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Did Fuji stop the production of the X-PRO1?

Hi,

I tell you, Fuji is doing a great job in keeping this secret. But I thought it’s time for an update to what belongs the X-PRO2. Here is what I can share with you for now:

Some FR-readers hunting for the X-PRO1 in stores all over the world told me that they were not able to find it because they were told by the stores that Fuji is going to replace it with the X-PRO2 next year.

If true, the aim of the stores now is to empty the X-PRO1-stock as soon as possible before the replacement hits the market in 2014. So I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some price drops on the X-PRO1 in near future.

But the big questions are: 1) When it will be announced and 2) what are the specs of the X-PRO2?

This is the complicated part of the rumor. The feedback from new / anonymous sources to what concerns the specs and release date is very different. So I’m right now trying to triple check everything with my trusted sources.

Therefore, take everything with a grain of salt until I get some reliable information from trusted sources.

I’m tirelessly working on the specs and the release date. Any help to dig up the truth would be appreciated. You can share rumors via email at fujirumor@gmail.com or anonymously via rumor box.

You can follow FR via google+, facebook and twitter

cheers
Patrick

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / AdoramaDigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore /

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / AdoramaDigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore /

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“The X-Pro1 will become the backup to the X-E2” (Riley Joseph)

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK /

[I’ve already share Fuji’s X-E2 high-res samples at Fuji’s website here (and XQ1  here). For the X-E2 Brochure click here and here is the features page. The Brochure says that the X-E2 (AF-speed 0,08 sec.) has the fastest AF speed among digital cameras equipped with a 4/3-inch or larger sensor. Measurement conducted by Fujifilm research based on CIPA guidelines using the X-E2 equipped with [shoplink 12888]XF14mmF2.8 R lens[/shoplink] in High Performance mode as of September 2013.]

_ _ _

It seems that for Riley Joseph, the X-PRO1 isn’t Fuji’s flagship anymore! It has become the back-up camera of the X-E2. Why? You can read it here:

“The X-E2 inherits the X-Trans II sensor and the phase & contrast auto focus from the X100S. In using the camera I found the auto focus to be very accurate and snappy. Definitely better than my X-Pro1. And that is not even using the phase detection because my lenses do not have the required firmware updates for the camera. […] And in another suprise (to myself especially) the X-Pro1 will become the backup to the X-E2. At least until the X-Pro2 turns up.”

You can find one more first impressions article at KaleJF here. And check out also Rico’s first look (with more then 200 comments) here (for Rico’s XQ1 Flickr set click here).

How to support Fujirumors

Here is how you can support Fujirumors: if you think the X-E2 is the camera that meets your needs and you want to pre-order it, consider to use one of the links below. FR will get a small commission and it won’t cost you one single penny extra. Thanks in advance for every FR-reader who places his pre-order via Fujirumors. It’s a great help to keep the site ticking over.

X-E2 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / AdoramaDigitalRev / Pictureline / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / Fotomundus24 GER / PCHstore /

XQ1 – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / AdoramaDigitalRev / EUROPE: wexphotographicUK / DigitalRev / PCHstore /

 

 

X-E2 rumor update: better WiFi (than on the X-M1), no tilt/touch screen, new position for the Q button and more!!

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The X-E1 deal expires October 23. Save $200 on the X-E1 + 18-55mm lens.

Check the deals out at AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama (also exclusive kit deal X-E1+27mm) / Pictureline / [shoplink 17350 ebay]eBay ($ 879 body+lens)[/shoplink] (found via dealsrunner)

Hi guys,

I’ve done my homework and here is an update about the X-E2 :)!

A long time trusted source just confirmed the rumors previously posted on FR… and told me more.

1) the WiFi on the X-E2 will have more options as the WiFi on the X-M1 (what option would you like to have?).
2) it will have face detection as the X-M1.
3) the Q menu moved to another, better position (where would you like to have it?).
4) video mode will be improved and allow full manual control.
5) no tilt screen / no touch screen.

we already know from the Japanese source that it will also have:

6) the second generation X-Trans sensor with phase detection AF
7) faster EXR II processor
8) better LCD

Which are your most welcome additions/changes of the 8 listed here? Is there something you’d like to add? From the rumors you’ve heard until now, do you think is it worth to upgrade? If you don’t think so, but want to switch to the X, then check out the X-E1 deals at AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline

Stay tuned via facebook, twitter and RSS feed and follow us October 18th!

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X-Pert Corner Tomorrow

After the first reviews (ephotozine / photographyblog) of the X-A1, X-Trans shooter felt disoriented: How is it possible that a $600 camera (with lens) delivers better images than the $1,200 X-PRO2 (body only)? Was it all just a hype and clever marketing? Is it time to get rid of the X-Trans sensor?

But we had to wait for more feedback in order to compare better the real performance of the sensors (RAW) and the software engines (JPEG).

1) It started with Rico’s shootout X-A1 vs X-M1 here.

2) Then it was the turn of Max to take a closer look at the X-A1 performance compared to the X-Trans cameras (riflessifotografici hereEnglish version). I also shared this forum thread here at dpr.

3) But, as you know, everything that has a beginning, has an end. The final word in this trilogy could be spoken tomorrow in Rico’s XPC special! He is using a pre-release version of Photo Ninja that supports the X-E1 and the new X-A1. He developed both RAW files and uploaded them on Flickr as maximum resolution JPEGs (check the links). Stay tuned tomorrow, will the final word be spoken tomorrow?

Here’s a direct comparison of 100% crops. Here’s the full-size X-A1 image. Here’s the full-size X-E1 image.

Lightroom and PhotoNinja Integration for X-Trans here.

But make up your own minds, feel free to check the links, and vote the polls:

Should Fuji drop the 2/3 sensor X-series camera line?

View Results

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Which images was taken with the Fujinon XF35mmF1.4?

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To switch or not to switch? LAST super-X-deals day. Save up to $1,125 (and persuade Chelsey ;-))!

 

To switch or not to switch? That is the question Chelsey Wood struggles with… and many others out there too (read the comments in the last X-deal post here). The dilemma is the following: X-E1 and lenses or [shoplink 16816 ebay]GX7[/shoplink] and lenses? Chelsey is gravitating towards the [shoplink 16816 ebay]GX7[/shoplink] but said that you still have some hours to persuade otherwise :). So if you think Chelsey should not miss this occasion, feel free to share your reasons in the comments.

And what if Fuji releases the X-E2? lettherebelight said in the last post: “You can always sell the body but the deal on the lenses is awesome. You would probably come out even if you bought say an X-E1 kit with 18-55 and added a 35 f1.4 at the current discount then sold the body later and upgraded to the X-E1s/2 or X-Pro2 body.”

Or as Mike said: “Wow, that’s a great deal. Worth buying now and putting those lenses away to use with the X-Pro 2 next year!”

 

More details about the X-E1 replacement: could be called X-E1S and have X-Trans sensor II

What a great rumor start in this new week :)!

The Chinese site xjrumo (tranlsation) confirms the FR-rumor posted here about an X-E1 replacement. According to them it will be called X-E1S and feature the X-Trans sensor II of the X100S!

One more hint that we could have an X-E2/X-E1S by the end of 2013/early 2014.

cheers
Patrick

X-deals

Remember that until September 21 you can save up to 1,150 if you purchase the X-E1 with 5 XF lenses. You can switch cheap to the X-system, save a lot on the primes and the 18-55… and if rumors turn out to be true, sell your X-E1 or use it as a backup camera.

You can find the deals here: AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1

XF 23mm

The brand new XF 23mm is not included in this offer. You can pre-order it here: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore / wexcamerasDE / wexphotographicUK

At Rico’s Flickr here you can see the first samples taken with the XF 23mm. On September 13 there will be an X-pert corner first look about his lens… so stay tuned

 

Samyang 12mm f/2 for Fuji X to be announced soon

According to PR Samyang will announce soon a new 12mm f/2 lens for Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X and Samsung NX mounts. The range of lenses for Fuji X-mount is growing. Samyang is already offering the following lenses for Fuji X-Mount: [shoplink 12946 ebay]Samyang 8mm[/shoplink], [shoplink 14844 ebay]Samyang 300mm mirror lens[/shoplink], [shoplink 15934 ebay]Samyang 16mm f/2.0[/shoplink], [shoplink 15963 ebay]Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt Shift[/shoplink]. The rumored Samyang 12mm f/2.0 could be a good (and cheaper) alternative to the [shoplink 12888 ebay]XF 14mm f/2.8[/shoplink] and [shoplink 13645 ebay]Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8[/shoplink].

Samyang 8mm: [shopcountry 12946] Samyang 300mm mirror lens: [shopcountry 14844] Samyang 16mm f/2.0: [shopcountry 15934] Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt Shift: [shopcountry 15963]

Instax mini 90 pre-order

The new Fujifilm instax mini 90 available for pre-order with shipment from Tokyo on Japanese release date (September 20th) [shoplink 15937 ebay]here[/shoplink] (auction ending in 2 days) and [shoplink 15938 ebay]here[/shoplink].

X-DEALS (save up to $1,150)

Until September 21 you can profit from hughe price drops on 5 XF lenses and save up to 1,150 (almost the price you’d have to pay for the X-PRO1!)… and prepare for the day when a X-PRO2/X-E2 will be released. You’ll already own a lot of XF lenses and you’ll just have to buy the X-E2/X-PRO2 body. You could then sell your X-E1/X-PRO1 or use it as a backup camera… and in the meantime enjoy shooting with the X-series!

AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1

all the best
Patrick

X-deals expire September 21! Save up to $1,150

At the FR-facebook John said that the deals are a sign of an imminent announcement of the X-E2/X-PRO2. But this is not true. You won’t see them this year. So switch to the X, enjoy shooting with the X-series now and save up to $1,150… and with the saved money you can, one day, buy the replacements.

So here is how you can save $1,150: buy the X-E1/X-PRO1 with the 18-55 kit lens and then add the 4 primes and you’ll pay $2,645. If you’d purchase all this gear separately you’d normally pay $3,795.

XF 18mm: save $300 – XF 27mm: save $150 – XF 35mm: save $150 – XF 60mm: save $250 – XF 18-55mm: save $200 (but you save $300 if you buy the X-E1 with kit lens and then eventually add to the cart the primes you need)

X-DEALS

– AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – Buy for example the X-E1/X-PRO1 with the 18-55 kit lens and then add the 4 primes and you’ll pay save $ 1,150. Amazon offers also 4% reward.

– BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1save $ 1,150 and get also 4% reward. Click on “Buy Together & Save“. Also in this case, get the X-camera with the 18-55 kit lens and then add the 4 primes to save as much as possible!

– Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1save up to $1,150 for a body+18-55 bundled with all lenses in the offer (until the 31 of August you can also save $30 on Adobe Lightroom 5).

– Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 – there are different bundles available: buy a body with a lens and save up to $300 or bundles as the X-PRO1/X-E1 with 18/35/60 and save $700.

miXed zone: X100S wins EISA award, XC 16-50 review, X-workshop in India, Iridient and more

X100S

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The best advanced compact camera according to the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is the X100S. Click here to read the announcement at Fuji’s global site. And while the X100S gets award after award, there are many photographers who are still waiting for a camera that should be shipped in 3 to 6 weeks at AmazonUS.

Workshop

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image courtesy: digitaltrekker

SOLD OUT: Rajasthan, India Photographic Trek – Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 8:00 AM – Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11:30 PM

Travel and humanitarian photographer Matt Brandon and Fujifilm Ambassador and Lightroom guru Piet Van den Eynde are pleased to announce that their 2014 Rajasthan Photographic Trek, a 2 week workshop held in February 2014 in the colorful state of Rajasthan, India, is being sponsored by Fujifim. As leaders Matt & Piet will be shooting only Fujifilm X-series cameras and plan to have a nice selection of the latest X-series gear for workshop participants to play with. Apparently this workshop was highly rated by last year’s participants. Several stated it was the best workshop they have ever attended. Part of this is because Rajasthan is one of the most visually stunning places on earth and part of it is Matt and Piet spend a lot of one-on-one time with each of their participants and they keep the student-to-teacher ratio low.

Workshops with one teacher that knows his way around the Fuji-system are hard enough to come by. A workshop with two knowledgeable Fujifilm-shooters in an exotic location such as Rajasthan is simply unique.

The places for this workshop are already sold out but you can see some beautiful images at thedigitaltrekker here.

Iridient (download ver. 2.2)

vk.photo is one of those photographers who believe that the best software to process X-Trans RAW files is Iridient. See the images and read his thoughts here: “Iridient file is very crisp with excellent colours. Moiré is very well controlled, definitely better than in Aperture. No details “smearing” as in LightRoom/ACR. […] As I have already said, Iridient Developer is an excellent OSX-based raw converter, probably the best for x-trans files as of today.”

X-M1

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image courtesy: rileyjoseph (for people who like to travel light)

rileyjoseph‘s shared with FR via twitter his blog post with his thoughts on the X-M1 and XC 16-50: “The little Fuji that can?” here. The conclusions: “Where does this leave us? I like some things about it. I don’t like other things about it. Would I recommend it to people? Yes. I have friends and family ask me all the time about my Fujis as they want a smaller camera to take with them travelling that isn’t a point & shoot. They go cross eyed when I talk about aperture sings and shutter dials and exposure compensation. I think they would benefit from the X-M1 as it gives them the chance to wade into the X-Series waters. It has auto and scene modes they are familiar with from their p&s or canon rebel.. but it is small, lightweight and has one of the best APS-C sensors ever. As they progress into photography they will be able to transition to the more manual modes and eventually graduate to a X100s, X-E1 or X-Pro1. To advanced shooters and those who already have another X-Series camera I would not recommend it. You’ll be frustrated. I hope it’s targeted segment of buyers find it and take the plunge. Why? Because I am selfish and I want the X-Series line to do well so that Fuji can take that money and use it to develop more amazing XF lenses and eventually a X-Pro2.”

XC 16-50

XC 16-50: [shoplink 13828 ebay]eBay[/shoplink] / WexUK / PCHstore

At admiringlight you can read the full XC16-50 review here: “[…] all things considered the XC 16-50mm is a good lens. It’s not a great lens, but it is better than the average kit lens. While certainly not the sharpest lens in the world, the lens is adequately sharp over most of the frame, allowing you to capture good images in most circumstances. On the other image quality criteria, the lens is quite good. The 16-50mm has very pleasant bokeh and excellent color and contrast, providing a great overall image feel. The extra width over other standard zooms allows the lens to be a little more versatile. Probably my biggest gripe with the 16-50mm is the loss of the aperture ring that comes standard on almost all other Fuji lenses. It’s makes the lens operate differently in the field than other Fuji lenses, which is an annoyance.”

Fuji XF 27mm

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– Tom: “Patrick – I just finished my hands-on review of the Fuji 27mm. It is on my blog with a lot of downloadable sample images that your viewers usually seem to like. It’s a great lens. Here is the link.”

– Noel: “Just took a test drive with the new Fuji 27mm F2.8 Pancake lens. I am very happy with fuji’s spin on compact optics. I posted a few words and several photos on my Blog.Check it out here.

X-E1

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– C’net posted its X-E1 review here: “It’s not a general-purpose recommendable camera thanks to subpar video and slightly sluggish performance, but for photo-quality-first photographers who want the analog-ish shooting experience, the Fujifilm X-E1 rules in its price range.”

– 8 months with the X-E1 at mikeangphoto here: “It has been 8 months – and counting – and I’m still in love with it. I still keep saying its the best camera I’ve owned. There a lot of things I like about the camera […] it has emotionally brought back the love for photography in me. There’s this “connection” and “magic” that gets to me when using it and at this point I could not ask for a better camera for me :)”

X-PRO1 (and new firmware)

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DSLR is dead? Read robjohnsphotographer’s real life review here: “I have no regrets buying the X-Pro1, it is the camera that I have been waiting a long time for. It’s an absolute joy to use and the imaging quality is nothing short of sublime. It positively encourages photography because it is small and light and importantly doesn’t draw attention when working in the public. It’s easy to understand why photographers around the world have fallen in love with photography once again and the excitement is real and truly justified. Have I fallen in love with the X-Pro1? Absolutely, but I’m not getting rid of my Canons…….well, not yet anyway!”

– Using Fujifilm’s Newest Firmware to the X Pro 1 In Real Life Use at thephoblographer here: “When the Fujifilm 35mm f1.4 R first was launched, it was perhaps the most problematic lens of the trio. But it had the best image quality. At this point, I think that I can say with certainty that it is the best lens in the lineup. It is sharp, fast to focus, and overall just beautiful. Not only that, but the entire system has drastically improved and they’re only on their first generation of products for the most part! How the heck could someone not be happy? Seriously.”

KO/OK: Fuji’s Annual Report 2013 says X-series OK, compact cameras KO

 FUJI REPORT

Fujifilm has uploaded here at Fujifilm Holdings their annual report 2013. As I already told you here, Fujifilm will cut down 50% of the compact camera lineup (good news, let’s focus on the X-series!). You can read the review of operations report here:

Now, how are the X-series sales? The “performance during the Year [is still] Under Review“. But while the whole camera segment is suffering because of the low demand for compact cameras, the high end cameras of the X-series are in good health. (In their earning presentations report they said “such high-end models as the X-series proceeded smoothly. Measures are being undertaken to swiftly shift to high-end models.”)

“[from the review of operations report] While sales were favorable for products such as the FUJIFILM X-E1, […] and the FUJIFILM X100S,[…] a surge in popularity of smartphones has been causing demand for compact digital cameras to decline. Accordingly, sales in the whole segment were down, at ¥92.0 billion”

Future Initiatives: 1) Expand sales of high-end models and interchangeable lens systems [or as said in the earning presentations reportRapidly expand lineup of interchangeable lenses for premium interchangeable lens cameras by speeding up their development“] . 2) Reduce the number of compact models and substantially revise the model mix, concentrating on differentiated products. 3) Merge with the optical device business, enhancing synergies from development and production through to sales.”

Last thing, also the sales of the X20 are strong, as written here: “In the electronic imaging field, the sales of such premium compact cameras as the FUJIFILM X100S and the FUJIFILM X20 were strong, […]. Fujifilm is working to expand and strengthen the product lineup in the X Series of premium cameras that leverage Fujifilm’s exclusive technologies and, XF Lens Series, interchangeable lens systems, whose market is expected to be growing.”

That’s it, as FR-readers always said, focus on the X-system, everything else is just distraction (and loss of money)… oh, and I just had a brilliant idea to boost sales of the imaging solution departement… it’s called X-PRO2 and X-E2 :)!

enjoy your day
Patrick

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FR-readers roundup: X-E1 top ten photos, night photography, niggles and wedding

The Fuji Guys posted part 1/3 of their X-M1 first look at youtube here. For a deeper look at the top features and the new lenses (16-50 / 27) we have to wait for part 2/3 and 3/3.

pre-orders

X-M1 (body only or with 16-50mm)USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore

XF 27mm – USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / DigitalRev / Pictureline EUROPE: DigitalRev / WexUK / PCHstore XC 16-50: WexUK / PCHstore

FR-readers roundup

Lawrence: “hi Fujirumors. It’s been a month since I got my Fuji X-E1. Here’s my top 10 photos so far! Feel free to link to it”

Lawrence

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– Brandon: “Hey there, Been reading your site every since I found out about the various new cameras that Fuji has been working-on– keep up the good work! I know the X-E1 is not exactly the newest camera at this point, but I’ve not seen very many examples of night photography taken with it.  I put it to the test this past weekend and thought maybe your readers would be interested in seeing some night photography shots (click here).”

“Overall, I came away VERY impressed with how the Fuji lenses and sensor performed when used for night photography.  The accuracy of the auto white balance in the X-E1 is simply in a category of its own.  The combination of Fuji lenses and its sensor produce amazingly colorful and sharp photos that to me are quite impressive.  Most night photos in color don’t do much for me but these blew me away in color. I would not hesitate to recommend the Fujifilm X-E1 and 14mm & 35mm lenses for night photography.”

Brandon

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– Andrew: “Hi, […] some thoughts on the X Pro 1 from an old pro.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the camera, but there are too many BUTS at the moment and not enough people are mentioning them.
I know 3 other pro’s using this camera and I am not alone in my frustration. So I hope you will print this to elicit some decent conversation. And by that, I don’t mean a whole lot of net trolls whinging about my Leica comments.
cheers Andrew.

With a little time on my hands the other day, I decided to drop into see the friendly Leica dealer on Ave Beaumarche in Paris and with SD card in hand, try a few shots with the new Leica M (240).
I’m no pixel peeper, so I won’t bore you with my results, but what struck me right away was how well it worked as a camera and how much quicker it felt than my X Pro 1. I do own an M6, but all the same, this camera felt intuitive in my hands.
Heresy I hear you Fuji owners say, but let me explain. I’ve been pounding the pavements of Paris this last few weeks and daily taking many hundreds of photographs in what I would call a street style. I’ve had some good success, but I’m bothered by the amount of shots I’ve missed whilst the camera is getting up and going or deciding on it’s point of focus. Street photography is by it’s very nature reactive and quick and I admit, that after 40 years in the business and a number of eye operations, I am slowing down a bit.

What struck me when using the Leica, was the speed, manually focussing and all, between seeing and shooting. So I thought I would make a few observations to Mr Fuji about his sometimes wonderful machine.

The positives of the X Pro1 we all know well, a great feeling camera, well made and with some great glass, as good as a Leica, I’m told. Compact, lightweight, a good optical/digital viewfinder and a great future lens roadmap. It’s a seductive list and it seduced me to lay out for the body and 4 prime lenses.

So, why aren’t I completely happy? Well here is a list of things that bother me that I feel should not be happening.
Battery life is woeful. I rarely use the EVF or leave the rear screen on and am constantly getting caught out with a flat battery. Ever owned a Canon 5D mk 2 or 3, then you will know what great batteries can be like. You can just about shoot all day with 1 Canon battery and I cannot see why the X Pro 1 with only a single processor and no mirror cannot match this performance. I’ve been caught out so many times by sudden battery death and I never leave home without them fully charged.

Whilst on the subject of batteries, why are all the Fuji models using different sized ones. There must be a heap of pros and advanced amateurs shooting both X Pro 1’s and X100’s and I bet it frustrates the hell out of them, having to run two sets of batteries and chargers. And who was responsible for designing a battery that could be put in backwards rendering the camera inoperable? DESIGN 101, a bit of forethought would have gone a long way.

Now we come to my real bugbear, the menu layouts. Is it just me or does everyone find themselves all of a sudden shooting away, only to find that the camera setup has changed, the auto level has gone, or the EVF won’t shut off. What the hell is going on and why does it have to be so hard???????
I’m an Apple Mac user and despite what my jealous PC mates tell me, I use Macs not because they look so much nicer than a PC, but because of their functionality.
Macs work, simply, efficiently and generally with little fuss, once you get the swing, there is an obvious logical workflow to using them and it’s that obvious logical workflow that seems to have gone astray with the X Pro 1….. It shouldn’t have to be so hard. Software engineers seem to think, that because they understand the logic of a process, their customers will too. Well using the X Pro 1 can be a bit like recording your favourite program with the TV remote and I’m sure you all know what I mean here.
Hey Fuji guys, why not second a few of those Apple software designers for a few months and rebuild the interface from the ground up. I’m feeling decidedly unsure of explaining myself properly here, but I know in my heart things can be a lot better.

And finally, is there any point to having a whinge about autofocus speed? You betcha there is. If we are going to have a serious contender as a street camera, then things have got to change. I know there is a rumoured X Pro 2 in the wings with a rumoured twin processor inside it, but there must still be a fair bit of latitude via software upgrades to improving things on the current model (the same goes for battery performance I suspect). Well, we shall wait and see what next July brings with it’s rumoured upgrade. Those of us who have put their faith in the X Pro 1, should not have to put our hands back into our pockets when the X Pro 2 arrives, just to get what we thought we were getting in the first place! [admin: read the updated rumor here. The X-PRO2 won’t come before late 2013, early 2014] When you look at the heritage of Leica cameras, even the 1939 model 3A I have still works so well, albeit a bit bruised and battered.

Fujifilm is hardly a small company with little resources available to sort out these teething issues. So, finally, what’s in all of this for Fuji? Well, they are sitting on the edge of greatness here with their cameras and they need to start asking themselves the hard questions. Do they want to play in the big sandpit with Mr Canon, Mr Leica and Mr Nikon, or do they want to be consigned to the trashcan of camera design history, just another camera manufacturer that nearly made it, a could have been…..  The ball’s in your court guys. Greatness awaits.

Andrew

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– Craig: “In case you can use this on the Fuji Rumors”… Fujifilm Xpro-1 – Wedding Photographs – The Beauty of Black and White here.

Craig

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