FUJIFILM X-T2—-FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The lone anticipated FUJIFILM X-T2 has just been announced. I have been fortunate to have been one of the “Chosen” Fuji “X” photographers to have a pre-production model of this new among camera for about quite a while. Impressive is certainly not enough to label this camera. It’s been one of the hardest things not to be able to talk at length about the new FUJIFILM X-T2 but finally, the time has come!

When reading this review, remember I was using a pre-production model. I suspect that lots of improvements will be present in the final product that was announced today.

I’ve used the Fujifilm X-T1, X-E2s as well as the X-T10 now for almost 3 years. I love my X-T1. I love the FUJIFILM X-T2 even more. Though similar at first glance, the new X-T2 is really quite a step up from the X=T1. Fujifilm built in many upgrades to the body making it easier to hold. The coolest thing is that I don’t have to replace my batteries. (More on batteries later).

Not in order of importance but here are the things you’ll notice right

A JOYSTICK—Yes a joystick. It’d the same as the XPro-2. What a difference it is using the joystick to move through the menus and focus points. A big improvement.

VIEWFINDER: Wait until you see the new and bigger viewfinder. Perhaps the brightest I’ve ever seen.

COMPENSATION DIAL; Now with 10 stops of compensation (3 in either direction with 2 more available). I shoot about 75%of the time in AV mode and use compensation in literally almost every image.

DUAL SD CARD SLOTS: Thank you Fujifilm. Bot slots take the most current high speed cards!

NEW TILT SCREEN: The tilt screen isn’t much different than before however the new screen on the X-T2 pulls out to the right. This aids in making vertical images easier.

ISO PERFORMANCE; I was really amazed at the results of images made at higher ISO’s I shot at with the X-T1. There is a setting for 12,800ISO, one I would rarely use, however my images at 3200 and even 6400 ISO were excellent on the FUJIFILM X-T2

FASTER BURST MODE: Speaking of speed, the burst mode is now a whopping 14 fps on Continuous High (using the electronic shutter). With proper light using the electronic shutter you can get up to 14 FPS at over 1/30,000sec!

BUTTONS TO LOCK DOWN THE ISO AND SHUTTER DIAL –This is a cool feature. No longer will your dials change when replacing the camera in the bag. This isn’t the biggest improvement to the body, but I relay like it. Additional these dials are just a bit larger than the XT-1 making them (for me) easier to use.

MORE MEGA PIXELS: Those of you who know me know I am not a mega pixel guy. 16MP was just fine for my needs. However the upgrade to 24MP in the X-T2 along with the newly designed sensor and processor make images immediately and noticeably improved.

ACROS FILM SIMULATION: Acros was a film made famous by Fujifilm back in the 60’s (I think). It produced grays like no one else and blacks amazingly great. This simulation is built into the X-T2 to go along with all the others available in the X-T1

FIRMWARE UPGRADE ON LENSES MAKE THE FUJIFILM X-T2 faster in AUTO FOCUSING. There have been a few upgrades to the existing line of Fujinon lenses. These upgrades combined with the X-T2 provide more accurate and faster auto focusing

4K VIDEO: I am not the one to talk about video, but if you are into 4K video, rest assured the XT-2 does that as well

My pre-production model came with the new BATTERY GRIP. This new grip holds 2 extra batteries. That give me 3 batteries if you include the one in the camera. His is a welcomed addition. I also will not that the batter grip really balanced out the camera when hand holding the 100-400mm and 50-140mm lenses. Yes hand holding—at the high ISOS you can shoot with the improved low noise I shot quite a few subjects in order to test the fast auto focusing. The grip has a “Q” button, focus lever and command dials. High speed shooting is increased from 8 FPS to 11 FPS in the boost mode.

For those who know me or have taken my workshops, I preach that it you, your emotion, your feelings that go into the making of the images, not the camera. This new camera not used as a tool to make art isn’t going to make you a better photographer. You are the artist and still need to do everything need to make images. However The FUJIFILM X-T2 is now my camera of choice. It is a viable and noticeable upgrade to the XT1 which I loved.

As of today, you can now ore-order this camera. An early September delivery is anticipated. The MSRP is 1599.00

Send me an email if you have questions. I’ll try getting back to you as time permits—Jack Graham