With Fujifilm's now-veteran retro design, a new sensor technology, hybrid viewfinder, and streamlined user interface, the X-Pro 1 should appeal on a lot of levels.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Like the rest of Fujifilm's X series, the X-Pro 1 uses the company's trademark, attractively retro design.
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Large
There's a reason I don't call mirrorless cameras "compact system cameras"--because of models like this, which are compact only when compared to even larger dSLRs. Still it's smaller than a woman's hand and comfortable to hold.
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Grip
The minimalist grip isn't great for shooting single-handed, but Fujifilm will be offering a much larger optional grip that makes a huge difference in camera stability.
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New and old
The lenses have a great mix of old and new. For instance, they incorporate a manual aperture ring, but instead of sticking with full stop increments, they embrace the new world of third-stop adjustments. They're not indicated on the lens barrel, but you can distinctly feel them as you rorate the ring.
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Dials
There aren't a lot of dials on the X-Pro 1 like there are on the less expensive enthusiast compacts like the Canon G1 X, just shutter speed and exposure compensation.
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Hot shoe
The camera lacks a built-in flash.
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Add-on flash
Fujifilm will offer a relatively compact add-on flash.
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Add-on flash
The add-on flash uses manual controls.
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Viewfinder control
As with the X100, this lever on the front, which falls under your right forefinger, lets you flip between the optical and electronic viewfinders. When you hold it for couple of seconds, you can actually see the viewfinder's magnifying lens slide into place.
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Autofocus
There's a small switch on the bottom front that you use to set single, continuous, or manual focus.
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Rear controls
Fujifilm replaced the cheap-feeling navigation wheel of the X100 with four-way navigation buttons. Though one of them doubles as a macro mode switch, the other three have no other function. The Q button brings up a new screen for changing frequently used settings.
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Hybrid viewfinder
The switchable EVF/OVF is large and comfortable to use.
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Lens mount
The XF lenses for the X mount pass all the essential lens information through these pins.
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New quick access display
Fujifilm has updated the interface for more streamlined shooting. That includes a way to quickly access the frequently used shooting settings, in an interface that's become common among midrange digital cameras.
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Updated menu access
Rather than a few top menus that go on forever, Fujifilm has redesigned the system into the more common configuration of more top-level options for quicker access.
