Fujifilm XF1 review: Stylish, creative controls and image quality amongst the best compacts
By Paul Carroll - Thursday, March 07, 2013 Camera Review| Introduction | Measurement | Comparisons | Conclusion |
Launched in September 2012 the Fujifilm XF1 is a fixed lens compact aimed at advanced enthusiasts after a pocket-sized second camera for holidays and photo day trips. Featuring customizable function buttons, creative exposure modes and a manual barrel zoom lens with a 25-100mm equivalent focal length, there’s plenty of control for serious photographers to sink their teeth into. What’s more with a 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR-CMOS Sensor at its heart we’re optimistic the $499 Fujifilm XF1 will deliver on picture quality, too.
As demand for better image quality from smaller cameras continues, more options flood the market with varying sensor and lens specifications. These range, from mirrorless interchangeable lens Hybrids featuring either an APS-C, Micro Four Thirds or 1-inch sensor depending on the manufacturer, and more recently we’ve seen a trend toward fixed lens cameras with large sensors such as the full frame Sony RX-1, the Canon G1 X with its 14 x 18.7mm sensor, or the recently announced APS-C Nikon Coolpix A.
Hybrids and larger compacts like the RX1 or G1 X are not really pocket size in the same way as traditional compacts with retractable lenses however. The Fujifilm XF1 on the other hand is a compact in the true sense with a slim line body that, with the lens retracted, will slip into a shirt pocket.
XF is a new product line for Fujifilm and sits within their Pro/Enthusiast X range, which now offers three types of camera; Interchangeable lens Hybrids with an APS-C sensor like the X-Pro1, fixed lens cameras with an APS-C sensor like the X100 and Bridge or Compacts like the XF1 with a smaller 2/3-inch sensor.
With an ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800 at lower resolution) sensitivity range, 4-Stop image stabilization, a manual zoom ring, 3.0-inch 460k dot LCD, HD video, RAW image capture with in-camera processing and “Advanced Filters” for previewing processing effects on screen, the XF1 has lots on offer. Let’s see how that 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS sensor holds up in the DxOMark Scores.
Measurement
Comparisons
Conclusion
Comments
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Added by jfy65 |
March 26
Lens performance for compact cameras
Lenses are often quite weak on compact cameras. However DXOmark publishes score for the sensor only. Is it possible to draw any conclusion from this measurement as to the photographic quality of the camera including the lens ? Do you plan to test the combination of lens and sensor as you do for DSLR ?
Thank you for your reply. Reply | Read all replies for this comment |
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Added by Emilie_DxOMark |
March 27
Re: Lens performance for compact cameras
Hello,
Thanks for your interest in DxOMark. Actually we measured some lenses for compacts (Canon G1X and Sony RX1), but it is not systemically performed (it would take a lot of time and we are not sure that this could be the first priority for our reader). However we should publish soon an in depth analysis of the Nikon Coolpix A lens for instance... Best regards, The DxOMark team Reply |
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Added by jfy65 |
April 10
Re: Lens performance for compact cameras
Hello,
Thank you for your reply but I was actually referring to compact cameras with a fixed lens such as Canon G15, Panasonic LX7 or Nikon Coolpix P7700. As the user does not have the choice of lenses, the score and measurement for the sensor only do not help much if the lens is weak. Since there is only one lens to test for such a camera, I think the workload for your test team would be minimal, and you would please a lot of enthusiasts who like to carry an expert point and shoot compact camera in addition to their DSLR gear. Best regards. Reply |
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Added by jfy65 |
April 17
Re: Lens performance for compact cameras
Hello,
Since I have had no answer to my previous post, I turn it into a question. Maybe I will be more lucky... Do you plan to test the combination of sensor and lens for Canon G15, Panasonic LX7 or Nikon Coolpix P7700 ? Thank you for your reply. Reply |
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Added by Walkabout |
March 24
Lens performance on Enthusiast Compacts?
Thank you for another useful review. I often refer to your reviews when looking to make a new purchase, particularly for lenses. I note that DXO generally does not review a lens on compact enthusiast cameras. Most photographers, myself included believe the lens has a larger impact on final image quality than the sensor. I am sure the DXO testing experts would agree that a great sensor provides little value when pared with a dull lens with high distortion, vignetting and Chr. aberration. Image Quality is very important when comparing enthusiast cameras, please provide lens performance in future reviews.
Thanks Reply | Read all replies for this comment |
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Added by Emilie_DxOMark |
March 25
Re: Lens performance on Enthusiast Compacts?
Hello,
Thanks a lot for your interest in DxOMark and your kind support. Best regards, The DxOMark team Reply |
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Added by Hakeem |
March 10
Once again the same repeated arrogance
You don't need to judge what's fair and not. This is so strange you think EXR Modes are cheat or unfair? Even if so, you can keep your combined score and comparison with the standard mode, but still mention how much DR and ISO performace improves in the respective priority modes.
Let consumers decide what it is .. Reply | Read all replies for this comment |
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Added by Revenant |
March 11
Re: Once again the same repeated arrogance
The EXR modes have no effect on the raw sensor data. By combining the data from neighbouring pixels they achieve final output JPEGs with extended DR or lower noise levels, but with half the resolution.
Since DxO analyze undemosaiced (unconverted) raw files, but not JPEGs, their tests cannot take the EXR modes in consideration. Reply |
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Added by darrask |
March 08
EXR score
"To ensure a fair comparison with sensors from other manufacturers however, DxOMark presents Sensor Scores for the Fujifilm XF1 using a normal exposure mode and not EXR Mode."
Totally unfair, if you ask me. What is the point of testing an EXR sensor in its normal mode? An EXR sensor is capable of delivering better results in its other modes! Reply | Read all replies for this comment |
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Added by Emilie_DxOMark |
March 11
Re: EXR score
Hi,
Thanks for your interest in DxOMark. DxOMark score focuses on the sensor only. In the case of the EXR sensor, both modes available do not change anything on the sensor itself. If EXR mode is activated, it only underexposes one half of the image. The pixel quality is not impacted. So on a sensor point of view the potential gain in dynamic is compensated by the loss in resolution. In JPEG, and with a specific algorithm, some potential gain could be observed but we do not evaluate final images here. Best regards, The DxOMark team Reply |
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Added by Emilie_DxOMark |
March 13
Re: EXR score
Hello,
Actually there are already discussions opened (and answered) on that topic ;) http://forum.dxomark.com/index.php/topic,1087.msg2150/topicseen.html#msg2150 Best regards, The DxO Labs team Reply |
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Added by mdaemate |
March 07
EXR scoring
"To ensure a fair comparison with sensors from other manufacturers however, DxOMark presents Sensor Scores for the Fujifilm XF1 using a normal exposure mode and not EXR Mode."
Why not present both scores - with EXR and without - but use traditional scores in comparisons against others? I think it would be fair for the consumers to know what can be achieved with different approaches. Reply | Read all replies for this comment |
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Added by Emilie_DxOMark |
March 11
Re: EXR scoring
Hi,
Thanks for your interest in DxOMark. DxOMark score focuses on the sensor only. In the case of the EXR sensor, both modes available do not change anything on the sensor itself. If EXR mode is activated, it only underexposes one half of the image. The pixel quality is not impacted. So on a sensor point of view the potential gain in dynamic is compensated by the loss in resolution. In JPEG, and with a specific algorithm, some potential gain could be observed but we do not evaluate final images here. Best regards, The DxOMark team Reply |
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Added by triglav |
November 10, 2012
XF1 built-in flash
The statement that the camera does not have a built-in flash is wrong. It is just impossible to attach an external flash.
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Further readings for the Fujifilm XF1 review: Stylish, creative controls and image quality amongst the best compacts
To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.