Fujifilm X-Pro1 - first impressions and real world use

Following huge expectations, hype and some great initial reports floating around the internet, I have been assessing a Fuji X-Pro1 as a potential replacement - or more likely supplement - to my usual cameras.

I'll save the full review for when I've given it more time and used for wedding photography, but now wanted to share these images from my first day with the X-Pro1 and 18mm lens. Combining camera use with a toddler and two dogs is always going to be challenging and not something I often choose to do with a hulking DSLR hanging from me. That alone is one of the major appealing strengths of the X-Pro1. I can think of few better testimonies to the camera, that in this scenario, I was able to use it quickly, accurately and produce some pleasing images. Here's a few.

f/2, 1/35, ISO800

f/2.8, 1/30, ISO1000 (auto)

f/2.8, 1/30, ISO640 (auto)

f/2, 1/35, ISO800

f/2, 1/1800, ISO200

f/5.6, 1/250, ISO400

f/5.6, 1/900, ISO400

f/5.6, 1/600, ISO400

f/2, 1/40, ISO6400

There's no RAW converters available at the moment - at least not in Adobe world (thanks for that) - so all of these are straight out of camera JPEGs with no additional processing whatsoever other than resizing for the web. All shot with Auto White Balance - which is excellent - and Aperture Priority.

Other than some autofocus preferences, I've not changed much in the camera setup. Film emulations are factory defaults: Black & White + Yellow filter for the monos, Neg Hi (Fuji Pro 400H emulation) for the colours. I'm sure if I get to know the camera and files better, there may be further tweaks here. As it goes, these work very well. Pro 400H is one of my two favourite colour films, and a yellow filtered black and white works great for portraits.

In use, the camera is quiet and very unobtrusive - perfect for the reportage or photojournalism style. The autofocus needs adapting to. It's a different technique to SLRs but still works well. I've shot tens of thousands of frames on my D700s and know them inside out. I've shot about 100 on the X-Pro1 so I'm certainly still getting used to it.

Talking of the D700, you may have noticed the last image above is at ISO6400. Compared to a D700 at 6400, this is in a different league.

It's early days so whether the X-Pro becomes a permanent fixture or not, I'm still deciding. Will be interesting to see what can be done with the RAW files. From this initial brief test, I'm impressed. Very impressed.

The Best of 2011

Adios 2011. It was a year of extremes with low lows, high highs, big changes in career and personal life, lots of travel and tens of thousands of photographs. Having started my career in portraiture, weddings took over as working with Allister gathered momentum. With commissions across the UK as well as my home county of Dorset, I've racked up a lot of miles and shutter counts this year. I've covered just about every kind of venue with every kind of light (or lack of it as is more often the case). 

Looking back at images from the year, I can see a progression in my style. There has been a development towards photojournalism with plenty of humour and emotion to tell a story. My portrait work - at weddings and with families - now also follows the documentary approach to produce natural and authentic images. I'm really pleased with the results and more importantly, the feedback I've received has been fantastic. That continued client delight is always the main objective. 

2012 promises to be an exciting and busy time with weddings in England, Wales and my first international commission in Switzerland. I'm looking forward to all of them as well as more Day In The Life family portrait shoots that are planned. With the excitement of another baby ahead of us, I certainly plan to take more photographs of my own growing family as well.

I've included a selection of photographs below that are some of my favourites from the last 12 months. Some may be in my new portfolio whereas others I like for other reasons and are worthy of sharing. I didn't get round to blogging as much as I wanted to this past year so many of these are posted here for the first time. Whilst I'm not great with resolutions, an improved, slicker workflow should make it easier to post more regularly in 2012.

Happy New Year.