Fujifilm recently unveiled that the X-T2 camera is due for later this year, with the new device being a successor to the X-T1 with an interchangeable lens camera.
X-T2 sports notable improvements over its predecessor and takes a leaf out of the X-Pro2 book when it comes to technology.
Photography enthusiasts in the United States will get their hands on the new camera in September, the bare body coming at $1,600. Those who want a fully-equipped camera can choose a body and XF18-55mm f2.8-4 lens at a price point of $1,900. The company has yet to officially announce pricing for other markets.
Sensor And Autofocus
The X-T2 packs a 24.3-megapixel X-Trans III sensor paired with an X-Processor Pro. Fujifilm loyalists might recognize the two as being the same as the ones in the X-Pro2. What makes the difference in the X-T2 is the larger number of phase-detection autofocus points. Additional customization of the continuous autofocus is also in store.
As a reminder, the X-Trans taps into a 5G:2R:2B ratio (green, red, blue) color filter array, making sure color fidelity is unprecedented.
4K Video Support
Fujifilm steps up and provides 4K capture with the new X-T2, albeit it remains to be seen how well it handles the infamous artifacts from high-resolution images.
Design And Features
The refresh rate of the viewfinder makes it a big improvement over the one from the X-T1, counting as many as 100 frames per second maximum refresh rate. This means that sports photography should be no issue for the X-T2. Users may also tilt the LCD, which should add more convenience.
What is more, Fujifilm made it possible to use focal-plane sync for shooting with flash, regardless of the shutter speed. The revamped control layout, meanwhile, now makes it easier for users to snap beautiful photos.
Despite having a solid default grip, the company offers an optional Vertical Power Booster Grip for the X-T2. The advantage of the accessory is that it can offer improved frame rates while you continuously shoot, while also pushing the 4K recording time to as much as 30 minutes. Last, but not the least, the VPB-XT2 prolongs battery life.
Updates
The company rolled out an external flash equipped with a video LED whose head can be tilted and swiveled. Details of the EF-X500, as the flash is named, show GN 164 in feet and GN 50 in meters, respectively. The flash also lands during September for a price point of $450.
Some time has passed since Fujifilm showed an X-series lens roadmap, and not much news comes on that front. The company will launch an XF 23mm F2 R WR in 2016, with two more lenses in 2017. These are the XF 50mm F2 R WR and XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macr, respectively. Keep in mind that the latter replaces the formerly promised 120mm f2.8 macro lens.
Conclusion
The X-T2 comes with a series of improvements, such as settings that are increasingly versatile and convenient. Users are now able to store three different Auto ISO preferences and switch between them depending on what they're shooting. Social media integration is great due to the embedded Wi-Fi, which allows you to upload the snaps straight to Instagram.
Would you replace your X-T1 with the X-T2 this fall? Let us know in the comments section below.
