review: Fuji X-T2 camera
The Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon) is one of the most likable cameras I have ever handled, and up there with the best cameras. Ever. Fuji made immediate impact with their Fuji X-100 camera, which had sexy retro appeal, especially with the optical viewfinder. Since then, Fuji has released cameras which retain that kind of appeal, which culminated two years ago in the Fuji X-T1 – a camera which also really impressed me, as mentioned in my review: Fuji X-T1 camera.
Now we have the Fuji X-T2 which in some ways, is a considerable jump up from the Fuji X-T1. In comparison to the X-T1, the X-T2 has a bit more heft, and the AF is noticeably faster and more accurate. It also has dual memory cards. Add some other improvements, and then the X-T2 become a compelling new camera.
With this review of the Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon), I want to give an overview of the actual user experience, as used during a photo session with Anastasiya. I had the Fuji X-T2 with the kit lens that comes with it – the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS (B&H / Amazon). I was really impressed with the sharpness of this lens, even wide open! Some of the images from this photo session appeared in this article: Available light portrait photography. We only used the available light during this photo session, since I wanted to be able to move freely without the constriction of using off-camera flash.
Before we look at more of the images, let’s check out the specifications and details of the Fuji X-T2 …
The Fuji X-T2 (affiliate) is a beautiful camera, with enough knobs and controls to satisfy any camera geek. Even with that, the ergonomics are good, and the camera feels good in the hand. There’s a nice weight to it, but it isn’t all that heavy. It really just feels solid in its own petite Fuji way. The buttons and knobs have a quality feel to them. The layout of the controls are fairly obvious, making this camera easy to use, straight out of the box.
The viewfinder is electronic, but lag with the Fuji X-T2 viewfinder is surprisingly little. EVF cameras have come a long way! Still, there is none of that “oh wow” awesomeness that is the hybrid optical viewfinder, with the Fuji X100 series and X-Pro series cameras.
Fuji X-T2 spec highlights
- 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
- X-Processor Pro Engine
- 0.77x 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilting LCD Screen
- Internal UHD 4K Video & F-Log Gamma
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
- 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
- Up to 8 fps Shooting and ISO 51200
- Weather-Sealed Body; Two UHS-II SD Slots
- Film Simulation and Grain Effect Modes
For a more direct comparison in specs between the Fuji X-T1 and X-T2, we will notice that many of these are incremental improvements and advances … all of which add up to a considerable jump in capability. For me, one thing which immediately stood out to make this camera more appealing to serious and professional photographers – dual memory card slots!
Fuji X-T1 vs Fuji X-T2 comparison
Fuji X-T1
16.3 Mpx sensor •
1080p HD video recording •
49-point AF system •
3.0″ Tilting LCD Monitor •
top shutter speed of 1/4000th •
max sync speed 1/180 •
single SD card slot •
• 24.3 Mpx sensor
• internal UHD 4K Video
• 91-point system with faster AF algorithm
• 3.0″ 3-Way Tilting Screen
• 1/8000 top shutter speed
• 1/250 max sync speed
• dual SD card slots
The LCD display of the Fuji X-T2 now has an extra hinge, to allow more freedom in how the LCD display is used. Perfect for street photography, or any kind of photography where you can’t (or don’t want to) hold the camera up to your eye.
Another positive (and interesting) change with the Fuji X-T2 is that the two rotating dials (for ISO and for shutter speed), can be locked (image left), or left in a free-wheel setting where you can easily rotate the dial to change settings.
Other improvements include the memory card door is now a lot more sturdy than it was with the X-T1.
Fuji X-T2 auto-focus performance
The autofocus performance of the Fuji X-T2 is a definite jump up from the Fuji X-T1, and is on the level now that might expect from a pro-level camera.
For this sequence of photos of Anastasiya – available light portrait photography – I had her walk away from me, and twirl around, and keep moving. I tried to guide her towards the various spots of dabbled light, reflecting off the glass buildings. I was moving alongside her, or allowing her to walk away from me. Therefore I had the camera set to Continous focus mode, so that the camera would continually adjust the AF while the subject moves.
Initially, I had the camera set to a single AF point, but it grabbed the background too often as I changed composition. With the camera set to a 3×3 or 7×7 AF grid though, the camera easily kept track of her. Our movements were erratic, but the Fuji X-T2 kept up, and at an aperture of f/4 the success rate for crisply sharp photos where high.
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
The single AF point, versus the 3×3 grid which obviously can be moved around the frame as needed for your composition.
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
The flare was quite well controlled with the Fuji XF 18-55mm, when shooting into the sun, as can be seen in these two images.
Fuji X-T2 menu and controls
Even if you’re not used to the Fuji menu system they have in their cameras, you’ll easily find your way. To give an idea of the obviousness of the menus:
Button / Dial Setting
Image Quality / Movie Settings
Fuji obviously put a lot of thought into how to make the various Auto-Focus settings more intuitive, by using example photos in the menu! For each of the AF options, you can customize the Tracking Sensitivity and Speed Tracking Sensitivity to your liking.
Auto-Focus Settings
You can customise the camera through six different Function buttons, setting it up exactly how you need it.
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
- 1/250 @ f/4 @ 250 ISO
- Cross-Processing effect with Alien Skin Exposure X
- camera: Fuji X-T2 (B&H / Amazon)
- lens: Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
Final thoughts
I really liked the Fuji X-T1, and it has been updated into a fearsome camera with the Fuji X-T2. It felt good in my hands. The controls were easily understood, and if you have prior experience of Fuji X series cameras, you’ll easily find your way around the menu as well.
The Fuji X-T2 (affiliate) is both a fun camera to use, and a serious machine capable of impressive images. Go handle one in your local camera store – it will sway you from ‘wanting’ the camera, to ‘needing’ the camera.
Related articles
- Available light portrait photography (with Fuji X-T2)
- review: Fuji X-T1 camera
- reviews on the Tangents blog of other Fuji gear
After reading this and looking at the results, it’s made me want this camera.. I’m going to have to resist holding one in-store to stop me from needing one!
Great Review Neil, right now I have the D810, D500 but how would it compare with dslr’s?
I also have these two cameras just getting the d500. I almost got the X-T2 but I’m invested into Nikon stuff so opted for the d500 . Love it by the way. But I still crave the Fuji Mirrorless system. I’d like to know this answer from you also. I know prominent professional action photographer who switched to Fujifilm from the Nikon dslr
Chris, for me the major obstacle with the Fuji system is the lack of options with wireless flash that is high-speed sync capable. The only flash I’ve found so far that offers this, is the Nissin i60A Flash.
Also, I am so deeply invested in the Nikon system that it wouldn’t make any business sense to swap over.
Fuji are releasing their first HSS-capable flash. Another (3rd party) alternative is the Cactus V6II HSS transceiver https://www.cactus-image.com/v6ii.html, which allows usage of HSS-capable flashes for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Olympus/Panasonic with Fuji — as well as remote power control.
Nice review Neil but, 3 months too late for me I’m afraid ;)
I’m now only using my 5d mk3 for off camera flash in HSS. I’m hoping Godox will release a Fuji Trigger soon:( for HSS and ttl) as I use the Godox AD600 strobe.
Neat review Neil.
The small Fujinon 18-55mm lens is indeed pretty awesome.
Need to have a closer look at the X-T2……;)
Hi Neil,
Since you are the person that I learned everything I know about on and off-camera flash photography (from both your books and the blog), I’m curious to know what your thoughts are on Fuji’s flash system, as well as the autofocus compared to the D750. I’m debating trading my D750 for an X-T2, but the flash and autofocus are the two things that make me hesitant…
Thanks Neil!
Jeff
Hi there Jeff … I just added my reply above to a similar question. For me, the lack of options when it comes to flash, is an obstacle.
There are other things about the Nikon DSLRs that I really like that the Fuji doesn’t have – for example, I can set my Nikons to gently light up the controls when I shoot in the dark, so I can see where the buttons are. With the Fuji cameras, you’d have to pull out your phone to see where the controls are.
Thanks Neil! Maybe I’ll keep my D750 for now, and just add an X100T and see how I like that. Then I’ll also have a leaf shutter to play with!
You can use the LCD or evf to see what your iso/shutter/aperture are in the dark. Admittedly, it takes a little juggling to do this but after a while it’s easy and I think the overall manual configuration of the buttons is easier for 99% of work in daylight. It’s great being able to grab the camera and know exactly what it’s set at.
Are all the images in this article shot in Raw? Nice work, How much out of camera processing?
Thomas … all the images were shot in RAW. There are no in-camera JPG images here.
The only processing I do for every photo is skin retouching. And the very last image had a cross-processing effect added to it. Other than that, the images are “natural”.
Hi Neil, did you use the Adobe Standard calibration in lightroom or something else? Adobe Standard tends to be very flat, I usually use Astia which gives the photos a bit more pop. Your processing of the raw file looks great hence the question.
I used the Camera PROVIA / STANDARD profile. It seems to emulate the Fuji look better than the regular Adobe profiles.
Thanks Neil. Have you tried and high ISO shots with it?
I really enjoy using this camera. With my Canon, I shoot raw, but I bought the Fuji for more fun in a smaller package, so I’ve been shooting jpeg and letting the camera handle the processing. I love how the film simulations cut post-processing down to little or nothing. My only complaint is the menu system; specifically how little of it they allow you to put into My Menu which basically makes My Menu useless. There’s no reason why every menu item shouldn’t be available to put into My Menu.
Hello Mr. Neil, Thank you for this brief but also complete review. It is nice to have your personnal and pro inside of this camera. You really have an eye to scout and capture very pleasing natural light. All the photos are simply beautiful and skilfully exposed. I was thrilled to try the X-Pro 2. Now what bugs me is I find the skin tones out of the camera too magenta (whether with Adobe, Velvia or Provia). Maybe I am too used to my Canon 5d ii. From what you shot, the skin tones look very nice and natural. How were you happy with the skin tones out of the X-T2? Merci!
I already have the XT1 with a raft of lenses and now I’m tempted to buy this too. The first version is truly amazing and then lenses. Particularly the primes, unbeatable to my mind. I was a little surprised you reviewed this camera using the ‘kit’ lens rather than one of the primes. The 18-55 is a very good lens but to do this camera justice I think perhaps the 56 1.2 would have been an appropriate choice. That said. Excellent review as usual. Thank you.
Neil,
What is your opinion of the Nissin i60a for the XT2 for weddings and events?
Flash power, recycle times, battery life, battery packs, quality?
Thank you,
FW
Hi there Frank, I don’t have the Nisson i60a … but the “on paper comparison” of the options for a flash for the Fuji, makes this one probably the best choice right now.