[Keithwee] Preview of the Fujifilm X-T2 : Creative Perfection for the Pro

[keithwee]

With the release of the X-Pro2 and X-Trans III sensor heralding the progress into next generation of Fujifilm X-Mount 6 months ago on 15 Jan 2016, I’m proud to be able to share the announcement and numerous improvements that cumulates into an X-mount camera that exudes an excellent balance between usability, looks and compactness.

In a glance, one may see the full X-mount system at : http://fujifilm-x.com/en/

And today, 7 July 2016 – Fujifilm is now proud to announce the next iteration to the much loved X-T1 with the release of the Fujifilm X-T2.

Presenting the Fujifilm X-T2​

 

[keithwee]

The X-Pro2 continues to be the epitome of the Fujifilm X-mount being a rangefinder design showcasing Fujifilm’s propriety hybrid OVF/EVF and the X-T2 serves to be the solution to professional users who prefer a DSLR-handling experience balanced with the full power of Fujifilm’s X-mount.

( my X-Pro2 writeup is here at: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1584575 )

On first glance, one may see no huge difference in aesthetics of the X-T2 over the X-T1, but on closer study, one will see the numerous useful improvements that the engineers and designers have conscientiously built in to ensure the X-T2 is a worthy successor to the X-T1.

The X-T2 with the XF35 F2 WR.

( my XF35 F2 writeup is here at: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1564773)

 

[keithwee]

Specs.

Truthfully speaking, the spec sheet reads like a dictionary and anyone can drop by Fujifilm’s press release to take a full look and I am just going to post a quick run-through of the specs we will want to know about the X-T2.

The benchmark 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor combined with a new high-performance X Processor Pro image processing engine achieves even faster autofocus, lower noise and both tonal and color reproduction that gives the user the maximum capabilities in capturing the images of their wish.

The X-T1 was known for its superb large EVF of 0.77x magnification, the X-T2 now comes further improved with a display speed improved from the 54fps of the previous model to now up to a staggering of 100fps and a display lag of 0.005seconds. (The X-Pro2’s EVF hits 85 fps) You need to see it for yourself to understand how great the EVF now is.

The Focal plane shutter with a top speed of 1/8000 sec. and flash sync up to 1/250 sec, and yes, the shutter is now much quieter with lesser vibrations. You need to hear it to feel it. Note that there is also the option of using the electronic shutter that goes up to 1/32000 seconds on the X-T2 should one choose to.

A robust, weather resistant body with the camera’s chassis made from magnesium alloy and is dust-proof, splash-proof and capable of operating in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Dual SD card slots, for more reliable image storage. The X-T2 has dual UHS-II slots, yes – dual.

The ACROS Film Simulation mode in X-Pro2 has found it way to the X-T2. 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 and the Grain Effect mode allows levels of graininess to be added to enhance images.

One hall mark of the Fujifilm X-mount cameras has been the placement of physical dials for the aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure values and the X-T2 sports dials machined from aluminum and seasoned users will have no issues transiting to the X-T2, with every single important element of shooting such as aperture control, shutter speed, exposure all within one hand reach without having to move into the menus to access them.

A command dial position (C) has been added to the exposure compensation dial. Selecting this function switches exposure compensation operation to the front command dial and expands the range to ±5EV.

Yes, the X-T2 comes with a tilt screen for framing the awkward angle shot, and surprise! Its not just a tilt screen , the X-T2 tile screen also swings outwards to allow further flexibility in composing that awkward angled shot.

The AFC mode (Continuous tracking) and AF capabilities are now another league ahead of the X-Pro2. For example, one get 6 specialised AFC built in modes to utilize for tracking erratic and fast moving objects in the X-T2.

 

[keithwee]

Disclaimer for this preview:

1. the X-T2 I was loaned was a pre-production model running pre-production firmware.
2. All images shared are JPEG SOOC, only cropped and adjusted for highlights/shadows in LR 6.
3. The camera was returned to Fujifilm Asia Pacific at the end of the loan period and I was not paid at all in any form for the preview.
4. the lenses used for each shot are labelled as far as possible and they are all my personal copies.

 

[keithwee]

All right, with that out of the way, lets get down to the camera itself!

Handling.

The dials any seasoned user from X-T1 recognised has been carried over to the X-T2 and further improved on, for example, the exposure compensation dial now moves to ‘C’ , allowing one further customization beyond EV +/- 3 when shooting.

Take a closer look, and yes – the shutter of the X-T2 is now threaded, similar to the X-Pro line of cameras for threaded time releases and for those who prefer adding a shutter button for added stability.

Shutter speeds on the mechanical shutter go up to 1/8000s and is easily accessible from the dial with access to ISO values and Drive modes on the left dual-layered dial.

Remember the irritating part where one needs to depress the lock-button to change SS values on the dial? Fujifilm has heard and now its press once to lock, press once to unlock so its totally up to you to dictate how you prefer this to be set.

The X-T2 is a very compact camera at 507 grams , in fact – smaller than the X-Pro2 and yes, is very comfortable to handle with a well designed recessed grip section on the front.

The X-T2 comes with an optional power booster grip accessory the VTB-XT2 that includes a power adapter AC-9VS in the same box.

The term ‘booster’ precisely means it boosts the capabilities of the X-T2 when mounted, allowing the user to:

1. Increase battery capacity by another extra 200% (you get 3 batteries in your setup if you max out all the battery slots and one may achieve up to 1000 shots on a charge with the optional booster grip.
2. achieve a 14 fps under High Continuous mod. Without the grip, the X-T2 maxes out at 8 fps like the X-Pro2.
3. Increase 4K recording time to 30 mins.
4. Overall performance gains with shorter shutter lag, even down to a shorter processing time between images.

What is for sure is the X-T2 booster grip enhances the shooting experience further through providing a further boost to performance.

 

[keithwee]

The back of the camera highlights all what is important. Former users had issues with smugly buttons on the X-T1 which was later resolved in later batches – I’m glad to say there are not problems of this sort and the D-pad is as comfortable and responsive to use as any top end camera out there.

Yes, the joystick for one to adjust focal points that debuted in the X-Pro2 is also present and its responsive and a joy to use!

 

[keithwee]

Tilt-Screen

A reason why users prefer the X-T series to the X-Pro or X-E is the tilt screen. And yes, Fujifilm has never forgotten to improve on this.

Not just up-down tilt, but now there’s a small catch on the left side that allows one to flip out the LCD screen sideways for further shooting convenience.

The joints are sturdy and smooth to operate, clicking to close with a firm feel.

 

[keithwee]

Storage.

A step up is now the inclusion of dual UHS-II slots in the X-T2 and yes, small details to even now the closing mechanism of the SD-card slot is now improved coming to its handling.

 

[keithwee]

Video - yes, a video section for a Fuji!

The X-T2 comes ready out of the box with 4K recording capabilities, a first for Fujifilm X-mount.
A pleasant surprise was that one also gets the options of 24/25/30p amongst other sweeteners.

Personally, here is where power video users will find the grip with an extended battery life of total 3 batteries an important accessory to have.

and the last surprise? Fujifilm's superb film simulations can be applied to the videos taken too.

 

[keithwee]

Shooting and AF

The moment one switches the X-T2 on and proceeds to shoot, you will realise that AF is much more confident now, and simply – faster. Sure, its not MFT standards blazing fast but it will exceed or match the AF speeds of most flagship models from the other brands.

The numbers are: Startup time of 0.3 seconds, shooting interval of 0.17 seconds and a shutter release lag of 0.045 seconds - impressive enough for any situation.

The X-Pro1 era gave 49 selectable AF points (LCD), 25 (OVF), and on now the X-T2, 91 points.

Using the joystick was easy and straightforward, and yes, the slugginess that was present in X-Pro2 prototype model back then has been fixed (X-Pro2’s had this issue improved in its production model release)

For further versatility, the X-T2 brings the digital split to the next level, instead of B&W, one now has the option to engage the digital split screen in full color. You shoot in color, why settle for B&W to focus?

The X-T2 pushes limits by now doing a maximum of 14fps in continuous shooting (booster grip required for 14fps), another first for the X-mount, the UHS-II and large buffer allows one to shoot at Continuous high for 20 seconds before any noticeable lag in writing appeared.

High performance mode has been renamed to BOOST mode too. I’m guessing this is to align the names to the booster grip.

 

[keithwee]

AFC and tracking

The X-T2 features a next generation AFC system, now equipped with 6 modes of tracking specific to the subject one prefers to shoot.

It only gets better and better with the spirit of Kaizen in Fujifilm. Fujifilm supported upgrades to X-T1 till firmware version 4 and expect the X-T2 to have a long support life too.

Another surprise was the presence of a new battery model, now we have the NWP-126S on the X-T2. I’ve tried and it is backward compatible with the NWP-126 and I did not notice much difference in its performance.

 

[keithwee]

Some shots of the X-T2 with some of my personal lenses.

With the XF35 F2 mounted

With the XF16-55 F2.8

With the XF56 F1.2 APD mounted

yes – for those people who mind this. The X-T2 is Made in Japan, and here’s highlighting the D-pad design too

 

[keithwee]

Accessories.

The X-T2 comes bundled with the EF-X8 flash amongst others. More options are available with the debut of the EF-X500 together with the X-T2 today. There will be a Booster grip and also a grip option available too.

here's a glimpse for a to be further expanded list of accessories for the X-T2

 

[keithwee]

A writeup is never complete with some shots being shared and here are some sample shots I did with the time I had with this lovely camera.

XF55-200

XF55-200

XF55-200

 

[keithwee]

XF35 F2

XF35 F2

XF35 F2

 

[keithwee]

XF55-200

XF55-200

XF55-200

 

[keithwee]

XF55-200

XF55-200

 

[keithwee]

XF56 F1.2 APD

XF56 F1.2 APD

XF56 F1.2 APD

 

[keithwee]

XF18 F2

XF55-200

XF55-200

 

[keithwee]

XF55-200