Fuji X-Pro1 Update

My previous posts on the Fuji X-Pro1 have received a lot of attention – Fuji X-Pro1 First Impressions, Can The Fuji X-Pro1 Replace A dSLR, Fuji X-Pro1 InfraRed

I have been using the X-Pro1 extensively over the past few weeks and I’m starting to feel more at home with the camera. I still have my reservations. But, it’s fair to say that when everything “clicks” the camera produces some amazing images.

I’ve been working on two follow up posts, a full review of the X-Pro1 and a little tutorial on using the X-Pro1 to shoot infrared, including white balance issues and photoshop insights. However, because of some other commitments, I probably won’t get around to posting those until later this month.

I’m thankful for the comments and advice I received in response to the last few posts. I’ve included some of the points people raised about X-Pro1 below, in a sort of FAQ of the discussion so far. If you have any other questions, then now is a good time to ask them, while I’m writing the final two posts on this camera.

The X-Pro1 is not that slow – I guess it depends on your point of reference. My D90 is really fast, from a cold start to ready to shoot. By comparison, the X-Pro1 feels sluggish. Same when processing multiple exposures.

If you insert the memory card in Mac, then it will run slow when you put it back in the X-Pro1 – I’ve tested this and it’s true. However, I always reformat cards when I put them back in the camera. That’s a core part of my workflow. So, this is not the reason for the sluggishness (at least in this case).

What filter do you use for infrared? – The Hoya R72. It’s widely available.

What are your settings for infrared? – You have to bump the ISO right up, around 5000. Most of theIR shots you see on this site are with wide apertures (f1.4 – f.4) and slow shutter speeds.

Why do you feel this is not a good camera for landscape work? – Partly it has to do with framing your shot. I still feel, with the X-Pro1, that I’m guessing where the frame of the image will be. That doesn’t fit with the way I approach landscape. But, mostly it has to with the design and the location of the battery and card compartment. I use Arca-Swiss plates for my tripod (Really Right Stuff has an X-Pro1 plate coming soon). Because of the location of the tripod screw on the X-Pro1, it will be impossible to change the battery or memory card without removing the plate. This undoes some of the advantages (and reliability) of using an Arca-Swiss system.

What’s your impression of the autofocus on the X-Pro1? – The autofocus is better than I expected. But, it is hit and miss. I probably wouldn’t be complaining at all about it though, if the Fuji lenses were usable in manual focus mode.