Lens, viewfinder, LCD and controls
When you read about a new camera you often form an image of it based upon what has gone before. So when Fuji announced its latest bridge camera, the FinePix X-S1, the image in our minds was of the usual little camera with a big lens and a vaguely SLR-like shape.
However, when we got our hands on a pre-production sample we discovered just how wrong we were.
Firstly, forget any idea that it looks a bit like a tiny SLR because with a width of 135mm and a height of 107mm it is actually bigger than the Canon EOS 600D (133.1x99.5mm). Its design is also just like an SLR, and a very nicely built one at that. However, as it's a 2/3in device its sensor is considerably smaller than the EOS 600D's APS-C sized device.
Unlike most bridge cameras the X-S1 has a decent sized grip and as all the contact points are covered in a textured 'leather effect' rubber-like material it feels secure in your hand.
Should you choose to pinch or squeeze the S1 a bit harder than strictly necessary (we like to do that), you will find it doesn't emit any squeaks or creaks and doesn't seem to flex at all. This suggests that its body, made from engineered plastic and reinforced with glass fibre, has been very well crafted and put together properly.
Lens
The quality feel of the X-S1 doesn't stop with its body, the 'Super Long Zoom' lens, with the Fujinon moniker feels wonderful. Fuji has used metal rather than plastic cams to drive the zoom and focus mechanisms and both operate very smoothly. The zoom, which spans the 35mm equivalent of 24-624mm is especially impressive, with just the right amount of friction. When the lens is extended to its maximum telephoto point and the camera is tipped up, there's no zoom creep.
Instead of the usual low profile grooved texture that most manufacturers use on a zoom ring, Fuji has given the X-S1's zoom ring almost fin-like ridges that flex slightly in your grasp, but give good purchase.
Viewfinder and LCD
While the X-S1's 0.47-inch 1,440,000 dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) isn't quite up to the standard of the units found in Sony's Alpha 77 and NEX-7, it is far from the worst we've seen. In fact it's pretty good. The image still looks digital, but it's reasonably smooth and colours appear accurately.
Similarly, the 3in 460,000 dot LCD doesn't have the highest resolution available, but its image is nice and clear. We were only able to use it on a very overcast day, so it will be interesting to see how it performs and whether reflections are a major issue in brighter conditions.
Conveniently, the LCD is mounted on a tilting mechanism which makes composing and shooting images from especially high or low angles much easier than on a fixed screen.
Although there is a button to the left of the viewfinder to toggle between the EVF and LCD display, there is also an eye sensor which can detect when the camera is held to the eye to bring the EVF to life while turning off the LCD.
Controls
As well as giving the X-S1 zoom and focusing rings on its lens, Fuji has furnished it with the buttons and dials that you expect on an SLR. Hence, the exposure mode is selected using the chunky mode dial on the top-plate and there are short-cut buttons to the key features such as sensitivity, white balance and the drive mode options (self-timer etc).
There are also two function buttons that can be customised to provide access to your favourite features.
Menu screens
Conclusion
Fuji appears to have had an epiphany and has decided to distinguish itself by producing high quality cameras that get photographers excited.
First, we had the X100, a retro-styled camera with a fixed 23mm lens and an APS-C sized sensor. Then we had the X10, a more compact version of the X100 with a 2/3in, 12 million pixel EXR CMOS sensor and a zoom lens with angle of view equivalent to a 28-112mm optic.
Above: Fuji X10
Now the X-S1 joins the prestigious X-series adding a high-end bridge camera to the range.
Some may feel that the size of the X-S1 is a bit excessive given that the sensor is a 2/3in device, not an APS-C sized unit like most SLRs, but perception plays an important part in camera sales. The X-S1 looks and feels like an SLR, so many potential buyers will expect it to perform like one.
Although this means the new Fuji camera is a little less portable than some other bridge cameras, it also means it is more comfortable to hold and use.
We haven't been able to examine images from the X-S1 yet, but as it has the same sensor as the X10 we have fairly high expectations. Of course in order for these expectations to be met, the 26x zoom lens will need to perform to a high standard.
We look forward to testing the X-S1 fully in early 2012.
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