Fujifilm X100 - stunning, rangerfinder-style compact looks fantastic

Is there going to be raw output option or is it limited to jpg only as with all other exr based cameras?

Well, the £300 Fuji HS10 does RAW, so I'd expect this to.

edit: As does the S200EXR. The main issue is third-party RAW converter compatibility - specifically Adobe as there are a few others that now support it.

If Fujifilm are aiming to compete with the Panasonic LX5 with this more expensive camera then it must have a RAW output option. It would be a waste of the quality of the combined lens and sensor not to. Also all other top-of-the range compacts have it.

IIRC, it took Adobe ages to build support for LX-3 RAW files into ACR/Lightroom.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilmf200exr/page2.asp

"However, these additional sensor modes do mean that some unusual image processing is required, prompting Fujifilm not to provide the RAW sensor data output capability some potential users have asked for."

Reading this I have a feeling that the raw output on these later exr based cameras is going to be some form of post processing after thought trickery.

Forgetting the raw option if they can get the price down to something more realistic I might buy one. It looks similar to a Leica M1.



The HS10 has a sensor which is different to the exr.

God is in the details...

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091910fujifilmx100.asp

CMOS sensor (not a Super CCD EXR) and an EXR processor - actually the same as the HS10.

Its a bit pointless though is it not. I mean what I want is a digital rangefinder with good interchangable lenses. Basically a digital version of this.



I mean I know you all bang on about the Panasonic Lumix GF-1, but I had a go on one the other day and with that compact zoom on it, its still less discreet than a G2 or Leica M6.

A used Contax G2 body is £350-450, A 45 mm Planar is £175-200. Most minilabs do hi-res scanning now. Leicas are expensive, but they'll last a lifetime.

The X100 looks good. I love retro digital.
That or a Leica would make me very happy

You forgot the painfully-high servicing costs for the Leicas and Contaxes.

I've never serviced my G2 it works fine. Leica maybe. Film & developing.....hmmm maybe, but its not that bad.

I just think why spank close to a grand on something thats just "in the style of". Id rather have a proper rangefinder.

How isn't it a 'proper rangefinder'?

I've pretty much decided to buy one. I am a big, big fan of the Contax G2 and will keep mine. I'll also keep my Aria's, and I'll keep my 1950's (still working perfectly) Fuji RF as 100% mechanical back-up. The retro look of this camera may make some people think it's a gimic. I think it's a very 'natural' RF development in the context of digital.

Depends just how good the lens turns out to be for me. Essentially, that is my biggest want - quality optics on a small body.

I want one too! Is this the perfect companion to a SLR kit - something smaller for "casual" photography but with the ability to get short DOF etc...

Bye Bye my LX3.


(Except the price!)

If you want to get the same "short DOF" on your LX3 as they get on the X100, just get the filter adapter and some Neutral Density filters. This can be used to enable the use of the widest f/2 aperture even in bright light. All that the X100 does that is different is to have the ND filters built in.

EDITED TO ADD

Trying to get limited depth of field on a wide angle lens is like whistling into the wind though. At least with the LX3 you can zoom to 70mm to help the cause.

Interchangeable optics. A small range of well placed lenses would make it much more appealing.

Yes, it's still looking good.

reminds me of my first camera , back in the 70's ..olympus 35

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/olympus_35rc.html

Still got it ...but I haven't bought film in yonks

Any release date yet?

I'm ready to buy and running out of time. If it doesn't come along soon I may have to look at alternatives even though my heart is set on this.

A fetish camera. If it was in a rubbish case, people would see it for what it is functionally.

Show me a prime lens RF that is more functional. A purists camera maybe. The fact that it looks extra cool just adds to the appeal of a very functional fixed lens RF. They're selling it on the lens quality, so expect it to be as good as all FujiFilm's other top end lenses - almost unbeatable.

The functionality of the hy-brid viewfinder can't be argued with can it? Some people spend more than €1K on crap lenses just because they have big zooms.

Each to their own I guess. My eye is more lens critical and appreciated of a spot 'standard' focal length. That is the 'reality' of photography that appeals to me. No doubt many will buy on looks alone, but it is potentially a very functional tool.

@stanley oWho wants range finder cameras?

(Answer: Almost nobody)

If it was in boring plastic case, would you want it? (Maybe you would)

I thought it wasn't a rangefinder? Just dressed like one ...