After spending four years in its developmental stage, Fujifilm's X-Pro2 compact system camera has finally been unveiled. This successor to the X-Pro1 features some design similarities with the original camera but with a few upgrades meant to enhance the user's experience.
New Sensor And Image Processing Engine
The X-Pro2 has been fitted with the latest 24.3 megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor, a random color filter array that can reduce the levels of moiré patterns and false colors without using an optical low-pass filter (OLPF).
Through the use of Fujifilm's signature Fujinon lens, the X-Pro2 camera is capable of delivering high-quality photographs at resolutions that are greater compared to the number of pixels that were actually used.
This new Fujifilm camera also has X Processor Pro that is designed to process high resolution images at a speed that is four times faster than conventional processing engines of other cameras. Its start-up time, writing speed and rapid continuous shooting speeds have all received a significant boost.
The X Processor Pro, in combination with the X-Trans CMOS III sensor, provides the X-Pro2 with faster autofocus, reduced noise and color and tonal reproduction, resulting in better images than what the earlier EXR Processor II can produce.
The X-Pro2 features two additional in-camera image options that are not available on its predecessor. These are the ACROS monochrome, which helps create high-quality black and white images, and the new grain mode, which can be adjusted from weak to strong settings depending on the photographer's needs.
Upgraded Viewfinder
While the hybrid viewfinder on the X-Pro2 makes use of a combination of optical view and electronic overlay similar to the X-Pro1, it utilizes a resolution that is almost two times higher than the original camera. The X-Pro2 can show images of up to 2.36m-dots, while the X-Pro1 can only handle 1.44m-dots.
The new camera also has a "digital rangefinder" placed at the corner of the viewfinder, similar to the Fujifilm X100T. When not in use, the rangefinder remains out of sight to avoid getting in the way of the user's view.
One of the issues that many less experienced photographers encounter is the parallax error. This occurs when a photographer misjudges the distance between the camera and the subject of his close-up shot because of the positional difference of the optical finder from the frame.
The X-Pro2's digital rangefinder allows the user to see a precise 100 percent view of the subject at a small scale. It can also display the focus point using 2.5x or 6.0x magnification for a more accurate manual focus.
Design Updates
Fans of Fujifilm's X-Pro1 may notice that the X-Pro2 resembles its predecessor's design, save for a few subtle tweaks to its details.
The new camera sports a new front command dial, which is absent from the X-Pro1. It also has a better grip compared to the older model.
The X-Pro2's relatively large exposure compensation dial on top can handle a standard exposure compensation of +/-3EV, while the X-Pro1's dial can only cater to +/-2EV.
Users can access the X-Pro2's ISO settings by pulling up its dedicated outer dial. Adjustments can be made by twisting the dial to switch from one available setting to another.
Photographers can also appreciate the inclusion of dual SD card slots on the X-Pro2, which is a first for a compact system camera.
