patrickv

Steve,

Thought this might interest you. Check out http://cederphotography.com/#Blog as there's a head to head between the x-

pro1 and the 21MP Canon 5D MII. The results are surprising. Clearly shows that the new Fuji XF 35mm f1.4 is really

extraordinary.

Enjoy!

Hi Steve,

This is speculation and I'm perhaps risking preaching to the choir. Hwever, just my two cents. Even though the XP1

doesn't have a (dreaded) AA filter, I think the nex-7's 50% uplift in pixels would see it generally out-render the XP1.

However, there are two caveats here.

Firstly, the lens would need to be able to handle the resolution. With sensors increasing in pixels I hear more about

lenses not being able to keep up.

Secondly, you would need to make large prints or do significant cropping to take advantage of the higher resolution. With

the D3s' 12.1M sensor I can get 14.1 x 9.5 inch at 300 DPI or 150 LPI. You could easily double that for viewing at a

distance (and therefore printing at lower resolution). So trying to be a little more qualitative here. Say the lack of an AA

filter gives you a 20% improvement in resolution. This gives you a sensor with AA filter equivalent of 19.3 MP or 5,362 x

3,568. At 300 DPI this will give you a 17 x 11.9 inch print. A 24MP nex-7 should have a sensor with 6,000 x 4,000 pixels

which will give you a 20 x 13.3 inch print.

In reality life is more complex. Pixel quality is just as, if not more important, than volume. I think this calls for a shoot-out!

Hope this helps.

Patrick

@desmond: the camera has noise reduction plus long exposure noise reduction features but they were both set to zero

for these shots. In fact I checked through the EXIF data just to make sure I wasn't mistaken. The performance rivals the

D3s ... Will try and do a comparison as time allows.

<p>@Steve: One of the reasons for purchasing the XP1 was as a travel camera substitute for my heavy Nikons. I have a range of Leica M and LTM lenses. So once the M adapter comes out I will be able to walk around with three lenses, a body, flash and second RF film body in a tiny backpack. So next to a DSLR I would rate the XP1 very highly for travel. With a single wide angle lens it will be barely noticeable in a briefcase or shoulder bag but it's not sufficiently compact that you could pocket it. Finally, I never really considered the NEX 7 although reports on it are very positive. You've got quite a choice to make!<br>

@Parv: will try and do so. Any reason for that?</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I've posted a few more sample images to a new thread. You can find it here. http://www.photo.net/digital-camera-forum/00a7bA<br>

IQ is really outstanding. Even in very challenging situations. Now if Fuji finds a fix for the OVF framelines I might have to reassess my comment about no camera being perfect :) (j/k)</p>

<p>Following on from my <a href="../digital-camera-forum/00a6Vt">recent post</a> regarding initial thoughts on the X-Pro1. Thought I would post a few more sample images with further observations. In a nutshell the IQ of the X-Pro1 and new XF lenses is really outstanding. The images below are straight out of the camera using the XF 35mm. No sharpening, curves or anything else added.<br /> In the spirit of Henri Cartier-Bresson I set out in search of waterfowl. Hong Kong is generally devoid of (live) ducks so the best I could do was snap a few pigeons by the roadside. This first shot was taken at 400 ISO, 1/240 and f/2. The second image shows a crop of the bird. The fine detail of the feathers is clearly evident even at f/2. Contrast is very good indeed as is colour rendition. As an aside Fuji really does very well indeed at skin tones.<br /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6823129144_22b26445fb_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" /><br /> <br /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6823129648_45e8a0b068_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" /></p>

<p>Here's another example. The shot was taken at 3200 ISO, 1/150, f/4. The detail on the crop is amazing considering the size of the crop itself and that it was taken handheld. Bokeh also looks nice and creamy.<br /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6969250397_feff18076e_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="427" /><br /> <br /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6969250561_eb84ac4416_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="539" /></p>

<p>The final shot really tests both camera and lens. This was shoot wide open (F/1.4) 12,800 ISO and 1/2500. Noise is very restrained -- don't mistake the dirty subject for noise -- but starts creeping in at the bottom of the picture as the light fades away. Also, very sharp and contrasty for f/1.4!<br /> <img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6969258847_d9a67c4956_z.jpg" alt="" width="427" height="640" /><br /> Am still a little vexed by the framing issues when using the OVF (refer to my last post for details). That aside Fuji have produced a very very fine camera and lens combo!</p>

<p>Eric: I'm not an X100 user so can't comment from first hand experience. However, here's the note from Fuji's X100 1.13 firmware update:<br>

<em>"When VIEW MODE is set to EYE SENSOR activated mode, the camera may be frozen after changing OVF/EVF at dedicated shooting condition. This unpleasant phenomenon is improved."</em><br>

Perfectly clear now, right? :)</p>

<p>Thanks for the feedback.<br>

@Steve: I've been using the Fuji XF 35mm lens. The results look very good indeed. Fujinon lenses rarely, if ever, disappointment. Any lingering doubts would be put to rest once the M Adapter comes out. Am really looking forward to pairing an XP1 and Leica 50mm Summicron!<br>

@sanford: Regarding the white orb issue. I've not really experimented with the dynamic range settings, which I believe contribute to the issue on the X10. That said I did a few shots at sunset and the sun rendered fine.<br>

@Mukul: Firmware <strong></strong>is software permanently stored on a digital camera's non-volatile memory which runs the electronics. In the X100 firmware upgrades have improved AF performance, fixed OVF/EVF issues etc. </p>

<p>Here are a couple of the images ...</p>

<p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6958482871_7b918d3db0_b.jpg" alt="" width="683" height="1024" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6812373476_fd5f33b4ff_b.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /></p>

<p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6812374588_9479c2e5bb_b.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /></p>

<p>On a recent business trip to Tokyo I collected a pre-ordered Fuji X-Pro1. This was preceded with the usual excitement and web surfing for any new morsels of information about Fuji's latest offering. Here's my view which adds to the general fervor the camera has created.<br>

<br />A brief background, which I present as a comparison point. My primary kit is a Nikon D3s which is the third digital Nikon body I've owned. When traveling light, a Canon s90 is the tool of choice. I've an extensive array of film cameras. These days the more frequently used include a Voigtlander Bessa R3A, Mamiya 645, Mamiya RZ, Fuji 617 and Tachihara 4x5.<br>

<br />So down to the matter at hand.<br>

<br />Slightly larger than an M9 the XP1 will be a joy to handle compared to heavy "professional" SLRs and accompanying lenses. It's comfortable and molds well to the hands. Some have commented (complained) about the "plastically" feel. I disagree. The body feels solid but isn't heavy -- which is a typical and desirable Japanese design trait. The camera top has a minimalist and retro design, with analogue-inspired dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation. However an array of buttons on the back belies the XP1's modern pedigree. Bottom line, nothing got in the way and I'm confident that the controls will become second nature once muscle memory creeps in.<br>

<br />Much has been written about the clumsy menu system of the X100. I can’t comment on that, however, the XP1's incarnation is relatively uncomplicated and intuitive -- especially when compared to a Nikon D3s. It takes a bit of getting used to but what camera doesn't.<br>

<br />Much has also been written about the X100's AF system and whether the XP1 will be an improvement. Again, without specific reference point the AF system is responsive and perfectly adequate for most needs. There was little hunting, except perhaps when the lens cap is inadvertently left on! It's not a professional Nikon body with AF-S lens so it won't be the first choice for action or sports but, then again, that's not what the system is about. This all applies to single servo AF (in Nikon-speak) as I've yet to get to AF-C mode. All-in-all, this is in line with expectations. Certainly do disappointments here.<br>

<br />The focal plane shutter is reasonably stealthy. More Bessa than Leica. There's no mirror slap and the feint tactile feedback from the shutter action is enjoyable and comforting.<br>

<br />It's still too early to comment on the other bells and whistles. There is a wide array of features which have promise. I particularly enjoyed the film simulations. Bracketing functions are great albeit limited to 3 shots at max +/- 1 EV. Results from the macro function (via the EVF) are also excellent.<br>

<br />So what about IQ? This was one of the (positive) surprises. I had read widely about the much vaunted X-trans sensor and Fuji's claims that the 16.1M APS-C sensor will out-resolve recent FF offerings from Canon. Whether it's the extra mega-pixels (my reference is 12.1M Nikon D3s) or the lack of anti-aliasing filter, or both, pixel peepers will not be disappointed. Even severe crops are still crisp and sharp. Dynamic range was good although I'm yet to come to terms with some of the advanced settings. Most importantly images (with the 35mm XF lens) look great, even straight out of the camera. The only question is when the M-adapter will be made available by Fuji or produced by enterprising Chinese OEMs!<br>

<br />The one aspect of the camera that hasn't performed to expectations is the viewfinder. The XP1 has three shooting modes being optical viewfinder, electronic viewfinder and via the rear LCD. I've used an owned a couple of rangefinders over the years including a Bessa R3A, Fuji GA645 and Super Ikonta III. To me, this is the primary value proposition of the XP1. A digital rangefinder that doesn't require a second mortgage. The OVF is a joy to behold with bright white lines and fully customizable read-outs through a real world view. However, there is one "BUT". Unbeknownst to me the frame lines are far from "true" meaning it's not WYSIWYG. Parallax aside, coverage from the OVF is about 80%. So tight shooting results in shots that contain more than what expected. This is true for both close and far subjects with the latter thus eliminating the parallax error. The result is the same. There are two workarounds for this. Either estimate the difference by getting closer to the subject (which is tough when shooting at or near infinity) or using the electronic viewfinder -- which is absolutely spot on in terms of framing. Frankly, this is a disappointing. Surely the designers can get that right, or at least to a higher tolerance of say 95% coverage. This isn't a $100 point and shoot. This is a $2,000 body aimed at serious amateurs and professionals. I want, as many buyers will, a digital rangefinder with a workable optical viewfinder. With my limited experience thus far, if you're looking to shoot tight using the OVF you will get more than you want. I hope/trust this is something that could be solved via a firmware upgrade.<br>

<br />Although certain Leica owners may disagree, no camera is perfect. There are always trade-offs and every system has quirks that take getting used to, hence, final judgment should be delivered after concerted use. With 48 hours behind me I can say that the XP1 has not disappointed in terms of handling, image quality and other technical "stuff". Full marks to Fuji on that score. Full marks also for producing a very sexy retro-style rangefinder body. Only the Japanese are capable of melding the traditional and modern in a workable package -- with perhaps the Germans in second place. However, the XP1 loses marks for the quirks in the OVF. If the engineers want to make a middle aged amateur photog happy they will fix that PDQ with the first firmware release. That said the proof of the pudding is in the eating and for that a few sample images can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/peevey/sets/72157629160666740/. Apologies in advance for a subject matter. It's slim picking where I'm currently located i.e. on the outskirts of Tokyo.</p>

<p>HCL does same day t/o for E6 (120 and 4x5), provided you submit in the morning - at least for their Roppongi lab which I frequently use. Otherwise it's next day. B&W takes 2 days. Normal processing is about Y400 per roll of 120 which is great value.<br>

Quality and service is faultless. I can't recommend highly enough! <br>

Have just returned from the US where some photo labs in major cities haven't even heard of E6 (seriously!). It's incredibly convenient to have this service available in the middle of Tokyo, especially given the quality and price.</p>