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Fujifilm announced the X-Pro1, which is a new compact system camera sporting a 16 Megapixels APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS sensor, Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and a new X lens mount. The camera, which is made in Japan, features a magnesium alloy chassis and aluminum top and bottom plates for superior durability. The Fuji X-Trans CMOS sensor uses a larger 6-by-6 pattern, which allows for more random placement of red, green, and blue photosensors. This mimics the natural analog makeup of photographic film, and allows fine detail to be captured without introducing moire.
The X-Pro1 has several film emulation modes built-in, mimicking the look and feel of such classic Fuji slide stock as Velvia, Astia, and Provia. The X-Pro1 is also capable of recording video in 1080p resolution. A mini HDMI port will make it possible to watch the video directly on an HDTV.Designed specifically to maximize the design mirrorless of the body, X-mount flange has a short distance posterior to the sensor plane, equal to only 17.7 mm. This means that the rear lens as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows you to attach the lens deeper inside the body - up to about 7.5 mm from the mounting surface - minimizing the distance of back focus of each lens for high resolution to the edge of the image.
The Hybrid Multi Viewfinder works similarly to the hybrid opto-electronic finder found on the X100, except that it also offers variable magnification to match lenses of any focal length. The camera comes with a traditional shutter speed dial and a recessed exposure compensation control that is precision milled from solid metal. The Fujifilm X-Pro1 body is listed for retail at $1,699 and the Raw converter software from Silkypix will be included with this price. You can find more camera details at the X-Pro1 special site here. Here's the summary of review by DigitalCameraInfo, giving the camera a rating of 9.2 out of 10:"Color rendition was also remarkable.
When using the most accurate color mode (or "Film Simulation" mode, for Fuji cameras), test scores surpassed even juggernauts like the Canon 5D Mark III, meaning human subjects will look especially realistic. Rates of unwanted image noise were also relatively low, and better than close competition like the Sony NEX-7 or Olympus E-M5, even at the sky-high maximum sensitivity level. This, combined with the lens family's wide-open apertures, as well as some very strong dynamic range, makes the X-Pro1 an ideal camera for low light photography. But if there's one feature that symbolizes the X-Pro1's fusion of classic and cutting-edge, that's got to be the new hybrid-viewfinder.
While it's possible to frame your shots using the no-frills optical mode, an alternate and much cooler method is the heads-up display that overlays relevant data, sort of like a fighter jet cockpit. Even though the camera's rear LCD monitor is of very high quality, you'll find the viewfinder is simply too impressive to ignore. The third and final mode is fully electronic, for the most accurate framing, and all three options are toggled by a mechanical lever. In fact just about everything on this camera is controlled by a mechanical lever, or manual dial, or rotating ring. That's what makes the X-Pro1 so much fun. While the phenomenal images are certainly rewarding in their own right, actually getting out there to shoot with this camera is as empowering as it is convenient.
There's something about clicking a manual aperture ring into place that a software menu just can't replicate, and so much control at your fingertips makes for a more painless experience too. Beginners may be overwhelmed, but photography purists will fall in love with the design.No camera is perfect, obviously, and neither is this one. We had some trouble handling the body because the real panel is so crowded with buttons. The decision to place both the AE/AF-L button and the quick menu button directly onto the thumb rest was a bad one in our opinion.
The camera's long start-up time-about seven seconds-was also an annoyance, though once powered up, the interface and continuous shooting speeds are each very quick. Video recording is the most significant drawback of all. Fujifilm's new "X-Trans" sensor design is clearly outstanding for resolving detail, but the tradeoff is distracting, artifacted video footage. This camera is purely for stills. Ultimately the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is an exemplary marriage of form and function, at once taking advantage of both proven, traditional manual control, as well as modern technological advantages. Although the asking price is steep at $1700 for just the body, that money goes to quality, not novelty; and the lenses are sharp enough to easily justify their $600-650 cost. We enthusiastically recommend the X-Pro1 for anyone longing for some hands-on photography or, for that matter, anyone interested in sharp, gorgeous pictures."
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