After waiting for a few years, Fujifilm finally releases the
successor of its first mirrorless camera. Named Fujifilm X-Pro2, this camera
still retains all the goodness of its predecessor while bringing significant
increase.
The most interesting is the use of a new APS-C CMOS X-Trans
III sensor. Broadly speaking, this sensor is as good as the previous X-Trans
variant, however, the resolution has been increased dramatically to 24.3
megapixels and the ISO sensitivity is also enhanced to be 12,800.
The reliability of the image sensor is also powered by a new
processor which's claimed four times faster than before. As a result, Fujifilm
calls the X-Pro2 as its most responsive mirrorless camera at this time.
How quick? Only 0.4 seconds since it's turned on, the camera
can be used to take pictures. The shooting interval is of course also
increased, precisely in the figure of 0.25 seconds. And certainly, its
autofocus performance is increasingly tight, it can lock the focus within 0.06
seconds.
The autofocus performance of X-Pro2 is getting perfect with
the increase of focal points number that can be reached. In total there are 273
focus points that can be selected, 77 of which adopt the phase-detection technology
to allow user to lock focus on a moving object.
The fast and accurate auto focus performance is still
reliable even when shooting in continuous mode at a speed of 8 fps. Everything
is more complete with the mechanical shutter capability which is able to reach
1/8,000 sec, ideal to 'freeze' the high speed actions.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 is also equipped with a sophisticated
viewfinder. The viewfinder is adopting a hybrid system, which means user can
switch between optical and electronic viewfinder (2.36 million dot resolution)
quickly. There is also a special mode in which the user can use both
simultaneously; optic, but in the bottom right corner there is an electronic
viewfinder display for checking the focus and exposure settings.
Physically, the design is very retro, but also feels premium
due to the presence of magnesium frame and a series of aluminum knobs. But more
importantly, X-Pro2 is resistant of extreme weather; it can be used in heavy
rain or in a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius.
At the rear, there is a 3-inch LCD with a resolution of 1.62
million dots. Unfortunately, the LCD is not equipped with touch screen
technology and can't be tilted. But Fujifilm provides a small joystick on the
right side of the screen, which can be used to adjust the location of the focal
points easily and quickly.
The other uniqueness of X-Pro2 is located on the right side
of the camera, where for the first time for Fujifilm cameras, there are dual SD
card slots. Fujifilm X-Pro2 will go on sale in February, at a price of $ 1,700
for the body only.