Fujifilm X-M1 Compact System 16MP Digital Camera Kit with 16-50mm Lens and 3

The Fuji X-M1 sits in the entry segment of the X series models but this one has the unique X-Trans CMOS sensor (the X-A1 has a normal bayer sensor) in other areas though these models are the same (controls/functions etc) Being an entry model there are a few compromises here, firstly the most obvious one is the lack of viewfinder, secondly controls have been streamlined over higher end models and this doesn't feature the newer on sensor phase detect autofocus of the X-T1 (contrast AF here) despite this the camera still manages to achieve a very small size (very similar to the X10/20 compacts in fact slightly smaller) and it has most of the important requirements aspiring shooter might want. I've been testing the camera extensively for a while now and made up a quick fire list of some of the better points and weaker areas of the camera. The camera is a good one overall though like most cameras does have some areas that could be better. Good points: + Excellent image quality easily as good if not better than equivalent rivals (with a similar sensor size) Tonality is very appealing and attractive (very subjective but I like it) + Huge latitude in raw files both highlight and shadow end with outstanding low light performance very minimal noise + Build is solid despite being plastic feels well put together no poor joints or creaking at the seams + Full manual controls quite good customisation and menus + Autofocus is good for accuracy in most cases (it's reasonably quick though can't match DSLR's for speed) + Start up is quick and the camera is responsive with no signs of lag + Fairly good buffer around 10 shots raw and about 31 jpegs at full resolution, able to take some advantage of faster cards too + Continuous shooting rate of 5.6fps is decent (note the points about AF) + Large clear 3.0” LCD is the same aspect ratio as the sensor (3:2) and sharp with a 920k resolution as well as partially articulated (up and down positions) option to brighten it up for daylight shooting (it's a bit reflective though quite clear in most light) + Battery life is quite good for a compact sized camera (I got about 390 shots per charge) flash use will shorten this + Q menu is well laid out and avoids trips into the main menu system for most common settings + Fn button can be user set, C position on the mode dial allows for a memory of settings to be stored (shame it is only one) + Hot shoe allows the use of dedicated flashes or other accessories, built in flash extends a decent bit though power is a little low (GN 7) + Consistent metering and white balance required little intervention for most shooting + Excellent flash exposures (though will increase the ISO if you let it a little too much) + Manual focus “peak” is useful though could use more colours (red/yellow) + Video is acceptable for a consumer level camera reasonable details and resolution and decent microphone quality, limited options though (you can set aperture before you start but not adjust it during recording) see cons on “moire” + Good in camera raw conversions you can adjust quite a few settings too (this creates jpegs from raw files but it's handy to have) Weaker areas: - No viewfinder, and no option to add one, no AEL button (Fn can be programmed for this) - Continuous autofocus/tracking is weak (cannot re-focus after the first shot on cont AF) not a good choice for sports/action shooters (though with pre-focus techniques and some skill it might work) - Raw not available for ISO 100 or above ISO 6400 (jpeg only) - Jpegs overly contrasty by default and don't exploit the dynamic range of the sensor (adjusting the shadow/highlights to -1/-2 helps quite a lot) tendency to crush blacks - Macro button fairly pointless (would be better to have a Fn 2 custom button) - Battery/memory card slot is covered when on a tripod you can't change either (poor location) - Card write light covered by your thumb - Video shows moire and false colours when repeating patterns are in footage - No dedicated button for ISO (you can set the Fn button to this), movie button cannot be re-programmed - No “sweep panoramic mode” and no level gauge both are strange omissions, black and white doesn't have the filters either (red/yellow etc) - 3 scene modes on the mode dial are wasting space, better to put them all in the SP setting (where the other scene modes are) This area would be better reserved for extra user settings - “Top” control dial is a bit easy to move (can mean exposure compensation is engaged by accident) - Flash exp compensation buried in the main menu cannot be assigned to the Fn1 button - Wi-fi has limited use you can send images to devices (even a pc if the software is installed) you can Geotag images too, you cannot control the camera via the Fuji remote app which is disappointing. No option to turn this off (which could conserve battery power) - No electronic shutter (full mechanical) though it's not obtrusive sound wise Notes: If you don't have any lenses the “kit” 16-50mm F3.5-F5.6 is well worth getting I've done a separate review on this lens it's very good optics wise and offers a nice wider angle field of view (equivalent to 24mm) Unlike some compacts there is no built in memory so you'll need an SD card Raw files average at around 24MB, which is on the large side for a 16mp camera Video: You have a choice of only two resolutions 1920 x 1080 @ 30fps this is for some reason limited to 14 minutes time 1280 x 720 is also @30fps but recording time is 27 minutes. AF is available in continuous though it does fine don't expect miracles esp in lower light or tracking it's not unsatisfactory for this type of camera though. Moire and false colours are an issue so this isn't going to really suit very serious video shooters, but it does fine for quick clips. The supplied strap is a thin “pleather” type affair it does the job (same as the X10/X20 cameras) but a fabric one is preferable. Dynamic range modes: There are Auto, 100%, 200%, 400% The camera will raise the ISO levels up to ISO 800 for DR 400%, (and ISO 400 for DR 200%) In most cases DR Auto does a good job, but DR 200% is fairly safe too the camera won't show massive noise problems at all even at ISO 800. You do get some useful "one touch" controls if you press and hold the following buttons in: DISP/BACK: this engages the "quiet mode" this disables the sounds/flash if raised and the AF assist light Q Button: Brightens the LCD to high levels for use in harsh sunlight Menu/OK: This locks the 4 buttons around the Middle Menu button (and disables the video button) to stop accidental button presses When the X-M1 first arrived last year it was fairly expensive and that might have put people off trying one, however fast forward about to the present time it's now at levels similar to budget DSLR's. In terns of what's on offer this is a solid offering, but bear in mind that the main advantages of this are the smaller size compared to a DSLR, it can't offer the same autofocus performance and that's an important point for moving subjects, also the size advantage tends to disappear once you use larger focal length lenses (which are no smaller than their DSLR equivalents) Look at what you needs are. If you're a heavy phone user and want a big step up in quality, the sensor in this camera will destroy even the most expensive phone camera, with ease. There is a 27mm f2.8 pancake lens which when paired with this body makes for a very compact machine (albeit with a fixed focal length) I've yet to test that lens but it's an option for some if you want to keep the size down. The biggest attraction is probably the sensor which is very capable and responds well to raw processing, it's certainly a huge step up from a tiny sensor compact in image quality. Even premium compacts will fall behind this, but bear in mind when paired with the 16-50mm lens you don't have very good close up ability and the lens is slower esp the telephoto end. If you shoot a lot of macro or close up photos a premium compact with a fast lens might be a better choice. On the other hand if you are into experimenting a little you can acquire a lens adapter and though manual focus and aperture control you can mount and use many lenses (there is an M mount Fuji adapter available and lots of third party ones for other lens mounts) this means that even if you are invested in an SLR system you could find a use for this body with your lenses. For newer users or those keen to keep the size down this is a very viable alternative to a DSLR, but it's not for everyone (action shooters) Grip wise a little small here I find a DSLR more comfy to hold for longer periods, everyone is unique though small suits some better than others. Couple of odd points firstly leaving out the sweep pano and some of the newer film effects (and B&W filters) strikes me as strange considering the target market for the camera, it's also a shame to see no electronic level gauge this featured on the X series compacts. Controls are fairly logical though would benefit from an additional Fn button to program, you also can't turn off the “guide” which might annoy some more seasoned users (this describes the scene/modes on screen) Wi-fi is under exploited and Fuji could look at this not having remote control of a Wi-Fi camera is puzzling. The rear control dial is in an unusual location and takes a while to get used to, it also can be pushed for some settings as well as rotated. At the default settings jpegs are a bit harsh for my liking (too much contrast and dynamic range is a bit weak) adjusting the shadow/highlight tone helps no end. It's also worth experimenting with the DR settings to get the best out of the camera. If you are working with raw then the X-Trans CMOS has some impressive latitude in both ends able to recover highlights and pull shadows aggresively without a major impact on images. Either way jpeg and raw shooters will be impressed with the camera I would like to see a few things tweaked and maybe Fuji will get around to adding a sweep pano and some more film modes. The lack of viewfinder is a shame too even a basic one would be welcomed (or the option to add one) it’s down to personal use on that with lighter smaller lenses the lack of viewfinder isn't a massive loss (it's certainly easier to hold a camera stability wise with a viewfinder), but it becomes awkward if you start to use heavier or longer focal lengths. Overall the X-M1 is a very decent offering and certainly likely to appeal a lot more at this price level, despite the flaws it's a capable camera and more than able to hold it's own image quality is as good as you can get with an APS-C sensor.

Oddly, I've become a bit of a Fujifilm lover. Not sure why. First camera ever was a Canon fTB-n 35mm brick. got so tired of carrying that 6 pound monster (with 35-105 Hoya zoom) that I gave up SLR's and bought an early Ricoh point and shoot and loved it. When the digital revolution arrived I started with a 1 mp Sony Mavica with a floppy disk! Moved up to a fantastic 2 megapixel Toshiba....then bought a series of Fuji's just by chance. Back in 2007 when I was flush and wanted a real legacy camera I went into my local dealer and said give me a Leica....and they asked me a few questions and I walked out with a Fuji F30 point and shoot, 6mp. Took it to Croatia and it is still some of the very best pictures I've ever taken and they compared very well with my Nikon D40. Fantastic battery life, fantastic low light, tiny, what pictures. Still have it, still take it with me on trips. I currently have an Olympus OM-D EM-5 which was the treat I gave myself, and i love it. Weather sealed, the whole deal. Very complex and even a couple years later I still have trouble using all its features. But something happened a few years ago...I saw the Fuji X10. And I said, I have to have one of those. I bought one as a closeout after the white orb fiasco was fixed. And I have to tell you, that's probably the best camera I have ever owned (and that includes the D40, Lumix bridge camera, a bunch of Fujifilms including the F30, F40fd, F100 exr, e550, Canon S95, Canon G10 and a few others). Then I bought my wife an X20 which I think is even better. STarted coveting an X20 but then the X30 came out and I started pricing it. But in reality, it didn't offer much I wanted beyond an X20, and the X20 is arguably incrementally better than the X10....and while I was researching that I hit on a few reviews of the XM-1 that said it took...oh...extraordinary....exceptional....DSLR quality....pics. APS-C sensor. Not just good images, or acceptable....but extraordinary. It has cool lines. And then I found an open box brand new XM-1 for $417 with the 16-50 lens. It took me a couple days to get its features down and OK, yes, it doesn't have panorama, which I like but I'll have the other two cameras with me....and it doesn't have a viewfinder, but you know? Neither did my S 95 and my F30....and I don't use the viewfinder THAT much anyway; i mean, hardly ever on my G10,....but I wish it had pro low light. Level? Never use it. It is funny to me (I'm 59) to hear people talk about disappointing it is that it is plastic....horrors! Sit down kids and let gramps tell you a story....back in the 70's great cameras were things like the Nikon F, the Nikkormat, the Canon fTB-n, the Canon F1, Canon EF and Canon A-1, the Pentax K1000....all solid steel, designed to go to the moon and survive a nuclear blast. Then, around the early 70's two things happened. First olympus came out with the OM-1 which sort of blew the whole idea that an SLR had to be "big" out of the water...then Canon came out with the AE-1. Small, light, and....horrors...plastic....But it changed the whole ballgame, friends, and the beauty of the XM-1 is that it is solid and light. Yes, the lens isn't as solid as my Olympus 14-150 but it moves smoothly, is razor sharp, and does the job. The whole package is a bit remarkable. It took a bit of getting used to to set it up so it focused properly, learn how to use MF, but the versatility in general is there. This isn't my everything camera; that's my EM-5, but I bought this because I wanted a sensor that wouldn't leave anything to chance for spectacular pictures. I'm planning on taking this to Europe in a few weeks and will put it through its paces; i'm looking for reliability, fantastic pics (I shoot jpg), looking forward to trying the wi fi and wireless transfer to my Ipad. It has enough filters and enough modes to keep me happy. Yes, Fuji, if you can put the same advanced options like pro low light and panorama in the next upgrade I'll be thrilled, but for now this camera has everything - very compact, lightweight, solid feel, good kit zoom, initial pictures I've taken are razor sharp, fast focus, fast start up, built in flash, and I like the tilting screen. Very minimalist and as you can tell from my opening sentences I am leaning toward simple. The joy in photography for me is taking the picture and enjoying it rather than sweating out over which setting to use and this fits the bill. It's got enough user settings to keep me happy and it will be very interesting to see whether I continue to use my EM-5 as much, although when the weather's lousy or I need my 2X digital zoom and 14-150 zoom lens It'll be with me...oh yeah, that's the one other thing my XM-1 lacks - the digital zoom. And as far as lenses go, invariably once I put a wide-tele zoom on my camera - 14-150, or 12-50 on my EM-5 or the 24-112 on my X10.....that's all I ever use. I never remove it. Carrying more than one lens is what killed my interest with my fTB-n. So, 1-2 month update. As I said, i bought this because I am an X10 user and fan; my "high end" camera is an Olympus OM-d EM-5 and you can see from prior reviews that I've owned Canon, Nikon, Lumix, and a bunch of Fujifilm. For some reason I like fujifilm. Not that I don't like my G10, or D40....anyway. I bought this because I wanted an X30 but found this open box XM-1 with the 16-50 lens for $400 on Amazon. It has an APS-C sensor and I thought it was time to see what the big deal about sensor envy is about. I just used this in France and stopped using it after one day for two reasons - one, there was a spot of dust on the sensor (as an open box camera this came - I am not kidding - with the body in a plastic sandwich bag. Once I found the spot and got rid of it - that disappeared. The other problem, and I wasn't sure why - was that many of my pics looked seriously over exposed on the monitor. I had to fiddle with the exposure control to make them look decent. It turns out this was related to my settings and the actual pictures on a PC or my Ipad were perfect. But for a day or two I was kind of concerned. battery life is great. I have found that low light is kind of tough to shoot with any setting except auto. Those are terrific. I find the Olympus is more customizable and that leads me to my conclusion that this camera is sort of a compact interchangeable mirrorless "bridge" camera, in that it is best suited for snapshots, travel, etc with some versatility. It is very lightweight, the 16-50 lens is tack sharp; yes, it doesn't feel like a metal camera but it is very solid and well made. I do wish it had digital telezoom and panorama function. I am confused why they'd leave those off. So it isn't as customizable as an em-5 but it doesn't purport to be. If you understand what this camera is, and that it takes, as DP Review said "astounding" pictures, you should be happy. I have learned that I am a fair photographer; i am not going to win awards, I love good travel pictures and put them in Blurb albums, I love color and love re-living my overseas trips, and occasionally I find a picture is really artsy. So for professional versatility and delusional fooling myself that I am really creative I love my Olympus; for amazing retro looks, feel, size, and complete versatility I am completely sold on the X10/X20 (and look forward to seeing what the consensus is on the X30) but if I was just going out on a trip and wanted superb jpg in a great package I'd happily take the XM-1. I guess there is aftermarket panorama software but I like the panorama function on the X10. Oh, and another oversight - no voice memo on the XM-1. Deal killer? No. Would I downgrade? Not unless I felt I was misled by Fujifilm, and it was all right there in front of me when I ordered. If I wanted to spend more on a Fuji with those features I could have. if I want those features, I'll schlep my EM-5 along.

To begin with I am a canon DSLR owner on my third DSLR 60d with a couple of prime lenses(50mm, 85mm) and a nice L lenses. I bought this specifically for a European trip with the kids because I did not want to lug my DSLR around. Overall I have to say this camera produced the some of the best ever pictures we have ever taken. Here is my summary: Lens: Sharp throughout its range, I could not detect any defects in the images. The quality was on par with a L lens. Since this is a f3.5 the brokeh was not as nice as a 85mm, but it still produced very nice brokeh, the colors were nice and was almost as sharp as a 50mm prime throughout its range. Camera: Amazing pictures, and I loved the pop produced by the Velvia effect. Amazing jpegs, and I can use 90% of the images produced without editing. The noise level was on par or even better than a DSLR. I also loved the usability and most of the layout of the menus. I was able to figure out most of the features,however I would recommend reading the manual because there are some weird quirks. I used this with aperture primary mode with face detection. Focus was mostly quick and accurate. Not as quick as a DSLR, but then again since this is not using a viewfinder having a similar level of accuracy is probably not possible. I initially thought that I would regret not getting the model with the EVF, but not so. I found that having the tilting LCD allowed me to compose quick, and take pictures at unusual angles at very crowded locations in Paris and Italy. An other advantage is that when you ask somebody to take a picture there is no explanation needed :D. Cons: Its easy to accidentally change settings. Make sure you check the aperture, exposure etc before taking a picture. Its good practice to do so anyway. If you select silent mode or any bracketing mode it will turn off the flash, the flash will not fire even if it is popped up. Focus and flash cycling is slower than a DSLR. But then again I am comparing this with a DSLR which it is not, so keep that in mind. In AV mode during daylight I have to set meter + a few notches if not the images appear a bit darker. Note that when there is a lot of light the preview appears a lot darker than reality, so keep that in mind and don't overexpose too much because of that. The wifi app works(tried on android) but it is a bit basic and has its own quirks. For example when you browse, view and image and go back it does not remember the location, which is quite annoying when there are 100+ images. The only other con is the lenses are super expensive. Unlike Canon there are not $100 primes , etc, but judging by the quality of the kit lens, one is probably paying $$$ for some very good glass. Summary: Hands down this is the best ever camera I have ever owned. Produces vivid, and stunning images straight out of the camera. I am almost considering selling my canon gear, because images out of this little thing is so good. Seriously looking at the x-t1 as the next camera.

Background and context: I currently own an old Canon DSLR - 1000D or similar - and had it for four plus years. So since last year I have been hunting for a replacement, one which lets me overcome the limitations of the current camera (more of that in a minute), leverages my investments in canon line-up (specifically: EF 17-40mm L, EF 50mm 1.8, EX 460 flash). I will go through my experiments/purchases, coming from a DSLR user, share how did I end up buying the X-M1 .. and what I think about it What was I looking for: 1. Shooting in low light - my current camera maxed out at a sort-of unusable 1600 ISO. I bought a flash and learnt how to bounce it etc - but with new cameras and capabilities, the point of flash in casual settings became less and less frequent. 2. I gained a decent bit of expertise on using manual controls - using AEV, aperture and shutter settings - and getting delicious bokeh. So advanced controls was another thing I wanted in my new camera. 3. Video capabilities: I saw sample videos of DSLR cameras - and wanted to be able to take videos with the bokeh in the background, and do low light videography with high image quality 4. More resolution: In-spite of what other people say about resolution - I like to blow up the image and look at it - admire tiny details that might be missed in the overall shot when looked on the overall photo. Obviously this depends on the shot.. but my 10MP felt limiting 5. Good image quality with JPEGs: I didn't know I felt I needed better quality at first other that low light - but didnt want to loose image quality. That said - I dont do RAW conversions - and I know I am probably not going to do it in the future either. 6. Compactness: This came in as a later requirement - when I started noticing that I would use my phone more and more, and DSLR less and less - since it just was too bulky to take around people's places or trekking. That said - initially compactness was not on top of my list 7. Compatibility with my Canon equipment: I have made a bit of investment from my perspective in Canon EF equipment from last several years - nice flash 460 EX II, EF 17-40mm F4.0 L, and my first prime - 50mm f1.8. Plus B+W MRC filters. So to me Canon was the company to go for 8. Sturdiness: I have dropped my DSLR a few times on hard surface, gone to beach-side, been in light drizzles - and that thing keeps on clicking away. Want my next one to be similarly sturdy since I seem to be getting clumsier with age. What have I tried thus far: I waited for a few years for a good camera. I didnt want the EOS T4i / 60D since they used the old sensor - in general if sticking with Canon - why not go full-frame, right? So I got a EOS 6D with 24-105mm F4.0 L lens plus another full frame zoom. That thing took very nice shots - the smoothness of the image and tone of color was amazing. However, the camera system was immense, esp with three lenses to carry around, and that multiplied with the complexity - resulted in my not using the camera to even part of the potential. The next camera I eagerly waited for was 60d's replacement - hoping for something that is sturdy and takes amazing pictures. I got the 70d soon after it was released, and tried it a bit. The camera felt better than my current camera, though nowhere as good as 6D, and images were just plain ordinary. So - returned that. Why the XM1: I have followed a lot of photo sites in the last several years. Steve digicams, stevehuffphoto, dpreview, dxomarks, kenrockwell... they all have different perspectives and preferences. But the Fuji X system seemed to come across as a good one to look at. I couldnt find sensor or lens ratings at DXO for the fuji system - but dpreview had great sensor ratings for jpegs, and stevehuffphoto and other sites had a lot of reviews. Many of them talked about the compactness as much as the image quality. Focus speed was an issue mentioned in all of them - so it is something I had to come to terms with. The tough thing about the XM1 or XE1 was - there was no camera available to try out and see. Meant I had to buy it and try it out. After returning the 70d, I pretty much became open to trying out something new and compact. Along came XM1 with decent rating in dpreview, plastic body with a new cheap lens and reasonable price. Initial impressions of XM1: I have had it for several days now - here are my initial thoughts. Note that I will keep comparing it to Canon DSLRs time to time - though I will try to give stand-alone information on XM1 at the same time. Handling: This camera is small and tough to hold in one hand - esp if you are coming from DSLR. There is no grip, and the plastic is a bit slippery. Even compared to point and shoot - it is tough to hold because you have the big kit lens to balance. Holding with two hands is required. Viewfinder/screen: It obviously comes with the screen - and there is no viewfinder. That screen takes getting used to - the screen is a bit tight to manipulate and so far I have not found it as easy to move etc like say a camcorder or even the flippy screens on other cameras. The screen itself is nice and bright, and comes with good options for what kind of information would you like to see on it Control: I am a guy - so won't read a manual - right :). Kidding aside - controls is one place that this camera is still taking a little getting used to. E.g. on P mode - how do I adjust shutter and aperture; how do I change shutter speed in movies; where was the ISO again; how do I go back to viewing pictures if I zoomed out.. This may be a factor of me learning new things when moving from DSLR, but definitely not very intuitive to operate. OIS: The OIS works ok but not great. I consider myself a steady hand - taking photos from my hand with my DSLR with kit lens OIS with exposures around 1/8 to 1/4 seconds (maybe even 1/2 if lucky). It is not possible with this camera. Not sure if this is an OIS issue or focus issue - the OIS does not work great with video either - there is more shake when making video in this camera than Canon 6D with EF24-105 F4.0L. Focus: Not easy to do perfectly - that's one thing I can say without sounding negative. Not having a viewfinder, and instead a small green box in the screen - takes some getting used to. The focusing itself takes time - maybe fraction of a second depending on light. It is not easy to just move quickly and take a snap - the subject has to be a little still to get a decent shot. Where to focus has also been challenging - I try to shoot a subject, but it ends up focusing on the wall painting behind. Learning to focus with this system is going to be important to getting usable shots - it is definitely way tougher to use for me than a DSLR. Wifi: The software etc is not very friendly. On the canon - using the wifi was easy - not so here. I just use the card now. Seriously Fuji - please do a firmware and software update to get this right. Compactness: It is tiny coming from DSLRs. Very easy to pack - though not pocketable with the zoom lens. Still - taking photos of people suddenly is not a scary thing for them. A compact holster for XM1 will be very handy - will search for it. Sturdiness: Not tried it so far. Doesn't feel very sturdy though - I am not sure if it will survive a fall onto hard surface. So I bought an accident protection plan. Image quality: You might be thinking - why has he given it 4 stars. This section is the reason. The image quality is worlds apart from my existing DSLR. Not surprising - since I am using a 4 year old camera with kit lens. But even then - it was a huge improvement from my original DSLR. Not just that, it is also better than the photos shot from the 70d (outdoor, indoor) which was double the price. The colors, tones, are just amazing. In fact, the quality was almost on par with the 6D with the kit L lens. Quality referred here is my own non technical judgement - blowing up the image and seeing each detail; looking at overall color of skin, sky, surroundings in the shot, seeing the clarity of the images at low light. Just the fact that I am comparing a ~700 dollar camera (the price I paid for the kit) with a $2500 kit and saying it is almost as good or better - should maybe explain what an awesome tool this is for capturing beautiful images. It definitely puts the other camera/kit lens combinations I tried in the same price point to shame. These results are with the cheap plastic kit lens - this sensor has phenomenal reviews with prime lenses - so at some point I will get one or two of them (or maybe XF Zoom) and use those. Overall - I am happy with this purchase, and while there may something to decide between this (XM1) and a camera three times its price (6D), for now I will happily use this camera.

After using this camera for an entire day at my brothers wedding here is my review: (Note I used a Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 Compact Prime Lens the whole time.) (I am not a pro, most of my pictures are taken in automatic) Pros: Photo quality, tilt flash, great lenses available, very cool filters built in, Fn and Q buttons, start up speed. Cons: Occasional focus issues, grip does not feel very secure, repetitive menus, This camera feels really well built, it feels like you have something great in your hand. The grip on this camera is not all that great, the camera just does not feel secure when you are holding it. I would like to get the additional grip handle but I do not want to increase the size of this camera. Speaking of size, even with my compact lens, don't expect to put this in any kind of pocket. I wish this camera was a little smaller. The battery on this camera lasted me most of the day, around 300 pictures. I really like the flash on this camera, you can tilt the flash up or down, so you can get very cool effects. The screen is good enough to use outdoors, and the tilt feature is great for taking overhead shots. The camera starts up quick and takes pictures very quickly as well. The pictures, when the camera manages to focus, are beautiful! I am absolutely in love with the picture quality. Well worth having compared to the drawbacks. Update : October 5 -- So I have been shooting with this camera for a few weeks now, mainly with the 27mm lens, and I realized a few things. Why I'm gonna keep it: 1. I love the quality of pictures, they are insanely wonderful. 2. Love some of the features - burst mode is good, Adv mode is super cool for shooting with selected colors, Q button and Fn buttons are great for switching and adjusting on the fly. 3. Wireless (once you figure it out) is cool, at a party I took a few shots and was able to send the pictures to my buddy in only a few minutes. He posted them on Facebook in no time. 4. Looks I get complements on the style of the camera and I like the look and feel now. Why I can't wait for the XM2 or XE2: 1. No view finder is a huge issue for me, especially since the cameras focus is terrible. I tried all focus modes and they still miss the mark. Manual mode with magnification tries really hard to correct the issue but the human eye is probably best for making sure a picture is sharp. I missed some good shots and will continue to miss shots, I'm sure.

I was considering a Canon G7 as a hiking and backpacking camera. But the sale price and reviews sold me on this camera. Adaptors will let me use my Nikon lenses on this camera. The finding of a Samyang 8mm fisheye with Fujifilm X lens was a plus for me, as I shoot 360x180 spherical panos. So far the color, contrast and sharpness is great, I shoot only RAW and sensor has no anti-aliasing filter for better sharpness. All the color modes are not important to me since I shoot RAW. Some of the WiFi features I did not get to work with my iPhone, I did get the GPS coordinates transferred from my phone to the camera, it is somewhat unreliable and slow to get them to sync. It was easier to just take a shot with my iPhone for the GPS co-ordinates and transfer them to the files in post (Lightroom) or saved tracks from my GPS. I was worried about not having a viewfinder, but the daylight mode for the TFT LCD works well for composing (not for evaluating your shot), you will need to hit the preview button to see the shots histogram. The tripod screw is off centered from the lens, not good for panoramic photography. I got a Really Right Stuff L-bracket to use with my tripod and pano-head that use Arca Swiss standards. The APS sensor is a good compromise to my full frame DSLRs for backpacking. The 16mm-50mm kit lens is sharp and light. The 16mm is wider than many other kit lens equal to the full frame 24mm prime I usually use. Some of the other reviews said the body seem light and plastic. I have not found it a problem, lighter the better for me where every ounce counts. I have downsized my 20 lb.DSLR backpacking gear bag by more than half because I don't need the heaver tripod, lenses and heads. Controls for some functions are a little hard to get to, as I am changing from all manual to automatic shooting often. High ISO shooting is clean and white balance seem cooler than on my Nikons when shooting the night sky. Finding the hyper focal distance was not a problem for the kit lens, you can see a digital display of acceptable sharpness when manually focusing.