I have used both the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T2. Regarding JPEG colors, I prefer:

A while ago I sold my X-T1 (Xtrans II) and bought a X-T2 (X Trans III). Since I needed to fund my X-t2 I was not able to keep them both. After my switch I've read many topics on this forum, because Im worried I made a bad decision afterwards. My worry is that "the Magic" is lost a little bit although I don't necessarily notice this in my SOOC jpegs of people / portraits.

My main problem with all the topics (this one included). Is that everyone compares just the colour charts or boring studio pictures. The only direct portrait comparison of the two sensors I've found is the example below which just looks like a minor white balance issue.

View: original size

(Source: https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/fujifilm-vs-fujifilm/x-t1-vs-x-t2/ )

Probably the magic is not lost and this is the issue (quote from "Re: X-T2 Where is the magic?" topic):

Ben Herrmann wrote:

Advancing my observations on this (opinions of course):

1. Memories. We've all had cameras (well, most of us have) where the memories had us talking about how rich the colors were - the blues, greens, reds, yellows, etc. We raved about that "palpable" you are there feeling to them. Of course, most of us had since sold the cameras and our memories of them are just that - memories. In addition, we've gotten used to that particular camera (or cameras) and have assumed that any future releases would be exactly the same. But do memories really serve us correctly? Not always and that's the clincher when trying to make what some would believe to be "accurate" comparisons.

2. Evolutionary Advancements. Let's face it, as time goes on, as technological advancements occur, default IQ properties may differ (quite radically in some cameras). At first, we're taken aback as to "why this camera doesn't produce the IQ or colors that we've been accustomed to with past cameras?" As time goes on however, and once you start to learn the various properties and settings of the new camera (cameras), all perceptions eventually come to a perfect balance (well, for most users, that is).

The same scenario is taking place with the likes of the X-T2. Just work with the option-set and get accustomed to setting the camera the way you want in order to achieve the colors (or coming close) to the levels you prefer. Orrrrrr, heck - go back and look for another X100s to purchase. I'm sure many are available on eBay.

Some people are really extreme saying they sold their X-t2 again to buy and X-T1 / X-E2 etc. They say the skin tones are bad, not as appealing etc. Like this reply from the website above:

My point - and it makes we wondering it does not receives more attention:
The out of camera JPEG rendering of skin tones from the XT2 has lost the fascinating quality which I appreciated so much with XE1/XE2/XT1 cameras of previous generation.
I tested myself now the XT2 (with Provia) and watched the recent "Great JPEG Shootout" of the TheCameraStore TV. The findings are the same: The XT2 JPEGs have lost VERY MUCH the "magic" of the known Fuji color skin tones - at least when comparing Provia Filmsimulation.
Your review is also showing this difference very clear.
I find this is a disappointing draw back and reduces my joy of using the new XT2 considerably.

Shooting people with excellent out of camera JPEG quality - saving a lot of time in post processing!!! - has been for me always a major "pro" argument for using Fuji over other systems.

I really want to see those comparisons. Do they have pictures samples like the example above?

* maybe I was in the wrong thread