tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post7436933301998773667..comments2024-02-12T03:21:03.402-08:00Comments on Ron Martinsen's Photography Blog: REVIEW: Fujifilm X-S1–The Point & Shoot in a DSLR Costume with an awesome zoom lensronmartblog.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-12724589430748096592015-08-19T03:51:28.762-07:002015-08-19T03:51:28.762-07:00Kevin,
Exactly! It's an amazing value for wha...Kevin,<br /><br />Exactly! It's an amazing value for what it offers at that price, but now you see why people trust my reviews. I often get readers who come back and tell me months after they purchased a camera that they see the issues I had concerns about and they were shocked how I was the only one actually pointing out the things they actually saw in real life AFTER they bought the camera.<br /><br />You do get a lot - especially in terms of zoom - for the price of this one though. ronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-16440166829315637652015-08-19T01:23:10.727-07:002015-08-19T01:23:10.727-07:00Thanks Ron. I'm becoming aware of the XS1'...Thanks Ron. I'm becoming aware of the XS1's shortfalls. Not fantastic at high ISO - and the picture quality issues. That being said, I wouldn't have paid £700 for it as it was UK priced when released. It was a steal at £200, but admittedly I would love to have something better going forward. It's versatility is a plus of course - and I can mix it up with the different focal ranges on offer. But I do realise to gain this much versatility with different kit, and reclaim on the shortfall in sharpness and low light performance, is going to put a bigger dent in my bank account than £200. <br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Kevin B elderscribehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06302873222311716592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-43360884985623771932015-08-19T00:18:11.137-07:002015-08-19T00:18:11.137-07:00elderscribe,
I'm glad you like it and if it w...elderscribe,<br /><br />I'm glad you like it and if it works for you then great! Keep in mind that I test hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gear each year so I get to enjoy the best of the best state of the art gear, so my bar is high. WIth that said, I do try to compare cameras to those in their class and even as a Fujifilm fan (and owner), I felt like this one fell short based on other offerings available on the market. <br /><br />If it works for you though then enough said - enjoy!<br /><br />Ronronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-88580001094955804142015-07-25T13:30:06.231-07:002015-07-25T13:30:06.231-07:00I picked up this camera for just over £200 nearly ...I picked up this camera for just over £200 nearly new. No more needs to be said. Superior picture creation at a bargain price. I think this review is a little harsh to say the least - makes the XS - 1 out to be a potential dog, which flies in the face of most reviews, and the opinion of many users, myself included.elderscribehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06302873222311716592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-58585969470490236022014-07-21T20:29:20.622-07:002014-07-21T20:29:20.622-07:00My take on the xs1 is this , there are people who ...My take on the xs1 is this , there are people who want zoom but can not afford $$$ for a 600mm lens , especially good glass. They still want good IQ , this camera has that , it has issues at higher iso for sure but has programing that does help with that. I just try to keep the iso as low as possible and get very good results . In it's class , you can get more zoom but are hard pressed to better the IQ. Even the new fz1000 with leica glass does not equal this cameras IQ based on the images I get with this and the images online from the fz1000. fuji x have their short comings but all deliver in some spectacular way , some more than others.<br /> The xs1 is more of a 2nd camera to back the xe1 or the like. a kit with those two , brings much to the table and for much less $ than another brand kit to equal it.pan manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06087374563140176920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-72751074703146984762014-04-05T15:59:24.961-07:002014-04-05T15:59:24.961-07:00William,
I feel my job here on the blog is to rep...William,<br /><br />I feel my job here on the blog is to report my opinions based on what I observe using any given product against the competition. The fact that I've try to do so without bias or being another "me too" fanboy review is what has made this blog popular. <br /><br />I call it like I see it.<br /><br />There are many fine cameras for all price ranges that can create great images, and a skillful photographer can take <i>any</i> camera and create amazing results with it. The Holga and pinhole cameras as well as many cell phones are perfect examples of this. <br /><br />However, just because photography has come a long way recently (and I know as I've been shooting since the 1980's with my first SLR being a Canon AE-1), it doesn't mean that every camera that takes photos better than those of the past warrants a glowing review. <br /><br />What I'm hearing you say is that this camera meets your needs for the things you find important - and that's great. For many of the photos I take for personal reasons my iPhone meets my needs too. However, it's not fair to say to my readers that just because a camera might meet mine or your needs that there's no room for improvements with it. Every product that has ever been made or ever will be made will have some room for improvement - at some point in time. The reason why is because technology is always changing and improving. <br /><br />To point out that the lens on this camera is softer than most others that I have reviewed isn't an obsession with IQ - it's just a fact based on my experience reviewing cameras. However, I include unmodified real-world sample images and bookshelf shots for my readers to review so they can determine if the level of image quality that any reviewed product is sufficient for their needs.<br /><br />Just because something meets my needs doesn't mean that there isn't something better. My inexpensive x20 meets my needs as a compact camera, but for me to say that it is just as good as the X-T1 because I've long got over my obsession with IQ would be a disservice to my readers.<br /><br />I'm not criticizing to sound knowledgeable, I'm sharing my observations relative to those other products that I have reviewed. My observations may differ from others, so people are free to view multiple reviews and decide which opinions they find most credible and use that data to help their purchase decisions.<br /><br />I don't mind people disagreeing with me, and I've never been afraid to go against the trend. I try to avoid reading others reviews before doing my own so if my opinion differs it isn't because I am trying to be different - it's just how things played out when I reviewed a product.<br /><br />I'm sure you'll enjoy your X-S1 and RX-10. Both are fine products, but based on my experience using many other products on the market I do believe their are better ones. <br /><br />Heck, just because a product is better doesn't mean I'll buy it either. Sure a Zeiss Otus lens might be the sharpest on the market, but I don't have that kind of money and I'm fine with making a compromise that meets my budget and needs.<br /><br />I 100% support your goal to just have fun with photography. I talk about that in <a href="http://scottkelby.com/2013/its-guest-blog-wednesday-featuring-ron-martinsen/" rel="nofollow">my Scott Kelby guest blog</a> and elsewhere here too.<br /><br />The biggest factor in taking a good photo is not in the device, but rather the person taking the photo.<br /><br />Lighten up, my findings on this camera are not a personal attack on your or your purchase decision - they are just data points that prospective buyers can choose to use or ignore. However, they are my opinions and findings that do not differ from what I'd tell a close friend or relative.<br /><br />Ron<br /><br />ronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-89297960598173289502014-03-30T21:50:33.270-07:002014-03-30T21:50:33.270-07:00Hi Ron,
Sorry to say also...I think you are very ...Hi Ron,<br /><br />Sorry to say also...I think you are very wrong with your review. I have had everything from Hasselblads down and now have just the X-S1 and love it. <br /><br />Fabulous manual zoom lens, beautifully built and soooo comfortable. Slightly bigger than it needs to be but for an all in one camera it is hard to beat. <br /><br />I take it everywhere unlike all my other DSLR gear and lenses...since sold! It is not perfect but I take far more photos now than I ever did. As for image quality ... well it actually outstrips the best 35mm film cameras so who's complaining...After all it is about getting the photo and the adage is that the best camera is the one you have with you applies here!!!<br /><br />You forget how far photography has recently come. Some reviewers think they have to criticise in order to sound knowledgeable. <br /><br />The X-S1 is a leader in its field... well that is until the Sony RX-10 which I have just bought. I still think the Fuji rivals it in usability but not image quality. I also note you had nothing nice to say about the Sony which does somewhat contradict pretty much everyone else on the internet. <br /><br />Oh well Ron ... I long ago got over my obsession with IQ etc. and just got on with having photographic fun.<br /><br />Cheer up!!!<br />WilliamWilliamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02011994410069225481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-47343587222001312352014-02-15T12:32:01.593-08:002014-02-15T12:32:01.593-08:00Here is an album from my safari trip to India
Usi...Here is an album from my safari trip to India <br />Using an X-S1<br /><br />https://picasaweb.google.com/102918847254950644794/SouthernIndiaShivakumar Selvarajhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16024889903569537256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-85758864468885342802013-11-23T06:59:17.275-08:002013-11-23T06:59:17.275-08:00The unavailability to manually control the movie r...The unavailability to manually control the movie recording feature makes this expensive camera less powerful.Garg Ankithttp://www.todaystrendyblog.com/2012/01/fujifilm-x-s1.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-33142272717068136972013-10-24T07:46:20.141-07:002013-10-24T07:46:20.141-07:00I think you have been particularly harsh with this...I think you have been particularly harsh with this review, there are many photographers , like me, who have one of these as a 'do it all' back up to their DSLRs, and love it. You say that it is no good at takingindoor photos and then post some great indoor photos taken with it, it is a complete contradiction. i agree it isn't perfect, and the AF could do with being a bit quicker, but it certainly shouldn't be derided as you have done here. As for saying the build quality is dreadful, it is certainly head and shoulders over that of the entry level Canon and Nikon DSLRs. I think this camera (now discontinued) was sadly misunderstood!!PhilSheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15813159574874597537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-21090843823061062072013-08-10T09:31:49.303-07:002013-08-10T09:31:49.303-07:00I can't fully agree with your comment.
I got ...I can't fully agree with your comment.<br /><br />I got my X-S1 at an exchange offer - any camera you give get 25%on select cameras. Got a solid $225 for a 8 yr old Canon Powershot S45. Had my new DSLR SONY A580 and A200 with a 16-80CZ and 70-300G lens before I went for X-S1.<br /><br />Menu was not as smooth as SONY. But got used to it soon. AF should've been better but is CDAF not PDAF!. As you said Fuji should've released some update but they chose not to. I got many more keepers than I got with my SONYs. you can see them here http://www.flickr.com/photos/64618899@N04/sets/72157629217920220/<br /><br />I was thinking of getting a 70-400G to get better reach but huh!! - nearly 4kg of gear to match X-S1. I am not a sports shooter and X-S1 continues to impress me and A580 sleeps in the cupboard. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-35429170242685955952013-07-02T01:44:10.110-07:002013-07-02T01:44:10.110-07:00I can't agree with most of your comments,I'...I can't agree with most of your comments,I've had my XS-1 for 6 months,and found it great to use.<br />The "Pro Low-light" mode works particularly well for still pictures indoors(as long as you keep the camera steady!),and I've used it on flower close ups as well,and it turns out some great shots.<br />Real world pictures are sharp and colourful,the lens is great,and it's quick to use,despite the reviewers comments.<br />His lowlight pictures look fine to me,and yet he slags of the higher ISO images in his review.<br />I certainly do NOT agree either with his comments relating to the build quality.The XS1 is a well built,solid camera,and fully deserves Fuji's Premium "X" rating,and I have used and owned many cameras over nearly 50 years. Doug Sinnotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16713360846041785883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-70983392347460084982013-06-19T03:10:36.636-07:002013-06-19T03:10:36.636-07:00Anonymous,
At the end of the day, this is a super... Anonymous,<br /><br /><i>At the end of the day, this is a super zoom camera with a small sensor. It is not fair to compare it to an X-10</i><br /><br />I disagree because it's effectively an X-10 (which I like) with a big zoom lens. <br /><br />I probably would have liked it more if I had reviewed it when it first came out.<br /><br />You're correct that it's not in the same league as a X100/X100s. <br /><br />It's a good start - hopefully Fuji will keep working at it to make something better in the future.ronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-3611650797309881762013-06-14T04:54:39.522-07:002013-06-14T04:54:39.522-07:00I completely disagree with some of the adverse com...I completely disagree with some of the adverse comments re the XS-1 in this review.<br />It hard to realise he's writing about the same camera I've been using for nearly 12 months!<br />Also nearly all the initial reviews for the XS-1 all praised it's picture quality,features,build,and it's speedy handling,resulting in widespread 4 and 5 star ratings!<br />The only minus point was it's initial launch price,as some reviewers thought it a bit high at nearly £800!<br />It is a superb camera,and the images are comparable to my Pentax DSLR,and as good as my Panasonic G2,at least up to 800 ISO.Prints at A4,with some cropping,are sharp and vivid,and I have had no complaints about it's speed of operation at all,using a class 10 SD card.<br />The rear LCD is bright and sharp,and my DSLR evf looks positively dim compared to the Fuji's,and in low light,there's just no comparison.<br />The lens is really superb,smooth to use,and no flare or abberations which could cause any problems as far as I am aware.<br />As regards the Panasonic FZ200,the EVF is not a patch on the XS-1,and neither is the build quality.<br />The sensor on the Fuji is bigger than the competition,and 12Mp ensures it's not too crowded,hence better noise at higher ISOs.<br />The "Pro Low-Light" mode works really well,recording up to 4 images instantaneously at varying resolutions, and even images recorded at 3200 ISO print out on A4 well.<br />No camera is perfect,but after nearly 50 years as an amateur,and having used many cameras over the years,including Fuji,and Panasonic bridge cameras,Canon and Nikon DSLRs,(and currently a Pentax),I think I know as much as the reviewer,and I recognise a well thought out,well constructed,camera when I see it,and yet,at the same time,capable of tackling all that the average keen photographer will want to do,and capable of some superb results.<br />This camera,at it's current price of £400 or so,is a terrific bargain,head and shoulders above the competition,and to have similar capability in a DSLR,would cost two or three times(at least!)the cost of the XS-1.<br />The lens alone is worth the money!Doug Sinnottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-88316700489034093632013-06-10T10:13:41.052-07:002013-06-10T10:13:41.052-07:00Your expectations were probably too high. At the e...Your expectations were probably too high. At the end of the day, this is a super zoom camera with a small sensor. It is not fair to compare it to an X-10 or X100, they are in completely different categories. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-64975883400731674132013-05-29T11:52:11.328-07:002013-05-29T11:52:11.328-07:00Hi Ron,
I felt you were quite a way off with this...Hi Ron,<br /><br />I felt you were quite a way off with this review from my own experience of this camera, you even missed one of the best things about it, the flash! Like the X10 it is excellent for fill flash and a number of your shots would have been much better had you used it.<br />I don't find the autofocus unreliable but it does black out more than I'd like when you fire the shutter. The lowlight mode is also capable of very nice quality at ISO 3200 for static subjects.<br />Of course this is all subjective but personally I think the X-S1 is a far better camera than you've indicated here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-21640364592103460542013-05-20T01:47:28.581-07:002013-05-20T01:47:28.581-07:00Anonymous,
I agree - you hit the nail on the head...Anonymous,<br /><br />I agree - you hit the nail on the head! If there was a perfect camera with no compromises we'd all be buying that and there'd be no point for me to review cameras.<br /><br />I don't hate this camera by any stretch, and to be very fair I reviewed it late in its life cycle. <br /><br />I did really enjoy the 26x zoom though - it's easy to get used to in a hurry.<br /><br />I'm also a huge fan of the x10 and this is very much like a X10 with a really nice lens so I can understand why you like it so much.<br /><br />My take is primarily based on people who are looking to buy in May 2013. I think there's better offerings but if/when the X-S2 comes out then this should get more interesting again.<br /><br />Ronronmartblog.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815090271742112506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-64540978844518643152013-05-15T21:23:10.123-07:002013-05-15T21:23:10.123-07:00Hi Ron,
I can't say that I agree with all tha...Hi Ron,<br /><br />I can't say that I agree with all that you've written here. <br /><br />For me this camera has been a joy to use. The excellent EVF is one factor. The 26X zoom another. <br /><br />When I bought it, I knew that with such a small sensor, the image quality would be lower than my previous DSLR (Canon XT). What I was aiming for was the zoom power. And not having to constantly switch lenses (I had 2 zooms). And it does deliver that. I've made some very good shots with it. And some crummy ones too. As I did with my previous camera.<br /><br />To me the other Fuji X cameras are models I would not buy. I just don't see a point to retro-styled digital cameras. Looks like I'm in the minority.<br /><br />Every camera is a compromise somewhere. For me, this camera's features mix fills my needs. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5826231802859523569.post-71893873330025948522013-05-09T03:59:40.305-07:002013-05-09T03:59:40.305-07:00Hi, the X-S2 is comming soon...end of May?Hi, the X-S2 is comming soon...end of May?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com