Fujifilm 16 Megapixels X-Pro1 Compact System Hands-on Review by pdn

On January 9 2012, Fujifilm announced the X-Pro1, which is a new compact system camera sporting a 16 Megapixels APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS sensor, Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and a new X lens mount. The camera, which is made in Japan, features a magnesium alloy chassis and aluminum top and bottom plates for superior durability. The Fuji X-Trans CMOS sensor uses a larger 6-by-6 pattern, which allows for more random placement of red, green, and blue photosensors. This mimics the natural analog makeup of photographic film, and allows fine detail to be captured without introducing moire. The X-Pro1 has several film emulation modes built-in, mimicking the look and feel of such classic Fuji slide stock as Velvia, Astia, and Provia. The X-Pro1 is also capable of recording video in 1080p resolution. A mini HDMI port will make it possible to watch the video directly on an HDTV.

Designed specifically to maximize the design mirrorless of the body, X-mount flange has a short distance posterior to the sensor plane, equal to only 17.7 mm. This means that the rear lens as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows you to attach the lens deeper inside the body - up to about 7.5 mm from the mounting surface - minimizing the distance of back focus of each lens for high resolution to the edge of the image. The Hybrid Multi Viewfinder works similarly to the hybrid opto-electronic finder found on the X100, except that it also offers variable magnification to match lenses of any focal length. The camera comes with a traditional shutter speed dial and a recessed exposure compensation control that is precision milled from solid metal. The Fujifilm X-Pro1 body is listed for retail at $1,699 and the Raw converter software from Silkypix will be included with this price. You can find more camera details at the X-Pro1 special site here. Here's the video and the summary of hands-on preview by pdn:

"Of course the best image sensor wouldn't be worth much without some good optics in front of it. To that end, the Fujinon lens design team has created the XF Lens system and X-Mount for the X-Pro1, determining that an extremely short lens flange to sensor distance would be critical to the design. According to information I gathered while meeting with Fuji officials, by reducing the spacing between lens and sensor to a minimum, light transmission is maximized, focus travel is shortened, and shutter lag time is decreased. Subsequently, Fuji was able to adjust lens designs for optimum coverage of the sensor. In the new lens system, there is generous use of exotic ED glass and aspheric elements. Fuji even went so far as to redesign the lens aperture to provide a smoother, more circular shape with minimum refraction knife-edge blades. Again, until we can fully test the camera, we can't offer a definitive review of the results but it seems promising. What looks like a light baffle inside the X-Pro1's body actually also provides a step for each different lens to mate with and register so there is a greater physical connection than just the mount itself.

Though we're not ready to offer any kind of official word on the X-Pro1 since we only played with prototype cameras, we were impressed with what we've seen so far. Fujifilm seems to have responded to professional photographers worldwide with respect to the development of this camera system and refinements with firmware upgrades to the other X-series cameras. I know I am one of many looking forward to the final shipping version to test and see if the X-Pro1 really delivers. No official pricing for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 has been set but Fuji has estimated that the X-Pro1 camera body would sell for $1,700 and the lenses would go for $650 a piece. Pricing is expected to become official in late January."