KelbyOne Discount Information

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REVIEW: Canon PowerShot G16–The Best G Series Yet? (G15, s120 & Fujifilm X20 Comparison)

Canon PowerShot G16 Point-and-Shoot Camera

The Canon G12 was my favorite G series camera with great features like an ISO wheel and articulating display. However, between the release of the G12 & G15 I found a new love – the Fujifilm X10 and moved away from the G series. What were once considered the affordable pro’s point and shoot, they had fallen behind the times from an image quality perspective. The G16 comes along and tries to change that with better image quality thanks to improvements like the DIGIC 6 processing unit. New usability features also include wireless file transfer and a monster burst mode that goes Up to 12.2 fps for up to 6 frames and Up to 9.3 fps for up to 522 frames. Indeed, in my testing it was a beast that makes it the best G series ever for parents with active kids.

Compared to the G15 – Should you upgrade?

Canon PowerShot G16 Rear View
Sadly there is no articulating display like the G12
or touch screen like the s120

Physically there’s no significant differences between the G15 and G16 beyond the typical shuffling around of buttons and new WiFi label. I covered the WiFi features previously in my s110 review, and the only thing I noticed is that it seems to be faster with integrated cloud support.

Where the G16 really shines is that overall it feels much faster and the DIGIC 6 processor make it the best G series yet in terms of internal image processing/handling.  This begs the question, should existing owners upgrade? I’d say yes if you have kids or if you long for Wi-Fi transfer and are dissatisfied with Eye-Fi. If you just use it as a travel or hobby camera and don’t have kids, then I’d probably skip upgrading at this time to see what the next generation holds.

Here’s a link to the G15 gallery of images, including the bookshelf images that you can compare to the G16 gallery.

Compared to the Canon s110/s120 – Is the s120 just a small G16?

Canon PowerShot s120

At the time this article was written, the s110 and s120 were both available. Due to the holiday season orders, I was only able to test with a s110. I’ve had hands on use of the s120 already, and the big improvement it offers is the DIGIC 6 processor also found in the G16. Beyond this they are near identical, so consult my s110 review to see my thoughts on S versus G series.

Canon s120 Rear View

I’ve always been a fan of the physical size of the Canon S-Series compact cameras, and the controls are very nicely laid out. With excellent improvements in video autofocus and a very handy touch screen, both the s110 and s120 offer the best ease of use on the market. For as nice as the G16 is, it’s lack of a touch screen give the smaller S series an advantage in quickly changing the focus point. Specifically, the s120’s ability to tap to set the focus point (and optimally shoot), as well as swipe to change pictures and pinch to zoom make it feel more phone like – but in a good way. With that said, you do lose two buttons and a knob from the G series which makes for much faster access to important features, but the S series adds a control ring by the lens that gives you the knob back (and it’s programmable).

Personally I find the G series additional buttons more handy in the field, but with the touch screen and control ring the S series is pretty darn close. If I had to chose, I’d probably go for the G16 but I think most would find the s120 to be just as good. The gap between the two cameras has been closed, so the decision is really about ruggedness and the presence of another physical  button. In the end, I do find that the s120 is basically a smaller G16 so if you can live without the extra controls you’ll probably be just as happy with the smaller s120.

Compared to the Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm X20 (also available in black) - Review

I was a huge fan of the Fujifilm X10 so I automatically upgraded to the X20 when it came out. While I’ve been a little disappointed in that camera (no EXR mode button and poor video), it has served me well. As a former G series owner of multiple previous units dating back to the G9, I’ve moved forward with the Fujifilm X series and never regretted it.

As you can see from the images here, there’s A LOT more physical controls which comes at the cost of a larger physical size (click here or watch the video later to see the size differences). What’s more you get better in-camera processing of the images which means that for the things I use a point and shoot for – I’m done – no additional post processing is required. That’s not true with the G16, which I consider to be at the same starting point as a typical DSLR.

Fujifilm X20 Rear View

From behind is where the additional buttons really start to show, and that pretty much sums up why I like using the X20 over the G16. The G16 definitely has a better burst mode, video quality, and indoor focusing performance. However, the X20 is the best of the X series in this department too so I never find myself frustrated by the X20.

I’d still pick a X20 over a G16 for my needs, but if I were looking to downsize from a X20 I’d probably give the s120 a serious consideration and not automatically go straight for the G16.

Bookshelf Test

These are taken from in-camera JPEG’s with zero modifications taken during everyday life events. Nearly all were taken in Aperture Priority (Av) mode using a timer and a tripod with stabilization turned off. The goal of these samples is to have a common measuring stick in a controlled environment by which you can measure the lens and sensor performance. What’s more you can also compare these to bookshelf shots of other cameras that I’ve reviewed to get an idea of how a camera really compares. See my other camera reviews for links to additional bookshelf images.

Visit http://photos.ronmartblog.com/canon/G16 for a full gallery and click the images to see the full-size originals. All images are copyright Ron Martinsen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may view them, but you may not store, edit, print, distribute or otherwise reuse any images without written consent.

f/2.8 @ 30.5 mm, 3.2s, ISO 100, No Flash
Click for full size

Overall I found the results to be excellent with good details in the shadows, but the auto white balance was a bit on the cooler side. There’s also not the vibrant warmth you get from Fujifilm's default images, but that can be accomplished via post-processing.

f/2.8 @ 30.5 mm, 1/10, ISO 3200, No Flash
Click for full size

At ISO 3200 things start to get a bit rough, but the image is usable for web and normal print sizes.

Here’s ISO 6400 from RAW in Lightroom 5.3:

This is what I call “salvageable” noise because with the default settings of Noiseware (Tutorial) and some selective sharpening I get an image that would show on the web or print just fine when viewed at normal web/print sizes (not 100% as shown here):

Using the default in-camera noise reduction I’d probably never shoot above ISO 3200 and I’d try to stay at 1600 or lower whenever possible.

Walkthrough Video

In this video walkthrough I compare the physical size of the Canon G16 to my point and shoot, the Fujifilm x20:

Click here to view on YouTube

Real World Sample Photos

These are taken from in-camera JPEG’s with zero modifications taken during everyday life events. Nearly all were taken in Aperture Priority (Av) mode unless otherwise noted, and all were handheld. The goal of these samples is to show you exactly what you’d expect to get if you were taking your own real world shots.

Visit http://photos.ronmartblog.com/canon/G16 for a full gallery and click the images to see the full-size originals. All images are copyright Ron Martinsen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may view them, but you may not store, edit, print, distribute or otherwise reuse any images without written consent.

f/1.8 @ 6.1 mm, 1/1000, ISO 6400, No Flash
It should be noted that this is the only one of 4 cameras I was testing
that rendered the color of the the Bull Crap bag accurately

f/4 @ 9.54 mm, 1s, ISO 100, No Flash
Shot using a Leica Tabletop Tripod and Leica Large Ball Head combo

f/5.6 @ 15.22 mm, 4s, ISO 100, No Flash
Shot using a Leica Tabletop Tripod and Leica Large Ball Head combo

f/5 @ 9.54 mm, 8s, ISO 100, No Flash
Shot using a Leica Tabletop Tripod and Leica Large Ball Head combo

f/5.6 @ 16.15 mm, 1s, ISO 100, No Flash
Shot using a Leica Tabletop Tripod and Leica Large Ball Head combo

f/2.8 @ 6.1 mm, 1/30, ISO 400, No Flash, Macro Mode

f/1.8 @ 6.1 mm, 1/20, ISO 100, No Flash
Somewhat shallow depth of field is possible – compare to f/8 below

f/8 @ 6.1 mm, 1s, ISO 100, No Flash
f/8 is the largest f-stop number, so this is pretty sharp considering that fact

f/1.8 @ 6.1 mm, 1/60, ISO 3200, No Flash
I wasn’t super happy with the way red was rendered but I felt ISO 3200 was fine for this shot

See more images at http://photos.ronmartblog.com/canon/g16.

Real World Sample Video

I hate doing video, so my apologies to those videophiles out there but here’s a couple sample videos I took with this camera. These are originals uploaded to Zenfolio shared for your viewing enjoyment:

Click here to download the 1080p version

There seems to be some new issues caused by Zenfolio as I see some shifting in the images that doesn’t occur in the original. You can see the quality of the image though which I find to be a bit on the soft side. The original wasn’t completely smooth (partially due to me and partially due to the video itself).

Click here to download the 1080p version

Conclusion

This is a decent point and shoot that I think will please current and former G series owners – except those who have owned models with the articulating screen (like the G12). I like it and the burst mode performance is a huge benefit to parents who are at the top of their budget with this camera. With that said, I think many will find the s120 to be just as good in a smaller form factor and its touch screen will be familiar to smart phone users. Personally, I still prefer the Fujifilm X20 and some will prefer the Sony RX100 II image quality.  As a result I won’t be upgrading my point and shoot, but I’m glad to see this model catching up with the times again – if only it had the s120 touch screen, control ring and the G12 articulating LCD!

Where to order

Click here to learn more or order the G16 from B&H web site. My friends at Amazon have it available here.

Other articles you may enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:

• Canon G1X vs G12 vs Fujifilm X10
• Canon G15 vs s110 vs G12
• Fujifilm X20 (My personal P&S camera)
• Fujifilm XQ1 (vs X20 & Canon s110)
• Panasonic GF6 & LX1
• Sony DSC-RX1 (Full Frame Compact Camera)
• Sony DSC-RX100 II vs RX100 I
• Sony NEX-7

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

PRESS RELEASE: Fujifilm Releases New Cameras & the XF56MM F1.2R lens for CES 2014

This week is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Fujifilm has a bunch of new product releases. Check out the press release below complete with images of the latest products that are linked to the B&H search engine.

I’ll be in Vegas this week checking all these cameras out, so if you want any first hand “hands on” info after Friday feel free to contact me.

Fujifilm Puts Photographers First At The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show

Fujifilm’s professional and consumer imaging products give users amazing image quality with an unforgettable user experience 

Valhalla, N.Y., January 6, 2014 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is showcasing a broad range of photo and imaging solutions for photographers at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from January 7-10. Fujifilm is committed to developing and building its innovative technologies to create exciting and advanced products, while at the same time enhancing to the lives of consumers and businesses everywhere.

“Fujifilm believes that taking – and sharing – images are fundamental activities that help people capture their most memorable moments, and our line of products represent our commitment to that experience,” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “From our premium picture-taking products, including the award-winning X-Series, to our stunning image printing capabilities in the FRONTIER-S DX100, Fujifilm is dedicated to enhancing the entire picture-taking process.”

Fujifilm will showcase its complete line up of products and services at CES 2014 in exhibit booth #13013, Center Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center. Following is a summary of these offerings:

Premium Digital Camera Systems

X-Series Digital Cameras

x100s Now in Black!!! (x100s Review)

At CES 2014, Fujifilm is showcasing its award-winning, professional grade X-Series digital cameras. Developed to appeal to professional photographers and advanced amateurs that appreciate fine craftsmanship, the FUJIFILM X-Series digital cameras combine the highest caliber FUJINON lenses and advanced APS-C X-Trans sensors with the latest EXR image processing technology to deliver amazing image quality.

For 2014, Fujifilm proudly introduces two additions to its X-Series lineup – the FUJIFILM X-100S Black and the FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R.

For the first time, the professional-grade FUJIFILM X100S digital camera will be available in a sleek all black design. The award-winning X100S features a technologically advanced APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor and improved EXR Processor II. The X100S uses a bright FUJINON 23mmF2 fixed lens that delivers amazing image quality from edge to edge, all within a compact and superbly-built body.

The FUJIFILM X100S combines three high-performance Fujifilm components that together defy ordinary digital camera limitations, and gives photographers a uniquely-advanced professional digital camera experience. By using Fujifilm’s X-Trans CMOS II Sensor, EXR Processor II and FUJINON 23mm F2 fixed lens, the X100S is capable of the world’s fastest autofocus speeds of up to 0.08 seconds⁽¹⁾, and increases its image resolution by 25%⁽²⁾ and reduces noise by 30%⁽³⁾ over the first generation X100.

FUJINON XF56mm F1.2R

Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2R

The FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R is a premium portrait lens with an 85mm^*4 equivalent that fits all FUJIFILM X-Series interchangeable lens cameras. The XF56mmF1.2 R is lightweight and less than half the size of an equivalent full-frame camera lens^*5 for easy, comfortable use. The XF56mmF1.2 R also has a metal aperture ring for a premium quality feel and offers incredible speed and silence in the studio, perfect for the professional portrait photographer.

The FUJINON XF56mmF1.2 R lens has a new optical design that features 11 elements in 8 groups, and includes two ED (extra low-dispersion) elements and one double-sided aspherical element, plus four elements with a convex surface facing the subject, which combine to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations for superior images.

FinePix Digital Cameras

FinePix S1

FinePix XP70

FinePix S9400W

FinePix 8600

Fujifilm will also showcase its new line of powerful, feature-packed FinePix digital cameras that are specially designed to give consumers an enjoyable user experience that fits their lifestyle. The new FinePix cameras include:  the FinePix S1, a “weather resistant” super zoom camera; the FinePix XP70 rugged, go-anywhere waterproof point and shoot; the super-zoom FinePix S9400W bridge camera, with advanced image stabilization and WiFi functions; and the pocket-friendly long-zoom FinePix S8600 with a versatile 36x zoom 25-900mm lens.

INSTAX Printer and Camera

At CES 2014, Fujifilm is showcasing the all-new INSTAX instant film printer and camera, the INSTAX SHARE Smartphone Printer and the Mini 90 Neo Classic.

INSTAX SHARE SP-1 Printer

The all new INSTAX SHARE SP-1 Printer lets customers print mobile photos instantly from their smart phone or tablet, anywhere, anytime. The INSTAX SHARE SP-1 acts as its own WiFi hotspot, and works with both iOS and Android to give you instant film prints from any picture stored on your device.

With the user-friendly INSTAX Share App, available on both iOS and Android, it’s a snap to print pictures with just a couple of taps on your device. There is also a wide range of unique editing functions and templates to let users get creative with their smartphone images and INSTAX mini film. The INSTAX SHARE SP-1 can also print “real time” information on the film prints, including date and time, location and weather conditions.

INSTAX Mini 90

Fujifilm will also have the new, INSTAX Mini 90 Neo Classic instant film camera available for attendees to try out. The INSTAX Mini 90 combines a stylish, retro camera design with advanced photographic features and a full range of camera functions. Featuring a variety of new shooting modes, the INSTAX Mini 90 now includes double exposure and macro modes for users who want to express their photographic creativity with beautiful image quality.

Advanced Printing Solutions

Frontier Digital Lab Systems
Fujifilm will demonstrate the new FRONTIER-S DX100 that was developed with high print quality in mind to combine the benefits of dye-sublimation printer size, with the vivid and accurate color reproduction and deep blacks of an inkjet printer. With the FRONTIER-S DX100, photo studios, government agencies, event photographers and retailers can take advantage of its small footprint,  Frontier quality printing, linear consumable pricing, variable print size and surface flexibility for maximum efficiency and profitability. Available April 2014.

Retail Photo Printing Solutions
Fujifilm will also show the new Fujifilm VNX Kiosk Photo Terminal that has a modern design form-factor that features a 16:9 aspect ratio widescreen, a multi-touch 1080p high resolution monitor, and USB 3.0 connectivity for faster data transfer of customer images. The VNX Terminal also offers an improved customer experience with support for higher capacity media cards, an easy to use user interface and an easy-load receipt printer. Coupled with Fujifilm’s Version 6.0 software, retailers can offer a wide range of photo print and specialty products. When combined with the FRONTIER-S DX100, retailers have a variety of instant and lab print configurations that offer exceptional on-site flexibility and scalability. Available April 2014.

To experience Fujifilm’s full line of advanced imaging products, visit booth #13013 during CES on January 7 – 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  For more information about Fujifilm’s products and services, please visit:  www.FujifilmUSA.com.

Fujifilm research as of November 2012. Compared with other digital cameras equipped with an 4/3-inch sensor or larger, based on CIPA standards, and conducted in High Performance mode with AREA-AF. Comparison models include the Canon EOS Kiss X6i, EOS 5D Mark III, Nikon D7000, Olympus OM-D, Panasonic GX1, Sony NEX-7,NEX-6, α77, RX100, HX30V

• Fujifilm research. Compared with X100 and conducted in F16.
• Compared with FUJIFILM X100
• 35mm format equivalent
• According to Fujifilm data

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com/northamerica, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 10 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2012, and in the year ended March 31, 2013, had global revenues of $26.7 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

* At an exchange rate of 83 yen to the dollar.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

###

Conclusion

I was hoping for an XPro2 announcement or something more exciting from the X Series, but I’ll have to settle for a very cool new lens. If you haven’t read my Fujifilm reviews yet, please note that I prefer the black cameras as the silver show scratches very easily and the buttons are harder to read on them. This means if you are considering getting a x100s this is good news that is worth waiting for!

I typically don’t review FinePix cameras, but I’ve included the full press release for completeness. If you end up with one of these cameras, please feel free to add comments to this article about what you think about it!

Where to order

Click the images and links in the article to go to B&H to learn more and pre-order these products once they are available for pre-order.

Please note that if the links are not working please try again tomorrow. If you still have problems pre-ordering after January 7th please contact me.

Other articles you may enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:

• Fujifilm X20 (My personal P&S camera)
• Fujifilm X100s
• Fujifilm X-E2
• Fujifilm X-M1 Preview
• Fujifilm XPro-1
• Fujifilm XQ1 (vs X20 & Canon s110)
• Fujifilm X-S1
• Fujifilm X-E1, X100s, X20 & X10 Compared

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

REVIEW: SIGMA USB Dock 1.0

SIGMA USB Dock

Canon and Nikon and other cameras these days are aware of their lenses and can store settings in the cameras to help get the most of out of the lens. Typical data stored in the camera about the lens includes Micro AF adjustments (to combat back/front focusing errors), vignetting compensation, and more. The problem with this technology is that it only works with the camera makers lenses, so SIGMA came up with a brilliant solution to combat this limitation – the USB Dock!

The way the USB dock works is that you screw your lens on to it the same way you’d mount your lens to a camera. With the dock attached and plugged into your computer you can use the free SIGMA Optimization Pro software to program custom features for your lens that will still work when attached to your camera.

This is a brilliant idea and I’m happy to see SIGMA push the limits on what can be done with lens programming as well!

Video

Here’s a video that demonstrates how it is used:

Click on the CC button to turn on the subtitles. Keep in mind that lenses are referred to as objectives in Europe.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Software

The following screen shots were taken from version 1.1 while attached to the new SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S lens (review coming soon). It also works with the Sigma 35mm Art Series I already tested on this blog.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Software

Focus Setting shown with 4 zones for 4 focal lengths on the 120-300mm lens
Canon calls these Micro AF adjustments

Optical Stabilization Settings

AF Speed Settings

Focus Limiter Setting – helps with focus hunting when you know you’ll be in a limited range

Customization switches on lenses like the 120-300mm
can be programmed with different settings - SWEET!

USB Dock FAQ

To learn more about this dock, visit http://www.sigma-global.com/download/en/faq.html.

Conclusion

Canon cameras have some of this functionality built in for their own lenses, but what SIGMA has done is gone above and beyond by offering more control. What’s more the ability to do it from the PC on a per lens basis with multiple focal lengths and zones within each range is very powerful – but also very dangerous. In the wrong hands this gadget could really mess up a lens performance so I’d call this a power user/tech geek tool only.

It’s a nice piece of hardware for a reasonable price, so if you own a SIGMA lens – especially a sports lens like the new 120-300mm then I suggest picking it up!

Where to order

Click here to learn more or order the SIGMA USB Dock (for Nikon, Canon and SIGMA) on the B&H web site. My friends at Amazon have it available here.

Other articles you may enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:

• 120-300mm review coming soon! Check the right column for the latest reviews!
• Lens / Camera Gear Rental Series
• Sigma 35mm Art Series (My favorite Sigma!)
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG
• Things You Need AFTER You Buy Your New Camera - Must Have Photography Accessories
• Noise Reduction Software Roundup Conclusion (DISCOUNTS)
• Photographers Gift Guide / Recommendations

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

REVIEW: Fujifilm XQ1-The Ultimate Compact Point & Shoot? (Review Part II of II)

In the first installment of my Fujifilm XQ1 review entitled REVIEW: Fujifilm XQ1–A Canon s120 Killer or a Compact X20?, I posed the question if this is a Canon s120 killer or a Compact x20. The reason for this comparison was deliberate because Fujifilm users want to know if it is really a compact x20. Performance-wise, I’d say yes, but I’d also say that if you can handle the size of the x20 you’ll be much more satisfied with it than the XQ1. Canon users who lust for the gorgeous in-camera results from Fujifilm cameras will naturally want to know if they should get this camera or the s120, and in that case I’d have to recommend the s120 over the XQ1 because of s110/s120 touchscreen allows for quick autofocus adjustments on these compact cameras.

Personally I think the camera makers have gone overboard in cutting down cost and number of physical buttons, so no camera I’ve used is more irritating than the XQ1 due to this fact. Sure, it creates images that I prefer to its Canon S series counterparts, but the pain of changing the focus point via the E-Fn menu (which is a touch screen press on the s110/s120) is a showstopper for me. I couldn’t live with this camera, and even my non-geek wife found it annoying compared to her iPhone which allows for this functionality.

Bookshelf Test

The following shots are done on a tripod with all camera default settings except I do enable RAW when possible (ISO’s above 6400 are JPEG only). The full gallery of bookshelf images can be found at http://photos.ronmartblog.com/fujifilm/xq1/e254ef4e7, but I’ve included a few noteworthy images below. Please keep in mind that the images are not crooked – the camera is level, but the bookshelf has sagged over time due to weight so I use camera level instead of adjusting the camera for a level shot of the bookshelf. There’s also distortion when fully zoomed out to 6.4mm. It should also be noted that at 6.4mm I can’t get my close enough on a tripod to just get the one shelf, hence the extra space shown. Given the 4:3 aspect ratio of the images, I also can’t get just one shelf if I put the blue Mastery book to the left and the Excel book to the right as I try to do for all of my bookshelf shots.

f/1.8 @ 6.4 mm, 0.8s, ISO 100, No Flash
As is the case with most cameras, the zoomed out results offer the best overall results

f/4.9 @ 25.6 mm, 5.3s, ISO 100, No Flash
Zoomed in all the way is still good, but inferior to the wide angle dynamic range and sharpness

My findings were as follows:

• After ISO 800 the in-camera noise reduction is so bad that it really destroys the images. As a result, my advice is to set Noise Reduction to –2 (Low) and use a product like Noiseware for the best results. Doing this will allow you to go to ISO 3200 and 6400 in a pinch and still get usable photos.
• I found the image quality to be unusable after ISO 1600 due to horrible in-camera Noise Reduction and the quality was mediocre with external noise reduction after ISO 3200.
• ISO 6400 and 12,800 are unusable with in-camera noise reduction and are barely useable with external noise reduction, so I consider this to really to be a camera with a maximum ISO of 3200 (1600 max with NR = 0).
• The X20 has what appears to my eyes as one stop better high ISO performance (meaning that it goes to ISO 6400 with NR = –2 and it is still usable).
• The Canon s120/G16 offer two stops of high ISO noise improvement over the XQ1 (meaning that ISO 800 on the XQ1 looks similar to ISO 3200 on the s120/G16 to my eyes).

Here’s a real world example of a shot taken at ISO 500 that looks okay from a distance, but if you click to look full view you’ll see massive artifacts that destroy the image:

f/1.8 @ 6.4 mm, 1/15, ISO 500

At 6.4mm, the 1/15 sec should have been sufficient stabilization to eliminate camera shake (and in fact it was shot from a fairly stable chest tripod. However, details on the ornaments are void even at this low ISO, so I think this camera will frustrate users who depend on it for important events.

Based on these findings, I was very disappointed with the image quality of the XQ1 so I’d recommend the following cameras in this order over this camera:

1. Fujifilm X20
2. Sony RX100 II 
3. Canon G16
4. Canon s120
5. Panasonic LF1 
6. Canon s110

However, I prefer the in-camera color and processing of the Fujifilm over the Canon and Panasonic equivalents. The Sony is very similar in terms of in-camera performance.

Conclusion

See the Bookshelf test section for my recommendations, but for now I’d put this camera in the NOT RECOMMENDED camp. It’s the perfect form factor, but it falls short overall for both ergonomics and image quality performance. I’d love to see them add a touch screen and Imagenomic’s Noiseware noise reduction in-camera for much better results, but until that happens it feels like I picked up an old camera from 2007 in terms of image quality performance.

Be sure to see the first installment of my Fujifilm XQ1 review entitled REVIEW: Fujifilm XQ1–A Canon s120 Killer or a Compact X20? if you haven’t already for sample pics and much more.

Where to order

Click here to order the B&H web site. However, I’d urge you to consider these cameras instead:

1. Fujifilm X20
2. Sony RX100 II 
3. Canon G16
4. Canon s120
5. Panasonic LF1 
6. Canon s110

Other articles you may enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:

• Fujifilm X20 (My personal P&S camera)
• Canon G15 vs s110 vs G12
• Canon G16 Review coming soon – check the right column for camera reviews!
• Panasonic LX1 Review
• Sony DSC-RX100 II vs RX100 I
• Which camera should I buy?
• Which books should I read?

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My advice to Fujifilm is get a bigger sensor and/or license the noise reduction software from Imagenomic to greatly enhance the in-camera performance. This and a touch