XPro vs X100 cameras - why choose one or the other?

notchy wrote:

Zaax wrote:

notchy wrote:

Old Salt wrote:

The X100F and the X-Pro2 are quite different compared to each other.

The X100F has these advantages to me:

* Small and inconspicuous. The silver model draws more attention than the black version and the X-Pro2.

* Very quiet mechanical shutter, works better than electronic shutter in difficult lighting conditions.

* ISO on the front dial (I am not a fan of the dual dial shutter/ISO button).

* Same battery. Previous models had a smaller and different battery and charger. You can even change the battery in the camera (X100F).

* The 23mm is my favorite general purpose lens. I like the 23/2 on the X100-series.

The X-Pro2 (and soon X-Pro3) has these advantages:

* Bigger size is easier to hold (and more heavy to carry). I have the optional grip. It is even more heavy and bigger, but it is great in my opinion.

* Two card slots, it has saved my butt a few times.

* Better AF for those times you need fast AF. Which is not always. I am comparing the X100T and the X-Pro2 here.

* The flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

* Black draws far less attention.

* Cheaper or equal price second hand.

There are more differences.

It looks like you and Tapper123 have covered most of the key differences. I'd add just two or three extra points (no doubt there are a few others as well):

X100F "Pro" column:

- built-in ND filter

X-Pro2 "Pro" column:

- greater range of dioptre adjustments (same as the X-T2/3 and X-H1, whereas the X100F has a more restricted range of adjustments).
- louder but (IMHO) much more satisfying mechanical shutter sound*

*Admittedly not all users will regard a louder shutter sound as better!

The built in ND filter in the X100 series is a big plus. This shot was done with the built in and a 10 stop Hoya ND filter.

That's a beautiful shot Zaax.

I thought of another difference between the two. The X-Pro2 (rather surprisingly) doesn't allow you to assign ISO adjustment to the front or rear dials. If you don't like using the sub-dial under the shutter speed dial, then your only other option (at least that I've found) is to use Auto-ISO and allow the camera to boost the ISO setting as required when your shutter speed dips below the minimum threshold you've set.

Strictly speaking this should go in the "Cons" column against the X-Pro2, although it rarely causes a problem for me. For the most part I'm happy to let the camera manage the ISO. For those occasions when I really do require a specific ISO setting (usually 200), I just do battle with that sub-dial.

Thanks for the comment.

One thing that drove me crazy about my Pro2 was that the comp dial rubbed against my body and was never at 0. Ended up putting electrical tape on it to stop that. BTW I sold my Pro2, X-E1, X100 (the original one), 23 F1.4 and 56 f.12 and bought the X100F. Took a two week trip in September and only the the X100f, a tripod and ND filters. It was very liberating to not bring a bunch of gear. Also only having one focal length made me more creative as I had to make do with what I had.