Fujifilm X-M1 Compact System 16MP Digital Camera Kit with 16-50mm Lens and 3

The Fuji X-M1 sits in the entry segment of the X series models but this one has the unique X-Trans CMOS sensor (the X-A1 has a normal bayer sensor) in other areas though these models are the same (controls/functions etc)Being an entry model there are a few compromises here, firstly the most obvious one is the lack of viewfinder, secondly controls have been streamlined over higher end models and this doesn't feature the newer on sensor phase detect autofocus of the X-T1 (contrast AF here) despite this the camera still manages to achieve a very small size (very similar to the X10/20 compacts in fact slightly smaller) and it has most of the important requirements aspiring shooter might want.I've been testing the camera extensively for a while now and made up a quick fire list of some of the better points and weaker areas of the camera. The camera is a good one overall though like most cameras does have some areas that could be better.Good points:+ Excellent image quality easily as good if not better than equivalent rivals (with a similar sensor size) Tonality is very appealing and attractive (very subjective but I like it)+ Huge latitude in raw files both highlight and shadow end with outstanding low light performance very minimal noise+ Build is solid despite being plastic feels well put together no poor joints or creaking at the seams+ Full manual controls quite good customisation and menus+ Autofocus is good for accuracy in most cases (it's reasonably quick though can't match DSLR's for speed)+ Start up is quick and the camera is responsive with no signs of lag+ Fairly good buffer around 10 shots raw and about 31 jpegs at full resolution, able to take some advantage of faster cards too+ Continuous shooting rate of 5.6fps is decent (note the points about AF)+ Large clear 3.0” LCD is the same aspect ratio as the sensor (3:2) and sharp with a 920k resolution as well as partially articulated (up and down positions) option to brighten it up for daylight shooting (it's a bit reflective though quite clear in most light)+ Battery life is quite good for a compact sized camera (I got about 390 shots per charge) flash use will shorten this+ Q menu is well laid out and avoids trips into the main menu system for most common settings+ Fn button can be user set, C position on the mode dial allows for a memory of settings to be stored (shame it is only one)+ Hot shoe allows the use of dedicated flashes or other accessories, built in flash extends a decent bit though power is a little low (GN 7)+ Consistent metering and white balance required little intervention for most shooting+ Excellent flash exposures (though will increase the ISO if you let it a little too much)+ Manual focus “peak” is useful though could use more colours (red/yellow)+ Video is acceptable for a consumer level camera reasonable details and resolution and decent microphone quality, limited options though (you can set aperture before you start but not adjust it during recording) see cons on “moire”+ Good in camera raw conversions you can adjust quite a few settings too (this creates jpegs from raw files but it's handy to have)Weaker areas:- No viewfinder, and no option to add one, no AEL button (Fn can be programmed for this)- Continuous autofocus/tracking is weak (cannot re-focus after the first shot on cont AF) not a good choice for sports/action shooters (though with pre-focus techniques and some skill it might work)- Raw not available for ISO 100 or above ISO 6400 (jpeg only)- Jpegs overly contrasty by default and don't exploit the dynamic range of the sensor (adjusting the shadow/highlights to -1/-2 helps quite a lot) tendency to crush blacks- Macro button fairly pointless (would be better to have a Fn 2 custom button)- Battery/memory card slot is covered when on a tripod you can't change either (poor location)- Card write light covered by your thumb- Video shows moire and false colours when repeating patterns are in footage- No dedicated button for ISO (you can set the Fn button to this), movie button cannot be re-programmed- No “sweep panoramic mode” and no level gauge both are strange omissions, black and white doesn't have the filters either (red/yellow etc)- 3 scene modes on the mode dial are wasting space, better to put them all in the SP setting (where the other scene modes are) This area would be better reserved for extra user settings- “Top” control dial is a bit easy to move (can mean exposure compensation is engaged by accident)- Flash exp compensation buried in the main menu cannot be assigned to the Fn1 button- Wi-fi has limited use you can send images to devices (even a pc if the software is installed) you can Geotag images too, you cannot control the camera via the Fuji remote app which is disappointing. No option to turn this off (which could conserve battery power)- No electronic shutter (full mechanical) though it's not obtrusive sound wiseNotes:If you don't have any lenses the “kit” 16-50mm F3.5-F5.6 is well worth getting I've done a separate review on this lens it's very good optics wise and offers a nice wider angle field of view (equivalent to 24mm)Unlike some compacts there is no built in memory so you'll need an SD cardRaw files average at around 24MB, which is on the large side for a 16mp cameraVideo:You have a choice of only two resolutions 1920 x 1080 @ 30fps this is for some reason limited to 14 minutes time1280 x 720 is also @30fps but recording time is 27 minutes.AF is available in continuous though it does fine don't expect miracles esp in lower light or tracking it's not unsatisfactory for this type of camera though. Moire and false colours are an issue so this isn't going to really suit very serious video shooters, but it does fine for quick clips.The supplied strap is a thin “pleather” type affair it does the job (same as the X10/X20 cameras) but a fabric one is preferable.Dynamic range modes:There are Auto, 100%, 200%, 400%The camera will raise the ISO levels up to ISO 800 for DR 400%, (and ISO 400 for DR 200%)In most cases DR Auto does a good job, but DR 200% is fairly safe too the camera won't show massive noise problems at all even at ISO 800.You do get some useful "one touch" controls if you press and hold the following buttons in:DISP/BACK: this engages the "quiet mode" this disables the sounds/flash if raised and the AF assist lightQ Button: Brightens the LCD to high levels for use in harsh sunlightMenu/OK: This locks the 4 buttons around the Middle Menu button (and disables the video button) to stop accidental button pressesWhen the X-M1 first arrived last year it was fairly expensive and that might have put people off trying one, however fast forward about to the present time it's now at levels similar to budget DSLR's. In terns of what's on offer this is a solid offering, but bear in mind that the main advantages of this are the smaller size compared to a DSLR, it can't offer the same autofocus performance and that's an important point for moving subjects, also the size advantage tends to disappear once you use larger focal length lenses (which are no smaller than their DSLR equivalents) Look at what you needs are. If you're a heavy phone user and want a big step up in quality, the sensor in this camera will destroy even the most expensive phone camera, with ease.There is a 27mm f2.8 pancake lens which when paired with this body makes for a very compact machine (albeit with a fixed focal length) I've yet to test that lens but it's an option for some if you want to keep the size down.The biggest attraction is probably the sensor which is very capable and responds well to raw processing, it's certainly a huge step up from a tiny sensor compact in image quality. Even premium compacts will fall behind this, but bear in mind when paired with the 16-50mm lens you don't have very good close up ability and the lens is slower esp the telephoto end. If you shoot a lot of macro or close up photos a premium compact with a fast lens might be a better choice.On the other hand if you are into experimenting a little you can acquire a lens adapter and though manual focus and aperture control you can mount and use many lenses (there is an M mount Fuji adapter available and lots of third party ones for other lens mounts) this means that even if you are invested in an SLR system you could find a use for this body with your lenses. For newer users or those keen to keep the size down this is a very viable alternative to a DSLR, but it's not for everyone (action shooters) Grip wise a little small here I find a DSLR more comfy to hold for longer periods, everyone is unique though small suits some better than others.Couple of odd points firstly leaving out the sweep pano and some of the newer film effects (and B&W filters) strikes me as strange considering the target market for the camera, it's also a shame to see no electronic level gauge this featured on the X series compacts. Controls are fairly logical though would benefit from an additional Fn button to program, you also can't turn off the “guide” which might annoy some more seasoned users (this describes the scene/modes on screen) Wi-fi is under exploited and Fuji could look at this not having remote control of a Wi-Fi camera is puzzling. The rear control dial is in an unusual location and takes a while to get used to, it also can be pushed for some settings as well as rotated.At the default settings jpegs are a bit harsh for my liking (too much contrast and dynamic range is a bit weak) adjusting the shadow/highlight tone helps no end. It's also worth experimenting with the DR settings to get the best out of the camera. If you are working with raw then the X-Trans CMOS has some impressive latitude in both ends able to recover highlights and pull shadows aggresively without a major impact on images. Either way jpeg and raw shooters will be impressed with the cameraI would like to see a few things tweaked and maybe Fuji will get around to adding a sweep pano and some more film modes. The lack of viewfinder is a shame too even a basic one would be welcomed (or the option to add one) it’s down to personal use on that with lighter smaller lenses the lack of viewfinder isn't a massive loss (it's certainly easier to hold a camera stability wise with a viewfinder), but it becomes awkward if you start to use heavier or longer focal lengths.Overall the X-M1 is a very decent offering and certainly likely to appeal a lot more at this price level, despite the flaws it's a capable camera and more than able to hold it's own image quality is as good as you can get with an APS-C sensor.