Fujifilm updates X-E2

Despite all those fancy new components, the X-Pro2 is, by no means, a delicate flower.

The big story, though, is Fuji’s new 24-megapixel APS-C X-Trans processor, which offers a 50% resolution increase over the 16-megapixel sensors used in Fuji’s X-series mirrorless cameras so far. The X-Pro2 is the only interchangeable lens camera in the world featuring a Hybrid Viewfinder system that incorporates both types of viewfinder.

After the long-awaited update to their flagship rangefinder-style X-series camera, the X-Pro2, Fujifilm also served up a refresh of their smaller, premium rangefinder-esque mirrorless camera, the Fuji X-E2S. Moreover, the X-Pro2 now boasts 4x the processing speed of conventional image processing engines, which in turn gives users increased response times, even with the increased resolution.

Externally, the X-Pro2 isn’t much different to its predecessor, though like the X-T1 it’s now dust- and splash-resistant. An electronic rangefinder is automatically superimposed over the optical viewfinder.

If this is achieved, it would represent a game-changer in a market where compact system cameras already hold several advantages over DSLRs, according to Takashi Ueno, optical device and electronic imaging products manager at Fujifilm. And with the option to use compressed RAW files, the X-Pro2’s performance and functionality now exceed the needs of professional photographers, including faster live view and even higher definition movies.

The X-Pro2 features physical access to many manual controls, including top dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.

Though it’s not a video camera, the X-Pro2 will shoot video in full HD 1080p at 60fps with a modest bit rate of 36Mbps.

Other improvements include faster autofocus with more AF points, dual SD card slots, a 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed and new “ACROS” black and white film simulation mode and improved interface. The camera measures a pocketable 113 x 64 x 44 mm (4.4 x 2.5 x 1.8 in) and weighs just 340 g (12 oz) with a battery and memory card. The OVF has a magnification of 0.6x and 92% scene coverage, while th EVF offers 0.59x and 100% respectively, The LCD screen has also had some attention heaped on it, utilising a 3-inch 1.62million dot panel, although sadly unlike the new X70, it isn’t a touch-screen variant.

Fujifilm has released three new cameras sporting competitive features and Wi-Fi capabilities.

The autofocus system has been enhanced compared to the camera’s predecessor, the X-E2, and it features a 49-point Single Point mode and 77-point Zone and Wide/Tracking modes. It is paired with an EXR Processor II image processing engine to deliver superior responsiveness. If this sounds like a camera you’d like to get, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 will be priced at $1,699.95 body-only and will be available in February 2016. There’s also a higher resolution and faster-responding viewfinder, now with 2.36m-dots across its organic EL panel.