The Evolution of a Classic—the New Fujifilm X100F Premium Compact Camera
Six years ago, Fujifilm launched the X100. This now-legendary premium compact camera laid the foundation for the Fujifilm X System, which has captivated photography enthusiasts and design aficionados alike with its classic controls, outstanding image quality, and stunning design. This successful series continued with the X100S and the X100T.
Now, with the Fujifilm X100F, Fujifilm is introducing the fourth generation of the X100 series.
Equipped with a 24.3-megapixel X-Trans1 CMOS III sensor in APS-C format and the X Processor Pro, it achieves a whole new level of performance. The autofocus and hybrid optical viewfinder have also been further improved. Another new feature is the ACROS Film Simulation for exceptionally high-quality black-and-white images.
Excellent image quality and fast data processing
The high-resolution 24.3-megapixel X-Trans1 CMOS III APS-C sensor features a unique pixel arrangement that suppresses optical image artifacts such as moiré and false colors, without requiring a low-pass filter that would reduce resolution. This allows the high resolution of the FUJINON lens to be fully utilized. Combined with the powerful X Processor Pro, the X100F achieves image quality comparable to that of larger sensors.
The X Processor Pro processes image data extremely quickly, delivering outstanding color reproduction and the finest tonal gradations.
Even at high ISO sensitivities, both stills and video feature excellent noise performance. Fujifilm’s color technology ensures natural skin tones, clear blue skies, and rich greens. The camera captures colors very faithfully in every situation.
The X100F’s resolution is 1.5 times higher than that of its predecessor.
Optimized signal processing still allows for sensitivities up to ISO 12,800 without any loss of quality; in addition, there are extended settings up to ISO 51,200. Even at very high ISO settings, images are characterized by minimal noise, rich blacks, and attractive textures. Even in low light, the X100F captures images of captivating quality.
With Fujifilm’s Film Simulations—whose unique color reproduction is based on over 80 years of research and development in the field of photographic film—you can impressively capture the texture of the subject and the special atmosphere of the moment the photo was taken. The new ACROS mode delivers black-and-white images with fine tonal gradations, deep shadows, and excellent detail reproduction.
The X100F can produce a grain effect that mimics the look of analog film photography. Two settings are available: Strong and Weak. Both can be combined with any of the film simulations. The film grain effect is also available in the camera’s built-in RAW converter for post-processing.
Fast autofocus
The X100F is extremely fast. With a power-on time of just 0.5 seconds, a frame rate of 0.2 seconds, a shutter release time of 0.01 seconds, and an AF speed of 0.08 seconds, the camera responds exactly as the user intends.
Compared to the previous model generation², the number of AF points has been increased from 49 to 91 (a maximum of 325 points is possible). The 40 AF points in the center (approximately 40% of the image area) are equipped with particularly fast and precise phase-detection pixels. They enable precise focusing even in challenging shooting situations and faster focusing when photographing moving subjects. The AF algorithm has been completely redesigned. The camera now focuses reliably even in backlit conditions on low-contrast and finely textured subjects such as bird feathers or fur.
The contrast-detection autofocus, which covers approximately 85 percent of the image area, operates significantly faster and with even greater precision, as the readout speed of image data has doubled compared to previous models. Even in very low light (down to -3 EV), the X100F focuses precisely.
Six different AF modes are available.
Within the main modes—AF-S (for stationary subjects) and AF-C (for moving subjects)—you can select either “Single-point” or “Zone” to adjust the size of the active AF area to the subject’s needs. In addition, there is the “Wide/Tracking” function, in which the camera automatically activates multiple AF points for focusing. With the “Single-point” and “Zone” settings, the size and position of the focus area can be adjusted using the focus lever next to the LCD screen.
Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder
The X100F features anadvanced hybrid viewfinder that combines an optical and an electronic viewfinder. Using the viewfinder lever on the front of the camera, the user can easily switch between the two modes.
When shooting with the optical viewfinder (OVF), an electronic rangefinder (ERF) image can be displayed, allowing you to check exposure and white balance without leaving the optical viewfinder. There are three options for the ERF display: 100% (full frame), 2.5x magnification, and 6x magnification. With focus aids such as the digital split-image or focus peaking function, precise manual focusing is possible even in OVF mode.
The viewfinder offers built-in parallax correction, which marks the actual frame being captured using a highlighted frame in the optical viewfinder. This feature is particularly helpful for close-ups, allowing you to determine the frame accurately. The correction also affects the focus area, allowing the user to focus with even greater precision.
The refresh rate of the electronic viewfinder has been increased to a constant 60 frames per second. This makes it very easy to compose the image, even in low light.
Intuitive and Easy Operation
The controls on the back of the camera have been rearranged. All essential buttons and dials are now located to the right of the display. This allows users to adjust settings without taking their eye off the viewfinder.
As a nod to the era of analog film cameras, the X100F’s ISO dial has been integrated into the shutter speed dial. This means the user does not have to turn on the camera specifically to check the ISO and shutter speed settings. If the dial is set to “A” and the “Control Dial” setting is enabled in the camera menu “ISO Dial Setting” is set to “Control Dial,” ISO values can be adjusted via the control dial on the front of the camera within the standard sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 12,800 in third-stop increments.
The focus lever is located on the back of the camera. By moving the joystick, you can shift the focus area in eight directions (up/down, right/left, and diagonally).
The exposure compensation dial is now located where the control dial used to be. When set to “C,” the user can adjust the compensation using the control dial on the front of the camera. The compensation range is expanded to +/-5 f-stops.
Not only the controls but also the camera’s build quality now appear more streamlined and premium. The top and bottom plates of the X100F are made of a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy that, thanks to a special surface treatment, has the appearance of steel. The body is equipped with a durable, non-slip coating that feels like genuine leather and provides optimal protection against impacts and damage. The X100F is entirely “Made in Japan”—a hallmark of quality that stands for reliability, meticulous craftsmanship, and excellent quality.
Brilliant FUJINON 23 mm F2 Lens
The built-in FUJINON 23 mm F2 lens (35 mm equivalent to 35 mm film format) was developed specifically for the X100 series. It offers high resolution and thus maximum sharpness across the entire image area.
The optical design comprises eight glass elements in six groups, including a double aspherical element and a convex lens made of high-refractive-index glass. This design helps produce images with minimal aberrations, high resolution, and very natural color reproduction. Each lens is coated with a high-quality FUJINON HT-EBC coating that effectively suppresses ghosting and flare.
Advanced Full HD Video Recording
In video mode, users can choose from six different frame rates: 59.94p / 50p / 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p. Additionally, the popular film simulations can be applied. “Classic Chrome,” for example, gives video recordings a classic newsreel look, while the ACROS black-and-white mode produces monochrome footage with subtle tonal gradations and deep black shadows. There are a total of nine film simulations, which can be fine-tuned using the “Highlight Tone,” “Shadow Tone,” “Color,” and “Sharpness” settings.
Exposure can also be controlled manually while filming. By adjusting the aperture, shutter speed³, and ISO sensitivity, you can achieve exactly the desired image result.
When filming, the intelligent hybrid autofocus automatically selects the AF technology best suited to the shot: phase-detection or contrast AF. Of course, manual focusing is also possible with the X100F.
3 Aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted during recording. Shutter speeds cannot be longer than the selected frame rate.
Wi-Fi features for remote control of the camera via a smartphone4
With the X100F, transferring images and videos to a smartphone, tablet, or computer is easy. Using the free “Fujifilm Camera Remote” app, images are transferred from the camera to a smartphone or tablet with just the press of a button. Users can view the photos and videos stored in the camera on their smartphone and select them for transfer. To ensure they can recall exactly where a particular shot was taken later on, they have the option to save the geocoordinates recorded by the smartphone in the image files.
The smartphone also serves as a remote control, allowing users to trigger the camera and adjust key shooting settings. This is handy not only for group photos and selfies, but also, for example, for creating dramatic long-exposure shots in the evening.
Photos can be sent from the camera to an instax SHARE smartphone printer and printed there. Using the camera’s Wi-Fi function5, images can also be easily backed up6 to a computer.
4 For smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system, as well as iPhone/iPad.
5 Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
6 The free Fujifilm PC AutoSave software must be installed on the computer.
Additional Features
The X100F features a digital converter that allows you to frame shots as if using a 50mm or 70mm lens. Combined with the lens’s 35mm focal length, this provides three different angles of view.
In addition to the aperture ring, the lens features a control ring that allows you to quickly access and adjust frequently used settings. Using the built-in control ring button, you can assign any function to the control ring, such as ISO sensitivity or film simulation.
The X100F features a built-in neutral density filter (ND3), which allows you to shoot with a wide aperture or use a longer exposure time in bright light. The filter reduces the amount of light by three f-stops to one-eighth of the original brightness. It can be activated using one of the function buttons or via the camera menu.
The silent electronic shutter offers ultra-fast shutter speeds of up to 1/32,000 of a second. This allows you to take photos with a shallow depth of field even in bright lighting conditions. Since no mechanical parts move, the camera triggers absolutely silently—ideal conditions for Schnappschüsse of shy animals and sleeping children.
The creative filters open up a wide range of possibilities for artistic expression. Users can choose between Pop Color, Pinhole, Miniature, Dynamic Color Depth, Partial Color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet), and Star Filter (Cross Filter), as well as apply special shooting techniques such as High Key and Low Key.
The X100F supports multiple exposure, which merges two shots into a single image. The first photo is displayed on the screen and overlaid by the semi-transparent viewfinder image of the second shot. This allows both shots to be perfectly combined. This feature makes it very easy for users to create artistic effects and produce images that stand out from ordinary photos.
With the interval function, users can capture time-lapse sequences at any interval ranging from one second to 24 hours.
