Fuji X-Pro2 Roundup

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Full Test at focus-numerique

Full X-Pro2 test at the French site focus-numerique (translation): [some excerpts, google translated]

“AUTOFOCUS: Studio, reinforced X-Pro2 of 16-55 mm f / 2.8 is very reactive and beyond the X-T1 . The focus is always less than 0.3 s and the wide-angle, latency is 0.2 s. Excellent performance that hoist the new housing at the best hybrids.

On the ground, we confronted the X-Pro2 equipped with 16-55 mm Panasonic GX8 with the 12-40 mm f / 2.8 Olympus . In bright light, the Panasonic Hybrid dominates: the focus is almost instantaneous, but the X-Pro2 is not far. Night photo (without AF), the Fujifilm takes clear advantage. The X-Pro2 will be perfectly comfortable in all light conditions. We noted that the development time greatly depends on the optics used. Thus, the 23 mm f / 1.4 was less reactive, with a much more sensitive pumping effect.

In the darkness, he holds a candle to the best Micro 4/3 and outperforms some reflex. In bright light, the contrast detection Olympus or Panasonic is a bit more responsive. In all cases, the progress made by Fujifilm in the field are impressive.

On the subject tracking burst mode, progress is notable and in our tests, we managed to capture moving subjects with an excellent success rate.“

HIGH ISO & IQ: Even at ISO 12 800, the X-Pro2 images are impressive. While the grain is visible, dynamic drop, borders are increasingly blurred, but overall, the picture is easily readable and keeps the material. The texture is fine and light-colored and therefore quite pleasant.

It is interesting to compare the performance of the X-Trans III APS-C sensor of Fujifilm those of Sony A7II 24×36 sensor. Both imagers have the same resolution (24 megapixels), but the sensitive surface of the photosites is very different, the side measuring 3.9 microns at Fujifilm and Sony almost 6 microns. Yet the images are quite similar and it is not easy to separate the two housings to ISO 6400: a good performance for an APS-C case.

Faced with the X-T1 and 16MP, the X-Pro2 also fits easily comparison despite a much higher definition. Again, the performance is outstanding. Canon’s CMOS sensor in the 7D Mark II pales in comparison and it sports the Canon case is far behind in the management of electronic noise.

The magic of imaging X-Trans always work and this 3rd iteration reveals splendid, with excellent noise control up to ISO 6400 and usable images up to 12,800 ISO”

More X-Pro2 Feedback

Most of us were really excited, when we’ve read how, according to lesnumerique tests (Test 1 and Test 2), the X-Pro2 basically sees in the dark, beating all the various flagships to what belongs AF-speed in low light. FR-reader Michael had the opportunity to play shortly with the X-Pro2 (with the 35mmF1.4) and shared the video on youtube here.

X-Pro2 first impressions and ISO test at aevansphoto (includes RAW files to Download)

So, what do I think? The new sensor, OVF, dual card slots, joystick and ISO dial are nice improvements over the X-Pro 1.  I’m looking forward to trying this camera out some more and perhaps having a bit more comprehensive review later on.

ISO seems great from 100iso – 3200 and useable above depending on what you’re using it for.  Personally I’ll be keeping 6400 as my max, with 3200 and below being my safe zone.  But YMMV.

X-Pro review at cruz.ae:

“AF speed. It is not an exaggeration if I say it is a thousand times faster than the X-Pro1.  The Fuji X-T1 post firmware 4.0 is already quite fast and reliable, but the X-Pro2 takes it to another level, specially in low light. […]  I’m pretty happy with the X-T1 AF speed, but the X-Pro2 just upped the game in that department.”

Samples and comments on Fuji’s improved RAW quality at the Spanish site dslrmagazine (translation).

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Ok, we have seen, how lesnumerique tests show that the Fujfiilm X-Pro2 focusses faster in low light than the Olympus, Panasonic and Samsung flagships.

After I’ve published the test, there were strong cirtics basically pointing towards 3 aspects:

• the test is not objective
• why compare with M43?
• We want comparisons with Sony, Canon and Nikon!

To the first critic I can just say that lesnumerique is a highly respected and extremely popular French webiste, that has proven in the past not to be afraid to say the truth. They work seriously and professionally. Honestly, if we can’t trust lesnumerique, then we should also stop to trust dpreview, admiringlight, imaging-resource, DxOmark and all the other sites, that work with passion and dedication to deliver the best reviews out there.

To the second critic, I will just say that to me Olympus and Panasonic are the benchmark to what belongs AF-speed. It’s widely known that their AF is blazing fast, faster than any other mirrorless camera (and those who own them – like me in in the past – will be able to confirm this)… and that’s the record Fuji has to break.

And now the last thing: how does the Low Light AF compare to other camera systems like the Sony A7RII, Nikon D810, Canon 7DMKII & more? FR-reader Frankie summed up several lesnumerique data and put them together in one graph: and here are the resutls.

What you can see, is that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 beats them all in low light focussing and writing speed. The Sony A7RII is the worst of the bunch.

Keep in mind though, that it also depends on which lenses they used for testing. I doubt the 35mmF1.4 will perform that good, while the 35mmF2 could perform even better. Also other brands will have variations according to lenses used.

Anyway, the improvement seems to be significant and the best part of all this? The X-Pro2 uses still a pre-production Firmware, so there is still room for improvement until its launch :-)

I know it’s hard to accept, especially for those, who are used since years to criticize the AF-speed of Fuji cameras. But we all should try to be objective here, and so far the best elements we have to judge AF-speed of the X-Pro2 is the feedback that some of the best and most respected reviewers out there give us… and lesnumerique made the start.

take it easy…

Fujifilm X-Pro2: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonFR** / AmazonESP** /   AUSTRALIA: CameraPro