Fujifilm X-S1 Digital Camera Review

Noise Reduction

The X-S1 has respectable noise performance for a small-sensor camera. We ran our noise tests at each noise reduction setting, like we do with DSLRs and system cameras (which often cost less than the X-S1). But since we're ranking it as a point-and-shoot, we're counting results from just one NR level, in this case the Standard setting.

Numbers-wise, the results are decent. Noise starts at 0.65% at base ISO and rises consistently through the range, tipping the scales beyond 1% at ISO 800 and finishing at 1.5% at ISO 3200. Chroma noise is consistent across all channels, and less present than luma noise.

In real-world terms, shots are a little bit messy starting even at ISO 400, though there isn't a tremendous falloff in detail and clarity until the top setting (ISO 3200). ISO 1600 is still usable. More on how we test noise.

ISO Options

The native (full-res) ISO range stretches from ISO 100 to 3200, and the extended (reduced-res) range stretches up to a whopping ISO 12800. In most shooting modes, settings are user-selectable in full stops, and between ISO 200 and 6400, in one-third stops. In most automatic modes, options are limited to Auto ISO or Auto ISO limits—400, 800, 1600, and 3200.