The namesake of this blog is gone. Selling the X-Pro2 was not an easy decision at all, but circumstances change and requirements evolve.
The X-Pro 2 is a glorious camera, deserving of its growing cult status. It seems like in the past few months there has been a surge of YouTube videos praising its virtues, and rightly so. I owned the camera for almost 4 years, took it everywhere, and photographed everything.
It was always intended to be my ‘street photography’ camera, replacing a black and white film habit that was becoming worryingly expensive. The camera unintentionally became useful for so much more. Strangely, it became my go-to video camera. Sure, it was never made for video purposes, but the 4K image from the X-Pro 2 is surprisingly wonderful.
Video eventually became the exact reason I had to sell the X-Pro 2, as passable as it may have been. Video needs overtook my ‘street photography’ dreams.
I started a new project that required a more video-centric camera. Don’t worry, I’m not about to announce my jump to Sony…
The X-H1 was never on my radar; I always saw it as a camera designed for someone other than me. The chunky grip and IBIS were just not something I ever saw myself needing.
Alas, the deed was done. I sold the X-Pro and purchased an X-H1. From what I understand, it’s the same sensor in a much more domineering body. The looks are certainly growing on me…slowly.
So why?
- Video codecs
- Clean HDMI out
- Flippy screen
- IBIS
First impressions? Immediate regret.
No, but really, what had I done? Sure, it felt great in the hand, but something about the buttons and the feel of the menus was off, and the shutter button…
If you have never tried the shutter button on an X-H1, I honestly think a gentle breeze could trigger it.
My gripes, though, were all about lack of familiarity. I had become so used to using the X-Pro in my own quirky way that it just wasn’t going to translate to the X-H1 so quickly.
I’m just going to need to spend time with this camera and re-learn.
I sometimes think about ‘soul cameras’, the kind of camera that comes into your life, and you just know you can never part with it. My X-Pro 2 was the closest I’ve been to that feeling.
Is it goodbye forever? I don’t think so. The X-Pro form factor is just too good. Plus, I’ve already got my eye on a nifty-looking X-Pro 1…