The Last X series Fujifilm X-T2: Review & Analysis

What We Have Covered in This Article

Last Updated on August 23, 2017 by Editor Futurescope

The Japanese company Fujifilm continues to innovate with the challenges cameras through new functions and improvements in the design. After so many rumors, finally Fujifilm announces the launch of its new equipment: Fujifilm X-T2.

The new camera of the company forms part of the premium category of the cameras without mirror. It is a new upgrade of its predecessor X-T1, which is based on improving its internal functions to ensure high performance.

Fujifilm X-T2 adapts to professional photographers, who capture fast and dynamic images like: nature, sport, fashion, etc. Get ready to know the new equipment and its redesign that guarantees comfort and precision.

It is one of the cameras of the moment and not even the innovations of Photokina have managed to reduce the interest by the still new X-T2. So it’s time to get back on the tops and, after several weeks of use and some trip with her, answer all those questions that provoke the most complete of the Fujifilm X series.

A camera that wants to cope without complex to the professional SLR to blow burst, focus and image quality. Such a bold and daring move on the part of Fujifilm – others have gone there before, eye – and that makes this X-T2 one of the models that most interest and doubts arouse among photographers.

But let’s stop literature and trial and go to the point, stripping the most interesting of this without a mirror but seems to want to change everything.

As we have been doing in the last analysis, samples at full resolution are only a click away in our gallery on Flickr, and those who cheer also have a dozen original RAW files at their disposal to download and play with them.

What does Fujifilm X-T2 offer?

The new equipment acquires design and some functions similar to X-T1, but updated and improved. The goal of Fujifilm is to offer a mirrorless camera with high performance, both in speed and quality in image.

At first glance you can see that both chambers are the same, but they are not. While the design of the camera is compact and lightweight, it has a series of dials to master the functions of the computer. One of its updates was the improvement of the X-Trans sensor system, which allows both an image and a quality video.

The speed of the burst has also been increased to have a fast and accurate recording of the images. Now you can carry out continuous shots that last less time in the viewfinder, so you do not lose track of the movement.

Another new aspect that Fujifilm X-T2 offers is its design that serves a very useful function. The camera includes a vertical grip that not only improves your grip, but also allows you to integrate two batteries and increase the shooting speed.

Undoubtedly, X-T2 offers extensive new features in its update of functions and its practical and useful design. But, these are some aspects of the new camera, as there are more features that we invite you to know below.

The new

The Fujifilm X-T2 was announced last July, taking over the X-T1 after almost two and a half years on the market. To quickly position itself, the T2 becomes the star model of the brand, although it shares throne with the X-Pro2, more thought for photograph of report in which the speed is not a priority.

The list of novelties is very broad and includes a new APS-C 24-megapixel sensor, a much more capable hybrid focusing system that boasts more than 300 points, 8 frame-per-second bursts (up to 11 with the optional grip), 4K video, a new tilting screen, improved viewfinder …

A complete update that leaves this camera in the market with a current price of body-only for $1,600 or a kit with the XF18-55mm f2.8-4 lens for $1,900 (price is approx.). If your competition – as possibly Fujifilm wants to think – are the Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 7D Mark II the fact is that that figure is dangerously close to its rivals SLR.

Design and management

At this point we discover nothing by saying that the classic design of the X-T like. That is why the T2 arrives without major changes in its guidelines regarding the X-T1 seems a very wise decision.

The new camera menus (as in the X-Pro 2) as well as the extensive personal settings of the controls. To the folding screen with possibility of lateral mobility we did not see much use to him. It will be a matter of looking for stranger shot positions.

Starting with the two control dials that have a click function that allows you to speed up some functions and, above all, the back joystick that makes point selection or focus area a much more comfortable task.

The electronic viewfinder maintains its resolution, but it improves notably in terms of sensations of use. It is not just a perception, but refreshment and the so-called block out are improved for a more fluid job. Do we miss the optical viewfinder or the hybrid of some X? The truth is that no, although we cannot ignore that it is still a point that scares some users. Possibly until the eye is close to the eyepiece.

A new battery model is adopted (compatible with the previous ones, that is) but without improving the autonomy of about 350 shots. A bit fair, but with the handle we can get to work with 3 batteries and increase the number up to 1000 shots.

Also welcome the second SD card slot and all those little details that make the X-T2 look familiar in the hands, but with many of the outstanding subjects of the X-T1 resolved.

By the way, the camera weighs about 500 grams and is somewhat larger than the previous model, but maintaining a measured dimensions. At least until we put the f2.8 zoom Fujifilm and remember that removing the mirror helps reduce the body but with the optics there are no miracles.

Image quality

The X-2 releases a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor. Premiere in figures, because in reality we are before the same seen in the X-Pro2, so the results in terms of image quality are almost identical in both cases, however the two models are focused – never better – To different users.

Therefore, we are facing one of the most interesting APS-C cameras in terms of image quality. The results of the X-T2 admit few hits in terms of level of detail, color – different modes of Fujifilm working in JPEG help – and performance at high sensitivities.

The X-Trans structure of this sensor, which dispenses with the Bayer filter, makes more control without a low-pass filter better, while the level of detail is very high. Especially if we work with Fujifilm’s best optics, of course.

With ISO values between 200 and 12,800 (100 and 51,200 ISO including forced) we have not encountered many problems shooting up to 12,800 ISO, although the presence of noise if the scene is dark will be noticed already at 6,400 ISO. By the way, the automatic ISO setting system and the minimum firing speed have seemed a bit more complex than necessary. Better practice a little with him so you do not have to improvise on the spot.

Awesome shot & image quality from Flickr Fujifilm XT2 Group

Speed and focus

But if the X-T2 arouses interest, it is not so much for its good quality of image but for the promise to reach the SLR in terms of speed and focus, becoming a model totally suitable for sport photography and action.

Let’s see how that turns into figures. This new X offers a speed of up to 8 frames per second with fixed focus, although the figure is reduced to 5 with continuous focus. In both cases we can shoot almost 80 images in JPEG – we use last generation cards and maximum speed for tests, as always – and about 25 RAW.

With the optional grip the number grows to 11 frames per second – all other values are maintained – and thanks to the electronic shutter can reach up to 14 frames per second. In this case the maximum shutter speed is 1 / 32,000 second rather than 1/8000 second that the mechanical shutter offers.

The approach also comes with novelties. Possibly the most interesting of the camera. It is a hybrid system that adds more than 300 focus points between the contrast mechanism and the phase difference.

Similar to other models in the professional range, the camera offers a menu dedicated exclusively to the configuration of the focus and the modalities of monitoring. We can choose to adjust it to measure or to stay with one of the predefined modes of series for different scenes and actions.

Especially working with the zone mode, the camera perfectly follows the movement of the objects, although to make sure it is not worth leaving the camera still and let the focus points dance throughout the picture, but better keep the subject always within the Central part of our framing.

All perfect? Well, no. When the light gets worse the performance of the focusing system also falls, the backlights do not get particularly well with the focus – we are always talking about the continuous mode and in extreme situations to test it – and to really be able to take full advantage of its potential, To the most current optics of the company. With the 16-55 mm f2.8 and the 50-140 mm f2.8 form a perfect pair.

So that yes (and why not)

Did we like the Fujifilm X-T2? A lot. It is one of those chambers that by performance, construction, management, performance and results serves us to solve almost any job. Better than the X-Pro 2? For different use, however much the image quality is almost identical. The X-Pro 2 would take us on a trip but, for example, to make a wedding we would opt for this X-T2. Question of speed and agility.

A great reviews for XT2 from Ken Rock Well

By the way, letting the optional grip handle improve the speed of shooting and reaction, the duration of the clips 4K or the connection for headphones is an idea that does not just convince us. For some it will be interesting to let them decide if they want to go more charged and pay a little more or can do without such benefits.

But back to the central theme, play to compare it in specialties like the sport with cameras like the Nikon D500 – we are working on a comparison of both models on the ground, by the way – that is to say too much, however much some insist on the idea.

From our experience, the Fujifilm X-T2 competes comfortably (always talking about focus, not construction or image quality) with a rung below the DSLR range like the D7200 or Canon EOS 80D. Models that, of course, are notably cheaper than this X.

Does it focus well? How do SLRs work? It depends on which SLR and in what type of scene, but can I work with it? Of course. As we were told by a photographer who works with both this model and professional SLR, the X-T2 demands a little more, but you end up getting the job. And at the end of it is all about.

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