The long-awaited successor to Fujifilm's first X-series mirrorless digital camera, the X-Pro2 sports a high-resolution X-Trans CMOS III sensor and redeveloped X-Processor Pro, along with the tested rangefinder-inspired design now synonymous with the X-Pro system. This new APS-C CMOS X-Trans sensor is 24.3MP and has an expanded sensitivity to ISO 51200. The camera is now capable of recording stills at up to 8 fps and Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps, along with quick focusing and overall performance speeds. Unique among camera designs, the X-Pro2 is also heavily characterized by its Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder that blends both optical and electronic viewing methods into a single, switchable finder. The X-Pro2 also has a weather-sealed body design.
Some notable new features:
New high-performance X Processor Pro image processing engine with 4x the processing speed of conventional image processing engines, the X Processor Pro has increased all response times, despite the increased resolution. Combined with the X-Trans CMOS III sensor, the new image processing engine achieves even faster autofocus, lower noise and both tonal and color reproduction that surpasses the previous EXR Processor II
The display speed has been increased to a maximum speed of 85fps and the blackout time after shutter release has been reduced to 150ms. This should dramatically reduce the image delay when tracking a moving subject in the EVF viewfinder.
A joystick controller has been added to the rear of the camera. This is similar to the new Leica SL and is a very convenient and rapid way to handle moving the focus point around.
The shutter now has a top speed of 1/8000 sec. with flash sync up to 1/250sec, and shutter expectancy of 150,000 shots.
Dual SD slots have been added, although only one of them is USB II compatible.
Borrowing another retro camera feature, the ISO sensitivity dial is now built-in to the shutter speed dial.
Borrowing another retro camera feature, the ISO sensitivity dial is now built-in to the shutter speed dial.
Bright Frame Simulation has been added to the optical viewfinder mode so the angle of view of each focal length can be seen without having to replace the lens. This is similar to the Leica M film cameras and is a very handy way of previewing the framing of various lenses without actually having to change them on the camera.
Available for $1699.95 on February 6th. PRE-ORDER now from: B&H PHOTO
A long-reaching zoom optimized for use in harsh climates, the XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens is designed for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras and provides a 152-609mm equivalent focal length range. Ideally suited for wildlife and sports applications, the versatile telephoto range benefits photographing distant, moving subjects, and is reinforced by a twin linear AF motor for fast performance, as well as five stop-effective optical image stabilization to minimize the appearance of camera shake. Further benefitting its use outdoors, this 100-400mm lens also sports a weather-sealed construction and fluorine-coated front element to guard against dust and moisture from affecting the lens' performance.
Available now for pre-order for $1899.95 from: B&H PHOTO
I presume, Tom, that you'll be getting a hold of one of these?
ReplyDeleteI've been shooting with a prototype version now since early November, and I think for anyone who loves the form-factor, ergonomics, and rangefinder-esque gestalt of the X-Pro cameras, they're going to like the X-Pro2. Fuji wisely kept everything that was good about the first camera (not the least of which was the aesthetics), and improved everything else.
Not perfect, certainly, but the important stuff is there, and the new sensor gives us everything we loved about the current X-Trans configuration, but with more resolution, more dynamic range, another useable stop of high ISO … and skin tones that don't really veer into waxiness anymore as the ISOs climb.
And the shutter sound … lovely.
Thanks for your comments, Robert, and, yes, I have one coming in and will be reporting on it here. From what I already know and love about my X-Pro1 and have read about the updates, this is definitely my kind of camera.
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