dhsimmonds Posted January 20, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 20, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) It looks like the Fuji XS-1 will be available from the end of February 2012 with 2/3 sensor like the D2. Main features are that it's a whole lot bigger than the D2 with a massive zoom from 24-624mm. Initial pre-order prices in the UK are from £699 down to £629. Hands on pre-view from the Fuji-Guys at: It is essentially a very well built bridge camera with the typical Fuji X series build quality and if image quality is anything near as good as the D2 or Fuji X10 it will sell! I have always had a soft spot for the 2/3 sensor having experience of both the Leica D2 and Panasonic LC-1. This new Fuji XS-1 addresses just about every item on the D2 wish list when it was eventually discontinued! Neither Leica or Panasonic took up the challenge, probably because 4/3 sensor cameras were already in development. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 20, 2012 Posted January 20, 2012 Hi dhsimmonds, Take a look here Could this replace your D2?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted January 20, 2012 Share #2 Posted January 20, 2012 Interesting! I like the range of manual controls and tilt screen. Not interested in video. Like the ergonomics. Not sure I need such a long zoom; nature-lovers would welcome the reach.Build quality looks good. Like the remote release. Typically slower max apertures. Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blindjock Posted January 20, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 20, 2012 Does it have a similar quality lens, size and manual lens controls? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted January 20, 2012 Hello David Yes I agree, but much higher useable ISO's and Mpx. For those not interested in the long reach, the X10 may suit rather better as it's much more compact. Some sample images taken by a veteran landscape and wildlife photographer here: X-S1 PHOTO GALLERY | FUJIFILM X-S1 I wonder if, as he moves towards the beginning of his eighth decade he like many of us, is looking to lighten his hand baggage by having an all in one solution for his professional use? Some may scoff, but the D2 was (and perhaps still is) used professionally as a first class 5 Mpx camera capable of rendering very exceptional images. This photographer claims that this 2/3 sensor camera is capable of producing A1 size prints for viewing at one metre. Dammit, I still have an image taken with an even smaller 4 Mpx sensor with Leica vario Elmarit that is still managing acceptances at International Exhibitions! But then the light is always good at 10,000 feet! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share #5 Posted January 20, 2012 Does it have a similar quality lens, size and manual lens controls? I doubt that the lens will be as good as that Summilux vario of the D2 and LC-1. Pushing the reach to 625mm has to produce compromises in lens design. The D2 was only 24-90. However, having said that, times have moved on and modern camera sensors and processors have much more computing power and can allow in the camera's software (firmware) for aberrations such as barrelling, pin cushioning and CA etc. As always the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we shall have to wait and see more images made by real life photographers to see if this is as good as the hype! On the question of manual focus, no there is no manual focus ring marked out with the usual Leica prime lens focal lengths. There is the usual switch on the front to move from auto focus continuous, single shot or manual focus with a degree of articulated rear LCD to permit more accurate manual focusing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted January 20, 2012 Share #6 Posted January 20, 2012 I doubt that the lens will be as good as that Summilux vario of the D2 and LC-1. Pushing the reach to 625mm has to produce compromises in lens design. The D2 was only 24-90. .... Dave, For accuracy: Vario-Summicron and 28-90/2.0-2.4. The XS-1 has much to commend it and one may eventually choose to adopt me as its owner but at the moment I can't see it replacing my D2 because of the sheer tactile joy of using it. Yes, my D2 has its foibles it's undeniable but I'm used to those now so they're not so noticeable to me. If something befell my D2 then the XS-1 would be well set. It's a shame that it's an amorphous black plastic blob like so many dSLRs but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted January 20, 2012 Share #7 Posted January 20, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I agree completely with Pete regarding retention of the Digilux 2. Astonishingly My D2 is nearly eight years old yet still gives me a genuine thrill every time I use it. The personal pictures it has produced have given unbelievable pleasure to my wider family. For many personal needs it is not outdated at all! As an aside, I am amazed that some of my Digilux 2 pictures still find occasional sales worldwide through an agency, even though new pictures from it would be unacceptable today according the megapixel criteria! Yet end users don't care about that. The subject and quality are what counts with them. I am not pretending that the D2 is immortal. I use younger siblings with more than equal joy. Yet nothing beats the ergonomics of the legendary Digilux 2! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted January 21, 2012 Yes, I still have my LC1, and I wouldn't part with it. It has gone with me around the world a couple of times and had a lot of use and gone through the dreaded sensor change problem OK but now the leatherette covering is becoming detached in places and I get a warning signal "memory card door open" dud to the flapping covering around it! I really must look for somewhere that I can get this repaired! I have had a go myself but it didn't last too long! Thanks for the correction Pete and of course you are correct it is a vario 'Cron 28-90. I remember in the early days of using it, reading a report on the D2 which hinted that the actual wide end in some situations is effectively wider than 28mm but that was a long time ago. It might have been one of Sean's early review's. For all the reasons mentioned the X-S1 probably could never replace the D2 in our hearts, but if the images are good and clean it could still replace a heavy DSLR plus lenses for travel and wildlife photography and save a few backs in the process! It is "only" a bridge camera (nothing wrong with that in my book) but a far more substantial one than the V-Lux 3 (Pana FZ150) with a nice smooth manual zoom ring and a few other touches that could make it an enthusiasts camera. If I could get one before my imminent trip to South Africa next week I would be tempted! As it is it will be a DSLR plus a long (400mm) and wide zoom and a few Ibuprofen pills! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted January 21, 2012 Share #9 Posted January 21, 2012 ... I remember in the early days of using it, reading a report on the D2 which hinted that the actual wide end in some situations is effectively wider than 28mm but that was a long time ago. It might have been one of Sean's early review's. ... Thanks, Dave, I didn't know that - I must have missed Sean's review. ... As it is it will be a DSLR plus a long (400mm) and wide zoom and a few Ibuprofen pills! A little sister for Sony? Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted January 21, 2012 Thanks, Dave, I didn't know that - I must have missed Sean's review. A little sister for Sony? Pete. That will be my X100!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tietje Posted January 26, 2012 Share #11 Posted January 26, 2012 Dave, For accuracy: Vario-Summicron and 28-90/2.0-2.4. The XS-1 has much to commend it and one may eventually choose to adopt me as its owner but at the moment I can't see it replacing my D2 because of the sheer tactile joy of using it. Yes, my D2 has its foibles it's undeniable but I'm used to those now so they're not so noticeable to me. If something befell my D2 then the XS-1 would be well set. It's a shame that it's an amorphous black plastic blob like so many dSLRs but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker. Pete. I always think there's got to be more to this photography lark than just scientific efficiency. You have to enjoy using the camera to make you want to go out take pictures. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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