Overview, lenses and viewfinder
Before Fuji announced the X-Pro1, its first interchangeable lens camera since the FinePix S5 Pro (dating from September 2006), we got a sneak peek of a pre-production sample.
Following on from the successes of both the Fuji X100 and Fuji X10, here we have another retro design and classic stylings that should appeal to professional and serious photographers.
Not only that, but Fuji has completely redesigned the sensor to produce something that should perform exceptionally well. Here's what we discovered when we had a little play...
brightcove : 1382313280001Correction: Since this video was recorded Fuji has announced that the hybrid viewfinder retails full functionality with both zoom and fixed focal length lenses.
In comparison with the cohort of compact system cameras (CSCs) that has been launched over recent months, Fuji's new X-Pro1 seems quite large. But given its retro styling and traditional control arrangement, it is probably fairer to compare it against an enthusiast-level DSLR or even the Leica M9, albeit with a smaller sensor.
It isn't so much a CSC competitor as an advanced DSLR or rangefinder rival.
Despite its overall rectangular shape, which is typical of traditional rangefinder cameras, the Fuji X-Pro1 feels reasonably comfortable in the hand thanks to the textured rubberised grip on its front. It lacks the bulk of the average DSLR's grip, but it provides purchase and makes the camera feel secure in your grasp.
Inside the X-Pro1 is a Fuji-designed, APS-C sized 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor. Uniquely, this sensor uses a 6x6 RGGB filter array pattern, with a random arrangement of colour filters within each block of 36 photo receptors.
Fuji claims this avoids the issue of moire patterning, which occurs as a result of the more regular grid structure that makes up the average Bayer pattern sensor. Consequently, the Fuji X-Pro1 doesn't have an anti-alisaing filter, which means it should produce sharper images from the outset. And, rather boldly, Fuji claims that this enables it to outperform a full-frame camera.
Lenses
To underline Fuji's commitment to enthusiast photographers, it's launching the X-Pro 1 with three Fujinon prime lenses:
18mm f/2.0 (effective focal length 27mm)
35mm f/1.4 (effective focal length 53mm)
60mm f/2.4 (effective focal length 91mm)
Each lens has an aperture ring marked in full-stops, but allowing 1/3 stop adjustments.
The lenses have a high quality feel and the focus ring turns smoothly. According to Fuji, the aperture blades are contoured to give a sharper edge and more pleasant bokeh.
With 10 pins in the lens mount, there's plenty of scope for data exchange with the camera.
While the lenses can be focused manually, they also enable automatic focus, and the Fuji X-Pro1 has 49 autofocus (AF) points available for manual selection.
Viewfinder
Fuji first introduced the concept of a hybrid viewfinder that combines an electronic and an optical viewfinder with the X100, and it has managed to develop a similar finder for the X-Pro1 that can cope with interchangeable prime (fixed focal length) lenses. However, if Fuji introduces zoom lenses with the XF mount in the future, the camera will only allow the electronic viewfinder (EVF) to be used.
With 1.44 million dots, the X-Pro1's EVF doesn't have the resolution of the units in the Sony Alpha 77 or Sony NEX-7, but it nevertheless offers a clear, smooth view.
The optical viewfinder is also bright, and features crop lines to indicate the framing. These marks will move depending on which lens is mounted, and we need to test a full-production sample fully before we comment on its implementation.
Images may also be composed on the 3-inch 920,00-dot LCD screen. We're told that the LCD has also been improved on the one on the X100 to make it better in sunlight. The weather was very overcast when we used the pre-production sample camera, so we'll have to reserve judgement on this until we get a full production sample in for testing.
Build and performance
Although the Fuji X-Pro1 is designed along traditional camera lines, with shutter speed and exposure compensation dials on the top-plate as well as aperture control rings on the lenses, there are more modern touches.
A button marked Q, for example, brings up a grid display of the camera settings on the LCD screen. Any of the features within the grid can be selected simply by navigating to them, and then adjusted. It's a quick to use, intuitive system.
Fuji has also responded to X100 user requests and added features such as a lock button on the shutter speed dial, and changed the command dial for navigation buttons. The exposure compensation dial is also slightly recessed to make it harder to knock out of position.
Although the shutter speed lock button is a bit fiddly to use, it only needs to be pressed when the dial is being turned from the 'A' (automatic) position.
Menu screens and verdict
Verdict
Fuji appears to have produced a camera that successfully merges traditional build with modern digital features. If it manages to deliver the type of image quality that the company claims, then the Fuji X-Pro1 could be a camera to get very excited about.
Rather than opting to make a 'me too' DSLR that runs with the pack, Fuji has struck out on its own and created something a little bit different. We think it's a great move, and one that serious photographers will appreciate.
The Fuji X-Pro1 offers the type of features that appeal to would-be Leica users, but we anticipate the price to be considerably lower.
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