Fuji Coming from APS-C X Trans sensor - what settings for as good as possible IQ for X-S1?

[Ramirez]

As I am thinking of getting the X-S1, due to its price drop to 399€ (at my local camera store at least), what settings do you X-S1 users use?

My goal if I get the X-S1 would be to use it in the nature during daylight.
I want to achieve as good dynamic range as possible. No need for low light at all as the X-E1 and X100s serves this purpose. The X-S1 would serve as my long range zoom and daylight shooting camera in the "wild".

Settings questions for greatest possible dynamic range and best possible IQ:

- Maybe limit auto ISO to 800 max? I know that this isn't the APS-C X trans!
- Modes for dynamic range?
- Other settings?

I want to try to shoot wildlife and nature stuff.

 

[pniev]

I don't have experience with the x-s1 but I do have the X10, which has the same sensor. There are a few internet posts that might be helpful for making your choices:

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8784391181/practical-settings-for-the-fujifilm-x10-12mp-or-6mp

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9311974549/getting-the-best-out-of-the-fujifilm-x10

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9060476058/fuji-x10-exr-camera-suggestions-for-optimum-performance

Not sure though if everything is still valid after the latest firmware upgrade.

The last setting is close to the setting recommended by Massimiliano Angeloni and Donato Chirulli (the riflessifotografici-guys. See FujiRumors). That's the one I currently use (especially for clear skies with clouds): Start with DR Priority in EXR setting. Then in menu: Auto ISO 3200, M, F, DR auto. Any other to your preference. Not sure if I like them, so I need to do some further tweaking/testing.

DR400 has so far been enough for me. Foundation: comparing shots of clear skies with clouds as that is (at least in my opinion) the real weakness of the sensor. I also had to get used to lower tonal smoothness and harsher bokeh. But hey, everything has its price!

Rico and others might be able to help you better/further.

Good luck in finding the right settings that work for you.

Peter

 

[Ramirez]

I don't have experience with the x-s1 but I do have the X10, which has the same sensor. There are a few internet posts that might be helpful for making your choices:

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8784391181/practical-settings-for-the-fujifilm-x10-12mp-or-6mp

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9311974549/getting-the-best-out-of-the-fujifilm-x10

http://http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9060476058/fuji-x10-exr-camera-suggestions-for-optimum-performance

Not sure though if everything is still valid after the latest firmware upgrade.

The last setting is close to the setting recommended by Massimiliano Angeloni and Donato Chirulli (the riflessifotografici-guys. See FujiRumors). That's the one I currently use (especially for clear skies with clouds): Start with DR Priority in EXR setting. Then in menu: Auto ISO 3200, M, F, DR auto. Any other to your preference. Not sure if I like them, so I need to do some further tweaking/testing.

DR400 has so far been enough for me. Foundation: comparing shots of clear skies with clouds as that is (at least in my opinion) the real weakness of the sensor. I also had to get used to lower tonal smoothness and harsher bokeh. But hey, everything has its price!

Rico and others might be able to help you better/further.

Good luck in finding the right settings that work for you.

Peter

Thank you and grats to your X20

 

[Joey Wilson]

Ramirez, I shoot a basic set up of Auto 400 ISO and DR400. In sunlight this may knock the ISO to 100 or 200. At times this may result in a shaky sharpness situation at long zoom settings, regardless of the image stabilization so I may occasionally bump up to Auto 800 to pick up a bit faster shutter speed. I prefer lower ISO's if at all possible for the benefits, and am not averse to using a tripod when I can to buy a little extra sharpness at long zoom lengths: After all, it is 625mm !

Obviously you're aware you're giving away a little image quality with the smaller sensor, but it can make some nice images, and the 'all-in-one' nature is a big plus.

View attachment 927

 

[Ramirez]

Ramirez, I shoot a basic set up of Auto 400 ISO and DR400. In sunlight this may knock the ISO to 100 or 200. At times this may result in a shaky sharpness situation at long zoom settings, regardless of the image stabilization so I may occasionally bump up to Auto 800 to pick up a bit faster shutter speed. I prefer lower ISO's if at all possible for the benefits, and am not averse to using a tripod when I can to buy a little extra sharpness at long zoom lengths: After all, it is 625mm !

Obviously you're aware you're giving away a little image quality with the smaller sensor, but it can make some nice images, and the 'all-in-one' nature is a big plus.

View attachment 927

I'm aware of giving away IQ compared to my X-E1 but my longest reach with the X-E1 is what the XF18-55 can provide; I won't take any bird pics with that!

Sometimes it is great with a really long zoom and for 399€ I'll get just that with the X-S1

Nice squirrel photo!

 

[Joey Wilson]

Oh yes, it will do bird pics !

View attachment 935