X100 to X-Pro2: My X Series Journey - so far!

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I was packing my camera bag for a workshop I was conducting on Wednesday and I placed my X100 alongside my new X-Pro2 on the desk and it suddenly struck me how far Fujifilm have come in the development of the X-Series range in a relatively short space of time.  

 It also hit home how in 2011 when the X100 was launched all the interest that surrounded the launch then is being repeated now as photographers around the world start to receive their greatly anticipated cameras.  

 So what is it about Fujifilm that people want to own and use a rangefinder and retro style camera? I think it is a combination of the beautifully engineered aesthetics of the cameras - the tactile dials and that wonderful unique hybrid viewfinder - the super sharp XF lenses and the images that have that 'Fujifilm' look to them.

 Comparing the X100 to the X-Pro2 is like comparing a 1960s F4 Phantom jet with the latest F22 Raptor stealth fighter. The principles are the same but the technology has moved on at a phenomenal rate.  This doesn't mean that the X100 is obsolete, far from it, but the X-Pro2 is certainly head and shoulders above the Grandfather of the X-Series range in terms of performance.

When it was launched the X100 was snapped up (excuse the photographic pun there) by professionals and enthusiasts alike.  It is fantastic to see that we are seeing the same enthusiasm for the X-Pro2 five years later.

 I bought my X100 in 2012 for a business trip to Shanghai as I didn't want to take my Nikon DSLRs with me.  The fact I only had one camera and one lens was liberating and it sparked my photographic creativity in a way I didn't think was possible.  I fell in love with photography again, it wasn't just a job anymore, here was a camera that I could pick up and take anywhere and come back with stunning images.  I have tested the X100S and X100T and they are great cameras, but I will never sell, or stop using, my black limited edition X100.


Since then I have had two X-Pro1s, which have been sold, and now run two X-T1s alongside the X-Pro2.  The X-T1 is a fantastic camera and was a game changer for me as it was the one that made me decide to switch to Fujifilm 100% and sell all my Nikon gear after 18 years as a Nikon Professional.

I see the X-Pro2 as another game changer as the new 24mp sensor, new faster X Processor Pro processor and superior Autofocus has given Fujifilm that next leap forward in the market and with the  launch of the X-T1 successor later this year and more XF lenses coming Fujifilm have demonstrated that more is yet to come.  

 As regular readers of this blog will know I have been using an X-Pro2 since November 2015 as I was invited by Fujifilm to be part of the test team.  I have been using it as my main camera for the past four months and I have to say the pre launch hype is well justified.  

 While it is not 100% perfect, as I have reported in my reviews on the camera, it is nearly!  This is probably my favourite camera to use in my 25 years as a photographer.

So looking at the X100 and X-Pro2 sitting side by side on the desk I love the familiarity of the Fujifilm X-Series family but I also revel in the differences.  The 12MP X100 can still produce the goods.  The images recorded by the Bayer sensor has a 'look' all of is own and that silent leaf shutter is still a USP that still trumps the newer camera when it comes to flash sync speeds and out on the street when you want to be stealthy.

 The X-Series is only 5 years old and when you look at the X100 and the X-Pro2 and see how far Fujifilm have developed the system in such a short space of time I am left wondering where we will be in another 5 years.  

 Now that is a path I am looking forward to following!

 Here are two links to a set of images taken on the X100 and also on the X-Pro2

 CLICK HERE to view the MacLean Photographic X100 Flickr gallery 

 CLICK HERE to view the MacLean Photographic X-Pro2 Flickr gallery
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ALL IMAGES ARE THE PROPERTY OF MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION

MacLean Photographic run Tours and Workshops in East Lothian and the Borders of Scotland.  CLICK HERE for more details and availability

In June 2015 Jeff Carter was named as a Fujifilm brand ambassador and you can view his profile and gallery on the Fujifilm website HERE

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Comments

  1. Anonymous30 October 2017 at 17:26

    Hi,
    am having apsc dslr with lens 70-300 and 18-105 lens. I need a second body with a wide angle lens , not really sure weather to go with XPRO2 (weather sealed ) or x100f ( comparatively compact)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Macsport7 November 2017 at 11:20

      It depends what you want. If you are looking for a small camera which will only be used with a wide angle then the X100F is the camera for you (get the two converters for added flexibility). If you want to build an X Series kit and then add more lenses at a later date then the X-Pro2 is the way to go.

      I need to ask the obvious question. Have you considered buy a second DSLR body and a wide angle lens in that system so everything is interchangeable?

      Delete

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