Fujifilm X-S1 Digital Camera Review

Shooting Modes

The X-S1 offers manual (PASM), automatic, and preset scene modes, as well as specialty (or “advanced”) modes like a 360-degree sweep panorama and multi-shot composite modes. It also accommodates three user-definable custom settings—always useful.

Focus

In good lighting, the X-S1 has strong focus performance for a fixed-lens camera. It's quick and usually accurate (not always, but that'll happen) throughout the focal range. Performance drops off quite a bit in poor lighting, which is to be expected, but it's still effective.

The X-S1 uses 49-area, contrast-detection autofocus. Single and continuous AF are supported, and multi-area, spot, and tracking frame areas are available. Super macro mode can focus from as close as 1cm.

Manual focus is also an option. MF is usually tricky on fixed-lens cameras with modest sensors, but the X-S1 is pretty well-suited for the job. The electronic viewfinder is actually high-res enough to see the details in the subject, which is more than we can say for most EVFs. The lens ring is smooth too. If all else fails, there’s a snap-to-AF option available as well.

Recording Options

The X-S1 maxes out at 12 megapixels of resolution (4000x3000 pixels). It can shoot in four aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1) at three photo sizes each (Large, Medium, and Small). It captures JPEG, RAW, and RAW+JPEG formats. JPEGs are usually about 5MB each, and RAW files are usually a shade under 20MB.

Other Controls

The X-S1 offers a few extra fine-tuning controls that haven't been discussed elsewhere in the review.

Highlight Tone

Adjusts the appearance and intensity of highlights.

Shadow Tone

Adjusts the appearance and detail in shadows.

Advanced Anti-blur

Uses some software trickery to remove the blur from photos taken in EXR Auto mode.