No mirror, a revolutionary sensor design, a new lens mount and distinctive styling sets the Fuji X-Pro1 apart from the competition. Is this camera an SLR beater? Read on to find out.
I’m one month in with my Fujifilm X-Pro1 ownership. It’s been an interesting journey so far and here are my findings.
Being an early adopter of the Fuji XP1 camera system has had one advantage and many disadvantages. This is not just a new camera body but a completely new system designed from the ground up. A revolutionary 16mp sensor without an anti aliasing filter, a new lens mount with a tiny back focus, a new camera body borrowing heavily on the X100 but entirely new none the less and a range of three lenses with many more to follow in the months ahead.
My X100 with its Gariz half leather case beside the X-Pro1 with the 18mm lens.
The Fuji X-Pro1 with the three Fuji lenses available at launch. 18mm, 35mm, and 60mm.
My one advantage of ‘in from the start’ ownership of the XP1 has been shooting with this lightweight super sharp camera before the mainstream pros get hold of it. I’m becoming quite proficient with it now and it has all but replaced my Canon 5DMk2 with it’s 3 primes for my day to day work. I remember when I sold my 70-200 f/2.8L IS zoom and replaced it with the super light 100mm f/2.8L IS. My life was instantly better. No more lugging around the monster and as a bonus my pictures were much sharper too. I could use f/2.8 and get wonderful image quality even hand held at 1/30th. Well the same has happened again. My old Canon DSLR system seems cumbersome heavy and unwieldy in comparison to the Fuji XP1. Some testers have complained the Fuji is too light, I suppose they can always wear wrist weights (the type fitness people use) if they want that familiar knackered feeling at the end of the day. For me, the camera is a perfect weight.
A frame from my first commercial commission shot using the Fuji X-Pro1. I lit this frame of David and Alex in the news room at BBC Bristol with a Lupolux 1200 spotlight from the rear right and a Lupolux Quad from just to the right of the camera. 35mm lens at f/1.8
The disadvantages of being an early adopter…
1. Adobe have yet to provide RAW processing capability for the XP1. This is in the pipeline and I for one hope they get it right before releasing it. The Jpegs produced in camera are fantastic (once a few settings have been tweaked).
2. The perfect lens combination doesn’t exist yet. I would like 14mm, 23mm, 35mm and 60mm macro. I have the last two but I’ll have to wait several months for the first two. In the mean time I’ll use my Fuji 18mm as a wide angle and my beloved Fuji X100 with it’s 23mm lens as a moderate wide. Both the XP1 and the X100 have APSC sized sensors with a 1.5 x factor. So my current Fuji lens line up in 35mm or full frame terms is 27mm f/2, 52mm f/1.4, & 90mm macro f/2.4
3. I believe Fuji are still two firmware upgrades away from reaching the camera’s full potential. Auto ISO settings need more options, autofocus speed needs the same boost they gave the X100 in a firmware upgrade, the jpeg image quality on default settings falls way short of what is achieved with some basic adjustments, and various other menu items need updating. The first firmware update a week or so ago silenced the chattering iris blade syndrome reported by some reviewers so Fuji are listening and better still they are taking action. I have total trust in their commitment to improvement by firmware. My X100 is a far better camera now than when I bought it and I was happy with it then.
The BBC TV studios are lit to a fraction of the level that they were when I worked for aunty Beeb in the 1980s and 1990s. 18mm lens at f/2.8, 1/40th second ISO 1600
Flash
I don’t own a Fuji Speedlight so I have not used TTL with it yet but I’ve used my Canon and Nikon Speedlights triggered with both Pocket Wizard and Ebay radio triggers. I’ve used my Elinchrom studio flash and the Quadra Ranger triggered with the Skyport system too. The Fuji XP1 has an advertised ‘X’ sync of 1/180th although I can only seem to set 1/160th. It’s one of many firmware tweaks still needed.
I hand held this shot with the camera above my head. I could clearly see the live view on the rear screen. All my BBC studio shots were at ISO 1600. This frame was shot with the 60mm lens at f/2.8. Focussing the X-Pro1 is precise and accurate.
Lenses
The lenses are light, well made, compact and sharp. They have come in for stick from some pixel peepers but I’ve yet to see any lens outperform the Fuji glass on this camera. I’ve seen many reviews and comparisons with Leica optics but the Fuji lens has always proved hard to beat. There are a few rogue copies around as I’ve seen examples of CA on some forum users shots taken with the 18mm. I’m happy to say I don’t have that problem. No doubt Adobe will map the lenses and provide correction profiles in Lightroom in due course. Once full lens and RAW file support is available from Adobe I’ll post 100% samples.
I used an Arri 150 as a back light, an Arri 300 as a key light and a Lupolux 400 to light the back studio wall. Taken with the compact 18mm f/2.8 lens. This lens is super sharp.
Speed
There are reports of the autofocus being slow but don’t let that put you off. I can take this camera from my bag and get a perfect shot way faster than I can with my Canon 5Dmk2. I’ve found both the Fuji X100 and the Fuji XP1 wonderfully responsive. By far the most time used in the taking of one of my portraits is by my visualisation and thought process. The time the camera takes to set accurate focus is just okay, it’s not really an issue for me. My Canon with it’s 50mm f/1.2 would confirm focus to me in about the same time as the Fuji does with the 35mm f/1.4 but the resulting Canon shot was as likely to be mis focussed as it was to be spot on. No such woes with the Fuji.
I used an Elinchrom Quadra to light my first portrait session with the XP1. This shot of Paul Clifford, a fashion portrait photographer was taken using the 35mm lens @ f/16
Focus tracking
I’ve heard the Fuji XP1 is rubbish at tracking moving subjects and I expect that claim is true. Focus tracking moving subjects is something I never do. When I was at the BBC all our tv cameras were manual focus and we learned to fix focus and walk backwards at the same pace as the people we were filming were walking forward. We thereby maintained the focus distance. I’ve used the same technique for over 400 walks down the aisle at weddings keeping the distance between the couple and myself constant. I’m used to adapting my shooting style to meet the limitations of the kit I use and using the Fuji is no exception.
My digital camera journey since March 2001…
Fujifilm S1 pro – 2 years (1.5 crop and jpeg only)
Fujifilm S2 pro – 2 years (1.5 crop and jpeg only)
Hasselblad H1/ Phase1 P25 – 3 years (twice full frame and RAW only)
Canon 5D mk1 – 2 years
Canon 5D mk2 – 3 years
Fujifilm X-Pro1 – ?
Am I going to stick with the Fuji and shoot with it for the next three years? I’m going to wait for RAW file processing before making my final decision. I’m in the envious position of owning a Canon 5Dmk2, a Nikon D700, and a brace of Fujifilm X cameras at the moment. I might just keep them all. The Canon mk3 is not a worthwhile upgrade for me and neither is the D800.
My camera changes are a bit like my car changes. I’ve just swapped a Nissan 350Z roadster for a Fiat 500 Roadster. That’s 3.5L V6 for a 0.9L twin, a gas guzzler for an Eco warrior. Speed and power for nippy fun. What’s the best car? They are both great but very different. I’m happy to adapt my shooting style and learn new ways of picture making.
The X-Pro1 with the 60mm lens fitted with my home made mask on the lens hood. This mask gives my 60mm shots a wonderful depth and contrast. There is no vignetting at any aperture or focus distance. Without the mask the lens is a little prone to flare.
Modifications
It’s a popular thing for Fujifilm X owners to pimp their cameras and bling them up a bit. Preferred accessories include leather half cases, soft release shutter buttons, custom lens hoods and thumb rests, etc. I have a Gariz leather half case on my X100, it was given to me by a good friend and fellow photographer and it makes the camera feel great in the hand. My X-Pro1 will have a Really Right Stuff L plate so I can use it on my monopod and I have modified the lens hood of the 60mm lens by adding a mask to minimise flare. I shoot into the light a lot and the difference in picture quality with my hood mask is remarkable.
The Fuji XP1 with the 60mm f/2.4 macro lens and hood along side the Canon 5Dmk2 with the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. The Fuji is a fraction of the weight and size.
The camera bag
I’ve been on the lookout for a smaller camera bag too. They say that photography is the endless quest to find the perfect bag. I think I agree with that statement to some extent. I used to use my Billingham 455 with my canon and its three f/2.8 zoom lenses. Then when I went to primes I didn’t need the bulk and space so I bought my wonderful Think Tank Retrospective 30 bag. Now that the Fuji kit is about half the size and weight of my Canon kit I’ve pre ordered the new Think Tank Retrospective 7 with iPad pouch. The great thing about the Think Tank Retrospective series in Pinestone is that they don’t scream camera bag and are far less nick-able than a Billingham Hadley.
My Fuji kit with my complete Canon kit.
What went wrong
My 60mm lens arrived with a contact fault and had to be swapped out for another one. The process took just a couple of days. I remember I had a similar fault with my Canon 100mm L lens and Warehouse Express (WEX) were equally efficient then. So far everything else has run smoothly.
What’s next?
I’m about to embark on a 3000 mile road trip across America with the X-Pro1 as I continue to explore the potential of this camera followed in June by a photography trip to Venice with my buddy Chris Hanley. Once I’ve got to grips with the RAW files from this camera I’ll be publishing my full 5,000? frame user review in What Digital Camera magazine. It’s pencilled in for the August edition. I’ll be using the Fuji X-Pro1 on my upcoming workshops too.
This shot was taken on my first shooting weddings workshop since I’ve owned the Fuji XP1. 60mm lens wide open at f/2.4. The 60mm lens is fabulously sharp wide open and that’s how I’ll use it.
A simple portrait shot taken with the 60mm lens at f/2.4
How good is the X-Pro1?
I expect the reports that the X-Pro1 is sharper and delivers more detail than a Canon 5D mk3 or a Canon 1DX are a bit far fetched but the X-Pro1 could easily be equal to either of those cameras from what I’ve seen from the jpegs. RAW processing of 16 bit files will tell the whole truth. I used the X-Pro1 for a corporate job at the BBC in my first week of ownership and I shot in the TV and Radio studios with just 300 lux of light using f/2.8 at ISO 1600 and the Fuji outperformed the Canon 5D MK2 at that ISO. So I ditched the Canon and shot with the Fuji for three days. The final pictures will be printed to A1 so it was important for me to capture the maximum detail. Would I shoot a wedding with it? Yes, once there is RAW file support.
Taken with the 60mm lens at f/2.4. It exhibits sparkling clarity with a well controlled and beautiful bokeh.
Should you buy a Fujifilm X-Pro1?
Well, if you like your current DSLR then the answer is not yet. Wait for at least one more firmware update and Adobe to provide RAW file support. If you love the DSLR way of shooting then stick with it. The Fuji X-Pro1 needs an open mind and a bit of patience to develop a good shooting style. Comparing shooting a DSLR with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is like comparing Alpine skiing with snowboarding. Both disciplines are spectacular when done well but being an expert of one does not make you an expert of the other. There’s lots for me still to learn about using the Fuji X-Pro1 before I can realise the true potential of this camera.
Please feel free to share your experiences with this camera if like me you are an early adopter.
How do you get those nice skin tones? I guess you use a Colorimeter on Location? My biggest photographic struggle at the moment is color management :/
Hi Turil,
I use auto white balance and Ns setting on the film simulation on the Fuji and rarely need to adjust it later. The Fuji colour is great straight out of the camera.
Cheers, Damien.
Thanks for fine post. It helped me to decide .I sell my all canon equipment and next week I buy the Fuji x-pro1.
Hi Imre,
How have you got on with your X-Pro1? I still have my Canon kit but I only use it for Studio flash and some wedding work now.
Kindest regards,
Damien.
Hi Damien
Thanks for the reply.
The pixel peepers you refer to have done a good job. Colour bleeding is not something that should be found on a camera costing circa £2k with lens and heavily marketed as being for pros.
Then of course there are the other numerous flaws detailed by Lloyd Chambers, Micheal Reichmann and DPReview (who have never before, as I can recall, dedicated an entire section of a review to bugs, glitches etc except for Fuji X series cams).
But as you point out, some folks are able to overlook such things. I would too……………..at half the asking price. And, in support of your view on some people being able to overlook certain things, there is the Leica M9 which I hate with a passion, whilst my photographer pal Neil has one and gets on wtih it quite well and produces lovely images.
And as for lovely images, as per usual, your stuff presented on this blog recently is lovely.
Thanks.
Hi Plevyadophy,
You are spot on. Best regards, Damien.
Hi Damien,
Thanks for the insight and wonderful imagery.
I too am hoping that there is a firmware fix for the, to be frank, appallingly slow auto focus (AF).
I tested the camera about three weeks ago, and tested it against an old Sony R1 and a Panasonic G1, and was shocked at how slow the AF is compared to these two cameras (one of which is of year 2005 vintage). I did notice that in optical viewfinder mode the AF is a little faster. I later discovered from reading reviews that if one disables the Power Saving Mode that one gains an improvement in AF (so I went off to Jessops yesterday to try that workaround, and I can’t say it made much difference). So it seems to me that Fuji have used a processor that simply can’t cope with AF, JPEG rendering, and live view refresh all at the same time. It was a deal breaker for me. I only hope that Fuji can work some miracles with a future firmware update.
In combination with the poor AF other little things, for me, added up against this otherwise wonderful machine: very very low viewfinder magnification in optical viewfinder mode (but excellent in live view mode; and I hope there is soon a screw-on magnifier available for the vf), and the lack of weather sealing in a camera that claims to be for pros (whcih compares unfavourably with the Olympus OM-D, which, without the heavy marketing to pros, is weather sealed to the same standards as it’s premium E-5 SLR).
Which leads me on to my biggest concern, and something I am surprised you have not yet noticed (or maybe you have and it doesn’t bother you for your type of work?). That is the issue of colour bleeding. The issue is pointed out here: http://chromasoft.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/demosaicing-fuji-x-pro1-and-its-x-trans.html and here http://www.diglloyd.com/blog/2012/20120530_2-Fuji-XPro1.html
I would be most interested in having your take on the colour bleeding issue.
Thanks in advance.
Warm regards,
plevyadophy
Hi Plevyadophy,
It may just be that the Fuji X-Pro1 is not for you. I think that 1% of photographers would get on with it. It’s like medium format, you need patience and core skills to bring out the best in the camera. Colour bleeding is only an issue for pixel peepers and techies. The prints I am producing from the X-Pro1 are astounding. The X-Pro1 is not a technical marvel it is a creative tool. I suppose it is like a Harley Davidson in that it is slow, less effecient and more costly than it’s competitors but for a road trip across the US it is supreme. I understand everything that you are saying and I suggest an SLR might suit you better. My full 8000 frame user report for the X-Pro1 is here: https://www.prophotonut.com/2012/07/13/fujifilm-x-pro-1-8000-frame-user-review/
I could not have taken the images I shoot on the Fuji with any other camera. It is part of the creative process and it inspires me in a way that SLRs dont. Is it better than an SLR? No. Would I have shot the same or as good pictures with an SLR? No.
Kind regards,
Damien.
Hi, ignore point 39 re the focusing…!! thanks….
Hi Damien
Had my X-Pro1 for about a month now, still getting to grips with it all. In fact, sold my 5DmkIII to get it (realised I didn’t like carrying all that stuff around just for photos of my family etc!)…. Love the pictures you have taken with yours and look forward to reading this blog to get more information as and when you post it.
Dumb question, but what AF mode do you have it on normally..I seem to always have mine set to the smallest centre point (and then move the focus point to where required as and when). Obviously, a very different style of shooting than the many AF points on the 5D etc….
Thanks
Damon
Hi Damon,
I’m sure you have seen my full Fuji X-Pro1 review by now. I use AFS and AF mode ‘area’ and I have set the rectangle to be very small. I use both the centre only or the periferal positions depending upon the situation I am in.
I hope this helps,
Damien.
Hi Damien,
Thanks for the great review… I’m looking forward to hearing more about your experiences…
I have an x100 and love it, but I am getting seriously tempted by the X-Pro 1…..
If you were an x100 user, that was tempted to upgrade, but couldn’t justify keeping both – would you make the change ?
When using the x100 I use the focus and recompose method which seems to work very well – does the more complex lens design of the X-Pro 1 still allow this or could I run into difficulties getting sharp photos ?
Thanks again
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence,
Great questions. I think the X100 is a more refined package. I still have mine but it’s not getting much use as I’m getting to grips with the X-Pro1 now. It has taken me about 3 months of continual use to get to know the three lenses and develop a shooting system to suit me. I’m very particular about image quality but once I’ve nailed the system I just get on and take pictures. Without image stabalisation the X-Pro1 needs a dedicated moment of capture and more considered hold. It’s not a camera to use lightly, it’s an instrument to cherish and respect. Having said that I love it now and I can rarely see myself dusting off one of my Mikon or Canon SLRs.
As for focussing, I think the focus reframe method is okay for f/4 but I predict a focus shift is required for wide open portraits. I say predict because I’m still learning. It’s exciting but can be frustrating. The great news is every focus zone is as sensitive as any other and I’m getting used to scooting the zone around the frame to keep the reframe element as small as posible. I’ve also reduced the size of my zone to minimise the chance of error.
Best regards,
Damien.
I don’t know if I missed it but what ‘film’ setting are you using ie velvia, provia. great review. So tempted
Hi Mike,
I’m using Velvia, Provia and black and white G. All three have obvious looks but now that I’m shooting just RAW I’m using Provia and I’ve created my equivelent looks as presets in Lightroom.
I hope this helps, Damien.
really great review
on the job reviews are the best
I agree with your views except for one
The jpg engine in the xpro-1 is so awesome i am seriously wondering whether RAW editing will extract much ?
We all think that we can extract the last drop of sharpnes and colour with editing raw, but maybe the xpro-1’s software is signalling the end of the supremecy of the raw editors and back to the photo editors (photoshop, etc.) maybe……
Hi Harold,
Thank you for your compliments. I need RAW files because I want to alter the tonal values in sections of my images plus I want to access the full dynamic range of the sensor. Clipped jpegs are annoying and saving highlights by underexposing jpegs generates noisy shadows when lifted. For a workflow without post production the X-Pro1 jpegs are great. I’ve shot over 3000 Fuji X-Pro1 jpegs now and I’m very familiar with their limitations in Lightroom compared to what can be done with a RAW file. It’s great that we all have different needs and different styles.
Kindest regards, Damien.
New post on the 60mm lens hood mask and step up rings: https://www.prophotonut.com/2012/05/09/fuji-x-pro1-60mm-lens-hood-mask-and-filter-step-up-fix/
Really enjoyed reading about your x-pro1 experiences and great photos, inspiring stuff.
I bought the x100 after reading your reviews and seeing your results and haven’t been disappointed. Not sure I’m quite ready to give up my D700 for the x-pro1 just yet but give it 12 months and more of your great results and I may be tempted! Thanks for the great posts. Paul
Hi Paul,
The X-Pro1 is not an upgrade on your fab D700. However it is great fun to use, light weight, and generates super quality images.
Kind regards, Damien.
Great overview Damien – thanks for sharing your JPG settings too. I too love the camera, and feel that the future is bright for the mirror less technologies we are seeing now. Thanks for sharing again Damien.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your kind comments. It’s by sharing our findings that we get to master our craft together. I’m going to read your write up in PP on my flight to LA next week. It will get me in the mood.
Cheers, Damien.
Hi Damien,
Good writeup and great well lit samples!
I’ll second the question from Peter. I’m also interested to hear more about the home made mask for the 60mm. Would be nice to try out myself also (when my 60mm is back from repair).
Thanks!
Alfred
Hi Alfred,
See my next post :)
Regards, Damien.
Hello,
Just wanted to ask you, once you import the jpegs with the settings you have mentioned into Lightroom, is it a lot of work to tweek them and can you do a batch with these settings to apply for most?
thank you
darek
Hi Darek,
Yes, I have a develop preset that I batch apply to all my X-Pro1 pictures in Lightroom.
Regards, Damien.
Sorry for my bad English. Even my Fuji 60 mm has an electrical fault. In f / 2.4 activates the automatic exposure. Same problem for you? Repaired or replaced?
Hi Massimo,
Yes identical problem. Mine was instantly replaced by Fuji by return post.
Damien.
Hi, Damien.
I’m intrigued by your home made mask for the 60mm lens. Would you be able to explain the purpose of it, and how it differs from the standard lens hood? Some before/after examples pehaps? I’m guessing it acts something like a “flag”, minimizing the amount of extraneous light hitting the front element of the lens.
Is this something you picked up from the TV industry?
Thanks in advance.
Peter.
Hi Peter, Answered in my next post :) Cheers, Damien.
I have had the camera for almost a month as well and I ditched one of my Canon 7D’s and some lenses to acquire it and have no regrets. I shoot for a major metropolitan newspaper and for a major wire service. I have submitted images to both shot by the X-Pro 1, including high school track. The low light capabilities far out strip my 7D and I recently used it at a wedding with more than satisfying results. I have also found that the focus tracking, while not perfect, is not bad and certainly, considering the type of camera it is and its intended usage, better than anticipated. I have the 35 and the 18 along with a M mount adapter, which I am using with some borrowed Leica glass. The performance is flawless with those lenses as well. I am a very happy camper. Yes, I would like to have the Camera Raw out for the Fuji now and I am encouraged that at least DPReview has a beta version, which hopefully means that a final version is near. The only gripe I have is that the on/off switch is too easily moved when transporting the camera. A few other little quirks that bug me, I am sure will be rectified in future firmware upgrades. Bottom line: I LOVE IT!
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comments. I’m hearing your warming news. The X-Pro1 is growing on my but it’s no studio camera. The moddeling lights in my Elinchrom studio heads are just too dark to make auto focus useable. On the street it is just sublime.
Cheers, Damien.
Hi Damien. When you triggered your Canon speedlight via pocket wizards did you have a flex or mini (fired from the hot shoe) or plus 2 (via sync cord) on the camera.
Hi Ken,
I used a PW mini. I set my PW units to standard non TTL on configuration 2 so I can use them on any camera :)
Kind regards,
Damien.
Hi Dick,
Here is the info you need… The 60mm lens hood mask is a 77mm push on Kaiser 6977 lens cap with a 54mm x 36mm hole cut in with a scalpel. Easy, very effective and can be used on demand or permanent (with super glue).
Kindest regards,
Damien.
Damien,
Thanks for this excellent blog post. I’ve enjoyed your stunning photos, at LovergrovePhotography.com, and your many contributions to the Fuji X Forum. My 60mm f/2.4 macro arrives today. :-) Would you be willing to share how you made the mask for your 60mm? THANKS again.
Dick Quinn
Honolulu, HI
Thanks Mark. I enjoy my X100 too :)
Hello,
These are really fantastic. I really affirm you on getting the detail and the colour of the scenes. getting the “climate” of the photographed subjects. I really like it.
I also have had the XP1 for a week now. and i am so happy with it (knowing its shortcumings). i find i have to under expos the pics most of the time by 0.1/3 or 0.2/3 to get the “what isee” in the picture. I dont have lightroom, just use the iphoto on my mac, but wanted to get LR or aperture. i wonder which one might be more user friendly to use.
anyway, great pics, from the photo shoot with Paul Clifford are just stunning. getting the feel/light is really stunning. Great craft.
any chance of buying an internet session on squizing the best out of Xpro1, with You ? :)
darek
Thank you for your kind words Darek.
I love the useability of Lightroom. I can’t vouch for Aperture because I don’t use it. Neither support the X-Pro1 raws yet though:(
I’d be happier to take you through the X-Pro1 over a Skype or better still Face Time session once I’ve had a few more weeks of shooting with it. I’m still on such a learning curve I feel unqualified to help quite yet. Once Lightroom supports RAW I’ll be creating optimum presets for each lens and each ISO. At that time I can more fully share the settings, presets and processes needed to get the most from this little marvel of a camera.
Kindest regards, Damien.
I still feel this a game changer Damien.
I am very much “into” the X100 and now use it all the time at the last few weddings and portraits.
The X-Pro 1 looks like the next step from my “classic” 5D
It all depends on which lenses come out next and if they will suit all work
Good review though Damien!
Thanks Mark :)
Thanks for the review Damien. I am intrigued by this camera and it’s potential to free me from a monstrously heavy camera bag, especially when cycling and hiking to shoot locations.
Is your trip across the Atlantic personal travel or are putting on some workshop too? And regardless are stopping by Ontario on your journey? Would be great to meet for coffee and a chat.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your kind words. My USA trip is ‘route 1’ from LA to San Fran then we fly to Chicago and drive ‘route 66’ to LA. So I suppose Chicago is as close as I get to Ontario ;) No workshops this time but I’m planning to meet a few photographers enroute. Cheers, Damien.
I bought the Fuji X Pro1 as soon as it came out, as long time Leica shooter and very reluctant DSLR shooter , this camera is a step change. The image quality is better than my Canon 5Dmk2 and better than the M9 above iso 400. Most importantly whilst the DSLR is a chore to shoot with the Fuji is a delight.
Exactly the same experience as you with regard to focusing , at least when it locks it is dead on. The first update was a huge improvement.
Hi Tapas,
I’m glad to hear of your happy XP1 experiences. I’m not sure about the M9 statement because I’ve not done a worthwhile side by side comparison however I have no reservations of using the Fuji over the Canon 5Dmk2 for important shots. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Have a happy X-Pro1 life :) Damien.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts re. the X Pro 1. It’s always far more illuminating hearing the views of the working Pro, as opposed to the “noise” on certain Internet fora. Looking forward to hearing your future reports. Cheers.
Thanks Peter. Damien.
Thank you for the “first findings” article! I am loving mine! You mentioned the jpeg image quality on default settings falls way short of what is achieved with some basic adjustments. Are these changes users can make or is this to indicate you would like to see Fuji make some changes? If these are changes we can make would you mind elaborating on those you feel are essential for optimum jpeg quality (until RAW is fully supported)?
Hi David,
Thanks, yes the changes I have made are all in-camera tweaks. Sharpness to -1, Noise reduction to -2, Highlight tone to -1. With these changes the jpegs are easily embellised in Lightroom. LR noise reduction, detail, and sharpening tools are way better than the in-camera ones on the XP1. Before these changes, skin looked a bit plastic wrapped and hair looked over sharpened etc. The level of detail from this camera is simply superb but getting asthetically beautriful pictures has been the hard bit. I’m getting there but with RAW working all will be so much easier.
Kindest regards,
Damien.