Equipment

Fujifilm Announces XT2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Everyone knew it was coming — and knew most of the specifications — but Fujifilm has announced the new X-T2 mirrorless digital camera.

Fujifilm XT2 Mirrorless Digital Camera Views
Fujifilm XT2 Mirrorless Digital Camera Views

X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera

The X-T2 takes its place alongside the X-Pro2 as the second of Fujifilm’s two “flagship” camera bodies. Both  use a 24.3MP X-trans 1.5x cropped sensor and both work with the excellent selection of Fujifilm lenses. Like its predecessor,  the popular X-T1, the X-T2 has a DSLR-like design with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). Fujifilm says that it improves on the autofocus system of the X-T1. The camera also can make 4k video, a first for Fujifilm, it has impressive burst mode speeds, and a flip out view screen on the back of the camera. There are rumors that the X-T2 can be charged directly using USB.

If you are ready to go out and buy one… you’d better be patient. First deliveries are scheduled for around September 8, 2016.

Preorders are available now:

  • Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera (body only) $1599: B&H | Adorama
  • Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 18-55mm lens $1899 B&H | Adorama

X-T2 Vertical Power Booster Grip

Fujifilm has also announced the X-T2 Vertical Power Booster Grip, a long-rumored vertical grip for the X-T2. The grip holds two extra batteries (for a total of three in the camera), which extends shooting time without a battery change and also enables higher speed shooting and 4k video recordings of up to a half hour. Price is $329.99.

Fujifilm XT2 With Vertical Grip
Fujifilm XT2 With Vertical Grip

The XT-2 Vertical Power Booster Grip is expected to be available in September 2016. Preorders are available now: B&H | Adorama

EF-X500 Electronic Flash

One weakness of the Fujifilm system for some photographer has been the lack of support for electronic flash. Despite periodic rumors nothing has been released… until now. Fujifilm also announced a new EF-X500 electronic flash unit. List price is $499.99.

Fujifilm EF-X500 Electronic Flash
Fujifilm EF-X500 Electronic Flash

Expected availability for shipping is September 2016. Preorders are available now: B&H | Adorama

Updated “Lens Roadmap”

Fujifilm, unlike some other manufacturers, has provided a “lens roadmap” describing their overall system of lenses, including both current and planned future products. The roadmap was updated at the time of the X-T2 announcement to include three new lenses and planned introduction timelines.

  • XF 23mm f/2 R WR — Fujifilm has embarked on a path of introducing very small f/2 prime lenses which are in some cases relatives of existing f/1.4 lenses, though less expensive. (The first was the excellent little 35mm f/2.) The 23mm f/2 lens will be welcomed by street photographers and others who would like something smaller than the quite large f/1.4 version of this lens. It is scheduled for release later this year.
  • XF 50mm f/2 R WR — This strikes me as a bit of an odd focal length for a 1.5x cropped sensor system, but it may be satisfying a wish by some photographers for this old-school focal length. (It will provide the same angle of view as a 75mm lens on a full frame camera.) It is scheduled for 2017 release.
  • XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro — This is a rather specialized lens, but it sounds like a great option for macro photographers. The slightly longer focal length (compared to the previous 60mm macro) and the addition of image stabilization should make this a very attractive lens. It is also scheduled for 2017 release.

X-Pro2 or XT2?

This has already been something of a hypothetical question for Fujifilm photographers, given that there will soon be two 24.3MP bodies with rather different design philosophies.

First off, it is important to realize that both cameras are going to produce essentially equal results when it comes to image quality. There is no reason at this point to imagine that the sensors are anything but identical, and both cameras work with the range of Fujifilm lenses.

The X-Pro2 uses a hybrid design that offers both a rangefinder style direct view of the subject and an electronic viewfinder. The rangefinder style viewfinder appeals to many photographers, but for its retro styling and is suitability for photography with middle focal length lenses for things like street photography. The X-Pro2 also provides an electronic viewfinder for certain situations in which it is a better option – photographing in very low light, working with zooms, and more.

The X-T2 is designed like a very small DSLR — though it is not a DSLR and it uses an excellent electronic viewfinder. The camera also offers a fold out rear view screen and a highly regarded electronic viewfinder. While the X-Pro2 also has an electronic viewfinder option, the EVF in the X-T2 is state-of-the art — and, in general, the EFV option is more effective for photographers who rely on zoom lenses.

I think that choosing between the two is going to be more of a matter of personal preference than anything else. Both cameras should be fine picture-making tools. Certain technical features may make a difference: If you need 4k video you’ll get the X-T2, and if you have a strong preference for an optical viewfinder you will get the X-Pro2. (My hunch is that the X-T2 will be the more popular of the two.)

Notes:

  • Expect that I will continue to update this post as new announcement information becomes available.
  • Links go to site affiliates B&H Photo and Adorama. Your purchases through these links help support this website… and your price will be the same!
  • Fujifilm XT2 and other July 7, 2016 announcements/products at B&H and Adorama

Related articles.

Cameras/bundles

Accessories

Prime Lenses

Zoom Lenses

  • XF10-24mmF4 R OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR — B&H | Adorama
  • XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR — B&H | Adorama
  • XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR* — B&H | Adorama
  • XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR — B&H | Adorama
  • XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II — B&H | Adorama
  • XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II — B&H | Adorama

Teleconverters (compatible with 50-150mm and 100-400mm lenses only )

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books and Amazon.
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