The high-end X-series with their mid mid retro techno style have a scent of luxury items. All the better if Fuji cultivates its difference is always good to take in a world of uniformity.
Obviously, the X-X-A1 and M1 have plenty of technology from high-end boxes, but the comparison stops as soon as one approaches the building and the ergonomics of the device. Here, no way metal nostalgia film, plastic reigns, including bayonet lens. The leather style hull coating is obviously a kind of granular vinyl, as little pleasant to touch it throws side look, especially in the red model (rather Bordeaux matter).
Failing luxury in manufacturing, nonetheless regrettable, Fuji does not skimp on the specifications of these two twins.
Besides the sensor, X-TRANS for the X-M1 and CCD for X-A1, everything else is identical between the two devices. The X-A1 is positioned less than the X-M1 which charges its sensor and access to technology without Bayer matrix, dear to FUJI from the X10.
Do not make the suspense last longer, it is the very high level in terms of image quality on the 2 cases and the difference is not obvious between the 2 models.
These 2 Fuji are surprising since they are largely on a par with good reflex. First, because the sensors are APS-C format, but mostly through the lens comes as a kit. This piece of plastic with lenses is a damn good aim! Piqué from center to edges at all focal lengths! Slight distortion! Chromatic aberration almost Invisibles! light as a sparrow! I have rarely seen an optical kit of this quality. Just a lack of light can be detrimental in low light (f / 3.5-5.6).
And that is where the secret weapon twins. The increase in sensitivity is staggering clean! At 6400 ISO, you can see traces of noise if you zoom to 100%, but this is invisible on an A3 print, no less ... ISO 12800 are not even afraid to these machines! Certainly we see the grain, but it is still faithful color issue and details like the good old days of pelloche! Iso 25600, if you're crazy ... Yes, that's possible, but it exceeds the limits.
There, I bow. Frankly it's a big bravo to the guys at Fuji. Quite simply, this hybrid plastic buries all the first prizes SLR with its lens and image processing. It is so full of details and sharpness that it is even too much for images that require a little sweetness as portraits. A device where you have lower sharpness sliders and details, believe me, I not often encounter in my life as a photographer ...!
After all this praise, let's flip side.
And yes, all is not rosy in the world of X (!?). First there was a serious usability problem with the exposure compensation dial. As it can not disable it, it turns easily and loosely at the slightest gesture that it is located where you work with most device. Soon annoying on the former and under former unpredictable until you let the bargraph constantly on the screen.
Secondly, and finally, there is the eternal problem of the menus FUJI sauce. Even for an experienced photographer is an ordeal. Why does not the brand offers simple and understandable settings remains a mystery to me. Especially since this is not new. My X10 4 years of age already had this incredible ability to convince you that you lack intelligence neurons 2 ...
In his great goodness, Fuji provided you complete manual on paper. Good luck, it is also clear that a European Constitutional Treaty!
We summarize: 5 stars for the photo, 3 stars for the rest, so average 4 star.
I add that the size of the appliance is virtually equivalent to that of a small SLR with lens
16-50mm without the presence of a viewfinder. The hinged screen is good, but it does not replace an optical sight.
The top of Mount Fuji is still far. Here, we are rather at the base camp ...