In a recent blog about what I pack into my camera bag, I talked about the Fujifilm X70.  I originally purchased this little powerhouse as a vlogging camera as it is light,  has a great wide angle and shoots video in HD. I am still getting the hang of this camera as a video unit and also still building up the courage to do an actual vlog and film myself whilst trying to  convey an interesting narrative. I have also decided to use this camera as my EDC – Every Day Camera. Its compact size and minimal weight means that it can sit in my EDB – Every Day Bag – and not be an inconvenience.  And its fantastic image quality means that I never feel like I wish I had a ‘better’ camera with me.

This is in no way a technical review.  Just some of my thoughts on the camera and how it works for me.  But here are some of the basic specs and features that I use or love about this camera.  This tiny camera packs the X-Trans CMOS II sensor at 16.3 megapixels.  This is the same sensor as the Fujifilm X-T1 and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 cameras. So with that in mind, it too includes the ability to shoot in RAW or JPEG (or both), use Fujifilm film simulations, full manual control, customisable buttons and command dials – just to name a few.  The lens is a fixed 18.5mm (35mm format equivalent : 28mm) with an aperture of 2.8.

This is not your average point and click.  Whilst it does not have a dedicated optical or digital view finder, it does boast a 3.0 inch touch screen with a 180 degree tilt function. The touch screen can be used for focusing and shooting on the go.  A hot shoe allows for a flash, mic or even a Fujifilm optical view finder (VF-X21) to be attached. It has an audio-in port as well as a USB charger port – allowing for charging on the go with a power bank.  All of this wonderful technology comes in at only 340 grams.  The weight of a decent mango! It is not quite pants-pocketable due to the lens protruding from the body, but will comfortably fit into a jacket pocket.  This adds to it being a discreet shooter.

The Fujifilm X70 comes in stealth black or in a more retro silver and black.  Much like the Fujifilm X100 cameras. I chose to go for the black model as it makes the camera more discreet and look less like a high-end camera. I pimped mine up a bit with the Fujifilm dark brown half leather case and wrist strap (BLC-X70).  This still allows for access to the battery and SD card cover while adding a bit more grip in the front. This set also comes with a soft material case that has an elastic loop at the front.  I carry it in my bag with this on to protect the camera a little and the leather case adds some bump protection.

I also attached the lens adaptor ring and lens hood kit (LH-X70).  This allows for a 49mm lens filter to be added to protect the front glass of the lens.  You can purchase a Wide Conversion Lens for this camera (WCL-X70) which attaches to the lens and converts the 18.5mm lens down to around a 14mm lens.  Excellent for landscape and travel photography but for me not a requirement for how I use this camera.  One other excellent feature that I want to share is the in-camera RAW image convertor.  This allows you to convert RAW images – with in-camera adjustments to exposure, sharpness, contrast, etc – to JPEG images.  Then, with the built in Wi-Fi feature, I can transfer these images to my iPhone for sharing or print them directly from the Fujifilm Instax Share (SP-2) printer that uses the Fujifilm Instax instant film.  Brilliant and lots of fun!

When shooting street photography with this camera I rely more on assessing the scene with my eye rather than through a digital view finder.  It is a bit of a change compared to shooting with my X-T2 or X100F but it is also a good challenge.  I try not to stand there with my mouth open arms extended above my head taking tourist shots.  I promise. I tend to shoot more from hip level and look down at the folded-out touch screen.  As I mentioned earlier this camera has accessible dials and buttons with many of these customisable.  I have mine set up to use manual controls with the exception of Auto Focus. Shutter speed and exposure compensation dials are located on the top of the camera.  The aperture ring sits on the lens barrel snug against the body. Directly in front of this is the manual focus ring. I have customised this to actually be my ISO dial.

This camera is fantastic in so many ways and a lot of my camera buddies agree that it is a bit of an underrated gem. I think that the release of this camera was overshadowed by its bigger brothers in the X-T2 and X-Pro2 along with a bunch of lens releases. Regardless, many street photographers that I admire and follow use this camera – some use it as their main camera for street. I can see why.  This is an all purpose shooter – street, landscape, travel or just for capturing family events and activities.  But it takes exceptional images. It has continued to surprise me as a very credible street camera which is not what I purchase it for originally.  Happy shooting.