I finally got to get some hands-on time with the new Fuji X-Pro1 at CES 2012. After handing out Camera of the Year honors in 2011 to the Fuji X100, I’ve been itching to see what Fuji had coming for the oft-rumored interchangeable lens lineup. Based on what I’ve seen so far, the Fuji X-Pro1 looks like it won’t disappoint and should easily be in the running for the 2012 Camera of the Year.
The X-Pro1 has all the class and build-quality that we’ve come to expect from the X-series. As was the case with the X100, the smart aperture ring and shutter dial makes manual and auto operation a breeze.
At 16MP, the X-Pro1 appears to offer solid (if not class-leading) image quality and high ISO performance for an APS-C format camera. The form-factor is gorgeous and feels great in the hand. It has all the deliciousness of the X100′s body and adds a world of potential with interchangeable lenses.
The only downside that I see thus far (as compared to the X100) is the focal plane shutter, which offers sync speeds of 1/125s. The X100 synced at 1/4000s thanks to its leaf shutter. My guess is that adding a leaf shutter to each lens for the X-Pro1 would have been cost prohibitive – since they currently run $600 each anyway.
The X-Pro1 does offer TTL compatibility with Fuji’s new line of hotshoe flashes. Sadly though, there is currently no wireless TTL built into the system. I’m not sure if a third party could hack something together, but it could be an exciting workaround if they did.
Listening to Fuji’s press conference (full video here), I was a bit skeptical about their intended market for the X-Pro1 as a mainstream portrait and wedding camera. However, after handling the camera and getting a glimpse at the solid image quality it delivers, I’m less so now. I’m not ready to sell off my 5D Mark II but I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see these show up on real shoots over the next few months.
The AF seems fast and snappy. And the overall performance of the camera is as fast as you would expect from a pro-level camera.
As far as lenses go, Fuji is out of the gate with a trio of prime lenses: an 18mm f/2.0, a 35mm f/1.4 and a 60mm f/2.1 Macro. A super-wide 14mm lens and a zoom lens are slated for release later in 2012, and several new prime and zoom lenses should be in the lineup in 2013. I would expect to hear more big news on the X-Pro series cameras and lenses by the time Photokina 2012 rolls around in September.
Initial pricing on the body is estimated at $1700 and $600 for each of the three primes. While several folks have balked at these prices, I think Fuji is going to have a hard time keeping them in stock even at that.
Frankly, the Fuji X-Pro1 looks and feels awesome. Performance seems to be most of what we’d hoped for – save for the focal plane shutter, 1/125s flash sync and limited TTL system. Image quality looks stunning based on what I’ve seen thus far. I can’t wait to spend more time with a production model.
The X-Pro1 should be available in February 2012. Check availability at B&H Photo.
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Related posts:
- Fuji X-Pro1: Official Specs Outed w/ 16MP and 3 Prime Lenses
- Full Fuji X-Pro1 Press Conference Video from CES 2012
- “Luxury” Fuji Mirrorless Cameras Coming Soon
- Fuji CES 2012 Press Conference – LiveBlog
- Fuji LX Mirrorless Camera Leaked
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
hi, I am really interested in AF performance,
can you write some more details?
Compared to a reflex or Olympus Pen ep3 performance how does it work?
Thanks in advance!
Matteo
Sorry but this is really a ugly camera, like back in the sixties.
That’s point. Retro look like the other X series cameras.
I have a russian Zorki 4 ( made in 1962 ) in my attic and, after 50 years, it looks far better than this “artefact”. How could you ever think of selling off your 5D Mark II ? It looks to me as being designed by Louis Lumiere or George Eastman, back in 1900…1920. Frankly, I wouldn’t spend 10 EUR on it. Just try to imagine yourself taking photographs in Paris at Tour Eiffel with this oldtimer. Brrrrr !
I am surprised Fuji left Vibration Reduction or Image Stabilisation out of this camera. Most other makers claim a 2-4 stop improvement from this technology which compensates for smaller aperture lenses. I don’t mind the return to a focal plane shutter as long as it is quiet. My Nikons are way too noisy.
I will stick with my Nikon heavy iron for ‘serious’ stage and portrait shots and my Fuji x-10 for everyday shots. I will sit out the X-Pro1 and wait for the successor with image stabilisation.
Brian
I think that a new mirrorless system camera is more likely to be bought by people who are starting. And then this system camera is a nice new chose, but in my opinion a little expensive. The Sony Nex seems to have the best offer. Like mihai says “How could you ever think of selling off your 5D Mark II ?” and all my Canon lenses for that matter. No way Jose. I am happy with the system I have and a small compact to go along. In my case the Sigma DP2. And I like to see all the new camera’s coming out and the chose begins to look like the good old analogue days.
While I think this camera looks promising and I’m definitely drawn to it’s styling and small form factor, I think Fuji is extremely ambitious with their pricing. For about the same price, you could get a Canon 5D Mark II, 28/1.8 USM, 50/1.4 USM and 85/1.8 USM. Add another $100 and you can get an extension tube to give your 50 and 85 macro capabilities.
This camera is essentially an Enthusiast camera. I think their prices are at least 100% higher than they should be. I could see $700 for the body and $250-450 for the lenses. And that is on the high end.
When the X100 came out, I thought it might be just the camera I had been waiting for. Something small, light and unobtrusive to carry with me. Something intuitive. But the price point puts it WAY out of my reach. There are far better alternatives and Fuji should check their aggressive pricing before releasing another system.
I agree with you here for the most part on the pricing. But, even the NEX-7 comes close to the same price point when using one of its quality lenses.
Although I was really looking forward to grabbing this as my walk round camera I think I will go with the X100 for now.
I can’t wait to see what fuji comes out with in the future though. They are really raising the bar compared to many manufacturers.
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