Fujifilm's X-Pro1 - the company's first Compact System Camera - looks to be an impressive rangefinder-style camera. Does it deliver on its superior image quality claims? What Digital Camera's Fuji X-Pro1 review investigates...

Product Overview

Overall rating:

92%

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Features:95%
Design:95%
Image Quality:100%
Performance:80%
Value:90%
Overall score:92%

Pros:

  • Astounding image quality; hybrid viewfinder is great to use; superb lens quality; excellent LCD screen; expansive 49-point AF array

Cons:

  • Autofocus a little slow; battery life should be better; only three launch lenses; black paint not hardy enough; loose fitting lens caps; no built-in flash

Product:

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£1,429.00

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.

  1. 1. Fujifilm X-Pro1: Key specs:
  2. 2. X-Trans CMOS: What Is It And How Does It Work?
  3. 3. Design
  4. 4. Performance
  5. 5. Image Quality
  6. 6. Value & Verdict
  7. 7. Field Test
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