Fujifilm XF1 Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm XF1 was announced in September 2012 and is a pocket-size premium digital camera. It is available in brown, black and red for £365.00.

Fujifilm XF1 Features

The XF1 has a 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and 4x optical zoom lens, which is a 35mm equivalent of 25-100mm. It has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it ideal to shoot in low light and produce images with noise kept to a minimum, as well as reduced camera shake and motion blur. It also lets you take pictures with attractive bokeh / blurred background effects. Then to help further with taking the sharpest pictures possible, there is Optical Image Stabilisation.

The EXR Auto mode recognises 58 types of scene and optimises the settings automatically and switches the sensor mode for the scene and subject. Sensor modes include HR High Resolution for well-lit conditions, SN High Sensitivity/Low Noise mode for low light and DR Dynamic Range mode for high-contrast scenes. Other modes include Advanced Pro Low-light and Motion Panorama 360.

High-speed recording is available at up to 10 fps. Images can also be captured with high-speed continuous shooting at high sensitivity, then overlapped to create a single optimum image, keeping noise to a minimum. Advanced Anti Blur combines 4 frames into a single, sharp blur-free image with low noise.

To take creative pictures there is a new feature called Advanced Filter which includes pop colour, toy camera, miniature, high-key, partial colour, dynamic tone and multiple exposure. There are also five film simulation modes which includes standard, velvia, astia, black & white and monochrome.

You can tag your photos and images for sharing on YouTube and Facebook, then when you next connect the camera to your PC and run MyFinePix Studio software, they will be automatically uploaded. Images can also be assigned a star rating so you can easily search for your favourites.

The XF1 can be personalised with accessories which include a soft case, available in black, red or brown.

Videos are recorded in full 1080p HD at 30 fps with stereo sound. Movie scene recognition mode automatically optimises the settings for a variety of shooting conditions. You can take pictures during video record as well as record high-speed videos at 70, 120 and 200 fps.

Key Features

• 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
• 4x optical manual zoom f/1.8 lens (35mm equiv: 25-100mm)
• Optical image stabilisation
• 3.0 inch 460,00 dot LCD screen
• Advanced filter mode
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• ISO 100 - 12800
• 3cm minimum focusing distance
• Motion Panorama 360
• 10 fps continuous shooting
• Available in brown, red and black

Fujifilm XF1 Handling

The Fujifilm XF1 features an interesting lens design, that sits neatly inside the camera, to turn the camera on you twist the lens, and it pops out, putting it into standby mode, twist it further and you get the lens extended in 25mm wide-angle mode, or continue twisting and you can zoom to the full telephoto zoom.

The body is made from aluminium and leather, a retro design that will appeal to some and not others. The screen is of a good size, but with a resolution of just 460,000, it doesn't do your pictures justice during playback, a higher resolution screen would suit this camera much better.

There is a decent amount of buttons, on top is the shutter release, mode dial and a fn button which can be set to change from a number of options including ISO, image size, image quality and more. On the rear you'll find playback, movie record and display / back buttons as well as a d-pad. There is a scroll wheel for adjusting shutter speed and aperture when in the respective modes. Lastly, there is an E-Fn button, as well as activating the Monitor Sunlight mode when it's held down, press it once and you're given more settings such as white-balance, continuous shooting and d-range. The menu system is easy to navigate, but with so many camera settings just a click away, it's unlikely you'll need to venture into them that often.

Battery life is rated at 300 shots according to CIPA test results, we were able to take XXX shots before the battery went flat. We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

Shutter Response		0.05 secs
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response		0.35 secs
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response		0.4 secs
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo		1.7 (from standby)
Shot to Shot without Flash		1.1 secs
Shot to Shot with Flash		2.6 secs
Continuous Shooting - Low		3.0 fps
Continuous Shooting - Medium		5.5 fps
Continuous Shooting - High		8.6 fps
Continuous Shooting - Super-High		10.0 fps

In continuous shooting, the low, medium and high modes record at full 12 megapixel resolution, whereas the super-high mode is limited to 6 megapixels. The medium and high modes both also slowed down after seven shots.

Fujifilm XF1 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm XF1 Sample Photos

Portrait | 1/27 sec | f/4.9 | 22.2 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Landscape | 1/250 sec | f/5.6 | 6.4 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Fast Shutter Speed | 1/2000 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 2000 High-Res	Pet Portrait | 1/220 sec | f/4.9 | 19.6 mm | ISO 1600 High-Res

Sample Photos - The XF1 takes really well exposed images with excellent colour reproduction. Portrait shots have pleasant skin tones and are free of red-eye. You can set the shutter speed as quick as 1/2000 second to capture fast moving objects, this has been used to capture water in the example above.

Fujifilm XF1 Lens test images

Wide Angle | 1/420 sec | f/3.2 | 6.4 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Some Optical Zoom | 1/350 sec | f/4.2 | 13.2 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Full Optical Zoom | 1/420 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Macro | 0.4 sec | f/11.0 | 6.4 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

Lens Performance - Detail in the images is good at both ends of the lens, although a little soft in the corners. There is good control of purple fringing in contrasting areas. There is a minimum focusing distance of just 3cm which allows for impressive macro shots to be taken.

ISO100 | 1/30 sec | f/4.9 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO200 | 1/52 sec | f/4.9 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO400 | 1/105 sec | f/4.9 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO800 | 1/250 sec | f/4.9 | 16.7 mm High-Res
ISO1600 | 1/400 sec | f/5.6 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO3200 | 1/450 sec | f/7.1 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO6400 | 1/400 sec | f/11.0 | 16.7 mm High-Res	ISO12800 | 1/800 sec | f/11.0 | 16.7 mm High-Res

ISO Noise Performance - Images are noise free at ISO100, with only a very small amount appearing at ISO200 and 400. At ISO800 image become a little soft with a slight loss of detail in places. This trend continues at ISO1600, with parts of the images at ISO3200 appearing smudged. The highest two settings of ISO6400 and ISO12800 are packed with noise, these settings are best avoided. File size is also restricted to 6 megapixels at ISO6400 and 3 megapixels at ISO12800.

Fujifilm XF1 White-balance test images

AWB preset - incandescent lighting | 1/26 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Incandescent preset - incandescent lighting | 1/26 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	AWB preset - fluorescent lighting | 1/5 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Fluorescent preset 1 - fluorescent lighting | 1/5 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Fluorescent preset 2 - fluorescent lighting | 1/5 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	preset 3 - fluorescent lighting | 1/5 sec | f/3.6 | 9.7 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

White Balance Performance - Under our incandescent studio lights, the AWB preset as a slight colour cast, whereas it is less so when using the incandescent preset. The AWB preset copes really well under the fluorescent lights, much better than any of the fluorescent presets, each of which show a colour cast.


360° Panorama | 1/250 sec | f/4.5 | 6.4 mm | ISO 200

Panorama mode - There are three different angles available when in panorama mode, 120°, 180° and 360°. You can also shoot up, down, left or right. They are extremely well stitched together and are well detailed, good enough for large prints. You can view more panorama shots in the Equipment Database.

Fujifilm XF1 Digital filters

Advanced Dynamic Tone | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced High Key | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Partial Colour Blue | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Partial Colour Green | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res
Advanced Partial Colour Orange | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Partial Colour Purple | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Partial Colour Red | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Partial Colour Yellow | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res
Advanced Pop Colour | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Advanced Pro Low Light | 1/30 sec | f/4.2 | 13.8 mm | ISO 2500 High-Res	Advanced Toy Camera | 1/15 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 400 High-Res	Film Simulation Black And White | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Film Simulation Monochrome Green Filter | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Monochrome Red Filter | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Monochrome Yellow Filter | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Sepia | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res
Film Simulation Soft | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Standard | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res	Film Simulation Vivid | 1/5 sec | f/4.9 | 25.6 mm | ISO 100 High-Res

Digital Filters - The XF1 is packed with a range of creative modes, all found under the Advanced mode. There are also a number of film simulations which can be used.

Video - Below is a video recorded in full 1080p HD. You can use the zoom during record, but because it is manually controlled it is difficult to use it smoothly, particularly with the camera handheld, an example can be seen on the ePHOTOzine Youtube page.

Value For Money

There are a number of serious premium cameras on the market, with the Fujifilm XF1 available for around £365, it is one of the cheaper ones available, as well as being one of the more compact available.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7	Nikon Coolpix P7700	Sony Cybershot RX100	Fujifilm Finepix X100	Leica X2
£384	£455	£479	£594	£1499

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm XF1 Verdict

If you're in the market for a serious compact camera, the Fujifilm XF1 is an appealing option, particularly as it is available for less than £400. It has a wide range of features, highlights being the f/1.8 maximum aperture lens, panorama modes, advanced filters which all lead to the camera taking impressive, unique pictures. For a serious compact camera, we'd like to see a higher resolution screen and some users may like a hotshoe socket so they can add a flash unit.

The retro design, manual zoom and unusual switching on/off method isn't going to appeal to everyone, but the body has been well designed and built. There are lots of buttons, with the E-Fn button giving all the buttons on the rear a second use, meaning it's quick and easy to change many of the camera settings. The Fujifilm XF1 therefore comes recommended by ePHOTOzine.

	The Fujifilm XF1 has excellent features and image quality for a reasonable price.

Fujifilm XF1 Pros

Well-built body
Lots of buttons to make it quick and easy to change camera settings
Image quality is good
Lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8
Good value for money
Advanced filter mode allows for unique picture taking
Takes excellent panorama pictures

Fujifilm XF1 Cons

Screen resolution a little low
10 fps high-speed shooting is only available at a reduced image size
No hotshoe socket
Switch on method and manual zoom won't be too everyone's liking

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm XF1 Specifications

Manufacturer	Fujifilm
Lens
	Max Aperture	f/1.8 - f/4.9
	35mm equivalent	25mm - 100mm
	Optical Zoom	4x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	12Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	4000
	Pixels (H)	3000
	Sensor Type	Exmor CMOS
	Sensor Size	2/3 inch
	Sensor Size (width)	No Data
	Sensor Size (height)	No Data
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	460,000 dots
	Touch Screen	No
Focusing
	Min Focus	3cm
	Focusing modes	AF Tracking Multi
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/2000sec
	Shutter speeds longest	8sec
	Exp modes	Program Aperture-Priority Shutter-Priority Manual Scene modes A
	Metering	Multi Pattern Spot TTL
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 12800
	White balance	Auto Incandescent Fluorescent Shade Underwater
	Exposure Comp	+/-2
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	10fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080 1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA
	Video FPS	30
	Stereo Sound	Yes
	Optical Zoom with Video	Yes
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes
	USB	USB 2
	Wi-Fi	No
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC
	File Type	RAW JPG RAW + JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	NP-50A Li-ion battery
	CIPA Rating	300
Box Contents
	Box Contents	Li-ion battery NP-50A, Battery charger BC-50B, Hand strap, Lens cap, USB cable, CD-ROM, Owner's manual
Dimensions
	Weight	225g
	Width	107.9mm
	Height	61.5mm
	Depth	33mm

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