Fujifilm X-T2 Review

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Fujifilm X-Series and as Fujifilm has released the X-T2, the latest mirrorless digital camera that brings improvements on the X-T1 and shares the flagship mantlepiece with the X-Pro2. The new X-T2 will be available on the 8th September for £1399 (body only). For more information on pricing and the kit combinations available, have a look at our news story. 

Fujifilm X-T2 Features

The Fujifilm X-T2 features a dust- and water-resistant body and it's also capable of operating at temperatures down to -10°C. When compared to the X-T1, of which it takes the central viewfinder style from, the X-T2's autofocus and electronic viewfinder performance have been improved and the X-T2 also supports 4K video recording, a first for the X Series. 

As mentioned, Fujifilm sees the X-T2 as a twin flagship camera that will sit alongside the X-Pro2, with the X-T2 appealing to those who capture portraits, nature and sports photography, while the X-Pro2 is ideal for documentary and street photography.

Inside the X-T2 you'll find a 24.3MP X-Trans^TM CMOS III APS-C sensor and no low-pass filter which when combined with the processor's responsiveness, should mean images can be captured quicker. Fujifilm says the basic autofocus (AF) performance of the new X-Series camera has been improved (even in low light) and subjects which the phase detection AF once struggled with promise to not be a problem anymore. These include low-contrast objects and subjects with fine and delicate textures such as bird feathers and animal fur.

Fujifilm X-T2 Sensor - the central square in the middle of the sensor is the phase-detection focus area.

Despite having the pixel count 1.5 times that of the X-T1, the X-T2 has an expanded ISO sensitivity and Fujifilm says it's actually more capable of controlling digital noise. Also, ISO12800, which was part of extended ISOs in X-T1, is now available as a regular ISO option.

The X-T2's custom AF settings (AF-C) are also worth talking about as you can either select one of the presets built in or customise the AF's tracking capabilities depending on the type of subject you're photographing. When customising, you can choose the individual settings of 3 variables: tracking sensitivity, speed tracking sensitivity and zone area switching. The presets on offer include a set for subjects such as birds that can appear quickly so focus has to 'snap' into action and one for accelerating and decelerating subjects such as sport. The number of focusing points has also been expanded from 49 to 91, with a further 325 focus points an option in the menus. 

Video recording has to be mentioned as the X-T2 is the first camera in the X-Series to support 4K video recording. The Film Simulation modes, available for stills are now also available when capturing video and after listening to videographers, the X-T2 supports HDMI output. Live monitoring and audio adjustments are available in camera and a stereo mic is built into the camera's body. A headphone terminal is also available but this is built into the Vertical Power Booster Grip (a posh name for battery grip).

For monochrome fans, the Film Simulation function now features an ACROS mode and the X-T2 also has a Grain Effect function that's available in 'Strong' and 'Weak' and can be combined with any of the Film Simulation modes. 

An optional extra that will be available when the X-T2 is released is a Vertical Power Booster Grip. This is also dust- and water-resistant and is capable of operating at temperatures down to -10°C. The grip fits two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries to three, including the one on the camera.

In the Boost mode, multiple batteries can operate at the same time to give a boost to camera performance in continuous shooting, shooting interval, shutter release time lag and blackout time, while also extending the duration of 4K video recording to approx. 30 minutes (without the grip, this 4K video capture time is 10 mins). The maximum number of frames that can be taken per charge is also extended to 1,000 frames. The EVF refresh rate is also extended from 60fps to 100fps in boost mode and lag time is reduced to 0.045sec. AF speed (0.06sec) is improved when using the boost mode, too, and so is the shooting interval rate (0.17sec). 

The Grip features a shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button. Plus, when using the AC adapter supplied, the grip can be used as a battery charger, charging two batteries at the same time in approx. 2 hours.

The X-T2 can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet that has the Fujifilm Camera Remote app on it and the camera can be used with the full line-up of 22 Fujinon lenses. 

Fujifilm X-T2 Key Features 

• 24.3MP X-Trans^TM CMOS III APS-C sensor
• Improved AF with 91 phase-detection AF points
• AF-C Custom Settings
• 3inch tilting LCD screen, 1040K dots
• 4K Video recording (3840x2160, 100Mbps)
• ISO100 to ISO51200 (extended)
• 14fps continuous shooting (electronic shutter)
• 11fps continuous shooting with VPB-XT2, or 8fps without
• Dust and water-resistant
• Can operate at temperatures down to -10°C
• Improved EVF (2.36m dot, 0.77x mag)
• Compact, lightweight and rugged body
• Compatible Vertical Power Booster Grip
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Fujifilm X-T2 Handling 

When it comes to its design, there are a few subtle differences when compared with the XT-1 which includes raising the ISO and shutter speed dials to make them easier to access, a larger grip and a 3-way tiltable LCD screen. The 4-way button has been heightened, there's a larger eyecup and if you take a look at the top of the XT-2, you'll notice the video button has been removed. Under the memory card door, you'll find a dual card slot and you can now quickly make changes to the focus are with the new focus level found on the back of the camera. There's also a custom function available on the exposure compensation dial.

In the hand, the X-T2 fits well and all of the dials are well positioned. The improved design of the screen is great, making it easy to shoot from above your head or from low angles and the XT-2's lightweight (507g) and small-sized body makes it easy to carry without your arms complaining they're aching from too much weight. The battery grip does make the camera substantially larger but the improved handling with larger lenses, its ability to accommodate 2 more batteries and higher performance rates it promises, makes the extra bulk sound like something that could be worthwhile putting up with. The grip also makes the handgrip on the camera itself larger as well.

The large (2.36-million-dot) electronic viewfinder (EVF) with the magnification ratio of 0.77x and a display time lag of 0.005secs is bright, clear and blackout time is less than half of that of the X-T1. Fujifilm says this will enable continuous shooting of 5fps in Live View (previous models could only achieve 3fps), giving users the ability to easily continue tracking a moving subject. The maximum brightness level of the EVF has also been improved, doubling its brightness level when compared to previous models.

Mechanical dials sit on top of the X-T2 and they give access to all basic camera settings, including the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, drive modes and metering modes. The focus lever on the back can be moved up / down, right / left and diagonally very easily to control the focus area and the rear LCD screen, which as we've mentioned, has had a redesign to make it a three-direction tilting display. You won't accidently change the shutter speed or ISO setting either, as these dials have a lock and release button. 

The menus are clearly laid out, and there is even the option to record raw files as compressed or lossless uncompressed images.

Fujifilm also announced the release of a new flashgun and the availability of new firmware for the X-Pro2. A new lens roadmap has also been introduced with a 23mm, 50mm and 80mm lens now in production. 

Battery life is rated at 340 shots in normal mode, with approx 1000 frames possible with the optional VPB-XT2 battery grip.