Fujifilm Finepix X100 Summary

The Fuji Finepix X100 is a uniquely intriguing camera. Its inconspicuous analog-camera look is alluring for its quantity of buttons and dials, promising efficiency while shooting. A one-of-a-kind hybrid viewfinder lets it have an EVF and an optical-tunnel viewfinder in the same place.

With an APS-C sensor behind a superb 23mm F/2 Fujinon lens, the Fuji Finepix X100 delivers on image quality like no other fixed-lens camera. Image noise is extremely low and sharpness is good even wide-open. Vignetting and distortion are virtually absent from this camera's 35mm-equivelent lens.

The real weakness of the X100 is a slow autofocus system with relatively long minimum focus distance in normal mode. While plenty of compact cameras focus even slower, the autofocus performance does not match the price or expectations of the X100. The external control are far from perfect but make it faster to operate than most fixed-lens cameras which is why it is disappointing when the camera makes the photographer wait while it focuses. Manual focusing is possible but the fly-by-wire ring is even slower than the AF system.

The Fuji Finepix X100 has no direct competitors and finds itself in the unique position of offering DSLR-like image quality in a compact body with a built-in EVF. The closest rivals are actually advanced Micro Four-Thirds cameras mounted with a comparable lens. These SLDs are obviously more versatile due to the ability to swap lenses but are clunky when an optional EVF is added. Quality and performance are comparable, although the latest Micro Four-Thirds cameras claim faster autofocus.

Neocamera detailed review Read the full Fuji Finepix X100 review here.