Fujifilm X-S1 Digital Camera Review

Motion

As with most Fujifilm cameras over the past few years, the X-S1 struggles with moving objects in video mode. Motion is fairly smooth—not much stuttering—but most objects leave a visible trail for a few seconds. Artifacts pop up all over the frame, particularly in high-contrast areas (two solid colors meeting each other, for example). The results are fine, but lack a certain refinement that better cameras offer.

When the camera itself pans with any action, it loses focus very easily, then spends a few seconds hunting to find it again—the resulting footage is completely worthless. More on how CamcorderInfo tests motion.

Video has never been one of Fuji's strong suits, and the situation isn't any better with any of their recent cameras, including the HS20EXR superzoom or the X10 premium compact. Canon and Panasonic's top superzooms fare much better, probably because they're made by companies that also have highly rated camcorder divisions.

Video Sharpness

With the X-S1 fixed in position, it can resolve over 500 vertical and 600 horizontal lw/ph. But as soon as it starts panning, the sharpness drops off fast. We measured just 300 vertical and 200 horizontal lw/ph—and that's when it actually maintained focus. More on how CamcorderInfo tests video sharpness.

Dropping the lights down, the results are even worse, with just 175 horizontal and vertical lw/ph, and it had an even harder time holding focus than in good lighting.

Low Light Sensitivity

It's safe to say that the X-S1 is not a good low-light performer. It's basically blind below 42 lux, so nighttime shooting will be incredibly hit or miss.