Fujifilm is entering the MIrrorless camera with interchangeable lenses market with the X-Pro1 camera. Yes, you hear it right. For some of you it may come as a surprise, for others a very smart and predictable move. It's a surprise because Fujifilm already quit the DSLR business and since then, Fujifilm only manufactures point-and-shoot cameras. Fujifilm is a very strong brand in the photography business, and many photographers are happy that the company is back in the game. Hopefully with remarkable products, as the company is known for.
Rumors start floating the web since the launch of the X100, a large sensor fixed lens camera. Fujifilm is well known for using a unique sensors, and in this camera Fujifilm presents a brand new sensor called "X-Trans CMOS sensor" with 16.3MP (effective), which according to the company, it will deliver amazing results on par, if not better, than full frame DSLR cameras. That by itself made me enthusiastic about this camera and its capabilities.
The sensor utilized a film-inspired array, where the Red, Green and Blue pixels are arranged in 6x6 sets. Due to this unique pixel arrangement, FujiFilm had to utilize a more powerful image processor called EXR Processor Pro, in order to process the data from the sensor.
The X-Trans CMOS™ will deliver exceptional image quality and will reduce phenomenons like moiré and false colour, which are more pronounced in 'conventional' camera sensors.
Due to the sensor design, the camera doesn't have a low-pass filter, which cause a reduction in resolution with 'conventional' digital cameras.
For many of us, Fujinon is a well regarded name in the digital camera business. With the new born mirorrless camera lineup, FujiFilm also introduced the FUJIFILM XG lenses lineup, which are compatible with this new camera. At first, FujiFilm will release three very high-quality prime lenses, including the "XF18mmF2 R" (18mm f/2), "XF 35mmF1.4 R" (35mm f/1.4) and "XF60mmF2.4 R Macro" (60mm f/2.4) lenses.
All those lenses (and future lenses) are compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount. All lenses come with a metal barrel and curved blades to produce circular effect on out-of-focus objects.
I've read that many mirrorless camera owners are interested in ultra-fast lenses, especially those who bought a Micro Four Third camera from Panasonic or Olympus. The combination of a large 23.6 x 15.6 sensor and fast lenses, will give photographers more control over depth-of-field, allowing them to blur the background, resulting in better isolation of the subject from the background.
Of course the utilization of a prime lens with this new type of sensor, should and hopefully (still need to see real results) result in a very high image quality. FujiFilm has already proven that its capable of delivering exceptional results with the X100 camera. Many photographers hoped that FujiFilm will enter the Mirrorless camera business in order to give photographers more creative freedom using interchangeable lenses.
If you've read reviews on the X100, you know that we can expect this camera to out perform many of the current mirrorless camera results. The X100 produced amazing results, especially in the corners of the image, not just the center.
The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 feature a Hybrid Multi Viewfinder. This unique viewfinder was first presented in the X100. The viewfinder enables photographers to switch between and optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder, and choose whatever works for them best.
Each one has its unique advantage. For example, if you want to shoot photos with minimum shutter lag and very bright view, the optical viewfinder will be the best choice. On the other hand, the electronic viewfinder will give you the option to view white balance info and depth of field indicators and other information on screen which isn't available on the optical one. Nevertheless, you have them both, and you can switch and use anyone of them for your liking.
I've read a lot of positive opinions from photographers who really loved the X100 design. FujiFilm wanted to continue this tradition and made the X-PRO1 really beautiful and unique in its design. The chassis is made with die-cast aluminum alloy. But it's all about the fine details that make the body of the camera unique and visually appealing. It's really a beautiful camera (at least in my taste). It might remind you the retro look of Olympus PEN camera.
It seems that this is the look many people want to have. Somewhat reminds me the look of older film cameras and gives you the feel that you are shooting with you old favorite film camera. You won't find a deep curved grip like you get with the Nikon D7000 or Canon 60D. However, the all purpose of this camera is to be relatively compact and with clean structure.
FujiFilm also introduces a compatible hand-grip (HG-XPro1) ,which is an optional accessory. This hand-grip extend the size of the default hand-grip, allowing for improved ergonomics, especially when used with more heavier lenses and for those with large hands.
All in all, it looks like a well thought-through design, that will certainly appeal to many photographers, whether amateurs, enthusiasts and even pro photographers. Considering its high price (~$2500 with one lens)
The camera is not as compact as Sony NEX or Lumix GX cameras, but it's not very large either. Of course the main purpose of buying a mirrorless camera its portability. However, you can't put those cameras in your pocket anyway, so a small camera bag will be suitable for any of those camera. I personally think that in terms of ergonomics and balancing the lens weight, the size of the X-Pro1 is perfect. Of course you need to try it in practice to see how comfortable is for your hands.
So today we wake up to a new day, hoping that this time FujiFilm will be here forever.
The Press Release
Size comparison X100 vs X-Pro 1
X-Pro1 concept minisite
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| X-Pro 1 Mirrorless Camera |
Rumors start floating the web since the launch of the X100, a large sensor fixed lens camera. Fujifilm is well known for using a unique sensors, and in this camera Fujifilm presents a brand new sensor called "X-Trans CMOS sensor" with 16.3MP (effective), which according to the company, it will deliver amazing results on par, if not better, than full frame DSLR cameras. That by itself made me enthusiastic about this camera and its capabilities.
Unique Sensor Design
The X-Trans CMOS™ will deliver exceptional image quality and will reduce phenomenons like moiré and false colour, which are more pronounced in 'conventional' camera sensors.
Due to the sensor design, the camera doesn't have a low-pass filter, which cause a reduction in resolution with 'conventional' digital cameras.
FUJINON XF Lenses
All those lenses (and future lenses) are compatible with FUJIFILM X-Mount. All lenses come with a metal barrel and curved blades to produce circular effect on out-of-focus objects.
I've read that many mirrorless camera owners are interested in ultra-fast lenses, especially those who bought a Micro Four Third camera from Panasonic or Olympus. The combination of a large 23.6 x 15.6 sensor and fast lenses, will give photographers more control over depth-of-field, allowing them to blur the background, resulting in better isolation of the subject from the background.
Of course the utilization of a prime lens with this new type of sensor, should and hopefully (still need to see real results) result in a very high image quality. FujiFilm has already proven that its capable of delivering exceptional results with the X100 camera. Many photographers hoped that FujiFilm will enter the Mirrorless camera business in order to give photographers more creative freedom using interchangeable lenses.
If you've read reviews on the X100, you know that we can expect this camera to out perform many of the current mirrorless camera results. The X100 produced amazing results, especially in the corners of the image, not just the center.
Hybrid Multi Viewfinder
The FUJIFILM X-Pro1 feature a Hybrid Multi Viewfinder. This unique viewfinder was first presented in the X100. The viewfinder enables photographers to switch between and optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder, and choose whatever works for them best.
Each one has its unique advantage. For example, if you want to shoot photos with minimum shutter lag and very bright view, the optical viewfinder will be the best choice. On the other hand, the electronic viewfinder will give you the option to view white balance info and depth of field indicators and other information on screen which isn't available on the optical one. Nevertheless, you have them both, and you can switch and use anyone of them for your liking.
Beautiful Camera Body Design
It seems that this is the look many people want to have. Somewhat reminds me the look of older film cameras and gives you the feel that you are shooting with you old favorite film camera. You won't find a deep curved grip like you get with the Nikon D7000 or Canon 60D. However, the all purpose of this camera is to be relatively compact and with clean structure.
FujiFilm also introduces a compatible hand-grip (HG-XPro1) ,which is an optional accessory. This hand-grip extend the size of the default hand-grip, allowing for improved ergonomics, especially when used with more heavier lenses and for those with large hands.
All in all, it looks like a well thought-through design, that will certainly appeal to many photographers, whether amateurs, enthusiasts and even pro photographers. Considering its high price (~$2500 with one lens)
The camera is not as compact as Sony NEX or Lumix GX cameras, but it's not very large either. Of course the main purpose of buying a mirrorless camera its portability. However, you can't put those cameras in your pocket anyway, so a small camera bag will be suitable for any of those camera. I personally think that in terms of ergonomics and balancing the lens weight, the size of the X-Pro1 is perfect. Of course you need to try it in practice to see how comfortable is for your hands.
FujiFilm is Back!
The X-Pro1 will certainly be too expensive for many people. Leaving the price of the FujiFilm X-Pro1 aside, I am so happy that Fuji is back in the game. I love this company since childhood. Just by seeing this company entering the mirrorless business brings some very enjoyable childhood memories. There is something about it that I cannot explain. Although I can't afford buying one, I will be happy that others can and will enjoy using this produce, because it really opens up the door for great new produces and technology innovation, coming from one of the world's most regarded company in the photography business.So today we wake up to a new day, hoping that this time FujiFilm will be here forever.
The Press Release
Size comparison X100 vs X-Pro 1
X-Pro1 concept minisite
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