Photography News issue 28

Photography News Issue 28 absolutephoto.com

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If you were expecting the X-Pro2 to be a ground-up rethink of the X-Pro1, you’ll be disappointed by the new model. There’s no revolution here, more a very considered evolution for which each aspect of the original model’s performance has been looked at and subsequently tweaked or left alone. In reality, you won’t find many key components that haven’t been heavily breathed on. The sensor, processor and viewfinder are obviously the headline changes, but the transition to a weather- resistant body while maintaining the form factor, for example, must have taken many painstaking hours of design chicanery. There are many aspects of the X-Pro2 that I haven’t touched on here: the subtle changes to the design, the increase in the maximum shutter speed and a faster flash sync speed, the dual card slots for the first time in a mirrorless camera... It all adds up to a very strong package and if the autofocusing improvements are everything Fujifilm claims them to be, the X-Pro2 can only add substantially more grist to the company’s mirrorless mill. While we’re around the back of the camera, let me finish by telling you briefly about the rear LCD, which remains a fixed, three-inch affair, but benefits from a new interface. If, like me, you’ve thought that Fujifilm menus look a little ‘8-bit’, you’ll be much happier with the X-Pro2’s GUI which offers a far more pleasant viewing experience. There’s also an extra line on each menu, fitting more options on each screen, and an improved tab design for scrolling through options. These tabs now include a new My Menu feature, which allows you to add up to 16 frequently used functions in your own custom- made menu. Combined with the familiar Q Menu and the six function buttons around the body you can dial in an impressive amount of user customisation. Initial verdict existing EXR Processor II found in most other X-series models. As a result, the X-Pro2 has heightened responses with minimal delays in start-up time, shooting intervals and, probably most crucially, focusing. Fujifilm is always refreshingly honest when it comes to the autofocus performance of some of its earlier X-series models. It was the most obvious issue with the original X100 and was also something of a headache for X-Pro1 users. Many users didn’t need rapid AF, but there would undoubtedly be some who would have looked elsewhere after experiencing the X-Pro1’s often ponderous AF performance. Firmware upgrades have made big improvements, but Fujifilm has clearly wanted to improve things still further in the X-Pro2. Now, around40%of the imaging area is covered by fast and responsive phase-detection AF pixels with the number of user selectable points jumping from 49 to 77. Contrast AF is also still present, so the X-Pro2 has a hybrid AF system that, hooked up to the new processor, is claimed to deliver the fastest AF in any X-series model so far. I didn’t have time to test this extensively, but early signs are very positive. I also really like the new selection point lever; a tiny joystick on the back of the camera that offers direct access to focus point selection. 40% of the imaging area is covered by fast and responsive phase- detection AF pixels

Above As well as a redesigned menu, the X-Pro2 also has combined the ISO and shutter speed settings into one top-plate dial.

Above With a step up in resolution, an all-new processor and expanded ISO range, the X-Pro2 looks set to follow in the X-Pro1’s footsteps – producing sharp shots, with accurate colours. Sample images provided by Fujifilm.