Fujifilm X70 review – Features
Let’s start by taking a look at the sensor, and Fujifilm have stuck with the now tried and tested 16.3-million-pixel APS-C size X-Trans CMOS II sensor that we’ve seen in the likes of the X-T1, X-T10 and X100T. With its unique filter array, this semi-randomised arrangement sees the sensor’s propensity to give false colour reduced. This, in turn, does away with the need for an optical low-pass filter that’s traditionally used to counter moiré effects.
Sticking with this sensor sees the standard output sensitivity range remain at a moderate 200-6,400, but if you’re prepared to rely on a JPEG file only, it can be expanded to 100-51,200 for further shooting options.
As we’ve seen with other Fujifilm cameras over recent years, the X70 features a dynamic range setting, designed to avoid clipped highlights, with DR 200% adding an extra stop and DR 400% adding two stops. Nothing’s for free, though, and the payoff is the increase in minimum sensitivity to ISO 400 for DR 200% and ISO 800 for DR 400%. I personally prefer to stick with DR 100%, but that’s not to say that in some situations DR 200% isn’t a handy feature to have, though I tend to shy away from the DR 400% setting.
The X70’s Auto ISO set-up works very well also, letting you set a minimum and maximum aperture, as well as a minimum shutter speed you’re prepared to use when handholding, so you can get stuck in with the serious business of taking photos, while there’s the option to save up to three Auto ISO set-ups.
Though it may look like the X70 shares the same 23mm f/2 (35mm equivalent) lens as its bigger brother from a distance, the optic on the front is actually a 18.5mm f/2.8, providing a focal length equivalent to roughly 28mm. Whether this is too wide for your shooting style will depend on what you like to shoot, but personally I’ve always loved this field of view. As we saw with the X100 series, the X70 has a dedicated aperture ring running round the lens barrel, with 1/3-stop aperture adjustments ranging from f/2.8 to f/16.
The X70 also sports a digital tele-converter, with 35mm and 50mm options to choose from. It does mean you’ll lose resolution as you’re essentially cropping in on the middle of the frame and it’s an option that can only be used when shooting JPEGs.
The manual focus ring, as well as doing the obvious, can also be set up in the menu to control a selection of other features – White Balance, ISO, Film Simulation, Digital Tele-converter and a default setting.
The manual focus ring (or control ring as it’s known) isn’t the only configurable option on the X70, with a further eight function buttons available that can be tailored to suit you.
