Hey, guys!
It's the end of another hectic month in what is poised to be the most chaotic year of my life. But whatever the case, I'm here to give you guys a quick hands-on first impressions of arguably the most anticipated iteration in Fujifilm X-series cameras:
This year, Fujifilm celebrate their 5 Years of X-Series, and with it they promise unending innovation and continual customer satisfaction. Their first addition to the foray of new X-series gear is the X-Pro2, which is now fitted with lots of new and improved features.
Design, Operation & Feel
I am divided regarding the design of the X-Pro2. On one hand, it is definitely a throwback to rangefinders of olden days, with a sleek top equipped with the best dials in the business and an optical viewfinder with frame lines. However, the camera does have extremely slanted angles from one side to the other and a constructed grip that is, albeit comfortable to hold, quite an eye-sore. I much rather a clean, flat grip like the Olympus PEN-F because the material on the body itself can be used as a more invisible gripping mechanism.
I was honestly surprised at how much lighter the X-Pro2 is compared to how it looks. Despite made from magnesium aloy, it definitely feels excellent in the hands and I like how it balances perfectly with the brand new weather-sealed XF 35mm f2. I imagine it would be just as great if coupled with the popular pancake lens: XF 27mm f2.8.
The operations of the camera on first try is vastly improved from the experience of using X-series cameras of previous iterations. Even the X-T1 that I loved using wasn't as intuitive and smooth-operating as the X-Pro2. The menu has been refined and with the addition of the integrated ISO dial on the top of the camera, the camera has redefined modern camera operations. Simply, the X-Pro2 has eliminated any true need to take your eye away from the frame as it offers quick changes right on the camera and lens itself. Of course, this still remains to be tested out properly in the field.
All in all, I was very happy with the operations and feel of the X-Pro2, but not much of a fan of the overall design.
Autofocus, Tracking & Burst
I don't personally know how the AF of the X-Pro1 performed previously but there have been major complaints about it. On the contrary, the X-Pro2 was exceptionally fast in continuously changing focus from very close subjects to subjects at infinity. Single AF was great with all the lenses that I tested it out with, which included the XF 35mm f2 WR and the XF 100-400mm OIS WR.
I absolutely love the addition of the focus toggle/nipple on the back of the camera, too.
Indeed, this is only a first impressions and I was only confined to the small space of the camera store, so I can't provide any definitive results but there really was nothing to complain about at first try. I also did not get to do any tracking shots or burst.
Image Quality
The X-Pro2 is the first of the X-series cameras to have the brand new 24MP X-Trans 3 sensor and the photos were undoubtedly impressive! Here are some unprocessed samples:
The photos are sharp, clean and vibrant; very characteristic of Fujifilm sensors.
There is still much to talk about and test out with the Fujifilm X-Pro2. I liked getting to actually touch and feel it the other day and had a great talk with the Fujifilm people. Here's hoping I get to borrow one soon to take on my upcoming trips. Till then, thanks for checking out my first impressions and do take care!
Check out the photos from this review and more at my Flickr gallery here.
DISCLAIMER: I do not represent Fujifilm or any other brand that might be showcased/mentioned in this review. This review is written for THE FEAR and is of no significance to any sort of argument that may or may not ensue. I deliver this with utmost honesty and sincerity.
It's the end of another hectic month in what is poised to be the most chaotic year of my life. But whatever the case, I'm here to give you guys a quick hands-on first impressions of arguably the most anticipated iteration in Fujifilm X-series cameras:
Fujifilm X-Pro2
This year, Fujifilm celebrate their 5 Years of X-Series, and with it they promise unending innovation and continual customer satisfaction. Their first addition to the foray of new X-series gear is the X-Pro2, which is now fitted with lots of new and improved features.
Design, Operation & Feel
I was honestly surprised at how much lighter the X-Pro2 is compared to how it looks. Despite made from magnesium aloy, it definitely feels excellent in the hands and I like how it balances perfectly with the brand new weather-sealed XF 35mm f2. I imagine it would be just as great if coupled with the popular pancake lens: XF 27mm f2.8.
The operations of the camera on first try is vastly improved from the experience of using X-series cameras of previous iterations. Even the X-T1 that I loved using wasn't as intuitive and smooth-operating as the X-Pro2. The menu has been refined and with the addition of the integrated ISO dial on the top of the camera, the camera has redefined modern camera operations. Simply, the X-Pro2 has eliminated any true need to take your eye away from the frame as it offers quick changes right on the camera and lens itself. Of course, this still remains to be tested out properly in the field.
All in all, I was very happy with the operations and feel of the X-Pro2, but not much of a fan of the overall design.
Autofocus, Tracking & Burst
I don't personally know how the AF of the X-Pro1 performed previously but there have been major complaints about it. On the contrary, the X-Pro2 was exceptionally fast in continuously changing focus from very close subjects to subjects at infinity. Single AF was great with all the lenses that I tested it out with, which included the XF 35mm f2 WR and the XF 100-400mm OIS WR.
I absolutely love the addition of the focus toggle/nipple on the back of the camera, too.
Indeed, this is only a first impressions and I was only confined to the small space of the camera store, so I can't provide any definitive results but there really was nothing to complain about at first try. I also did not get to do any tracking shots or burst.
Image Quality
The X-Pro2 is the first of the X-series cameras to have the brand new 24MP X-Trans 3 sensor and the photos were undoubtedly impressive! Here are some unprocessed samples:
The photos are sharp, clean and vibrant; very characteristic of Fujifilm sensors.
There is still much to talk about and test out with the Fujifilm X-Pro2. I liked getting to actually touch and feel it the other day and had a great talk with the Fujifilm people. Here's hoping I get to borrow one soon to take on my upcoming trips. Till then, thanks for checking out my first impressions and do take care!
Check out the photos from this review and more at my Flickr gallery here.
DISCLAIMER: I do not represent Fujifilm or any other brand that might be showcased/mentioned in this review. This review is written for THE FEAR and is of no significance to any sort of argument that may or may not ensue. I deliver this with utmost honesty and sincerity.
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