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Keep X Pro 2 or switch to X-T30

Started Jan 15, 2020 | Polls thread
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Studio_Melon Junior Member • Posts: 45
Keep X Pro 2 or switch to X-T30
2

I bought the X-Pro 2 on release and have been shooting it basically since day one. I love the camera but it could be faster for action. I recently got a great deal on an X-T30 (new) and am debating switching over to it and selling my X-Pro 2 OR sticking with the X-Pro 2 and selling the X-T30.

I previously shot the X100 -> X-E1 -> X-T10 -> X-Pro2. Atheistically and mechanically I prefer Fuji's rangefinder bodies, but I rarely use the OVF, and happily lived without it for years shooting the X-E1.

I would breakdown my photography roughly as follows:

25% Events with friends and family (weddings, gatherings, parties, etc) (mostly candid or posed, semi-static shots of people)

33% Dance, gymnastics and the occasional other indoor sporting event, often in low light (dance in low light is by far the most demanding thing I shoot, and the only area I'm really hoping for a significant upgrade.)

25% Travel and street photography (people, architecture, anything that catches the eye)

12% Documenting everyday life (people, places, dates, food) (X-Pro 2 is beginning to be eclipsed by iPhone here due to the convenience factor)

Here are some of the reasons I've thought of to move to X-T30:

1. Following the action & getting the shot when speed counts

Faster autofocus speed, PDAF across the frame, higher EVF Refresh rate, less (no?) EVF blackout and faster operation speed should lead to an easier time tracking the action and nailing key shots.

2. Smaller size and reduced weight = more opportunities to shoot

While I love the construction and ergonomics of the X-Pro 2, the increase in weight vs my previous X series cameras was noticeable and I feel like I'd be more motivated to bring the camera out for everyday stuff if it was smaller and lighter. It would also be nice to have less weight for all day gigs like weddings (although the real kicker for those is managing heavy lenses)

3. Bluetooth &connectivity

My understanding is that bluetooth makes interacting with a phone a much simpler task than it is on WiFi only cameras like the X-Pro 2. This would make sharing on the fly during events easier, and give me another reason to use the camera for day to day stuff instead of the iPhone. USB C also provides the possibility to charge with a mobile battery (a huge plus in a pinch).

4. Tilt screen for discreet shooting

The tilt screen would make certain kinds of shots much more viable, while also making it possible to shoot things like street photography or candid shots more discreetly.

On the other hand here are some things that are making me consider keeping the X-Pro 2

Larger EVF (?) (I really don't know that I'd want to go significantly smaller)

OVF for maximizing battery life in a pinch

Dual card slots for reliability (never had an SD card fail but... knock on wood)

Better ergonomics and more/better direct controls (ISO dial, D-Pad AND joystick, other buttons no worthless PASM dial)

Better feel (X-Pro 2 feels great, X-T30 at least when I've tried it in stores always felt kind of "cheap.")

Weather sealing (I'll pull the X-Pro 2 out light-medium rain/snow occasionally, and its been through some pretty intense stuff like a sulfur mine without problems)

Rangefinder style shooting, which I prefer both aesthetically and mechanically.

While it wouldn't be impossible for me to keep both cameras (as I got a great deal on the X-T30) financially speaking I really shouldn't. I could sell a lens to help finance the purchase but to be honest I really don't NEED a second body.

In a similar vein, while i could hold out and see what the X-T3's successor brings (or if an X-E4 is announced), I really can't see myself justifying $1000+ on a new camera ATM. Furthermore the X-Pro 3 left me pretty unimpressed and I've been frustrated with Fuji's artificial product segmentation (X-Pro 2/3 not being feature complete vs X-T2/3).

Anyway, the post is a bit of a mess but I'd love some feedback from people who have used both cameras or may have insights on things I have missed. Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to vote/reply.

(My lenses are in my signature/profile)

 Studio_Melon's gear list:Studio_Melon's gear list
Fujifilm X-E1 Fujifilm X-Pro2 Fujifilm X-T3 Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS +7 more
POLL
Switch to the X-T30
10% 1  vote
Stay with the X-Pro 2
50% 5  votes
Keep both! Sell a lens!
10% 1  vote
Sell the X-T30 and hold out for a future announcement
20% 2  votes
Other (please specify in comments)
10% 1  vote
  Show results
Fujifilm FinePix X100 Fujifilm X-E1 Fujifilm X-Pro2 Fujifilm X-T10 Fujifilm X-T30
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