Photography news, before it happens

credit: farwesttexasphotog (flickr)

A reader send me his first hands-on impressions with the Fuji X100 camera from the CP+show. He was not allowed to take any sample images:

1. Three shutter sounds are programed in. They all sound HORRIBLE. Nothing like the satisfying “click” one would expect from a retro-classic camera.
2. No front filter threads as far as I can see. Not sure what the deal is with that unless they have a non-standard mount. ND filter is built in.
3. Focus ring rotation can be set to adjust clockwise or counter-clockwise. That’s neat.
4. Eye point detection sensors are problematic. Moving my hand over the rear LCD activated the EVF and shut down the LCD. Placement of the eye sensors seems wrong.
5. Menu system level 1 is a two-way tree “Camera” and “Set”. Cascades down from there. Seems like an ok user interface.
6. I think I’d prefer a $1200 camera to feel a bit heavier. It feels too light a.k.a. cheap to me. I jokingly suggested they stick some lead weights in it… an underling scribbled some notes (!).
7. No seals on the battery/SD card compartment or interface door. I’d expect a rubber ring as a minimum at this price point.
8. The focus mode slide switch on the left side seems to be a weak point to me. If it’s not sealed I suspect also a point for water ingress. It’s the weakest control device on the unit IMHO.
9. The top dials and on/off/shutter release all feel fine.
10. The viewfinder is pretty good. It’s easy to switch from EVF to OVF.