Most people would consider it strange that a camera company would release within six months two flagship cameras that share the same imaging sensor, but as we’ve tested the Fujifilm X-Pro2 before (NXT issue 2) we can tell you that the Fujifilm X-T2 is quite different from its sibling; for while the X-Pro2 is a camera focused on presenting a consummate manual user experience for artistic composition, the X-T2 is an all around premium mirrorless camera created to handle a wide range of photography and videography.
Yes, you heard us right. Videography. Video capture has never been a priority for Fujifilm and none of their current cameras are capable of 4K video recording – until the X-T2. And it’s a proper 4K@30fps video recording capability plus a microphone input port and the ability to adjust whites.
The X-T2 is of course based on the excellent X-T1 and apart from the inclusion of a very versatile tilting LCD screen the camera body is basically a refinement of it’s predecessor. While the X-T2 uses the same 23.4-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor as the X-Pro2 it actually has a newer X-Processor Pro2 image processor and better AF with 325 focus points. Overall ergonomics are excellent, even with a heavy lens attached, and with the introduction of custom autofocus settings (AF-C) you can pre-select one of 6 AF set-ups for sports or action photography.
Action photography, by the way, has always been a Fujifilm weakness because they have comparatively slow frame-rates – 8fps on both the X-Pro2 and the X-T1. In the X-T2 they’ve sort of fixed the issue, for while the camera itself still shoots at 8fps, there’s a VPD-XT2 battery grip (S$449) that you can add on that has a ‘boost’ switch to bump up the burst speed to 11fps – 14fps in full electronic shutter mode. The grip adds two more batteries to the overall package so you can snap up to 1,000 shots between charging!
Verdict
Rating: 5/5
The Fujifilm X-T2 matches the excellent image quality of the X-Pro2 but in a more versatile package that’s great for all styles of photography, especially outdoor action and wildlife. Add in 4K video capability, film simulation modes and that battery pack and you have a winner.
S$2,599 (body only)
