Fujifilm X-Pro1 review
Image Quality
Fujifilm X-Pro1 review - Image Quality
X-Pro1 review: Sharpness & Detail
Here's where the X-Pro1 really gets to show off. The level of detail in shots is substantial when using any of the three lenses - particularly the 60mm macro. This can be attributed to the X-Trans CMOS design and no anti-aliasing filter in the design.
But just how good are we talking here? Some sample shots have incredible crispness and the test chart images we recorded in the lab delivered results that, in conjunction with these lenses, outperform any other APS-C sensor we've seen. It's very impressive.
X-Pro1 review: ISO Sensitivity & Image Noise
Not only are shots sharp, but the X-Pro1 handles image noise very well too. This makes it a camera that's not only good for bright scenes, but great in low light too (ignoring the focusing system).
From ISO 200-400 are exceptional with little processing artefacts nor smoothing visible, while ISO 800-1600 are near-identical to their lower sensitivity counterparts, bar for some slight additional grain-like texture. Throughout ISO 200-1600 there's little discernable difference to detail, and it's only the cleaner, better gradations in the lower ISO settings that make the shots superior.
At ISO 3200 there's a little jump in terms of overall softness and visible grain, but the setting is still more than usable. ISO 6400 is grainier still, though plenty of detail is still resolved.
The extended settings of ISO 12,800-25,600 are of less use, but still impressive all things considered.
Overall the X-Pro1 is suitable for use in all manner of conditions, and low light in combination with fast aperture lenses, mean shots from ISO 100-1600 needn't cause any concern to final image quality. It might not outperform larger-sensor DSLRs in this department, but there's no doubting just how good this sensor is.
X-Pro1 review: Tone & Exposure
The 256-area metering system includes Multi, Spot and Average metering modes. While in some Fujifilm models further down the range overexposure can be an issue, we found no such concerns with the X-Pro1. Exposures are well considered, and the inclusion of the physical exposure compensation dial makes for quick adjustments when required. Some frames did need a boost of +0.7-1EV to bring out foreground detail, but on account of a more unusual scene composition rather than to the fault of the camera.
We're also pleased to report that the APS-C sensor did not reveal any ‘white disc' issues as per the 2/3in sensor found in the Fujifilm X10 and X-S1 cameras.
TZ30 review: White Balance & Colour
Auto White Balance does a good job and is consistent from frame to frame and throughout the ISO range. As well as manual control there are a variety of presets.
If you've used Fuji colour film in the past, then you'll be pleased with the X-Pro1's in-camera options that mimic the best of the classics. By default Provia/Standard is selected, though there's also Velvia for vivid shots as per the original slide film; Astia for ‘soft' portraits; and the inclusion of Pro Neg S and Pro Neg H make the camera all the more appealing to professionals. If you're unsure which to use, then you can set the X100 to bracket the film modes, saving different versions of the same shot. There's also a handful of Black & White settings, including standard, Sepia toned or even individual red/green/yellow filters for different contrast effects.
Have your say!
Latest comments
March 19 13:05
Ian Jackson
It all sounds great. Really looking forward to trying one but delivery was supposed to be mid-march and still no-one seems to be able to say when it'll hit our shores. Anyone know different?
March 23 21:23
sgoldswo
Received mine yesterday. It's fantastic!
March 27 04:08
Hasan
2.5 inch LCD (Electronics) There is nothing wrong with my old Vivitar dtaiigl camera, but it only has about 3MP quality at it is pretty basic. When I saw this yesterday I instantly fell in love, it fitted nicely into my hand and just looked well designed. Knowing that my dad has a Fugifilm DSLR that he has always been very happy with, I treated myself to this. At the same time as I was going for this a woman in the shop was also going for , which is nice and colourful for the women.Advertised for the teen and twenty something market, I say forget that. I only really take pics on holiday and special occasions (parties, family get togethers, etc), I'm not someone who has photography as a hobby. This has a lot of functions, but to be honest most of the time my pics will be taken on auto mode, although since I charged the battery up yesterday I have been snapping everything in sight probably making a nuisance of myself. For the casual photographer, which lets face it most of us are, this is ideal, and I am more than pleased. It is a nice small size to fit in your pocket or bag, it is a doddle to use, once you get used to all the different functions, and is a nice size to hold.The accompanying software was easy to download, with absolutely no problems, and there is a manual on disc as well. This is going to be ideal when my sister visits me from Stateside, and my pictures will be even better from my holiday than last year. Of course you will need a memory card for this, although it does have something like 18MB internal memory. I got myself a 4GB SDHC card at the time as I only have much smaller cards for my old camera.For the price you can't really go wrong, and this should give you years of enjoyable use, also this camera did get 5 stars in one photography magazine. Obviously there are a lot better cameras on the market, but for someone like myself it has all that I need a camera to do, plus the price isn't exorbitant.
March 31 00:01
JBV^_^
Can't afford it at the moment, gonna start saving. Always loved rangefinder cameras, and while this isn't a true rangefinder, I still love the looks. Question: When dumb lens adapters come out, will the manual focus zoom still work? It doesn't on the NX series, which is a pity, cuz most of the lenses I use are from the '70s and '80s.