Features
As already mentioned, the key feature of the Fujifilm X-S1 is the 12-million-pixel, 2/3in (8.8×6.6mm) EXR CMOS sensor. Although the sensor is larger than those typically used in compact cameras, it still isn’t anywhere near the size of an APS-C chip.
To put it into perspective, the company’s own FinePix HS20EXR bridge camera has a 1/2in sensor measuring 6.4×4.8mm, which is a couple of millimetres smaller on each side than the sensor of the X-S1. However, an APS-C-sized sensor typically measures 23.6×15.6mm, so the X-S1 unit, while bigger than that of a typical bridge camera, still has some way to go to match the larger sensor of a DSLR.
Computing the data created by the sensor are two central processing units (CPUs), a reconfigurable processor that adapts depending on the task being undertaken and a graphics accelerator. It is these powerful processing units that allow the X-S1 to shoot at a rate of 5fps for 6-7 frames when shooting raw and JPEG images simultaneously.
Switching to large JPEG images enables the high continuous shooting mode to be used, which allows a shooting rate of 7fps for seven images. Reducing the image size to medium (6 million pixels) allows a super high shooting rate of 10fps. When using all these high-speed modes the focus and exposure settings are locked to the first frame.
Another important feature is the 6.1-158.6mm f/2.8-5.6 26x optical zoom lens. This offers the equivalent view of a 24-624mm optic on a 35mm full-frame camera. As one would expect of a lens with such a large focal length, it is optically stabilised to help reduce the effects of camera shake. At the other end of the scale those wishing to shoot macro images are also catered for, with the lens having a minimum focus distance of just 1cm. All in all, there should be few situations where the lens cannot accommodate the requirements of a novice photographer.
Although the highlights blow out quite easily in JPEGs, more detail can be recovered from raw images
