Fujifilm X-Pro1 Hands-On Preview

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The new Fujifilm X-Pro1 is the new mirrorless camera from Fujifilm and introduces a new X lens mount and 16 megapixel APS-C sized sensor. The sensor features Fujifilm's brand new "organic" filter array designed to reduce moire and increase performance at higher ISO settings.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Features

The camera features a matched optical viewfinder that is designed to be used with the three new prime lenses, while future lenses will need to use the live view on the screen.

Key Features

• 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor
• 5fps continuous shooting
• 3inch screen
• New EVF / Optical viewfinder designed for prime lenses
• Shutter speed manual dial
• Exposure compensation dial
• Flash hot-shoe
• Fn buttons

New Prime Lenses:

• Fujinon 18mm f/2.0 Prime Super EBC Pancake
• Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 Prime Super EBC Portrait
• Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 Prime Super EBC Macro

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Handling

The camera features a front grip much like the original E-P1 and the camera's size and build quality is very reminiscent of the Olympus PEN E-P3, however with a larger, heavier body.



Handling - The bottom features a metal tripod socket and the battery / memory card compartment much like the Fujifilm X100.



Buttons - The camera features a number of buttons and dials giving you manual control over shutter speed, exposure compensation, focus etc. A new Q button giving you quick access to settings on the back screen, like a short-cut menu so you don't always have to go into the menus to change settings.

Menus - The menus have been updated to spread the options over a number of separate tabs to increase access to settings. The design gives the cameras menus a much clearer and more logical appearance.

OVF / EVF Hybrid Viewfinder: The viewfinder lets you switch between an optical viewfinder or an electronic viewfinder, with the optical viewfinder using an overlay so you can still see shooting options. We show a quick demonstration of the viewfinder above, switching between the two modes.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Performance

Prime Lens line-up, from left to right: 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.4 Macro.



Lens features aperture ring for traditional camera feel and quick settings without having to use menus.

Value For Money

Price TBC. The price is expected to be in the premium mirrorless camera market between the NEX-7 and Olympus PEN E-P3, body only with the lenses available seperately.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Verdict

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 offers the same size sensor as APS-C Digital SLRs, with a 1.5x crop factor and a new lens mount. The lenses are designed to be prime lenses and feature a matching premium price tag to go with them, expected to be around £500 each. Another unique feature of this camera is the classic camera styling but with a built in Optical/Electronic viewfinder, something no other mirrorless compact camera can offer, although the optical part only works with these prime lenses, when other lenses are released then you will need to use the EVF. The new sensor design and completely new filter design aimed to improve low noise and colour detail without moire will be interesting to test. We will have to see sample photos before we can comment. It's certainly an interesting product and it will be interesting how the market responds. Fujifilm has done extremely well making premium compact cameras in a crowded market, such as the Fujifilm X100, with few other premium cameras, however the mirrorless market is fairly well served by premium cameras and it will be interesting to see how well they sell.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Specifications

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