Fujifilm X-PRO1 Informal Review

-->

Article by Denni Raubenheimer (www.masteryourcamera.co.za)

-->

Photos: Mostly by Denni Raubenheimer

X-PRO1. Source: www.fujifilm.com.

Round-about the end of last year Fujifilm sent us a sample of their pro-grade mirrorless interchangeable-lens X-PRO1 camera together with three Fujifilm lenses to test out. The lenses were the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 XF R, the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro and the Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF R LM OIS. After researching the X-series a bit my wife and I were very excited about getting our hands on a sample of the X-PRO1 and I must say that it surpassed my expectations.

 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/25s, ISO-400, f/7.1.

Lets first talk about the X-series for those of you who have not read much about these cameras. The X-series cameras might be part of the first significant onslaught on the validity of digital SLR cameras in a world of ever-developing digital camera technologies. They are mirrorless digital cameras with interchangeable lenses and APS-C sized sensors. The respective models all show very competitive image quality to similarly priced D-SLRs and a handful of these models host sensors with Fujifilm’s innovative X-TRANS colour filter array. The X-TRANS CMOS sensor is found in the X-T1, X-PRO1, X-E1, X-E2 and X-M1. It allows these cameras the absence of low-pass filters (i.e. boosted resolution; these filters are found in most D-SLRs and reduce image resolution) and simultaneously helps them avoid moiré and false colour generation (on a near-pixel level). For more information on the revolutionary X-TRANS colour filter array of these sensors go to http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_pro1/features/.

Furthermore, these cameras not only boost great image quality (also at high ISOs), but competent AF systems and good ergonomics. The latter can arguably be credited to the film-camera-like designs of the X-models. Looking very much similar to old film cameras, the X-models (purposefully) have a strong retro aesthetic. Lastly, the X-PRO1 is the flagship of the X-series, but has unofficially been dethroned by the much newer X-T1. This implies superior image quality, specs and build quality to its smaller kin (apart from the T1). 

 

X-PRO1 top-view. Source: www.fujifilm.com.

Nuff-said about the X-PRO1’s technical background. Let’s talk about our first impressions of the camera. In this regard the very first thing that struck me was the stylish retro design and robust feel of the camera. The second thing that struck me, was that the camera felt really comfortable in my hand – something I had not expected from its lack of rounded edges. I have large hands and quite like the size of full frame D-SLRs like Nikon’s D800, but the X-Pro felt really comfortable – something I suspect would also be the experience had my hands been smaller. The external and very manual controls of shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation were novel to me (having very little experience with film SLRs), but made me feel more in control of the settings, though I would need time to learn to adjust them without looking. Furthermore, after just a few photos my playback reflected the commendable image quality of both the X-Pro and the Fujinon 50mm f/1.4. It also did not take long before we had our own evidence of the camera’s very commendable high ISO performance.

 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/290s, ISO-400, f/2.0.

After having used the camera for more than two weeks both Yolande and I were more than a little fond of it, to say the least. We had use of a camera with image quality comparable to that of a decent full-frame in a relatively small and quite robust package. The lenses are also comparably smaller that pro-level D-SLR lenses, which meant that we could easily take the X-PRO along with all three lenses on spur-of-the-moment outings. With just a single lens the X-PRO is even more convenient to keep at your side, so it often tagged along when we left the house. 

 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/640s, ISO-800, f/4.0.

It took me longer than it should have to figure out the difference between the two modes of the optical/electronic hybrid viewfinder. Its “optical” mode is rather commendable in giving the advantage of more responsive autofocus (a characteristic more usual in D-SLRs), showing an area wider than its photo-frame (though this has its cons) and giving superimposed electronic data – amongst others a live histogram (which is also present in the digital-viewfinder mode).  Being a D-SLR shooter a must admit I grew quite fond of having a digital preview of my exposure and with relatively quick and reliable autofocus in live view through the back LCD screen I often used this viewfinder. What I enjoyed about this latter divergence, was the ease with which one could shoot from unique angles, such as from floor-level. Using regular live view our sample did sometimes miss-focus, but I doubt more often than an entry-level D-SLR would while shooting through the viewfinder. 

 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/180s, ISO-800, f/4.5.

Regarding the lenses. It didn’t take long to develop a crush on Fujinon’s 35mm f/1.4. This lens has awesome resolution and quality and the construction not only feels robust, but also as if Fuji followed balanced simplistic approach to the design. We didn’t get any indication that the lens suffered any autofocus weakness and I was quite impressed with the minimum focus distance. Apart from the fixed focal length I would have gladly kept it glued to the X-PRO. Honestly, I don’t know what I miss most – the X-PRO1, or the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/480s, ISO-640, f/2.0.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/1050s, ISO-200, f/2.8.

 The Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF was not in the same league as the 35mm prime. However, expecting it to be is would be silly. Lets look at its price and what it represents. The 18-55mm costs around 700 USD and is effectively an enthuisiast-level wide-angle. In this regards it performs reasonably well, but where it exceeds expectations is in build quality. The lens feels robust and delivers more than acceptable image quality. For its class the lens is acceptably fast and pleasant subject isolation is possible with good technique. 

 

Unedited photo from Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/500s, ISO-800, f/4.5.

100% crop of unedited photo above; Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF.

 We didn’t get to shoot much with the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro, but the build quality feels good and the focus ring allows precise focusing on macro distances. When I tried focus tracking with the lens on our toddler the focus accuracy was poor, but this whether this was due to my technique, the X-PRO, or the specific samples that were used – I don’t know. If it was due to the lens then that’s a non-issue in terms of the lens’s macro specialization. 

 

Unsharpened with no noise reduction. Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro. 1/50s, ISO-3200, f/8.

All-in-all I was quite sad to send the Fujifilm gear back. I grew particularly fond of the X-PRO1 for its great image quality in a robust and compact body and also developed a strong affinity for the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 XF R for its lovely image quality. If our specialization was journalistic, or travel photography I would be strongly tempted to switch to Fujifilm for the great image and build quality the X-series offers in relatively compact packages. 

 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/270s, ISO-200, f/8.0. 

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/250s, ISO-3200, f/5.6.

100% crop of above. Fujifilm X-PRO1 at ISO-3200 in low light.

Unedited photo from Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/55s, ISO-6400, f/2.

100% crop of above. Fujifilm X-PRO1 at ISO-6400 in low light.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/160s, ISO-800, f/6.4.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/2500s, ISO-200, f/2.8.