Fujifilm Announces X-T2 With Over-Sampled 4K Video, 325-Point Hybrid AF, and a Slew of Requested Improvements

Fujifilm Announces X-T2 With Over-Sampled 4K Video, 325-Point Hybrid AF, and a Slew of Requested Improvements

Just announced and already available for pre-order, the X-T2 is Fujifilm's latest and truly greatest mirrorless camera — and it's not even the most expensive. Supporting the latest 24-megapixel X-Trans III sensor are features that include 8 frames-per-second shooting (11 fps with a newly announced power grip), an ISO range of 200-12,800 (up to 100-51,200), and over-sampled video during both 1080p and a Fujifilm mirrorless camera first: 4K recording. If you want the best Fujifilm mirrorless body, this is it. And we're just getting started.

Built on the success of Fujifilm's X-T1 SLR-style mirrorless camera, the X-T2 is a clear example of Fuji's willingness to listen and cater to its customers. Scroll down a bit if you want to read about the big-ticket features, but for the true shooter, these small improvements are a nice reminder of the X-Trans brand's commitment to its fans.

Small Features Really Add Up

The X-T2 has all the basics, including a weather-sealed body and an extremely quickly-refreshing OLED EVF. But other decisions such as the more robust dials that lock more effectively, the superior orientation and subsequent spread of camera operations amongst the various control dials, a three-way tilting rear LCD screen, an eight-direction joystick for focus point selection, generally improved handling, and dual super-fast UHS-II-compatible SD card slots are amongst a host of features that the avid shooter will find welcome.

Still Photography

Using the same sensor found in the X-Pro2, the X-T2 features similar capabilities in actual image quality, from its megapixel-count to the 100-51,200 extended ISO range. But improvements such as a 325-point hybrid contrast- and phase-detection autofocus system — the most advanced of Fujifilm's mirrorless cameras — push its capabilities beyond what the X-Pro2 can accomplish (at least on paper). Meanwhile, greater customizability of performance while using the Continuous shooting mode (in addition to a new and improved autofocus algorithm) ensures more accurate tracking and overall performance while shooting.

New Vertical Power Booster Grip

Combining power output from two batteries held within, a new grip for the X-T2 enables features such as 11 fps shooting (up from 8 fps with the body alone), shortened lag-times before and between shots, and extended 30-minute 4K shooting periods (up from 10 minutes without the grip).

Videography

With or without the Vertical Power Booster Grip, the X-T2 supports 4K and 1080p recording. Images captured in both modes are compressed from over-sampled files, however, which is a fantastic feature of which few manufacturers in this class have been able to take advantage. A 5,120 x 2,880 sample image supplies 1.8 times the necessary data for 4K video recording (3,840 x 2,160) while a 3,000 x 1,687 sample image is compressed to a sharper 1080p file in the traditional 1,920 x 1,080 dimensions. Full HD video can be recorded in a variety of frame rates up to 60 fps while 4K tops out at 30 fps.

Additionally, Fujifilm's film profiles can be applied to any recorded footage. But more interestingly and usefully, Fujifilm gives users the ability to record in an F-Log Gamma setting for a flatter, more workable profile pros can appreciate.

Accessories

In addition to the aforementioned Vertical Power Booster Grip, Fujifilm announced a new EF-X500 flash (and accompanying battery unit), metal handgrip, and bottom-half leather case.

Pre-Order

Everything announced today is currently available for pre-order.

The X-T2 body is available alone for $1,599 or in a kit with an 18-55mm lens for $1,899.

On paper, the X-T2 is a perfect marriage of a much-needed technology update and a number of small refinements that could make it the best mirrorless camera on the market. And while we'll have to reserve final judgment for hands-on reviews to roll in alongside real-world tests, we're sure this is something that will serve Fujifilm shooters for years to come.

Adam Ottke's picture

Adam works mostly across California on all things photography and art. He can be found at the best local coffee shops, at home scanning film in for hours, or out and about shooting his next assignment. Want to talk about gear? Want to work on a project together? Have an idea for Fstoppers? Get in touch! And, check out FilmObjektiv.org film rentals!

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28 Comments

Really tempted to finally ditch my Canon gear.. But not sure if it is suited for my commercial work because I need very clean files..

Fuji is also supposed to be announcing a medium format camera in just a few months as well. I love what they're doing for the photography industry.

Yeah I've heard, hope it's true!! Then I would totally jump ship. Fuji XT2 + Fuji MF would be a perfect combo for my work. Already have the X100T for fun/travel. Definitely going wait till Photokina 2016 by the way.

I have the Xt100s, and while a cute camera, it's slow focusing and terrible low light ISO ability keeps it in a desk drawer gathering dust (since i tend to do a lot of shooting indoors). This new XT-2 definitely interests in replacing that Xt100.

I've been eyeing used Phase One's for years but even used with a good digital back, i could buy a really nice used sports car for the money it would cost for that system. A MF put out by another competitor, and by Fuji no less, has me me really excited.

The x100t has much better auto focus but I'm not sure why you think the higher ISO is sub par. I shoot weddings with the x100s and with zone focusing I have never ever had a problem using higher ISO in dark reception halls. Same sensor as the xt1 and x100t and the files are incredible. I came from a 5dmk 2 and my fujis kick the hell out of that camera any day of the week

This is totally wrong of course, but i'm using my 5d3 for my baseline comparison. If i never owned a mk3, i'd probably think the X100s was amazing. But while at 6400 i get noticeable noise in my Fuji photos, i get completely clean photos up until i hit 12,800 on the mk3 and even then, it comes across as grain, not noise, so it's a pleasant type of noise.

If i did zone focusing, the Fuji would definitely not be a huge problem during the day, but i tend to do snap focusing using focus points. And i feel terribly limited with having one single focal length that i can't change out. I though i wouldn't mind it, but realized with my style, i need different lengths to shoot at.

Sounds like the XPro2 would be much better for you. The higher iso is better than the x100 line and they have some killer Fuji glass. I totally agree the x100s autofocus is atrocious but I've learned to live with it till I can afford the T. Plus zone focusing is a fun challenge at f2!

Todd, i definitely think so. I'm not a street shooter, per se- i dont zone focus and most of what i shoot are events with people i know, so something this with interchangeable lenses and higher iso totally appeals to me. (I do love focus peeking and the EVF options for manual focusing in the X100s though)

Isn't the X100s built around the original Xtrans sensor? We're on the third iteration of it now, so it's reasonable to assume there has been quite a big evolution.

Ciaran, there wasn't a substantial jump from the X100s to the T- same X-Trans CMOS II sensor. The only biggie in the T was autofocus speed was improved, accuracy in achieving focus on a point was improved, better button ergonomics, and the real improvement for me- wi-fi enabled. But that's it. I found the 6400 iso quality unusable for the S series.

Ah- I thought the S had the original. I stand corrected. All the same it's still reasonable to assume a step up to the x trans 3. I'm with you on the 2 though- I don't go over 3200 on my XT1.

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Did they do the X-T1 in silver? I know the did the X-T10. I love the black personally.

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awesome thanks for the pic! I love that actually! it's definitely a different "silver" than the X-T10 or even the X100 line.

I use mine professionally for weddings and such so I prefer the black for that reason but I do love the look of that.

The X100 line looks better in black IMO though. haha.

Back in the 70's cameras came in silver but black was an option for some at $35 extra. I envied my friend for his black Nikon EL. I could never imagine springing for the black when I could put that a long way towards a Vivitar 135 f2.8 preset lens for $49. ;)

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I didn't tell anything about performance of film cameras nor the long use of one. I was simply saying, I prefer the silver because it reminds me of film SLR that I used to fiddle with.

If you are a long time professional with extensive experience of using film SLR, then good for you. I didn't dishonor neither steal your valor of being an expert with cameras.

Sorry, but I am just annoyed how a simple color preference can be a huge fuss over your "stickler for accuracy".

waiting for 5d mkIV and gh5 before deciding which system I will invest in. I hope that canon will be the best as I have already the lenses and accessories :-)

Based on every camera Fuji has put out since the XT series and the amount of quality and design they put into all their gear, i'll still choose this over a gh5 (no offense, Panasonic!) Now if only Canon could come out with their own version of the GH and XT- they'd have a major winner.

Got to hand it to Fuji, they not taking a backseat. With the XPro2 and now the XT2 price points with the quality of features and continual future support via FW upgrades, these are by far the best value for pro gear out there.

They truly listen to their consumer base. The combined improvements from ergonomics, to dials, to the usual sensor/af upgrades, t's far more than you ever see with the big two (which is sad).

You can see they are trying to stay competitive with Sony by really taking video seriously now. I've own the XT1 for about a year and use video quite often. Its a bit of a pain to use but serviceable enough for non-commercial work, small projects its fine -- Now with the XT2. They've made it a real option for those need to shoot both photo and video.

4K, 100mbps, r-log, uncompressed 4k HDMI out, finally a standard 3.5mm mic input, and even the headphone monitor out on the grip (which is a great little feature that most haven't written about), will certainly make people interested enough to try it now for video instead of having a separate system.

I'm very excited for this camera!! I've already made the switch to Fuji with an x-t1 and x100s and have been pretty happy with them. There were definitely some draw backs going to Fuji but I'm glad they are stepping up their game with these newer cameras. I'm not a video guy but 4K video might make me do some personal work.

People can think what they want about Fuji but the files are gorgeous and if you learn to use the quirks the cameras have it's worth switching. I'm never going back to Canon. Especially if a MF is coming.

its not just canon but I never really vibed with DSLR's. I used them out of necessity but they never really excited me like Fuji/mirrorless has. something about Fuji glass/IQ is magic to me. might not work for anyone else but my work is better for it mainly because of how much I love using the cameras and seeing the results.

I am pretty excited to get the new AF system for my xpro2 in October.

Man only thing the Fuji system if missing is a full frame sensor.. they have absolutely nailed it in every other regard... Hope the MF rumours are true

"With or without the Vertical Power Booster Grip, the X-T1 supports 4K and 1080p recording." should probably read "X-T2"

Thanks!

I need this camera.