Review posted 12/14/2012

Quick Take

Pros

High-quality lens produces sharp images Large image sensor allows XF1 to excel in low-light photos Popup flash works well for portrait photos Flash intensity can be adjusted with on-screen menus Mode dial saves time when picking shooting modes Little-to-no shutter lag Very fast autofocus mechanism LCD is very sharp and has 11 brightness setting options Fujifilm included many options for controlling the LCD Several interesting special effect features Several burst modes available Separate battery charger included HDMI slot included Supports shooting in RAW Very sturdy camera build XF1 has an interesting, retro look Small and lightweight feel for a high-quality camera Camera has sturdy build and feel; no part of this camera feels cheap

Cons

Camera is pricey for a fixed-lens model Odd sequence for turning on the camera may frustrate some users Start up takes a bit too long Too easy to power down the camera while simply adjusting the manual zoom lens Although ISO up to 12,800 is available, highest ISO settings only can be used at limited resolutions Quite a bit of noise in higher ISO settings Some glare on the LCD screen is noticeable in sunny shooting situations Flash isn't quite as strong as it should be Flash doesn't work in silent mode 4x zoom lens will disappoint some users Manual zoom can be tricky to use because the lens and camera are small Battery life is well below manufacturer estimates at times

Bottom Line

Some photographers like to have a camera that turns heads because of its interesting look or because of a unique operational feature. The Fujifilm XF1 fixed-lens camera offers both. Some people will enjoy the stylish, retro look of the XF1, with its synthetic leather finish and aluminum trim. Some people will enjoy showing off the unique way in which the XF1 starts up. While the XF1 creates beautiful photos and has quick response times, there are some odd features with this camera that you wouldn't expect to see in a $500 model. For those who love the retro look and don't mind some of the XF1's oddities, it's a model that has enough strengths that it will be well worth the cost. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

FujiFilm continues to add powerful models to their X-series of FinePix cameras, with their latest addition being the new XF1. This unit builds off of their X10, and shares the same improved 2/3" EXR CMOS image sensor, which provides beautiful photos and excellent low-light performance.

Fuji created the XF1 for those who demand not only a capable compact camera, but a stylish one to boot. The XF1 offers a solid aluminum frame that is wrapped in synthetic leather, which is available in three elegant colors: Black, Red, and Brown. Fuji took a minimalist approach, giving you only what you need on the exterior to control the camera. Like most all of the X-series cameras, the XF1 gives you a retro look and feel, adding to its stylish design.

While the camera is as much about style as it is performance, the XF1 doesn't lack features. Like mentioned above, the camera sports a large, 12-megapixel 2/3" EXR CMOS image sensor, Fuji's EXR processor, RAW and JPEG image recording, Full HD video at 1080p (30p) resolution, burst shooting at up to 10fps, a nice pop-up flash unit, improved AF performance over past models, and a new control interface; including a new eFN button.

Helping you frame your subjects is a neat new retractable zoom lens, which helps the camera remain portable. The FUJINON 4x F/1.8 lens covers 25mm-100mm in 35mm equivalence, and features a manual zoom ring; a popular feature among several of Fuji's models. While only extending out to 100mm, Fuji still added their optical image stabilization, which not only helps with long telephoto shots, but at slower shutter speeds as well. This addition further enhances the XF1's low-light abilities.

The XF1 looks to be one appealing new model from Fuji; one that's not only elegant and powerful, but quite affordable at about $499 USD.

FujiFilm FinePix XF1 features;

• Compact and stylish aluminum body that's available in three elegant colors (Black, Tan, Red)
• 12-megapixel, 2/3" EXR-CMOS sensor
• Fast EXR processing unit
  
• High-quality FUJINON Manual 4x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 25-100mm) with Optical Image Stabilization
• Fast aperture range of F/1.8 (wide) to F/4.9 (telephoto)
• EXR Auto plus PSAM manual exposure options
• Bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 460K dots
• Built-in, pop-up flash unit
  
• ISO settings from 100 - 12,800
  
• Macro shooting down to 3cm
• Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap
• Various Artistic effects
  
• Shoot RAW and JPEG image formats
  
• In-camera RAW converter
• Full HD movie recording
  
• Li-ion battery pack (Good for 300 shots)
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot (UHS-1 compliant)
  

The FujiFilm FinePix XF1 comes in lack, Red, or Brown synthetic leather; with a MSRP of $499 USD. Click our lowest price button at the top right of this page to see the lowest price currently online.

What's in the box?:

• XF1 camera body
• NP-50A lithium-ion battery
• BC-45W battery charger
• USB cable
• Instruction manual and software CD
• Hand strap
• Lens cap

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