Review Date: December 3, 2012
Category: Point-and-Shoot to Serious Amateur
Photoxels Gold Award – Point-and-Shoot Camera
USER’S EXPERIENCE
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 – Here’s what I receive in the box:
- FinePix XF1 (black)
- No memory card [Fujifilm sent me a 2GB SD memory card for the review]
- Li-ion Battery NP-50A 3.7V 1000mAh 3.5Wh
- BC-50B Battery Charger with wall plug adapter
- Wrist Strap
- USB Cable
- Documentation: Owner’s Manual (printed)
- Software CDs: MyFinePix Studio v4.0 and RAW File Converter (for Windows); FinePixViewer v3.6 and RAW File Converter (for Mac OS X 10.5-10.6); Owner’s Manual (pdf)
Stylish compact. At first glance, the Fujifilm XF1 seems to be just another compact digital camera. However, as you start playing with it, its feature set and capabilities grow on you and you start to realize that beneath its elegant brushed aluminum and synthetic leather covering is the leading edge technology of the ‘X’ series line of premium cameras. The XF1 makes a fashion statement and its retracting zoom lens should be a conversation piece.
The Fujifilm XF1 is fast, has no practical shutter lag, locks on focus instantly and provides lots of manual modes. It’s an ideal pocketable camera for a serious photographer desiring a quality camera for point-and-shoot ease of use. But, make no mistake, under this compact, sleek and retro design are features like RAW, 7fps burst, built-in flash, PASM modes, Multiple Exposure, Electronic Level Gauge, Optical Image Stabilization, Film Simulation and EXR modes.
In truth, we were not too sure whether to slot the Fujifilm XF1 in the Point-and-Shoot or Serious Amateur category. Based on its feature set, it could easily be in the Serious Amateur category, but it’s design, operation and marketing all points to a more casual use of the camera by a serious user who will have the possibility to access more powerful features, should these be needed.
In good and low lighting, there is no practical shutter lag and AF is fast and precise. Though the shutter speed range goes from 30 sec. to 1/2000 sec., it’s unfortunately not available in the P shooting mode. P: 4 sec. – 1/2000 sec. ASM: 30 sec. – 1/2000 sec.
Turning on the XF1 can be tricky at first, so Fujifilm has included a small pamphlet to explain the three steps required and has also pasted a sticker on top of the camera. When you get it, you might either think it’s the cutest thing ever or begrudge a simple power button.
Otherwise, shooting with the XF1 is a pleasure. There is a certain charm in using a well designed camera and the XF1 fits the bill not just in its handling but also in its image quality.
As far as documentation is concerned, not only did a comprehensive printed Owner’s Manual come with my review camera, but an electronic version is also provided on the CD.
What I like about the XF1:
- Excellent image quality at ISO 100. Very good image quality up to ISO 400. Very usable images up to ISO 1600.
- Very good build and design.
- LCD/EVF gains up very well in low light.
- Clean design with access to important controls.
No review is complete without a couple of improvement suggestions:
- Provide touchscreen AF.
- Provide a tiltable LCD.
- Provide full shutter speed range in P mode.
In summary, the Fujifilm FinePix XF1 is designed to be a fun and compact retro styled digital camera that is a joy to use and produces very good image quality at the low ISOs. We suspect knowledgeable photographers looking for an all-purpose everyday camera would be buying this for casual shooting, knowing that more powerful features are easily within reach. Highly recommended.
Next: Fujifilm XF1 QuickFact Sheet / Buy
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