Отзывы о Фотоаппарат Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

В целом камера оставила смешанные чувства: она удобна и действительно позволяет снимать стерео без сложных приспособлений, большой экран и цветопередача радуют. Но есть серьёзные технические огрехи — маленький CCD с 10 Мп даёт шумы уже с ISO 200, объектив тёмный (F3.7), слабая вспышка и артефакты в видео. Для любителей 3D и тех, кому важна компактность и простота съёмки, камера подойдёт; если вам нужна чистая работа при высоких ISO или качественное видео, стоит подумать дважды. Рекомендую для энтузиастов стереофотографии, но с оговорками.👍

Общее впечатление: В целом камера оставила положительное впечатление как простой и надёжный вариант для семейной съёмки и снимков животных/детей. Но если планируете снимать при тусклом свете или часто работать с высокими ISO, придётся смириться с сильными шумами (особенно заметно выше ISO 400 и при ISO 6400). Советую этот аппарат тем, кому нужна простая, «рабочая» мыльница для дневных и любительских сюжетов; профессионалам и ночным фотографам не подойдёт.

Впечатления в целом очень положительные: камера даёт поразительно реалистичные 3D‑снимки и умеет снимать HD‑видео в объёме, при этом проста в использовании и имеет 10 Мп матрицу. Для полного раскрытия объёма лучше иметь 3D‑телевизор или печать на специализированном принтере, иначе часть эффекта потеряется. Советую тем, кто хочет попробовать настоящую стереофотографию и готов к дополнительным шагам для просмотра/печати.

Впечатления очень позитивные: аппарат с 14 Мп и 18x оптическим зумом показывает отличные фото и записывает Full HD-видео, при этом стабилизация и интерфейс делают съёмку удобной. Меню простое, сборка добротная, в комплекте всё необходимое для старта (AA-батарейки, USB, диск, крышка, ремешок). Единственное, что немного расстроило — отсутствие фирменного чехла и комплектных аккумуляторов с зарядкой, но это не портит общей картины. Рекомендую камеру как универсальный вариант для любителей и путешественников — за свои функции и удобство она заслуживает внимания. 👍

В целом доволен — аппарат даёт большой диапазон фокусных (28–504 мм), 12,2 Мп и много ручных настроек, что подойдёт любителям и тем, кто хочет уйти дальше автоматического режима. Минусы — вес/габариты и небольшие огрехи при съёмке движения, но за такие возможности совокупность параметров и цена выглядят оправданными. Рекомендую тем, кто ищет универсальный зум-камеру для поездок и семейной съёмки ⚙️.

Впечатления в целом очень позитивные: камера даёт качественные кадры и записывает HD-видео, мощный 18-кратный зум реально помогает при съёмке с расстояния. Немного раздражает отсутствие зарядного устройства и не самая продолжительная работа на батарейках, но это легко компенсируется дополнительными аксессуарами. Советую этот аппарат тем, кто хочет хороший зум и приличное качество фото/видео — не прогадаете.

Это получает от меня пять звезд, хотя он имеет ряд недостатков и ограничений.<БР />- это не самая гибкая камера в мире. Она имеет фиксированный объектив, означает, что вы не можете изменить объектив и нет Зума. Вы застряли с полем зрения 35 мм и максимальной диафрагмой Ф2.<БР />- ты тоже застрял с автофокусом, потому что кольцо ручной фокусировки-это мразь. А не механического кольца с прямой, тактильный эксплуатации, это электронный кольцо предлагая сосредоточиться на провод. Он медленно реагируют, и капризной скорость фокусировки. Так это авто-фокус всю дорогу, и это в основном хорошо, но страдает в условиях низкой освещенности.<БР />- это здорово, иметь правильное кольцо диафрагмы на объективе, но его слишком узким, чтобы сцепление нормально.<БР />- срок службы батареи-это ужасно. Возьмите его в течение нескольких часов съемки и ожидать, чтобы сжечь через три батарейки. Если вы покупаете это, убедитесь, что вы также получите несколько запасных батарей.<БР />- да, и даже не думаю о съемке видео с этим. Качество видео брюки.<БР />
но это все еще получает пять звезд. Потому что я люблю его. Как мелкий хипстер, я люблю, как она выглядит. Но я также люблю, как он чувствует и действует. Циферблаты! Правильный набор! И все это МСПД здесь бред. Система Фуджи гораздо больше смысла. Вместо того, чтобы устанавливать МСПД циферблат, а затем включите абстрактное диск управления для изменения диафрагмы или выдержки, вы просто возьмите кольцо диафрагмы и диск выдержек и установить его, что вы хотите. Не хочу думать о диафрагме? Установите его в авто. Не хочу думать о скорости затвора? Установите его в авто. Это интуитивный, тактильный и весело.<бр /><бр />Х100Т заставляет меня чувствовать, что я контролирую свою фотографию. В отличие от других беззеркальных камер от других производителей или зеркалок от Canon и Nikon, фотоаппарат не абстрактные ключевые элементы управления в меню цифровые или цифровые переключатели. Она представлена им просто и ясно, это позволяет мне увидеть, как камера настроена, и это позволяет мне изменить то, что я хочу напрямую, без того, чтобы изменить другой параметр, чтобы добраться до настройки я хочу! Я не понимаю, почему Фуджи является единственным производителем камеры, которая понимает это.<БР />
это пакеты в множество функций, которые помогут вам фотографировать в сложных условиях. Встроенной флэш-памяти в сочетании с листьями затвора означает, что вспышка будет синхронизироваться на выдержках до 1/2000сек, означает, что вы можете использовать вспышку на открытом воздухе в яркий свет, чтобы заполнить тени на лице вашего вопроса. И встроенный фильтр нейтральной плотности, который обеспечивает до трех остановок снижения воздействия, то есть вы можете стрелять настежь при F2 или F2.8 даже при ярком солнечном свете, или использовать длинные выдержки на открытом воздухе (например, чтобы сгладить проточной воде в реке).<бр /><бр />наконец, на фотографии она может быть выдающимся. Деталь и цвет красивый. Это очень лестно для портретов. Моя жена ненавидит, когда ее фотографируют, но ей нравится результат от этой камеры. Это подлежит изоляции и резкость на Ф2.8 в сочетании с цветопередачей Фуджи сделаем портрете выглядеть великолепно практически в любых условиях.<БР />
В конце концов, фиксированное поле 35мм зрения не является ограничением. Это раскрепощает. А не занимался ерундой с линзами и сигналит, у вас нет выбора, кроме как компоновку кадра и сделайте снимок. И поскольку поле 35мм вид очень похож на человеческий глаз, ваши фотографии будут выглядеть именно так, как вы помните сцену, в то же время вы были там. Это отличная камера для записи памятных событий, с максимальной творческой управления и минимальными усилиями.

Прочитав столько восторженных отзывов везде, где я собирался купить эту камеру, но так как это стоит столько, что я колебался.<бр /><бр />к счастью, мне удалось найти знакомого, который, будучи весьма щедрой, согласился одолжить мне свой Х100Т на выходные.<бр /><бр />рад, что я выбрал это, потому что это была бесплатная оценка риска для меня.<БР />
это отличная камера. Все отзывы правда. Однако, это может не понравиться всем!<БР />
я в основном стреляю с DSLR и объектив. Эта камера имеет 23 мм фиксированный объектив. Это очень хороший объектив, хотя и я рад, что Fujifilm сделал это с 23-мм объектива, а не 35 мм объектив. На 35 мм объектив на APS-с камеры слишком узок. Так что 23 мм-это отличный выбор.<однако бр /><бр />проблема с которой я столкнулся - что совсем личное - это то, что после использования зум-объектив, я нашел его ограничительной. С другой стороны, моя жена, которая в первую очередь снимает с фиксированным объективом фотокамеры мобильного телефона, был очень доволен - потому что она уже привыкла с фиксированным объективом съемки (большинство телефонных камер, фокусное расстояние эквивалентно 18 мм формата APS-C камер).<БР />
есть еще одна проблема - диски! Да выглядит она в ретро, и это делает его более как фотоаппарат фотографа (как в маркетинге). Однако, если вы должны стрелять быстро, то изменения нескольких циферблатов в автоматический режим занимает много времени. В большинстве камер есть режим, где вы можете Флик через пейзажа до портрета. Не в этой камере. Это приводит к пропущенных кадров! Слишком много набирает-это контр продуктивно.<БР />
я бы купил эту камеру, но цена слишком высока, чтобы оправдать покупку.<БР />
так что мой совет, если вы обновляетесь с камеры телефона, это отличная покупка. Но если у вас уже есть другая камера (со сменными объективами), то вам это может не нравится (или он может стать 2-й камеры, но не заменить существующие системы). Я хотел купить его для путешествий свет (как перетяжка громоздкая зеркалка-это утомительно) но было бы ограничение для меня. Наконец, это очень дорого. Вы можете иметь беззеркальных камер с APS-C сенсоров по более дешевой стоимости. Большинство зеркалок, которые предлагают больше возможностей (хотя чуть больше) дешевле.<БР />
Если вы хотите купить этот (или новее X100F) я настоятельно рекомендуется, что вы попробовать его на некоторое время (одолжить или нанять одного), прежде чем принимать окончательное решение, так как это очень дорогостоящая покупка.

Я купил оригинальный х100, когда он был впервые выпущен еще в 2011 году и в то время мне очень понравился фильм, как качество изображений она может производить, я действительно боролся с плохим фокусом (оба автофокуса и ручного), и неудобные кнопки на спине, особенно губчатой и рыхлой мульти направленного колодки. Что сказал, когда он работал, он работал блестяще и удалось сделать несколько великолепных моментов. Вскоре он был отодвинут в моем шкафу, хотя, когда я перешел на Кэнон 5Д МК III и он сидел нелюбимым для многих год<.бр /><бр />в этом году я решила, что мне надоело переноски очень тяжелых DSLR камеры и объективы, и хотел вернуться к тому, что было более портативный, но также и то, что снято множество решений (какой объектив и т. д) с моей фотографией, чтобы я мог сосредоточиться на более важных аспектах композицию и просто получать удовольствие!<БР />
поэтому я отряхнул х100 и обновили прошивку и обнаружил, что у меня очень способный маленький участник, но он был еще немного вялый в работе, так что я исследовал альтернативы. Две камеры прыгнула на вершину списка - компания Leica Q и Х100Т. Я поставил в предзаказ для Leica Q, и, чтобы заполнить 3 месяц ожидания, я заказывала себе х100т, чтобы увидеть, как его обтекаемую форму.<бр /><бр />Короче - я отменил мой предзаказ для Leica - Х100Т удивительный косяк.<бр /><бр />физическая работа почти такая же как оригинал с одним исключением; он по-прежнему очень прочную камеру, и в то время, где были небольшие корректировки в набор, 1/3-й останавливается на диафрагмы +/- 3 о воздействии на состав и т. д., она основывается на одном очень удачный форм-фактор оригинальной - это здорово. Основное различие в обращении находятся кнопки на спине - маст улучшение по сравнению с оригинальной (и для x100s); фирма, прочный, лучшее место в сочетании с большим и лучшим экраном, внешняя обработка камеры сейчас пятна на. Я не имею никаких жалоб, что так когда-либо.<БР />
В использовать, как автоматический и ручной режимы фокусировки очень сильный; очень быстрая автофокусировка с функцией фиксации, на этапе обнаружения зоны на датчике (в центре 9 очков только) в хорошей фиксировать каждый раз, первый раз, и ручной фокус очень простой и понятный, это лучше, чем зеркалка я просто сдался. Два ключевых СПИДа здесь представлены мини-дисплей в правом нижнем углу оптического видоискателя, который показывает текущий масштаб от точки фокусировки, и когда через видоискатель, тому, что камера фокусируется на точку, как только вы касаетесь фокусировки кольцо в МФ режиме. Это означает, что интуитивно, камера кладет инструменты в вашем распоряжении, и вам не нужно ничего делать. Очень ловкий.<бр /><бр />JPEG-файлы являются большими из фотокамеры, как можно было бы ожидать, и режимы имитации пленки красиво дополнен с добавлением Кодахром моделирования (это больше, чем просто 'регулировать насыщенность на -20' модели - они тон отображенный на протяжении, более сродни приложению VSCO пресеты для Lightroom можно сделать).<БР />
я хотел прочитать о ряде проблем, примерно с X-Trans датчик Фуджи Х серии использовать для обработки RAW файлов в Adobe, и я рад сказать, что последние обновления в Lightroom / необработанных представляется, какие-либо важные вопросы.<БР />
это очень способный фотоаппарат - вам придется научиться использовать его, чтобы сделать лучший из это, но он ставит все необходимые инструменты под рукой, прослужит вам долгие годы и хорошо смотрится в придачу тоже.

<промежуток класс=>отличная камера с поддельными зарядное устройство и стандартная SD-карта.... Батарея тоже загнется от среднего...

Я люблю эту камеру. У меня Никон зеркалка и объективы, но обнаружил, что помимо оплачиваемой работы, я принимала его не так много, как это просто слишком большой, чтобы таскать. Итак, я посмотрел вокруг для лучших беззеркальных маленькую камеру, чтобы использовать для повседневных вещей.<БР />
я в конечном итоге пошли на Х100Т, и я очень люблю вещи. Он предлагает очень большое количество контроля над камерой в ручном режиме и диафрагму открывает прямо до f2. Не много шума на высоких ISO-образы либо. Видоискатель варианты действительно хороши, и возможность беспроводной передачи означает, что вы можете перенести фотографии на ваш мобильный телефон легко, когда вы находитесь на ходу.<БР />
я тоже немного фанат фильма, и пресеты одна из вещей, которая делает этот такой большой камеры. Обычно, я не пошел бы рядом пресетов на любой камере, но классический хром и чб пресеты удивительно хорошо, и ближайший к фильм у меня когда-нибудь без их использования.<БР />
Если бы мне пришлось назвать один неприятный момент, это будет жизнь батареи, которая может быть улучшена. Лично я решил, что один раз купив запасной аккумулятор, так что не такая уж большая проблема на самом деле.<бр /><бр />в целом, отличная камера, которая полностью оправдывает цену.<бр /><бр />прилагаю несколько снимков, сделанных на Х100Т

Я был фанатом серии х100 с тех пор как первые модели вышли и перешли на все модернизированные модели, в свою очередь, - x100s и теперь (через 2 года разрыв в собственности) в Х100Т. Неудивительно, что каждая модель имеет улучшенную на последнюю, быстро autofous, постоянно улучшая гибридный видоискатель, лучше задней ЖК-панели и клавиш среди некоторых элементов. Что мне нравится в компании Fujifilm в качестве производителя является то, что другие компании не делают - постоянно развивающийся цикл прошивки, добавляя в новые обновления, если камера может поддерживать его - х100 это immesureably лучше камеры, чем это было с прошивкой 1.0. Другие компании действительно должны избавиться от этого (Сони в частности, любят своих камер, но они просто не любят делать обновления прошивки!) и я знаю, что при покупке Х100Т он будет продолжать двигаться вперед.
по эргономике имели еще один толчок с захватом становится немного более четким, а задний план гораздо лучше, чем предыдущие модели. Q меню, как никогда ранее, кнопки ФН все настраивается и есть 7 (!) настройка доступна! Гибридный видоискатель теперь имеет значение, когда в оптическом видоискателе появится небольшое окно, вкладку в правом нижнем углу экрана (часть видоискателя или выделенного маленьком экране?) показывает направление. Это довольно большой и стало моим представлением по умолчанию для съемки.
как объединить все улучшения с широким углом (28мм) и теле (50мм) адаптеры у вас есть небольшой разнообразны комплект, который просто требует, чтобы вывезти и использовать.

Прекрасный фотоаппарат! Снимает прекрасные фотографии...

A little background: I'm an avid amateur photographer who spent the last five years or so alternating between DSLR systems and "Prosumer" point-n-shoot (usually superzoom) cameras as my go-to camera. My equipment path (those worth mentioning) has been Olympus E-500 DSLR system, Panasonic Lumix FZ50 (prosumer point-n-shoot), Pentax KX DSLR system, and now the Panasonic Lumix FZ200 (prosumer point-n-shoot). I really like the Panasonic FZ200, and consider it a near perfect camera, even over my two DSLR systems, but there are exactly two things that I miss from my previous three cameras that the FZ200 does not offer. These things are what piqued my interest in the Fuji X-S1 -- specifically, the manual zoom and focus rings.I find myself shooting a lot of video these days in addition to still pics. I realize that zooming in a video is rather amateur, but there are some times that it's necessary even in more professional videos, and with a manual zoom ring you can do it slower and make it look a lot better than the electronic toggle switch zoom of the Panasonic FZ200 (which zooms pretty fast). Plus, like I said, I am an amateur, so I shoot plenty of videos that are just for the family, so it doesn't really matter about zooming -- I just don't want to make people dizzy with the typical fast electronic zoom. So, wow...1080p video AND a manual zoom ring, all in a much lighter kit than a DSLR! Just what I've been looking for and at less than 50% of the original MSRP! So, despite my affection and 99% satisfaction with the Panasonic FZ200, I decided to give the Fuji X-S1 a try. Unfortunately, it was mostly a disappointment for me.First, the positives:- Price! I know this camera is basically end-of-life, but the original $800 MSRP was just crazy expensive. The current price gives you a LOT of camera for the money.- Exceptional build quality and ergonomics!- Nice DSLR look. Most people will assume it is a DSLR, even with relatively close inspection.- Excellent, smooth manual zoom and focus rings. Better than any of my DSLR lenses, and I've owned some pretty pricey ones.- Nice articulating LCD (although it does not flip out to the side).- Excellent electronic view finder (EVF) -- probably the best I have ever seen.- Nice battery with decent charge life.- Large sensor (for a point-n-shoot).- Very nice rubberized finish over the entire body of the camera, and it seemed to be fairly well sealed/weather resistant.- Almost everything on the camera seems to be metal -- definitely not the usual plastic feel.- Standard 3.5mm external mic port, HDMI, analog video out, and wired remote.- TTL hotshoe.- 1080p video and the ability to shoot slow-motion high framerate video at lower resolution.Now the negatives:- Image Stabilization. It's just not very good at all, and from mid-zoom range to full zoom it doesn't seem to work at all. I tried the various IS settings, but none of the combinations improved it. This is one place that my Panasonic FZ200 excels VASTLY over the Fuji X-S1.- Auto Focus. To clarify, the auto focus seems to work well enough for still shots, but when shooting video the auto focus is horrible, rendering the video mode (something I really want/need) almost unusable (unless you manually focus). When first starting the video, it focuses fairly reliably, but if you zoom or even just pan, the rest of your video will be blurry and unfocused because the auto focus just hunts and hunts and hunts some more. I thought this might just occur in mid to low light, but unfortunately the exact same thing occurs even in bright sunlight outdoors. This was a deal-killer for me, because video is an important feature for me, but if auto focus does not work well in video mode, that puts me right back in the same situation with most modern DSLR video (manual focus only). My Panasonic FZ200 shoots really nice 1080p video and has no problems at all with auto focus.- Sensor and Lens -- I'm unimpressed. Admittedly, I might be spoiled by my Panasonic FZ200's Leica spec f2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, but the Panasonic FZ200's sensor is much smaller and I feel that should even the two cameras out a bit in terms of image quality, but it does not. The images from the Fuji X-S1 are noisey (and typically blurry from the poor image stabilization), and no matter how I tweaked the settings (even using recommendations from people who are happy with this camera), I could not get acceptable images out of it. Now, I had to also tweak my Panasonic FZ200's settings to get the best images out of it, so neither camera performs perfectly straight out of the box, but I just couldn't figure out a good tweaking combination for the X-S1, even when using the recommended settings from experienced users of this camera. I tried the EXR features, as well as other auto settings/modes to see if the camera was smarter than me about figuring out the best settings, but I actually had more success (if you can call it that) with my settings tha

This is a great camera! I have owned this now for about two weeks, and I have tried most of the settings. Each setting works, and there are enough settings to challenge a take charge kind of a photographer as well as a let the camera take control type of photographer. Before I elaborate, let me state that the IQ is startling! The colors are gorgeous. The resolution (though not stellar) is of professional quality, easily good enough for pleasing and satisfying large prints (at least to 16 x 20, which I know because my last camera was the once renown and now forgotten Canon 10D, a camera from which I have many 16 x 20's on my walls--and the Fuji bests it in color, saturation, and the fun factor--nailing the shot and bringing a smug smile when viewing later).First, low light. This camera does great in Low Light. I took this camera out the other day and shot some very nice 100 ISO shots at the local war memorial lake and water fountain. 4-6 second shots are clean and breathtaking. I did those using M mode and my light meter. Using Night/Tripod mode (defaults to 200 ISO) yielded some excellent shots too. The EXR Low Noise High ISO mode proved the third best, and lived up to its name. The Night mode boosted the ISO to 1600, and the image quality deteriorated accordingly.As an FYI, the built in ADV. Pro Low Light @ 3200 ISO gives sharper, much more noise free, and brighter shots than PASM shots at 1600 ISO. Not enough of that is brought out in reviews. Thus, hand held shots are easily attainable in that mode in very low light that will amaze you at how bright, sharp, and noiseless they look at 100%. The trade off is a reduction to 6mp, but having the 10D for as long as I have, I know that 6mp in well formatted shots print large and look great in DVD slideshows at full HD. That's all I care about!In good light the camera also excels. To begin, the macro mode is stunning! Either using regular macro with zoom or super macro within an inch of the subject wide open, I have brought home shots of bees sipping nectar in which you could count the hairs on their legs! Landscape shots in Velvia or Astia are to die for. Trees look real and not like water colors on canvas.The bokeh is breathtaking. True to Japanese form, this Fuji pro X camera with its 9 ringed aperture yields bokeh that causes one to break out into song! I tweak the camera to +1 sharpening AND +1 noise reduction; this sharpens while creating a smooth as glass bokeh (and with good lighting, twinkling ringlets in the background). Ahh! That's what great photography is about, ogling over creamy and twinkling bokeh! Oh, I have used the Pro Focus mode, and though I do like the Gaussian effect, the camera can do "real" bokeh (obviously vastly superior) when properly set up rather easily (though not as easily as a prime on a DSLR--but not as hard as one might expect either). Oh, I forgot to mention earlier that there are no "orbs" on my camera bought from Amazon about the first part of April 2014. My serial is 33.... night lights twinkle accordingly.Panarama mode works like magic, literally. How the heck do they do that? I stare sometimes, and I can only find the seems when I have jerked the camera while panning.The scene modes work great too. The Portrait enhancer does a great job of smoothing the skin without making the subject look fake or adulterated. The Dog mode is a favorite of mine, as I hike a lot with my dog and it tracks her expertly. It also is sharpened a hair and tweaked to make the fur look lifelike and not like a water painting like seen in many reviews of other cameras. Natural Light + Flash is a very useful tool giving the photographer a flash and non flash low light photo with one click of the shutter. Speaking of Flash, this is the first camera that I have used that consistently does NOT promote red eye in flash shots. They just don't exist, in humans nor pets! I don't use Landscape much as it vignettes the corners--I one of the three Custom settings with Astia film mode for Landscapes. I also don't use Flower mode as I have a Custom set up for that too. That saves me from digging into the SP and scrolling only to miss key shots. I use it only for Dog mode and Portrait and Portrait Enhanced; the camera excels in those modes. It doesn't snow here in Los Angeles so Snow mode is out! But, I am planning a beach trip this summer, and I shall try the Beach mode (I guess it increases the already spectacular DR to avoid clipped highlights from the crisp air, shiny sand, and frothy ocean.) I already mentioned Night/Tripod mode earlier, and it too works perfectly for low ISO night shots.The camera is solid, built like a tank, easy to use, and has a great viewfinder (that makes my 10D mirror and larger sensor look dim). The zoom is sharp on my camera up to 500mm in near and medium range objects. Shooting far away in the SoCal haze causes distortions. So, I don't think it's the camera nor lens but the environment that limits far away high zoom shots. The Opt

I've been playing with my new X-S1 for four days now and it's a blast. So far, I've only referred to the users manual for basic stuff to get the camera operating: How to insert, format and remove the additional 8G Transcend SD card I ordered with it - and how to properly pre-charge the battery and insert it correctly.This is my first camera since the Canon AE (film) model I had in 1980. This FujiFilm X-S1 is my first digital camera and all I did was turn it on and start pushing buttons and flipping knobs.. the display screen shows all menus clearly, even in bright daylight. The camera's menus are pretty straight forward, you just have to know or look up what the terms mean (ISO, Format, Color, Highlight, Shadow, Noise.. to name a few). The manual is easy and quick - just look in the front and it leads you through each function, which is easily spotted for what you're looking for.One button takes the picture, one opens playback (of stills or video), another lets you keep or delete the shot - all right on the back of the camera and at your fingertips. Knobs on top adjust the ISO, shutter speed, ON/OFF (has Auto-Off in case you forget) and Mode (Full Auto, Auto + User Sets Shutter Speed, Auto + User Sets Aperture, Full Manual + User Sets All.. Even has a Full 360 Degree Panoramic setting.). Much more.Zoom lens is extra smooth - no burrs or hang-ups - silky smooth. The rear display is beautiful and adjusts to more than the advertised positions. This will fold out to a full 90 degrees (perpendicular to the camera body) so you can hold it low and look straight down into it.This comes with a lens cap that doesn't go over the end of the lens housing, it clips inside the lip by using two spring loaded squeeze tabs - you pinch them together, place the cap in the center of the lens and slowly release - they slide out away from each other, locking into the inner lip of the housing. You also get a hood which is a simple half-twist onto the outer lip of the lens housing.Nothing really screws onto the lens housing. No filter lenses with this package so you'll need to get a UV and CP (circular polarized) lens to cope with very bright sunlight. The 4/3 Sensor is extremely sensitive to bright light so it is recommended to never point it directly into the sun - this will damage the sensor.. just like your eyes. Don't do it.As far as transferring photos from the camera to my PC - it couldn't have been easier. The camera comes with a USB cable for this purpose and you will have to use this if your PC does not have a multi-card reader. My PC has the multi-card reader next to it's USB ports on the front, so I've transferred my photos without the cable - using the SD card only.When I had 100 photos on the card (a drop in the bucket) I just took the card out and slipped it into the multi-card reader and Windows 8.1 automatically opened the correct app and added it to the taskbar at the bottom. You have to then open the card as a drive and open the photo file containing the pics (there is more than one file - one is data) - that's it.All my photos came out extra large but that's ok, they can be resized. The X-S1 has plenty of options in it for whatever size you want AS YOU ARE TAKING THE PICTURE. Small, Medium, Large, Fine, Medium, HD..and will format them just like your LCD/LED TV aspect ratios (16 : 9 - - 4 : 3 - - 1 : 1 , etc..).It also records about 30 minutes of good video which plays back using the same buttons as the still pics use.This is a lightweight camera that feels solid when in hand. I spent 2 hours walking around holding this in my hand taking some 100 photos and I didn't notice any fatigue on my part. So far, I haven't used the viewfinder because I wear glasses and the 2 don't mix., but everything you see in the display screen is also seen in the viewfinder - which operates automatically. The viewfinder has sensors next to it which detect your face's distance and will switch the display off and viewfinder on when you bring it up - reverses when you move away. Pretty cool.I've only used about half the buttons on the camera and just a fraction of the software features available via the menu displayed in the rear screen, but I'm taking professional looking photos in all kinds of light and dark environments utilizing just about all the ISO settings (controls how much light gets though to the sensor) and shutter speeds. Just those 2 will get you where you want to be with most of your photos - the rest are mostly adjustments and some frills.Contents of Box:CameraBatteryCDBattery Charger (plugs into wall AC outlet - holds 1 battery - initial charge takes about 2 1/2 hours)StrapHoodLens CapUSB CableUsers Manuals (English and French)Small Cord (attaches to lens cap for looping around lens housing)All Warranty Papers and Registration Instructions (Register online 1-2-3 easy)

I've been reading reviews for months to purchase a new camera. I actually read reviews until my eyeballs hurt. Originally, I planned to get my first DSLR, I had missed my old SLR film camera from college so much I thought I'd take the plunge and invest in a better digital camera with changeable lenses. The only digital camera I've ever owned was a little Canon SX100, decent little camera but terrible in low light. It was okay, for shots of the kids outside, vacation or a trip to the park or zoo. I went back and forth for months and finally came to the conclusion, I just plain didn't want to mess with a bunch of lenses, I used to pack lenses and I didn't miss that really. I had gotten used to packing light with a point and shoot but really missed taking professional looking pictures. A little background for you. I've been into photography for about 20 years, I've used a ton of different cameras, Nikon, Canon, Vivitar but never Fuji. I've shot weddings with some of the best film cameras out there as an assistant. Oh how beautiful those shots were, the bride loved them. I laid down my love of photography for awhile and used my point and shoot for taking pictures of my kids but I was never satisfied with the image quality and really missed a good camera. Finally, my husband said, just pick out a camera, do some research and pick out a new camera. He's the spender, I'm the saver and I don't like spending money on myself, especially for a hobby. But it got to where I was asked to do so many family photo shoots I had to invest in something better than my little Canon. I nearly felt embarrassed showing up at a photo shoot with just a small Canon but was relieved when people were pleased with my work and came back for more. The Canon SX100 did really well in natural light and I always did outside shoots but at home inside it was terrible, not good at Christmas around the tree or birthdays inside. I wanted a more versatile camera but a nice camera, one I would not want to replace for a good while. One I would be proud of when I did an occasional photo shoot, especially for people I did not personally know and were recommended to me. I was pleased with my little Canon but never fully pleased and I knew I would want to replace it very soon when prices went down and technology had improved. Still I found at 8 megapixels I could print out an 8x10 and it looked pretty good and fine for the average consumer. I wasn't impressed with higher megapixels on a small sensor, to me you are just asking for more noise. This camera has 12 megapixels on a 2/3 sensor and I think that's enough, so glad Fuji didn't go higher.So the search was on for a new camera. I came across lots of DSLRs in my price range and then the thought of a bridge camera crossed my mind, only for a fleeting moment. Then I thought, well, image quality, I want image quality. I thought about a Canon T3 the price was good but I wanted a tilt screen. I thought about the Canon SX50 bridge camera but I wanted to try a different brand for some reason. Sounds picky but I hated the way Canons shot grass. Looked funny to me, but I liked their reds. Then I thought about a larger investment of a Canon 60d. But then, I didn't want to spend that much. I had an awesome Nikon SLR film camera back in the day and I really missed using it and I still own it, but who wants to mess with film these days? So I thought about a Nikon DSLR and researched them for awhile, still couldn't get settled. As you can see I went back and forth for months. Bridge or DSLR was the question. What was the answer! It was driving me crazy trying to find a camera I was sure they probably did not produce.I checked out just about every bridge camera on the market, I just could not get settled on one. They all felt so cheap and they looked cheap. Then I would go back to looking at DSLRs again. I wanted a camera I did not think existed. I wanted a camera that felt like my old film camera with a nice grip and weight but was digital but I really did not want to pack extra lenses, I wanted a nice zoom, I wanted a camera with a larger sensor than my point and shoot, I wanted an in between camera but I was not impressed with all the other bridge cameras out there. Mainly, I really wanted a camera that was awesome in low light, something my little Canon could never do. So I came across this Fuji XS1 somewhere on the internet when I googled professional bridge camera and my mouth dropped open! The camera I had dreamed up did exist but it was $800! Bummer. So I kept an eye on it, I kept reading the most recent reviews. I learned they fixed everything wrong with the thing and the price kept on dropping. The more I looked at this camera and read about it the more I wanted it. I'm an extremely picky person and I hate making mistakes, and I didn't want to waste a dollar on a camera I would not like in the end. I'm no pro photographer but I have lots of experience. I have a BFA in graphic design, so I'm more of the arts

I no longer relish the hassle of carrying several lenses with my SLR camera. After deciding to purchase a bridge camera, I agonized over the wide variety of cameras available. Finally, I vacillated between the Fujifilm HS35EXR, the Fujifilm HS50EXR, Canon SX40, the Nikon P520 and this camera, the manual zoom Fujifilm XS-1.I have always used film manual focus SLR cameras, and my favorite camera was the Canon EF (the 70's model). That (all metal) camera epitomized ruggedness, versatility and ergonomics. Considering reviews of questionable image quality of the HS cameras, and being put off by the somewhat fragile feel of the Canon and Nikon, I decided to purchase the XS-1. I believe I made the correct decision.After reading stories on photography forums about XS-1s from Amazon, I had worried about receiving a camera which had been opened and returned for whatever reason. I ordered my camera from Amazon.com, so I cannot speak to units sold by their partners. My camera came in a sealed bag, as did the USB cable, the battery and strap. Upon startup, my camera prompted for the initial language, time and menu setups. There were no signs of previous usage. I was ELATED that I didn't have to return the camera.For a person coming from the older SLR cameras, the XS-1 feels nice and substantial. The machined metal knobs, the weight of the camera, and that large piece of glass in the front give the camera an air of quality and durability. The XS-1 doesn't have that "toy camera" feel of some of the other point and shoot models. I have read of issues with the XS-1 like the lens drooping at full zoom. I am happy to report that my camera - a 33 serial number- has very little play at full extension. I compared it to the wobble of my well-kept EF manual Canon telephoto at full zoom and the play was similar. There is no perceptible droop. The manual zoom is very smooth and a joy to use. For my own use, I find it much easier to find my desired framing with the manual zoom rather than pulling a button back and forth in order to find the sweet spot. The electronic viewfinder is bright and startlingly clear and offers adjustment for clarity. The back screen is large, clear and details are rendered very well. There are buttons scattered everywhere for quick access to the various functions . I have read complaints that these buttons tend to feel sticky, but on my camera I must honestly say I cannot find a single fault. Every function of the camera seems to work flawlessly. The build of this camera just gives the reassurance of quality.One area of which potential users of this camera ought to be aware is in the XS-1's complexity. While the EXR mode promises to allow the user a point and shoot experience, the myriad of options the camera offers is daunting. Each mode is seemingly customizable by the user. The XS-1 is wonderfully versatile! For the photographer who wants a tool that will grow with the user, you couldn't pick a better bridge camera. The lens will astound the user with its reach and it is faster than my Canon telephoto. I believe it will take me weeks just to get the gist of this camera.I must admit that I haven't yet taken images using all the modes, so I can't speak to the full abilities of the camera. I have used the EXR mode and plan to more thoroughly explore the Auto modes in the days to come. So far, the results I've achieved are stunning! I'm truly surprised at how good are the images made by this camera. I've mostly shot in reasonably bright light, and the camera has been a solid performer. The EXR mode seems to be a good all-round choice for point and shoot (even it can be tweaked to the user's satisfaction!), but for those with an artistic bent there are customizable presets, Auto, aperture and shutter- select modes, full manual and I'm sure some other modes I've yet to find! This camera is a keeper and seems built to serve me for years to come.I was pleased to find that Fuji provided an actual PAPER user's manual with the camera. It may sound like a small detail, but having book in hand provides quick reference when you're in the deep woods and you've forgotten how to delete a picture, what that button does, or how to compensate for exposure in low light. The manual reads like "War and Peace", so be prepared to curl up a bit with your new buddy's how-to guide.I've tried to think of areas in which the camera is lacking. Were someone wanting to take it hiking long distances, the XS-1's weight might be a detriment. To me it's heft is not only reassuring, but actually helps steady my aim. I've read that the lens produces soft images at full zoom. Perhaps so, but honestly, I'm just a middle-aged shade tree photographer. At a 624mm equivalent zoom, the image will suffer more from my shaky hands than any lens softness! I'm certain that whatever photos the camera produces will be better than I could achieve with my old Canon. To be truthful, I'm reaching for cons here, folks!The price from Amazon was EXCELLENT and the

If you're looking for an camera that's a so-called "bridge" (between "point and shoot" and DSLR) or one that is a "super zoom" (meaning "with an over-200mm zoom"), I hope you'll think about the Fuji X-S1. I looked at all of the cameras in this category, and I really love it. When the current supply is gone, they aren't making any more, and it seems there won't ever be an X-S2.It was by accident that I read about this camera--which originally sold for $700-$800--but due to no longer being in Fuji's current line-up, the new ones still around have been severely discounted--to around $350. Now that I've used it, I would have paid $700 for it. I think its current price is an incredibly bargain. This is a -great- camera.A few things to notice about the camera body and lens:* Battery. (Per another reviewer, who thought it was broken.) It can be inserted two ways--one works, the other doesn't. If the camera doesn't turn on, flip the battery and re-insert it.* Zoom -- Fuji's are the only bridge cameras with manual zoom (24mm-624mm equivalent). So smooth and precise, just beautiful to use.* Design. It looks like a DSLR but has a fixed zoom lens that goes from wide (24mm) to telephoto (624mm) and also gets beautiful macro and good video. It's heavy--well built with metal controls and (included) hood, and a beautiful rubberized finish to the body. Yes, it's heavy but not "dslr+lens" heavy. (A "real" 624mm dslr lens is over a foot long!)You get a LOT in a small, relatively light-weight package.* the EVF (viewfinder) is beautiful--larger and clearer than on any other bridge camera. There is also a diopter knob to the left of it; if you wear glasses, you can adjust it for your vision.* Hot shoe. Of course it also has its own flash. Also some good low light settings in "Advanced-Pro Light" or "EXR Low Light (SN)" I was surprised how well it does in low light.* External mic jack. This was so important to me (I use a Rode microphone with it). Otherwise, you hear the sound of the camera in your audio.* LCD Monitor/EVF-viewfinder. It has a tilt screen which I actually like better than the fully articulated one on my previous camera (Canon SX50). The memory card loads on the side and the battery can come out without taking off the tripod plate. (I use a card reader instead of transferring from the camera). One bonus: the EVF has a sensor so it automatically changes from LCD to EVF when you put your eye up to the viewfinder. Also, you can customize the information displayed on screen--cycle through four different options, including "no information"--and even have a different display in the EVF and LCD.* Custom Settings. Use them! Once you get used to the camera, it's so easy (just put whatever you want, find "Custom 1" and push "Okay"). I like to use them for Macro, and Black and Whites, and some of the bracketing features. Many possibilities here, depending on the subjects you photograph most often. :)* Manual and a Recommended Book. It comes with a hard copy manual (Yay!). There's no book for this camera, but I recommend the book for the X10 since it has the same 2/3" sensor (that's another great feature, since all the other bridge cameras use a 1/2" sensor. Sensor size is so much more important than # of pixels). This is the book:Photographer's Guide to the Fujifilm X10SETTINGS, Some Ideas:If you're starting out totally overwhelmed by all the settings, I'd say put it in "P" or even EXR AUTO (not regular AUTO) and just start taking pictures. It works really well--beautiful, well exposed images. If you want to experiment with settings, here are ones I like. (I turn off the picture "Preview" completely, btw.)IMPORTANT: Remember to push the shutter half way down and wait to hear the "beep" that tells you it's in focus. Then you can either recompose (while still holding it half way) or complete pressing it all the way to take the shot.MY FAVORITE SETTING:Shutter ModeSize: M not L (not much difference and you can use DR bracketing in M and not in L)AF-C (it's set on the lever on the front of the camera, to the left side of lens if you're looking from the back)Button on top right lets you choose to bracket pictures. Experiment with film simulation, exposure (+/- 1/3), burst of shots, etc. I like DR bracketing (see below)DR: bracket so you get DR100, DR200, DR400 and can choose. If you want to set it, I'd use DR200 not AUTO DR.Film sim: Provia (the default). Velvia's usually too bright, imo. Astia's nice, tooISO: AUTO (400). AUTO (800) is okay, too. The camera will try to take pictures at ISO 100 but if that isn't possible this caps the ISO and you can use the ISO control button (left side of the camera, back) to adjust it more.Metering (left side button). So important. I like Spot, if you have the knack and time. Otherwise, I like to use Average. "Multi/Pattern" metering, for me, seems overexposed.AND ... FOR FUN...."Panoramas" are fun (in ADV mode). To get other choices than 360 degrees, push the bottom button of the contr

The only thing I don't like about this camera is all the smoke that comes from igniting the flash powder when taking low light indoor pictures.Kidding.This is a great camera. My wife has been using her iPhone to take an increasing number of pictures of our young 3.5 year old son. We also have a small compact waterproof/ruggedized Pentax W80 that we've had fun with when canoeing, fishing, skiing, taking on hikes etc. but its image quality isn't really very good (lots of noise). We've had a couple of Canon ELPH's in the past and they're pretty good (both became used to death/damaged).Since our only cameras were the iPhone cameras and the Pentax. I decided, as a Christmas present, to get my wife a really nice camera that would be a good investment for our family as we go on our adventures (the zoo, seeing Santa, hiking, family get togethers, playing at the park, birthdays, etc). I looked as some DSLRs (my wife always stopped to look at them at Costco) but they can get pretty expensive really quickly and as I did my research, I realized we'd likely need several lenses too. Lenses we probably won't be able to afford right away (I work, she stays home to raise him. Not as much disposable income right now).Then I came across the 'bridge' or 'SuperZoom' cameras when a friend at work got a Canon SX50HS for his Christmas trip to Kenya. He loved the idea of the 50x Zoom (turns out the lions were up close and he never needed to zoom in 50x but that's another story....).The cameras I was comparing the X-S1 too were the Canon SX50HS (less expensive), the Panasonic FZ200 (more expensive), Leica V-Lux 4 (much, much more expensive) and the Nikon P520 (same price) and the Fujifilm HS50EXR (slightly more expensive). I did not compare the image quality/features to DSLR directly. However, most reviews on the web (blogs, review sites etc.) do. There are also many reviews on Amazon by 'pro' photographers that love to compare the X-S1 to their pro DSLR gear. That's fine, but doesn't interest me as we simply didn't intend to spend that much money on various lenses (remember, we have a young son and varied priorities) plus we simply don't want the hassle of taking all those lenses with us on hikes, to the zoo, etc. It just wouldn't be realistic. We have a wagon full of stuff for the zoo already. We just don't want a backpack full of lenses we need room for snacks and water.Don't get me wrong, if it were just me, being a photographer, heading out at pre-dawn up to the mountains to get wildlife/landscape photos to sell or show off, yeah, I'd probably take a bag of glass with me. But that's not us. So...Again, this is a GREAT camera. My wife loves it (and so do I). She was shocked on Christmas morning when she opened the box and found such a well built piece of equipment. I also got her the book BetterPhoto Basics by Jim Miotke. Might get her one of the Scott Kelby books as well. This camera has all of of the high end features you'd find on a a DSLR; Program mode, Aperture and Shutter Priority, Manual Mode, AE/AF lock. etc. And the buttons are conveniently placed along the left side of the LCD. The Menu is straightforward and easy to learn.It's got several bracketing modes for ISO, Exposure Values, Film Types and Dynamic Range. It's got very very good Continuous shooting modes. There are also two Function buttons that you can customize for features you use a lot (we turned off the Focus Check for now and replaced it with AF).Oh, and the Sensor is bigger than every other camera I was comparing it to at 2/3". Most are half that size.I feel like I'm rambling so here are a couple of quick comparisons. Keep in the mind our primary concern was good image quality, the ability to learn how to really use a camera and some fun factor in shooting. All of these cameras seemed to take pretty good pictures. None were outstandingly bad, IMO.**********************vs. Canon SX50HSPros: Larger Sensor than the Canon. More rugged feel, better feel in the hand. Less gimmicky stickers. Nicer colors, IMO (subjective). The Fuji has a manual zoom lens. Much more fun and I prefer it to zooming with the rocker switch. EVF on the Canon kinda sucks. The Fuji feels like a higher end camera than the Canon (maybe Canon was pulling a Nikonism?)Cons: The Canon has a longer zoom - might be nice to have. Costs a little less. The screen is more 'agile' on the Canon. We have a Canon printer and have had good luck with our Canons in the past. They make a nice camera and I trust their products.vs. Panasonic FZ200Pros: Larger sensor on the X-S1. X-S1 is less expensive. Manual Zoom on the Fuji is preferable (to us). In my research the Image Quality of the Fuji was slightly better. DXO reports the X-S1 having better low light performance even though the FZ200 has that nice Leica F2.8 lens.Cons: The Leica Lens on the Panasonic is nice. It's got a really nice build quality. Not quite as nice as the Fuji (to me) but still nice and much better than the Canon or Nikons (plasticky).

Late to the Party - a Pro reviews the Fuji X-S1I am a professional photographer living and working in Albuquerque, NM - a very difficult photo market. I use a pro Nikon rig for my business but use smaller cameras for my landscape work etc. Over the years I have owned a myriad of digital cameras from Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. The Fuji X-S1 was a failed product offering by this company - its very high price tag and various operational issues predetermined its fate in the marketplace. However, now it is quite the bargain. The photo bargain of 2012 was the Panasonic GH2 at $500.00 - in 2013 it is the X-S1 at $350.00. This review will shed some light on the camera's problems and highlights - I will also add an application section and a fun prediction section as well. Lets get started!!Why the Fuji -X1 was not worth $800.00 at the time of release - remember it was touted as a "Made in Japan" high-end product (I admit that I am being nick-picky in my evaluations):1. Manufacturing issues - the battery and SD card doors, while functional, are of a flimsy design - the ones on the GH3, on the other hand, are very solid and robust2. Lens - the lens has resolution/sharpness issues - Pop Photo clocked it at 1670 lines while Shutterbug found its resolution at 1800 plus lines - these test results are reflected in the field as well - images could be sharper from this lens - APS-C and MFT cameras are much higher than this3. Software/operation clitches - this camera has some very strange operational abnormalities - the EVF sometimes does not show how the real image will appear; the image will sometimes freeze in the viewfinder; images black out during high speed shooting; the camera sometimes has shutter lag - all of these issues speak of a camera that was not fully field tested, despite what the Fuji product web site says - all of these issues should have been addressed before the camera was released4. Orb problem - fixed after release - serial #23 and above5. Len droop - fixed after release - serial #23 and above6. Low contrast images - even with the Velvia mode, images are not vibrant out of the camera7. Poor sharpness - all images need sharpness adjustments and many are major8. Poor continuous auto focus - camera cannot be used effectively for high speed shooting like sports, BIF etc.9. Poor Raw files - I have not seen a raw file that could be improved upon to look better than the Jpegs out of the camera - this is unusual10. Camera strap - of poor quality11. Poor implementation of video mode - no control over audio - no headphone jack12. Noisy sensor: the images have noise even at 100 ISO - see applications section13. Metering problems - the camera has problems metering in some high contrast scenes even with exposure compensation - manual exposure is needed in these circumstances14. Poor buffer - long in-camera write times with jpeg+raw or even just jpegs$800 is a lot to pay for these problems - but for $350? - the steal of the year!Why this camera is a bargain at $350.00:1. The lens - you are getting a 624mm for this low price - the sharpness of this lens reminds me of the 100-300mm from Panasonic, which I owned for a while. An aside: using the Panasonic lens is a lesson in frustration. The zoom mechanism of the lens is not smooth and is difficult to use - it seems all examples of this lens have the problem and Panasonic has refused to address it - here is a company with a Nikonism. The Fuji's zoom mechanism, on the other hand, is smooth and a joy to use. I just photographed some beautiful and majesticSandhill cranes - these birds are a very tough subject because they are always moving (feeding) and you only can get within 30-60 feet of them because they are so wary of predators. The results I obtained during this shoot, using the X-S1, were better than the GH2/100-300mm combo or the GH3/45-200 combo.Nikonism what is a Nikonism? This may be a word I have coined and one you are free to use - here is its definition: Nikonism - Definition 1: A company whose operating strategy/behavior centers upon greed, cost cutting and unnecessary austerity measures rather than providing the products/service and value that customers want and need. Definition 2: A company like Nikon2. EVF - the EVF is a joy to use and it is better than the ones I have used on the Panasonic G1, GH2, and GH3 - I see no distortion/smearing in the viewfinder but sometimes the image you view is not the one you ultimately get, which is definitely a problem in the field. A tip on using the GH3's EVF - it has a tendency to have a distorted/smeared viewing experience. Lately, on a whim, I took off my glasses and viola - the problem disappeared. So if you own a GH3, take off your glasses, readjust the diopter and see if the image improves through the EVF3. Macro capabilities - you just might be able to replace your macro lenses with this camera - proper handling techniques and lighting are necessary to get the most out of the camera's macro abilities4. Usable imag

While I've used film SLRs in the past, I've never stepped up to a DSLR. I've found P&S digicams and bridge cameras to work well enough for 98% of what I shoot. Sure, I wouldn't mind the added speed and quality a DSLR offers, but I don't want to pay for it and have to lug around/invest in multiple lenses. There are some tempting 4:3 options out there right now, but instead I decided to go with the Fujifilm X-S1. It is less than half the list price on Amazon currently, so it really is an outstanding deal, and I've found Fuji digicams can really deliver the goods. I have a number of compact cameras, and the X-S1 will be replacing (mostly) my old Olympus C8080 and a Panasonic FZ-50. Both are still great cameras, but they are showing their age.EDIT: I've actually acquired a Sony a7K recently, so I now own a full-frame interchangeable lens camera. The two are quite different though, so I won't compare them here. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but if you're on a budget and don't need 24MP, then the X-S1 is the better choice.This is no compact all-in-one. In fact, a casual observer might assume you are using a DSLR. That pays off though because the build quality and ergonomics are outstanding, and the fit and finish is quite good. The X-S1 is even moderately weather sealed, so you can use it in lightly rainy weather with no fear of it getting ruined. If you don't mind lugging around a slightly less than DSLR sized camera, then the Fuji should work for you. Especially considering you won't need any extra lenses. Battery life is exceptional for this type of camera. Again - it has a solid, outstanding build quality with it's sturdy frame, grippy finish, and tactile metal dials.So, who is this camera for?- A person who wants nearly DSLR performance and quality in a single lens package. The wonderful manual zoom lens is silky smooth. Many DSLRs will have better low-light performance and faster focusing and shooting for sports, but the X-S1 is no slouch when compared to other bridge cameras and often bests them. Coupled with a fast 64GB SDXC card (like the SanDisk Extreme 64 GB SDXC), it blazes. It has tons of manual options, many of which I've still yet to explore.- A person who wants a versatile zoom range. There are other (sometimes smaller) bridge cameras out there with a longer zoom range or wider angle low end, but they would be hard pressed to match the quality the X-S1 offers, and the Optical 26x zoom (24-624mm) is pretty darn good. You can get excellent macro shots and then zoom out to the long end for close-ups of a distant subject. The camera's superb optical image stabilization helps in this respect as well. Wide angle, full 26x zoom, and 1cm Super Macro - this lens has it all and the camera hardware to make it happen!- A person who wants quality images above and beyond your standard point-and-shoot. The FUJINON F2.8 Wide-Angle lens coupled with the ⅔ 12MP EXR-CMOS sensor produces images with a great tonal range and fairly sharp detail across the zoom range. The 2 EXR 6MP modes boost either dynamic range or low light performance as well. The 9-blade aperture diaphragm allows for lovely "bokeh" effect in shallow focus images too.- A person who wants good full HD video. While the video here won't match the quality of HD from some other P&Ss or DSLRs/4:3s, it does produce quality full HDR video that wows me. Audio quality from the built-in microphones is pretty good, and the image quality is impressive. The user can manually zoom in and out while recording with little or no noise, but I've noticed that the autofocus has a tendency to blur out for a second or two at times while trying to find the subject near full zoom. This isn't a deal breaker, but you should be aware of it.- Macros. The lens lets me take amazing macro photos. Other fixed lens cameras can as well, but this lens coupled with the larger sensor in the X-S1 is impressive for a bridge/super-zoom camera.So who should steer clear of this camera? Anyone wanting a pocketable compact package for snapshots. This is not stealth digicam -- you'll need a camera bag for this one. Those who require the quality and versatility of a DSLR or even a 4:3 camera may also want look elsewhere, though the X-S1 comes pretty close in many areas. It has some quirks that take getting used to and the extensive menu system and myriad controls take a while to fully understand. However, it is fairly easy to use overall. You could leave it in the full auto setting and get great shots, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice.I think the X-S1 is nearly the perfect "compromise" camera. It does nearly everything almost as well as cameras dedicated to those functions. In a few areas results from the X-S1 may even exceed or surpass them. With its form factor, it is a joy to use and is a great all-round option for nearly every situation. The more I use it, the more I find to love. I've obtained impressive results from all of the photos and videos I've taken so far, ranging

This Fujifilm X-S1 12MP EXR CMOS Digital Camera with Fuijinon F2.8 to F5.6 Telephoto Lens and Ultra-Smooth 26x Manual Zoom (24-624mm) is a superb performer. It is my first advanced super-zoom camera, something I have wanted for a long time.Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it's complex. Yes, it requires an effort to learn to use it.But having owned several previous digital cameras (including a Canon PowerShot G1 X 14.3 MP CMOS Digital Camera), I found it to be quite easy to use even before I read the manual. While its menu options are many, they are relatively straightforward to configure to your taste. If you too are experienced with sophisticated digital cameras, I am sure you will find this one quite easy to master.And, believe it or not, in addition to the PDF owner's manual, Fujifilm supplies a PRINTED owner's manual! Reading this, which I did yesterday, will answer the overwhelming majority of your questions about the camera and its use. (You can download the PDF from Fujifilm's site if you wish to read it before purchasing the camera so as to see if it is suitable for you.) Of course one reading is not sufficient; I'll be spending the next few days re-reading the manual, this time with camera in hand, so I can learn the various ins-and-outs of it. (Frankly, this will be necessary for every purchaser. If you do not wish to make this effort, then I recommend that you do not buy this model, opting instead for something simpler.) I am truly looking forward to learning the capability of this camera and enjoying the pictures I am able to take with it.This camera has many individual buttons and knobs which means that changing settings via the menu is only rarely necessary. It features a manual zoom as well as a manual focus option (along with, of course, many varied auto-focus options) and also full manual aperture and shutter controls.Its sensor is 2/3-inch. This is not as large as the 1.5-inch sensor in my G1 X - but imagine the size (and weight - not even to mention the price) of the lens (26x zoom ratio) which would be necessary to accommodate that size sensor. A 2/3-inch sensor is large enough to create good pictures with minimal noise (in most cases the noise will not be visible) at ISOs from 100 to, say, 400. That range is plenty for most outdoor and many indoor shots.Even though it has a very good image stabilization [IS] circuit (it's turned on by default; you'll find its options on Page 4 of 6 in the Set-Up section of the Menu and please read below), I would not use this camera under extremely low light levels without some sort of additional lighting or, if absolutely necessary to take a picture under low light without flash, I recommend the use of a tripod and a longer exposure time - tell your subjects to be absolutely still. (Please see the paragraph below.) (In any case, you'll want to use a tripod at longer zoom settings.) The 2/3-inch sensor is larger than in some other Fujifilm Super-zoom cameras and note that a larger sensor produces less image noise (all else being equal) at higher ISO settings. However a 2/3-inch sensor is still a small one so you must keep in mind its limitations (there is no getting around the laws of physics).Its nominal ISO range is from 100 to 12,800 - but note that ISOs over 3200 are available only with reduced image file size (less than the usual 12 MP). While I have had my camera for only two days, and have not been able to put it through all the 'hoops,' I should think that, for all practical purposes, ISO 1600 would be the absolute maximum that I should ever want to use (and even that only in an 'emergency') and I shall probably restrict my use to the aforementioned ISO 100-400. This will, of necessity, restrict its use in low light situations in which you cannot or do not want to use flash; as I mentioned above, for these kind of pictures, you'll want to use a tripod and a longer exposure time. At least for me, this is no real inconvenience.But, all that aside, I have found three (ONLY three!) VERY minor points about which I have 'druthers':(1) I wish the lens stopped down to f/16. It does not; its minimum aperture is f/11. But that is something I can live with. (The Panasonic FZ200, for example, stops down to only f/8. That's an absolute deal-breaker for me even though I like its constant f/2.8 maximum across the board aperture.)(2) I wish there were some means of quickly changing the Image Stabilization settings. There are several settings, all of them useful (including 'Off'), but to change them the user must go deep into the menu. Fortunately, at least for me, I do not need to change the settings very often. (I generally leave it off or, when I want to use it, in Shooting + Motion [that uses less battery power than Continuous].)(3) I wish there were some sort of cover for the LCD screen. As it is, it will ALWAYS get smeared. I have ordered one of the screen protectors from Amazon but even that is just a partial remedy. (Does anyone make a snap-on plastic cover for the

Please note that to say I am an amateur photographer is an under statement. A point and shoot guy for over 40 years, half of which I never knew which side of the camera to look through.As I am being dragged into the 21st century I decided it was time to invest in a decent camera, we have a few point and shoots most notable a Nikon P100 which was at the time - four years ago a Cnet best bet with rave reviews. These days getting a decent image is a crap shoot and the odds aren't in my favor. I liked the fully articulated LCD screen and the burst mode which took 10 pics in one click and only keept the sharpest one. The camera has bitten the dust and after many weeks of research I have finally arrived at the point where if I look at one more camera my brains arew going to pour out of my ears.I had narrowed my choices down to the following:1) An entry level DSLR the Nikon D3100 or the Canon T3i 22) Out of the Bridge cameras I had narrowed it down to the Panasonic FZ200. It's insanely popular winning Cnet's coveted best in class for 20013 award.Price points on the above are all pretty much the same between the $450 - $550 mark. Fuji cameras had never been in the running except for one Point and shoot which I dismissed quickly along with others in the same category like the Nikon P510, P520 and a myriad of others. Checking them all out at Best Buy - Amazons's showroom, I was surprised at how flimsy and toy like the build quality was. Even with many mid range to higher end DSLR they felt fragil and poorly made - at least myold Nikon had some heft.Enter the Fujifilm X-S1 it was featured on the Amazon home page so I took a peek - the price was right, but I knew zilch about the camera and the few reviews it had. Cnet had nothing to say however about the X-S1 except for their branch in the UK. They had a video review that simply raved about the X-S1 giving it their award for Best of 2012. As I kept searching around one thing struck me as odd and that's there virtually no mention of the camera's Image Stabilization. As much as write reviews and comment on others, I post questions too, I posted a question asking about the Image Stabilization for the X-S1 and never heard a single peep.Every single camera I've looked into heavily promotes their image stabilization technology some offer optical only or on board or both. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Sony seem to be in a race as far who has the most sophisticated anti- shake and Blur free technoligies, it's splattered everywhere from Amazon listings to their promotional videos, Advertising and consumer bound selling materials. Because it's definitely a selling point and clear as in crystal to me an aspect of buying a camera that most consumers rely on when making a buying decision. However, even in the Fujifilm promotional videos for the X -S1 there's no mention of it at all.Despite this I was still intrigued enough to give it a chance and bought one. The day it was due to arrive I decided to call Fuji Tech Support to both get a head start on having a few of my questions answered and to try and get a feel for what it would be like as a customer. I found the support superb. When I mentioned the lack of information about Image Stabilization the Tech (a retired Professional photographer working in the New Jersey headquarters) felt I must have missed something so he did some poking around and was clearly dumfounded that there was indeed no information whatsoever.When I talked about taking an online or CD based Photography course his response was "Not Necessary right now" and told me "Look, you won't learn this camera in a few days period. that's just not going to happen. Instead use the manual as a reference and most of all, play around with both the EXR and full Auto settings, take plenty of shots and see how you do"It was great advice.Yesterday I spent hours taking pictures of our Bulldogs romping outside,over 200 photographs. The photos with exception of a just a few are spectacular. Crystal clear, wonderfully rich and sparkling, vibrant true to life colors - I was dazzled.Normally I would be in Corel's Paintshop Pro or Adobe Lightroom for hours just trying to reduce the noise and blur but these were pristine. Harley our oldest was born to play soccer. That said, because the recovery time between shots and focusing is so lightening fast the "action" shots of him playing, running, moving his gargantuan orange ball around were perfect, so perfect and blur free it was hard to believe I had taken them.The camera is blazing fast.In indoor light I wasn't impressed with performance although these shots were easy enough to brighten in editing and the detail was still marvelous. It wouldn't be so "marvelous" if I had 50 or 100 images to correct. At first I chalked this up to my ignorance of ISO, white balance, shutter speeds and so on. But since, I've found a number of gripes about poor low light performance. I've yet to try out the flash hopefully that'll make a difference - but go