Fujifilm X-M1 review

VIDEO AND IMAGE QUALITY – CLICK SAMPLES TO ENLARGE

Unlike the X100S and the other X Mount cameras, the X-M1 has a dedicated video record button. Videos are recorded at 1080p at 30fps with stereo sound, and the 37Mbit/s bit rate keeps compression artefacts at bay. The autofocus was responsive and quiet, but picture quality was undermined by aliasing artefacts. Diagonal lines had a pixelated appearance and repeating patterns such as fabric resulted in heavy moiré interference. This isn’t a camera for keen videographers it’s fine for casual clips.

It’s hard to imagine anyone being disappointed by the X-M1’s photo quality. The unusual X-Trans sensor design dispenses with an optical low-pass filter to give exceptionally sharp details, for more details on how it combats Moire without such a filter see here. The lens delivered on its side of the deal too, with crisp focus and only a slight falloff towards the edges of frames. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Range function did a superb job of reining in over-exposed skies and other highlights. As a result, JPEGs exhibited the kind of detail and dynamic range that we normally only see by shooting raw. Raw mode is available too, of course; processing shots in Lightroom produced even sharper details.

Details in JPEGs are impeccably sharp

There’s no shortage of detail in the darker areas of this high-contrast scene, and the bright blue sky is perfectly exposed too. The raised ISO speed is a by-product of the Dynamic Range function, but there’s no hint of noise here

Developing raw files in Lightroom 5 boosts details even further

The sensor and JPEG engine also excelled for low noise levels. Indoor shots in ambient sunlight showed barely any hint of noise. Photos taken under household artificial light at ISO 6400 looked sharp and smooth and normal viewing sizes. We were even able to capture usable snaps at ISO 12800, although this and ISO 25600 are limited to JPEG output only – the raw mode maxes out at ISO 6400. Noise levels were significantly lower than from Sony NEX cameras – previously our benchmark for low noise from a CSC. They were also lower than from any cropped-sensor SLR we’ve seen to date, and closer to full-frame SLRs. It’s a phenomenal achievement.

This indoor shot is remarkably smooth and detailed – skin textures are the hardest test for noise reduction and the X-M1 passes with flying colours

ISO 6400, and there’s a bit of noise in the darker areas but still lots of fine detail

Skin textures at ISO 6400 look a little vague but there’s still very little visible grain

Comparing the shot above with the Sony NEX-3N – itself a fine performer for low noise, the X-M1’s JPEG output is much smoother. Comparing their unprocessed raw output shows just how little noise the X-M1’s sensor produces, although Lightroom is able to spruce both files up pretty well

Shooting by the light of two LED nightlights, there’s not much detail but this shot is fine for sharing on the web

CONCLUSION

Considering that the Fuji X Mount has only been around for less than two years, it’s encouraging that there are already 12 lenses available or coming soon. They’re not cheap, though. The eight models currently on sale range from £380 to £700 including VAT. There’s a 55-200mm telephoto lens that costs £600 – similarly specified lenses for rival CSCs cost around £250.

There’s a good range of lenses, but they aren’t cheap

That’s the crunch with X Mount cameras. They’re a cut above the competition for image quality, and Fujifilm knows it and charges accordingly. We suspect that people with the means and the inclination to buy one might be tempted to spend even more on the X-E1 with its electronic viewfinder and superior controls. However, if £700 is your budget, the X-M1’s exquisite image quality is seriously tempting compared to better-featured rivals.