Many of you are probably very happy to see FujiFilm getting back into the interchangeable lens camera business with the X-Pro1, after closing its DSLR department. However, a starting price of $1,700 looks like a very risky one. I've seen an interview video with FujiFilm UK director, whom mentioned that FujiFilm is aiming this camera to professional and enthusiast photographers. Let's remember that this is a compact system camera that should compete against other cameras of its kind. However, it seems that by setting the price that high, FujiFilm actually created a new category of CSC (Compact System Camera), a high-end model one.
Pros will still prefer using a DSLR camera, where they invested their money on they will continue be loyal to the leading companies, Nikon and Canon. Enthusiast photographers won't jump so quickly and buy the pricey X-Pro 1, at least not so fast as FujiFilm thinks. In comparison, Olympus PEN E-P1 costs around $390 with a 14-42mm lens, and Sony NEX-7 (flagship model) costs around $1,200. (body only). amateur and enthusiast photographers will think twice before getting this new camera.
So you might ask yourself, why should I purchase such a camera: Because it's FujiFilm, the unique sensor, Fujinon optics or maybe because the Hybrid Viewfinder? - I am not convinced with either of them. As technology keeps progressing, we can expect leading Mirrorless camera manufacturers to improve their models and come up with their own unique hardware updates. The FujiFilm X-Pro 1 looks great on paper, and even if the image quality is very satisfying, still, the price seems just too high. It reminds me the same debate that I've had regarding the Sigma SD1. The SD1 has a unique 3-layer Foveon sensor that certainly attracted many enthusiast photographers worldwide. The price of the SD1 was set very high, and it attracted any negative feedback from both Sigma users and other photographers who haven't used a Sigma DSLR before.
Marketing strategy wise, I think that FujiFilm should have setup an initial price that is much lower than the one suggested. They should try to attract new customers, and not create a new niche of high-end / pro CSC. CSC are aimed for those who want to jump from shooting from point-and-shoot cameras, to a more advanced digital camera. How many people will pay this price when they search to upgrade to a new camera? - Not that many I assume.
Even if the image quality will be superb to other CSC, it's jard to justify that high price tag. Maybe FujiFilm is preparing to launch a new cheaper model, but we don't know that for sure. The UK director of FujiFilm also mentioned the absence of AA filter, and how it contribute to a much higher image resolution. Just tell me, do you need something "much more" than what you get with a Nikon D3100 or Canon 600D?
Many of us would probably love to get a FujiFilm brand camera over an Olympus, Sony or Panasonic one, but many of you will probably prefer spending that money on high-quality interchangeable lenses than only on the camera body itself. As for the present, FujiFilm release only 3 lenses, all prime lenses and not even one zoom lens. That by itself proves that FujiFilm aims this camera to semi-professional and professional photographers.
I must admit that I am a bit surprised that FujiFilm X-Pro1 is priced so high. I am, like you, waiting for an in-depth review about this camera, to see if it really stands behind it claims, and in order to see how good the sensor is, and of course the image quality itself. Time will tell weather FujiFilm was right. If not, it will be a sad day reading about FujiFilm quitting the CSC business.
What do you think? - share you opinion.
Pros will still prefer using a DSLR camera, where they invested their money on they will continue be loyal to the leading companies, Nikon and Canon. Enthusiast photographers won't jump so quickly and buy the pricey X-Pro 1, at least not so fast as FujiFilm thinks. In comparison, Olympus PEN E-P1 costs around $390 with a 14-42mm lens, and Sony NEX-7 (flagship model) costs around $1,200. (body only). amateur and enthusiast photographers will think twice before getting this new camera.
So you might ask yourself, why should I purchase such a camera: Because it's FujiFilm, the unique sensor, Fujinon optics or maybe because the Hybrid Viewfinder? - I am not convinced with either of them. As technology keeps progressing, we can expect leading Mirrorless camera manufacturers to improve their models and come up with their own unique hardware updates. The FujiFilm X-Pro 1 looks great on paper, and even if the image quality is very satisfying, still, the price seems just too high. It reminds me the same debate that I've had regarding the Sigma SD1. The SD1 has a unique 3-layer Foveon sensor that certainly attracted many enthusiast photographers worldwide. The price of the SD1 was set very high, and it attracted any negative feedback from both Sigma users and other photographers who haven't used a Sigma DSLR before.
Marketing strategy wise, I think that FujiFilm should have setup an initial price that is much lower than the one suggested. They should try to attract new customers, and not create a new niche of high-end / pro CSC. CSC are aimed for those who want to jump from shooting from point-and-shoot cameras, to a more advanced digital camera. How many people will pay this price when they search to upgrade to a new camera? - Not that many I assume.
Even if the image quality will be superb to other CSC, it's jard to justify that high price tag. Maybe FujiFilm is preparing to launch a new cheaper model, but we don't know that for sure. The UK director of FujiFilm also mentioned the absence of AA filter, and how it contribute to a much higher image resolution. Just tell me, do you need something "much more" than what you get with a Nikon D3100 or Canon 600D?
Many of us would probably love to get a FujiFilm brand camera over an Olympus, Sony or Panasonic one, but many of you will probably prefer spending that money on high-quality interchangeable lenses than only on the camera body itself. As for the present, FujiFilm release only 3 lenses, all prime lenses and not even one zoom lens. That by itself proves that FujiFilm aims this camera to semi-professional and professional photographers.
I must admit that I am a bit surprised that FujiFilm X-Pro1 is priced so high. I am, like you, waiting for an in-depth review about this camera, to see if it really stands behind it claims, and in order to see how good the sensor is, and of course the image quality itself. Time will tell weather FujiFilm was right. If not, it will be a sad day reading about FujiFilm quitting the CSC business.
What do you think? - share you opinion.
0 comments:
Post a Comment