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| FujiFilm X-Pro2 |
The Much-Anticipated successor to Fujifilm’s X-Pro1 has finally arrived and the good news is that the basic formula of an RFstyle camera with a hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder remains unchanged. However, the new X-Pro2 incorporates revisions to just about every element of its design, including its control layout.
At a press preview of the X-Pro2, a Fujifilm representative commented, “It looks the same, but basically we’ve changed everything”. Quite a number of the updated or new features are carried over from the current X-T1 and X-E2 models while some are exclusive to Fujifi lm’s new professional-level model.
On the inside, the X-Pro2 has a new version of Fujifilm’s proprietary filter-patterned ‘APS-C’ format sensor called the ‘X-Trans CMOS III’ which has an effective resolution of 24.3 megapixels and a sensitivity range equivalent to ISO 100 to 12,800. It’s mated with a new ‘X Processor Pro’ data processor which allows for continuous shooting at up to 8.0 fps. Fujifilm claims a start-up time of 0.4 seconds, a shooting interval of 0.25 seconds, a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds and a fastest AF speed of 0.06 seconds.
The X-Pro2 has a hybrid contrast/phase detection AF system which employs 273 focusing points (169 of them for phase-detection measurements). The number of manually selectable focusing points has increased from 49 on the XPro1 up to 77, and the new camera has the same ‘Zone’ (i.e. area) and tracking modes as the X-T1 running the current firmware upgrade.
The X-Pro2 has a new and faster shutter mechanism with a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second (and flash sync speed up) 1/250 second, and an increased durability of 150,000 cycles. The camera also has a sensor-based electronic shutter which allows for silent operation and a maximum speed of 1/32,000 second. New features include a new ‘Film Simulation’ preset called Acros for B&W images with increased detailing, multiple bracketing modes (‘Film Simulation’, AE, ISO, white balance and dynamic range), an intervalometer, a ‘Grain Effect’ function (with Weak or Strong settings) and dual slots for SD format memory cards with UHS-II speed support.
The X-Pro2’s bodyshell comprises of four magnesium alloy sides with a total of 61 weatherproof seals and insulation to enable operations in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. As on the other high-end Fujifilm X Series cameras, the main control dials are milled from solid billets of aluminium. The control layout now includes both front and rear input wheels and a joystick for faster selection of the AF points.
The ISO selector is integrated into the shutter speed dial and is set by lifting and turning until the desired value is shown via a small window – an arrangement popular during the 1960s and ’70s. The 7.62 cm LCD monitor screen has an increased resolution of 1.62 megadots and refresh rate of 60 fps.
The updated ‘Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder’ incorporates a new EVF component with a resolution of 2.36 megadots and features such as the ‘Electronic Rangefinder’ which was introduced on the X100T. This displays as a small EVF window in the optical finder enabling the checking of focus, angle-of-view, exposure and white balance in real-time; while even the video feed can be displayed.
The X-Pro2 records Full HD video at 50, 25 or 24 fps with stereo sound, and has a built-in WiFi module. It’s priced at $2699 body only with local availability from early April.
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