X-Pro2 Focus and Dynamic Range

[ColinMichael]

Lot's of questions about this camera so I figure I'll chime in with more info. Everyone likes more, right? This is from the perspecive of a professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographer so I need a quick camera to not miss moments but not a sports oriented camera. Bonus when they are quiet and unobtrusive!

The X-Pro2 showed up in the magical brown sleigh a couple days ago (thanks Amazon!) and I have been vigorously testing it. Here's my thoughts, in no particular order:
In an informal test, I found the X-Pro2 to acquire focus around 25% faster than the Canon 5D3 with 100L in low light conditions. The 100L is no speed demon but the X-Pro2 hunted less and moved quicker in those conditions. Overall in the various light I've had it in I'm quite happy with focus improvements.

I LOVE the way this camera feels when you are shooting it! Light, compact but substantial, good viewfinder and knobs for adjustments. I love me some analog controls!
Images have that nice Fuji look to them with great skin tones and good dynamic range.
I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control. Not wild about that as locking exposure with a 1/2 press and then focusing while in A priority is my go-to wedding day setting.
Card Format options are kind of deep in the menus, could be mildly annoying while trying to get synced up in the pre-wedding rush
Ugh, let me double down on this complaint: rear focus button is not ergonomic!

Lastly, this thing has 1 full stop more dynamic range in my testing than a Canon 5d3. While the 3 is far from the best, plenty of us have been making a living with it for years so if it's a stop better that's pretty solid. Fujifilm X-Pro2 Dynamic Range Test

I'm updating my blog as I go, hoping the XP2 can replace my Canon system but that's a pretty tall order. Colin Michael Fujifilm X-Pro2 ongoing review

OK, off to go shoot an event with it, will hopefully have more tomorrow before I get on the plane for WPPI




Cropped from vertical, other than a contrast bump, straight from camera. Metering was on centerweighted and it slightly blew the highlight on her nose. It was my 12th frame with the camera so live and learn!






Colors are more faithful than the X-Pro1 IMO




This is close to a 100% crop at ISO 8000, pushed .8 in LR under horrible blue and pink LED. Note the detail on his tattoo, I'm fairly impressed considering my eyes couldn't see in that light. AF was quick and accurate, no complaints at all.




Double exposure: I know everyone likes to analyze a camera on it's technical performance so is it wrong to like it because it allows me to have fun? This is the first double exposure I've done in 10 years and the X-Pro2 made it fun and easy to find a composition that worked

 

[Brandless1]

Looking forward to your full review

 

[Mateus1]

ColinMichael wrote:
I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control.
Ugh, let me double down on this complaint: rear focus button is not ergonomic!

This was my bigest dissapointment of X-Pro2 - back focus button, very badly placed and not ergonomic. It's just useless, AE-L is too small and placed too far from the thumb. I can't buy a cam for my paid work without back-AF button properly placed and usefull, it's a must feature for me. I can't believe how X-Pro2 designers could make such mistake - don't they know how and where it should be positioned in a Pro cam? Back AF button is poverty in X-Pro2.

 

[joseu]

A shortcut: Press the "Trash" button 3 seconds at least, then push the rear command dial and select the card you need to format.

Card Format options are kind of deep in the menus, could be mildly annoying while trying to get synced up in the pre-wedding rush

 

[photofisher]

Lot's of questions about this camera so I figure I'll chime in with more info. Everyone likes more, right? This is from the perspecive of a professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographer so I need a quick camera to not miss moments but not a sports oriented camera. Bonus when they are quiet and unobtrusive!

The X-Pro2 showed up in the magical brown sleigh a couple days ago (thanks Amazon!) and I have been vigorously testing it. Here's my thoughts, in no particular order:
In an informal test, I found the X-Pro2 to acquire focus around 25% faster than the Canon 5D3 with 100L in low light conditions. The 100L is no speed demon but the X-Pro2 hunted less and moved quicker in those conditions. Overall in the various light I've had it in I'm quite happy with focus improvements.

I LOVE the way this camera feels when you are shooting it! Light, compact but substantial, good viewfinder and knobs for adjustments. I love me some analog controls!
Images have that nice Fuji look to them with great skin tones and good dynamic range.
I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control. Not wild about that as locking exposure with a 1/2 press and then focusing while in A priority is my go-to wedding day setting.
Card Format options are kind of deep in the menus, could be mildly annoying while trying to get synced up in the pre-wedding rush
Ugh, let me double down on this complaint: rear focus button is not ergonomic!
Lastly, this thing has 1 full stop more dynamic range in my testing than a Canon 5d3. While the 3 is far from the best, plenty of us have been making a living with it for years so if it's a stop better that's pretty solid. Fujifilm X-Pro2 Dynamic Range Test
I'm updating my blog as I go, hoping the XP2 can replace my Canon system but that's a pretty tall order. Colin Michael Fujifilm X-Pro2 ongoing review
OK, off to go shoot an event with it, will hopefully have more tomorrow before I get on the plane for WPPI


Cropped from vertical, other than a contrast bump, straight from camera. Metering was on centerweighted and it slightly blew the highlight on her nose. It was my 12th frame with the camera so live and learn!


Colors are more faithful than the X-Pro1 IMO


This is close to a 100% crop at ISO 8000, pushed .8 in LR under horrible blue and pink LED. Note the detail on his tattoo, I'm fairly impressed considering my eyes couldn't see in that light. AF was quick and accurate, no complaints at all.


Double exposure: I know everyone likes to analyze a camera on it's technical performance so is it wrong to like it because it allows me to have fun? This is the first double exposure I've done in 10 years and the X-Pro2 made it fun and easy to find a composition that worked

I 'd be interested in how you think they compare in term of DR and color depth at ISOs 800-6400.

--
Family Man/Amateur Photographer

 

[Peter Foiles]

ColinMichael wrote:

I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control. Not wild about that as locking exposure with a 1/2 press and then focusing while in A priority is my go-to wedding day setting.

Is back button focus even possible? I can't find a setting that removes AF activation from the shutter button.

Card Format options are kind of deep in the menus, could be mildly annoying while trying to get synced up in the pre-wedding rush

Check the tip at the bottom of page 6 in the manual

 

[Peter Foiles]

ColinMichael wrote:

I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control. Not wild about that as locking exposure with a 1/2 press and then focusing while in A priority is my go-to wedding day setting.

Is back button focus even possible? I can't find a setting that removes AF activation from the shutter button.

Card Format options are kind of deep in the menus, could be mildly annoying while trying to get synced up in the pre-wedding rush

Check the tip at the bottom of page 6 in the manual

OK, figured out the back button thing, MF but yes Fuji have never gotten the button placement right.

 

[peripheralfocus]

ColinMichael wrote:
I’m going to have to figure out how to operate without a back focus button as there’s not well positioned button for focus control.
Ugh, let me double down on this complaint: rear focus button is not ergonomic!

This was my bigest dissapointment of X-Pro2 - back focus button, very badly placed and not ergonomic.

Unfortunately, I have to agree. If you like back-button AF, this is a major drawback to this camera. And inexplicable.

 

[94]

Doesn't the focus point joystick also offer back focus function?

Mine's not here (some BS going on at Adorama about verification(?) 15 years buying from them and now this??? I'm getting crabby with them) but I think I remember that Fuji had internal debates about what to include on that stick. In the DP product review maybe?

 

[Les T]

Hi,

That was my initial reaction. AF-L in the wrong place!

However after considering what I actually used that button for its now not one of my complaints.

I tend to use manual focus with shorter focal lengths and using zone focusing, at hyperfocus distance or a predetermine range, i.e. I don't change it that often. I've just spent an hour taking land/seascape photos in which I didn't re-focus once. Using the shutter button to get the exposure correct.

If I need to focus often I use autofocus with EVF, hopefully with the ability to lock exposure.

Unless I've not read the manual enough, my issue is with the focal position joystick. With the exposure locked I can't move the focus position, its locked.

Secondly the battery life is not great. The camera has more pixels to deal with and faster electronics. I have two spare batteries and it looks like I'm going to need them. Fuji and other mirrorless camera manufactures obviously have to compromise between weight/size and battery capacity.

Regards,

Les