Being a small camera, the Fujifilm X70 has been designed to be the everyday carry around for photographers who enjoy quality without the need for carrying heavy equipment. The general design of the camera follows X Series heritage, but with a few added bonuses that are sure to please the eager fans and it is these features that just might make this camera brilliant.
Featuring a new touch screen users can now select whatever shooting mode suits them. Selecting from either touch ‘Shot’ or ‘Focus’ photographers can now engage directly with the back of the screen, bypassing the shutter button to either focus on a subject or to touch to take the shot. While this is a welcome option, if you prefer to be ‘touch free’ then turning off one of these functions is simple. All you have to do is touch the screen on the back until you see the ‘Off’ function.
The footprint of the X70 compared with the X100 series is somewhat smaller. With that said, the X70 still incorporates a generous grip for larger hands, while one hand operation is enhanced due to the ergonomic button layout of the back of the camera. Accessing the shutter speed dial is a breeze and if you find 1/4000 second isn’t going to be fast enough we would recommend you turn on the ‘MS+ES’ (Mechanical Shutter + Electronic Shutter) setting that will enable up to 1/32,000 second – perfect for shooting those direct sunlight shots at F2.8!
Something many Fujifilm photographers rave about is the Fujifilm X Series Film Simulations that really provide a unique shooting experience. Selecting RAW+Jpeg will provide the best advantage when photographing in a film simulation. The film simulation can only be applied to a jpeg in camera, however when you shoot in RAW you can apply the film simulation when processing the photo in Adobe Lightroom. All you will need to do is navigate to the develop module and scroll down to find the ‘Camera Calibration’ and then ‘Profile’. It’s here that you would select the desired film simulation. You can see in the images below the difference it makes to a photo without having to compromise on quality.
It’s here that you would select the desired film simulation. You can see in the images below the difference it makes to a photo without having to compromise on quality.
How to apply a Film Simulation in Adobe Lightroom
In this example notice the colour difference when we applied the Velvia Film Simulation
The other setting that’s worth trying out on the X70 is the film simulation bracketing mode. Located within the DRIVE button this mode will capture three different images using a selection of three film simulations. You can program in whatever film simulation you want by accessing the menu – MENU/OK > FILM SIMULATION BKT. This setting is a great way to capture black and white images and colour at the same time – just note that this mode doesn’t support RAW capture. You should think about using this mode to give you an idea of what film simulation will look the best for the scene you want to photograph.
MENU/OK > FILM SIMULATION BKT.
This setting is a great way to capture black and white images and colour at the same time – just note that this mode doesn’t support RAW capture. You should think about using this mode to give you an idea of what film simulation will look the best for the scene you want to photograph.
So, if you are looking for a new premium camera or one that will become your everyday shooter, then the Fujifilm X70 is most likely it. Don’t feel you have to compensate by downgrading in quality or even features for that matter, because the X70 is unlike most mirrorless cameras around this price point. You still get a hot shoe for on-camera flash, an electronic shutter, excellent battery life and even an aperture ring around the lens for ultimate control. The only thing that’s missing is the viewfinder, but Fujifilm have you covered on that – there’s an optional VF-X21 external optical viewfinder that provides a bright frame for the 28mm and 21mm angles of view (35mm equivalent).
All that’s left is to get the camera in your hands to test out the full range of features for yourself, and if you’re not impressed, just turn the screen around and take a selfie!
I’ve had this camera for around 2 months, and so far it satisfy me. The only thing that I think need an improvement is the video button, since it is a bit harder to be pushed though easy to be accessed.
It should have had an EVF, without having to buy an expensive accessory. Otherwise, it looks great.
it really needs an ‘off’ option for the lcd. using the viewfinder with the lcd on is pretty distracting
+1 tied to a function button