Fujifilm X-Pro1 Hands-on Preview

January 2012 | Andy Westlake

Preview based on a pre-production X-Pro1

When Fujifilm announced its FinePix X100 retro-styled large-sensor compact at Photokina 2010, it captured the imagination of serious photographers in a way the company seemed not to have quite anticipated. The X100's combination of 'traditional' dial-based handling and outstanding image quality brought widespread plaudits, making it something of a cult classic despite its undeniable flaws. The subsequent addition to the range of the X10 compact, with its bright, manually-controlled zoom lens, has cemented Fujifilm's resurgence as a brand worthy of serious attention.

The X100 may have looked very traditional but it housed some very modern technologies - foremost amongst which was its hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. This design not only allowed the choice of a rangefinder-style optical view or a fully electronic view but was also able to overlay electronic data over the optical viewfinder. It was a masterpiece of engineering, but appeared to be a design very much dependent on its use with an integrated prime lens.

With the X100's success and the increasing popularity of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, it seemed only a matter of time before Fujifilm would introduce a higher-end model with exchangeable lenses. And after heavy hints that such a beast was indeed in the offing, that moment has now arrived. The camera is called the X-Pro1, leaving absolutely no doubt as to its intended market: it becomes the first camera of its type specifically aimed at professional photographers.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 highlights

The X-Pro1 is the start of an all-new camera system, with a brand new mount and lenses. It's unashamedly targeted at a high-end audience, with analogue control dials and a small set of compact, large-aperture primes to be available at launch. Fujifilm is keen to stress its future commitment to the system, with a promise of two more lenses to appear later in 2012. Key features are:

Fujifilm-designed 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
Novel colour filter array to suppress colour moiré, no optical low-pass filter
EXR Processor Pro image processor
Dual-magnification hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder
Analogue dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation on top of camera
All-new, fully electronic X lens mount; 17.7mm flange-to-sensor distance
Three 'XF' lenses at launch: XF 18mm F2 R, XF 35mm F1.4 R, and XF 60mm F2.4 R Macro
Prime lenses have traditional-style aperture rings (1/3 stop increments) and large manual focus rings
Revised rear-panel control layout
On-screen 'Q' control panel and redesigned tabbed menu system
Focal-plane shutter, 1/4000 sec max speed
3.0" RGBW 1.23M dot LCD

The X-Pro1 with its initial lens set: 35mm F1.4 (mounted), 60mm F2.4 and 18mm F2

The X-Pro1 is most easily characterized as a beefed-up, interchangeable-lens version of the X100, but it's a lot more besides. It retains the same basic analogue control philosophy, but the design has been rationalized and refined in a fashion that suggests Fujifilm has been listening to feedback from users and reviewers alike. For example, the shutter speed dial has a central lock button, and the exposure compensation dial is recessed, which should minimise the risk of accidental settings changes. There's also a conveniently-placed 'Q' button that brings up an on-screen control panel to access a range of functions that previously required a trip into the menus - a much-needed improvement that will surely be appreciated by users.

However potentially the most interesting change is on the inside, and specifically the image sensor. The X-Pro 1 uses a proprietary, Fujifilm-designed 16MP APS-C 'X-Trans CMOS' chip that eschews the conventional Bayer-pattern colour filter array in favour of a more complex layout. The result, claims Fujifilm, is a practical immunity to colour moiré, which means that an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter is no longer required. This suggests that in terms of detail resolution the X-Pro 1 should punch above its weight based on pixel count alone - indeed Fujifilm is claiming it will out-resolve the full frame 21MP Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

The X-Pro 1 uses an entirely new all-electronic lens mount, and the initial lens line-up will consist of a set of bright primes with focal lengths that neatly complement the X100's 23mm F2. There's an 18mm F2 wideangle, 35mm F1.4 normal, and 60mm F2.4 Macro telephoto (offering 28mm, 50mm and 90mm equivalents respectively) - the latter with extended close-focus capabilities giving 0.5x magnification. Each has a prominent manual focus ring and an aperture dial controllable in 1/3 stop increments (a welcome improvement over the X100), although neither control is mechanically coupled - both focus and aperture are electronically driven 'by wire'.

The X100's signature optical/electronic 'hybrid' viewfinder is retained, and to help cope with interchangeable lenses it now offers two magnifications. At its lower magnification (0.37x) it covers the field of view of the 18mm lens; when the 35mm lens is mounted, an additional magnifier slides into place to match, giving 0.6x magnification. The 60mm lens uses a smaller frameline within this magnified view. One of the advantages of the hybrid finder, of course, is that it can project suitable frame lines in the optical finder for a wide range of focal lengths, and critically-accurate composition can always be obtained by switching to the EVF.

One perhaps less-obvious change is that the X100's near-silent in lens shutter has gone, and the X-Pro1 employs a conventional focal plane shutter. This is inevitably louder in operation, and offers slower flash sync. But it also means that unlike the X100, the X-Pro1 will be fully capable of combining its fastest shutter speeds with large apertures.

Further additions compared to the X100 include an upgraded LCD, which Fujifilm says offers wider viewing angles and lower reflectivity to aid viewing in direct sunlight, and a multiple exposure mode that provides a live preview of the composite image even when using the optical viewfinder. There are also two new Film Simulation modes, designated ProNegS and ProNegH. These, of course, play on Fujifilm's long heritage as a film manufacturer, and as the names suggest aim to replicate the characteristics of Fujicolor professional colour negative film (PRO 160NS and PRO 400NH respectively). They're therefore targeted specifically at professional photographers shooting portrait and wedding work.

Side-by-side with the FinePix X100 and X10

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 inherits its basic design philosophy from the FinePix X100, but in a larger, chunkier body that manages to look more purposeful and, arguably, 'professional' in its all-black finish. In fact if you take a second look, it's in several respects closer in design to the X10, incorporating such improvements as the front-mounted focus mode switch and recessed exposure compensation dial. This family group, however, emphasizes just how far Fujifilm is pushing the word 'compact' in its preferred 'Compact System Camera' nomenclature - the X-Pro1 is about the same size as the Leica M9.

The X-Pro1's family lineage is apparent in this side-by-side shot, nestling between the X100 and X10. It's a large, chunky camera though, and rather bigger than the X100, and like its siblings bristles with external controls. One noteworthy change is that the viewfinder mode switch points down rather than up, for operation by your middle finger.

Side-by-side with the Panasonic DMC-GX1 and Sony NEX-7

The X-Pro1's size is reinforced in this view: it's quite substantially larger than the Sony Alpha NEX-7, let alone the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1, but of course it's the only one in this group with an optical viewfinder (although the NEX has a built-in EVF). On the other hand it's also the only one that lacks a built-in flash. Its 'traditional' control philosophy is pretty well the polar opposite of the NEX-7's, with its soft keys and highly modal dials.

Left to right: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 with Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4, Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 35mm F1.4, and Sony NEX-7 with Carl Zeiss Sonnar E 24mm F1.8.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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Comments

Total comments: 598

Otherwise really perfect: small external flash doesn't draw electricity from the body and gets better coverage than average, greater resolution without lowpass filter, hybrid viewfinder, etc.

On screen focus point direct selection would have been a great point. Another point Fuji shouldn't miss is quick release of bright lenses and zooms.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

That have FP selection on the LCD and likely but didn't look probity in the VF if full LCD.

0 upvotes

Think they will as fast as they can. I would like a F4 16 to 85 mm and no IS to keep it small? F 2.8 just makes it wider along with IS and we will still need to see around it some of the times.

0 upvotes

I intended touch screen FP selection, the fastest way to choose FP. It seemes Pro1 doesn't have it.

I prefer f/2 and f/2,8 lenses, larger but faster and greater control of DOF.

Another little complain is the absence of tilting LCD.

0 upvotes

Wonderful camera, something every enthusiasts dream of. Quite perfect in every aspect, almost on paper, but falls tremendously in still using mechanical shutter: the use of an electronical one would projected it in the future, for a completely silent, instantaneous and vibrationless shooting experience. It's really a pity, a wasted occasion...

0 upvotes

does anyone have links to the video this thing shoots?
Or any input on the quality vs the 5D?

0 upvotes

I can't say anything about the 5D, but I have seen some tests of the video. The auto focus is not all that great. I would rate the video, based on what I seen, as mediocre. It's is there but not the focus of the camera.

0 upvotes

Only pre production has been seen so far as I know. Only crappy handheld close ups tethered to a wire. I wouldn't rate one as a good test yet.

0 upvotes

I think this camera has too big size to be so popular, like X10. And price is not reasonable. I would prefer next generation of x10.

0 upvotes

OK it's not for you But they plan on bring out a cheaper one someday, This is the pro camera it's going to cost the most over built.

Comment edited 32 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Based on my experience with the x10, I'm very excited about this camera. It seems to me however, that Fuji doesn't quite have the lens mix quite right. If they really want me to move over to their system from Nikon, they're going to need some faster lenses than what I've seen so far. I'd like to see some bokeh goodness, but so far it's not at all clear that its here or on its way with this system.

Also, given the poor battery performance of the x10, I'm a bit wary of spending this much on the X-Pro1 only to find out that the batteries only last a half day out in the field.

0 upvotes

You would be paying a pretty penny to get something faster than what is being offered for the 60mm. As it is, you'll be spending $3,500 to $4,000 for the body and lenses and a few extras. For me that is a hard commitment. I've seen some pretty convincing photos with the crop of lenses. The edge to edge performance is pretty good as is for the size of the sensor, but I'll wait for the review before casting my vote.

0 upvotes

Well, my View is at F 1.4 and high ISO you will be abele to do It I think it will rock. BTW I willing to bet on Nova flex making an X too Canon FD ES and Nikon converters so don't sell your fast glass. Hope I am right add more
Battery yea you may want 2? With 2 LCD's eating it but not at the same time.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I just downloaded and compared a variety of photos taken by the X-Pro 1 and the OM-D E-M5. While this is purely my opinion, images from the X-Pro 1 seemed far superior. I am anxious to see what dpreview and others have to say when they get an opportunity to really play with production versions and put them through their paces.

2 upvotes

To hard to tell yet as everything your looking at is still 72 DPI so yea what they say maters more then what we see. But without an AA the X pro 1 would kick it's --- I think.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

It would have been a lot better if the focal length of the lenses offered by Fuji had been ACTUALLY 18, 35, and 60mm. 27, 53, and 91 changes the game somewhat. What were they thinking? It almost sounds as if that were trying to pull a fast one.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

A fast one like every other camera company has done? Do you expect Canikon to offer lenses for their APS-C cams that equates to 18, 35, amd 60? Can't wait for the new Nikon 12mm and 23mm lenses!!

0 upvotes

your brain has rusted do u take photos ===== !

0 upvotes

Maybe I'm missing something. What does it matter? There is a slight difference when comparing one camera with another, but in the end it is the quality of the photo that matters.

0 upvotes

So you're saying they need more wide's? They are coming later as their plan is to get a wide range to start out.

0 upvotes

27 is standard wide angle with minimum distortion correction. 24 is considered extended wide angle with significantly more barrel and pin cushion distortion to be corrected. With more correction the less native image quality overall. They will offer wider angle lenses with processor correction but at a marginal loss of image quality. Everything has a trade off.

0 upvotes

I really don't like the lockable shutter dial, IMO shutter dial should be smooth yet crisp

among all the dials and rings on the camera why only the shutter dial get this fool proof feature?

0 upvotes

Perhaps the thumb touches the dial when you holding the camera?

0 upvotes

Only locks on A from what I can make out, Have to see what they say, soon i hope.

Comment edited 25 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

It's my understanding (from another site) that the new XPro1 sensor has six cells per pixel (the Bayer is four cells per pixel). This means that this Fuji sensor needs 50% more sensor area to keep the same pixel density or shrink the cell size by 33% in order to maintain the the same pixel density (pix per mm square).

Could dpr address the pixel density change in its review? This would make the 16Mpix APS-C denser than 16Mpix m4/3

0 upvotes

You misunderstood, each of what you call "cells" are actually the pixels. Each pixel is filtered for either red, blue or green and then demosaicing algorithms then interpolate the RBG values of each pixel. These algorithms and the bayer array are what cause the moire artifacts, necessitating the AA filter.

Since the fuji sensor has a "semi random" array of filtered pixels, they don't need the AA filter.

This is why the Sigma advertises 45 Megapixels for their 15 megapixels SD1 sensor, because in that sensor, each pixel actually captures the three RGB values instead of interpolating them.

So no, there is no pixel density issue.

2 upvotes

May as well learn how it works if you thinking of getting one! Every thing you would want to know for the most part.

http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/manuals/pdf/index/x/xpro1_manual_01.pdf

0 upvotes

The camera and 35mm 1.4 for au$2300 in Australia as a per order - so the Australian price will be pretty much in line the US, which is good news for us in OZ. :-)

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Hello at DPReview. If you are reading this forum, and if you have the lenses and the camera, could you put a preview gallery of photos. I think there is a great deal of interest in this camera and a review could be months away. So please, if possible put up a preview gallery. ... Thanks in advance.

0 upvotes

Sorry if I missed it but has there been mention if this will have an adapter for 4/3 lenses or anything other type? I saw somewhere an M mount was being released sometime. Anyone else hear/know if and when adapters will be made for this body?

1 upvote

M4/3 lenses can't cover an apsc sized sensor, which is why they can be smaller. Sorry.

0 upvotes

Sorry I don't know why I put 4/3 lenses. Just referring to the M mount lenses or any other adapters that have been mentioned or that compatibility has been discussed over. Will any other brand lenses be able to auto focus? Just curious.

0 upvotes

35 mm full frame and 1.5 lenses will work. I sure someone will make adapters.

0 upvotes

Small point to most but important to me... the camera needs a Fujifilm logo on the front of the body! Otherwise it looks plain and unfinished, as do all their cameras of this ilk, except maybe the X-100. And I don't buy that crap about moving stealthily through the mean streets shooting LIFE magazine covers without the criminals knowing you have a camera.

Their stylist should be slapped with a wet towel!

0 upvotes

Sorry, but I LOVE the fact that there's nothing written on the front of high end Fuji cameras. It doesn't diminish the product at all. Every time I take my X10 out of my coat pocket at a party I instantly have 2-3 people asking about it and commenting on how good it looks.

4 upvotes

The body design is really what is drawing a lot of people to this camera (being akin to a 35mm film Contax G2.) This camera was initially released in titanium, but Contax grew wise to the professional needs and a black version was released which still attracts a high premium on the used market. I'd certainly agree 'stylists' should perhaps keep to make-up and hair, but the industrial design team responsible for the X100, X10 and X-Pro 1 should be congratulated for the minimalism and quality of body design in these cameras. Let's just hope the electronic innards and practical photographic image quality of the X-Pro 1 lives up to the standards shown in it's exterior design.

0 upvotes

If the logo is that important buy a keychain or something that has Fuji printed on it and use a drop of epoxy to hold it in place.
That will work, just be careful to not get the glue on the camera finish.

0 upvotes

wo0T!

0 upvotes

I understand the logic behind keeping the front plain for reasons of stealth, so why have they written on the front of the lens in bright white lettering?

Comment edited 42 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Is´s easy do-it-yourself, dude. Just buy some carats of fine diamond pebbles and write Fuji Co with them. And don`t forget to tell me where`s yours usuall beat. It wouldn`t bother me if you top the outfit with goldplated Leica S2.

0 upvotes

Well, sorry I can't share the enthusiasm on this Fuji 'top' of the line camera, and the same goes for the rest of its product line.
In my opinion,Fuji committed a great mistake with the FUJI X10, when buyers reported white disks on reflected surfaces and also a bad function of the shutter blades
Fuji did not take the appropriate measures (general recall) to fix that flaw.
Now many an enthusiastic buyer is caught with a camera that has no responsible action from its maker.
Then again: Only fools rush in, as the song says.

1 upvote

you can see the official Fujifilm X-Pro1's Photo Sample in this link

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_pro1/sample_images/

if you compair this camera to Leica M9 i think X-Pro1 is the winner because you got a better price and better images... but if you compare it to Sony Alpha NEX-7, the sony nex7 is a winner in this case... i Think!!!

1 upvote

With F3.5/5.6 lens.............you got to be kidding!

1 upvote

Only if you want to use legacy manual focus lenses with adapters, then the NEX-7 may be the winner.

Comment edited 33 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

test review 3-2-2012

0 upvotes

Well, Fuji, here's another fine mess you've gotten me into !

But besides, I'm having a hard time to figure out why this new camera must exceed all the dimensions of the (fully framed !) Leica M9 ?
With all those fancy new EVIL cameras around, the new X-1 Pro looks like a blackbird amid the sparrows.

0 upvotes

yes, there is a good chance you are....... :-)

0 upvotes

Hehe ... then I'd be death for 55yrs.

No, I'm currently in a process of upgrading from APS-C to FF.
Since I never could afford a "real" Leica, the new X-Pro 1 is sort of "...and lead us not into temptation". Oh well.

I suppose I have to do what I always do:

Wait a couple of months (years) 'till all the quirky bugs got fixed.

0 upvotes

Now Amazon has it...
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B006UV6YMQ/ref_sr_1_1-20

0 upvotes

I get why the manual focus by wire is problematic. But I don't understand why people are so anxious about the auto focus. Can someone explain that to me? Seriously, I'm curious and confused.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

The auto focus is not perfect. Consequently, some people want the manual focus option.

0 upvotes

I have a Canon PowerShot 590IS compact which unusually has a neat manual focus mode which displays a magnified central portion of the image on the LCD screen with a moving scale calibrated in feet along the top; not quite as precise as the old "split image" type but works quite well so some sort of manual focussing is possible to complement the autofocus.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Are these new lenses focus by wire? That's on my X100 and it's a bit of a pain. I find I often use the hyperfocus feature and focusing is like driving on a road trip and being stuck in 1st gear.

0 upvotes

I like this camera, rather than re invent the wheel they have used a tried and trusted layout which has proved itself well with traditional rangefinders.

Good job well done.

2 upvotes

They should have had a fully articulated screen -- or a tilting screen at worst. And don't tell me it's not professional -- I grew up (photographically speaking) with Rolleis, and Mamiya C3s and C330s. The fact that today's "professional" cameras lack this common tool, so valuable for swift changes of viewpoint, either higher or lower, is a failure of both the manufacturers and the market and their childishly limited definition of "professional".

And it's not hard! My Olympus E-PL3 has screen that tilts both up and down. Very useful.

The lenses look great -- wonderfully small with plenty of aperture. The test will be about whether they go further, something around 12-14mm, something on the 100-150mm range? And what of zooms?

7 upvotes

Amen

0 upvotes

I worry about braking them glad its not on.

0 upvotes

I'm old school - 35mm film with a simple built in meter to know when I've got it right. How do you when ISO, shutter speed and aperture are at the right exposure?

0 upvotes

I'm really old school. Reflected light meters are inherently flawed. I have been using a hand held ambient meter for decades. One advantage of digital is the ability to evaluate the exposure according to its histogram. I have no idea why camera manufacturers don't incorporate an ambient meter on the back of the camera or have the hand meter relay the information back to the camera as per a remote control.

4 upvotes

That is a seriously good idea. I guess manufacturers won't do it because not enough people would understand that exposure is simple, in fact that's the last thing they want you to think.

When I first got my hands on a peice of grey card and used that with a spot meter I had to laugh as the whole mystery surrounding exposure was revealed to be nothing at all. Now when I read about my Nikon's 3d, colour sensitive, multi-pattern system I do have a laugh. These things must be market driven as they just get more complex to fool you into thinking it's doing a better job than the last years model. Got to keep the consumers confused I suppose...

I'd be happy with a "sunny f16" button and I could take it from there with no problem and get perfect exposures every time!

2 upvotes

Probably because directly behind the camera is...your face. You can't shoot in changing lighting conditions quickly with an indicent meter on the back of the camera.

0 upvotes

What's wrong with using the histogram? Not old-school enough?

With the X-Pro1, X110, and X10, Fuji goes out of its way to cater to the fuddy-duddies, and they only manage to complain.

4 upvotes

@Hugo808
I'm confused, getting the exposure right for a gray card certainly is simple as you say, assuming you can get the card in the same lighting as the subject. Getting the correct exposure of a real scene that contains highlights, shadows and mid-tones which are moving around is not as simple... yes? When the dynamic range of the scene exceeds that of the camera, trade-offs have to be made.

1 upvote

@mashimisha - an incident light meter that communicates with the camera - now that's an interesting idea. You should patent it and then sell the idea to Sekonic or someone. Would be great for video too.

0 upvotes

Read away its in here. Page 21 http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/manuals/pdf/index/x/xpro1_manual_01.pdf

Comment edited 7 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I have been using the X100 for some time now. The image quality is great and the viewfinder is a pleasure to use when there is adequate light. Unfortunately, the manual focus is completely useless and the auto-focus is FAR too slow for serious candid photography. Unless these issues can be dealt with, it will never be a professional instrument.

Too bad Fuji engineers have been unable to incorporate an actual range finder into the hybrid. This focus by wire idea is crap. It is slow, non-intuitive, and prevents the user from enjoying the big bright viewer.

3 upvotes

I agree with you, the problem is motion control is not that simple. Manual focus is straight forward and why they fight it is beyond me.

3 upvotes

i agree strongly. if one wants automation, they should go to advance SLR. i want this camera to step down a bit in technology and make it more traditional. this is a perfect camera, except the crap 'focusing by wire' system. all i want is a good old manual camera with good quality full frame sensor and reliable metering system. personally, i can even make do without a monitor.

3 upvotes

totally agree, i sold my x100 after 2 month because of the manual focus, and some other stuff

0 upvotes

If you find the focus on the x100 a bit slow (which it will be in low contrast situations, as will any camera) the solution is to switch to AF-C. Works well. To use manual focus you need to double step it. First (in MF node) auto focus by pressing AFL/AEL button then fine tune with the manual ring. Not as good as an SLR but better than it first seems. Shame to sell the camera after 2 months. Takes a while to get to know the camera and then you realise how fantastic it is.

3 upvotes

The af and mf fine tune tip above is, in my view, absolutely fundamental to getting the most out of the x100. As is setting the nd filter to a quick key. These should be printed on page one of the manual.

0 upvotes

I have had the X100 for about 9 months and it is never out of MF mode now except for A priority occasionally. Of course the exposure lock has been replaced by the 'auto focus' now though in MF.

0 upvotes

I haven't bought into a camera system since I owned a pair of Nikon F3s and an F70 twenty years ago. I thought my system days were over. This Fuji may change that. I haven't been this far in lust over a camera for a long time. The entire X series is superb. Fujifilm's vision of what a camera should be seems to match mine pretty closely. I'm looking forward to the release to market, although I may wait for the first firmware update to buy.

1 upvote

Cannot wait to see: 1. DPE actual review of a fully functional model with all the details and sample photos. 2. Next reviews here by actual users. 3. Reviews by the pros whom I assume this camera is aimed at.
Desperately hoping that this camera lives up to what it is. This is the first camera I am considering to replace my Contax G2. Replaced my Nikon f4s last year with the Nikon D700 because of all the Nikon glass I had. D700 is a great DSLR IMHO, however it is too heavy for everyday and the G2 is still the travel/vacation camera. Can the xpro replace both???

1 upvote

#2 I don't like them most times as they may know little but think they do. Guess I need to be on here more so I know who knows what there talking about. I too Have high hopes for it and I plan on mostly landscapes but getting back in to weddings god for bid but may need the cash! So with low light and high ISO's and low noise a big plus.

0 upvotes

Relatively new here to this forum, but I do hear you and will keep that in mind on #2, thanks.

0 upvotes

You are right, milwman, about #2. Especially over a camera that is yet to be released. That said, sometimes we can find some hidden gold in what they say.

So far, my favourite comments refer to the supposed slowness of the AF and the small choice of lenses. Regarding the lenses, sure, there are only three that will be readily available. Few of the complainants have bothered to seethe other lenses down the pike. The autofocus point is yet to be confronted. It may be corrected by firmware updates. We can only speculate at this point.

Oh yes...the price. Yes, it is expensive, somewhat in the region of the Canon 7D. If that is the case, buy a GE X500. It costs $150.00. My what a deal!

And my favourite..."Man is this camera fugly!". Frankly, I don't agree with their point, but hell, what is that to do with the price of eggs in China?

0 upvotes

I can add this to my dream list. FUJI X-PRO1 -Leica M9-Leica MP (Yes I still shoot with film along with digital)

0 upvotes

Same here, still shoot with Contax G2 film and Nikon D700. Guess I am a throwback to the stone age?

0 upvotes

no i shoot film too on an f3 and shoot digital on a d700, i would love to love the fuji, but focus by wire? not in this live, i allready had the x100, which i thought could replace the d700 most of the time, but the next thing i will buy is a used m8 for portability and a zeiss 50 or probably 35.

the fuji looks pro and sturdy, but i bet it has a polycarbonate screen like the x100, together with all the other flaws which made me to sell the x100

also i need manual focus and i rather use a used m8 then another "rangefinder toy" .. the camera that fuji tries to compy is still available, for less then the fuji. 4 years ago, when the m8 prizes where sky high, i would have taken the fuji ... now ? it will be an m8 or 8.2 FOR SURE

0 upvotes

@inevitable crafts studio - I know the X100 is "manual focus by wire" - but is the XPro-1 the same? Looks different to me

Comment edited 50 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Some men dream of Porsches and Ferraris, other men dream of this.

3 upvotes

this is more like a lexus/honda/kia if anything is a porsche, then its a leica and not a fuji :)

0 upvotes

Fujifilm have made lenses and cameras for Hasselblad so they have the credentials... hardly 2nd best as you allude with your Lexus/Honda/Kia analogy.

0 upvotes

But THIS camera is NOT Hasselblad/Ferrari
Honda Accord?

0 upvotes

I have been waiting years for this , APS-C sensor aperture control on the lens , where it should be, all manual easy to access controls. Good size and weight but still more discrete than a DSLR. This appears to be better than the Leica M9P and a fraction of the price, and build quality looks great. Can't wait to get my paws on one, brilliant !

0 upvotes

Full fame would be nice but if the sensor is as good as it sounds don't need it now. I am so hopeful it is as good as it looks, Hoping for low noise with time exposers! Wish and hope they keep putting out info on this.

1 upvote

"builtquality looks great" ^^

0 upvotes

Not sure why this is so big,....does the lens mount make so much difference?,also remembering that this is not a real rangefinder, space is not needed for a rangefinders mechanics,so why is it nearly as big as an M8?...

1 upvote

It has a magnifier and a dark slide that moves in place if you shoot longer then 18 mm, What's the big deal with bigger there a ton of small ones out now I have big hands I like it!

Comment edited 41 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

test

1 upvote

This is why Page 3 shows it best
http://fujifilm-x.com/x-pro1/en/story/chapter4/page_03.html

0 upvotes

because people, including me, want it that big :)

0 upvotes

Fuji definitely seems to be listening to their customers, since few last generations of cameras, that is absolutely fantastic!

They are really trying to be innovative, whereas most of other companies just play the "marketing by the numbers" games. Well done, Fuji!

0 upvotes

It is about time someone is listening to the people! Before the xpro1 came along there were other camera I considered, but the models I liked did not have viewfinders. Anyway glad I didn't cave in since the xpro is more of what I wanted. Really like the idea of the aperature on the lens and not on the body, even if it is electronic and not mechanical. ME: Old dog, not into new triccks, LOL.

0 upvotes

oh Fuji, you have done it! If it is as good as it looks, I will have to say goodbye to my SLR! I have been waiting for something like this for last 10 years.

5 upvotes

Me too. It's long overdue. Well done Fuji.:-)

0 upvotes

must have!

0 upvotes

would love to have a go at this :)

0 upvotes

I am very excited by the Fuji X-PRO1 - it may well be what I have been waiting for as long as the lenses are up to expectations. I like the size as it is substantial enough to hold steady. Very promising all round.

1 upvote

Well, to me this looks like a Contax G turned Digital. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if they are made by the same guys who gave us the G-bodies, the Hexars and the X-Pan (assuming all these came from the same shop). Being a long time user of Leicas and Contaxes, and a dedicated admirer of both, I have to say that if this new entry performs, it will definitely be a YES for me. If only the future lineup would include the equivalent of a 20mm, a 15mm and, perhaps, something even wider.......???!!! And will Leica lenses fit?
I bought a PEN and a few lenses a while back. Delightful camera. I even adapted 4/3 lenses via the Olympus adapter. But delightful though it may be it never replaces either the M's or the G's for certain uses. This one looks like it will....

0 upvotes

Yes it does remind me of my Contax G2, my favorite camera of all time - still have it, still use it still love it. If the xpro lives up to its marketing hype will be on my list. I have waited for years for a digital that is like the G2. Even the size is the same! I believe it is to be released this Feb but do not have a firm date, anyone know for sure? Wish the Contax lens would fit, preferably without an adapter, these lenses are stellar. Tried out the Leica M9 via rental, nice camera but a little pricey for me, especially the lens and not good for action shots, well for me anyway, maybe the expert pros can get the shots? Why does Leica insist on no autofocus? Will this camera force Leica to lower their prices?

1 upvote

There are a lot of comments that seem to focus on the relatively large size compared to a compact, and miss one of the most important aspects of a mirrorless camera.

Sure, the X-Pro is not a tiny, pocket-sized camera, but it is still a lot more discreet than a DSLR.

I'm looking forward to owning one to complement my compact and DSLR cameras.

0 upvotes

Being the same size as the Contax G2, this camera is NOT big. I like a camera I can hold up to my forehead, tighten my elbows to my side, hold the breath a second while I depress the shutter. Like the fact that it has a screw in mechanical shutter release.

0 upvotes

finally.....a camera that I can 'HOLD' .... a 'BIG' camera ... a camera with visible dials where they should be ... ie ... shutter speeds ... ev's ... fstops where they should be ... a big simple camera for guy's like me who really know and enjoy photography ... and 'WOW' ... at last ... a simple 'MENUE' ... yes fuji you got a winner ... photography is going to be a pleasure again.

3 upvotes

Reducing Moiré?

Can somebody please explain to me why this sensor does not (re)introduce moiré at a more coarse level than per-pixel? You can convince me that the new pattern seems sufficient irregular w.r.t. blue+red, but it now groups four green pixels into an adjacent group. Will this not cause the same effect, just at another resolution/zoom? Does Fuji use a more complex de-mosaicing algorithm (which does not blur the images similar to an AA-filter) ?

0 upvotes

Yea Tee1up Leica M mount and sure Novaflex will too just like the 4/3 mounts. First don't discount what's not out yet Bata Fimeware may not be right on. BTW I have some nice Canon FD glass and this may give me something to put behind them??

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Is there any way that a camera like this could be produced with a real manual focus? Hit and miss autofocus just doesn't work for me and focus by wire is worse than typing with boxing gloves on. This camera is so close to my perfect rig but the AF thing is a huge hurdle....

4 upvotes

We don't know if the AF is bad or Slow. One can focus at a set spot. MF take time to focus. It isn't a sports camera. I know if I shooting it's going to be on a tripod, Maybe with a Canon FD lens as I still have a bunch that I would like to shoot with?

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Beautiful camera...exciting prospect.

Just wondering why Fujifilm have finally woken up and are making best use of their technologies. I love Fujifilm cameras, despite their flaws.

I wish them well...

I am saving too.. :)

3 upvotes

All credit to FujiFilm as the last film maker standing. Ilford, Agfa, Ansco, Polaroid and Kodak are chapter 11 or worse.

Fuji have kept their eye on the ball and are producing a fine range of X series cameras. I have their F300-EXR and more recently the X-10 which I love. The X-10 is now my street and everyday camera replacing 4 DSLR Nikons, a CoolPix and a Canon G10.

I am going to sit out the X-Pro1 however. Image Stabilisation is essential IMHO for low light and hand held street photos. Sensor shift in the camera body would keep the lens prices down and support this first release of lenses.

HTH
Brian

1 upvote

Credit where credit's due. Well done Fujifilm for getting so many posters excited. The X-Pro line of cameras are promising to be a cracker! As an early adopter, I am seriously considering jumping on the X-Pro bandwagon.

The timing couldn't be better with the X-Pro 1 release roughly coinciding with the Sony NEX-7 I was about to get. Having already sacrificed the EOS DSLR cameras in favour of the NEX-5N with Leica M-mount lenses, I was missing some of the functionality that this camera is promising to deliver in spades, and then some. Can't wait!

0 upvotes

I have forgotten that my x100 doesn't have image stabilisation because it doesn't need it. No doubt the longer lens on the X-Pro would benefit though from stabilisation though.

0 upvotes

Did anyone notice that the ratios between the RGB pixels is different with the new sensor color pattern layout?

Bayer pattern 6x6 18xG, 9xR, 9xB
X-Pro1 6x6 20xG, 8xR, 8xB

It may be a small difference, but as I tend to shoot "no green inside" pictures and this sensor gives me less effective pixels due to the new layout. Therefore to me it is equivalent to a 14.5 Mpixel Bayer pattern camera.

I hope they are very low noise pixels, because to me the X-Pro1 looks like a very interesting camera. (I am looking for D700 performance in a smaller package, can this be the one?)

0 upvotes

Just a note on the green pixel issue, spectrally speaking you have green in the middle between blue and red, so green has a significant role in producing two of the three other primary colours from the additive set, being Cyan and Yellow.

In a linear scale we see B . C . G . Y . R (and R+B to make Magenta). inverting the colours in any given image to a negative view emphasises how important these other colours are. On the spectrum, Green contributes to 3 colours (inc itself).

This probably has little in the way of releiving your concern, but neutral tones and C+Y will be at no disadvantage. Green lends it self in both directions equally. I think if you swapped greens role with either of the other two primary colours you might see some concerning results.

0 upvotes

Green contains the Luma, or luminance info, while Blue and Red make up Chroma, or color information... Green is most important.

For more information, check out "chroma subsampling" and why Bayer designed the chips like he did (i.e. the human eye)...

Or learn from the master, Larry Thorpe:

http://www.freshdv.com/2008/05/demystifying-digital-camera-specs-part1.html

There is a lot of bad info in the comments/forums on this site... Try and stay "above the fold".

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 15 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

The lenses are cheap by Fujinon standard. I wonder if Fuji will raise the price once they have large customer base using the X-mount lenses.

2 upvotes

for sure, they wont raise the price, just making a classic lens line with aluminium housing and direct manual focus for double the price, choose yourself hehe

good news is, that cv will release exactly that for a price hopefully cheaper as the original fuji af lenses :)

1 upvote

This looks like the Bronica RF 645, the last really high image quality 645 RF. The RF645 had three interchangeable lenses.

Here are the Dimensions (mm) with Bronica RF 645 followed by Fuji X-Pro & X-Pro percent of RF 645 dimension

Width: 145.6 __ 139.5 => 95.8%
Height: 107.3 __ 81.8 => 76.2%
Depth: 64 __ 42.5 => 66.4%

Weight with standard lens: 1110g __ 637g => 57.4%
F4 vs. F1.4
Weight Body Only: 810g __ 450g => 55.6%

So the Bronica had slow lenses and only a tele that was a 60mm equivalent.
The Fuji three lenses that will be available first are far better than the Bronica selection.

Fuji sure looks like they went in the right direction with the X-Pro. If it takes high quality pictures.... this may be more than a "cult" camera. Fuji produced quite an interesting selection of larger than 35mm film non-SLR cameras. Congrats to Fuji for likely coming through with a great tool once again.

1 upvote

Flickr's Fuji X-Pro 1 Discussion Group has a a long discussion of Vlad Dodan's Hands-on preview of the camera

http://vladdodan.ro/blog/fuji-x-pro-1-hands-on-preview/

The discussion includes more comments on the X-Pro1 by Vlad D.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/fuji-x-pro1/discuss/72157628853642203/#comment72157628925304179

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 15 minutes after posting

5 upvotes

I use to have a Minolta-Leica CLE rangefinder camera which I carried around anywhere I go until the digital camera came along that I gave up the film cameras. This fuji reminds me of that camera and a price much better than the Leica digital. I learned to take picture knowing the features the camera can provide. It is nice the newer DSLR cameras give every possible options you can do to make it a perfect picture. Sometimes when you are about to take a picture, these fancy options may distract you from paying attention on the object itself. Should I use the Av, Tv or the sport mode? or others that also provide in the menu?

There is a question I have regarding low pass filter. I have the Canon G1... no kidding the very first one. I had put on an infrared filter and took picture of the trees at the back of the house. It did show infrared features that made the photos looked interesting. Can I put on an infrared filter on the lenses?

0 upvotes

Please upload Sample Images so that we can compare with Canon Powershot G1X. Thank you.

0 upvotes

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=fuji+x+pro+1+sample+pics

1 upvote

Here's some nice ISO6400 sample images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26706225@N08/6678959543/in/pool-1880035@N21/

1 upvote

I hadn't heard of lmgtfy before, but I found it has a bad reputation. Check this before you use almico's link:
http://meta.askubuntu.com/questions/1075/when-is-it-acceptable-to-link-to-lmgtfy

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Is the X-Pro-1 truely a 16Mp camera or a 'dumbed down" 8Mp camera? The reason I'm asking is because I just returned my X-10 after I found out that it really wasn't a true 12Mp camera, but actually a 6Mp cam. Of course, the X-10 uses "voodoo" EXR sensor technology, which hopefully is not the case with the Pro-1. :)

1 upvote

So you do not care about image quality? Just the number of pixels there is. That the images may be fine with less pixels does not seem to be your thing.

3 upvotes

IMHO both resolution and image quality are equally important. Case in point, please check out the Canon G1X images just released on DPreview.

1 upvote

The X10's EXR sensor can record either one 12mp image or two 6mp images that the camera combines into one to increase DR etc. You had the choice if you had learned how to use the camera better.
The X-Pro1's senor isn't EXR, so it's always 16mp (although I suspect a firmware change could allow it to do 2 x 8mp images).

5 upvotes

The eX-Pro1 doesn't use anything like the EXR color filter array, and therefore no firmware will ever make it act like an EXR sensor. It is actually a new pattern that is neither EXR nor Bayer. See page 3 of the preview here about the sensor.

2 upvotes

Total comments: 598