Noise, resolution and sensitivity
Our resolution chart indicates centre sharpness, for which the XF1 gives a solid performance when used in its optimum setting. When used at the 50mm focal-length setting, the camera is able to resolve up to the 24 marker at ISO 100, which is competitive for a camera at this level but not particularly outstanding.
Results demonstrate, however, that the XF1 is a very capable performer up the ISO range, being able to resolve up to the 20 marker at ISO 3200. This shows a good low-light capability, and is slightly better than that of a number of competitors. The extended ISO 6400 and 12,800 settings use a reduced file size and significantly reduce any discernible detail.
Being made up of seven elements in six groups, the lens design is less complex than that in the X10, possibly because of its size. Overall sharpness isn’t quite to the same level. At the wider focal lengths, detail in the corner of the frame is compromised somewhat, where it is stretched and softened by barrel distortion.
These images show 72ppi (100% on a computer screen) sections of images of a resolution chart, captured with the lens set to 50mm and f/5.6. We show the section of the resolution chart where the camera starts to fail to reproduce the lines separately. The higher the number visible in these images, the better the camera’s detail resolution at the specified sensitivity setting.
