REVIEW: Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap

Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap (SnapR 35 Left, SnapR 20 Right)

BlackRapid has a great reputation for creating high quality camera straps like the RS-7 I reviewed, but until I saw their display at PhotoPlus Expo I had no idea that they also made a camera bag.  I was very impressed with the SnapR product line when I first saw it because typical bags for this size are simply plastic pouches with cheap zippers, velcro or snaps. What I really wanted for my G12 and X10 was something that was built like a ThinkTankPhoto bag, but BlackRapid took that wish to the next level and threw in even more.

Here’s a short little video that shows how this bag not only offers a rapid strap, but also a hand strap for the bag or just for the camera. The net result is a nice design that offers multiple ways to transport and protect your camera:

Play in HD

SnapR 35 – Great for Mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds Cameras

SnapR 35 with a Nikon 1 V1 and 10-30mm lens

The first SnapR that I got my hands on was the 35 which was great because I was in the middle of my point and shoot comparison testing. It could hold my biggest camera, the V1, so everything else would work too. I loved having this bag for this testing and it was awesome for the bulky V1. I could even put the 10mm lens in the side pocket:

SnapR 35 with Nikon 1 10mm lens in the side pocket
with a V1 (with 10-30mm attached) zipped in the main compartment

It was too small to hold the massive 10-100mm lens, but I suspect few V1 owners would consider this bag if they had that big lens anyway. This is really a bag for those traveling light as this bag will hold the essentials in its two side pockets.

I tend to carry my smaller flip cage in the outer pocket (but it won’t zip when I do that) so I can have a tripod on the go. The iPhone also fits nicely in the outside pocket too!

SnapR 20 – Great for Mid-Size Point and Shoots like the Canon G12 & Fujifilm X Series

SnapR 20 with Fujifilm X10 inside (lens cap on)

Since I own a Canon G12 and now a new Fujifilm X10, I decided that the SnapR 35 was a little more bulky that what I needed for my cameras. As a result I decided to try out the SnapR 20 to see if it was a better solution for my cameras. It turns out that the G12 fits perfectly and the X10 fits, but it’s a little snug for rapid insert and removals with the lens cap on. It glides in and out better without the lens cap off, but I always want my lens cap on so I’ve just dealt with the snug fit. I’ve also kept my camera strap on the X10 which really isn’t needed with this bag, so that would free up some space too. Personally I’d rather the smaller bag since it works for my X10 and is a perfect fit (with plenty of space) for my G12.

Here’s a shot of how my X10 is attached by its tripod mount to the shoulder strap for a true BlackRapid experience:

The built-in shoulder rapid strap means you are always connected
by the tripod mount for rapid removal, stability, and safety

Using the SnapR

The SnapR is more than just a camera bag. It’s a versatile camera strap system. You can make it as simple as a wrist strap design as shown here:

Wrist Strap Connection
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

Or you can leave the camera attached to the rapid strap as shown here (my preference):

SnapR 10 shown with rapid strap use in action
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

When you are done using the camera you just leave it attached and insert it upside down back into the case as shown here:

Cameras are inserted upside down while still attached for rapid and safe removal
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

It’s a really cool design that works better in practice than you might think.

These are great bags with a sturdy external design, strong clips, and a super soft interior that won’t hurt your LCD or lens.There’s also a quick release zipper design for the front pouch that makes it really quick to remove your camera and pull it up the rapid strap.

Conclusion

Plain and simple – if you own a camera smaller than a DSLR and you want a great case and strap for on the go action, this is your bag. I’ve seen nothing on the market that I’ve liked as much so I highly recommend this product!

If you own a thin point and shoot like a Canon s100 then order the SnapR 10, if you have a mid-side point and shoot like a Canon G12, Fujifilm X10 or X100, then order the SnapR 20. If you have a mirrorless or micro four thirds camera that’s a little bigger then order the SnapR 35.

Disclosure

I was provided with sample bags for evaluation by BlackRapid and I may make a commission if you make a purchase using links on this blog. I believe in this product and use it personally, so I can honestly say that I would have bought it even if I wasn’t provided with sample bags by BlackRapid.

I live in the Seattle area so I was actually surprised to find out that BlackRapid is actually based in the Fremont area of Metropolitan Seattle, so that kinda gave me an extra reason to like them.

COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95) UPDATED: 12/28/11

Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, Canon s100 & G12

The Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95) all have something in common this holiday season – they are collectively the hottest high quality compact cameras on the market. While some like the s95/s100 may be classified as a “point and shoot” camera, I really put all of these cameras above and beyond the typically low quality consumer cameras that we call point and shoots.

This article is the home page for other articles that cover each camera individually. I’ll send this series with a comparison article(s) that will cover how they compare in more depth. Please check back often to see links to new updates as my goal is to complete this series by mid-December 2011.

What about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1, etc…?

Noticeably absent from this line up is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1, but the reason is simple – I just could only do so much so I focused on the cameras I was most interested in. I’ve borrowed a friends DMC-GX1 briefly and it seemed like an okay camera, but I had my hands full with this comparison so other cameras simply didn’t make the cut. My apologies to the Lumix fans out there.

What do you mean by plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95?

When writing this article I had “on hand” the four cameras shown in the photo at the top of the page, but you can also read my existing reviews on the G12, s95, and x100. I am very familiar with those cameras and I own a G12 (as well as having extensive experience with the G9, G10, and G11) . However, the x100 and s95 was not on-hand for a side, by side comparison during my testing. I have all of my data from testing them previous and will discuss that during this comparison.

My Testing Methodology

While these cameras are DLSR-like, they are not DSLR’s. Instead, they are more portable so I wanted to test these cameras as my alternative camera for times when I didn’t want to have my bulky DSLR. As a result, the types of photos I’d take or situations I’d be in with these cameras are entirely different than what I’d do with DSLR’s. In short, I used these as every day practical cameras not only for myself, but I also shared it with my wife and friends to give me their subjective feedback on the real-world usefulness of these cameras. In fact, some of my friends might choose these as their step up from their current crappy point and shoot as a DSLR-alternative, so my testing drew lots of interest.

I carried one or more of these cameras to normal day to day activities and shot them as I’d normally shoot my G12 or iPhone. While I typically modified the settings to capture RAW files (when possible), I did try to take advantage of the auto features of these cameras and use their in-camera JPEG’s as much as possible. I did this because my idea behind owning one of these cameras is to sacrifice some quality (over a DSLR) in exchange for portability, easy of use (i.e., literally point, shoot, and move on), and faster post-processing times (either print or upload to the web “as is” from the in-camera JPEG, or only minor Lightroom edits).

At the conclusion of my testing I did put all of these cameras on a tripod and did various testing using different modes, focal lengths, ISO, etc… This testing is primarily for my own use, but I will share some of those images and data in this series. However, I’m not trying to replace what DPReview.com does – they have a staff and its their full-time job, so they can do a lot more than me.

If you want a scientific comparison to pixel peep until your eyeballs dry out, then go to dpreview.com. If you want a subjective opinion of Ron Martinsen, his wife and friends on what these cameras are REALLY like to own and use on a daily basis then you a have come to the right place. My goal of this comparison, much like I’ve done in my tripod & ball head series, noise reduction roundup, lens rental series, printing series, and web hosting series is to give you MY personal opinion of which product I like the most based on my own personal preferences. I test them as scientifically as I care to so I can try to eliminate any bias or preconceived notions, but the winner(s) here will be the camera(s) that I’d actually go out and buy (at B&H’s normal prices) just like you. I’ll also consider which camera my wife would want as well as she’s the one who will use it most often, and while image quality is important so are size, features and ease of use.

Detailed Review List & My First Impressions

Click the review link next to name of the camera below to see my full review. If there is no hyperlink then I haven’t published the review yet, but it is coming soon. I’m also including what my first impressions of each camera was which may differ from my final opinion based on my looking at the detailed data I’ve collected during testing. The cameras are currently listed in the stack ranked order from most favorite to least favorite based on my opinion today, but this list order may change before this article is 100% done – stay tuned.

1. Fujifilm FinePix x10 (P&S of the Year Review) – While this camera lacks some of the ease of use and creature comforts of the Canon G12, this camera is everything I hoped it would be and more when I reviewed the x100. I loved the image quality of the x100, but I thought it was pretty spendy, quirky, and impractical as a camera for my wife. The x10 sacrifices a little in image quality compared to the x100, but sheds a lot in price. It also works extremely well as a point and shoot for my wife and friends, and lacks most of the quirkiness/bugs of the x100. In short, I love this camera for still photos, ease of use, and excellent video. In fact, I loved this one so much that I bought the copy I reviewed.
   
2. Canon G12 (review) – While this camera lacks 1080p HD video, the killer high ISO performance, and dynamic range of the non-Canon cameras in this comparison, it is still a tough camera to beat. It’s hard dials make it super easy to switch to non-full auto modes and dial in the result to get the shot. My wife knows or cares nothing about geeky camera terms, but she quickly learned and loved how she could dial in a higher ISO or do an exposure compensation to get the shot. She couldn’t define or explain either to you, but she knows to rotate those dials to make the blurry images go away or modify the image brightness. She’s also appreciated the durability as this rides in her bottom diaper bag compartment where it takes a beating daily. She’s enjoyed the pivoting display so she can capture herself in photos or videos with the baby. However, the feature she enjoys the most is the speed – in short, when she uses this camera she usually gets the shot about 90% of the time (which is higher than me my DSLR as I’m usually too busy dialing in my settings). Regardless of what I do, my wife may not give up this camera without a fight.
   
3. Nikon 1 V1 (review) – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – the idea of a “mini-DSLR” to me is just stupid. I say this because you end up with a new proprietary system where you have to buy lenses and ultimately get trapped to stick with the platform. However, these systems offer less quality and cost more than the lower-end DSLR’s by Canon and Nikon. These cameras are also not very light or portable, so they fall into this gray area where they suck as a DSLR and they are too heavy/cumbersome to be a point and shoot. With that gripe out of the way, it is fun having these tiny lenses, a killer LCD on the back, and outstanding video quality in a package this small. However, the thing that really drives me the most insane about this camera is how Nikon buries nearly all of the controls in menus rather than having lots of external buttons (which is effectively their advantage / trademark when comparing with Canon). The exterior is so dumbed down that it can be infuriating at times. The full-manual mode wasn’t too bad once I got used to it, but I’ve just got to be able to have quick access to ISO and exposure compensation. I couldn’t’ do that with this camera and that really annoyed me. This is a good camera, but it really doesn’t belong in this comparison as a comparison against the DMC-GX1 would make more sense. That said, my review will still treat it fairly and tell you what I really think (i.e., it doesn’t suck). I will say right now for Christmas shoppers that it doesn’t have a significant edge in image quality over the cameras in this comparison which I think is due to cheap quality lenses, so don’t rush out to buy this thinking it can be like a mini D3000 – it’s not even close .  (NOTE: I did use the sexier J1 at the Expo in New York and was underwhelmed – I’d definitely go for the V1 over the J1 any day) 
   
4. Canon s100 (review) – I really struggled where to place this camera because it’s the most pocketable camera in the bunch and it is statistically so good. Canon has also packed it full of great features like built-in GPS tracking, a huge LCD on the rear for its size, amazingly good high ISO performance up to 6400, and an innovative ring selector on the front that is programmable so you can have your favorite feature readily accessible without going into menus. With that love aside, I don’t think it doesn’t live up to the hype. I’ve been very unimpressed with the build quality and reliability of both the s95 and s100 I’ve tested. I also find that despite how it seems on paper when you compare it to the G12, the reality is that when you are out shooting kids doing activities its shutter lag is annoying and it repeatedly underwhelms me with the images that come out of it. While you can use the High-Speed Burst HQ scene mode to get a fast burst of 8 shots, RAW is not supported and frequently the subject is out of focus. I’d rather have a 3 megapixel version of this camera that had much better dynamic range and faster performance than this dog. Despite its great stats on paper, a car analogy is in order – it’s much like comparing a Ford Mustang GT to a Porsche Cayman S. While the Mustang might fare well on paper, and looks are subjective, when you actually use both you realize there is no comparison. My wife liked the s95 when she compared it to the G12, but we ultimately went with the G12, Now that she’s a seasoned G12 owner, but she lasted 10 minutes with this camera before she handed it back to me in disgust and resumed using the G12. She said she still loved the compact size, but we made the right decision getting the G12. I couldn’t agree more.

From here, the Fujifilm FinePix x100 (review) would be next on my list despite all of its quirkiness and lack of a zoom lens. This camera just feels like quality your hands and it draws you in with its cool geeky features (like the innovative optical AND digital viewfinder). I couldn’t justify buying one and my wife could never live with it, but if someone gave me one for Christmas I’d be pretty jazzed. It just has an addicting quality to it much like a super fun but frustratingly hard video game.

The Canon s95 (review) can’t keep up with the s100, so if you’ve got to have a camera that size then go with the s100 – it is better. It does everything the s95 does, but better in my opinion. However, the s95 is dirt cheap this holiday season as the channel tries to sell out their remaining inventory, so if price is your only concern then you probably won’t find a better deal.

Video Comparison (NEW)

Click here to see my article where I compare the video of the s100, x10 and V1 of a subject all recorded at the same time in identical conditions.

Upgrade your Lightroom & Adobe Camera Raw

Photoshop will require Adobe Camera Raw 6.6 and you will need Lightroom 3.6 to use the RAW file format of the Nikon 1 V1 (*.NEF), Fujifilm Finepix x100 (*.RAF), or the Canon s100 (*.CR2). If you don’t have those versions you can still read those image formats using the latest versions of Capture NX2 (2.2.8+), SILKYPIX (3.2.5.0 & up), and DPP (3.11 & up).

The Perfect Case For These Cameras

Nikon wants $60 for their case, but I found the BlackRapid SnapR 35 to be a brilliant choice with the V1. I use the SnapR 20 with my X10 as well, and it would work for the s100 as well. I’ll be posting my review soon, but it’s basically a nice case with a built-in mini BlackRapid strap (see my RS-7 review) that is brilliant for point and shoot cameras. You can see above how there is room for this camera with plenty of extra space. There’s also nice side-pocket storage as shown below to hold your accessories on both sides:

If you aren’t familiar with this case and its unique strap, then check out this cool short video. You can purchase it in various sizes at B&H.

A Simple Portable Tripod

While reviewing these camera I got my hands on a Gary Fong Flip-Cage Pro, so I used it as my tripod when I was out and about. The Pro size is needed for the V1, G12 & X10, but a smaller size flip cage can be used with typical point and shoots like the s100.

Conclusion

None of these cameras are bad cameras. In fact, compared to most consumer products out there they are excellent. The s100 may be my least favorite, but it is a joy to use and comes in the perfect package. The Nikon 1 V1 seems pointless to me, but it can take a decent photo and the interchangeable lenses open up new options. With that said, all are good but only one is great – the Fujifilm X10.

I love the X10 so much that I’ve actually purchased my evaluation unit from B&H. If I was buying for my wife only I'd wish a G12 replacement was out, but she loves the X10 based on our real world experiences at Thanksgiving, in Hawaii, and Christmas (including Christmas lights outdoors). The other cameras are nice and have their benefits, but my money goes to the X10 for the best overall performance.

Please use the links to the cameras found in this article to make your purchase, and feel free to enjoy my discount coupon code page to save even more on your favorite photography products.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on your favorite forums and social networking sites so that others can enjoy it as well. See at the bottom of this article for links to help make that simple and easy to do.

Where to Buy

B&H made this comparison possible at a time when it was near impossible to get access these cameras. Please support this blog and their generosity by using the following links when you make your purchase:

• Click here to buy the Canon s100
• Click here to buy the Fujifilm X10
• Click here to buy the Nikon 1 V1

Disclosure

While most popular blogs have mechanisms for generating revenue, few disclose it. I believe in transparency so I will disclose that B&H has given me an extended return period to review these cameras, but I returned the s100 and V1 when I was done. I purchased the X10 based on my findings at an open box discounted price.

If you make a purchase using links found on this blog I may get a commission. I thank you for your support of more articles like this by your using my links when you are ready to make a purchase. If you are unable or unwilling to use my links, then a donation is appreciated for countless hours I spend while you sleep so that I may bring articles like this to you.

On behalf of my family, we thank you for your generous support!

REVIEW: Canon PowerShot s100

Canon PowerShot s100

Thanks for joining me from my article entitled COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95)! In this article I’ll review the Canon PowerShot s100 on its own merits using the methodology described in the intro article. I reviewed the s95 in the past and came pretty close to buying it when I decided to go with the G12 instead. On paper all of the improvements to the s100 made it seem so good that I thought I might be giving up my G12 to get one, but after extensive use I didn’t find it to live up to my expectations based on its specs.

Please note that excluding the two s100 product shots (courtesy of Canon USA), all of the photos in this article are unedited in-camera JPEG’s).

What’s New

• Longer lens range (equivalent to 24-120mm) at a range of f/2.0 to f/5.9
• 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7" Canon sensor (CMOS)
• ISO 80-6400
• DIGIC V image processor
• 2.3 fps continuous shooting (and up to 8 frames in High-Speed burst scene mode – JPEG Full Auto only)
• Full HD 1080p video recording with support for both  H.264 compression and the MOV file format
• Optical zoom in movie mode
• Super slow motion movie recording (640 x 480 @ 120fps, 320 x 240 @ 240 fps)
• Direct movie record button
• Built-in GPS unit with image tagging and logger functions

Living with the s100

Canon has packed the s100 full of great features like built-in GPS tracking, a huge LCD on the rear for its size, amazingly good high ISO performance up to 6400, and an innovative ring selector on the front that is programmable so you can have your favorite feature readily accessible without going into menus. Its slender size and these are the things that made me excited about this camera.

Now that I’ve said what I like, it’s time to be blunt. I’ve been very unimpressed with the build quality and reliability of both the s95 and s100 I’ve tested. The s95 quickly developed a dead row of pixels on the sensor and this s100 suffers from obscenely short battery life (sometimes as little as 30 minutes of normal use (i.e., not video or continuous on), despite coming off a full charge. I also find that despite how great it seems in the tech specs when you compare it to the G12, the reality is that when you are out shooting kids in the real world it just can’t keep up as well as the G12 can (in Av/Tv/P modes).

Despite its faster Digic V processor and its f/2 lens, The s100 seems to have a longer delay from the time you push the shutter release until it actually takes the shot, which for kids means you’ve missed the shot. While you can use the High-Speed Burst HQ scene mode to get a fast burst of 8 shots, or the “Kids & Pets” mode, RAW is not supported and frequently the subject is out of focus.

f/5.9 for 1/125 sec at ISO 6400 (26mm)
Aperture Priority / Tungsten White Balance
Unedited from In-Camera JPEG
Mouse Out for In-Focus (original) and
Hover for Typical Out of Focus (original)

I also found myself getting a large number of out of focus shots in real world indoor shooting. In the shot above I was in my studio under reasonably decent Solux lights with my model on a bright white studio paper background. I also put a reflector under face, so she’s the best indoor lighting situation you are going to find. While I could have shot this at f/2, the reality is that when I’m shooting a person and want to create a flattering shot I’ll typically back off and zoom in to make the body features appear a bit slimmer. This model has a wider face, so shooting at f/2 or f/2.2 would get me down to ISO 500 (this creating a sharper image) at the expense of distortion and a more full body framing (unless I got obnoxiously close when shooting) as shown here: 

f/2.2 for 1/60 sec at ISO 500
Shooting wide open isn’t always desirable
when indoors due to distortion and working distance
Unedited from In-Camera JPEG

I really want to love this camera because its form factor is brilliant. I love the size and weight – especially when it is closed up. It seems to be significantly better than the s95 based on my unscientific analysis of everyday real world shots I was able to get from the s95 vs the s100. The s100 images appear to have more dynamic range and the high ISO performance, even in RAW, is excellent (much better than the G12 in fact). That said, it’s not even close to the quality found in the x10, but its about half the price and size so that’s forgivable.

f/2 for 1/30 sec (handheld) at ISO 250 (5.2mm) Macro Mode
Full Auto HDR Creative Filters Mode
Lens was about 1 inch from the flower
Unedited from In-Camera JPEG

I was very happy with the macro mode on this camera as the minimum focus distance when you are in macro mode is quite good. I was able to get within an inch at min zoom and about 6 inches at max zoom (in macro mode) and acquire clear focus to get the shot. This makes it a great tool for the amateur macro photographer and teens.

Built-In Intelligence is Very Good

The Auto mode as well as the Special Scene (SCN) and Creative Filters modes are technology marvels. While some modes are downright cheesy (Super Vivid) or useless (Color Swap), many are brilliant for the amateur photographer that doesn’t own a DSLR or Photoshop. As I mentioned in my G12 review, modes like Miniature Effect, Fisheye and HDR will are very fun to play with and the results are respectable. There’s a brilliant Smart Shutter mode that will wait for the subject to smile and then automatically take 3 photos (including raising the flash automatically if required). It works well under the right conditions, and nearly always gets a clear shot (even if the shot looks like crap due to direct flash or poor lighting conditions that are beyond the camera’s control).

I was very happy with the built-in image stabilization – it really works quite well on static subjects. Naturally no image stabilization will help you when your subject moves – that’s still a shutter speed issue – so indoors you still need to find the light or God forbid use the flash to avoid the typical point and shoot motion blur.

The built-in stitching mode for panoramas hasn’t changed, and in my mind is the most useless and unfriendly design on the market. I rarely get a usable result, but if you’ve used it and mastered it then this may not be an issue for me. I do wish Canon would see what Fujifilm has done for their panorama modes on the x100 and x10 – it’s the most brilliant and idiot proof design that just works flawlessly 90% of the time (on static subjects).

Night Shooting & HDR Mode

Using a Gitzo GT1541 tripod (with no head for extra stability), and the 2 second timer mode (to reduce interference from hand induced camera shake), I experimented with taking a shot using the full auto mode, the HDR Creative Filter mode (which takes 4 shots and merges), and the Handheld Night Scene mode. It was after midnight and it was raining lightly, but no wind. There was ambient light from the porches of two houses, but cloud cover made it a pretty dark night. Here’s what I ended up getting in these three modes (visit the gallery here for full-size originals):

HDR Creative Filter Mode on a Tripod with 2 second Timer
Great dynamic range, but disappointingly blurry
(note: default IS mode was used – not tripod IS mode)

Handheld NightScene Mode
f/2 for 1/15 sec at ISO 3200 (auto best of 4)
Impressive, but a touch dark and blurry

Full Auto Mode – Night Scene Detected  (Tripod with 2 second timer)
Very sharp and clear, but less dynamic range than HDR
f/2 for 1 second @ ISO 400
(note: default IS mode was used – not tripod IS mode)

Personally I like the last one best which proves that the old tried and true method of using a tripod for a long exposure isn’t a bad way to go even in these days with technical gadgetry. It’s cool that all three modes are offered though, and at the end of the day there may be times where the auto modes could make the difference between getting the shot and not. After all, how many people will really have tripods (or natural support in the exact right space) when your out with your point and shoot?

Color Accent Mode

With solid colors in isolation, the Sin City look is instantly possible in-camera

Even though this feature has been around for a while, I haven’t discussed it on my blog before. The way this works is you turn the mode dial to Creative Filters mode, and isolate a color via the LCD and the control dial. The color you choose remains in color and everything else goes to black and white. As shown above you get the typical “Sin City” look, but it works best on solid colors. When trying to apply it to flowers it doesn’t work as well (although the LCD view will fool you into thinking its perfect):

It’s a bit of a fail when there’s more than one tone though

Image Quality

For a point and shoot camera, the image quality of this camera is actually quite good. When using in-camera JPEG’s, images up to ISO 6400 are usable even if they are a tad soft. Using noise reduction software on the RAW’s can leave you with an outstanding result for a sensor this small. Part of the improvement comes from a new sensor and in-camera processing that does a much better job of reducing the noise at the RAW level before creating the in-camera JPEG. The net result is that more detail is preserved over the s95 when those JPEG’s are created.

Click to view the original to see that detail in the shadows and bright areas is respectable
f/2 for 1/30 sec (handheld) at ISO 500 (5.2mm) Full Auto Mode

The dynamic range appears to have been improved in this over the s95 or even the G12, but the images seem to be lacking something that is hard to quantify in scientific terms. They just frequently fail to please me – especially when viewing them in Lightroom. DPP does a great job of making the images look their best (both RAW and JPEG) and printing direct from DPP to a professional Canon printer (like the Canon ipf6300) from a RAW image can often create astonishingly good results with no photo editing at all (go to any Canon trade show event to see this in action to see what I mean).

Overall this camera has the typically good in-camera color that Canon is known for, but when pushed the reality of its small sensor become apparent (2nd shot below).

Under the right conditions, the color rendition was excellent

When pushed, the limited dynamic range became apparent

Features

The s100 offers the standard modes of Program (P), Shutter Speed Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av) , Manual, Custom (user-defined variant of the previously mentioned), and full auto (JPEG) only. There’s also a movie mode which can now be accessed directly via the new record button shown above.

Two of the most useful point and shoot modes (JPEG only) are Creative Filters and Special Scene (SCN) modes because that’s where all of the engineering intelligence in this camera lives. I’ve discussed some of the features already, but these modes are great for times when you don’t want to think – you just want to take pictures. You give the camera a little more input about what you want to do (i.e., beach, underwater, sunset, kids & pets, etc…) and it uses all its power to give you the best result for that scenario. Using these modes I got significantly more in-focus and usable shots than I did when I tried to use Aperture Priority (Av) or even Program (P) mode. You don’t get an option to save RAW images when you do this, so what you get is pretty much what you get, but the camera does everything in its power to give you a sharp shot with a balanced histogram. As a result these images are typically salvageable for post-processing and in-focus.

The controls of this camera are excellent, and the addition of the record button and better focusing options have made this iteration more friendly in daily real world use over its predecessor. I found myself programming the ring dial in the front to exposure compensation really helps a lot, and the auto ISO seems to do a good job of making the right tradeoffs of ISO versus the appropriate shutter speed.

The built-in GPS support was useless indoors as it would never acquire a satellite signal, but if you went outdoors and had a clear signal then it would pick up after a few minutes. This is typical GPS behavior for devices that can’t do triangulation so don’t expect the GPS to record all the places you’ve been on your trip if you’ll be shooting a lot indoors. You can leave GPS logging on to help with that scenario, but bring about 30 batteries because you’ll need it.

Beware – you need LOTS of batteries

Speaking of batteries, the biggest gripe I have about this camera is its battery. While it is nice and compact, it seems that all of the technical hoo ha of this camera drains the battery very quickly. It’s pointless to disable all of those features, so you’ll need multiple spare batteries with this camera. The best performance I got on a battery was about 3 hours of usage (at a car show), and the camera was only turned on when needed. I didn’t have GPS turned on (especially logging which would get you down to about 30 minutes), so the rest was in what I’d call normal out of the box settings.

Factor this into your cost as the batteries were $43.95 EACH at the time this article was written, so you may not be saving much over more expensive cameras when you add the batteries required to get an equivalent shooting time.

For a full feature list, visit Canon USA.

s95 & G12 Owners – Upgrade Advice

If you own a s95 and love it, I think this camera is worth the upgrade based on image quality and performance alone. The 1080p video is a big plus as well. The GPS feature is a battery sucking vampire on a camera that already drains the battery faster than a frat house keg on graduation night, so consider that issue (and cost) when upgrading.

If you own a G12, this camera does offer some nice new features and performance (especially in the dynamic range and higher ISO’s), but fundamentally the G12 is the better camera for those who won’t be shooting in the full auto – jpeg only modes. It also lacks the durability, reliability and pivoting LCD of the G12 so I’d advise against replacing a G12 with a s100.

Sample Photos

To see a gallery of test images (including original in-camera JPEG download), click here. Here’s a few medium size samples that show off what this camera can do:

Sample Video

Click here to see my video comparison article. Here's a funny one to enjoy that shows off the super slow motion movie mode which does 240 fps at a very low resolution:

Conclusion

All of the technical wizardy of this camera is impressive and is sure to please the average consumer who doesn’t have a DSLR. If you don’t care about RAW images and just want to capture memento photos, the special scene and creative filter modes will help you get the shot that is suitable for posting on your favorite social networking sites.

If you are a DSLR owner looking for a pocketable alternative to the beast, I suspect you’ll be disappointed with this camera. While the images aren’t bad, the dynamic range just isn’t there and is sure to dissapoint. While the price might suggest that its is good enough, when you’ve seen other alternatives like the more expensive Fujifilm X10, you realize that small doesn’t have to mean poor quality.

This isn’t a bad camera and the form factor is excellent, but it’s just not one that I think my average reader is really going to be happy with. Do you want your trip to Disney, or that birthday celebration to have shots that are blurry and bleached out looking? I don’t, so I’d rather see Canon do something like Fujifilm’s EXR mode to useless megapixels, but create a significantly better image (in terms of quality and dynamic range). Few people will be printing massive posters using images from their point and shoot, and even a 4 megapixel image is sufficient for a nice letter size print these days (or greater, depending on viewing distance).

I also hated the fact that the battery just doesn’t last very long so you’ll need a bunch of them. I’d seriously have about 4 of them pre-charged if I were going out to Disney all day, so that adds nearly $200 to the cost of this camera. For that price you can get the superior Fujifilm X10 which offers significantly better image quality and performance.

I’d rather have a 3 megapixel version of this camera that had much better dynamic range and faster performance. Despite its great stats on paper, a car analogy is in order – it’s much like comparing a Ford Mustang GT to a Porsche Cayman S. While the Mustang might fare well on paper, and looks are subjective, when you actually use both you realize there is no comparison.

My wife liked the s95 when she compared it to the G12, but we ultimately went with the G12, Now that she’s a seasoned G12 owner, she lasted 10 minutes with this camera before she handed it back to me in disgust and resumed using the G12. She said she still loved the compact size, but we made the right decision getting the G12.

I couldn’t agree more.

See what I think about other cameras in my article entitled COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95).

Where to Buy

Click here to buy a s100 at B&H. If it is out of stock, you can also consider Adorama or Amazon, but I prefer B&H when possible.

Disclosure

While most popular blogs have mechanisms for generating revenue, few disclose it. I believe in transparency so I will disclose that B&H has given me an extended return period to review these cameras, but I will return them when I am done.

If you make a purchase using links found on this blog I may get a commission. I thank you for your support of more articles like this by your using my links when you are ready to make a purchase. If you are unable or unwilling to use my links, then a donation is appreciated for countless hours I spend while you sleep so that I may bring articles like this to you.

On behalf of my family, we thank you for your generous support!

HANDS ON: Canon s100 and FujiFilm X10 (now in stock at B&H)

UPDATE

You may want to read this article instead:

COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95)

The Canon s100 and Fujifilm x10 are both in stock at B&H while supplies last. I got to check both of them out at Photo Plus in New York last week and was very impressed.

Click here to order your s100.

Click here to order  your x10.

Canon s100 Hands On Preview

The s100 is more compact (like the s95) but with an improved sensor, high ISO performance, and built-in GPS. The high ISO noise performance and burst mode have improved dramatically which make it a compelling upgrade for those looking for this form factor.

FujiFilm x10 Hands On Preview

This is the camera I’m super excited about getting my hands on. I hope to review it soon, but everything I saw at the Expo in New York indicated that it addresses all of the annoying aspects of the x100 – including the price – for only a minor drop in image and build quality. This is no x100, but its priced about the same as a s100 or G12 with what seems to be far superior image quality. I’d still say the Canon’s have the edge in usability, but the x10 is significantly more usable than the x100.

Improvements include a zoom lens which you twist to turn the camera on for instant start ups, easier to use controls and menus, plus above average image quality. It also didn’t seem to suffer from the AF issues that plague the x100 based on my early testing at the show. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these to see if it will become my G12 replacement.

Here’s a snapshot of 36x40” print made from a photo taken with the x10. While I wouldn’t say it is x100 quality from my hands on experience, it’s pretty freakin amazing for a point and shoot at this price point:

Ordering Info

As of this post both are in-stock in limited supply at B&H:

Click here to order your s100.

Click here to order your x10.

Disclaimer

I may get a commission if you make purchases using my links. The units I used may not be production units so shipping units may vary. All opinions are my own subjective opinions, so yours may differ. I recommend purchasing from a place like B&H with a friendly return policy so you can try one for yourself while they are in stock.

PR: Canon announces the s100 to replace the s95 and the SX40HS

Canon has announced a replacement for its super popular s95 camera today. I can’t wait to get my hands on it so I can tell you more, but in the meantime here’s the press release and some photos:

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES POWERSHOT S100 AND POWERSHOT SX40 HS MODELS WITH NEW DIGIC 5 IMAGE PROCESSOR PROVIDING ENHANCED RESOLUTION AND FASTER SHOOTING SPEEDS

Featuring Full HD Video Recording, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 15, 2011 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announces the addition of two feature-packed digital cameras, the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, to its award-winning lineup of point-and-shoot models. In addition to superb low-light performance and increased overall speed, these two cameras include a new DIGIC 5 image processor, HS SYSTEM, Full HD video capture, High-speed Burst HQ and Intelligent IS providing clearer, smoother looking images.

“Photo enthusiasts are always on the search for that next great camera to help them achieve the best results,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “The inclusion of the new DIGIC 5 image processor and Full HD recording capabilities on both new models will provide users with the tools needed to capture brilliant images and videos as they continue their photographic journey.”

A challenging task for the photographer on assignment or appointed family photographer is working under low-light conditions.  Helping improve the quality of images from those situations is Canon’s HS SYSTEM, where the camera’s image processor and high-sensitivity image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality.  With the PowerShot S100 and PowerShot SX40 HS, Canon has introduced a new DIGIC 5 image processor, maintaining the cameras’ superb low-light image quality while improving overall camera operation and color accuracy.  The new image processor has improved noise reduction and advanced Multi-area White Balance optimizing color tones of both subject and background under multiple light sources.

High-speed, High-quality, High-performance

An added benefit of the DIGIC 5 image processor is the incorporation of the new High-speed Burst HQ¹ providing users with the ability to continuously capture a maximum of eight frames. This new feature will allow the story of a child scoring the winning goal on the soccer field or a marathon runner crossing the finish line to be told frame-by-frame through the eye of the photographer.

Intelligent IS

One of the most important innovations for a point-and-shoot camera has been Image Stabilization (IS) since it helps improve image quality by reducing camera blur for both images and videos.  Canon has taken this technology one step further with the new Intelligent IS which automatically chooses from six different modes (Normal, Macro, Panning, Dynamic, Powered, Tripod) to optimize image stabilization and help achieve crisp, blur-free images for various shooting conditions.

It’s an HD World

\When the time comes to share one of those “can’t miss” moments from a family day at the park or of a pride of lions on a safari expedition, the use of HD video is becoming more popular than ever.  As a leader in HD video capture, Canon has incorporated Full HD recording (1920 x 1080) capabilities for both new models.  Providing exceptional resolution for crystal clear HD video, both cameras have a dedicated movie record button in addition to having the ability to zoom while recording, further enhancing the overall user experience.  An HDMI terminal output has also been included for easy sharing of videos with stereo sound on HD ready televisions

PowerShot S100 Digital Camera

When the PowerShot S95 Digital camera was announced in 2010, it received critical praise for having an impressive feature set and superb low-light capabilities.  Building upon the success of this model is the PowerShot S100, featuring a host of upgrades making it a must-have for any photo enthusiast. Featuring a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM -- this versatile camera has a 24-120mm wide angle lens with 5x optical zoom, GPS functionality and is capable of achieving improved low-light performance of up to ISO 6400. Additionally, the camera utilizes an f/2.0 lens increasing the camera’s low-light performance by allowing additional light to reach the sensor while creating a shallow depth-of-field for portraits with dynamic, soft backgrounds.  The PowerShot S100 will also now be available in either black or silver.  Other features of this camera include:

• A large 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for easy viewing of those images and menu options.  
• GPS capabilities² where satellites collect data of the latitude, longitude and altitude of an image’s location, which is then stored to the image’s EXIF data ³.  A map utility software is included with the camera to view the locations where images were captured. There’s also an internal GPS logger to track the day’s photographic route.
• A full range of shooting and recording modes similar to those found in DSLR cameras including RAW + JPEG and a control ring on the front of the camera for quick, manual adjustment of key functions such as ISO, zoom and focus. 
• Compatibility with the HF-DC2 High-Power Flash, which is an optional flash accessory  that operates wirelessly and increases the effective flash range up to approximately 30 feet. 

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot S100 Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in early November.

PowerShot SX40 HS

When visiting the local zoo or sitting in the stands of a youth football game, having a camera that has the flexibility to capture images at close-up and far-off distances is a necessity. Canon’s PowerShot SX40 HS is just the camera one would need to ensure those images are of high-quality.  Other features include:

• An incredible 35x optical zoom range (24mm-840mm) with image stabilizer and a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor -- part of the HS SYSTEM – the camera can capture low-light images of enhanced image quality up to ISO 3200. 
• A 2.7-inch wide vari-angle LCD has been included for easy viewing of images and menus from almost any angle.
• Improved Smart AUTO settings to ensure the settings are intelligently selected based upon the cameras 32 predefined shooting situations.  .
• The Zoom Framing Assist button, which helps the user steady the camera when tracking a moving subject at extreme telephoto settings keeping it in focus.

The estimated selling price of the PowerShot SX40 HS Digital camera is $429.99 and is scheduled to be available in late September.

How to Order

Click here to order the s100 or click here to order the SX40 HS from B&H.

Disclosure

This article contains links that may result in a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog by using my links!

B&H REVIEW: Fujifilm FinePix X100 (vs Canon G12)

Fujifilm FinePix X100 (Image Gallery)

UPDATE

You may want to read this article about the replacement X100s instead:

REVIEW: Fujifilm X100s–Real World Sample Images

I’m Johnny Come Lately when it comes to the X100. I had no clue why everyone was so excited about this camera until earlier this year when Scott Kelby mentioned it on his blog. After digging around I quickly learned that this camera was supposed to offer phenomenal image quality but many complained about its performance and usability. Being the geek that I am I had to try this camera out for myself, so I contacted B&H to get one. Of course, I quickly realized that everybody wants one of these so they weren’t in stock, but after a few weeks I got mine to review.

First Impressions

The Dynamic Range is Outstanding

Let me start by saying that all the comments about this being a well built camera are true – WOW! This thing is built like a Rolls Royce which is great for durability, but also means that its so heavy that I nearly mooned everyone when I wore it in my shorts without a tight belt. I’ll gladly put up with its bulk in exchange for the image quality that I experienced with the X100. Simply put, I loved the images this camera makes.

For nearly all of my testing I used the Provia Standard Film Simulation and Dynamic Range 100 with ISO 200 but Auto ISO enabled with the default values. I experimented with nearly option on the camera, but I felt the default settings were good for my audience. Where possible I tried to use the default settings as that represents what many users will do, but I did have to deviate from that occasionally to get the best result.

Overall I tended to prefer the default processing of the RAW images in Lightroom 3.4.1 over the in-camera JPEG’s. I always shot RAW+JPEG (with sRGB color space for quick upload to the web with no modifications) so I could compare on a case by case basis, but I did frequently prefer the raw result.

I found the flash to be about what you’d expect of any built-in camera flash. It worked and got the job done, but it was very cumbersome to do flash exposure compensation which really limited its usefulness. I was unable to test the hot shoe, but loved the fact that a better flash option was possible.

I missed having quick access to the self-timer, but it looks like the X10 will address that issue so hopefully the successor to the X100 will do the same. I also felt that that Auto Exposure (AE) lock really didn’t work well which was frustrating outdoors sometimes.

Perhaps one of my favorite features was hybrid viewfinder which allows for outstanding optical usage as well as showing a simulated view like you’d see on your rear LCD. This was a brilliant design that works very well in practice.

Video Quality

Last, but not least the big shocker was the quality of the video. I expected it to be mediocre, but it honestly felt darn near as good as my Canon 5D Mark II – and was much easier to use. Here’s a short clip that I recorded in my office at night with nothing but the ambient light and glow from my monitors on my face:

Video Demonstration
Play in HD

The Auto Focus Issues

Even my 2 year old son Kai was getting pissed off at the AF system
P mode f/2.8 for 1/140 sec @ ISO 200

Outdoors in good light the AF system performed reasonably well so I had much more hits than misses in both the AF-S and AF-C modes. When it worked, like the shot above, it was great. When it didn’t, it was a massive fail as shown below:

The AF dot was on Kai’s face and he wasn’t moving slow enough that the 1/100 sec shutter speed should have stopped his action. Despite the green confirmation square on his face, the pole in the background somehow ended up getting the focus.

In indoor low-light the problem got much worse especially when in AF-S mode. As you can see in the shot below I took a shot of a static subject with the AF box on the huckleberries sign. I got a green confirmation and I had a solid hold on the camera, but the AF system let me down. While this was a slow 1/30 sec exposure, remember this is a 23mm lens (35mm effective) with camera stabilization that should have got this shot. Given the fact that I was in auto ISO if the AF system thought it couldn’t get the shot it should have crept above the shown ISO 1250 to get the shutter speed needed to get the shot.

Click to see a larger image to see the AF failure
f/4.0 for 1/30 sec at ISO 1250

When I took the same shot again using a different AF point and subject, it nailed the shot:

Click for a larger version to see the AF success on the foreground strawberry
f/4.0 for 1/30 sec at ISO 1000

Now some may want to poke holes in my methodology as they have done with others who have suggested there is an AF system issue. I can say that indoors I had hundreds of cases of failures like the blurry images shown earlier. The problem is real and it isn’t fixed by the 1.10 firmware update I used for this test. I also found the minimum focus distance to be around 2 feet in real world use which was frustrating especially given the short focal length of the lens.

Shutter Priority at 1/1000 sec f/2.0 @ ISO 200 in Burst Mode

In the AF-C mode I wasn’t fond of the center AF point, but if you dialed in the correct  settings and went into burst mode the camera performed reasonably well as shown above.

Long-Term Joy

Despite its quirky AF system and annoying menu system, I found myself falling in love with this camera. The more time I spent with this camera, the more I loved its wonderful LCD and excellent image quality.

Photography is supposed to be both fun and challenging so I found myself quickly getting used to the quirks of this camera and rising to the challenge to get a shot. Here’s a few real-world snapshot images that I took that show off what this extremely well made camera can do:

Aperture Priority - f/4 for 1/950 sec at ISO 200
RAW RAF file exported as JPEG with default Lightroom 3.4.1 processing results in vibrant colors and sometimes better results than the in-camera JPEG processing

Aperture Priority - f/2 for 1/1000 sec at ISO 200
The bokeh is excellent at f/2

The X100 has the most innovative system for creating a pano that I’ve ever used.
It’s fast, easy and “mostly” works (some subtle merge issues exist)

Aperture Priority - f/16 for 1/42 sec at ISO 200
The image quality and dynamic range frequently blew me away

Program Mode - f/2.0 for 1/30 sec at ISO 200
I found myself eager to snap a shot with this camera whenever I had an idle moment

Aperture Priority - f/2.8 for 1/240 sec at ISO 200
I loved being able to do an offset AF point,
but I missed the auto AF system of my Canon cameras

Aperture Priority - f/11 for 1/30 sec at ISO 1600
High ISO performance was outstanding
and I loved that I could quickly dial in manual changes with hard knobs

Program mode - f/2.5 for 1/120 sec at ISO 200
Full-Auto did a pretty good job of making the right choices to keep up with my toddler,
but the write speed was dog slow so burst mode was required to catch the action.
Fortunately, the burst mode works fairly well thanks to a large internal cache buffer.

I tried to include normal shots that anyone can get with this camera with a basic understanding of its controls. For the most part I was just using aperture priority or program mode and moving the AF point to where I wanted to focus. After that it was point, acquire focus, and shoot.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 vs Canon G12

The G12 is no slouch, but mouse over this image to see how the X100 compares
(G12 Original – X100 Original)

Canon’s G12 and S95 are the point and shoot camera of choice for many pros. If you’ve read my comparison review you’ll know why – it’s a powerful point and shoot that is easy to use and creates great images. In fact, I’ll go on the record to say that usability-wise the G12 and the s95 both blow the X100 away – there’s not even any comparison. However, when you take dynamic range and image quality into consideration the Canon’s look like toys in comparison. Here’s a great example that demonstrates my point:

(click for a larger image)
Early Golden Hour Shot with X100
Aperture Priority - f/8 for 1/30 sec at ISO 640 – Handheld

(click for a larger image)
Early Golden Hour Shot with G12
Aperture Priority - f/8 for 1/40 sec at ISO 800 – Handheld

‘Nuff said. I love my G12, but its image looks terrible compared to the X100. I literally wanted to sell my G12 after seeing this image. However, when I got home and remembered all the trouble I went through getting my shots with the X100 versus the point and shoot of the G12 I felt better. My favorite shots of the day were taken with the G12 simply because I could literally point and shoot, but the X100 required me to think a lot more in advance to get the results I wanted.

The X100 has a nice bokeh and dynamic range
Mouse over this image to see how the G12 compares
(G12 Original – X100 Original)

Now some will point out the fact that the X100 offers a “P” mode with auto ISO so you can just point and shoot, but the problem is that the X100 AF system isn’t in the same league as the G12 so you end up spending lots of time acquiring a good focus point. You also wait an insane amount of time every time you take a shot, so the time required to take another shot slows you down (which sometimes can be a good thing).

The G12 can impress at times,
but mouse over this image to see how the X100 compares
(G12 Original – X100 Original)

Canon 5D Mark II vs Fujifilm FinePix X100 vs Canon G12

Using a tripod and lining these three cameras up approximately at the same place I tried to do a rough 35mm (effective) comparison. All of the cameras were set to Auto White Balance (AWB) and Aperture Priority (Av for Canon) with the in-camera timer set to 2 seconds. I set a focus point on the word For in the US Citizenship For Dummies book. I tried my best to have the cameras level and on the same plane as the books, but there’s definitely a big margin of error there. I also set all cameras to ISO 200 and their lenses to f/4 so they could all be using roughly the same settings.

You can see the results below and you’ll notice that the images change if you hover over the Canon images. When you mouse over you’ll see the X100 image and when you mouse out, you’ll see the respective Canon image. This allows for fast A/B comparisons of the Canon cameras to the X100.

Canon 5D Mark II (AWB)
24-105mm lens at f/4.0 for 1 sec @ ISO 200

Fujifilm FinePix X100 (AWB)
f/4.0 for 2.6 sec @ ISO 200

Canon G12 (AWB)
f/4.0 for 1 sec @ ISO 200

As you can see from this comparison, the X100 is definitely much better than the G12 but the Canon 5D Mark II’s full sensor is still a far cry better than the X100’s. The X100 does a good job of showing depth of field blur and a dynamic range that is much closer the 5D Mark II than it is the G12.

Click each image to see a larger copy. All images were uploaded to smugmug from the in-camera JPEG’s with no modifications. The 5D Mark II image was 6.2MB, the X100 image was 4.03MB and the G12 was 2.2MB.

More Sample Images

You can find more of my sample images here:

• RAW - http://ronmart.smugmug.com/Blog/Review/X100RAW
• JPEG - http://ronmart.smugmug.com/Blog/Review/x100JPEG

Fujifilm has some excellent sample images here on their extremely well done mini-site. I also recommend the DPReview X100 In-Depth Review for great coverage of this camera as well as more sample images (including scientifically valid comparison images).

Conclusion

The AF system misses indoors made me want to write a really nasty review about this camera, but when I got it outdoors they were fewer and far between. While I really missed a zoom lens and hated being limited to an effective 35mm, I got used to it. I also got used to its somewhat quirky controls and fell in love with the image quality.

Simply put, the X100 is DSLR quality. It’s not “near” DSLR quality, but honest to goodness DSLR quality. It’s dynamic range is outstanding and the low noise found in its highest ISO’s put many DSLR’s to shame (even in its raw files). In fact, when you look at the DxOMark Sensor Scores of the X100 versus my Canon 1D Mark IV, you’ll see they are pretty darn close in performance to each other. Canon has a superior auto white balance system, but image quality and dynamic range wise they are very close.

It’s LCD is as impressive as the best DSLR’s and the iPhone 4 which means you can really see if you have a great shot right away. It’s hybrid viewfinder is brilliant as I loved having a DSLR quality optical view finder sometimes, but other times (especially when the battery was low) it was great to get a “live view” there too.

This camera isn’t for the casual user, but rather the photography geek who puts image quality above all other things. For that user, this camera gets my highest recommendation. For the average consumer I think its quirks would be too frustrating and its price, despite its excellent quality, just seems too steep for what you get. The lack of zoom or an interchangeable lens to address the issue is going to be a big challenge for selling these cameras.

At the end of the day I wish I could afford one of these for myself – I’d love to own it and use it every day. However, I can’t justify the price or live with the quirks in day to day use. I’ll eagerly await to see the X10 and the replacement for the X100 as I can see myself owning either of those one day.

Where to order

Support this blog by clicking this link to order your Fujifilm FinePix X100 from B&H.

Other articles you may enjoy

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

• COMPARISON: Fujifilm X-E1, X100s, X20 & X10
• Fujifilm X-E1
• Fujifilm FinePix X100s
• Fujifilm X10 (2011 P&S of the Year)
• Fujifilm X20 (My personal P&S camera)
• Fujifilm XPro-1

Disclosure

I’d like to thank B&H for getting me a loaner X100 for this review when nobody seemed to have any of these cameras in stock. I may get a commission if you make purchases using the links found in this article, but it doesn’t cost you a penny extra. Thanks for your support of this blog by coming back to use my links when making your purchase.