Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Digital Camera… initial product use report

Background: I didn’t like always having to take my DSLR out if I wanted decent quality images. I always walk around with a camera and was looking for an alternative to my DSLR or having to resort to using my “not so good” iPhone. I tried just using a small DSLR body (D90) with a small fast 50mm, but even that was just to big. I thought why bother… I may as well just bring the big gun. – stephen berner

I tried a Canon G12, lots of folks I know have used them successfully and even though I am not a Canon guy per se, I thought I’d give it a go and got a G12. I hated it as a still camera, although I dig the video it took. I just couldn’t get it to do what I wanted it to do and decided that the zoom was half the problem. For a camera like that it’d be better with a prime lens, a fast prime. Bobby took the G12 and I am sure enjoys it, he’s bad/broken quite a few and this newest rendition of it is pretty good compared to it’s predecessors.

So I saw the Fuji x100 come out and I thought – almost. They almost nailed it, but the fact you can’t change up lenses if you want was a deal breaker. I saw that Fuji had their eye on the ball and were delivering a camera with the Fuji x100 that just plain worked great and took wonderful images.

Well the XPro1 came out and the preliminary reviews were bubbling, I put in my advance order – and then waited 3 months for the camera. I opted for the wide-angle 18mm lens as most of what I will do with this camera will be close up, in doors and in smaller places. I also wanted a small package and the 18 delivers on all those criteria. It is small and it is fast – f2.

So I got the camera and within minutes of putting it together I saw that it was indeed a superior piece of gear and worth keeping even though it’s priced higher than it need be. The images it takes are stunning and below you can get a feel for how I am llking it so far.

Now I know that this model will appeal to a lot of folks the same reason I thought it was slick, killer quality in a small light unobtrusive package… to which I respond – yep – that’s what it is. As I can afford other lenses, I will consider them, but the 18mm is just perfect for what I think I will use this unit for.

What I like, so far:

- knobs & dials for important functions fall easily to hand

- those same knobs & dials can get accidentally moved

- Lens (18mm F2) is tack sharp

- camera is solid and small

- feels good to the hand, quality construction

- no crappy flash

- EVT & OVF switching is cool and useful

- Killer low light crispiness

- Kooky high (an usable) ISO

- Rear LCD is good

- Best of what’s affordable & available