Fujifilm today launched the second generation of its flagship mirrorless camera, the X-T2, along with a powerful new flash. While the original X-T1 was a classic design that hearkened back to its film SLR days, the X-T2 emphasizes major improvements in image quality, focusing, and video. A new 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter is said to produce image quality that rivals that of larger-sensor cameras, and the camera now has a 4K video recording mode.
Fujifilm X-T2 Key Features:
- 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III
- No low-pass filter
- 4K Video
- Film Simulation mode for both stills and video
- 325 Single AF points covering 40% of image area
- 91 zone focus points
- TTL 256-zone metering
- More frequent refocusing and predictive AF
- ISO range 100-12800, expandable to 51200
- Shutter speeds 4-1/8000 sec (mechanical), 30-1/32,000 sec (electric), bulb
- 14fps max. burst mode
- 2.36 million dot EVF
- 3-inch 1.62 million dot LCD monitor
- 15 film simulation modes
- Wi-Fi
- Weather-Sealed
Image Quality Upgrades
Fuji replaced the original X-T1’s 16MP X-Trans II sensor with an all-new 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III version, and removed the low-pass filter, effectively increasing the amount of light being captured and therefore improving image quality especially in lower light and higher ISOs.
Fujifilm uses proprietary image processing, using knowledge gained from being a top producer of films, to produce warm skin tones, blue skies and green foliage that they claim are true to life. ACROS film simulation is said to provide smooth gradation, deep blacks and fine textures for black-and-white images.
Speaking of film, the X-T2’s grain effect emulates the graininess found in photos taken on film. The effect can be set to strong or weak, and combined with any of the Film Simulation modes. There are 15 modes, including Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, B&W negatives with simulated yellow, green, and red filter options. This feature is especially valuable when you’re making prints and want that distinctive analogue look.
Finer Focusing
Fujifilm has also improved the camera’s hybrid autofocusing capabilities, boosting the number of Zone focusing points from 49 in the X-T1 to 91, with a total of 325 single AF points. Approximately 40% of the image area is covered with phase detection AF pixels. Contrast-detection AF coves 65% of the image area and the data read speed has been doubled. Fujifilm claims accurate focusing in all situations, including low-contrast subjects and in low light at -3EV.
The new X-Processor Pro and improved algorithms allow the X-T2 to refocus more frequently, which should result in faster and more accurate focus acquisition. In addition, the AF-C algorithm has been improved for more accurate focus tracking. Subject retention, acceleration/deceleration tracking and focus zone can be individually d depending on the shooting situation.
A new Focus Lever, located on the back of the camera, moves up and down or right and left to make quick changes in the focus area for more accurate focus control.
Souped Up Performance
Fujifilm claims the X-T2’s performance has been improved greatly. The electronic viewfinder can display up to 100 frames per second at a magnification of 0.77x and a display time lag of 0.005 seconds. Viewfinder blackout time has been halved, an important feature when shooting in burst mode. Autofocus acquisition is a zippy 0.06 seconds, and shutter lag is claimed at 0.045 seconds—virtuously instantaneous. It allows shooting intervals of as short as 0.17 seconds.
4K Video
The X-T2 bumps up video resolution fourfold, to 4K at up to 30 fps, as well as 1080p and 720p at up to 60 fps.
Four Display Modes
The LCD and EVF offer four display modes—full, normal, dual, and vertical. Full mode displays shooting information at the top and bottom of the screen to avoid obstruction of the view. Dual mode adds a small second screen for checking focus point with Focus Peak Highlight or Digital Split Image. Normal mode lets you concentrate on framing the shot in Auto Focus mode while keeping you aware of how the shooting conditions are changing, making it the perfect setting for sports and action photography. Portrait mode, when in Full or Normal modes, rotates the shooting information interface when the camera is turned vertically.
Multiple Auto Bracketing Options
The camera has five customizable auto bracketing modes: 6 AE bracketing at up to +/- 5 stops, Film simulation bracketing with up to three user-selected film modes, Dynamic range bracketing at 100, 200 and 400%, ISO Sensitivity bracketing and white balance bracketing.
Rugged Build, Light Body
The X-T2’s lightweight (507 grams) die-cast magnesium body has been weather-proofed at 63 points for what Fuji says is a high level of resistance to dust and moisture. It can operate in temperatures down to 14 degrees F. The tempered-glass LCD panel is the first three-direction tilting display.
A Vertical Booster Grip (VPB-XT2) lets you increase the maximum number of frames per charge to 1,000. The camera features a dedicated TTL hot shoe, compatible with the new Fujifilm EF-X500, which was introduced simultaneously with the X-T2. Speaking of which…
Fujifilm EF-X500 Flash
Fujifilm also announced the EF-X500 flash, a new high-powered flagship flash with a maximum guide number of approximately 50 and the ability to sync at any shutter speed in FP (high speed flash sync) mode. This feature comes in especially handy when shooting at wider apertures which require shorter shutter speeds.
Key Features:
- Guide number 50 ISO 100 M/164 ISO 100 ft.
- Zoom range covers 24-105mm view; 20mm when using diffuser panel
- Tilts up 90 degrees, down 10 degrees, left 135 degrees and right 180 degrees.
- LED video light can also be used as AF assist or catch light
- Registers up to ten combinations of settings.
- Supports multi-flash setups
New Lenses Coming Soon
Finally, Fujifilm revealed an updated Lens Road Map that includes an XF 23mm f/2 R WR water-resistant lens scheduled for later this year, and two water-resistant lenses that are in the pipeline for next year: An XF 50mm f/2 R WR and an XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro lens.
The Fujifilm X-T2 will be available in September from Adorama for body only and in a kit with the XF 18-55mm lens for . The Fujiflm EF-X500 Flash will be available from Adorama in September for $449.99. Adorama is currently accepting pre-orders, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders are processed.
