The presentation of the new Fujifilm X-Pro2 was made with great fanfare taking advantage of the fifth anniversary of the series X. A long – awaited renovation and surrounded by growing rumors in the weeks that ultimately confirmed the big bet the Japanese manufacturer with a new member. In this case premiering new sensor and resolution, continuing a great hybrid viewfinder as a personal feature of this model, plus substantial improvements add that beyond the paper had to test thoroughly.

A major step forward in the X series

With the advent of the X-Pro2, the spirit of the X series is maintained , but also the peculiar personality of the X-Pro, only now updated with the latest technology and improving (by far in some detail) to the first generation, right where most weaknesses possessed. Thus, form a very strong, powerful, complete model and synthesized with solid technical arguments bet Fujifilm with its X series

As we indicated when it was announced and the first contact, it is not a renewal model to use. After considerable time in this fast – moving world of technology and after several models that have served to strengthen the system, the arrival of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 was a litmus test to see what the manufacturer can bring in the future. At the moment, we have to test it to see their behavior, assess their strengths and not forget your flaws.

Fujifilm X-Pro2, main features

Sensor	Trans CMOS X-III 24.3 MP
Processor	X Processor Pro
Viewfinder	Hybrid with a resolution of 2.36 million dots and refresh rate of 85 fps
Shutter	To 1/8000 s (electronic to 1/32000 s)
continuous shooting	Up to 8 fps
Sensitivity	200 to 12,800 ISO
Body	Magnesium alloy and sealed
Screen	3-inch LCD and 1.62 million points
Storage	Double SD card slot
Connectivity	Wi-Fi
Video	Full HD 60/50/30/25/24 p
Film simulation modes	15 (including ACROS)
Battery	NP-W126
Dimensions	140,5×82,8×45,9 mm
Weight	495 g (including battery and card)

Fujifilm X-Pro2: design and ergonomics

We found few differences in concept design at first glance, although it has and some are really remarkable. Starting with its hybrid viewfinder, which retains its exceptional quality, both in its optical version (incorporating full info without losing sensations) as electronics that improves resolution and refresh rate (up to 85 fps in high-performance mode)? It is one of his strengths so he could not stay without a logical improvement in overall quality.

The rear screen increases resolution and refresh rate improves. Some controls have been moved to the right of that screen and incorporate new Control, a small joystick that adds more versatility to control various parameters (especially suitable for the selection of focus point).

In other improvements they were expected, as the dial exposure compensation value increases to +/- 3 (with a C option to increase up to +/- 5 steps). In addition, we found a new ISO sensitivity control, integrated into the selection dial shutter speed. An ingenious solution, recovering from old designs of the analog era, but here, at least in practice, fails to convince too.

The wheel has to lift and rotate to select the appropriate ISO value is seen through a tiny window on the speed dial. It is easy to use. But it is not too intuitive and agile when working. Apart from that in low light, this window is so small that you cannot appreciate the value must select and use the screen or viewfinder to it. This, coupled with the need to lift the wheel to rotate and select, make them not infrequently those unable to select the desired fast enough comfort and value, always with a certain fear of change, accidentally, the value of speed obscuration.

Yes, perhaps somewhat offset this less convincing aspect of design, the fact that, now, this X-Pro2 allows up to three different configurations of the automatic ISO and which, together with the customization of some of the configurable buttons, greatly improves your chances (even above using the manual mode on the basis of this lack of comfort mentioned management).

A point in favor of the design is that we have a double slot or groove to use two memory cards (one is compatible with UHS-II while the other is with the UHS-I). Breakthrough almost obligatory if the claims of this model are fully convinced professionals and demanding users.

The rest, we find the solid, durable and comfortable body (has slightly improved grip) maintaining a demure size and discreet design.

A change that often goes unnoticed but that we found substantial in heavy use, improvement and change is the interface. It has achieved a substantial improvement in the menus and navigation. A redesigned assumes that almost forced upon incorporation of new options incorporating the X-Pro2 and that, overall, it is a success and it is easy to get used. And for those who like customization, an option on the menu which includes values that we use and so keep on hand and not have to navigate all menus and submenus (which have increased) it is included.

The focus now much faster and complete

In the first generation, the autofocus was one of his less bright spots. After so long and seeing improvements that have made models like the X-T1 or X-T10, quite forward with X-Pro2 expected. As well it has been. And indeed, it no longer remains “far behind” with respect to competition and provides a system of autofocus great performance and really advanced options to compete with professional cameras clearly.

We found a huge increase in the focus points, to 273, which together with the new joystick (or joystick) can be selected with great precision and comfort the exact point of focus. But beyond control, the fact is that the new autofocus is effective. And that we’ve tested objectives, as specified are not some of the past and allow even greater “acceleration” of the approach.

The monitoring approach is now very surprising. Fast, effective and make the X-Pro2 a valid camera for action scenes something that until now saving situations, the X series did not compete at a high level against rivals. The X-Pro2 takes advantage of the large area of autofocus and its many points to take advantage of the continued focus.

Connectivity, shutter speed and autonomy

As expected, the X-Pro2 features wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi, with great ease of use through the appropriate application. It works effectively and is very agile usual image transfer device we connect.

Another option that has been noticeably improved is the shutter speed. Can achieve up to 8 fps but also thanks to the new processor buffer is now much more powerful and can accumulate enough shots (up to 50 consecutive RAW) and store at high speed. Here we see an important development that goes well with two aspects: the double card slot, which increases the options and the possibility of using compressed RAW files without loss. This, taking into account the increased resolution becomes a plus for those who need to shoot a lot and often.

A paragraph of autonomy is the least are improved. Is the same type of battery other models of the X series, only here, thanks to the choice of the optical viewfinder can extend more performance. Yes, here we have the option to choose from three modes according to current needs: high performance (all options enabled, including the maximum refresh rate EVF), normal and economic, where some options are limited to prolong autonomy, ideal for situations where you do not want to lose the last gasp of battery in a session.

Also noteworthy include an electronic shutter with increasing job opportunities, allowing speeds up to 1 / 32,000 seconds, while the mechanical shutter can reach up to 1 / 8,000 s. It also allows the option of both shutters, which are used depending on the shutter speed required and that is very comfortable in the opening mode priority.

ISO quality and performance

It is the most important aspect and us most wanted to test. Not only because it is the new X-trans-III sensor, if not for see where Fujifilm may point in the immediate future. Quality sensors obtained in other models of the X series put the bar very high (even with the X-Pro1 own). But we must recognize the great (and why not, great) in the development of this new sensor, where a significant increase in resolution quality seen outstanding, even higher than the X-T1 has who marked the highest level until now.

Coupled with the fact that this increased resolution does not only affect the noise signal but is even able to improve results in high sensitivities, says much the result of this new sensor.

Exceptional color reproduction, this is one of their main arguments and where it improves many competing models, to the point that, without going into evidence of comparative laboratory, we can say that gets outstanding results in all situations, even in complicated scenes with a combination of several lights.

Very good behavior also dynamic range, which follows the same line improving previous models, even the X-T1, especially landscape scenes with highlights and shadows, an improvement seen in this regard and again shows the work of Fujifilm engineers who have achieved enormous maturity with this series X.

Here we cannot forget that this X-Pro2 has included a new film simulation mode that will delight many. Mode Acros is a mode truly amazing results black and white and what about with astonishing fidelity to imitate the work with monochrome film (in fact inherits the name). Very good results in different scenes also can be combined with the new options of adding “simulated grain” in different intensities to achieve a brilliant “imitation” to the film. Do I still the Leica M Monochrome? Would to do a comparative laboratory but seeing the results, the fact is that is not far behind in when tone reproduction and contrast.

Performance – wise ISO include a great job with the sensor again. With more pixels, not only does not increase the noise signal with respect to other sensors of the X series but even improved. This may not be as noticeable difference, but taking into account that has a higher resolution is a breakthrough. We can say that although achieves native values up to 12,800 ISO, if we want a more optimal results we can stay with ISO 6400 (although it has improved so much that this value almost corresponds to an ISO 3200 X-Pro1), which is not appreciated a loss of sharpness or a noise signal invite not use it. It is not the most suitable for what we seek excellence in sharpness but is an acceptable result for most. To all this, if we combine the effect of adding “simulated grain” or the new Acros mode, the noise is not so annoying. Although always it depends on the type of use for which it is required.

When arrived X-Pro1 had something special, by the type of camera, with high performance and a hybrid viewfinder that gave him a unique personality. It is the best expression of uniting the best of photographic past and not only as a mere design but also in concept (and thus feels when working with it), with the latest technology. And the new Fujifilm X-Pro2 continues to maintain that spirit intact. It’s a different camera, it feels different and, although it has a curve not very low adaptation (requires a time made his concept), the fact is that seeing the results and handling, the camera is one that falls dead or you hate (but not options or results, of course).

Fujifilm has done a remarkable job with the X-Pro2, managing to include the latest technology, gradually improving what has been done in the X series is a camera that tries to approach its use as a classic rangefinder camera and therefore less wasted its concept with fixed focal and short distances (24, 35 or 50 mm), especially for the optical viewfinder.

Its quality dynamic range, color reproduction, and control of the noise signal are a new dimension to Fujifilm cameras. In any case, it should be noted that we should clearly differentiate this model XT range (with X-T1 and X-T10). In this case, the X-Pro2 is an ideal camera interview, but which get away with any other type of photography and scene a different concept camera to any other (saving the “Leica”) and whose choice when buying a large element of “infatuation” of its design and concept.