The X-S1 represents a new breed of bridge cameras. Built in Japan to
exacting standards, the body has a high-quality look and feel with metal
dials, a rubberised coating and superior handling characteristics that
will appeal to the discerning photo enthusiast.
In addition, the X-S1 offers a premium picture-taking performance to
match its looks. From the high-quality Fujinon 26x optical zoom lens
through to the EXR sensor taken from the X10 and the wide range of
functions, the X-S1 puts the photographer in complete control.
Maximum optical versatility
The centrepiece of the X-S1 is the Fujinon 26x optical zoom lens.
Offering a range of 24-624mm (35mm equivalent) it caters perfectly for
every photographic need and features a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture at
the wide-angle setting.
This optical range is boosted further by Fujifilm's Intelligent
Digital Zoom capability, which effectively doubles the focal range
without the drop in picture quality normally associated with digital
zoom functions. As a result, the X-S1 offers users an incredible 52x
zoom range of 24-1248mm (35mm equivalent).
Optically, the lens comprises 17 glass elements, which includes four
aspherical elements and two ED lenses, to deliver images with superb
edge-to-edge sharpness and amazing clarity. The lens' construction is of
the highest standard, featuring metal cams for smooth zoom control and
fast, precise framing.
The X-S1 is also ideally suited to capturing subjects close up. In
standard mode, the zoom focuses down to 30cm, but by selecting Super
Macro Mode, users can focus down to 1cm for frame-filling close-up
images. Furthermore, the lens' aperture is made up of nine blades for
excellent bokeh effect photography.
Great results in every picture-taking scenario
The X-S1 features the same 2/3-inch 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor as
the X10 which ensures high quality images regardless of the lighting
conditions.
The unique EXR CMOS technology pioneered by Fujifilm allows the user
to switch between three modes depending on the lighting conditions — or
leave the camera to make its own choice in the Auto EXR mode.
Switching between the modes changes the performance of the sensor.
The High Resolution option is perfect in bright conditions or when the
very best picture quality is the primary aim. Wide Dynamic Range mode
should be chosen in scenes of high contrast when the user wants to get
details in both shadow and highlight areas of an image, while the High
Sensitivity & Low Noise option should be selected for optimum
results in low light conditions.
Coupled to the EXR CMOS sensor is the high speed EXR processor, which
offers a minimal shutter lag of just 0.01sec and a high speed
continuous shooting capability of seven frames-per-second at full
resolution (Large JPEG) or 10 frames-per-second at six megapixel
resolution (Medium JPEG).
The X-S1 also takes high-quality movies. It captures Full High
Definition (1920 x 1080 pixels) video with stereo sound at 30
frames-per-second, which is saved in the H.264 format.
Easy composition and image review
The X-S1 offers a powerful combination of high quality electronic
viewfinder and rear LCD to ensure composing and viewing images is quick
and simple, regardless of the lighting conditions.
The 0.47-inch electronic viewfinder (EVF) features 1.44 million
pixels for superb image clarity and has a wide viewing area of 26
degrees to reduce eye strain. The bright EVF makes it easy to check
settings or adjust focus manually.
On the back of the X-S1 is a high quality, tiltable three-inch LCD.
It features 460,000 pixels making it easier for users to scroll through
menus, assess exposure accuracy and view images. The LCD also offers a
useful Daylight mode that overcomes the problem of viewing the screen in
bright conditions.
Full user control and picture taking versatility
The X-S1 offers a superb level of functionality whether users want to
make picture taking as simple as using a compact or as involved as a
fully-manual digital SLR.
For simplicity, the X-S1 will assess the subject and then select the
relevant scene mode for the perfect result, automatically switching the
EXR CMOS sensor accordingly. Not only does it ascertain the type of
scene being photographed, it can also calculate whether an image
contains a person, features backlighting or has any subject movement.
ISO settings are taken care of too by the Auto ISO mode, which selects
the optimum setting between ISO 100 and 3200. Those after more ISO
flexibility can select up to ISO 12800 (Small JPEG format only).
Photographers after full control are well catered for with the X-S1.
The camera offers a full range of conventional shooting functions
(program/aperture-priority/shutter-priority/manual), plus users can also
fine tune levels of colour, image sharpness and tone. Additionally, the
X-S1 provides four auto bracketing options, eight Film Simulation and
white balance functions and a Raw file format.
FUJIFILM X-S1 key features:
- High quality Fujinon 26x optical zoom covering 24-624mm (35mm equivalent) with Intelligent Digital Zoom boosting range up to 1248mm
- Superb build quality and finish with rubberised coating and metal dials
- 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor
- Up to 10 frames-per-second shooting
- Large EVF with 1.44 million pixels and 26 degree viewing angle
- Tiltable three-inch rear LCD with Sunny Day mode
- Full HD video
- PASM modes
- Raw file format
- Film simulation modes
- Macro focusing down to 1cm
- Lithium battery providing up to 500 shots per charge
- Optical image stabilisation
- 360° Motion Panorama mode