Is the Fujifilm FinePix X100 for you?
Few digital cameras have caused as much stir as the retro-styled compact now available in the United States on a limited basis. The Fujifilm FinePix X100 joins the Leica X1, Sigma DP1x and DP2x, Sony Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 and micro four-thirds cameras like the Olympus PEN E-PL2 and E-P2 or Panasonic DMC-GF2 in a newer class of mirrorless digicams. I have owned the DP1, DP2s, E-P1, E-P2, GF1 and X1.
However, like the Leica X1 or Sigma DP series, the X100 is eccentric—the lens is fixed and cannot be changed. Who on earth would buy a digital camera without telephoto? I, for one. Many professional photographers for another. I’m no pro, but I have specific needs as a journalist for which the X100 is ideally suited. The X100 is the only camera I own. I received mine on May 4, 2011, and I love it. In just four day’s use, I can say it’s the right digicam for me, and I’ll explain why in an upcoming review.
Most certainly the X100 isn’t for everyone:
- The fixed, 35mm film equivalent lens (23mm digital) won’t appeal to anyone wanting to change lenses or to zoom in and out. With the FinePix X100, you are the telephoto.
- The $1,199.95 price will put off other people. For even less, $879.99, Costco sells the Nikon D3100 dSLR, with two zoom lenses, two training DVDs and 4GB storage card.
- There aren’t loads of scene modes that appropriately adjust the settings. Fujifilm provides the tools, you have to use them. This camera can produce exceptional photos, particularly in low light, but they won’t come from shooting in auto mode.
I’m suddenly excited about photography. The X100 is why.
