Being a long time canon user, I was reluctant to throw down the $$$ on such a system. To think I could have got some amazing lenses instead, I was a little nervous. But I, along with a ton of other professionals have been longing for that companion compact.
I've owned everything from Panasonic LX's, Leica D-Lux's, Canon G10, Sigma DP2 Panasonic GF1, Olympus E-P1, Fujifilm x100, etc. etc. - I just never stopped. It's almost embarrassing how many cameras I've owned and my flickr is a testament to test shots after test shots.
This camera though, is quite special. The x100 was just about there - the only thing missing was the ability to change lenses. (A big fan of M43s but I just can't get passed the small sensors).
It’s been about a week since owning the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and if I had to describe the camera in one word, it would probably be “wow”. Day one of shooting was a little weird. I was so excited to have the camera in my hands so I’m sure I was bias about how it handled so everything just felt amazing.
Day two, I started to get concerned about the “quirks” that people have been posting on forums. Day three I realized these aren’t quirks, these are just characteristics of the camera, like any other camera may have.
I’ve been reading a lot about people complaining about the AF on the camera. I have to say, it’s all just BS. I have a single lamp in my room and can focus on pretty much anything. Is it slower than some of it’s possible competitors? Yes, but you knew that already. On the flip side, is the quality of images from other possible competitors better? Nope. But I guess some people care more about AF speed than IQ.
Also, getting things sharp and in focus at f/1.4 is ridiculously easy where I’ve had trouble in the past with a 5dII and 35L/50L. It’s SPOT on.
High ISO quality on this camera is ba.na.nas. Not only does the noise level remain low, but any noise that is present has a film like grain to it (just make sure the camera jpeg engine isn’t applying any NR).
My only complaint and this has nothing to do with the camera, is the lack of support for RAW files. I am SO excited to view my RAW files because if the jpegs are this good, we’re in for a treat.
Oh I lied, I do have a camera complaint. The moving aperture blades that causes chatter in changing light. Yes, I know it’s normal, but it’s striking how loud it can be. Out and about, it’s a non-issue. Indoors with family (or when I take this to wedding gigs), it’s loud and can get annoying. One can argue the shutter of a dslr is loader, but that’s expected when a photographer is around. Aperture chatter, kinda weird and not normal to most people.
All said and done it’s results that I’m more worried and interested about. This camera can perform. The files are simply gorgeous and not only are they amazingly good sooc, they look even better post processed.
Here are some shots I’ve taken with the 35mm lens. It’s a pretty random selection as I’ve not gone out to a focused shoot, but hopefully you can see the potential this camera has as being a professional tool.
You can find all the images here, http://www.mikee.nu/?p=4780
but a few I liked I'll post here:
