Hey all, so over the past few days I've gotten the chance to shoot with the new X-Pro 2. Until now, my main camera body was a Fuji XE2. I still have it, though it is taking an indefinite break on my shelf ^_^. As we know, the XE2 just recently got an incredible firmware update that brought it up to pay with Fuji's last generation. It was an amazing move by Fuji, and it really DID seem like a new camera after I installed. The UI was more refined, the auto focus more reliable, the face detect better, the electronic shutter was great, the metering connected to the focus point, all of it was great, but using the X-Pro 2 really is something else.
When I first got it, and was testing it out in the mundaness of my living quarters, I wasn't exactly bouncing off the walls. The focus speed didn't seem THAT much faster than the X-E1's generation, the IQ didn't seem THAT far ahead. Sure, the camera felt better built, the OVF was beautiful, the camera itself was gorgeous, but I began to think about how much I spent, and if it really was worth that much over my beloved, faithful XE2.
Today, I had the opportunity to shoot a luncheon event, so naturally, the X-Pro 2 came along as the main show. This is where it started to shine. Several things I noticed immediately:
- Handling is incredible with the joystick. I can see how some people wouldn't like it for perhaps its size. And indeed at first, I had to keep reminding myself that it was there. I'm still very accustomed to the dpad selection of the older cameras. I know the ISO dial is somewhat controversial, but I found it just fine for me. When light was constant, I stuck it on 200 ISO and left it as is. When light shifted consistently enough, I simply went with auto ISO, it works well enough for me. And shooting my 56 from 1.2-2.8, the ISO never went about 500.
- The size. The X-Pro 2 is not a small camera. Compact, yes, but not small. The XE2 suddenly looks like a slim brick in comparison. I marvel at it now, wondering how I didn't notice how compact it was. The size worked well for the larger lenses. It felt 'balanced' rather than front-heavy. I'll be looking into grips and thumb grips in the future as I'm too used to them. The X-Pro 2 really does feel PREMIUM. The XE2 wasn't bad by any means, but the build quality of the Pro 2 just feels wonderful. The doors, the buttons, just holding it, you can tell it's a solid piece of stuff.
- The shutter lag. Or lack thereof. This is the biggest factor for me. Shooting the event was a revelation. 'Freezing the moment' was effortless. Squeeze the shutter, BOOM, done. The slight delay in the older generation wasn't a deal breaker, but once you handle the X-Pro 2, you'll see what I mean. I went back and compared it to my XE2 and it's more apparent. And of course, the shutter sound itself is beautiful. Congrats to Fuji on this one. It's a delight to hear, and yet still very, very quiet.
- OOC Jpegs are pretty as ever. Astia has always been my film Sim of choice. I loved it on the X100, XE1, X100S, XE2, and now the X-Pro 2, despite their subtle differences. I bump shadows and color depending on the situation, but I find that Astia delivers pleasing, warm rich colors in almost any light.
I welcome the addition of the option to turn the NR down to - 4. I haven't been able to shoot officially in bad light, but from what I can tell, the issues with high Iso smoothing seem to be fixed. Too bad that didn't make it to the previous gen.
- The focus. Yes, the focus is better. Not miles better in the traditional sense, but it seems to hunt less, lock on faster, and focus correctly general. Shooting the event felt a lot more freeing when I could see a moment, pull the camera to my eye, snag the focus, take the shot, and have it. Face detect works a charm. Much more reliable. I wish you could SELECT a face if the camera detects multiple faces. That'd be something.
Overall, I heard the X-Pro 2 as all-round more snappy. Yes, it is snappy. It's such a refined experience. Bringing the looks, quality and performance to the table. The most refined Fuji camera I've had at launch. If history is any indicator, it'll only get better with time.
It was a pricey expense. And I've only had it for awhile. But I am VERY happy with it. The XE2 is taking a long break. I've been spoiled by the feel and sound of the X-Pro 2. I may keep the XE2 around for a backup body, but honestly, it's hard to see me using it as a primary camera anytime soon. I used the accessory grip with it to balance the bigger lenses, and with it attached, the actual size is not much smaller than the bare X-Pro 2. Whatever it does, the X-Pro 2 does better, and faster.
I'm sorry to be somewhat of a Devil's advocate for any of you trying to fend off GAS. The XE2 is still a beast of a camera, it will remain a beast. People were always stunned at the quality coming out of it. The fact that the X-Pro 2 is better simply shows the kind of class of camera it is.
I'll keep the X-Pro 2. I'm thinking X-Pro 2 and two WR lenses for travel. 16-55 and 35. But we'll see.
Cheers!
