Fujifilm X100S: Digital Artifacts
The about $1299 Fujifilm X100S has the same 16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II sensor with the same sensor artifacts issues as in the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Fujilm X-E1.
I can’t say that I am a fan of the Fujifilm X-Trans sensor, which remains problematic with Adobe Camera Raw; it’s what I call a “fractal-like” rendering.
Other raw converters take different algorithmic approaches: users of Fujifilm X-Trans sensor cameras might find that familiarity with Adobe Camera Raw and Phase One Capture One Pro and Apple Aperture is advised on the basis of tricks in the bag for problem images.
For example, observe the cross-hatching effect on the canvas cloth below. Any regular texture can suffer from this effect.
Fuji ostensibly designed this sensor to avoid moiré. But the cure is worse than the disease: more digital artifacts, not fewer. Observe the vertical streaks in the label below; these are camera specific digital artifacts that do not occur with conventional sensors.
A quick test with Apple Aperture shows an avoidance of these artifacts, but the Aperture output has no micro contrast, and hence requires a massive dose of sharpening to extract fine detail.
Edges have this curious outlined effect, as if a special effects filter were applied. It might print fine, but the effect is not to my liking.
The lens looks to be poorly corrected at closer range, exhibiting a glowing halo effect.
Still, very pretty results are possible and overall the sensor is a very high quality.