As part of the X series, the Fujifilm X-S1 ($799.95 direct) is placed among Fuji's top?cameras. The 26x superzoom is as big and heavy as an SLR, but gives you a much longer zoom factor than you'll find in any interchangeable lens camera, and it's got a large rubberized manual zoom ring, a sharp EVF, and an excellent control layout. It delivers better image quality than the similarly designed Fujifilm HS30EXR , especially at higher ISO settings. The 12-megapixel camera earns the same 4-star rating as our Editors' Choice Nikon Coolpix P510 , but despite its design and performance, the high asking price prevents it from earning that award.
Design and Features
At 4.2 by 5.3 by 5.9 inches (HWD) and 2.1 pounds, the XS-1 is as large and heavy as a compact D-SLR. Other superzoom cameras are smaller, including the Canon PowerShot SX40 HS ?it's only 3.6? by 4.8 by 4.2 inches and has a more ambitious 35x zoom lens. If you're used to shooting with an SLR, you'll probably feel a bit more at home with the X-S1?it feels exactly like a smaller D-SLR in the hand, and its lens is operated manually; most superzoom cameras use power zoom lenses that are controlled electronically via a rocker.
With such a large body to work with, it's no surprise that the X-S1's control layout is top-notch. All of the physical controls that you are used to seeing on an SLR?ISO control, EV Compensation, White Balance, AE/AF Lock, Drive Mode, and Flash control?are assigned a button. There's also a Mode Dial, a top-mounted Control Wheel, and two programmable Function buttons. The lens is a 24-624mm f/2.8-5.6 (35mm equivalent) design. It includes a metal hood, intended to maximize contrast and minimize flaring.
The 3-inch, 460k-dot rear LCD is hinged so you can view it from above or below. It's acceptably sharp, although not on the same level as the 921k-dot LCD that's on the back of the Nikon Coolpix P510. Where the X-S1 outshines the competition is its eye-level EVF. The LCD viewfinder has a 1,440k-dot resolution?it's not quite on the same level as the EVF found on Olympus's top-end OM-D E-M5 ?Micro Four Thirds camera, but it's noticeably better than that of the Samsung NX20. Using the eye-level finder rather than the rear LCD makes it possible to hold the camera closer to your body for a steadier shot, which is key when zoomed all the way in.
Performance and Conclusions
We used Imatest to check the sharpness of the X-S1's lens. It scored 1,685 lines per picture height at its widest setting and aperture, which is a bit shy of the 1,800 lines required for a sharp image. This is in line with Fuji's similar HS30EXR, which ekes out 1,704 lines. Where the X-S1 beats the HS30EXR is in terms of image noise?it keeps it below 1.5 percent through ISO 1600, two stops better than the HS30EXR. Image detail is very good at ISO 1600, although for the best quality you'll want to keep the ISO setting at 800 or below.
Video is recorded at 1080p30 or 720p30 quality in QuickTime format. Faster frame rates, including 70fps at 480p, 120fps at 240p, and 200fps at 112p, are supported?but as you can see, the resolution drops off quickly as the frame rate goes higher. The quality of the footage is very good, with sharp details and bright colors. The autofocus system operates during recording, but doesn't pollute the soundtrack with unwanted noise. There is a microphone input on the camera, as well as analog video output, a mini HDMI port, a mini USB port, and a standard hot shoe. Standard SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards are supported.
From an ergonomic perspective, the Fujifilm X-S1 is one of the top superzooms that we've tested. Its control layout is superb, the larger body size actually helps to balance with the long zoom lens, and its EVF is excellent. Its start-up time is a little slow and the lens could be sharper, but support for Raw shooting makes it possible to eke every bit of quality out of images. At close to $800 the X-S1 is prohibitively priced for many buyers, which prevents it from ousting the Nikon Coolpix P510 as our Editors' Choice superzoom camera. If it's within your budget, the X-S1 is a rewarding choice for serious shooters who demand a manual zoom lens.
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