There was a time when an opportunity came into my hands, courtesy of Justin Lee from tech65, to play/test/review the FujiFilm X-Pro1. Needless to say, I accepted it with both hands and gleaming eyes along with a big smile on my face. Due to the time constraints of only having it for 3 days, I was more than happy to give it a go with the FujiFilm X-Pro1.
Let me share with you some key links of FujiFilm here –
– FujiFilm Singapore website for FujiFilm X-Pro1
– FujiFilm X-Pro1 catalogue/brochure
– FujiFilm X-Pro1 Specifications
During the 3 days I had with the FujiFilm X-Pro1, I brought it out, walked around with it and starting photographing my neighbourhood and a key feature was putting the ISO to the test at 6,400, 12,800 and 25,600 in the night. Here’s my thoughts on the FujiFilm X-Pro1 during my short 3 days stint with the camera –
Pros
- Lightweight
- Filters to replicate film effects , very handy & useful for 1st timers or those who don’t mind photographing straight off from the camera – e.g Velvia , Sepia , B&W
- High ISO 25,600 – plus point although it might be a bit too grainy for some photographers liking
- ISO 12,800 – still useable and it will come in very useful in very dark conditions
- ISO 6400 is nice (probably the “sweet spot” in my personal opinion) , no major grain
- Right panel button & scroll button & dial allows easy & quick access to menu screen while eye is on viewfinder & change quite quickly (once you get the hang of it)
- 2 view modes – EVF & LCD screen, camera auto switch when you move from LCD to viewfinder (need to switch on eye sensor)
- Not a “loud” camera when taking photographs, good for discrete street photography
- Beautiful colours in daylight conditions <combined with the Film Simulation Velvia/Vivid mode, in my personal opinion> with the 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS with primary color filter
- Film Simulation mode is a huge PLUS point for me, it’s almost going back to the authentic true FujiFilm colour films such as the Velvia.
- Useful and many handy information on the LCD Monitor and Electronic Viewfinder when taking photographs
Cons
- Focusing
- Manual Focus ~ difficult to see if focus is sharp
- Auto Focusing ~ slow
- ISO 25,600 – a bit grainy at times, works well in some situations, sometimes works against the photographer.
- APS-C sensor, 1.6x crop, on the 35mm, it would be 56mm. Purists street photographers might prefer a 35mm point of view.
- The grip on the camera is not really ergonomic in design, flat and squarish. It’s not easy to grip the camera well.
- The battery life is a concern to me.
- For a start, the panels, buttons and controls on the FujiFilm X-Pro1 might be a bit more tricky to handle and remember. You might need more time to get the hang of the buttons, panels and controls.
What are the FujiFilm X-Pro1 photographs quality ? Here’s where I shared my FujiFilm X-Pro1 photographs taken during my 3 day stint, do drop by and take a look at the photographs taken using the FujiFilm X-Pro1 –
– 500px
Overall, in my personal opinion, it’s a worthy consideration for a digital era rangefinder that is ideal for street photography. I would not mind owning it if the opportunity arises because I am still building up my Canon DSLR lenses. The retail recommended price might be on the higher side and consumers might consider it a bit longer.
This review opportunity will not be possible without Justin Lee and Tech65, I would like to thank them for this review opportunity and my sincere apologies for the late review write up!
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.