Fujifilm X-Pro1 Digital Camera Review

Shooting Modes

There is no hardware mode dial to be found on the X-Pro1, simply specify or automate whichever shooting variables you prefer. For example, adjusting any aperture ring will change the camera's mode to aperture priority. With this setup, the very concept of individual shooting modes is almost irrelevant.

Manual Controls

All three XF lenses support manual focus, although they aren't truly mechanically manual. Aside from that, almost every conceivable manual control is supported, including detailed options for noise reduction, sharpness, dynamic range, color saturation, and focus area.

Focus

Although we experienced our fair share of focus errors during our time with the X-Pro1, AF speed is encroaching on Olympus' territory, which is to say it is very fast for a contrast-based system. This is especially true when using the 18mm lens, though things do slow down while shooting with the 60mm. The most difficult subjects, like energized animals, were still a challenge. All three lenses have fairly strict minimum focus distances, so you may need to back off a bit to get a lock. But once you've done so, expect the autofocus system to be consistently fast and reliable.

Only two autofocus modes are available, automatic multi-zone and a user-definable zone mode. A combination AE-Lock / AF-Lock button is conveniently located on the rear thumb rest above the quick menu button. Here it's possible to pre-lock focus, exposure, or both, according to a separate menu setting. If the user configurable zone mode is selected, a prominent AF button on the left side of the rear monitor can be used to set the focus area from a 49-point grid. We really liked this simple interface, and found it both intuitive and functional.

Each of the three XF lenses currently available are equipped with manual focus rings, however these aren't mechanical manual rings. Instead they trigger an electronic interface that's moderately responsive but still less usable than a an all-mechanical ring.

One final quirk is the so-called "Continuous" autofocus system, activated by a mechanical lever on the front side of the body. This feature doesn't behave quite like we expected. Yes the camera will continually update focus as subject distances change, but once you press the shutter halfway down, focus is locked from then on. We suppose that's the best that can be done without phase detection, and sure it speeds the process up a tiny bit, but overall this was a disappointing minor feature.

Recording Options

Three aspect ratios are available: 3:2, 16:9, and 1:1; and each have three possible resolutions of varying size and therefore quality. RAW shooting is only possible in 3:2 at full resolution.