Fujifilm X100F vs X100S: A Deep-Dive into Two Cult Classics for Large Sensor Compact Lovers

When you hear the name Fujifilm X100, you picture a camera that blends classic styling with modern imaging wizardry - a camera that passionate photographers often carry everywhere because it’s just so darn satisfying to shoot with. Now, among the iterations this iconic series has seen, the Fujifilm X100S and Fujifilm X100F represent two significant chapters: the X100S, launched in 2013 as an early jewel of the line, and the X100F, released four years later with promising upgrades. But how do these two stand up side-by-side, nearly a half-decade apart?

Having put both cameras through extensive field tests - from urban street sessions to brisk hikes in the mountains - I’m excited to share a comprehensive comparison that goes beyond spec sheets, diving into real-world handling, technical nuances, and photographic versatility. Grab a coffee, and let’s explore what sets these cameras apart and which might be your perfect fit.

Sitting Side-by-Side: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Both cameras proudly wear the “large sensor compact” badge, boasting APS-C sensors nestled in a fixed-lens package with a classic 35mm equivalent focal length. But even within that similarity, some notable physical differences emerge.

First, a glance at their size and hand-feel:

At exactly 127mm wide, the X100F and X100S share width, but the X100F is just a hair thinner (52mm vs 54mm) and slightly taller (75mm vs 74mm). That may seem trivial, but in hand, the X100F feels more confident and cohesive - thanks in part to the redesigned grip and rear button layout that Fuji refined after fan feedback.

Turning the cameras over reveals more about control ergonomics:

The X100F sports new physical dials for ISO and exposure compensation, offering direct tactile control without diving into menus - a huge plus if you’re a shooter who likes to change settings on the fly, especially on the street or in fast-moving environments. The X100S, by contrast, relies on a less intuitive button/dial combo for these settings, which often slows workflow and can take your eyes off the subject.

In terms of chassis durability, both models lack official weather sealing - a mild disappointment for outdoor shooters - so cautious handling in wet or dusty scenes is advised.

My takeaway: The X100F feels like a camera Fuji thoughtfully refined for better command and ergonomic joy, which becomes especially apparent after shooting several hours. The X100S is charming in its simplicity but doesn’t quite match this user-focused evolution.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality

Here’s where a lot of enthusiasts focus their decision-making: how well does each camera capture light, color, and detail? And, critically, how does sensor technology affect overall image quality?

Both cameras use Fujifilm’s proprietary X-Trans APS-C sensors placed behind non-interchangeable 35mm f/2 lenses, but the tech inside differs significantly.

The X100S is equipped with the X-Trans II sensor offering 16MP resolution, a then-impressive achievement that delivered clean files with excellent color reproduction and shadow detail. Conversely, the X100F advances to the X-Trans III sensor with 24MP resolution - a 50% boost in pixel count without a notable hike in noise or a trade-off in dynamic range.

In practice, this translates to sharper images with the X100F at base and higher ISOs, which is particularly useful when shooting landscapes or portraits where subtle texture detail matters. Likewise, the increase in sensor resolution makes it easier to crop images without significant quality loss, a boon when shooting street scenes from unpredictable distances.

Dynamic Range & ISO Performance

Based on extensive comparisons using RAW files processed through Adobe Lightroom and Capture One, the X100F clearly yields a wider dynamic range, allowing better recovery in shadows and highlights - a critical factor for landscapes under challenging light. The native ISO range is also broader (200–12,800) with an expanded ISO boost up to 51,200, while the X100S caps at 12,800 with a maximal boost of 25,600.

In low-light scenarios, the X100F holds a distinct advantage, offering cleaner results at high ISOs. I recall a nighttime street shoot where the X100F’s files handled underexposure much more gracefully, preserving colors without annoying grain artifacts, unlike the X100S which struggled noticeably at ISO 3200 and beyond.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Shooting with confidence is rooted in how well you can see your scene.

For both cameras, Fujifilm employs the famous Hybrid Viewfinder system - a beautiful technical feat combining an optical tunnel viewfinder with an electronic overlay that’s still unmatched in many respects. However, the displays and magnifications tell a slightly different story.

The X100F upgrades to a 3-inch LCD screen with 1.04 million dots, easily visible in most lighting conditions, even under bright sunshine. Meanwhile, the X100S offers a 2.8-inch screen with just 460k dots, which feels comparatively dim and coarse, especially for reviewing critical focus or color fidelity.

Both cameras share 0.5x magnification in their viewfinders, but the X100F boasts 92% coverage compared to 90% in the X100S - another subtle improvement that creates a noticeably more accurate framing experience.

The X100F’s hybrid finder improves on EVF responsiveness and viewing precision. It also offers better granular real-time exposure and focus peaking overlays, making manual focus a joy - something both cameras cater to, but the newer model does it with more finesse.

Autofocus: Snappy Accuracy or Dragging Feet?

The autofocus (AF) system is the deliberate engine behind capturing fleeting moments, especially in street, wildlife, or sports photography.

The X100S’s 49 autofocus points (contrast-detection only) might have been pioneering at release, but by today’s standards, it’s slow and somewhat indecisive in low contrast or darker settings. It lacks face and eye-detection, which makes portrait focusing a bit of a trial-and-error affair.

Conversely, the X100F boasts a whopping 325 autofocus points with hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection AF - a definitive leap forward in speed and accuracy. It supports face and eye detection, an invaluable aid for portrait and street shooters.

Tracking moving subjects with the X100F is much more reliable (though it’s not a sports camera magnet, just a notable improvement over its predecessor).

In practical use, I found the X100F's AF notably faster and more confident. On a recent wildlife stroll, catching a wary bird as it hopped between branches was frustrating on the X100S but consistently successful on the X100F.

Shooting Modes and Continuous Performance

If you prefer shooting RAW or rely on certain exposure modes, both cameras offer full manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes along with exposure compensation and white balance bracketing. However, continuous shooting performance offers interesting contrasts.

The X100S tops out at 6 fps burst rate - respectable but can fill the buffer quickly in RAW mode. The X100F pushes 8 fps, also with some extended buffer help, allowing better shooting in action sequences or candid street moments. Silent electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000 sec in the X100F further enhances creative control (think shooting wide open on bright days without ND filters).

Video Capabilities: Simple but Serviceable?

Neither camera is designed as a primary video tool, but for casual shooters, video rounding out your kit is a plus.

Both capture Full HD 1080p video, but at slightly different frame rates - 60/50/30 fps on the X100F versus 60/30 fps on the X100S. The X100F also benefits from a microphone input jack, allowing external mics - substantial for vloggers or those who value better audio. Sadly, neither has headphone out.

Image stabilization isn’t built-in, so handheld video steadiness depends largely on operator technique or lenses (fixed lenses here, so your feet are your IS). The lack of 4K video may be a dealbreaker for some, but for still shooters who want decent B-roll, the X100F video features are more than adequate.

Real-World Image Samples

Let’s put theory to practice with some direct comparisons. Here are sample images from both cameras taken on the same day under identical lighting:

Fujifilm X100F front Fujifilm X100F screen back Fujifilm X100S front Fujifilm X100S screen back

You can clearly see the richness and sharpness uplift from the X100F’s files, notably in colors and finer texture. Skin tones appear more natural, and the slight increase in resolution gives the X100F images an added pop without over-processing - a hallmark of Fujifilm’s image science.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Practically speaking, how long can you shoot before hunting for the next recharge?

Fujifilm modestly improved battery life in the X100F - rated at 390 shots per charge using the EVF/OVF combo versus 330 shots on the X100S. In cold or intensive live-view use, expect numbers to fall short of nominal, yet the difference remains meaningful over the course of a full-day shoot.

Both cameras use single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, which means carrying extra cards is advised for longer trips.

Wireless-wise, the X100F offers built-in Wi-Fi for faster photo transfer and remote camera control via smartphone apps. The X100S, meanwhile, leaned on Eye-Fi cards for limited wireless functionality - a dated approach today.

Price Point and Value: What You’re Paying For

At launch, these cameras occupied similar mid- to high-range price brackets, with the X100F pricing slightly higher for the upgrades.

As of now, the X100S often appears discounted heavily on used markets, while the X100F remains popular in new and lightly used categories.

If you’re a collector or love the nostalgia of classic camera designs, the X100S offers exceptional value for solid APS-C photography. However, if you want the best overall image quality, improved autofocus, usability enhancements, and better video functionality, the X100F is worth the premium.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genre

How do these cameras stack up across specific photography types? Here’s an expert breakdown:

• Portraits: X100F’s better autofocus, face/eye detection, and richer color rendering make it a clear winner.
• Landscapes: Higher resolution and dynamic range on the X100F favor landscapes.
• Wildlife: Neither is a telephoto beast, but X100F’s faster AF and burst help.
• Sports: Limited by fixed lens, but X100F’s faster burst slightly tips scales.
• Street: Both shine with compact size, but X100F’s refined controls are preferred.
• Macro: Neither macro-focused; X100S slightly closer focus distance but both limited.
• Night/Astro: X100F outperforms on high ISO and noise.
• Video: X100F offers better specs and input options.
• Travel: Both travel-light heroes, X100F slightly better battery & wireless.
• Professional Work: X100F edges ahead with improved workflow features.

Overall Performance Ratings

If you’re curious about a summarized performance rating, here’s a quick comparative score:

The X100F confidently outpaces the X100S, especially in autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and modern features. But the X100S is far from obsolete, still a competent performer for photographers who prioritize simplicity and budget.

Final Thoughts: Which Fujifilm X100 Suits You?

Let’s cut through the tech-speak and summarize for practical decision-making:

• Choose the Fujifilm X100F if:

  • You want the best image quality in a compact APS-C fixed lens camera.
  • Speedy, accurate autofocus is critical for your shooting style.
  • You shoot portraits and street scenes needing eye detection and refined exposure controls.
  • You appreciate improved battery life and wireless connectivity.
  • You occasionally dabble in video or need better sound options.

• Consider the Fujifilm X100S if:

  • You love classic retro charm with solid stills and can tolerate slower autofocus.
  • Your budget is tight but you want APS-C image quality and the iconic 35mm field of view.
  • Your shooting scenarios lean toward leisurely landscapes or snapshots.
  • You don’t need advanced video, eye detection, or the fastest frame rates.
  • You enjoy a simpler control scheme and don’t mind manual operation.

Both cameras channel Fujifilm’s trademark color science and tactile shooting joy, but the X100F embodies meaningful refinements that push the series forward. For those on the fence, the X100F is my personal recommendation if your budget permits - its blend of classic styling and modern technology is truly hard to beat.

Thanks for joining me on this hands-on journey comparing two beloved models that have shaped the large sensor compact camera landscape. Wherever your choice lands, both cameras promise a rewarding photographic experience worthy of the Fuji nameplate.

Happy shooting!