Photography News issue 28

Photography News Issue 28 absolutephoto.com

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Adhering strongly to Fujifilm’s ‘kaizen’ philosophy of constant improvement, the X-Pro2 isn’t a ground-up redesign of the X-Pro1, it’s more of an evolution, which is sure to get a big thumbs up from existing X-Pro users. On first glance, then, you could be tricked into thinking that not a huge amount has changed, but this isn’t the case. We’ve picked out the key specification and cosmetic changes that show the X-Pro2 means business at the top end of the compact system camera market. X-Pro2 –what you need toknow

24.3-megapixel X-Trans III sensor

X Processor Pro

If you’ve seen results from Fujifilm’s 16.3-megapixel X-Trans II sensor you’ll know how good it is. The same random pixel array technology has been used in this 24.3-megapixel version and, based on the results we’ve seen, it’s a blinder. There’s no optical low-pass filter, while the more random pixel arrangement means moiré and false colours are a thing of the past. The larger resolution also gives greater flexibility when cropping images and ISO sensitivity has been boosted to a maximum of 12,800.

ACROS FilmSimulationmode

Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation modes digitally recreate the look and feel of analogue films and have only been made possible by the knowledge and expertise built up during the company’s long heritage as a film manufacturer. Prior to the X-Pro2, the latest Film Simulation mode was Classic Chrome, but now there’s ACROS that offers superior black & white images compared with the existing Monochrome options. Shoot with ACROS and expect smooth tones, deep blacks and impressive detail. Along with ACROS, the X-Pro2 also has a Grain Effect option, which adds more realistic grain to images. Two strengths can be selected, with the grain structure appearing different depending on whether you’re shooting in colour or black & white.

Using a higher resolution sensor demands more processing power and the new X Processor Pro duly delivers. The most powerful processor yet in a Fujifilm camera, it serves up a performance that’s 4x faster than the EXR Processor II found in the X-T1 and other X-series models, which translates into a start-up time of just 0.4sec, a shooting interval of 0.25sec, shutter time lag of 0.05sec and autofocusing in as little as 0.06sec. Impressive statistics!

Improved AF performance

A whole host of improvements have been made to the autofocusing system, which further cements Fujifilm’s desire to deliver an AF system that can tackle anything. Phase-detection pixels now stretch across approximately 40% of the imaging area to deliver a faster, more precise performance, particularly when capturing moving subjects. This performance is obviously enhanced by the X Processor Pro processor, which ensures the X-Pro2 is the fastest focusing X-series model to date. The number of user-selectable focusing points jumps from 49 to 77, with a new Focus Lever on the rear of the camera, which is effectively a very small joystick, allowing fast access to each one of them.