Fujifilm X100s Feature-by-Feature Walk-Thru 

I know this is an old video but I wanted to tell you I bought this camera in 2013 because of you, and I still use and love it. And I love that you made this video. Whenever I get GAS, I rewatch this video and it rekindles the excitement I felt when I first saw it in 2013. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you.

Probably the best 40 minutes I've spent in front of my computer in a long time. Many thanks for doing this.

Just bought this camera used because any camera in this line is so hard to track down. This was the best video for going through this camera. I am excited to use it! May sell my old kit.

THIS is what was missing on RU-vid. A no-stress, professional walkthrough of every feature. Thanks!

Six years later, this is still super helpful. Thank you VERY much David!

Happy to find this again to prepare for my X100Vl arrival. Thanks, DH

Just picked up a new Fuji X100VI here in August 2024. David, I first watched you in a DRTV video many years ago with Kai Wong and found the video was a lot of fun. Then again, there was a little cameo with Lok Cheung at the launch of the X-Pro2. When I saw that you had produced a video on the X100S I knew it would be worth watching, even though that is now a rather old camera. I was right, really informative and interesting video. Many thanks.

For anyone interested in the Fuji X100s (or having already bought it and learning how to use it) I did a pretty comprehensive webcam tutorial, below. You can also see an ongiong gallery of photos I have shot with it, here: www.flickr.com/photos/davidhobby/sets/72157633301773916/show/ #Fujix100s

Hey David, Thanks so much for this amazing quick overview of the functions of the X100s. I shoot mostly on vacation and return here before each trip to refresh myself on the menus and to inspire me to try out new custom set ups. Big thumbs up.

David ....thanks soooo much. I just grabbed my X100s (black) an hour ago. Sat a bit numb "where do i start", searched found your vid and ...yeaaaaa bring it on. So much a help honestly. Cheers mate

Just got this camera upgrading from a D80. It is was beyond me, after watching this video, I think I am ready to get out and shoot and learn some more. The most productive 40 minutes I have spent in awhile. Brilliant, what an excellent overview of this fine camera. Thanks

Been lusting for an X100s, and finally got one. This video is a great help in getting started with it.

Best camera breakdown in history. Great job David.

thank so much for this video. i'm new to photography and just purchased this camera recently. i'm really excited to start!

Hey David, just got my 100s after reading your review. You're right, this is a superb piece of kit! I have to echo a few of your points. The silence is deafening. You can literally be right behind someone snapping away and they have no idea you are there. Did you mention the ND? I may have missed that. A great addition to bring the lens down a couple of stops. All in all a fantastic 'Leica like' mirrorless rangefinder that goes everywhere with me. Great review.

Thanks David! Loved this Tutorial. My x100s was sitting as I felt overwhelmed but now my settings are set and I'm ready to shoot!

Good ol' internet.... 5 years after you made this video I have picked up a X100s and a bunch of accessories for $350. It arrives tomorrow. After watching this video of yours, I feel like a kid before christmas. Great tips etc, thanks!

Awesome video...This camera is the DSLR killer when it comes to everyday use for photography. I never leave home without it. X100s makes you want to shoot more.

One of the best video's on the x100 series cameras I have seen, pack with all the info I wanted to know, will be having a good look at the x100t for my next trip abroad. Thanks

Thanks for taking the time to make this video! This is a must see for any x100s owner.

Watching this banished any doubts I had about getting an X100S. Really entertaining and informative tube. I have to switch off some tubes that are 10 times shorter than this, as they're so dry and dull. This is paced perfectly - your enthusiasm and personality come across brilliantly.

best review of the fuji x100s i've seen so far, thanks!

Picking my x100s tomorrow... long wait... very excited and your video made me learn about the camera even more.. thanks and keep up the good job

One of the clearest exlanations and descriptions i have heard. Thankyou

Fantastic walk through. Looks like such a sweeet camera. Sooo want one. Great stuff. Also great seeing your enthusiasm talking about this camera. Your enthusiasm + Zack's enthusiasm = must be one pretty badass piece of camera.

I really enjoyed your tutorial here. I just bought the 100s, I mean I'm still waiting for it to arrive, and I thought I would get a jump on learing the little things that's different with each brand of camera. This really helped.

Thanks David. I have an x100, but still watched with joy..

Thanks David!!!! Cannot wait to get this camera!!! Will be taking it to Copenhagen, Switzerland, and Germany in July for it's maiden travel gig.

Sir thank you for everything you do. You're blog changed my life. I used to lug around pack and head flash, now it's pretty much speed lights on location. Plus you turned me on to Midwest Photo. I love the LP180 flashes. Anne and the gang know me by name now. I just got my X100s from them. I've wanted ever since I saw your first post about the original. It's that leaf shutter that I really wanted. Fuji rocks. Have XE2 as well. Still use a Canon 6D2, but I actually like the Fuji's better. The manual focus peaking is just fantastic. I think the Fuji color is more natural than the Canon. (Don't get me wrong, the Canon 6D is a incredible camera for the money) Thanks again. Loved the lighting lessons on color. Made me rethink 30 years of commercial shooting.

Awesome review man, cheers! After saving up for my 6d for the last few months out of nowhere I decided to buy this camera in black, which I should have in a couple of weeks. Reviews like yours have encouraged me to change the way I look at photography. Thank you for taking the time to review this camera and share it. I will still get my 6d but I believe this camera is more practical and will be much more fun and creative to use.

Excellent review. Big thanks. Just bought the Oly EM5II and seriously thinking of getting the X100s as an everyday-always-in-my-bag camera after watching your video.

Awesome video. I am considering the x100s as my walk around camera - my main camera is a Sony a7iii - and this really helps. Thanks a bunch.

Fantastic, detailed walkthrough. Thank you very much for taking the time to make it. Easily the best I've seen on this camera.

I want to stop watching this great video as its making me feel like upgrading from my beloved X100 even though I can't afford it! Thx David! :)

David - sincere thanks for posting this. It has sped up my learning curve no end

I bought the original X100 because I had more money than brains and was disappointed. But I liked the beast, so when the X100S came out I had to have it. I went with the black body. I opted for a Fuji hood, a thumb grip, high grade UV filter, a soft release button, and a half case. Oh, and a wrist strap. I don't like a camera bouncing on my chest, but I don't want to just hand-carry it either. This way if I need both hands I can just let the camera drop and it's not going anywhere. And, like you, I have my custom modes set. Wonderful camera, great review, thanks!

Got my X100s few weeks ago and I love it. Thank you for the review, this is extremely helpful!

Thank you very much for an excellent overview - I watched once (without paying too much attention) before I got my x100s and once again (this time paying attention) when I got it.

Just bought this camera. Thanks a lot for this comprehensive guide. Helped me a lot, especially for the "Q" button features. Kind regards.

Hi David, this is one of the best and most informative videos I have seen in a long time. At the beginning of the recording you say you tend to underexposed a little. Why exactly is that and how does this not contradict with the ETTR technique you read about otherwise? Thanks, Harald

I got my Fuji X100S in the mail today, and it really helped me to hear about your settings for specific things. FYI After some testing of my own, I found that the noise reduction works best at -1 as well.

Thanks for the review and tips! Much appreciated! I'm a very amateur photographer (more hobby) and heading overseas in August (Europe backpacking for three months) and will be upgrading my fujifilm s5700 to this for sure!

Thanks david. After owning it back at DSS. I have been enjoying it. I really left my 5d3 in its bag since then. Its really helpful video. I dint know how i missed it since a month. Keep it up

thanks for this, just got mine.fantastic camera. btw: the strobist site changed my life. I mostly ditched all my pack and head lighting for speed lights. and you turned me onto MPEX.. Love those folks.

Hi Dave. Great review. Thanks for going into detail on using the many functions on the camera. It was because of your review that i decided to purchase the X100s. @28:10 where you talk about the optic and electronic viewfinders, and having the corrected AF frame ON in the optic viewfinder for close portraits; I agree its useful to have it ON if you primarily use it for portraits or macro (i.e less than 1m from the subject). However if you use it for street photography and other uses and are 2m or more away from the subject then the adjusted AF frame in the optic viewfinder will be off target so its better to have it OFF in that situation. Most of my shots are more than 2m from the subject so i always have it OFF.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Huge help. I LOVE this camera.

Thank You Sir I really learned a lot about my Camera will watch your video several tmes and work this beautiful machine Used Canon SLR for years now I just us my Fujifilm Good Luck looking foward to watching more of your works Jim

Thank you, just learning to use this camera and your video is perfect!

Yes, I am shooting flash with it. I have a basic post coming next week (on Strobist), and will be getting more into it as I start to push the camera's leaf shutter / flash capabilities.

Very good, enthusiastic review. You forgot to speak about video performance of this new X100S. I have both camera X100 & X100S. Thanks for this deep review.

Thank you, just picked up a mint low shutter count X100s. You just gave me a great starting point!

Got my X100s two days ago and already have a Fuji adapter and lens hood, San Disk 32gb Extreme Pro SDHC, and two spare batteries. The video was excellent for someone, like me, who is still trying to amass the knowledge to use this fantastic camera. Although I have a background in photography (BFA in Photography back in the film era), learning all that I should know with this camera is still a daunting task. BTW, I decided not to go with a filter on the adapter. The lens hood should be adequate.

Thanks for sharing David, love your enthusiasm and positive energy, I have taken all your classes over at Lynda, I find all very inspiring!

Great, David. Thanks. I just wish you talked a bit more about OVF vs EVF. Which one do you use more often?

So useful and such help that I don't eve know where to begin Thank you so very. Much

Great review. I have the X20 have most of these features also, but am thinking of upgrading to the X100S

That was really helpful. Sorry for the silly question, but you mentioned shadows with the hood. Does that mean every shot you take you're removing the hood?

Hey David, i need your personal opinion. I shoot mostly weddings and events alike. Most of the times im a second shooter, so i take more of a photo journalistic approach. I tend to keep 2 cameras on me (D600 with the 85mm and a D7000 with the new sigma 18-35 1.8). Im thinking of getting rid of my D7000 and get a Fuji. Im supper undecided between the X100s and the EX-2. Do you think that the Fujis autofocus can be trusted in low light at a wedding? I really like the X100s for the leaf shutter properties, but im afraid the fixed zoom will limit me. What do you suggest? Also, i have a few question: - Does the noise reduction option slow down writing time of file? - Are the “film”/ advanced filter pictures given in JPEG,or are they kind of a RAW processing in camera? - When you use the "HDR" option, does it give you a jpeg or a raw? Thank you

Thanks! That was a great feature run down. Would love to see a video on how the features of this camera would benefit a strobist as well. Thanks again love the way you teach.

Hi David, thank you for this very interesting tutorial. I’m now ready to get out there and take some awesome picture. Cheers.

Thanks David...from a proud owner of the X100S!

Here are my current custom settings: C1: Color Neg film (the low contrast choice) -1 on highlight tone, -1 on shadow tone, -1 on color saturation. This gives an airy, 1970's look. Kinda like faded film. C2: Velvia film, -1 on highlight and shadow tones, +1 on color saturation. Feels like a snappy slide film. C3: B&W(y) film (i.e., Black and White with a yellow filter for darker skies and lighter skin tones.) Red B&W(r) does more, but it is a lot. Plus 1 on shadow tone, Plus 1 on highlight.

Thanks for the tips! I got X100 not too long ago and based on a quick 3am test the custom modes and h/s tone adjustments are really nice.

thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you, mister Hobby. Je n’ai jamais vu de vidéo aussi intéressante, aussi bien expliquée et aussi sympathique. Il faut absolument que vous remplaciez les horribles manuels fournis avec les appareils ;/)) Encore une fois … thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you,thank you, … Patrick, Royaume de Belgique.

Great stuff! How are you shooting OCF with this ? Are you covering up the three terminals on the hotshoe ? If so, what are you using for that ?

WOW. Great review/overview of the camera. I learned a bunch from you. Thank you very much for taking the time.

Hey question. I just picked up a x100s and I absolutely love it. While doing some research on the camera, I read somewhere that having the lens cap on while the camera is on could cause the lens to collide with the lens cap. I’m not sure if that’s possible since the lens does not extend pass the front element. Have you had any experience with this or encountered an issue with having the lens kept on while the cameras on?

This video is legendary for x100 users.

Hi David, thanks a lot for Your outstanding video. I learned a lot and the way You present it, is totally cool. Very straight forward, no freaky effects etc.. Perfect. I just bought a x100s, because it came less expensive since the t-model is on the market and I am very happy with it up to now. The only problem I experienced so far is the underexposure of people in medium backlight conditions. I tried to use the three possibilities the camera offers for the exposure measurement, but it seems to me, that the camera does not save the correct exposure parameters, when turning the AF-point away from the person, but tries to expose the picture correct at the AF-point that I am now aiming to. Is that the time to use the "AFL/AEL"-button? If You could give me a hint on how to take a correct exposed picture of a person in front of a rather bright background, I would be very thankful. And why is my flash "Auto"-funktion not available any more? Can I restore that by any means? Anyway, thanks again for the perfect work You've done with Your video.

Great walk thru David. I have the Xpro2 (viewfinder being repaired as I type so I have been shooting with the x100s which a student sold me a while back. Actually spent a full day out, shot 500 frames on the streets and cannot put it down. Your walk thru really brought me up to speed. Have you done anything with the X pro 2, or do you not actually have one?

This explains a lot. I've been wondering what's so special about this camera. Now I know.

Hey Jimi! Thanks for the shoutout. I really hope to make it to Indonesia one day!

Very interesting stuff! I will get a X100 to start with since they got so cheap...we'll see. Anyway many thanks to you David for this great review. Cheers from Hamburg, Christophe

Hi David, fantastic overview. You mentioned 3rd party batteries. Do you use them and any thoughts on how they fare vs. the OEM Fuji batt at 3x the price?

Do you always under expose by 2/3? And do you have anymore information on this? I tried this myself and it worked out pretty well, just want to read some more information on it. Thanks!

Thanks so much! I watched this after asking the question today on your x100s-with-flash blog post asking if you don't shoot RAW. More questions! Since you don't shoot RAW, do you trust auto white balance or set it manually? I'm in the habit of leaving it on auto when shooting RAW. Thoughts? Also, since you've dedicated the function button to it, I guess you set the ISO manually a lot. Again, does auto ISO not do it for you so much in Aperture priority? Thanks again! I'm loving this camera!

Impressive insights... thank you David!

Dave, The reason for more DR with higher EI (aka ISO) is because of the way digital sensors work. They are linear devices, so if you shot at 18% graycard at a given EI and looked at the RAW linear code values (can't do this easily is PS) they'd be at a particular value. Add 1 stop more exposure, the CV would be twice what it was previously. -1 stop, half. For most cameras the base exposure usually puts 18% gray at about 5-9% of the total code value range. (to be continued)

Great video - thanks David!

So helpful! I just got my x100s- so excited.

Thanks for taking the time dude. Very cool.

Do you think this is a good (first) camera to upgrade from film cameras? I'm more of a film guy (never took serious photos with a digital camera before), but I'm really eyeing this one and just love the retro look of it all.

Could you pls do an updated video for the X100t?

Hi David, i agree with u about ur UV Filter Practice on X100s. I was able to watch ur conversation with Kai in HK. You are right (completely when u said that in Travel Photography; don't everything u owned. unless u r getting paid to do that kind of staff.) anyway, I have a simple inquiry regarding the UV Filter of X100s. Does the UV Filter in anyway affects the Lens Performance of X100s more particularly on Autofocus and the Macro Mode of the lens, does it extend enough to hit the UV Filter. Thanks I would appreciate ur reply. I am planning to buy the x100 series siblings the X70. i know that they share same uv filter ring extension.

Thanks for your walk through. Really helpful. I've just taken delivery of mine and love it

Thanks David this was very interesting .love my fuji x100s

Great overview. It's taking me quite some time to get used to this camera.

Thanks David! Really useful intro to this unique camera.

My fujifilm x100s, stopped functioning. I replaced the card and battery...no response when I turn the camera on. Can you advise?

I happened upon your video right after getting my camera. You did a wonderful job of identifying the various functions. I am glad that I could replay some of the video a couple of times! I bought a b + W uv-haze, will this filter work as I purchased before listening again? Also by the way, your video was the best by far in comparison to the other videos I suffered through!

David, what kind of black tape are you using? I used to use sharpie to painted on the red logo of the M5 thanks in advance!!!

David, first of all: great video! A quick way to understand all its functions. Awesome! Second: do you use a B&W UV Filter or the B&W Protection Filter?

Awesome breakdown. Thanks for the tips. When can we expect to see your Fuji and some OCF action. Love to see your tips in regards to that.

I noticed both you and Zack both mention the convenience of selecting up for grabbing specific focus points. I have been using the + mode for auto focus (I believe is called multi mode) which doesn't allow this. Was wondering what you thought of multi AF mode and if you ever use it. Thanks

Great review, sir! In very low light conditions, how does the electronic viewfinder performs?

Hey David Could you please elaborate on your three customized profiles, especially the 1970s vibe? Thanks a lot for the great video!

i took me a while but now i love the x100s - fujifilm please continue this way - I see forward to a f1.4 version ! btw. I think the x1000s looks best without stuff attached to it. I just use the original case i got wit hit (hop it will look vintage soon). no problem with the original lens cap - and the actual front glas element is quite small so that i don't think that it will be scratched.

Hi David, Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge. Just one question: How would you cope with the slow shutter speed of this camera owing to the leaf shutter implemented. I often get disturbed with the low shutter speed(reverse) even at a descent sunlight. It comes down to say 10-20th of a second(for f2.8, ISO 6400). It;s a big issue when I shoot without using tripods. Is there any way to improve the shutter speed? Please share your thoughts.

YES! I have gotten that thrice in 10k frames. I notified Fuji, but your diagnosing what made it happened will be very helpful. I will pass along, so they can nuke it in a firmware upgrade. Muchas gracias!

+David Hobby Do you know if the OVF has an overlay for focusing and/or exposure? thx