Sometimes I feel silly writing a review. This normally occurs when I want to review a product that already has so many other reviews previously posted, and/or that come to similar conclusions. This is one of those reviews, and on both counts. But I still wish to write this review, because the Fuji X-T2 is THAT good.
I’m not a professional photographer in the strictest set of terms. I recently ran into a man in Paris who was shooting with a Hasselblad camera that he had purchased (body only) for seven thousand euros (about eight years ago; not including the lens). Of course, it’s not the CAMERA that makes him a professional: this is a freelancer who sells photos to newspapers and magazines across Europe, and if you spent time (which I did, some 30 minutes of it, or so) watching how he would size up a shot in his mind, take a long time to think about it, and then whip up the camera and take a shot almost without effort, you can tell you are looking at a professional. We had a nice talk and exchanged stories about cameras. With some Hasselblad backs selling for over 40,000 dollars, he still complimented my camera. What camera was it? A Fuji X-T2.
I’m no professional, but I’ve been into photography for about 20 years. I’ve owned many many different cameras over that period, of all types, from diminutive little devices that fit into your front pocket, to DSLR’s that were so heavy you almost yearned for the end of a shoot. Most of them were advanced at the time, sporting one or more technological achievements never before present in a camera, and many of them immensely enjoyable to use. And many brands, too. Nikon. Canon. Sony. Fuji. And on and on.
Let’s cut to the chase. The Fuji X-T2 is simply a flat-out amazing camera. It builds on all the advances of the X-T1, and, for the most part, very well, with improvements and tweaks that even people who loved the X-T1 wanted to see in the camera's next incarnation. It FEELS good to shoot with it. It produces REMARKABLE results, particularly when you are shooting with one of their succulent “XF” lenses (sorry, that's the word that comes to mind, and to any that have used the XF 23mm or the XF 56mm, you'll know what I mean). The Fuji X-T2 feels like the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. It’s comfortable to hold. It’s fast. It’s highly customizable, yet will turn out fantastic shots in full auto mode. It opens you up to a series of Fuji lenses that are endlessly compared to Leica and Zeiss lenses at three times their price (or more). It’s made in Japan, and feels like it. (So are most of the "XF" lenses, by the way, with a couple of exceptions.)
Why are the results of the X-T2 so good? It’s not because of its 24 mp rating. It’s because of the TYPE of sensor, the MANNER in which the sensor’s data output channel is handled by the camera’s processor, and because of the incredible OPTICS of the “XF” line of Fujinon lenses. Put another way, it’s the marriage of the sensor, the characteristics of the lenses, and the way the sensor output is handled once the shot is taken that make the X-T2 what it is.
You can read all about the details of the camera’s specifications nearly anywhere (and be careful, information overload is a real danger here), but I won’t do that here. What I WILL do is tell you that this is a magnificent camera that can take amazing photos. Is it a full frame or a medium-format camera? No. But for someone like me, that does not matter. What DOES matter is that I can take photos with this camera that were never before possible, and that routinely possess the “wow factor." And there is plenty of room to tinker with those photos later on--even if shooting in jpg-- because of the high megapixel sensor, if you choose to do that.
The Fuji X-T2 is a “photographer’s camera” because it lets you do just what you want to do: take pictures the way you envision them. It lets you do so smoothly and quickly, and offers so many opportunities for manipulation that it would take far too long to list them here. This camera feels good in the hand. It oozes quality. Is it the “poor man’s Leica?” Maybe so. It’s so pleasant to shoot with and the results are so good—color, saturation, headroom, detail, sharpness, clarity—that I don’t need to worry about saving for a Leica. Yes, I understand I am comparing apples and oranges, and it truly is a subjective view that I’m providing, but it’s a view that is shared by nearly everyone who has used either a Fuji X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro, or X-Pro2. Asked another way: How many NEGATIVE reviews have you seen on any of these cameras by those that have owned or used them? There are a few out there, but so very, very few; that all by itself speaks volumes. And the X-T2 may very well be the best of them all.
The fact that it is still relatively light and comfortably small (as compared to a typical DSLR) is just icing on the cake. It’s a camera that nearly anyone can use to take great photos. Give it to a novice on AUTO, slap the kit lens on it (either the 18-55mm or the 18-135mm kit lens, it doesn’t matter) and turn them loose and see what they capture. It’s remarkable to see. And then, if one starts to learn more about photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.), let them interact with the camera’s customizable settings. It’s amazing.
I love being able to easily adjust settings with mechanical knobs at the top of the camera, but I just as much love being able to set things to AUTO and let the camera figure things out for me, usually with good result. Quiet operation (even a completely silent electronic shutter, if I want it). Comfortable grip. A truly tremendous set of lenses to select from. Customizable buttons (six of them, actually). A viewfinder that makes you think you are using a glass prism, but also includes all the shooting data I on it. This is what photography is all about.
I am aware I’ve not in this review cited any specifications: these are available anywhere. What this review is just simply another person’s response to using this camera over a period of months. I just finished a three-week shoot in Paris with it. It’s obvious this camera is made by a company that understands photography. And understands it well. Just as my acquaintance above with the Hasselblad camera complemented my X-T2—a camera that cost one-tenth as much, or less—Fujifilm is onto something here. If you are a photographer, you owe it to yourself to look into this camera and its entire line of lenses, because if you do not, you’re missing out on what is potentially one of the most amazing lines of photographic equipment available for the non-rich. It’s not that the Fuji equipment is cheap, because it most certainly is not. But BY COMPARISON with its true competitors, it really is inexpensive. But all of that can be overlooked: just examine the shots you take with this camera and be amazed. Because that’s exactly what will happen.
Note:
I've uploaded a few sample shots. As anyone knows, these have been reduced and shrinked so much for use here that they do not show the ACTUAL photos. What they do, however, is provide a general feel for what can be done with X-T2.
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This Item  Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $629.48 | -6% $2,354.95 New Price: $2,499.00 | $2,499.00 | -8% $1,849.00 List: $1,999.95 | $1,299.00 | $2,499.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Apr 26 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it May 3 - 8 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Picture quality | ||||||
| Auto focus | ||||||
| Image stabilization | ||||||
| Ergonomic | ||||||
| Sold By | HOTOTRONICS | Electronics Basket | Amazon.com | Wholesale Photo | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| lens type | interchangeable | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle | Wide Angle |
| shooting modes | Shutter Priority | Automatic, Movie | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Bulb Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Shutter Priority | Automatic |
| connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| video resolution | 3840 x 2160 (29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1920 x 1080 (59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p), 1280 x 720 (59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p) | 4320p | 4320p | 4320p | 4320p | 4320p |
| optical zoom | 1 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x | 5 multiplier x |
From the manufacturer
In its compact, lightweight and robust body, the Fujifilm X-T2 delivers everything you need. A large, high definition EVF, easy to use dials, high-speed AF, compatibility with an extensive range of high-performance interchangeable lenses, Film Simulation modes that inherit the legacy of Fujifilm colors, unparalleled image quality and outstanding 4K movie recording, made possible by the latest sensor and processing engine, It is the X series perfected.
Image Quality / Focus Control
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Image Quality 24.3MP X-Trans* CMOS III SensorThe Fujifilm X-T2 features a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor for outstanding image quality. Its highly random pixel array effectively reduces moiré and false colors without the use of an optical low-pass filter. When combined with an XF lens, the sensor delivers images with a perceived resolution far greater than the number of pixels used. Other features include outstanding read speed, high-speed continuous shooting, high-precision AF tracking, highly faster live view refresh rate and superb video recording. The sensor readout speed is now approximately twice as fast, delivering high-speed continuous shooting, precise AF tracking, playback and higher quality movies. 1: Microlenses. 2: X-Trans Color Filter. 3: L/R Light Interception Filter. 4: Phase Detection Sensor / Green Filter Pixel. 5: Photodiode. Note: X-Trans is a trademark or registered trademark of Fujifilm Corporation. |
Excellent image processing from X-Processor ProThe X-Processor Pro image processing engine is approximately four times faster than the previous model. The increased built-in memory and enhanced computational power bring out the maximum capabilities of the X-Trans CMOS III sensor. It produces high quality images and improves response times for shorter delays between shots, reduced shutter-release time lag and greater AF precision. The engine also delivers faster Live View refresh rates and reduces image delay when tracking moving subjects. The Fujifilm X-T2 features a new CPU for high-speed processing. The Buffer memory has also been increased for an even faster response. |
Film Simulation modes reflect Fujifilm's color philosophyIncorporating knowledge developed from over 80 years of photographic film manufacturing, the Fujifilm X-T2's Film Simulation modes allow you to enjoy different color tones and rich gradations as if actually swapping films. A total of 15 modes are available, including PROVIA and Velvia to reproduce vibrant colors, plus ACROS for fine-detailed monochrome images. The Grain Effect function can be combined with all Film Simulation modes to add a textured look and deliver a greater range of artistic effects. |
Focus Lever to instantly change the focusing pointThe focus area can be changed in eight directions using the Fujifilm X-T2's Focus Lever: up/down, right/left and diagonally. This allows users to make quick changes to the focus area for accurate focusing after composing an image. This feature is useful not only to shift the AF points during autofocusing, but also to quickly choose the area to be enlarged in MF Assist mode during manual focusing. |
Focusing
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Larger high-speed and high-precision phase detection AF areaAF performance has been improved in a number of keys areas. The fast and accurate phase detection AF now covers a larger part of the frame and has been optimized in the area where users are most likely to position the main subject. At the same time, the Fujifilm X-T2 boasts significant focusing improvements on small highlights, low contrast subjects and subjects with fine textures, which have previously caused problems for focal plane phase detection AF. Contrast detection AF, which excels in low light conditions, has also received a performance boost, with the ability to accurately focus in light levels as low as -3EV. The camera also refocuses more regularly during the slow burst mode in AF-C. The phase detection area has been expanded by approx. 230% compared to previous models, with the number of focus points increasing from 49 to 91 (up to 325). The camera also activates phase detection AF more frequently to take advantage of its AF speed and accuracy in a greater variety of situations. |
Tracking SensitivityThree parameters controlling AF-C. Fujifilm has substantially improved the AF-C algorithm to boost the accuracy of the Fujifilm X-T2's ability to track moving subjects. You can now fine tune how the camera reacts to the way the subject moves within the frame, how fast the subject moves and where in the frame the camera prioritizes focus. The five presets in the AF-C Custom Settings represent combinations of these three factors. This setting allows you to specify whether the camera should switch its focus to a different subject or retain its focus to wait for the subject to reappear. This control is useful when the object you are tracking disappears behind an obstacle, goes out of the frame or when a second object at a substantially different distance from the subject comes into the frame, Selecting 0 makes the camera switch its focus immediately, while choosing 1-4 progressively lengthens the time it will retain focus. |
Speed Tracking SensitivityThis setting defines the camera's tracking characteristics based on changes to the subject's speed. Selecting 0 (constant speed), the camera does not consider change of speed when predicting subject movements. Choose 2 (variable speed) and the camera takes speed changes into account when predicting subject movement, making it suitable for accelerating or decelerating subjects. |
Zone area SwitchingThis setting is available only in the Zone AF mode, and allows you to specify which part of the selected focusing zone should be given focusing priority. Select Center to maintain focus in the center of the frame, or Front to switch the focus to a subject at the front of frame when the original subject moves out of shot. Auto tracks the subject you first focused on. |
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High-res Real Time Viewfinder with 0.77x magnificationThe 2.36-million-dot high-resolution organic EL electronic viewfinder has a magnification ratio of 0.77x, a horizontal viewing angle of 31 degrees, and a display time lag of just 0.005 seconds. The viewfinder, which is 2 times brighter than the previous model, also features an automatic brightness adjustment function so it's easy to see in all conditions - even intense backlighting. It completely eliminates moiré or false colors, and boasts performance comparable to an optical viewfinder, but with the added advantage of displaying a live view that reflects exposure settings.
Up to 100 fps EVF refresh rate for a clear display even in low light. As standard, the EVF refreshes at a rate of 60 fps, but in Boost mode this jumps to 100fps, which continuously displays even fast-moving subjects smoothly to deliver a performance comparable to that of an optical viewfinder. The fast refresh rate is maintained even in low light for easy framing during night shooting. |
Focusing on subjects with erratic movementsContinuous shooting performance has also been improved, enabling up to 11fps when using the mechanical shutter* and 5fps in the Live View mode. The viewfinder blackout time is now less than half that of the previous model. This means that you can track a fast-moving subject more easily for an extended period of time during continuous shooting. The combination of advanced continuous shooting options and EVF performance deliver continuous AF-C shooting never previously thought possible with mirrorless cameras. 1. Blackout time. 2. Time in which the subject can be viewed through the viewfinder. |
Outstanding 4K high-definition videoThe Fujifilm X-T2 captures approx. 1.8x the required number of pixels for 4K video (4K/30P, 25P, 24P) and 2.4x the required data for full HD video (1080/60P, 50P, 24P) to deliver superior movie quality free from moiré or artifacts. It also supports the high bit rate of 100Mbps. |
Film Simulation on video recordingFilm Simulation modes are available during video recording. Movie shooters can enjoy extra creativity, without the need for lengthy post-production, including monochrome video in ACROS and documentary-themed tones in Classic Chrome. You can also change settings such as aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation while recording video. |
Operability
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Solid body with resistance to dust, moisture and low tempsThe Fujifilm X-T2's body is made of magnesium alloy. Despite being compact and lightweight, it is both solid and highly durable. The body is also weather-sealed in 63 points to achieve a high level of resistance to dust and moisture. Couple this with its ability to work in temperatures down to -10°C and you'll see the camera is ready for anything. Similar weather-sealing is applied to the dust-resistant and water-resistant lenses and the Power Booster Grip to provide weather resistance across the entire system. |
Dual SD card slotsThe body features dual slots to accommodate two SD cards for highly reliable data storage. Both Slot 1 and Slot 2 are compatible with UHS-II standards for excellent write speeds. You can use the slots for sequential recording, backup, sorting to record RAW files in Slot 1 and JPEG files in Slot 2, or assign one of the slots for video storage. |
Three-direction tilting LCD screenThe Fujifilm X-T2 features a premium LCD screen that can tilt in three directions. Tilt it up and down when shooting in landscape, and upward when shooting in portrait. The screen remains positioned on the optical axis of the lens for easier high-angle and low-angle shooting. The 3-inch LCD has 1.04 million dots and uses toughened glass. When not tilted, it fits flush to the body. |
Lockable dials deliver quick and simple handlingKey exposure controls are dial-based, such as setting the shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation, Drive Mode and Metering Mode. This means settings can easily be changed, even when the camera is turned off. Selected controls also feature lock and release buttons to enhance overall operation. |
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Reviews with images
Limit this to "Five Stars?" That's Absurd.
Sometimes I feel silly writing a review. This normally occurs when I want to review a product that already has so many other reviews previously posted, and/or that come to similar conclusions. This is one of those reviews, and on both counts. But I still wish to write this review, because the Fuji X-T2 is THAT good.I’m not a professional photographer in the strictest set of terms. I recently ran into a man in Paris who was shooting with a Hasselblad camera that he had purchased (body only) for seven thousand euros (about eight years ago; not including the lens). Of course, it’s not the CAMERA that makes him a professional: this is a freelancer who sells photos to newspapers and magazines across Europe, and if you spent time (which I did, some 30 minutes of it, or so) watching how he would size up a shot in his mind, take a long time to think about it, and then whip up the camera and take a shot almost without effort, you can tell you are looking at a professional. We had a nice talk and exchanged stories about cameras. With some Hasselblad backs selling for over 40,000 dollars, he still complimented my camera. What camera was it? A Fuji X-T2.I’m no professional, but I’ve been into photography for about 20 years. I’ve owned many many different cameras over that period, of all types, from diminutive little devices that fit into your front pocket, to DSLR’s that were so heavy you almost yearned for the end of a shoot. Most of them were advanced at the time, sporting one or more technological achievements never before present in a camera, and many of them immensely enjoyable to use. And many brands, too. Nikon. Canon. Sony. Fuji. And on and on.Let’s cut to the chase. The Fuji X-T2 is simply a flat-out amazing camera. It builds on all the advances of the X-T1, and, for the most part, very well, with improvements and tweaks that even people who loved the X-T1 wanted to see in the camera's next incarnation. It FEELS good to shoot with it. It produces REMARKABLE results, particularly when you are shooting with one of their succulent “XF” lenses (sorry, that's the word that comes to mind, and to any that have used the XF 23mm or the XF 56mm, you'll know what I mean). The Fuji X-T2 feels like the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. It’s comfortable to hold. It’s fast. It’s highly customizable, yet will turn out fantastic shots in full auto mode. It opens you up to a series of Fuji lenses that are endlessly compared to Leica and Zeiss lenses at three times their price (or more). It’s made in Japan, and feels like it. (So are most of the "XF" lenses, by the way, with a couple of exceptions.)Why are the results of the X-T2 so good? It’s not because of its 24 mp rating. It’s because of the TYPE of sensor, the MANNER in which the sensor’s data output channel is handled by the camera’s processor, and because of the incredible OPTICS of the “XF” line of Fujinon lenses. Put another way, it’s the marriage of the sensor, the characteristics of the lenses, and the way the sensor output is handled once the shot is taken that make the X-T2 what it is.You can read all about the details of the camera’s specifications nearly anywhere (and be careful, information overload is a real danger here), but I won’t do that here. What I WILL do is tell you that this is a magnificent camera that can take amazing photos. Is it a full frame or a medium-format camera? No. But for someone like me, that does not matter. What DOES matter is that I can take photos with this camera that were never before possible, and that routinely possess the “wow factor." And there is plenty of room to tinker with those photos later on--even if shooting in jpg-- because of the high megapixel sensor, if you choose to do that.The Fuji X-T2 is a “photographer’s camera” because it lets you do just what you want to do: take pictures the way you envision them. It lets you do so smoothly and quickly, and offers so many opportunities for manipulation that it would take far too long to list them here. This camera feels good in the hand. It oozes quality. Is it the “poor man’s Leica?” Maybe so. It’s so pleasant to shoot with and the results are so good—color, saturation, headroom, detail, sharpness, clarity—that I don’t need to worry about saving for a Leica. Yes, I understand I am comparing apples and oranges, and it truly is a subjective view that I’m providing, but it’s a view that is shared by nearly everyone who has used either a Fuji X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro, or X-Pro2. Asked another way: How many NEGATIVE reviews have you seen on any of these cameras by those that have owned or used them? There are a few out there, but so very, very few; that all by itself speaks volumes. And the X-T2 may very well be the best of them all.The fact that it is still relatively light and comfortably small (as compared to a typical DSLR) is just icing on the cake. It’s a camera that nearly anyone can use to take great photos. Give it to a novice on AUTO, slap the kit lens on it (either the 18-55mm or the 18-135mm kit lens, it doesn’t matter) and turn them loose and see what they capture. It’s remarkable to see. And then, if one starts to learn more about photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.), let them interact with the camera’s customizable settings. It’s amazing.I love being able to easily adjust settings with mechanical knobs at the top of the camera, but I just as much love being able to set things to AUTO and let the camera figure things out for me, usually with good result. Quiet operation (even a completely silent electronic shutter, if I want it). Comfortable grip. A truly tremendous set of lenses to select from. Customizable buttons (six of them, actually). A viewfinder that makes you think you are using a glass prism, but also includes all the shooting data I on it. This is what photography is all about.I am aware I’ve not in this review cited any specifications: these are available anywhere. What this review is just simply another person’s response to using this camera over a period of months. I just finished a three-week shoot in Paris with it. It’s obvious this camera is made by a company that understands photography. And understands it well. Just as my acquaintance above with the Hasselblad camera complemented my X-T2—a camera that cost one-tenth as much, or less—Fujifilm is onto something here. If you are a photographer, you owe it to yourself to look into this camera and its entire line of lenses, because if you do not, you’re missing out on what is potentially one of the most amazing lines of photographic equipment available for the non-rich. It’s not that the Fuji equipment is cheap, because it most certainly is not. But BY COMPARISON with its true competitors, it really is inexpensive. But all of that can be overlooked: just examine the shots you take with this camera and be amazed. Because that’s exactly what will happen.Note:I've uploaded a few sample shots. As anyone knows, these have been reduced and shrinked so much for use here that they do not show the ACTUAL photos. What they do, however, is provide a general feel for what can be done with X-T2.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2017
Set: BaseVerified Purchase
Sometimes I feel silly writing a review. This normally occurs when I want to review a product that already has so many other reviews previously posted, and/or that come to similar conclusions. This is one of those reviews, and on both counts. But I still wish to write this review, because the Fuji X-T2 is THAT good.
I’m not a professional photographer in the strictest set of terms. I recently ran into a man in Paris who was shooting with a Hasselblad camera that he had purchased (body only) for seven thousand euros (about eight years ago; not including the lens). Of course, it’s not the CAMERA that makes him a professional: this is a freelancer who sells photos to newspapers and magazines across Europe, and if you spent time (which I did, some 30 minutes of it, or so) watching how he would size up a shot in his mind, take a long time to think about it, and then whip up the camera and take a shot almost without effort, you can tell you are looking at a professional. We had a nice talk and exchanged stories about cameras. With some Hasselblad backs selling for over 40,000 dollars, he still complimented my camera. What camera was it? A Fuji X-T2.
I’m no professional, but I’ve been into photography for about 20 years. I’ve owned many many different cameras over that period, of all types, from diminutive little devices that fit into your front pocket, to DSLR’s that were so heavy you almost yearned for the end of a shoot. Most of them were advanced at the time, sporting one or more technological achievements never before present in a camera, and many of them immensely enjoyable to use. And many brands, too. Nikon. Canon. Sony. Fuji. And on and on.
Let’s cut to the chase. The Fuji X-T2 is simply a flat-out amazing camera. It builds on all the advances of the X-T1, and, for the most part, very well, with improvements and tweaks that even people who loved the X-T1 wanted to see in the camera's next incarnation. It FEELS good to shoot with it. It produces REMARKABLE results, particularly when you are shooting with one of their succulent “XF” lenses (sorry, that's the word that comes to mind, and to any that have used the XF 23mm or the XF 56mm, you'll know what I mean). The Fuji X-T2 feels like the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. It’s comfortable to hold. It’s fast. It’s highly customizable, yet will turn out fantastic shots in full auto mode. It opens you up to a series of Fuji lenses that are endlessly compared to Leica and Zeiss lenses at three times their price (or more). It’s made in Japan, and feels like it. (So are most of the "XF" lenses, by the way, with a couple of exceptions.)
Why are the results of the X-T2 so good? It’s not because of its 24 mp rating. It’s because of the TYPE of sensor, the MANNER in which the sensor’s data output channel is handled by the camera’s processor, and because of the incredible OPTICS of the “XF” line of Fujinon lenses. Put another way, it’s the marriage of the sensor, the characteristics of the lenses, and the way the sensor output is handled once the shot is taken that make the X-T2 what it is.
You can read all about the details of the camera’s specifications nearly anywhere (and be careful, information overload is a real danger here), but I won’t do that here. What I WILL do is tell you that this is a magnificent camera that can take amazing photos. Is it a full frame or a medium-format camera? No. But for someone like me, that does not matter. What DOES matter is that I can take photos with this camera that were never before possible, and that routinely possess the “wow factor." And there is plenty of room to tinker with those photos later on--even if shooting in jpg-- because of the high megapixel sensor, if you choose to do that.
The Fuji X-T2 is a “photographer’s camera” because it lets you do just what you want to do: take pictures the way you envision them. It lets you do so smoothly and quickly, and offers so many opportunities for manipulation that it would take far too long to list them here. This camera feels good in the hand. It oozes quality. Is it the “poor man’s Leica?” Maybe so. It’s so pleasant to shoot with and the results are so good—color, saturation, headroom, detail, sharpness, clarity—that I don’t need to worry about saving for a Leica. Yes, I understand I am comparing apples and oranges, and it truly is a subjective view that I’m providing, but it’s a view that is shared by nearly everyone who has used either a Fuji X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro, or X-Pro2. Asked another way: How many NEGATIVE reviews have you seen on any of these cameras by those that have owned or used them? There are a few out there, but so very, very few; that all by itself speaks volumes. And the X-T2 may very well be the best of them all.
The fact that it is still relatively light and comfortably small (as compared to a typical DSLR) is just icing on the cake. It’s a camera that nearly anyone can use to take great photos. Give it to a novice on AUTO, slap the kit lens on it (either the 18-55mm or the 18-135mm kit lens, it doesn’t matter) and turn them loose and see what they capture. It’s remarkable to see. And then, if one starts to learn more about photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.), let them interact with the camera’s customizable settings. It’s amazing.
I love being able to easily adjust settings with mechanical knobs at the top of the camera, but I just as much love being able to set things to AUTO and let the camera figure things out for me, usually with good result. Quiet operation (even a completely silent electronic shutter, if I want it). Comfortable grip. A truly tremendous set of lenses to select from. Customizable buttons (six of them, actually). A viewfinder that makes you think you are using a glass prism, but also includes all the shooting data I on it. This is what photography is all about.
I am aware I’ve not in this review cited any specifications: these are available anywhere. What this review is just simply another person’s response to using this camera over a period of months. I just finished a three-week shoot in Paris with it. It’s obvious this camera is made by a company that understands photography. And understands it well. Just as my acquaintance above with the Hasselblad camera complemented my X-T2—a camera that cost one-tenth as much, or less—Fujifilm is onto something here. If you are a photographer, you owe it to yourself to look into this camera and its entire line of lenses, because if you do not, you’re missing out on what is potentially one of the most amazing lines of photographic equipment available for the non-rich. It’s not that the Fuji equipment is cheap, because it most certainly is not. But BY COMPARISON with its true competitors, it really is inexpensive. But all of that can be overlooked: just examine the shots you take with this camera and be amazed. Because that’s exactly what will happen.
Note:
I've uploaded a few sample shots. As anyone knows, these have been reduced and shrinked so much for use here that they do not show the ACTUAL photos. What they do, however, is provide a general feel for what can be done with X-T2.
I’m not a professional photographer in the strictest set of terms. I recently ran into a man in Paris who was shooting with a Hasselblad camera that he had purchased (body only) for seven thousand euros (about eight years ago; not including the lens). Of course, it’s not the CAMERA that makes him a professional: this is a freelancer who sells photos to newspapers and magazines across Europe, and if you spent time (which I did, some 30 minutes of it, or so) watching how he would size up a shot in his mind, take a long time to think about it, and then whip up the camera and take a shot almost without effort, you can tell you are looking at a professional. We had a nice talk and exchanged stories about cameras. With some Hasselblad backs selling for over 40,000 dollars, he still complimented my camera. What camera was it? A Fuji X-T2.
I’m no professional, but I’ve been into photography for about 20 years. I’ve owned many many different cameras over that period, of all types, from diminutive little devices that fit into your front pocket, to DSLR’s that were so heavy you almost yearned for the end of a shoot. Most of them were advanced at the time, sporting one or more technological achievements never before present in a camera, and many of them immensely enjoyable to use. And many brands, too. Nikon. Canon. Sony. Fuji. And on and on.
Let’s cut to the chase. The Fuji X-T2 is simply a flat-out amazing camera. It builds on all the advances of the X-T1, and, for the most part, very well, with improvements and tweaks that even people who loved the X-T1 wanted to see in the camera's next incarnation. It FEELS good to shoot with it. It produces REMARKABLE results, particularly when you are shooting with one of their succulent “XF” lenses (sorry, that's the word that comes to mind, and to any that have used the XF 23mm or the XF 56mm, you'll know what I mean). The Fuji X-T2 feels like the camera I’ve been waiting for all these years. It’s comfortable to hold. It’s fast. It’s highly customizable, yet will turn out fantastic shots in full auto mode. It opens you up to a series of Fuji lenses that are endlessly compared to Leica and Zeiss lenses at three times their price (or more). It’s made in Japan, and feels like it. (So are most of the "XF" lenses, by the way, with a couple of exceptions.)
Why are the results of the X-T2 so good? It’s not because of its 24 mp rating. It’s because of the TYPE of sensor, the MANNER in which the sensor’s data output channel is handled by the camera’s processor, and because of the incredible OPTICS of the “XF” line of Fujinon lenses. Put another way, it’s the marriage of the sensor, the characteristics of the lenses, and the way the sensor output is handled once the shot is taken that make the X-T2 what it is.
You can read all about the details of the camera’s specifications nearly anywhere (and be careful, information overload is a real danger here), but I won’t do that here. What I WILL do is tell you that this is a magnificent camera that can take amazing photos. Is it a full frame or a medium-format camera? No. But for someone like me, that does not matter. What DOES matter is that I can take photos with this camera that were never before possible, and that routinely possess the “wow factor." And there is plenty of room to tinker with those photos later on--even if shooting in jpg-- because of the high megapixel sensor, if you choose to do that.
The Fuji X-T2 is a “photographer’s camera” because it lets you do just what you want to do: take pictures the way you envision them. It lets you do so smoothly and quickly, and offers so many opportunities for manipulation that it would take far too long to list them here. This camera feels good in the hand. It oozes quality. Is it the “poor man’s Leica?” Maybe so. It’s so pleasant to shoot with and the results are so good—color, saturation, headroom, detail, sharpness, clarity—that I don’t need to worry about saving for a Leica. Yes, I understand I am comparing apples and oranges, and it truly is a subjective view that I’m providing, but it’s a view that is shared by nearly everyone who has used either a Fuji X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro, or X-Pro2. Asked another way: How many NEGATIVE reviews have you seen on any of these cameras by those that have owned or used them? There are a few out there, but so very, very few; that all by itself speaks volumes. And the X-T2 may very well be the best of them all.
The fact that it is still relatively light and comfortably small (as compared to a typical DSLR) is just icing on the cake. It’s a camera that nearly anyone can use to take great photos. Give it to a novice on AUTO, slap the kit lens on it (either the 18-55mm or the 18-135mm kit lens, it doesn’t matter) and turn them loose and see what they capture. It’s remarkable to see. And then, if one starts to learn more about photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.), let them interact with the camera’s customizable settings. It’s amazing.
I love being able to easily adjust settings with mechanical knobs at the top of the camera, but I just as much love being able to set things to AUTO and let the camera figure things out for me, usually with good result. Quiet operation (even a completely silent electronic shutter, if I want it). Comfortable grip. A truly tremendous set of lenses to select from. Customizable buttons (six of them, actually). A viewfinder that makes you think you are using a glass prism, but also includes all the shooting data I on it. This is what photography is all about.
I am aware I’ve not in this review cited any specifications: these are available anywhere. What this review is just simply another person’s response to using this camera over a period of months. I just finished a three-week shoot in Paris with it. It’s obvious this camera is made by a company that understands photography. And understands it well. Just as my acquaintance above with the Hasselblad camera complemented my X-T2—a camera that cost one-tenth as much, or less—Fujifilm is onto something here. If you are a photographer, you owe it to yourself to look into this camera and its entire line of lenses, because if you do not, you’re missing out on what is potentially one of the most amazing lines of photographic equipment available for the non-rich. It’s not that the Fuji equipment is cheap, because it most certainly is not. But BY COMPARISON with its true competitors, it really is inexpensive. But all of that can be overlooked: just examine the shots you take with this camera and be amazed. Because that’s exactly what will happen.
Note:
I've uploaded a few sample shots. As anyone knows, these have been reduced and shrinked so much for use here that they do not show the ACTUAL photos. What they do, however, is provide a general feel for what can be done with X-T2.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Excelente !!! Estilo único !!!
Reviewed in Mexico on September 24, 2020Set: BaseVerified Purchase
Kashish
Bought this after launch of X-T3
Reviewed in India on September 27, 2018Set: BaseVerified Purchase
Kashish
Reviewed in India on September 27, 2018
10/10 would buy again.
Images in this review
Selma O
Love it! Especially since I'm coming from an X-E1
Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2017Set: BaseVerified Purchase
William D. Bailey
An Excellent mirrorless digital camera
Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2019Set: BaseVerified Purchase
