“Fashion comes and and go. Style is forever.” If I may rephrase
this; “Camera comes and go, only those with soul last.” Like the
X-Pro1.
I am blessed to have the privilege to test out the new X-Pro2. It
has indeed mature. The AF is a huge leap from its predecessor.
Super fast and accurate. And now with a 24MP sensor; I get heaps
of details from my pictures for all my commercial shoots. To top it
up its now weather seal too. Everything on this camera is on my finger
tip. All the control in now place toward the right side of the camera.
I still remembered how excited I was when I first used XPro1; with the
X-Pro2; the feeling is the same except I think now my heart beats
a lot faster. Its indeed a very exciting and sexy camera to use. I am
in love again.
here are some key features of X-Pro2 that I love.
1. X-Pro2 now house a newly developed 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III
Sensor. This sensor when shooting with a high-resolution Fujinon
lens produces images with a perceived resolution far greater then
the actual number of pixels used. I was definitely blown away by the
details what this new APS-C sensor could produce on a large print.
Seeing is believing.
2. The new X Processor could boast up to 4x processing speed vs
the conventional image processing engine. Write speeds, start-up
time and high-speed continuous shooting have all been increased
Combined with the X-Trans CMOS III sensor, the new image
processing engine achieves even faster autofocus, lower noise
and both tonal and color reproduction that surpasses the previous
EXR Processor II.
3. X-Pro2’s chassis is made from four pieces of magnesium alloy
and is sealed in a total of 61 points on each section. making it
dust-proof, splash-proof and capable of operating in temperatures
as low as -10°C. In addition, it has dual SD card slots, for more
reliable image storage. Weather resistant may not be important to
some. To me its very important. Nailing the shot is crucial
and the last thing that a photographer needs is his camera failing
because of rain or dusty conditions.
4. Auto Focus. Needless to say; it has to improve. Question is; how
much did it improve? Its a faster and more accurate. X-Pro2 delivers
the fastest AF performance ever in an X-series camera. Lets say its
definitely inside the DSLR AF territory.
Approximately 40% of the imaging area is now covered by fast,
precise phase detection AF pixels, which means focusing speeds
when photographing moving subjects have improved dramatically.
5. Focus point. The number of selectable focusing points has been
expanded from 49 on previous models to 77 for greater functionality
and faster autofocus. There are 2 options for focus point. Either 77
point (7 x 11) or 273 point (13 x 21)
X-Pro2 Buffer rate on video. (Large Jpeg,fine)
6. With a new focal plane shutter, X-Pro2 now has a top speed of
1/8000 and flash sync up to 1/250 sec. This is indeed a warm
welcome for me and hopefully to many of you too.
7. I have always love the exposure compensation dial on the X-series
cameras. X-Pro2 is no difference with a 3 stop compensation except
now there is a (C) added on the exposure compensation dial. Selecting
this function switches exposure compensation operation to the front
command dial and expands the range to ±5EV. Wow!
Reminiscent of old film cameras, the ISO sensitivity dial is now built-in
to the shutter speed dial. This means camera settings can be confirmed
at a glance without having to turn the power on.
8. Instead of using the D-pad to move the AF point; A new Focus Lever
enables users to quickly select a focusing point. I find this lever really
useful and does speed up the operation.
9. Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, which combines switchable optical
and electronic viewfinders is one of the many features I love about X-Pro2.
The EVF uses an LCD with 2.36 million dots. The display speed has been
improved from the 54fps of the previous model to a maximum speed of
85fps, which substantially reduces the image delay phenomenon when
tracking a moving subject. Blackout time after release has also been
reduced by approximately half, to 150ms, so it’s comparable to an optical
viewfinder.
The optical viewfinder’s design is based on the proven system from
the X-Pro1. It now incorporates a diopter correction mechanism and has
a longer eye point of 16mm so the finder is easier to see through. In
addition, the telephoto bright frame has been enlarged from a focal length
of 60mm to 140mm, further enhancing practicality and convenience.
The X-Pro2 features an Electronic Rangefinder (ERF) mode that was highly
rated on the X100 series. It displays a small electronic viewfinder on top of
the optical viewfinder, which can be used to check focus, the angle-of-view,
exposure and white balance in real-time, even when taking photos through
the OVF.
10. The X-Pro2 features the new ACROS Film Simulation mode. Harnessing
the high processing performance of the X Processor Pro, this mode
produces smooth tones, deep blacks and rich textures that are far
superior to conventional monochrome modes. A new Grain Effect mode
adds graininess to photographs. This mode produces images reminiscent
of old film photos, especially when printed.
11. A new graphical user interface design is another update. New categories
have been added to the tabs on the menu screen, allowing faster access to
the menu required. A maximum of 16 frequently used items can be registered
to the new My Menu feature. When combined with the 16 items from the Q
Menu, a total of 32 shortcuts can be created. The finder display offers a greater
level of customization so it can further match the individual needs of the
photographer.
The menu screen font and layout have been changed for a cleaner and more
stylish look. A Bright Frame Simulation function has been added to the optical
viewfinder mode. Here, the angle of view of each focal length can be confirmed
without having to replace the lens, so the user can change lenses more accurately.
12. Last but not least; XPro2 is definitely WiFi ready. Perfect for all social media
addicts. By downloading the free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app to your
smartphone or tablet device, users can use the Remote Control function,
which allows a wealth of control, even from a distance. This functionality is
great for a wide variety of shots, including group photos, self-portraits and
animals in their natural habitat.
Photos and videos can be sent to devices such as your smartphone with an
easy one-touch operation. Pictures and videos on the camera can be browsed,
selected, and imported using your smartphone, all without the hassle of inputting
an ID or password. It is also possible to add location information acquired by
the smartphone or tablet to the image.
Finally thoughts; having the privilege to test out a preproduction X-Pro2; I must
say that it has indeed mature. A 24mp sensor is certainly a breath of fresh air.
All my pictures are all taken in jpeg. I am not able to convert the raw file due the
software. But at the looks of the jpegs; I was am totally blown away by the
awesome IQ. Razor sharp.
1/8000 shutter speed and a flash sync of 1/250 is another upgrade from Xpro1.
AF speed and accuracy is definitely something to shout about. The Advanced
Hybrid Multi Viewfinder is always a joy to use. I do wish for a tilt screen though;
hopefully when X-Pro3 comes.
Here is my video link of X-Pro2. Do check it out.
Do Like my Facebook page for more pictures update.
https://www.facebook.com/IvanjoshualohX/
Lastly and not to be missed, a funny series shot with X-Pro2
“he telephoto bright frame has been enlarged from a focal length
of 60mm to 140mm” Sounds promising for use of the OVF with longer lenses.