There are many types of cameras available on the market today. Dozens of brands and models with features and capabilities that our ancestors would have never imaged that would be capable. A lot of every day people use point and shoot cameras for their ease of use and reasonable price point, while most professional photographers use a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera and I’m not going into specifics because this isn’t the blog for that.
-> Top 10 Best Compact Cameras
Now a premium compact camera is like a midpoint between a point and shoot and a DSLR. It has the small build of a point and shoot but a much higher image quality and camera functions. It is not as heavy as a DSLR nor does it deliver the image quality that a good full frame DSLR can but you’re also not paying the heavy price tag that comes along with the those features.
In this list I will be giving my opinion of the Fujifilm X100S because I own one and absolutely love it!
With that being said they have two newer models available as well, being the X100T and the X100F. They have newer features, larger sensors and newer design but you can pick up a X100S for a fraction of the price that it use to be and trust me.. you wouldn’t be disappointed. I’m not going into too much of detail about the camera itself but why you should own one.
Here are a few specs:
-16.3 million pixels APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
-EXR Processor II
-Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF / EVF)
-FUJINON 23mm F2 ASPH lens
-Burst shooting rate of up to 6 FPS at full resolution (31 frame buffer)
-Focus Peaking
-“Digital Split Image” display
-Artistic filters
-1080/60p and 1080/30p video with built-in stereo mic.
-NP-95 Li-ion battery
With all that gibberish above being stated.. I will say that the camera has all of the functions of a manual film camera so I would definitely recommend knowing how to shoot in manual mode if you are thinking about purchasing one. Now lets get into the reasons why you should own one.
1.) Ease of Everyday Carry
If you’re a photographer that owns a Canon or Nikon DSLR camera then you immediately understand what I’m talking about. If you’re new to photography then let me explain further. The size of the camera is about a 3rd of the size of your everyday DSLR and that is the beauty behind it. Its a small compact camera that pacts a punch and has a fixed 23mm Fujinon lens. If I wanted to go out for the day and wanted to take my Canon 6D mkII, then I would have to take my bag with my body, and lenses which can be exhausting if I’m not particularly going to shoot. it is much easier and less daunting to just grab my Fuji before leaving home and if I see something to photograph then thats great but if not then I’m not losing anything either. Also I could literally put the Fuji in my back pocket (seriously). It is so convenient.
2.) Breaking the Comfort Barrier
This point if for people that are newer to photography and street photographers but can apply to mostly anyone. Ever been on a train, bus, trolly, plane or any other closely seated natural way of transportation and wanted to take a picture but didn’t want to look like a creep or make people uncomfortable? Ever wanted to snap a pic of a cute couple at the park but didn’t want to ruin their moment ? That is why this camera is great in that area ! Due to its small light weight design and quiet shutter, it will give you a bit more confidence to take that picture on the plane or capture that moment in the park without screaming “HEY IM A PHOTOGRAPHER!”
3.) Price $$$
This point is a no brainer but let me say that a premium compact camera can be pricey but if you wanted to buy a full frame dslr or mirrorless camera.. the price-point is no comparison. For example you can get a Fujifilm X100F for around $1,199 with a fixed 23mm lens which isn’t bad. Now if you wanted a Sony A7R III you could score one for a scorching $2,298! Don’t get me wrong, the A7R III is easily one of the best cameras on the market and you cant really compare it to a compact camera but the price-point alone would make anyone think twice. So if you’re not wanting to break the bank but want something small and affordable, then look no further.
4.) Features
I know, I know.. all cameras have cool features but just speaking from experience, the X100S has simulation film filters which is a pretty damn cool feature to have on a camera. I mean its a play camera but what could be better than simulating shooting b&w film? I mean the X100 series already has the old school look so this is just icing on the cake. Not to mention is also has a built in ND filter, and a quiet shutter as well. Just a few without beating a dead horse
Photo 1- Provia/Standard Photo 2- Velvia/Vivid Photo 3- Black&White
5.) Enjoyability !
Photography is challenging and hardwork but its main purpose is joy! Seeing people light up when you show them their final images or the feeling you get when you finally get the shot you’ve been working hard to obtain. Being able to enjoy what you do should be your main priority and everything else should fall in place. Compact cameras are fun for the fact that it doesn’t feel like work. Too many times do you carry your gear to a shoot and unload, change lenses and spend hours editing. Its fun but can be daunting at the same time. Whenever I grab my Fuji I have none of that on my mind. It is pure recreation and I feel that everyone should enjoy that feeling. Get back to the roots and find the reason why you started shooting in the first place!
Giovanni McGlothan 