Smartphones are demolishing sales of
compact cameras, but this has given camera manufacturers a much-needed kick up
the backside. Rather than adding more megapixels every year, manufacturers
are taking an enlightened approach to improving image quality.
Fujifilm is already one step ahead, with an
established range of compact cameras that use clever technology to clean up
image noise and avoid washed-out details in tricky shooting conditions.
The XF1 uses this technology, known as EXR, but it has even more tricks up its
sleeve. The sensor is almost twice the size you’ll find on most compact
cameras, and its wide aperture lets in four times more light than the
typical aperture of most compacts.
Fujifilm
XF1 - A Slim, Retro-Styled Camera With Excellent
Image Quality
All these features combine to give
spectacular image quality in low light. Images aren’t as detailed as those
produced by more expensive DSLRs or CSC cameras, but they’re far superior to
run-of-the-mill compact cameras and smartphones. Brightly lit shots are less
remarkable, but the XF1 is unrivalled at producing images with colors that look
smooth and natural.
The XF1 isn’t the only compact camera to
use these techniques, but most of its rivals are a little bulkier. This is
partly because they have an optical viewfinder or a lens that doesn’t
retract into the camera body when switched off. The XF1’s 4x zoom lens doesn’t
lie flat within the body either, but you won’t notice this when pocketing the
camera. The lens’s movement is controlled manually rather than by a motor. You
adjust the lens for turning the camera on and off, as well as for zooming. This
sounds odd, but the beautifully designed mechanism works well and we quickly
got used to it. The handsome retro styling and leather-effect trim is
reminiscent of a time before cameras had batteries, let alone digital sensors.
The
lens’s movement is controlled manually rather than by a motor.
Two dials on the back and the mode wheel on
the top should satisfy keen photographers who want quick access to manual
settings, even though it lacks some shortcut buttons and dials you find on more
expensive cameras. The XF1 is fast at taking shots in quick succession. Burst
mode can take seven shots per second, but it drops to around two shots per
second after the first seven.
The camera’s video mode isn’t up to the
same standard as the XF1’s photos. Videos are shot at 1080p HD resolution,
but details look a little blocky, and during our test the autofocus
sometimes got confused and wandered out of focus. You can’t control much of the
camera either, with focus, exposure and white balance settings
disregarded as soon as you press the record button.
The
XF1 is fast at taking shots in quick succession
It’s not perfect, then, but the Fujifilm
XF1’s price is a little lower than similar cameras, image quality is higher and
the gorgeous retro design is the icing on the cake.
Verdict
The Fujifilm XF1‘s videos are average, but
photo quality from this stylish camera is fantastic
Ratings: 5/5
Key points
·
Outstanding photo quality in low light
·
Pocket-sized
·
Classy retro design and operation
·
Poor video mode
Best price online
Price: $419
Website: www.snipca.com
Alternative
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Canon
PowerShot SX260 HS
Price: $270
It can’t quite match the XF1 in low light,
but its 20x zoom may be more useful outdoors
Ratings: 5/5
|
Fujifilm XF1
specs
§ Packaged
Quantity: 1
§ Product
Type: Digital camera - Compact
§ Enclosure
Color: Red
§ Resolution:
12 megapixels
§ 3D
Technology: Yes
§ Optical
Sensor Type: EXR-CMOS
§ Effective
Sensor Resolution: 12,000,000 pixels
§ Optical
Sensor Size: 2/3"
§ Optical
Zoom: 4 x
§ Digital
Zoom: 2 x
§ Image
Processor: EXR Processor
§ Image
Stabilizer: Optical
§ Auto
Focus: TTL contrast detection
§ AE/AF
Control: Subject-tracking AF
§ Face
Detection: Face Recognition
§ Digital
Video Format: H.264
§ Image
Recording Format: JPEG, MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
§ Max
Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
§ AV
Interfaces: HDMI, Composite video/audio
|
