Even fewer mirrorless cameras can appeal to such a large cross-section of the population as the Fujifilm X-Pro1. This is even more impressive, considering how many fanbases the X-Pro1 amassed. Acceptable image quality and a steady line of well-regarded optics slowly released alongside meant that it quickly became the camera everyone else wanted to own.
In addition, its classic styling and manual controls attracted experienced photographers who may have started with similarly styled rangefinders. However, its fine image quality also made it quickly become the camera everyone wanted to own.
It is true that because it was the first model in the X-series to use interchangeable lenses, it came equipped with several peculiarities and oddities that not everyone found appealing. Its focusing mechanism, for example, wasn’t very efficient at recording moving subjects, and the one-of-a-kind X-Trans sensor technology proved troublesome regarding the video quality. Moreover, the camera’s battery life was disappointingly short.
Firmware upgrades have been released to address some of these shortcomings, but four years is a long time in terms of camera technology, and it was abundantly clear that consumers want a refresh.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Features
Fuji has given the X-Pro2 the rank of a joint flagship with the more DSLR-like X-T1 and has targeted it at the enthusiast/professional end of the market with this camera. It is expected to be examined with the similarly priced Sony A7 II, the Panasonic Lumix GX8, and Olympus’s highly-received OM-D E-M5 II — and yes, the X-T1 may well be a possibility.
Up until the release of the X-Pro2, all of Fuji’s interchangeable-lens X-series models relied on an APS-C sensor with 16 megapixels of resolution in some manner. However, the X-Pro2 breaks tradition by providing a new 24.3-megapixel option. This is likely the pixel count that is the most prevalent among cheap, enthusiast, and professional cameras alike, and it compares favorably to its immediate competitors.
In this third generation of Fuji’s X-Trans CMOS technology, the sensor has been developed with a more random color filter array than is typical for Bayer GRBG sensors. This was done to improve image quality.
Fuji has increased the camera’s sensitivity range from a base of ISO 200 up to a maximum of ISO 12,800, which is one stop higher than the previous limit of ISO 6400. This is even though the sensor in the X-Pro2 is more densely packed than the sensor in the X-Pro1.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Autofocus
Fuji has expanded the range of video recording choices available on the X-Pro1 for the new edition. The camera does not support the 4K recording that has been standard on many other recent releases, but it is now possible to shoot full HD video at 60, 50, 30, 25, or 24 frames per second.
These can record in Full HD for up to 14 minutes and HD quality for up to 28 minutes. Additionally, a mic connector allows external microphones to be used as an alternative to the camera’s internal microphone. Finally, it is possible to generate a time-lapse film using the built-in interval timer.
The 49-point system included in the X-Pro1 has been replaced with a substantially more advanced 61-point system in this camera. There are now 77 points as the norm, which may be enlarged to 273 points when necessary. This densely saturates the center portion of the frame with AF points.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Build Quality
The X-Pro2 has been developed and built to a level of quality commensurate with its four-figure price tag. As a result, the body of the X-Pro2 feels just as sturdy in the hands as the original X-Pro1, which was built on a four-panel magnesium alloy chassis. In addition, Fuji says that the camera can be used in challenging weather conditions by installing 61 seals at various areas of potential water and dust entry and providing protection to a temperature of -10 degrees.
Even when equipped with either the 18mm f/2 R or the 27mm f/2.8 XF lens, the camera can still squeeze into the pocket of a typical coat pocket, even though it is not the most miniature camera on the market. Moreover, its ergonomics show that Fuji intends for it to be paired with smaller and lighter optics, particularly prime lenses, as opposed to the likes of the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R WR ASPH zoom lenses, which require the more substantial grip of the X-T1. This is because prime lenses have a fixed focal length, whereas zoom lenses have a variable focal length.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Performance
The X-Pro 1’s focusing mechanism was possibly the subject of the most prevalent complaints, so Fuji made a series of firmware upgrades to solve this issue. Comparing the two devices demonstrates that Fuji has achieved substantial advancements with the new camera. This is the case even though the X-Pro1 now operates with the latest v3.50 firmware upgrade.
Fuji’s claims of a doubling of focusing speed compared to the previous model appear to be proven by testing, even though it is impossible to determine exact focusing rates. These speeds depend highly on the lens, the subject, and other factors.
This is possibly a little behind some of the competitors; after all, this is an area in which current cameras have made significant advancements; but for most scenarios, this is not a cause for concern.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Image Quality
The Fujifilm X-Pro2 creates photographs with an exceptional level of detail. It captured noise-free JPEG photos at ISO 100 up to 6400, with only a tiny bit of noise at ISO 12800 and more noticeable noise along with a slight color desaturation at the faster settings of ISO 25600 and 51200, which is an astounding performance for a camera with an APS-C sensor. The RAW files were also of exceptionally high quality; although they had a higher level of noise, they produced highly acceptable photos from ISO 100-12800.
When the sharpening setting defaulted, the pictures were soft from the Fujifilm X-Pro2. For the best results, you should do further sharpening in an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may modify the environment inside the camera.
The night image turned out quite well. The camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds was sufficient for most after-dark shots, and the Bulb mode enabled considerably longer exposures if necessary.
The Dynamic Range settings gently boost the clarity in the shadows and highlights, while the Film Simulation modes harken back to a bygone period. The Acros mode is a welcome addition to the lineup of Film Simulation options.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 3:2 (4240 x 2832, 3008 x 2000), 16:9 (6000 x 3376, 4240 x 2384, 3008 x 1688), 1:1 (4000 x 4000, 2832 x 2832, 2000 x 2000) |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | X Processor Pro |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | X-Trans |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-12800 (expandable to 100-51200) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (14-bit RAF, lossless compressed or uncompressed) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive view. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 273 |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,620,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic and Optical (tunnel) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 92% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.89× (0.59× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes | Program AEShutter priorityAperture priority |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash modes | Auto, forced flash, slow synchro, suppressed flash, rear-curtain synchro, commander) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuous (high/low)Self-timer interval |
| Continuous drive | 8.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25,p, 24p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (Dual slots, UHS-II support in slot 1) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (Wired or via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes (water and dust resistant) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-W126 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 495 g (1.09 lb / 17.46 oz) |
| Dimensions | 141 x 83 x 56 mm (5.55 x 3.27 x 2.2″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Verdict
The X-image Pro2’s quality has been improved thanks to the new sensor; the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and autofocus are other welcome additions, and the camera’s settings and layout have undergone some subtle but significant revisions. Although it retains some of the quirks of its predecessor, the X-Pro2 is an excellent camera that represents a substantial improvement over the well-liked X-Pro1.
