X100 configuration - part 1.

[peripatetic]

The X100 is the kind of futuristic/retro hybrid that only the Japanese could do.

My very own steampunk camera!

Anyway, it's taking a bit of time to figure out exactly how to set her up, still lots of experimentation going on.

Easy things:
1. Setup Menu - Operational Volume -> set to OFF.
2. Setup Menu - Shutter Volume -> set to OFF.
3. Setup Menu - Image Display ->set to OFF.
4. Setup Menu - Silent Mode -> set to OFF.
5. Settings Menu - Sharpness -> set to MEDIUM-SOFT.
6. Settings Menu - Noise Reduction -> set to LOW.

So just these top four things make for a silent experience with no chimping. I'm sure this will help with battery life too. I'm easily getting > 300 shots per charge.

The shutter is unbelievably quiet, if there is any ambient noise at all you cannot tell from the sound when you have tripped the shutter. Good for shooting from the hip.

Why switch Image Disp. to OFF? Well, when using the OVF I really don't want the image coming up in EVF mode in the viewfinder. Review is still available on the LCD by pushing the green Play button to check exposure, etc. But this way it's much easier to get into the same kind of groove as you do with a film RF camera and just concentrate on shooting, not interrupting the flow, and possibly missing important moments by checking the images all the time.

Until we get ACR support for the X100, and while I still feel like I'm really experimenting, I'm shooting JPG.

So even, perhaps especially, in JPG mode I have set the sharpening down a notch. Easy to push up in post if necessary.

Also with the NR, I have set it down to minimum. In general I'd rather have detail with extra noise and if the picture needs NR then do it in LR or Topaz DeNoise if necessary. Even with NR set low however I'm astounded by the high-ISO ability of this camera. My subjective impression is that it is not very different to my 5D2. I will leave proper comparisons to DXOMark, I really don't think amateurs (including myself) are to be trusted in their methodology.

This post replicated at my blog with a few images...

[digitalintrigue]

I'm doing pretty much the same, except for setting RAW+JPG. That way existing images can be adjusted when ACR support is released.

[willie_901]

Thanks for the tips

I also plan to shoot in RAW + jpeg in anticipation of ACR support.

[peripatetic]

A point on the "silent mode" setting. Basically it's not necessary if you generally have your flash switched off. Just setting the two volume settings to off and no review means the camera is essentially in stealth mode already.

The only thing that would remain is the AF assist beam, and that is not very bright or noticable.

Also the Auto mode on the flash seems to err on the cautious side, it doesn't flash in situations where you might expect it to, like back-lit subjects. You actively need to switch it on for that.

[keithdunlop]

Originally Posted by peripatetic

T I'm easily getting > 300 shots per charge.

I hope you're getting far more shots per battery charge than that! If not, that seems like a major performance issue.

[Pickett Wilson]

I would think 300 shots or so would be consistent with the size battery they could fit into the camera.

[_larky]

I get around 300 per charge. Small camera, small battery. I have 5 batteries so I don't care either way.

[peripatetic]

Originally Posted by keithdunlop

I hope you're getting far more shots per battery charge than that! If not, that seems like a major performance issue.

It's a pretty small battery. Fuji only claim 275 shots I think. Some early users have reported substantially less - <200.

But the batteries are so small it's not a problem to carry a couple of spares. I think I will end up with 2 Fuji batteries and two ultra-cheap spares. Should more than cover anything I would need to do in a day.

With my setup as described above I got around 300 shots and was still showing a full charge.

[MPerson]

Originally Posted by _larky

I get around 300 per charge.

Same here and the camera is set up similar to Craig.

One thing that is irritating is the Menu/OK button needs to be slightly more proud or larger. The number of times I have missed it and activated the Command wheel. I do not have big thumbs but I have to really concentrate on hitting it right!

[eurotramp]

300 shots = 8 rolls (approx). That's about all i shoot in a month

Today I was bitterly reminded that a tri-x and developments costs 10 euro (i had 6 rolls to develop). Its starting to hurt now and i can't wait to get my hands on the X100.

[Niels]

Originally Posted by MPerson

Same here and the camera is set up similar to Craig.

One thing that is irritating is the Menu/OK button needs to be slightly more proud or larger. The number of times I have missed it and activated the Command wheel. I do not have big thumbs but I have to really concentrate on hitting it right!

Have issues with the Menu/OK button as well. Consequently using my thumb nail is the solution for me. But the button (and to a lesser degree the wheel) is poorly implementet.

Kind Regards

[digitalintrigue]

At first I had problems with the menu/ok and the command wheel, but after a few shots I got used to the feel. It's a non-issue for me now.

[sfphoto]

Originally Posted by Niels

Have issues with the Menu/OK button as well. Consequently using my thumb nail is the solution for me. But the button (and to a lesser degree the wheel) is poorly implementet.

Kind Regards

You can also half press the shutter release as "ok".

[Ricachon]

You can automatically switch from full "Silent" mode to normal mode by pressing and holding the DISP/BACK button for a few seconds. You'll receive a prompt letting you know that Silent mode is enabled.

Also, for AF-S you can set the size of your focus point by pressing and holding the AF button and then using the horizontal toggle button/wheel (not sure what its called) on the back to increase or decrease the size.

[peripatetic]

I have actually put a Quickstart guide together.

Not meant to be a replacement for the manual, just something to get new users out and shooting on day 1 with good results.

Experiment with settings at their leisure later.

http://peri.org.uk/wp/?page_id=1345

[Richard G]

Fantastic peripatetic. Very useful to start someone off.

[paulfish4570]

thanks, peri. i've been getting 360 or so shots before the battery shows half life. the cam does start acting a bit whack at that point. so i call the limit 350 just to be safe. need to get a couple more batts ...