Verdict
While a handful of people predicted that the emergence of compact system cameras would signal the death of bridge models, compact system cameras have also presented bridge camera manufacturers with a new opportunity. Manufacturers seem to be freeing themselves of the constraints of what have now become traditional sensor sizes, and can now to produce new products with sensor sizes that didn’t exist a few years ago.
The Fujifilm X-S1 has to be one of the best bridge cameras ever released. That is not to say it is perfect, but by managing to combine the convenience of its huge zoom lens with the image quality of a good compact camera, as well as the basic handling and control features of a DSLR, it succeeds in filling a gap in the market.
Those learning photography or who want a powerful zoom, but without the weight of a DSLR and a collection of lenses, will enjoy using the Fujifilm X-S1. Similarly, the X-S1 could be a valid option for aspiring wildlife photographers due to it being less expensive than buying a 300mm lens and a 1.4x converter.
Fujifilm X-S1 key highlights
Eye sensor
The sensor to the right of the viewfinder automatically switches on the viewfinder display when the camera is held to the eye
Articulated screen
The 3in rear screen is articulated, making it easy to shoot at low or high angles
Flash
As well as a built-in pop-up flash, the X-S1 has a hotshoe that is TTL compatible with Fujifilm EF-20 and EF-42 flashguns.
Panoramic mode
Panoramic images of up to 360˚ can be captured in a single-motion sweep. The resulting pictures can measure up to 11,520×1624 pixels – more than 18.7 million pixels in total.
Digital zoom
On top of the already impressive 24-624mm equivalent zoom lens, the X-S1 has a digital zoom that increases the zoom range from 26x to 52x, or 1,028mm equivalent. Obviously, the image size is halved in this mode to 6 million pixels and you can achieve the same quality by just cropping the image post-capture.
Super Macro Mode
When shooting in Super Macro Mode, the minimum focus distance from the front of the lens is just 1cm. Again, this helps to make the X-S1 a good all-round camera for those learning the basics of photography.
Raw
Pressing this button switches the camera to raw shooting mode for the next image that is taken.
Quick record
This button enables start and stop video capture
