Photography News Issue 37

Photography News | Issue 37 | absolutephoto.com

Camera test 42

Specs

Price £1399 body only, £1649 with XF18- 55mm lens, VPB-XT2 £299.99 Sensor

24.3 megapixels Sensor format

23.6×15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III, 6000x4000pixels ISO range Native 200-12,800, expanded 100-51,200 Shutter range Mechanical shutter 30secs to 1/8000sec. Electronic shutter 30secs to 1/32,000sec. Bulb up to 60mins. Flash sync 1/250sec Drivemodes 8fps mechanical shutter (11fps with optional VPB-XT2 grip), 14fps with electronic shutter Metering system 256-zone metering with multi, spot, average and centre-weighted Exposuremodes PASM Exposure compensation +/-5EV in 0.3EV steps, AEB available Monitor 3in, 1,040,000 dots Focusing Intelligent hybrid AF – TTL phase and TTL contrast AF Focus points Option of single, 91 and 325 points. Wide-tracking AF (up to 18 areas), Zone AF (3x3, 5x5, 7x7 selectable from 91 areas on a 13x7 grid) Video 4K, full HD Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, HDMI, microphone Storagemedia Two SD slots Dimensions (wxhxd) 132.5x91.8x49.2mm Weight 507g (body with battery and card) Contact fujifilm.eu/uk

FujifilmX-T2 The X-T2 joins the X-Pro2 at the top of the Fujifilm X-series tree, offering photographers the choice of two different camera styles supported by a system of 22 lenses with three more on the way

delivery of the viewing image is a fundamental one. The X-T2 follows in the successful footsteps of the X-T1 and there have been some significant advances, essentially to further broaden the appeal of the Fujifilm X-series, notably to sports shooters. The sensor I have touched on already and more on that later when we talk about ISO and picture quality, but the area where Fujifilm has worked hard is the autofocus system and its continuous shooting ability. Both important considerations when it comes to action and sports photography, areas that Fujifilm recognised it was weak on. The AF system has gained a great manymore focusing zones (up to 325 instead of 77), faster continuous AF with a selection of presets tailored to handle with different types of action subject and an improved algorithm to cope with fine-textured or low-contrast surfaces. Add to this a shorter image blackout time to enable easier tracking of the subject in the viewfinder, a briefer shutter time lag and the ability to shoot at 11fps with the optional Vertical Power Booster (the VPB-XT2). This grip also accepts two extra batteries so with the one in the camera gives

Words by Will Cheung

Our camera buying habits are changing. Compact cameras don’t sell in huge numbers because we use our phones for snaps while among interchangeable lens cameras, the move is towards mirrorless. The Fujifilm X-series, a system that has only been around for five years, is one of the leading lights of mirrorless and goes into autumn with two flagships sitting at the head of its line-up. The X-Pro2, launched in January this year, and the X-T2 announced back in July, incorporate the same 24.3-megapixel CMOS X-Trans II sensor. The X-Trans sensor features a ‘random’ array of colour pixels to avoid moire without the need for an optical low-pass filter. No OLP filter means better picture quality and with Fujifilm’s line-up of high-spec optics ensures that this potential is realised. The key point of difference between the X-T2 tested here and the X-Pro2 is that the former gives a DSLR experience with its centrally located pentaprism housing the viewfinder while the latter gives a rangefinder (à la Leica M) experience. Of course, there are several other differences but the

Twice as bright is difficult to visualise but an A and B comparison reveals the new camera’s EVF is massively brighter

a shooting capacity of over 1000 frames from a fully charged set. In comparison with the X-T1, the X-T2 has enjoyed some important physical changes that has enhanced handling. If, by the way, you have a handgrip for the X-T1 it won’t fit the X-T2 body. The X-T2’s electronic viewfinder is claimed to be twice as bright as its predecessor – twice as bright is difficult to visualize but an A and B comparison reveals the new camera’s EVF is massively brighter. The X-T2 has also gained a focus lever making it really easier for the thumb to move the active AF sensor around the array of focus points. Along the top plate, the three main dials, the ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation controls have also seen changes. The ISO and shutter speed controls are taller and have gained one push locks to avoid inadvertent operation.

There is no lock on the exposure compensation dial but it has gained a C position and setting this means compensation can be set by using the front command dial. The camera’s menu has been cleaned up and navigating around it is a fast process. The My Menu option means up to 16 frequently used items can be registered and the Q menu can be edited too. Both options speed up accessing and selecting important functions. One menu item missing from the X-T2 but I use all the time on the X-T1 is the ability to lock off selected features. It is a great and invaluable feature that’s top of my list for the next firmware update. One welcome feature on the X-T2 that the X-T1 doesn’t have, however, is the twin SD memory card slot. Memory cards rarely fail but having that backup option (or expanded shooting capacity) is great to have.

Above The X-T2 delivered a very consistent, high-quality set of images in a wide variety of light situations. Exposure and white- balance systems worked well.

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