Fuji X-Pro1 Review

This is an in-depth review of the Fuji X-Pro1, a highly anticipated mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Built on the success of the Fuji X100 and aimed at pros and photo enthusiasts that need a lightweight camera alternative to a DSLR with amazing image quality, the Fuji X-Pro1 is the first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera from Fuji. Along with the X-Pro1, Fuji simultaneously introduced three prime lenses – Fujinon 18mm f/2.0 XF R, Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 XF R and Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro, all specifically designed to be used for the new Fuji X mount. In this Fuji X-Pro1 review, I will not only provide detailed information about the camera, but will also try to answer the many questions that we have gotten so far on the camera from our readers, along with comparisons to Nikon and Canon DSLRs.

I had an opportunity to work closely with the Fuji X-Pro1 on two separate occasions – once when the camera initially came out back in 2012 and again in the summer of 2013, after the latest 3.01 firmware update was released. I had a number of complaints about the X-Pro1 in my original review, because the camera was full of bugs and autofocus problems. The latest firmware 3.01 addressed many of those concerns, so I am simply revisiting the same review and re-evaluating the camera based on my latest findings.

I originally stated that I had “a love and hate” relationship with the Fuji X-Pro1, because there were a lot of things I both loved and hated about it. I loved the compactness of the camera, the feel, the looks and the stunning images the camera is capable of taking. What I hated was the unreliable autofocus system, painful manual focus and plenty of other bugs and issues I encountered while evaluating the camera. Since its launch, Fuji has been working hard on addressing most of the concerns via firmware updates and as of today, it is a completely different tool compared to what it was before. Let’s take a look at the camera in more detail.

1) Fujifilm X-Pro1 Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 16.3 MP (1.5x crop factor), 4.8µ pixel size
2. Sensor Size: 23.6 x 15.6mm
3. Resolution: 4896 x 3264
4. Native ISO Sensitivity: 200-6,400
5. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 100
6. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 12,800-25,600
7. Sensor Cleaning System: Yes
8. Lens mount: FUJIFILM X mount
9. Weather Sealing/Protection: No
10. Body Build: Full Magnesium Alloy
11. Shutter: Up to 1/4000 and 30 sec exposure
12. Shutter Control: Focal Plane Shutter
13. Storage: 1x SD slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible)
14. Viewfinder Type: Hybrid Multi Viewfinder with 100% coverage in Electronic mode
15. Speed: 6 FPS
16. Exposure Meter: TTL 256-zones metering
17. Built-in Flash: No
18. Autofocus: Yes
19. Manual Focus: Yes
20. LCD Screen: 3 inch diagonal with 1,230,000 dots
21. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 24 fps max
22. Movie Exposure Control: Full
23. Movie Recording Limit: 29 minutes
24. Movie Output: MOV (H.264)
25. GPS: No
26. Battery Type: NP-W126
27. Battery Life: 300 shots, 900 in power save mode
28. USB Standard: 2.0
29. Weight: 400g (excluding battery)
30. Price: $1,699 MSRP body only at launch (currently sells for around $1,199)

source:photographylife

Fuji X-E1 Review

This is an in-depth review of the Fujifilm X-E1 mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, which was released on September 6, 2012 right before the Photokina event in Cologne, Germany. After the success of the X100 line and the release of the X-Pro1 (which initially received a rather mixed review from us due to its poor AF performance), Fuji introduced the X-E1 – basically a lower-end version of the X-Pro1. It was not an unexpected move, given how quickly Fuji was growing in popularity, thanks to its amazing retro design and excellent image quality. Despite its autofocus flaws and other quirks, both the X100 and the X-Pro1 created a huge fan base and a healthy community of supporters. The X-Pro1 was an expensive camera aimed at professionals and enthusiasts, so the X-E1 was naturally targeted as a more budget version with less features. In this Fuji X-E1 review (based on Firmware 2.00), I will provide detailed information about the camera, along with some image samples, and compare it to other cameras from Nikon, Canon and Olympus.

As usual, my goal was to thoroughly test the camera, especially its autofocus performance and accuracy (which historically has been a problem area for newly released Fuji cameras) and evaluate it for both personal and professional photography. As some of our readers might already know, I picked Micro Four Thirds as my mirrorless system of choice last year and I have been shooting with the Olympus OM-D E-M5since then. I loved everything about the X-Pro1, except for its bugs and AF performance, so I ended up dismissing the Fuji system completely last year. Since then, a number of our readers have been asking me to re-evaluate the X-Pro1 and review the new lines of Fuji cameras, including the X-E1. Fuji has been working hard on updating the reported issues and improving autofocus performance through firmware updates, so it made sense to revisit the Fuji X-Pro1. After two months of heavy use, I am happy to say that the Fuji X-Pro1 is indeed a totally different camera compared to what it was initially. Naturally, I went back and completely rewrote my Fuji X-Pro1 Review, praising Fuji for fixing bugs and autofocus issues, and making the X-Pro1 an attractive choice for most photography needs today.

Similar to the X-Pro1, my experience with the X-E1 has been very positive, as you will see further down in the review. Without giving too many spoilers, let me just say that I have been enjoying the X-E1 immensely, even more than the X-Pro1. During the last two months, I have shot various events, engagements, weddings and have used the X-E1 for personal photography as well, so by now I have a pretty good idea about its strengths and weaknesses.

1) Fujifilm X-E1 Specifications

Main Features and Specifications:

1. Sensor: 16.3 MP (1.5x crop factor), 4.8µ pixel size, same as on X-Pro1
2. Sensor Size: 23.6 x 15.6mm
3. Resolution: 4896 x 3264
4. Native ISO Sensitivity: 200-6,400
5. Boost Low ISO Sensitivity: 100
6. Boost High ISO Sensitivity: 12,800-25,600
7. Sensor Cleaning System: Yes
8. Lens mount: FUJIFILM X mount
9. Weather Sealing/Protection: No
10. Body Build: Magnesium Alloy, Top and Front covers
11. Shutter: Up to 1/4000 and 30 sec exposure
12. Shutter Control: Focal Plane Shutter
13. Storage: 1x SD slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC compatible)
14. Viewfinder Type: 2,360,000-dot OLED color viewfinder
15. Speed: 6 FPS
16. Exposure Meter: TTL 256-zones metering
17. Built-in Flash: Yes
18. Autofocus: Yes
19. Manual Focus: Yes
20. LCD Screen: 2.8 inch, approx. 460,000-dot, TFT color LCD monitor
21. Movie Modes: Full 1080p HD @ 24 fps max
22. Movie Recording Limit: 29 minutes
23. Movie Output: MOV (H.264)
24. GPS: No
25. Battery Type: NP-W126
26. Battery Life: 350 shots
27. USB Standard: 2.0
28. Weight: 300g (excluding battery and accessories)
29. Price: $999 MSRP body only at launch (currently sells for $799)

source:photographylife

Fuji X-T1 Review

Fujifilm X-T1 design and controls

Fujifilm's X-T1 represents a departure in design for the X-series, becoming the first X-mount with a DSLR-styled body and a viewfinder hump over the optical axis. I know the earlier X-Pro1, XE and XM models had their fans, but to me the X-T1 is by far the best-looking model in the range to date.

I reckon the body it most resembles is actually Sony's A7 / A7r, but again to my eyes it ends up looking much better. Indeed I'd say it's one of the most attractive cameras I've laid my eyes on for a while.

Measuring 129x90x47mm (slimming to 33.4mm at the thinnest point) and weighing 440g with battery, the X-T1 is almost exactly the same size as the Sony Alpha A7, and very similar to the Olympus OMD EM1 too, although the EM1 enjoys by far the deepest grip of the three. As such the OMD EM1 gives you the most to hold onto, and will be the most comfortable for anyone coming from a chunky DSLR, but in my view the X-T1 enjoys the most tactile grip surface of the three. I'm not sure what Fujifilm used to coat the X-T1's grip, but it boasts the stickiest texture (in a good way) and made for a body I really enjoyed holding.

Fujifilm has also taken a leaf from the earlier Olympus OMD EM5 and offers not one, but two optional grips for those who want more to wrap their fingers around. The traditional VG-XT1 battery grip accommodates a second battery and provides portrait controls, but if you just want a little more to hold onto without compromising the camera's compact dimensions, there's the optional MHG-XT handgrip which boosts the thickness of the grip while only adding a few mm to the overall height.

Fuji X100s Review

This is an in-depth review of the Fujifilm X100S mirrorless camera, which was released on January 7, 2013 together with the X20 compact camera. After the success of the original X100, Fuji upgraded the sensor and the hybrid viewfinder, added some new features, addressed a few important firmware issues and added the “S” to the label of the camera. The long-awaited Fuji X100S debuted with a lot of fanfare, thanks to its big supporters like Zack Arias and David Hobby that provided plenty of coverage of the camera. Being tied up with reviewing newly released Nikon lenses and cameras, I did not have a chance to test the X100S out until the summer of 2013. Another reason was poor availability – the X100S was in such a high demand, that it was nowhere to be found for a long time. And it is still hard to find even today in the US market, with very few retailers like B&H Photo occasionally having limited stock.
I finally got a hold of the Fuji X100S in August of 2013 and I have been enjoying it since. I requested the X100S to be shipped together with other Fuji gear, as a part of my effort to review every Fuji camera and lens available. So far I have published three reviews: Fuji X-Pro1, Fuji X-E1, Fuji X-M1 and I am planning to start publishing reviews of Fujinon and Zeiss Touit lenses right after this. Having used the Fuji X100S for a couple of months now in different environments, I have a few things to share with our readers in regards to its overall performance, handling, usability and personal or commercial use.