Thanks. Would prefer unedited JPEGs.

Nice. Not too much and subtle HDR. Am not a fan of extreme HDR's as they look unnatural.

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Added on October 29, 2012, 10:34 amHere you go... Straight OOC.

It's not the actual size as can't seem to upload at original size max is 2500px wide...

1/800s, f8.0, ISO200:


1/105s, f4.0, ISO200:


1/120s, f2.0, ISO3200:

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Added on October 29, 2012, 10:35 amSharp enough eh? :-)

ISO3200 not to bad either....

This post has been edited by seech: Oct 29 2012, 10:35 AM

Thanks Seech. Wonderful detail and clarity even though the images are blown up. The detail of the windows on the high-rise building is amazing as the sharpness is still intact. The images don't look soft but with a certain clarity and sharpness to them. Guess that is the strength of a large APS-C sensor on the X100.

By the way, do you have plans for the X-E1? Not too sure what will be the difference if the X100 is compared to an X-E1 with the 35mm lens. Also, I'm perplexed why folks still need to get a dedicated 18mm or 35mm lens for the X-E1 even though they already have a 18-55mm lens which already covered almost everything. Does this mean that the dedicated 18mm lens is capable of producing better results than the one on the 18-55mm? Or the dedicated 35mm lens is a more capable lens than the equivalent one on the 18-55mm lens? A bit confused, since 18-55mm has already covered the range, so why there is the need for dedicated 18mm lens or 35mm lens. I can understand the need for 14mm or 60mm lens since these are not in the range of the 18-55mm lens.

Setting these interchangeable lens on the X-E1 aside, the X100 is already seen as a pretty capable camera on its own. Wonderful pictures.

Hi. They certainly are pretty sharp at the pixel level.

I am going to get the X-E1 as I need a zoom with IS. Plant to use it to record video when I need to. Was going to get the OMD with its 5-axis IBIS which works fantastically well for video but then they released the X-E1. The 18-55 is bright for a kit lens starting at f2.8 which is great for me. I'm also waiting for the other longer zoom in the XF range of lenses to be released next year of 55-200mm.

I will also probably get the 35mm/f1.4. Its not the just the range that is covered. Primes are usually brighter than zooms as they have a fixed focal length and they should be sharper as well. The 35mm prime is much brighter than the zoom which starts at only f2.8 at the wide end. The 35mm would be great for indoors. They will also be releasing a 23mm which is also a f1.4.

On top of the ability to change focal length. The X-Trans sensor in the X-E1/X-Pro1 is also sharper and has even better noise control at high ISO. The only problem with the X-E1 is that with the lenses, its a lot larger than my X100 so it's not exactly that portable. I'll definitely be keeping my X100 though.

THanks for the reply. Much appreciated. Good to hear you will be getting the X-E1.

I am pretty new in this, and hopefully you can advise. Since you have mentioned that prime lenses (to me it means dedicated 18mm lens, dedicated 35mm lens etc.) are brighter than zooms(18-55mm) and "should" produce sharper images, can we say that the X-E1 with a 35mm prime lens will produce superior IQ than the X100 with 23mm lens(equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera)?

Assuming one does not need the zoom function ie. 18-55mm lens of the X-E1, which interchangeable lense(of the X-E1) will be the best compromise for most common shooting conditions in good light as well as low light? The 18mm or 35mm? I guess the 35mm?

Just to reiterate, the X-E1 with the 35mm lens will most likely produce higher levels of image quality than the X100 with fixed 23mm lens. Am I correct to say this?

Thanks again for the advice.

Hi. The 35mm is equivalent to 53mm actually. As the X-E1 and X100 share the same APS-C sized sensor, the crop factors are the same. Can't really compare the XF35mm and the X100's 23mm as they are different focal lengths but the combination of the XF lenses and X-Trans sensor on the X-E1 is 'supposed' to be sharper than the older X100's sensor/lens combo. But that said, I'm not really a pixel peeper and the X100 is purpose designed with its 23mm/f2.0 lens and for all intents and purposes is sharp enough for me.

If you're looking to actually choose between the X100 and X-E1 then I would say the decision is more down to whether you can live with the fixed 35mm equivalent on the X100 or do you want some zoom or the option to switch focal lengths that the X-E1 gives you. I personally don't think the relative sharpness is all that different between the two cameras.

The X100 is much smaller than the X-E1 with even the smallest 18mm attached so that should be a consideration as well. Also the X100 has the hybrid viewfinder (of which I hardly use the OVF hence the X-E1 with its dedicated EVF is a better fit for me than the more expensive X-Pro1).

The X-E1 is also substantially more expensive than the X100 which is fabulous value new/used at the moment.

As for the X-E1? I'm planning to get it with the 18-55mm kits lens and also the 35mm/f1.4.

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Added on October 29, 2012, 2:23 pmMore pics...





Trees...


Lovely colors at dawn...


This post has been edited by seech: Oct 29 2012, 02:27 PM

Nice shots there. I noticed you've used a different setting for each shot you've taken above. (1/800s, f8.0, ISO200 ; 1/105s, f4.0, ISO200 ; 1/120s, f2.0, ISO3200 etc.) For an experienced and seasoned photographer like yourself, guess you've mastered most of the functions of the X100. For a novice who is used to P&S for most part of his life, guess there is some training to be done.

Just checked out the pricing of the X100. Guess you are right that the current value of the X100 is pretty good. Just found out that one can be had at RM2,900 from DY Divine at Digital Mall PJ, and the price includes the leather casing (presumably LC-X100) and a 16GB SD Class 10 card.
Link : Fujifilm X100 from DY Divine, Digital Mall PJ

Just wanted to check with you. I noticed that the X100 has the LH-X100(lens hood) and AR-X100(adapter ring) as accessories. Any idea if these come together with the camera as standard items? What is the function of the adapter ring for the X100?

and that's a win!

the only thing i hate about the X100 is the shutter speed limit at certain apertures. ie: f/2 will only go 1/1000s max. it's even written in the manual. its the leaf shutter mechanism thing. but to compensate this, fuji did put the ND filter.. fine i guess but so many times i just forgot that the camera have an ND filter haha, so i just stop down the aperture. but hey there's a lot of goodness of the X100 so i just ignore the bad ones.

Seasoned and experienced photographer? :-). Hardly... I'm just someone who enjoys taking and learning about photography.

There is definitely a learning curve stepping up from a P&S to the X100 but there is no better camera to learn the basics of photography than the X100 with all its external manual controls. Stick with it and you'll never look back...

DY Divine has some good prices. I'm planning on getting my X-E1 from them as well. RM2.9k is a really good price! I got mine at RM3.6k when it was first released.

As for the accessories, the adaptor is so that you can mount the lens hood and also filters to the X100. I keep a UV filter attached to mine for protection as I prefer not to use the lens cap. The hood is more for decoration and definitely looks cool. The ori fuji's are a bit pricey. I got the JJC hood and adaptor on eBay.

Good luck with your X100. You won't regret it.

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Added on October 29, 2012, 6:48 pmThanks!

Yeah, limitation of the X100's leaf shutter... I configured my 'RAW' button to toggle the ND filter but I find that more often than not I also stop down if required. It's really sharp at f4-f8...

This post has been edited by seech: Oct 29 2012, 06:48 PM

X100 definitely a keeper.

As for XE1, as what seech said, it all depends what focal length one need.

For street, i believe X100 will be just nice (the size) and sufficient (function)

For street seldom use F1.4 etc. mostly use F11, F16 @ day time. X100's F2 is sufficient,

Therefore, i dont really see reason to get XE1 if all i use is 35mm (23 x 1.5 crop)

Yup, agreed with suggestion by seech, buy JJC hood and adaptor, put a filter, and dont bother with the lens cap. I set the "Raw" to ND filter too.

Good luck with your X100. You won't regret it.

X200, im waiting

This post has been edited by hidden830726: Oct 29 2012, 08:02 PM

Just checking. For those who have bought any cameras from DY Divine, are the guys there knowledgeable or accomodating? Can customers try some of the cameras that are available for sale before making a choice? And lastly, is a 30 minute to 1 hour crash course(by the DY Divine guys) sufficient for the user to operate the basic functions of the X100? Of course he will have to read the user manual and learn to operate the more advanced functions slowly through time.

Yes, the price may have gone down throughout the months but I noticed the X100 was introduced in end of 2010 or early 2011. The X100 is nearly 2 years old by now, and it's holding quite well throughout the years, so some price reduction would be expected for 1+ year model.

Thanks for the information on the adaptor ring. So the adaptor is meant for mounting the lens hood and filters to the X100. Not too sure how that is done but guess a visit to the store will explain everything. So the lens hood and adaptor ring are not provided together with the X100. Is the lens hood necessary? I understand the hood is to prevent glare or lens flare under strong sunlight, perhaps useful in demanding shooting situations.

I presume the lens cap is provided(the silver metal lens cap, not black-coloured).

I am curious on your preference of not using the lens cap. My understanding is the lens cap will cover and protect the lens. I presume the lens cap cannot be used on the X100 if the UV filter is already fixed to the lens(via the adaptor ring). May I ask the reason of your preference to use the UV filter in place of the lens cap to protect the lens of the X100. Although I have not seen or touched the lens cap or UV filter in real life, I presume the lens cap offers more protection as the material is harder.

I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

The new replacement model may be out anytime now, perhaps early next year or so. I'm still undecided whether to go with the X100 or wait for the replacement model(X200?). Not too sure what sort of improvements we can expect from the new model. If the technical improvements are not too significant for the premium charged, that will make the X100 and excellent choice. However, I guess camera manufacturers won't be too stupid to simply roll out a new model without much improvement from its predecessor.

Think the X100 will more than suit my needs than the XE-1. Some experienced photographers tried to steer me to the Sony RX100 due to its simple interface and controls, but I think it's time I get into some serious business, a camera with manual controls.

wah, long post.

Depending on how experience you are, X100 definitely need some photography know how to unleash its potential.

Buying X100 now or wait for replacement, will depend on whether you need to use the camera now.

Personally if you dont have a camera with you atm, then u could buy now, rather than wait, because seriously, we all assume there will be a X200, but till now, no news at all. Even with rumours, it will still take time until release and arrive in Malaysia. In sum, if you need it now, buy it.

Personally i dont recomend X100 as 1st camera for any beginner. X100 with only fix focal length and many beginner will want zoom. So unless, you know what you want, (like me, i want street only) or you have other camera for other discipline, then no problem to get X100.

Hood imo, is a must for x100 beside flare, It protect the lens. Put on a multicoated filter and your lens well protected. With lens hood and filter on, there is really no need to put on lens cap. Lens cap on will be troublesome, add to bulkiness and slow down your shot if you want to quickly take out your camera for a shot.

Thanks for the information. A short one since it's already quite late. Let say if the camera is not in use, and you want to keep it somewhere in the cupboard or drawer at home. How do we safe-keep it? Will the lens hood still be on the X100, or it will be uninstalled? I guess the lens hood will be dismantled from the X100, the lens cap installed on the camera and then the whole camera together with the lens cap goes into the leather case and perhaps kept inside the original box, only if the camera is not in use.

I Bought a crumpler waist pouch and have my X100 in it everyday and i bring my X100 with me everyday to work or other leisure, so i can shoot as and when i like or needed.

For me, i dont uninstall the hood. I consider the hood as part of the camera and no reason to uninstall it. I do have a drybox and if needed and i can put it inside.

Now, the leather case.

Dont bother buying the leather case. Sales person will usually ask you to buy as accesories, some selling price without the case, imo, just dont bother buying it. Reason:

1) With hood on, you wont be able to fully close the leather case. To dismantle it everytime want to keep is not ideal.
2) With the leather case, it will cover the btm of the camera. To change battery or take out the SD card, you need to remove the leather case then only can access to the btm of the camera. I shoot quite often and i change battery sometimes. I dont charge battery everyday, i have extra 1 original batt and 1 china batt for backup. I only charge batt every weekend or once a week. So, to me, fast changing of battery or taking the SD card out without the leather case will means less hassle.
3) Save money to buy extra batt / hood, adaptor / or good strap.

To add:

Even with the hood on, you can still put on the lens cap. its just troublesome and unable to put firmly into the leather case.

So if you're not using the camera for long time, you may just put on the lens cap on the hood.

Hope it helps.

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Added on October 29, 2012, 10:16 pmSince every give big picture.



This post has been edited by hidden830726: Oct 29 2012, 10:16 PM

The adapter mounts to some threads on the front of the X100's lens. It provides a 49mm female thread for you to mount any filters of your choice. The lens hood is a bayonet mount which fits on the outside of the adapter. I find that the hood looks cool... It does help to prevent some flare but mostly I only use the hood if I'm out shooting for the day.

Yes.... long post indeed.

I would agree that the X100 is NOT a P&S and will require that you either have some photographic knowledge OR you want to learn more about photography as the X100 will force you to learn about it soon enough.

I would say it all depends on you. If you want something you just Point and then Shoot then perhaps the RX100 maybe a better choice. If you want to learn more about photography than to just Point & Shoot then the X100 is perfect. Just be aware that there is a learning curve and you will need to improve your skills to use the X100 properly. That said, you can always set the X100 to auto and shoot away but that would be missing the point of it all.

Personally, I love the full manual controls. It feels more like a photographic tool as apposed to a digital toy...

I keep the lens cap off as hidden830726 has mentioned because its troublesome to put it on and off. I prefer to keep my X100 with the filter on in the bag and just pull it out when I want to take a shot rather than to bother with a fiddly cap.

I also carry my X100 with me everywhere. It's small enough not to be too obtrusive. For daily use, I have a NatGeo pouch that fits perfectly and if I'm out shooting I keep my X100 in my ThinkTank Retrospective 5 with the hood attached.

As for the hood and flare.....

Flare can be nice what!


The flare was intentional but the image above was taken WITH the hood in case you were wondering.

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Added on October 30, 2012, 7:37 amForgot to mention about your concerns about X200, X300, etc.

There really is no end to gear...

The X100 is more than enough as it is. The files are beautiful, the Fuji colors are awesome and the Fujinon lens is sharp.

If you want it, I say just get it!

The prices have come down quite a bit for what is still an awesome camera.

Besides, a better camera is NOT going to make you a better photographer.

But the X100 will definitely force you to learn to be one...

This post has been edited by seech: Oct 30 2012, 07:37 AM

Thanks for all the information. Certainly useful.

I've narrowed down my choices to two models, the X100 and Sony RX100. That's it. Initially I wanted the X100 but there were some individuals, experienced photographers(one of them own both X100 and RX100) who tried to steer me to the RX100, citing that the simplicity and ease of use will suit me better. There were claims that the difference in IQ between the RX100 and X100 isn't too significant as what that has been claimed as the RX100 is a very capable P&S.

Anyone compared the RX100 to the X100 before?

I am fully aware about the learning curve of the X100 and the larger size of it in comparison to the RX100. Personally I may not bother about these aspects to much as long as the IQ is considerably or noticeably better than the RX100. But it appears that the difference may not be significant as I had hoped for, judging from the response of a guy who currently own both. Of course, everyone's expectations are not the same. One man's significant may be another man's subtle.

Will see how it goes. Good point that there is no end to the evolution of technology as new designs will keep rolling out. Will try out the X100 in the local store soon to see if it floats my boat. Otherwise it will be the RX100.

Thanks for all the useful responses. I do appreciate all the advice.

Cheers.

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Added on October 30, 2012, 10:05 amHow much is the price for the original LH-X100 lens hood and AR-X100 adapter ring? Performance-wise is there any difference between these Fujifilm accessories and the JJC ones on eBay?

Lastly, the filter. I noticed Fujifilm did not include the filter as part of an item in their accessories. Why is that? Does DY Divine sell quality UV filters for the X100? I presume they don't since you've bought the JJC ones off eBay?

Thanks.

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 30 2012, 10:05 AM

The RX100 is certainly an excellent P&S and I don't think you will notice much difference in IQ. However, the X100 being a much larger APS-C sensor will give you a shallower DOF relative to the RX100. You should also get better dynamic range and noise control as well. That's in theory being a larger sensor vs a smaller sensor. In practical terms? Better you test it out and see.

The MAJOR difference between the two if you ask me is the shooting experience. Having full manual controls vs a more digital experience is worlds apart. That said, there are pros and cons to every camera. The RX100 is truly pocketable vs having the need for extremely large pockets for the X100.

Best you try and make up your own mind on which you prefer. At the end of the day the camera is just a tool.... the person behind the camera is what determines the result.

Thanks for the information. I have made up my mind on the X100 although I need to get a feel of it in store. Now the only issue is on the UV filter+lens hood+lens cap vs. UV filter+lens cap(no hood) vs. lens cap only(no hood and no UV filter). From your previous post as well as hidden's, it appears that UV filter and lens hood is the preferable choice. I was just thinking. What is the difference between UV filter+lens hood vs no UV filter+lens hood? Since the lens cap can cover the lens hood, is the UV filter still necessary?

Last question if you don't mind. Usually dust will accumulate on the lens with time or prolonged use. Is it a normal practice to clean the lens of the camera once in a while? If yes, what is the recommended way or the tools required without scratching the lens(or even make the lens even dirtier by spreading the dust/dirt on the lens while cleaning it)? If there is already a UV filter on the camera, do we still clean the lens of the camera that is protected by the UV filter, or we just clean the UV filter itself?

So far I"ve got mixed receptions from X100 users on dpreview as one guy didn't use the hood but just install a B+W filter instead. It appears that he could live without the lens hood. With just the UV filter on the camera, it can go into the leather case.

Pardon the questions.

Thanks.

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Added on October 30, 2012, 12:59 pmAs a side note, I noticed there isn't any UV filter listings on DY Divine's site. Do they stock B+W filters?



This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 30 2012, 12:59 PM

X100 Filter Hack by christianyves, on Flickr

"A 52mm to 49mm step-down ring, stacked with a 49mm to 52mm step-up ring followed by a clear UV filter mounted backwards. And finally topped off with the original thread ring."


I did exactly like the guy said.

Cost:

1. 49mm to 52mm step-up ring = rm3
2. 52mm to 49mm step-down ring = rm3
3. hoya hmc uv filter 49mm = rm30

Total: rm36. all bought from ebay.


I admit. I'm a cheapskate when buying accessories. Haha.

If you want the best out from your camera, then without filter will probably better. But for practicality, filter is a must, it protect your lens from dust, rain, splash of water etc.

Sure lens cap can cover the hood, but can u shot with the cap on? Filter only and without the hood looks ugly imo. The hood main use is to protect your lens. Period. If you believe you wont knock accidentally on your camera / lens, then you can opt not to buy the hood. But hood and adapter usually sell together.

No necessarily to buy the adapter and hood at Ebay. LYN accesories thread here got ppl selling. Get a good quality filter like B&W or Hoya.

I dont even take off the filter, hence i only blow with a blower or use lenspen to clean the filter. But becareful not to over clean and eaten away the coating on filter.

No need to be so complicated. lens cap will come together with the camera, just buy an adaptor and hood (fuji or other brand up to u, to me it makes no different because it dont affect the picture) then you can try whether you want to use the hood or simply using the cap without hood. Bro dont makes thing over complicated.

RX100 dont need all this accessories, so $$ wise can save a bit. But as seech mentioned, X100 really thrill with its manual control and rangefinder like feel.

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Added on October 30, 2012, 1:19 pmVery efficient. Good idea

Its just a temporarily solution for that guy

This post has been edited by hidden830726: Oct 30 2012, 01:20 PM