Some of you may remember how pleased I was with how my little Fujifilm X100T performed on my trip to France last June (My Self-Imposed 23mm Challenge with a Fuji X100T). As an experiment, I limited myself to just this camera and its fixed 23mm focal length (35mm equivalent) lens. At that time I was feeling like my creativity was waning. However, after limiting myself to this small, light-weight camera, I began to have fun with my photography again. I also began to realize that lugging my heavy pro-Nikon camera and glass around with me was becoming less and less enjoyable! Since writing that article, I have found myself using my DSLR less and less. My go-to camera is my X100T. This Christmas though, I found a new toy under the tree. A Fuji X-T2! The X-T2 is one of Fuji’s new flagship mirrorless cameras. It has the same 24MP APS-C X-Trans sensor that the X-Pro2 has. It has a huge and bright electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch tilt screen. It is weather-proof, has two SD card slots, and its autofocus speed has been significantly improved over the older X-T1.
In this short article, I want to give you my first impressions of the Fuji X-T2. This article is by no means intended to be a technical review; I will leave that to Nasim. In addition, I have not commented at all on its video capabilities. I shoot video on very rare occasions. And although the X-T2 is capable of shooting 4K video, I will be using it almost exclusively as a stills camera.
Table of Contents
Out of the Box
When I first picked up the camera my first thought was, wow, is this ever light! The camera with its kit 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens weighs in at 1.8 pounds, including the memory card and battery. My D500 is almost three pounds with its kit lens. I loved the feel in my hand; it is very well balanced and the magnesium alloy construction felt solid. It is compact enough that I can comfortably shoot one-handed. This frees up my left hand for an umbrella or coffee!
Controls
I love how the camera is laid out. It is reminiscent of an old film camera. The aperture ring is on the lens, and there are dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation on the top of the camera. Nestled under the shutter speed dial, is a switch for changing metering modes. And under the ISO dial is a switch for adjusting shooting modes (single, continuous low, continuous high, bracketing, movie, multiple exposure, panorama, and advanced filters). I particularly like how the ISO and shutter speed dials can be locked so that they can not be bumped by accident. The only thing I found a bit awkward was the size of the ring selectors for changing the metering and drive modes. They do not stick out very far. I have small hands and found them a bit hard to adjust. I would imagine that they would be much more cumbersome to change for someone with large hands. On the contrary, this does help to ensure that they do not get changed by mistake.
I also love the tilting screen. I have grown very accustomed to my D500’s articulated screen, and this is a feature I wish my X100T had. I often find myself shooting from low angles. The tilting screen saves me from having to get down on the ground, and subsequently back up! Unfortunately, the screen is not touch-sensitive though.
On my X100T, I have to use the selector switch to change focus points. The X-T2 has a dedicated focus stick, which makes selecting different focus points very fast and easy. It also frees up the selector switch buttons to be assigned to other user-defined functions.
The user can assign frequently used functions to any of the camera’s eight function buttons, including the four on the selector switch. The only one I found difficult to access was the one on the top of the camera, stuck between the shutter speed and the exposure compensation dials. Again, for anyone with large hands this may be a bit frustrating. Also, the camera has a ‘Quick Menu’ which you access by pressing one button on the back of the camera. It is also completely customizable. I have been experimenting with different configurations of the function buttons and Q menu and haven’t settled on a final setup quite yet. This is something that takes some time and is completely user dependent.
Focus
The X-T2 has 325 AF points, 169 of which are phase-detection. I was impressed with how fast the X-T2 found focus. I could focus on a very close subject, then move the camera slightly and refocus on a distant object without any noticeable hunting (in single point autofocus, AF-S). Even in low light situations, it was able to lock focus extremely quickly.
I was also impressed with how the camera performed in continuous autofocus. Although I have not had time to test AF-C extensively, or to try the five AF-C presets, I did grab a few shots of an impromptu snowball fight and my nephew racing away from me on his new snowshoes. In both instances the camera found and maintained focus.
Low-Light Capability
I was not surprised to find that the low light capability of the X-T2 is excellent, as this was also the case with my X100T. I was very comfortable shooting up to ISO 6400.
Impressions Thus Far
So far I am thrilled with the X-T2! It focuses quickly and accurately, is light and compact, and its features rival those of many high-end DSLRs. It is not perfect and does have a few quirks. And with Fuji’s current lens lineup, it will not surpass my D500 and 200-400mm f/4 for bird photography. All in all it is a beautiful piece of engineering. But most importantly to me, the camera is a pure pleasure to use. I’m looking forward to getting to know this camera better and can see a long-term relationship with it in my future.
I was a Nikon user until the X-T1 became available. Sat on the fence until their firmware update improved the Focus issues and ditched the Nikons. I still wasn’t totally happy with the sports shooting performance so when the D500 Nikon came out, I bought it for it’s speed. Then the X-T2 became available once I got familiar with the AF-C settings the performance was virtually on par to the D500, so…ditched the Nikon and have never looked back. One aspect of the X-T2 that wasn’t working for me was to use the back AF-L or AE-L buttons for back-button focussing..maybe my big hands hinder their use. Then I reprogrammed the front Function button for AF-L and using my middle finger, it works great. So now I am Back Focussing from the Front.
Thanks for you comments Adrian. I’ve heard a lot of people do the back button focusing on the front! I have mine set to the AF-L button now, but only use it when I’m in manual focus. If I am in single focus, I use the shutter. I find that this combination gives me the best versatility. I just boxed up all my Nikon glass yesterday and a student of mine is bringing me a cheque tomorrow! Now I can invest in some more Fuji glass! It will be like Christmas.
Thanks again for your comments and happy shooting.
Great article, both the X-T2 and the X100T. Now that the X100 has been upgraded to the F series, which one would you prefer as your go to camera? Thanks in advance, Tom
Thank you, Tom! That is a very good question! I love the articulating screen on the X-T2, but I love the silent shutter and small size of the X100T. On a recent trip, I had the 35 f/2 on the X-T2 and had the X100T in my pocket. That covered two of my favorite focal lengths. It also depends on what I am shooting. For landscape and nature work, I head to the X-T2. For street photography, the X100T. I always have the X100T with me though. So, I’m not really sure which one is my “go to” camera. I guess they both are!
Agreed – so classy red and black with the red thread binding being a perfect finishing touch.
Thank you Keith, I am pleased with how it turned out.
Who cares about the camera. Do a tutorial on how you hand-made that strap!
Lol! I might just do that! Thanks for your comments.
Hello there,
Not sure if Nasim will be reading this. Any plan of recommended setting for Fuji X-t2 on the way as well?
Also what are your views upon 35 f2 vs 35 f1.4? I’ve consider maybe getting f2 which is lighter and faster in terms of focus but don’t want to regret later with the feeling of I should get f1.4 instead.
I’ve read about the issue with 1.4 focusing slower, but with new camera like X-t2, does the focusing speed improve for f 1.4.?
Hi Oska,
“Recommended” settings is a tough one. What I have found is that what works for one person does not work for another. I have been using my new X-T2 now for almost a month and I am just figuring out how I like the camera set up. What I would recommend is to work with the camera for a good month or two, making notes of which features you are using most often. If you never use the self-timer, then don’t assign it to a function button. On the other hand, if you are constantly searching through menus for the self-timer, definitely assign it to one of the function buttons. I use back button focusing, so I have assigned AF-on to both the AE-L and AF-L buttons while my fingers get used to the back of the camera. Once I figure out where I like it best, I will stick with it and assign something different to the other button. But it all takes time to get to know your camera. Don’t try and pigeon hole yourself into someone else’s settings!
As for the lenses, I have the 35 f/2 and it focuses very fast! I have heard that the f/1.4 does not focus as fast, especially in low light. However, if you are manually focusing that isn’t a problem. The images I have seen shot wide open on the f/1.4 are amazing! Cost might enter into your decision as well. The 35 f/2 is $400 while the f/1.4 is $600. If you shoot out in the elements at all, the f/2 is weather sealed. It is a tough call! I would look at how you shoot, write down all the pros and cons of each lens, and go from there. The good thing is that they are both wonderful pieces of glass and you can’t go wrong with either one!
Thanks for your questions.
Hi Nasim & Elizabeth,
Can you elaborate in more details, why you would skip 18-55 f/ 2.8-4.0 kit lens?
Larry
Hi Larry,
Sorry I gave you the impression that it wasn’t a good lens. It is probably one of the best “kit” lenses on the market, including those from Canon and Nikon. It is extremely well built and is a great carry around lens.
It is one of Fuji’s older lenses, though (released Sept 2012). Some folks think it is not quite as sharp on Fuji’s newer camera bodies. It is also not weather sealed. So if you expect to be out in the elements, you are probably better to invest in the newer 16-55 f/2.8 or one of the weather sealed primes.
I love using this lens in good weather, especially when I don’t want to be bothered switching primes. Of course, it isn’t quite as fast at the long end as the 16-55, but if you are buying it with the camera body, you really can’t go wrong for the extra $300.
Thanks for your question, and hope that helps.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your comment. I consider this lens as a kit lens with the body.
Larry
Excellent comments about the XT2, Elizabeth. I am considering selling my Nikon body and glass (for the purpose of having a smaller, more portable outfit; love Nikon but want something smaller as I get older) in order to move to the XT2, and your comments have helped me move further in that direction. By the way, I live in Delta region of Mississippi. If you travel this way, let us know.
Thanks for your comments, Jon. I’m glad I could shed a bit of light on your decision. I don’t think you will regret the switch! I know my shoulder is thanking me!
Very nice review of an excellent camera. I am a Nikon shooter but when the X-Pro1 emerged, I was hooked. This lead to an XT-1 and now an XT-2 with a X100S. I still have Nikon (D810 & D500) but for travel you cannot beat the XT. I am happy with the lens choices and also lens quality. Only weak area was the flash system but a Nissin i40 solved that problem. Battery life an issue? yes so I have three batteries and a grip. That sorts the problem. Works great with studio lights. What more can you aks for.
Glad you are enjoying your Fuji experience, Garrett. Thanks very much for taking the time to comment. Happy shooting!
Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you for the great articles about your experience with the X100T and the XT2. I agree and can confirm that shooting with Fujifilm cameras is a delight. I was at a kind of dead end in photography (mainly landscape) as well; hardly no inspiration anymore, no wish to go out with my equipment. I used a D810 with the zoom glass and a few primes. Before the D810 i walked the Nikon way via D100…D700. Technically the D810 delivered great results, but was not emotionally satisfied. Due to a shoulder problem I could only use it on a tripod but then I had to carry even more weight. The best point of shooting is not always straight from the car window. After surgery it appeared that holding up weight stable continued to be a problem.
A change was necessary. In the film days I used a Leica M6 so I took it out and used it. The fun came back. However to go digital with Leica on the same level is less of a fun looking at cost. Browsing on the web, reading magazines Fujifilm caught my eye and immediately when I had a camera, the X-Pro2, in my hand, I was sold. In the mean time I acquired a X100T as well. When I go out on my bicycle (I live in the Netherlands in a nice area ‘t Gooi) I have the X100T with me. When I go out in the forests or fields (the National Park de Hoge Veluwe) I carry my X-Pro2 with the 2.8 16-55. The weight is ok, and no problems with holding the camera in front of my eye on a stable way. Weather sealed and solid! The tripod can be lighter as with the use of a D810 as well.
There was a post about a possible water color effect. I had similar problems after the raw conversion with Lightroom last year when the X-Pro2 was just out. I used for a while Iridient Developer, with great results. However it was difficult to fit it in my workflow. I am used to Lightroom and occasionally some after processing in Photoshop. Today with Lightroom CC 2015.8 and camera raw 9.8 the redering results are very good and useful for great prints on A4, A3 and A2 size.
I love the Xtrans sensor, the glass (in the mean time I have bought some primes), the camera and the results. It remembers me of the M6 days. My pleasure in photography is back. When I sell my Nikon equipment I might have room to invest in a XT2 and the wide angle zoom. Another lesson that I experienced is that the D810 did not improve my pictures and it did not improve my joy.
Thanks so much for your comments, Ben. You have a very similar story. They say that gear does not make you a better photographer, but if it can inspire you to shoot more, that will make you better.
Great review. Shooting Fuji is a marvellous experience.
I am a XT-1 user and I am pondering is it worth upgrading to XT2 (only if I get a good deal) or stick with the XT1 and wait out for XT3.
XT1 is a great great camera. If XT2 hadn’t come, I would have been a very happy camper and continued adding to my 10-24 and 35 fujinon lenses, 23 f2, 90, and 16 in that order. Though I do have one complain: speed of autofocus area selection. It can be pain, even with right calibration. Sometimes I need to remove the camera from eyes, and find the right selector button. And then refocus. Not ideal. XT2 with the focus selector solves that. How effectively, I can know only after trying.
On paper, XT2 is perfect, at least for all my requirements. And the Arcos bnw mode is to die for.
But I still am debating if XT1 is worth replacing. What are your thoughts?
That is a tough one, Pallav. The autofocus is vastly improved on the X-T2 over the X-T1. I would say it depends on what you shoot. If you are a landscape shooter, then I would stick with the X-T1 and sink your money into the lenses. If you need the fast focus you might want to move up. I do a lot of street/documentary photography so I need fast autofocus. I am having the same dilemma with my X100T. Should I trade up to the X100F when it is released for the faster focus? You might want to try renting or borrowing an X-T2 before purchasing to see the difference.
Thanks for your question.
P.S. I love the Acros film simulations, they are fantastic!