I've just received my XF yesterday. I didn't have much time to waste at the dealer because I was rushing to a recce. To get it out there, I'm coming from a 645df body and am still using an IQ160. I have a particular disdain for the 645df, so there's a level of bias. My brief use yesterday will probably echo what has been said. However, I'm devoid of camera brand politics and have no delusions about a camera being magically related to photographic ability. I think my perspective is valuable as someone who is already invested, but still late to the Phase party, is a working photographer, and has no interest in whining.
Overall impression: this is not a come to Jesus moment - meaning - If you are not already invested in Phase, I cannot see a compelling reason to do so given the quality of other offerings.
However, if you're already invested in Phase and need to shoot with an SLR, this is a Phase camera that is actually worth using. Albeit in ideal scenarios. It may even be the cheapest part of your kit(if you got a trade in deal)
Bring a 5dsr or a7ii along with it and you've got a really versatile kit. If we forget the price for a second and just look at the scenario. Phase, as a system, is geared towards people who have a strong idea of what they're shooting. (Read: professionals who have a predictable scenario). I bought Phase initially to use a tech camera and have expanded into portrait work, so most of the bells and whistles that are being touted don't apply to me on two levels. 1. My iq160 receives little to none of the benefit of XF's innovations. 2. I don't need most of them.
Compared to the DF - the XF autofocus is lightning. The centre weighted matrix still presents the same problems it always has, but overcomes the problems quicker. The build quality is beautiful and the ergonomics are much more thought out. Putting the camera together is simple and intuitive. Though heavier, it is much easier to hold and use vs the DF. The DF was awful and Phase should pay reparations to people who had to use them. The menus are sleek and confusing at first, and I can't change the ISO from the camera body. I need time to dig into the actual features contained therein, but I think the level of customization will ultimately be a huge plus. The viewfinder is big and bright, I feel like I can finally see what's in focus, even on my legacy 120 macro.
More to come if people are interested in hearing about it as I use it more. If anyone has any questions I'm happy to field them - not going to grab a iq360 with new lenses and sit around and photograph color charts and weird still life though. Next on my list is tethered performance and battery life.
