Fujifilm XQ1 Comparison Review
The Fujifilm XQ1 is a fixed lens compact camera that was officially introduced in October 2013 and is equipped with a 2/3 sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.
Is the Fujifilm XQ1 a good camera? The XQ1 has a Camera Elo of 1608. This rating puts the XQ1 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the XQ1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Fujifilm XQ1 is more than 10 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2013.
Fujifilm XQ1 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 |
12 MP, Two Thirds Sensor |
1080/60p Video |
ISO 100 - 12 800 |
no viewfinder, LCD framing |
3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
12 shutter flaps per second |
240 shots per battery charge |
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Fujifilm XQ1 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Fujifilm XQ1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 33 mm | 206 g | 240 | n | Oct 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX60 | 128 mm | 93 mm | 114 mm | 650 g | 340 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X20 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 353 g | 270 | n | Jan 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 119 mm | 72 mm | 60 mm | 423 g | 470 | n | Aug 2014 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm XQ2 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 33 mm | 206 g | 240 | n | Jan 2015 | US$ 399 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon P7800 | 119 mm | 78 mm | 50 mm | 399 g | 350 | n | Sep 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic FZ200 | 125 mm | 87 mm | 110 mm | 588 g | 540 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic LF1 | 103 mm | 62 mm | 28 mm | 192 g | 250 | n | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic LX7 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Fujifilm XQ1 was launched in the US market at a price of $499. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Fujifilm XQ1 features a 2/3 sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 3.9. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Fujifilm XQ1 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.3 | 11.0 | -390 | 47 | |
2. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
3. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
4. | Canon SX60 | 1/2.3 | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 19.2 | 10.8 | 127 | 39 | |
5. | Fujifilm X20 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 10.9 | -462 | 46 | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.4 | 11.2 | -312 | 49 | |
7. | Fujifilm XQ2 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.5 | 11.2 | -275 | 49 | |
8. | Nikon P7800 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 21.2 | 11.7 | 200 | 54 | |
9. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 19.1 | 10.8 | 114 | 37 | |
10. | Panasonic LF1 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.8 | 11.6 | 211 | 52 | |
11. | Panasonic LX7 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 20.7 | 11.7 | 147 | 50 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The XQ1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the XQ1 can use is 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm XQ1 and comparable cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Canon SX60 | 922 | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 6.4/s | Y | Y | |
5. | Fujifilm X20 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Fujifilm XQ2 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Nikon P7800 | 921 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Panasonic FZ200 | 1312 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Panasonic LF1 | 200 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Panasonic LX7 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the XQ1 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm XQ1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Canon SX60 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Fujifilm X20 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Fujifilm XQ2 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Nikon P7800 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Panasonic FZ200 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic LF1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
11. | Panasonic LX7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the XQ1 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The XQ1 has a zoom lens built in (6.4-25.6mm f/1.8-4.9), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 100mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the XQ1 can be found in the free online Fujifilm XQ1 Manual or on the Fujifilm support site.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the XQ1 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | US$ 449 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon SX60 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X20 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2014 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm XQ2 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2015 | US$ 399 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon P7800 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic FZ200 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic LF1 | 3/5 | + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic LX7 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Fujifilm XQ1 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the XQ1.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the Fujifilm XQ1 based on?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Fujifilm XQ1?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Fujifilm XQ1?
The XQ1 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Fujifilm XQ1 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Does the Fujifilm XQ1 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Fujifilm XQ1 use?
The camera gets its power from the Fujifilm NP-48 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon 1D Mark III vs Fujifilm XQ1
- Canon 1D Mark IV vs Fujifilm XQ1
- Canon 800D vs Fujifilm XQ1
- Canon G5 X Mark II vs Fujifilm XQ1
- Fujifilm X-A7 vs Fujifilm XQ1
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Leica Q Typ 116
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Leica V-LUX Typ 114
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Nikon A1000
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Nikon D3X
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Panasonic LX7
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Pentax MX-1
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Samsung NX1
Camera Model | Fujifilm XQ1 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 | |
Launch Date | October 2013 | |
Launch Price | USD 499 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Two Thirds Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 8.8 x 6.6 mm | |
Sensor Area | 58 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 11 mm | |
Crop Factor | 3.9x | |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 000 x 3 000 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 2.20 μm | |
Pixel Density | 20.66 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12 800 ISO | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | No viewfinder | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 920k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 12 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | no Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Fujifilm NP-48 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 240 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
100 x 59 x 33 mm (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.3 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 206 g (7.3 oz) |
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