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70

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FUJIFILM

X-PRO1

£799

body only

W

ith more than

80 years of

experience

in the

photographic

industry, Fujifilm applied its

extensive knowledge of film to its

new sensor in the X-Pro1. Most

small format digital cameras

feature an optical low-pass

filter that sits in front of the

sensor and reduces unwelcome

artefacts by blurring fine detail

slightly. Such cameras usually

have sensors with a repeating

arrangement of 2x2 pixel sets.

The X-Pro1, however, has a

sensor with a more random

arrangement of 6x6 pixel sets

(inspired by traditional film grain)

plus a red, blue and green pixel

in each vertical and horizontal

line. Such random arrangements

are thought to reduce moiré and

false colours. As a result, Fujifilm

dropped the low-pass filter.

At first glance there was

little to separate the X-Pro1

from its main stablemates: the

FinePix X100 and X10. The

body, while noticeably larger,

was still unapologetically retro

and featured a good balance of

traditional-looking exterior dials

(for shutter speed, aperture and

exposure compensation) and

menu-based features. However,

if you dug a little deeper you

found there was plenty to set

these models apart. For one,

the X-Pro1 has a specially

designed X-mount ring to house

what was then the new range

of XF lenses (since extended).

Measuring 2.5mm, this slim

mount allows lenses to be fitted

deeper into the camera body,

bringing the rear elements as

close to the sensor as possible.

This short flange back distance

means the X-Pro1 can capture

high-resolution detail across

the entire image area.

TESTS AND

PRODUCTS

Back in 2012, Fuji introduced one of the first high-end, mirrorless, interchangeable

lens cameras, the start of a new system which they have continued to develop.

Tracy Hallett looks at the X-Pro1 – which is fast becoming a classic.

All pictures © Tracy Hallett

With Jpeg quality this good there’s rarely

any need to shoot Raw.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 60mm macro lens, 0.3sec at f/22, ISO 200, tripod

The hybrid viewfi nder is perfect for shooting

subjects at ground level.

Fujifilm X-Pro1 with 60mm macro lens, 1/10sec at f/22, ISO 200, tripod

T

he X-Pro1 features a

standard 3in, 1.23m-dot

LCD monitor. For those

who prefer to compose

using a viewfinder, the camera

sports a hybrid optical/electronic

version (first seen on the X100).

This enhanced viewfinder

switches between wide and

standard magnifications and

changes frame sizes depending

on the focal length of the lens

attached to the camera. To

switch from optical to electronic

mode you simply pull and

FUJIFILM X-PRO1

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