Fujifilm X-Pro1 Interchangeable Lens Camera - Feature Overview

The new Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a high-end mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. 

This class of camera is much more compact that an DSLR camera but takes much better photos than a compact digital camera - in large part because of the interchangeable lenses. 

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is available to preorder now. 

If you're thinking of buying the Fujifilm X-Pro1 then you really want to watch this pair of videos from the Fuji Guys. 

Yes, it will take you over 20 minutes, but Billy takes you through the features of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 in great detail. If you're considering spending this much on a camera then it's really worth taking the time to understand exactly what you're getting for your money. 

I have provided a summary of the features below though. 

If you're used to a compact point-and-shoot digital camera then this camera is going to feel pretty big. 

If on the other hand your're used to a large DSLR then this is going to be a much more portable option.

Width: 5.5 inches / 139.5 mm

Height: 3.2 inches / 81.8 mm

Depth: 1.7 inches / 42.5 mm with a minimum depth of 1.3 inches / 34.1 mm

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 has the styling of the earlier Fujifilm X100 except the Fujifilm X-Pro1 has an all-black body. 

The immediately notable difference is the X-Mount fixture which allows the Fujifilm X-Pro1 to have a selection of lenses attached making this an interchangeable lens camera. Fixed lenses offer the sharpest images - having the right fixed lens makes a huge difference to picture quality. 

The camera has the latest APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor. This is claimed as a major innovation. The sensor does not have the typical optical low-pass filter which avoids moire and false colors, but reduced resolution. Instead resolution is maintained and moire and false colors are tackled with a new color filter array which was "Inspired by the natural random arrangement of the fine grains of silver halide in film." 

The X-Pro1 takes custom XF lenses. 3 are available at launch (more about the lenses later.) The lenses are custom and designed to work together with the X-Mount technology and APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor to achieve high picture quality. 

The X-Pro1 has a Hybrid Multi Viewfinder so you can choose between an optical or electronic viewfinder. 

When an XF lens is attached to the X-Pro1 the viewfinder magnification and frame size get adjusted to match. This means that when using a long range lens you'll still get a clear view in the viewfinder. 

The camera has a J-PEG engine and supports the format natively. 

Yes, you can record videos with the Fujifilm X-Pro1. You can record up to 29 minutes of 1080p HD video at 24 fps. Sound recording is in stereo. 

On the front of the camera there's a focus dial which can be set to manual, continuous or single auto-focus. 

On the rear of the camera is a high quality LCD screen which is used for setting options using a controller (this is an area that has been improved over the X100 model.) 

The camera also has quick access physical controls for commonly used settings so you don't have to navigate through the menu system. 

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 does not have a built-in flash. A custom flash that matches the design of the X-Pro1 is apparently under development. 

There's no built-in diopter adjustment on the Fujifilm X-Pro1 to keep the size down. But there is a connector to allow for future accessories. 

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Sample Photos
Fujifilm X-Pro1 sample photos taken by Christian Fletcher

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 takes a Li-ion Battery NP-W126. 

LC-XPro1 Leather Case coming soon. 

Some people choose an interchangeable lens camera as the next step up from a compact digital camera. If you've outgrown your standard consumer camera but you don't want to lug around a big, heavy DSLR camera then an interchangeable lens camera offers something in between. 

You should be aware that the Fujifilm X-Pro1 is at the high-end of the interchangeable lens camera class. There are less expensive cameras in this category that you could consider. But if you love your tech or maybe you've got the vacation of a lifetime coming up, this is the very latest high-end interchangeable lens camera technology for 2012. 

If you're a DSLR owner looking for a more portable camera then an interchangeable lens camera is appealing. Your DSLR might take amazing pictures, but that's no use if you don't have it with you. 

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 isn't the size of a consumer compact, but you're probably not happy with the photos taken by a basic digital camera. It is small enough to pop in a briefcase or satchel and take with you, and it has the promise of much higher quality photos.