The X-Pro1 started it all as it cemented its place while paving the way for its segment — the mirrorless rangefinder-style APS-C camera — as the way of the future. But until today, Fuji’s focus has been on further diversifying the segment with other high-end, mid-range, and budget mirrorless systems. Today’s announcement brings a new, true compact flagship to XF platform in the form of the 24-megapixel, professional-level X-Pro2.
The 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans III CMOS sensor is the first to get the third-generation badge and manages to pull in a sensitivity level up to ISO 12,800, expandable to 51,200. Fujifilm also promises perceived resolution to be far greater than that of the actual number of pixels used.
In addition to improved phase detection and motion predictive autofocus performance up to 0.08 seconds combined with continuous shooting at eight frames per second, the X-Pro2 features other professional-level specs that you’d expect of such a camera. The new autofocus system covers 40 percent of the imaging area with an astonishingly high 273 user-selectable AF points, 77 of which are phase detection pixels. Combining these pixels with contrast detection readout that is twice as fast as in previous generations, the new processor in the X-Pro2 enables the fastest autofocus performance of any X-Series camera.
The X-Pro2 features the world’s first Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder with 2.36 million dots and a maximum speed of 85 frames per second. Using this viewfinder, the user can switch instantly between optical and electronic finders. This hybrid viewfinder is the most advanced yet with a multi-magnification feature that automatically switches the magnification according to the focal length of the attached lens while an electronic rangefinder is displayed over the optical one for focusing functions. A bright frame feature also allows the preview of narrower focal lengths within the frame to help gauge field of view with a particular lens before changing it out.
A focal plane shutter with a shutter speed topping out at 1/8,000 s, dual SD memory card slots, a three-inch, scratch-resistant display, and up to 1080p60 video features are all encompassed within a dust and splash-resistant body with 61 points of weather sealing and freeze resistance to 14°F. Interestingly, the press release states that only Slot 1 is compatible with UHS-II standards, but time will tell exactly what that does or does not mean for Slot 2.
Finally, renewed attention has been given to reworking the controls for a better user experience. The ISO sensitivity dial is now built into the shutter speed dial so settings can be confirmed without turning on the camera (continuing the retro look and functionality as with all the old film cameras).
The dual command dials on both the front and rear now feature a push function to make them easier to use while still retaining dust and water resistance. Six function buttons allow quick access to regularly used functions which is also helped by the new Focus Lever to enable users to quickly select a focus point (this last part is still new to me, so I’ll have to look into it). These function buttons are complemented by a redesigned, categorized, tabbed menu system within the camera.
Available in February 2016 at a price of $1,699.95, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 should prove an interesting competitor to Nikon’s recently announced pro-level APS-C D500 DSLR, which should only intensify the rivalry between mirrorless and DSLR technologies.
Very cool. Fuji has been on a great roll for an indefinite period of time. I'm surprised they didn't give this camera 4k capability however. I wouldn't compare this to the D500 tho.
I think they had massive issues to fix in order to compete as a pro APS-C camera: EVF refresh rate, AF, dual slots, resolution, etc... These were all missing from Fuji's cameras.
And fuji are clearly marketed to those who don't care for video. Granted, there isn't masses of them in the professional market but that' what they want to cater to.
This looks very nice but I agree with SpyBlack to compare it to D500 is too much. Had Fuji X series for testing during a full season and sold it and stayed with Nikon for my line of work. Want to test the AF + ISO capability first, but IMO D500 in DX format will become a camera of the year with huge lead ahead of competition. Fuji rocks for certain type of photography yet for low light weddings I will still stick with FX Nikons :)
Agreed on the low-light wedding case. But at the same time, ISO performance has improved dramatically across the board in just a couple short years. People were fine with the D750 performance which now seems almost antiquated with the new Nikon bodies. So anyone could make the argument for these new systems as AF and ISO has improved everywhere. DSLR OR mirrorless...it's mattering less and less as time goes on....
Yes but the ISO and low light AF capability is where this combination is necessary for wedding photography, and I can honestly say Fuji was way behind Nikon in this matter. Since with new cross-type AF spread Nikon just announced they increased this barrier even more, and if you shot Nikons recently you know how dam good they are in this :) So Fuji looks really nice and will try it again and get it when they improved enough for my taste :). The quality if their lenses is magical, yet I keep Nikons even if I got X series again, they are way faster in general in the field where I work :)
I'd be curious to see the new AF with 2/3 of Phase detect points.
Agreeing with everyone else, what does this have to do with the D500?!
Well, there's this silent and yet not-so-silent war between DSLRs and mirrorless tech. The D500 and X-Pro2 are in the same price range, same sensor size, similar pixel count, and both released around the same time. It'll be interesting to see what Fuji can do with the smaller body compared to the D500. Sony's lineup is half-and-half on the cusp of getting there with great sensors, but lacking lens and AF support/capabilities. ISO performance likely won't compare as neatly with this Fuji and the D500, but everything else....it'll be interesting...
Back when I tested the X-Pro1, there's no way it was a replacement for any DSLR of its era and price range. But as time has gone on, things have gotten quite a bit better for the mirrorless world, and I imagine they will continue doing so (obviously).
But film rangefinders didn't compete with film DSLRs decades ago...different markets for different types of photography. No one is going to pick up a X-Pro2 for dedicated sports photography and most street photographers don't care for the bulk of a DSLR...
So personally, I agree with everyone else...apples and oranges. The only thing similar is that they're both cameras...with the same "film" format...
Well that's just it. There's a lot more to photography than sport and street photography. And until recently, the lacking AF tech in mirrorless systems was a sore spot for street/documentary photographers. Maybe it was passable. Maybe they were "okay" with manual-focusing their Leicas. But at the end of the day, no one "doesn't want" speedy and accurate AF. So the fact that this is becoming better and better in the smaller package of mirrorless cameras is great. More shots will be sharper, etc.
If you're shooting sports, there's no question you're in the market for a D5 or 1D series camera. That won't change (and who cares about bulk when you're sitting with a monopod at the end of a field?). But there are plenty areas where there's overlap and where as smaller body would be preferable IF quality and features don't take a hit. That's all. Street/travel photography, wedding photography, anything documentary, etc.
Yes, there are more types of photography...but each has a specific type of ergonomics that tends to work well - moving beyond focusing, sensors, metering, etc. I used sport and street as mere examples, but the truth of the matter is, a rangefinder is ergonomically different from an SLR and used in different situations regardless of sensor, focusing, or metering systems. All else equal, people will still choose SLRs for some types of photography and rangefinders for others.
If you're in the market for a small camera, you aren't going to consider a D500. Doesn't matter how well it performs.
I bought an X100T earlier this year, because lugging my DSLR kit on my motorcycle, was just a big pain and it was never available in a snap. The form factor and ease of use of the range finder type is just so quick and unobtrusive. The 35mm lens also has forced me to really think my images out, in the way fixed lenses always do. Fuji got the EVF pretty good too. Since Canon can't seem to make this camera, my Fuji is happy to sit with my full size bodies.Just as ready for it's specific mission. YMMV
pretty much my story as well. (For street photography, I set mine to f11, auto ISO, manual focus to 9 feet, and pretty much everything from 4 feet to infinity is in relatively decent focus)
FIIIIIIINAAALLLY a new sensor. I was getting tired of seeing 10 different cameras built around the same sensor.
I would like to see the same sensor and AF, processor, dual card slots in a Xt-1 style body. With old injuries to my right arm I like cameras with V grips.
You're going to see a point and shoot version, an xt-1 style version, a version like the xt-1 but not as good version, an xe, an xm, an x100t version. Give it a year and you'll see every version of that sensor for the next five years lol.
What Justin said. But they'll also sell you a grip with the X-Pro2 if you want it. Don't know what it looks like yet, but it's promised to not block access to the battery and to the memory card slots.
Fuji is in the dead end. They should design mirrorless Full Frame body. They are only wasting time.
APS-C technology easily exceeds what full-frame was just a couple short years ago. So if they can keep the sensors small and performance adequate, there's really very little reason to explore full-frame options for their XF lineup, especially when their lenses stay small and optimized for the smaller format. I'm sure it'll happen some day. But there's no need. And it'd be a long road ahead to get great full-frame lenses while it would simultaneously undo the work they did to stay compact.
FF its just different when we are talking about picture and im not writing about color reproduction or high iso in LOW light. Its like compared medium format to ff... Its a nice camera but for me this device is a toy for rich amtour or pro photographer who can afford another set of lenses just for this one body (cus propably he is woring on nikon or canon). Sony A7 is heading good direction, but they need add 2 card slots and relase body with 20 inch MP sensor instead this monsters.Im bitching cus i want to buy new camera and fuji pisses me of, such a nice concept and ruined by aps-c sensor. potato english - i know.
Ha. I get the sentiment. And I'm not saying it wouldn't make a difference. I, too, am jealous because I want a FF Fuji XF system. But at the same time, it is simply not as big of a difference as it used to be (and getting narrower). The jump between FF and MF is much bigger when you compare relative surface area, etc.
Now, why they can't manage 16-bit color files on any of these smaller sensors is still beyond me. But I'm not knowledgable enough on that to know the reasons why this hasn't happened yet.
Pity us poor left-eyed people. No cameras built for us. Rangefinders are really tough.