I fell in love while in Maryland – Fuji X100S Review

Last weekend I was in Maryland for my friend Mike’s wedding. Mike was my best friend while growing up and my best man on my wedding day 11 years ago. He has been with an amazing girl, Jenny, for several years and they finally tied the knot on June 1st, which was the day of my wedding. Since I was away from the wife and kids and at the wedding as a groomsman/guest I rented the highly regarded 16 megapixel Fuji X100S from LenRentals.com to play with for the weekend. Here is a quick image I shot of the Fuji X100S with my Canon 5D3.

Fuji x100s

After reading the reviews of the X100S by David Hobby & Zack Arias I knew I had to get my hands on one to see if it lived up to the hype, and it did! I love the quality of the sensor in DSLRs and have always been disappointed in how fast the image falls apart with little point and shoot camera. The Fuji X100S is a point and shoot with a fixed 23mm 2.0 lens (35mm full frame equivalent) for photographers that want the quality of their DSLR but don’t want to lug around all their heavy gear.  The image surpasses many DSLRs and I would have no problem using the X100s on paid jobs based on my experience and quality in the images you see below. I just wish I had more time with the camera to really get more comfortable with it and play with the leaf shutter and my off camera flashes.

All the images below were shot with Fuji X100S. Please note that my biggest concern on the wedding day was being a good guest and not getting in the photographer’s way so many times I wasn’t in the ideal place to shoot some of these photos.

The day before the wedding we went to try on our suits that we were renting. While I was busy catching up with some of Mike’s family I did capture this image of Mike. 1/125 2.8 1250 ISO

Fuji x100s

Mike give the groomsmen personalized cufflinks. The macro feature on the X100S came in handy! Here are my cufflinks which a are modeled after a camera dial. 1/60 4.0 1600 ISO

Fuji x100s

Here is a 100% of the original file. Looks very clean for 1600 ISO.

Fuji x100s

Here are my cufflinks with Mike’s and Tom’s. Mike’s of course has groom on them and Tom’s (another good friend from our younger years) has a logo from Pearl Jam Alive. 1/60 4.0 1600 ISO

Fuji x100s

Since I was at the wedding as a guest I made sure to stay out of the way of the talented Benson Lau, who was the hired photographer. Here are a few from the first look. All at 1/160 2.8 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

Fuji x100s

Fuji x100s

I am pretty jealous that Benson got to photograph this wedding because Jenny, the bride, prepared some amazing details herself. 1/500 5.6 400 ISO

Fuji x100s

Here is a 100% of the original file. Look at that detail!!!

Fuji x100s

Enjoying the macro feature with the X100S! 1/1000 2.8 400 ISO

Fuji x100s

1/250 2.8 400 ISO

Fuji x100s

1/250 2.8 400 ISO

Fuji x100s

1/250 2.0 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

Jenny was gorgeous!! This was very quick snapshot I grabbed of Jenny before we did groups shots which were before the ceremony. 1/1000 2.8 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

Just before the ceremony I grabbed this photo of the pastor talking to Mike and his brother. 1/125 2.0 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

I grabbed the next 2 photos just before hiding my camera for the rest of the ceremony 1/500 5.6 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

I am curious to see the image Benson captured. 1/500 5.6 200 ISO

Fuji x100s

Overall I loved the camera and it gave me something play with and keep me busy since I am so accustomed to working at weddings. If you are interested in picking one up please take a look at the Amazon link below. I can’t wait to own this perfect little travel companion which can also be used as an extra camera on a wedding day.

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Rustin Michael CervenyJune 6, 2013 - 8:13 pm

I did test out the built-in ND filter with my RadioPoppers and off camera flash. The RadioPopper JrX transmitter has it’s antenna on the bottom so you can’t mount it directly on the X100S. I had to attach them together using Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord which made everything very cumbersome and bulky. I then shot a few shots of my son Gideon but he wasn’t cooperating much so the composition and expressions aren’t worth sharing. The best one was of him with his finger up his nose.

John EnriccoJune 6, 2013 - 7:55 pm

Great review and pictures!

I was wondering if you took advantage of the ND filter when you were outside?

Griffith Park Engagement Photography – Adam & Lauren

This past Saturday I met up with Adam & Lauren for their engagement session at Griffith Park and Observatory. It was a beautiful day in Los Angeles so we had to park nearly a mile downhill and hike up to the Observatory but we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset! I really enjoyed spending time with Adam & Lauren and getting to know them better during our session. I am very excited to capture their wedding day at Condor’s Nest Ranch this summer!

We started the session on one of the trails by the Observatory.

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

I love these last two we captured during the sunset.

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

Griffith park engagement photography, los angeles engagement

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[…] session I posted of this wonderful couple a few months ago, if not you can check it out here.  Condor’s Nest ranch have a very vintage/rustic feel and look to it so that is reflected […]

Orange County Wedding Photography – Jason & Marina 04/21/2013

Last weekend I tagged along with Christopher Wren Photography to help him capture Jason & Marina’s wedding day.  I have only been a 2nd photographer a handful of times in my photography career so it was a little different to be working at wedding without being the one in charge when it comes to photos.  A 2nd photographer is responsible for capturing different angles, going to a separate location if needed while the couple is getting ready, and backing up the main photographer.  One of the nice things about all this is there is less stress and responsibility as a 2nd photographer so you have a little more freedom to take more risks.

Here are a few of my favorites from Jason & Marina’s special day!

Marina picked these bright blue comfortable TOMS shoes to wear on her special day.

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Just a few of Marina getting ready.

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wedding photography

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wedding photography

I love the deep breath Marina is taking as she is approaching Jason for their first look.

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Two more from their first look

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Marina’s bouquet

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Just a few shots of Jason and Marina that I grabbed while Chris was photographing them

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wedding photography

After we arrived at the church I spent time with the girls and captured this great moment as Marina and her girls prayed before the ceremony.

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I love this shot of Marina and her dad just before the walk down the aisle

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I love the way Marina looks at Jason

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wedding photography

I love this moment as they are walking down the aisle after getting married

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Some of my favorites from the first dance.

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wedding photography

wedding photography

Thanks again to Chris for letting me join him last weekend. It was great to see him work and I made a few mental notes on how I can continue to grow this year as a photographer!

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Christopher Wren BrashearApril 27, 2013 - 7:06 am

Nice work dude! They sure lucked out to get you as the 2nd photographer.

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