Fujifilm X-Pro 2 hands-on review

January 15, 2016Angela Nicholson

Thanks to a new 24MP sensor and an Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, as well as improved focusing and handling among other treats, the X-Pro 2 looks like a fine upgrade on the hugely popular X-Pro 1. Find out our head of testing’s first impressions in her hands-on Fuji X-Pro 2 review.

Fujifilm’s ever-popular X-series line of compact system cameras started off with the X-Pro 1 back in 2012, a model that split from its contemporaries on account of its X-Trans CMOS sensor.

While its size and 16.3MP pixel count were fairly typical for such a camera, the architecture of its colour filter array was not, with a more random mosaic of red, green and blue filters in place of the more repetitive Bayer GRGB pattern common to other cameras.

This structure meant that the camera did not require an anti-aliasing filter, something that at the time was a common inclusion in camera sensors to prevent moiré patterning and aliasing artefacts, but also a cause of minor image softness.

Not surprisingly, detail in images was impressive, rivalling the results captured by then-current full-frame DSLRs, with a pleasing, film-like texture to boot. Combined with the classic, rangefinder design complete with physical dials and a leather-like finish, as well as an excellent hybrid viewfinder that married optical and electronic finders, the camera was a smash.

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Still, four years is a long time in digital technology, and we have since witnessed the arrival of a raft of additional members to the series, from the budget X-A1 and X-A2 to three variations of the flagship X-T1 model.

While Takashi Ueno, Fujifilm’s Device and Electronic Imaging Products Manager, may refer to the X-Pro 2 as an evolution of its predecessor, there’s plenty of new or improved features to warrant our attention.

I got my hands on an early sample of the X-Pro 2 a few weeks before its official unveiling. As of yet I haven’t been able to examine any images captured with it, although I’m in Japan for the camera’s announcement and will hopefully be able to augment this hands-on preview with a few sample images over the coming days.

First, let’s take a closer look at exactly what the X-Pro 2 offers.

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Fujifilm X-Pro 2 hands-on review: Specification

Fujifilm has employed the same sensors and processors across a number of its models, although the big news for the X-Pro 2 is that both components are brand new.

In contrast to the previously seen 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, the X-Pro 2 is equipped with a 24Mp X-Trans CMOS III device, its design aligned with that of previous X-Trans chips.

The Dual Cortex A processor, meanwhile, is dubbed X-Processor Pro, and the combination of the two is said to be behind a number of improvements over the X-Pro 1.

With read speeds over twice as fast as before, autofocus and subject tracking get a boost, while the electronic viewfinder is said to be more responsive and the burst rate now stands at 8fps (frames per second).

Image processing is said to be 4x faster than was previously the case, and full HD video is also on hand, although 4K recording is notable by its absence.

With regards to imaging, Fujifilm also claims the two provide improved low-light capabilities, which is certainly an achievement when you consider how much more populated the sensor is.

The X-Pro 2 is also said to benefit from a new focal-plane shutter, which allows for a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000sec and a maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec. It’s said to be quieter and designed to produce less vibration than the shutter inside the X-Pro 1, and Fujifilm rates it to a respectable 150,000 actuations.

The camera’s sensitivity settings encompass a standard range of ISO 200-12,800, with a JPEG-only expansion setting of ISO 100 and raw file expansion options up to ISO 51,000 augmenting this; some will no doubt be irked by the unavailability of a raw option at ISO 100.

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One of the X-Pro 1’s standout features was its Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, and this has now been refreshed for the new model. Dubbed Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder (AHMVF), the finder now sports internal dioptre adjustment, which wasn’t available on the X-Pro 1 and could only be changed through the use of additional diopter correction lenses.

As before it provides the same benefit of a clear and natural optical view with no time lag, and frame lines to indicate framing at different focal lengths, together with the advantages of an electronic viewfinder and the option to alternate between the two.

The electronic component of the finder is a 0.48-inch, 2.36-million-dot panel (the same as that found inside the X-T1), while an 85fps frame rate in the High Performance mode aims to keep the view as natural and lag-free as possible – more on this later.

As is the case on the X100T, there’s the option to have a small, live view feed in the corner of the frame when using the optical viewfinder, and this can usefully be enlarged to assist with focusing.

Further lending a hand, the electronic viewfinder is equipped with two depth-of-field display options, Pixel and Film, the latter displaying a larger scale to make it easy to appreciate how much of the scene will be sharp and in focus.

The X-Pro 2 follows previous models in offering a 3-inch display on the rear, although at 1.62million dots, it has the honour of having the highest resolution of any X-series camera to date.

This is great from the perspective of resolving detail, although some may be disheartened to discover that the screen is fixed in position, rather than capable of tilting or articulating in any way, and also that it does not offer any kind of touch functionality.

The camera’s autofocus system benefits from recent developments made by Fujifilm, with a broader phase-detect AF area and a revised algorithm for faster focusing, and it includes Zone AF and Tracking AF options. The system boasts 77 AF points in its standard mode, which includes 49 phase-detect AF points, although this can be expanded to offer 273 points, with 169 of these being phase detect.

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Another first for the X-series line is the inclusion of a secondary memory card slot, a feature that’s fast becoming standard on enthusiast and pro-level DSLRs, but in the mirrorless sector has only previously been spotted on the Leica SL.

As is often the case with this setup, the user has the option of designating the second card as an overflow or backup for the primary one, or alternatively having one card record JPEGs and the other raw files.

Following the company’s tradition of having a number of image-processing settings emulate its film stocks, the Film Simulation modes welcome a new Acros setting, so called after the black and white emulsion of the same name.

Compared with the existing Monochrome option, this has a finer grain and greater sharpness, as well as a higher mid-tone contrast. When using the Film Simulation options, it’s also now possible to choose between Weak and Strong strengths of grain.

The X-Pro 2 can be set to three separate power management options: Standard, Economy and High Performance. It’s with the latter option that the camera delivers its best autofocus performance and the highest frame rate for its electronic viewfinder (85fps), although this comes at the expense of battery life, at a quoted 210 frames per change.

Selecting the Standard mode allows you to enjoy a slightly higher 250-frame battery life, with the EVF dropping to 54fps on this setting, and if you’re happy to drop this even further and use a 3000×1000-dot EVF resolution, you can opt for the Economy mode and have 330 frames on a single charge.

What’s actually achievable here doesn’t always align with what’s stated by the manufacturer, sometimes exceeding expectations and sometimes falling short, so this is something we’ll assess more fully when we can get our hands on a full production sample.

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Fujifilm X-Pro 2 hands-on review: Build and handling

As Takashi Ueno is keen to stress, the X-Pro 2 is an evolution of the X-Pro 1, and the rangefinder-like design will immediately be familiar to X-Pro 1 users. This should ease a transition between the two, although there have been a number of small changes to the control layout designed to improve build, handling and operation.

One of the most important changes is that the X-Pro 2 joins its X-T1 sibling and a number of recent Fujinon WR optics in offering a weatherproof construction.

It’s also been designed with four pieces of moulded magnesium aluminium rather than the X-Pro 1’s three, the bottom plate now being made separately, and while the camera’s shape is similar to that of the X-Pro 1’s, handling is improved thanks to a rubber-like material used on parts of the shallow front and rear grips.

Furthermore, something that’s pleasing to discover is that the Quick Menu and Autofocus Lock buttons appear to be less prone to be pressed accidentally than on the X-Pro 1, despite the fact that they are still located on a hump by the rear grip.

Those familiar with the X-Pro 1 may have already spotted that the aforementioned maximum shutter speed of 1/8000sec is an improvement on the X-Pro 1’s 1/4000sec limit, with shutter speed selected on a dedicated top-plate dial as before.

Underneath this lies another for adjusting sensitivity, with the selected setting visible in a small window through the upper dial. To change this, you just pull up and rotate the sensitivity dial, which not only makes good use of the space available but can also be performed quickly.

Next to these dials and just above the thumbrest is the familiar exposure compensation dial, and it also follows the shutter speed dial in having its range extended; it’s now possible to compensate across a range of +/-3EV, a full EV stop wider in either direction than on the X-Pro 1, although with a new C option, you can broaden this even further to +/-5EV.

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The X-Pro 2 now bears a small command dial just above the front-plate’s grip, ostensibly to provide a way of changing aperture when using lenses without an aperture ring. It can, however, also be set to adjust shutter speed or exposure compensation if desired, and it’s twinned with another dial on the rear of the body, which is also positioned above the thumbrest.

Sticking with the rear of the camera, perhaps the most crucial change here is the inclusion of a mini joystick controller. This appears to have been designed specifically for determining the AF point, although it can also be used for to browse the menu and select options.

It’s a welcome addition as it speeds up AF point selection, and I imagine this will transfer to the X-T2 if and when Fujifilm decides to update the existing X-T1.

There have been a handful of further internal and external changes to the camera’s controls, when compared with the X-Pro 1.

The Drive Mode, AE and AF buttons to the left of the X-Pro 1’s display are now gone, with the drive mode now accessed through a directional button on the menu pad, while the previous AE-L/AF-L (Auto Exposure Lock / Auto Focus Lock) control has, quite sensibly, had each option transferred to a button of its own.

The menu system has also changed; overall it appears clearer than before and easier to read, now with eight lines per screen compared with the X-Pro 1’s seven. Perhaps more importantly, a My Menu option has also been included, which can have 16 commonly used settings assigned to it for fast access.

At the time of writing I’ve only had a few minutes with the X-Pro 2, although I’m currently in Japan for the camera’s official launch and will update this preview once I’ve had more time with the model to form a few further impressions. From what I have seen, however, I’m impressed.

Handing is very positive and the viewfinder is excellent, with the optical improvements making a noticeable difference. Furthermore, changing between the viewfinder’s different display options through the small lever on the camera’s front is also pleasingly straightforward.

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Fujifilm X-Pro 2 hands-on review: Performance

With some of Fujifilm’s previous cameras sticking to a tried and tested sensor/processor combination, it’s been easier to understand what kind of images these cameras would be likely to produce upon the camera’s launch.

Yet, with a new sensor and processor inside the X-Pro 2, it’s harder to draw such conclusions here.

Fujifilm did show me some prints from camera, comparing these side-by-side with results from rival compact system cameras and DSLRs, and these did appear to compare well, but there is only so much that can be learned from this at this point.

Having said that, the prints did indicate that the camera is capable of rendering natural-looking results, free of over-sharpening or associated artefacts, with noise controlled well up to ISO 6400.

There also appeared to be more detail in images than those from the X-Pro 1, which is expected considering the higher-resolution sensor, although more accurate results will only be available once a full production sample of the camera is fully tested.

What will also be interesting to see is whether the camera is better suited to action such as sports; while it’s not exactly designed with the sports user in mind, the claimed improvements to the autofocus system bode well for capturing fast-moving action.

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Fujifilm X-Pro 2 hands-on review: Early verdict

The X-Pro 2 has been hugely anticipated and my initial impressions suggest that it won’t disappoint. Fujifilm has sensibly retained the things that have drawn many fans to the original X-Pro 1, such as the retro, rangefinder-esque design and a largely similar control layout, but upgraded key components such as the sensor and viewfinder.

The jump from a 16Mp sensor to a 24Mp one here is significant and should lead to noticeably more detail in images, without being too burdensome on file size or impacting too greatly on image noise, and with the further advantage of the newer processor to render finer image quality.

Although the control layout follows a similar pattern set by its predecessor, the improvements appear to make a lot of sense and it’s particularly nice to find the mini joystick on the rear as this speeds up AF-point selection.

Exactly how successful these changes are, however, is something we’ll only discover when the model is fully tested. It’s also welcome to see a redesigned menu and the customisable My Menu option, the latter befitting such a model aimed at an enthusiast audience.

For clarity, Fujifilm has also stated whereabouts the model sits in relation to its various other X-series siblings. Compact and mirrorless models sporting a rangefinder-like design, such as the X-Pro 2, X100 T and the new X-E2S will fall under one category, while the SLR-like X-T10 and X-T1 models will occupy another.

Both the X-Pro 2 and X-T1 are aimed at a similar, experienced user, although their different design provides photographers with a choice of style and handling.

We Say
An exciting upgrade on an already popular formula, with better handling and the possibility of even better image quality than before on account of the new sensor and processor. We look forward to reviewing a full production model to find out just how well it performs.

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