Fujifilm's new FinePix X100 has taken the world of photography by storm with its large sensor packed in a slim rangefinder-inspired point and shoot body.
Undoubtedly, the hottest new camera of summer 2011 has to be Fuji's new Finepix X100. Even demanding professionals are lauding this new advanced, large sensor point and shoot for its fit and finish, ease of use, advanced features and outstanding photo quality.
The X100 offers low profile shooting in keeping with its point and shoot cousins combined with the high quality digital image acquisition usually confined to larger DSLR cameras. Moreover, because of the large APS-C sensor (equivalent in size to what is found in many DSLRs) that is much larger that the very small sensors in most point and shoots, the X100 is able to capture stunning pictures even in low light, with very limited noise.
Fuji says the new X100's sensor "debuts a new standard in high sensitivity/low noise performance and superior image quality, achieving about 10 times the sensitivity of any conventional FinePix compact to date. In addition, using an ingenious approach to the drive and mechanics of the sensor, heat generated by the large-size sensor is effectively dissipated, preventing degradation of performance and image quality."
Moreover, Fuji has engineered the X100 so that the sensor works optimally with the lens affixed to the camera.
"By optimizing the arrangement of the microlens array for the special FinePix X100 lens, the angle of captured incident light from the lens is expanded, improving light collection all the way to the edge area of the image sensor," Fuji says. "As a result, a sufficient quantity of light can be directed to the photodiodes for the production of exceptionally sharp and clear image quality even in the image edge areas."
Fuji has packed these and other class-leading technological features into a handsome retro chassis that recalls the classic rangefinder cameras of the 1950s and 1960s and pays homage to the very expensive Leica rangefinders available today. Fortunately, for most camera enthusiasts, it does so in a price range substantially less than Leica's.
While the Fuji X100 is still among the most expensive point and shoot camera's available its combination of form, function and quality make it a compelling class leader.
