Photography News Issue 37

Photography News | Issue 37 | absolutephoto.com

Camera test 46

X-T1, Raw, ISO 200

X-T2, Raw, ISO 200

Original image

Where the X-T2 really wins is with the quality of the detail on view – there’s muchmore of it and it is so much crisper

Performance: X-T2 v X-T1

We know from the specification that the X-T2 focuses and shoots more quickly than its predecessor. Other factors like the EVF and no image blackout in continuous shooting are readily apparent too, so let’s concentrate on image quality. X-T2 file sizes are obviously bigger and uncompressed Raws are around 50MB and open up to give an image size of 6000x4000pixels and a print size of 20x13in at 300ppi without interpolation. By comparison an X-T1 file gives a print of 16.3x10.8in. The X-T1’s ISO performance is very good but viewed at the same image size (ie the X-T1 image at 122% and the X-T2 at 100%) the X-T2’s noise isn’t much finer evenat ISO6400, theX-T1’s topnative ISO.Where theX-T2 really wins is with the quality of the detail on view – there’s much more of it and it is so much crisper. Apply some noise reduction to X-T2 files in processing and you can easily reduce the grain effect and the impact on detail is much less because there is more of it in the first place. Doing the same comparison with ISO 200 images again shows that the X-T2 wins in the detail stakes and the difference is significant. This is with default sharpening so more improvement is available from both files, but the X-T2 has a head start. The thing, of course, is that if you are happy with the X-T1’s quality – and obviously it is very good – it didn’t become a less capable camera because the X-T2 arrived. But there is no doubt that the X-T2 is a significant step up if ultimate quality is something you desire. And then there are all the physical benefits too.

Features More pixels, faster AF, improved high ISO performance, key benefits Performance The X-T2 delivers excellent pictures in a wide variety of situations Handling The one-touch locks and the focus lever proved great to use Value formoney Very usable, laden with great features and produces top images Overall If you want a top flight mirrorless camera it would be silly not to have the FujifilmX-T2 on your shortlist Pros Focus lever, swift AF, high ISO, high shooting speed, improved handling, very bright EVF, two SD card slots Cons Battery life could be better, no lock menu item happy with it too, but using the two cameras side-by-side for the past two weeks shows that the X-T2 is so greatly and clearly superior that I’ll be making the investment. It’s a no brainer! If you haven’t yet committed yourself to a mirrorless system, it would be remiss not to look at the Fujifilm X-series and in particular the X-T2 which is a very fine, hugely capable camera. It’s also great to use and picture quality is first rate. If you are an X-series owner (maybe you have the X-T1) you’ll be wanting to know if it offers more than your existing camera so is it worth an upgrade. I do have an X-T1 and am very Far left The comparison shots of this twilight scene were taken on both cameras seconds apart. The same lens, a 23mm f/1.4, was used and the exposure for the ISO 200 shots was 4.5secs at f/5.6. A Benro FTA 28C tripod was used. Below left This indoor portrait was done with an exposure of 1/20sec at f/1.8 and ISO 400 on a 23mm f/1.4 lens. The musician was exposed at 1/30sec at f/2.8 and ISO 6400 using a 50-140mm zoom at 74mm – equivalent to 112mm on 35mm format. 24/25 24/25 24/25 24/25 96/100 Verdict

X-T1, Raw, ISO 6400

X-T2, Raw, ISO 6400

Vertical Power Booster VPB-XT2 grip

The vertical power booster costs £299.99 so it’s not something you’re going to buy unless you really need it. It also adds bulk to the camera so appeals less if you prefer to travel light or if you want a discreet camera for street shooting. It has serious benefits though. It holds two batteries so count the third one located in the camera and you have a serious increase of shooting capacity, to over 1000shots. For video it allows continuous shooting of 30mins. The grip also doubles as a charger and recharges two cells in two hours.

There are handling benefits too with a good selection of key controls from the camera back duplicated on the grip for convenient upright photography.. The focus lever, the Q button, the two input dials and the shutter release are all provided. The unit is weather sealed too so is a perfect partner for the X-T2. Some important performance benefits are available. Switch it to boost mode and the camera’s top continuous shooting speed with the mechanical shutter leaps from 8fps to 11fps. Shutter speed time lag and shutter blackout are also minimised.