Fuji XQ1 Hands-On

The Fuji XQ1 is a pocket-sized camera with a 12MP X-Trans CMOS sensor. It is very light and really the perfect size for a compact pocket camera.

Fuji XQ1 Key Features

• 12MP 2/3″ X-Trans CMOS Sensor
• EXR Processor II
• Fujinon 4x Optical Zoom f/1.8-4.9 Lens
• 25-100mm (35mm Equivalent)
• 3.0″ 920K-Dot LCD Monitor
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
• Intelligent Hybrid AF System
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• Continuous Shooting up to 12 fps
• Film Simulation and Advanced Filters

Handling a pre-production model at PhotoPlus 2013, I was impressed by the fast autofocus on the XQ1. The shot-to-shot times are decent when acquiring AF in between each shot.

The lens ring control is a very nice touch. Set to ISO control on the demo unit, the control is intuitive and so quick to access. Of course, you the XQ1 also has a mode dial that you would expect on an advanced point and shoot. The high resolution LCD on the XQ1 is impressive.

There’s no hot shoe for external flash or remotes; however, it is a very compact camera. The lack of a hot shoe didn’t keep the Sony RX100 from being a killer camera – and the XQ1 seems to be positioned in the same category as the RX100. Of course, Sony followed that up with the RX100 II, which included a hot shoe.

The Fuji XQ1 looks like a great little compact camera. Of course, the question that remains is image quality. With the smaller sensor, it probably won’t stand up to the excellent Sony RX100; however, the X-Trans sensor should deliver impressive images. That said, the camera retails for $549, which is a hard pill to swallow for such a small camera.

The Fuji XQ1 is available from Photography Bay’s trusted retail partner, B&H Photo, at the following link:

Fuji XQ1 at B&H Photo

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