Fuji XQ1

happy Snappy This tiny-bodied, big-sensor compact means high quality for your reference gathering

This tiny-bodied, big-sensor compact camera with a super-wide aperture gives high image-quality and great low-light functionality.

There’s an appetite for premium-quality compact cameras, with buyers eager for well-built bodies giving the impression of detailed control, a high-performance lens and additional features. A super-wide aperture is just one of the features that users are craving for, as is a maximum opening of f/1.8 – and they’re both here in the Fuji XQ1.

Why should digital artists be interested in all of this? Well we’re always looking for the perfect compact to take on location to take myriad reference photos for future projects. Not only is this camera effortless to use, the large aperture lens can create shallow depth of field – another creative option that tends to be pretty rare on cameras this size.

It also features that second mostdesired additional feature: a largerthan-usual imaging sensor, along with the processor of a model much further up the camera hierarchy.

What’s also appealing is that you can start playing with the image before you transfer and open it up in Photoshop. Those of you who remember using film will like the image settings that simulate the colour and contrast of Provia, Astia and Velvia transparency emulsions, as well as the black and white tones of Neopan – a heady mix indeed! Overall, this is a cracking camera to help you capture the foundations of your next digital masterpiece.

The XQ1 offers some neat retro control rings around the lens, for useful things like aperture, ISO, white balance, zoom and a whole lot more.

The XQ1 provides in-camera raw processing, enabling you to add film ‘looks’ to images post-capture, and to alter contrast and colour settings.