Fujifilm X-Pro1

Review based on a production X-Pro1 with firmware version 1.10

NOTE: On September 18th 2012 Fujifilm released Firmware version 2.0 for the X-Pro1. This improves certain key aspects of operation addressed in this review, most notably both autofocus and manual focus performance. Please bear this in mind when reading this review, we'll be revisiting our conclusions in due course.

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. That camera has now arrived in the shape of the X-Pro1, whose name leaves absolutely no doubt as to its intended market: it becomes the first of its type specifically aimed at professional photographers.

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 available at launch. Fujifilm is keen to stress its future commitment to the system, with a promise of seven more lenses by spring 2013, and further camera models to come too. 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

View the Original article