Product Review

Compact Camera

Fuji X100

Key Features

· 12 MP (APS-C) CMOS

· Hybrid viewfinder - optical & electronic

· Fixed 23mm F2 lens (equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera)

· 2.8 inch TFT colour LCD, 460,000 pixels

· ISO 200-6400 (100-12800 extended)

· 1280x720 HD movie recording with stereo sound

· Built in flash

· HDMI connectivity

· Magnesium alloy body

When Fuji released the FinePix X100 earlier this year the market was instantly taken by the compact camera with a SLR sized sensor and its trendy retro design.

The X100 sports a 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, a 23mm fixed focal length F/2 lens and a 2.8 inch LCD screen in a robust and compact magnesium alloy body.

The key feature of this camera is its unique hybrid viewfinder that lets the photographer switch between the optical or high resolution electronic viewfinder, as well as the rear LCD screen - meaning camera enthusiasts have a choice of how they can get their perfect shot depending on the lighting and weather conditions.

Fuji made the decision to use a fixed rather than interchangeable lens on the X100. While this may have put off some potential buyers, it seems the decision has paid off as the camera delivers high quality images from its CMOS sensor.

With many comparisons being made between the X100 and the Leica X1, the below table looks at how the two compare;

Key Features Comparison

	Fuji X100	Leica X1
Body material	Magnesium alloy	Magnesium alloy
Effective pixels	12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor	12.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Sensitivity	200-6400 (100 & 12800 extended)	100-3200
Continuous shooting	5 frames per second	3 frames per second
HD video	1280x720 HD video recording with stereo sound	No video capture
Lens	23mm (35mm equivalent) Fixed lens	24mm (35mm equivalent) Fixed lens
Viewfinder	Hybrid - optical & electronic viewfinder	Optional optical viewfinder via hot shoe
LCD panel	2.8 inch TFT LCD 460,000 pixels	2.7 inch TFT LCD 230,000 pixels
Storage	SD/SDHC/SDXC	SD / SDHC
Dimensions (mm)	126 x75x54	60x124x32
Weight (camera body)	405g	286g

This camera is ideal for those who demand quality without the size of a SLR camera. The X100 delivers excellent sharp images with the added bonus of HD video in a stylish compact body.

The Fuji X100 is available from Georges Camera Store Sydney (in store and online).

•   Fujifilm Finepix X100 Digital Camera $1,150.00

Fuji digital cameras, Fuji SLR cameras, SLR lenses and Fuji camera accessories are available at Georges Camera Store Sydney or online at http://www.georges.com.au