FUJIFILM X-T2 / SHOOTING REPORT

The "X-T2" is the second generation model of Fujifilm's flagship X-T line along with the "X-Pro" line. It was released 2.5 years after the predecessor made its debut. Slight increase of body size brought a huge leap of evolution. Here's the list of major changes: 1) 24MP X-Trans CMOS sensor instead of 16MP, 2) dual-SD card slot, 3) faster AF, etc. The minor upgrades include 1/8000s shutter using mechanical shutter instead of 1/4000s, 14fps burst speed instead of 8fps, 91 AF points instead of 49, X Processor Pro image processor instead of EXP Processor II, and 4K video recoding instead of Full-HD. Almost everything has been refined to make it the most up-to-date camera an this should give a big smiles on the X-T1 users' face, just like the X-Pro2 did to the X-Pro1 users. I love the quiet and solid shutter sound, quick response, projected shape of rear buttons, brighter EVF with shorter black-out time. Yet, it's so easy to use: I can keep taking about the wonderfulness of this camera, but let's move on to the image quality.

( Photography & Text : Naz )

50% more pixels for amazing resolution
Who says an APS-C sensor is small?

24.3MP is 1.5X of 16.3MP of the X-T1. Even though I was completely satisfied with sharp images shot with the X-T1 using a sensor without a lowpass filter, I have to admit images shot with the X-T2 look even more thrilling, clearer, sharper, and deeper. I have decided to stop talking about the size of sensor because of this excellent image quality. In terms of pixel pitch, it's 3.9μm with the 24MP APS-C sensor and 4.15μm with the 50MP sensor. Considering the absence of lowpass filter and the power of X-Trans technology, I'm convinced of the evolution. You can view the image at the original size by clicking on it. Check the great detail from corner to corner. Of course, we should also remember that his is also because of the high optical performance of the XF lens.

The effect of increase of pixel amount is obvious on this long-distance shot. The way it captured the light is just as I wanted.

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As we expect from a Fujifilm camera, color reproduction is clear and beautiful. I often shoot in monochrome privately, but the X-T2 tempts me to shoot in color.

One of the strengths of the X-series is their beautiful green color. No wonder the majority of X camera users shoot landscapes.

Even considering the power of the lens, I'm impressed by the wonderful reproduction of the slightly wet wood surface and dry leaves on the ground. This delicate rendition is certainly a benefit of having more pixels.

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Do more pixels narrow the dynamic range? Never with this camera. The precise and rich tonal reproduction is realized by the high information density. Amazingly wide tonal range between the highlight of the sky and the shadow of the castle wall.

Just like with the X-T1, the electric shutter supports the maximum speed of 1/32000s which lets you shoot at wide open even in bright situations. The new mechanical shutter now supports 1/8000s. Thanks to the rugged body construction, it sounds nice and solid.

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It also supports ISO 12800 (51200 extended), 1 stop higher than the X-T1 does. Though we don't always shoot at the highest sensitivity, the increase improves the image quality at regular sensitivity. At ISO 3200, it looks almost perfect. In order to exaggerate the gouge made to cut stones, I shot in monochrome to cancel the color of the illumination. I love the "ACROS mode."

I appreciate the excellent high-sensitivity performance as the body doesn't have the IBIS. Shooting a dark underground space was so easy.

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Easy to handle. Perfecto packaging.
The X-T2 is for all fields.

While I do use many kinds of cameras in my profession, I had been shooting privately with the X-T1 most often until I got the X-T2. Why? Because I trust the image quality and appreciate the compactness and lightweight. All Fujifilm cameras have the great balance between image quality and size. We do need big and heavy gear for a serious assignment. But when shooting everyday life etc, we want cameras to be smaller and lighter. Compared to the X-T1, the X-T2 is slightly larger by 3.5mm in width, 2mm in height, 2.5mm in depth, and heavier by 67g. While this increase is sensible, it's still within the acceptable level. In fact, it improves the balance between with large-diameter lenses which are often used with a flagship camera.

The great balance between performance, size, and price is realized by the APS-C sensor. Just imagine the size of gears using a larger sensor. What differentiates Fujifilm's X-series rom the rest is this perfect way of packaging.

Other upgrades include 4K video recording, faster AF with improved tracking ability, EVF with faster response rate, faster continuous shooting speed, and shorter shutter time lag. Everything is faster with the X-T2. And, the optional battery grip makes it even faster by boosting up the continuous shooting speed. This is a mirrorless camera for professionals. Now, a tough choice remains. Do you get the X-T2? Or, the X-Pro2?

( 24.08.2017 )