF1 came out it was $900 with the 20mm lens + if you wanted the viewfinder it was a extra $200 I think. I’m really surprised that the fuji is as “cheap” as it is! It’s probably the most I would pay for it though.
It’s an expensive toy for the wealthy, but it’s a tool for people who actually use it.
“The fixed-lens design has a attracted a degree of debate, but it’s clear that this is fundamental to the overall approach. It enables the camera to remain relatively slim despite the fast lens, and through the use of an in-lens shutter, be almost silent in operation while offering flash sync at high shutter speeds without a loss of flash power.
The fixed lens is also crucial to the implementation of the optical component of the hybrid viewfinder. A version designed for interchangeable lenses would need to cover a wide range of focal lengths, which brings a whole new set of problems. It would have to either zoom optically or use ever-smaller frame lines for telephoto work; both of these solutions are notorious for parallax errors, especially at close subject distances. Optical zoom finders can’t readily support ultra-wideangle or macro lenses either. So while we’d love to see an interchangeable-lens development of the X100 as much as anyone else, it’s clear such a camera would necessarily be a rather different beast.”
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/fujifilmx100/page4.asp
if this was m43 mount and had image stabilizer I would pay that price for that camera
if I didn’t already have 2x PENs and the 14/17/20 pancakes I’d be tempted by the Fuji, but not sure I consider it worth that price ticket. I’m actually really okay with the fixed lens idea – in fact (unlikely though it would be) if Oly made a fixed lens camera like this with IS (and some EPL2/XZ1/accessory compatibility) then I’d be very very tempted
but as it is – nope, I’m sticking with m43
It’s a nice camera, but like you guys can already observe, it’s reception is polarized. You either hate or love it.
For people who want to buy it for the look, and don’t know what a rangefinder is, you guys may be disappointed. A rangefinder is not a SLR! The viewfinder of a rangefinder is a piece of glass that show you the approximate of the frame (like Olympus E-P1 + VF-1), but not what your lens actually captures. That’s why Fuji uses the hybrid design, that also shows what sensor sees. For people who are used to rangefinder camera (not rangefinder “style” camera, like Olympus Pen series, but more like Leica M series) it’s fine, but for people who only bought it for the retro look, you guys are going to be shocked.
Keep an eye on Amazon reviewers saying something like “I paid $xxxx (price sensored by Amazon) for what? A viewfinder that is not even accurate!” Olympus VF-1 costs $89, and viewfinder for $135 currently (originally was $299). That’s how much that piece of glass with “approximate” frame guideline (but no electronic connection) costs….
I only say this so you guys know what you’re getting. Fuji said very specifically it is a backup camera for professionals (but good enough as your only camera). Pros demands quality IQ and already know what they’re framing on top of their head, but only use the viewfinder to confirm it (you know, like how they use their fingers to make a box to frame things?). It’s a niche market. I will get it when it lowers in price and will use it for important works. I bet there will be a lot of “disappointed” customers because they don’t know what they are getting… (why does this sound deja vu? ;-)).
>For people who want to buy it for the look, and don’t know what a rangefinder is, you guys may be disappointed.
The X100 is not a rangefinder camera. It has an optical viewfinder, but does not use a range-finding focus mechanism or viewfinder with a turning prism or beam splitter. The Leica M series cameras are rangefinders. The Cosina-Voigtlander Bessas are rangefinders. The Epson RD-1 is a rangefinder.
The Fuji X100 is not a rangefinder. It’s more like a digital Rollei 35.
But do you expect x100 to have parallax problem? Technical definition aside, x100’s viewfinder frame is 90% coverage, specifically to make sure users would have more in the end photo, so they won’t get a photo with chopped off parts.
I’m sorry I’m a very practical person. I irks me when someone waste people’s precious time playing definition game, while totally miss the main point which should be the focus of a debate. In this case, the main point is unsuspected people wouldn’t realize there will be parallax error and will get disappointed for something this expensive.
By definition, the viewfinder on the X100 will have parallax error when used in optical mode.
That hasn’t stopped Leica users from capturing fantastic images for the past 80 years.
Of course it wouldn’t. It doesn’t stop me either (because I’m informed), but some unsuspected people who want to buy it because it’s “cool” will find it disappointing.
You can get fantastic images from any camera…. Some people use Holga… (I’ve used it, but I guess I prefer sharp photos, which is why I’m an Oly user). It depends on what’s your “definition” of fantastic.
me too. After several days of thinking about pros and cons I went into MFT world. And even now, after almost two years, I’d make the same choice if I have to. I’m very happy with the MFT system. It suits me just fine! Now thinking only of upgrading my old G1 to GH2 or GF2 or maybe rumored G3?… I haven’t decided yet… MFT cameras are small enough, good enough, flexible enough.. I can hardly imagine what the equipment should be like to make me decide to change the system…
That means you did a good job choosing the right camera. 🙂 M4/3 is a good system for most people. I’ve used G1 before, it’s a very easy to use camera. 🙂
Just a quick survey, how much does your camera system cost?
I bet majority of you paid more than $1,200 for your camera set up. x100 is not expensive for what it is (APS-C sensor body with a prime lens, NOT a kit zoom). My E-620 was $600, Zuiko 14-54mm II was $500. That’s $1,100 already…. Photography is not one of the cheapest hobbies around.
It has a fixed prime level lens. Prime lens costs a lot! Customized prime lenses that works for a customized sensor that uses a customized viewfinder that works for only one purpose costs a lot to make…. Your R&D costs is all focus on one product that cannot be spread between different models….
> Just a quick survey, how much does your camera system cost?
Here’s the problem with your analogy: the X100 is not a system camera.
I bought my GF1 for $900 at launch. I did not buy a Sigma DP1 at $800, and wouldn’t. The X100 will be a secondary (at best) camera for most serious photographers, for which its $1200 price point is more than the market will bear.
Yeah, just like the first iPod was too expensive back in 2001. Nobody would buy that, right…
It is not a system camera, x100 is a unit to its own. That is why I am not comparing it with two lenses I use with my E-620, but compared it as if I only have E-620 plus one lens.
If you want an analogy that’s better, the closest we can get in m4/3 is E-P2 + Zuiko 17mm + VF-2. That combo is currently sold for $1,100. E-P2 is $100 cheaper, but lens is not as good, viewfinder is not hybrid, sensor has less DR and does not have analogue controls which is the main selling point of x100. It is a very niche market Fuji is aiming.
I did not do this comparison because I do not own a PEN. I am not qualified to compare something I do not own or used. The main point of this is just a quick analysis when people said something is expensive, do they have any fact or experience to back it up, or is it just another way to say they cannot afford it. We are talking about value here. $1,200 for this camera is inexpensive, because the mark up is very low. Can I afford it at full price? No. But it is NOT expensive for what it is. Whether that mean the item will give you high quality photo is yet a separate argument (i.e., something with higher price tag does not equal better capability).
Similar analysis. Some people said Olympus lenses are expensive…. Did they actually do a comparison to other brand’s offerings? I am always curious what people are thinking when they say something like these…. When they say “It’s expensive” they really mean, “It’s not my cup of tea.” People ought to be more direct with their own sentiments.
“I do believe the camera will NOT sell well simply because it doesn’t take interchangeable lenses”
Very shallow view in my opinion. As stated by a commenter above, opinions will be polarized, however it is naive to think that the market will bend in your direction just because you have an affliction with interchangeable lenses.
Having been with the M43 system for over a year, ironically that has made me want the Fuji X100 even more! The 20/1.7 is the only lens I really use, which proves to me that the X100 doesn’t need interchangeable lenses at all.
You also seem to be ignoring the fact that it is very difficult to preorder this camera anymore as demand has far outstripped supply – just take a look at Adorama and B&H.
As for me, I’ve pre-ordered 2, and look forward to dumping my entire M43 kit as soon as one of them arrives!
This camera reminds me of a Rollei 35, which was solid as a rock, had a superb wide-angle lens, was pocketable, and made some great images alongside my regular Nikon F2 gear and lenses. Great when you want to be discreet, in social situations, for hiking etc. This camera definitely appeals to nostalgia.
$1200 seems high considering the features and build – I think street price will settle around $800. It should sell well. Having said that, my personal preference would be a E-Px or GFx as an adjunct to Gx/GHx form factor camera and lens set, especially when these compact models have good built-in EVF. I’m not big on nostalgia.
Right. It is a niche market. Not everyone would like it. Some people like futuristic looking car, some may find that too much. That’s why there is always something for everyone in a capitalistic world. If it sells well, it just means more people accept the concept, it has nothing to do with whether it is a superior product.
I doubt it will go as low as $800, since the price is a function of demand. Given the interest it arouses, I think $1000 is a reasonable final price. $800 may be below cost (you have to factor R&D cost in, and this is a custom product with no other model shares the same R&D. This is not something an American company would do…, too much risk and too much cost for something with questionable success rate to recuperate the entire R&D cost).
2? Why?
One for my dad 🙂 He asked for something better than his D90
I thought you’re buying an extra one to sell on eBay. That’s what people did with Wii when it was initially launched.
It’s way too distinguishable for me. Once Victoria Beckham is photographed ‘using’ one are you really going to want to be seen with it?
I can just imagine the comments… “Eer look, it’s one of those Posh Spice cameras…” “…Don’t forget to remove the lens cap, mate!” etc
“it is very difficult to preorder this camera anymore as demand has far outstripped supply”
“I’ve pre-ordered 2”
Or it could just be lots of people pre-ordering at multiple places. 😛
(Not saying it won’t sell, it will. Not saying I don’t want one, I do.)
haha yes I thought that sounded a bit suss when I typed it 🙂
The poll is very interesting… it indicates that 20-40% of M43 enthusiasts will switch to the X100! Given how huge the M43 market is, and that there are many other non-M43 markets, I’d say the X100 is already a runaway success.
I want one. PERIOD.
I’m not a photographer and I only have an old-ish compact Panasonix FX100. I was thinking about getting m43, but the new GF2 is disappointing… rubbish resistive touchscreen is no way to control a camera. I want knobs and buttons! GH2 looks good, but it slightly big.
Overall, I’d love to have an interchangable lens system; I think its more engaging.
But, x100 is a nice package; the camera looks stunning and the picture quality should be great. Super-accurate or not, the optical viewfinder should be great. I noticed one thing when playing with GF2 and some DSLRs few weeks ago — with EVFs and all this digital stuff, taking photos feels gimicky. The feel is more or less like using a compact. When you have proper optical viewfinder on DSLRs, it feels much nicer; it just feels “real”. I hope having optical viewfinder on x100 would achieve the same.
GF1/GF2 or EP1 with EVF that I tried still feels like my old compact…
I don’t really care about the price. If there was a version for twice as much but with interchangeable lenses, I’d go for that. I think I’m going to get x100 and then wait for “perfect” m43 or some other mirrorless system.
I think Sony might produce something interesting one day; their translucent mirror can be pretty interesting. I had a look at a55 and it has a lot of potential. If only Sony could stop being so consumer-oriented/gimmicky and made a camera that feels “pro” (it doesn’t have to be pro for someone like myself; I just don’t want it to feel like funky digital gadget) and has more style…
One question guys and gals: should X100 be comparable to something like Leica X1? That camera also has a fixed prime lens and large sensor… but costs $2k; and it still sells (or does it?)…
would you buy a Casio for the same price as a Rolex, even if the specs are similar?!
No. A Casio is $40 and a Rolex is $5,000+. Not a good comparison since it’s 130 times more expensive. The X1 would have to priced at $156,000 OR the X100 at $18 for your comparison to be correct.
You’re implying the X100 is a bargain item and the X1 is some ultra premium product.
Take a look at an X1. Tell us how it’s $1,200 better than X100. You’ll see then how the X100 is not a bad deal in it’s market.
really are you sure that casio stops at 40$?!?!!??
maybe you mean they only have those cheap LCD ones with black plastic bands.
even when knowing what the real high-end Casio look like, the fact that the relative price diff between that Casio and a spec-wise comparable Rolex is much more pronounced than the relative price diff between Fuji X100 and Leica X1, that fact is exactly in favor of my point not against it. i was responding to someone asking why in spite of the similar specs the X100 is somewhat cheaper than X1? the answer is because there is a price to pay for Leica’s name and what that name entails of expertise in making cameras. and actually looking at the Casio vs Rolex example, X100 should be something like 1/4 to 1/8 the price of the Leica X1, so if X1 is 2000 then X100 should be at 500 maximum (a fair price IMO would be about 700-800 that is considerably higher than G12/P7000 but still cheaper than D7000/60D/K5).
yes! its but safe to compare the two since both of them has almost the same lens and sensor used..
the basics of the X100 are the same as those of the Sigma DP1 (and all subsequent DP’s), a compact camera with a large sensor and a fixed pancake prime. yet the DP’s aren’t terribly popular (judging by the buzz & sales figures), so the fact that the X100 enjoys a much higher popularity means that the smaller less important features, (like the VF + retro controls & style) mattered a lot. retro style is the most silly reason to be hot about the X100, retro controls mainly affects the experience not the image quality that can be captured by the camera, the hybrid VF is also an experience thing, and I’m afraid those who are so excited about the X100 because of its VF might be in for a big unpleasant surprise when they eventually have the camera in their hands (viewfinders are things that you know only when you use, not when you are exposed to a 6-month pre-release marketing campaign without having access to the camera).
here are the things that could have made the X100 capable of better IQ:
1) interchangeable lenses instead of a fixed one.
2) zoom instead of prime.
3) ordinary lens design instead of pancake.
4) 16MP or at least 14MP Sony sensor instead of the now-outdated 12MP one.
5) any kind of image stabilization instead of none.
I’d be a lot less interested in the camera if it incorporated most of your suggestions.
I’m a prime guy – zooms are bulky and slow. Same with the fixed lens – the DP1/2, GRDIII and X1 all enjoy a strong following despite being fitted with fixed primes.
We don’t need more megapixels. Better ISO performance is always appreciated, but this is not a sports or ultra low light shooter.
As for the “retro” controls, it’s refreshing to see a camera that returns control to the photographer instead of inundating (or dumbing down) the newbie with a mass of scene shooting modes. I mean, the 600D has 9 scene modes! You’d be better off spending the time to master PASM instead of figuring the ins and outs of each scene mode.
My only complaint about the X100 is the price. Oh, and using a jog dial instead of a fully rotatable command dial. Boo.
The first 4 “negatives” on your list are things I find positive about this camera.
1) I have already 3 interchangeable lens cameras. This makes the X100 simple.
2) I have zooms for those, i want compact and primes are great.
3) Thanks to the pancake, I can stick this thing in my coat. (Maybe even pants without looking funny)
4) 12 is wonderful. Megapixels are hype.
5) Yes, IS would have been nice.
my reply below which i intended for “Voldenuit” include many points which apply to what you say, particularly on megapixels, go check on DxO what are the differences between the new sony 16MP vs the old sony 12MP apart from the resolution, so please read all that, first.
as for owning other cameras that are interchangeable-lens and wanting X100 to be simple, not all potential buyers are going to be like you: for some X100 might be their only large sensor camera, and not all those who own other large sensor interchangeable-lens cameras want the X100 to be fixed on compromises of miniaturization, a little bit more flexibility & versatility could have made big difference in making X100 more profitable to Fuji and more beneficial to its potential buyers.
Not sure if you noticed on Fuji’s site, but they’re marketing this as a camera for pros and enthusiasts. We know nearly all professional photographers, or serious enthusiasts have a system camera already. This is their market, and this market is willing to pay for something of this quality. If you don’t like it or it’s price, thats cool. But it’s a FANTASTIC camera. It’s priced right, and will sell pretty good to the people it’s intended for.
BTW, did you see what they said on DPreview? Heres their take :
“The build quality is absolutely superb…Indeed of all current digital cameras, arguably only the Leica M9 can challenge the X100 for its sheer build quality and beauty as an object.”
So if it rivals the M9, I think it can be worth half of an X1.
personally for me it’s not a problem that i miss some essential features on the X100, i move on to other cameras. and for Fuji losing one customer doesn’t matter either, they just need to check to what extent they are losing would-be buyers as a result of the oversimplification of certain key specs.
if you want to read marketing talk and take it seriously that’s up to you. but about pro’s, the first thing many of them do when there is a new system camera is to say “there aren’t many lenses to choose form yet” this is/was said about all new mirrorless systems, although it doesn’t take too long to build a basic lineup. it’ll be interesting to see if they can take a diff line on the x100 and be as forgiving as condoning the lack of lens-interchangeability altogether!!!
those who say they don’t like the X100, can be sure about disliking it based on the wholesale omission of lens possibilities. those who say they like it, need to wait until it’s in their hands, they need to like more than the specsheet.
not all zooms are bulkier and slower than a “comparable” prime, they can both be f2.8 (and the f1.4/f2 settings of some primes aren’t always useful,for landscapers or for when the IQ wide open sucks just to name 2 examples), also primes in my mind are synonymous with digital zoom & cropping (when the photo opportunity comes while you have the wrong focal length prime attached to your camera, even if you have a bag full of primes, changing lenses could result in missing the opportunity). also a great majority of primes lack stabilization. so in conclusion when everything is considered about a zoom like Tamron 17-50 f2.8 vs a any 35mm f1.8 the former wins big time.
if the camera had interchangeable lenses, then we all could have enjoyed it with primes and zooms of compact or not-so-compact designs, but it is fixed lens, fixed focal, fixed compromises (optical performance ones) that come with the pancake.
retro controls are great but not when they come packaged with many missing features as is the case with X100.
you miss my point about the sony 16MP/14MP vs 12MP sensors, the point is the dynamic range, color depth & hi-ISO performance associated with each of these pixel counts the resolution difference itself isn’t a big deal, i agree.
It’s not a system camera. I think anyone who’s into photography can figure it out.
Anyone who buys this and then gets upset it has no other lens choices has a problema in the head.
really?! i was actually here waiting for you to teach me that only when the camera is interchangeable lens one do we call it a system camera! i was simply saying that if pro photog are impatien with new interchangeable-lens cameras until they have enough lens choices, how are they going to feel about a camera that takes away from them interchangeability completely? you get now or do i have to repeat?!
So you argue pros will be upset that it’s not interchangeable? Well, that doesn’t seem to be stopping sales?
I think most people complaining and dissin Fuji, complain because it’s 1200 even though it’s priced appropriately in it’s niche.
But thats like complaining about a Lotus Exige because we can’t afford one.
+1
Oh yeah, heres another piece of news from 1001noisycameras.com:
“Amazon sells out of Fuji X100 pre-orders in less than 24 hours!”
Yeah, this thing is all sorts of wrong. Who wants this piece of junk, huh?
let’s just wait until the first professional and user reviews appear. i’d never say it’s junk but just too-limiting.
that might also mean that they only had 10 to start with lol
cant wait to see one in the real world
35mm is not limiting…. FF was designed as a compact, amateur version of medium format, and they decided to use 35mm as the format for a reason…. Hint: it’s not because it’s very limiting….
They choose just one focal length because Fuji wants it to be compact. And since there is only one focal length, what’s THE most versatile focal length if you can only have one?
It’s not your cup of tea, so please move on. Get a super zoom camera. There is nothing to watch here, Catastrophile…. :-p
I agree with Neonart as this is an extremely well worth it price if you consider what you are getting and look past the “digital” of this camera. Leicas go for over 10K and as far as I am aware, this is in competition or even ahead of it in many regards.
And it’s out in March so less than a month to go! CANNOT WAIT!
I would like to buy, but 1200usd is too much for me.
i appreciate the differences and design and can buy an EP2 body for similar and use all my nice legacy Olympus glass.
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looks great, the price is pretty good compare to leica!
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