I have an X-pro1 with the 35mm/f1.4 lens. (I live in Canada, and ordered it from Japan.)

Here are my overall first impressions:

If I had to sum it up, I'd say it's not perfect, but for me it's the closest thing to the ideal camera that I've found.

THE GOOD

- Image quality is beyond reproach - in terms of colour rendering, highlight/shadow detail, sharpness, quality of the bokeh.
- Feels very solid; excellent build quality
- It looks better in person than in the pictures I had seen of it
- Controls are big and easy to operate, even with gloves on
- Shutter sound is very soft & quiet
- Viewfinder is fantastic

OVERALL PERFORMANCE & SIZE

- In terms of performance, I'll compare it to the Panasonic GF1 /w 20mm pancake, as it's a camera I'm very familiar with. While the camera isn't aimed at exactly the same market, both cameras fit into a similar category - they're both alternatives to DSLRs that aim... Read more

The image quality on this camera is sublime. The colours are absolutely gorgeous, mesmerizing.

It has the best image quality compared to previous cameras I've used, namely Canon 7D (sold), GF1, GH2 and X100. 7D is quite good, except in high ISO, relatively speaking. Micro Four Thirds is just not there yet with the dynamic range, often I need to adjust for underexposed images to show shadow details.

With the X-Pro1, when it comes to post-editing, I don't do any because the jpeg quality is just too good. And that's just JPEG. Since I don't need to do post editing, I guess I'll be shooting just JPEGs from now.

I suspect the X-Pro1 AF speed will be a source of frustration and potential deal breaker for many. But it comes down to what type of photography you're into. This is not a sports camera, that's for sure. So it's not that suitable for shooting subjects moving faster than walking speed. It's definitely not a general purpose do-it-all camera. Depending... Read more

WHY WHAT WHO

I chose to write this review because the reviews on Amazon are so polarizing and sometimes downright pushy, so much so that they made me buy this camera to judge it for myself. I have to admit that it has been a long time since I had to defend my spending to myself. I am sure many must have faced the same internal struggle. Let me admit that this camera is a keeper for me. The decision came after a long search for a discrete both in use and appearance camera with a image quality worth taking prints and blowups of. I didn't personally own too many of micro four thirds, DSLRS and compacts but have friends who shared fair and clear opinion about the equipment they own(ed).

What this camera is? It's a collection of wishes in a very ambitious package and just like any other ambitious technology firsts, suffers from lack of polished user interface as well as competition. Some might find it downright offensive but X-Pro1 does not really have a competitor... Read more