First impression of Fuji Xpro2
Before you read this review, let me give you my conclusion first:
"It's a really good camera, however it can be better at this price."
As a Fuji X100S user, I always wonder how wonderful if my X100S has the ability to change lenses. The original Xpro1 is an amazing camera because that, but after 5 years, the performance of Xpro1 is a kind of out of date. Then Fuji release the new Xpro 2.
My first impression of the Xpro 2 is like my first impression of X100s, it's a handsome camera. The retro rangefinder style and hybrid viewfinder make it looks like a camera from last century. However the inside is the combination of newest technology.
Photo copyright Fuji's website
So I can say I fall in love with this camera at first sight. BUT, when I started using the hybrid viewfinder, I am surprised that the viewfinder is smaller than my X100S! Oh yes, It's a different viewfinder compare to the X100S, it has one more small screen at bottom-left corner to let you check focus in OVF. (Fuji call it "advance hybrid viewfinder") But even you compare to X100T which has the "advance hybrid viewfinder", The viewfinder in Xpro 2 is still smaller, no matter in EVF or OVF mode, it's noticeable smaller. And the diopter is easy to turn by accident.
The controlling in Xpro 2 is pretty similar to X100S, so I have no problem to use it. But I notice that some Fuji XF lenses' aperture rings are easy to turn accidentally.
Before I use Xpro 2, I thought I would like the retro style ISO dial (because I shoot a lots of film), but after few days using, I don't really like that design. The ISO dial require you lift the dial and turn at the same time tp change the ISO, but every time if you want to change ISO more than 3 stops (like from auto to 800), you need to lift the dial twice due to the operation room on the shoulder of the camera is not big enough (1/4 of shutter speed dial is un-touchable). And it's a pain when you want to change ISO from auto to something like 12800, you probably need to lift the dial 3 times. I think it will be better if Fuji can make the dial lift and stay lifted, after turning and changing the ISO, just push it down to normal position.
The camera feels ok on hand. Handling is definitely better than X100s, but still not comparable to DSLRs at the same price. The joystick on the back is awesome for choosing focus points, I think every camera should do that. The ergonomics is pretty good, every button is in where they suppose to be, and you can customize most of them. Although at this price point, almost every camera done ergonomics right.
Image quality!
Well, Image quality is the last thing you need to worry about if you use Fuji. The new X-trans sensor may be the best APS-C sensor in the market right now, with Fuji's great XF lenses, the results came from the camera are always satisfy me.
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Xpro2 + 14mm F2.8 R
Not to mention Fuji's jpgs are awesome! Even most of time I would do post-editing after shooting, but sometimes, for example after traveling to somewhere for few days, I went back with thousands photos of my friends and families, it's nearly impossible to do post-editing to every photo.
Fuji's film simulation is a kind of art filter for jpg. Unlike other filters in your phone, the film simulation's color looks very natural and comfortable (It should, Fuji makes film for over 50 years).
Few examples of some film simulations:
Xpro2 + 27mm F2.8 Provia/Standard Film simulation
Xpro2 + 27mm F2.8 Velvia/Vivid Film simulation
Xpro2 + 27mm F2.8 PRO Neg. Std Film simulation
Xpro2 + 27mm F2.8 Classioc Chrome Film simulation
Xpro2 + 27mm F2.8 Acros + Red filter Film simulation
Classic Chrome is my favourite film simulation. The new "Acros" is an interesting black & white mode, honestly in half of situations I can't tell the different between Acros and the original mono mode, sometimes Acros has more contrast and higher dynamite range compares to original mono.
Overall, Xpro 2 is a good camera, it has everything a camera should have to make good photos. But by paying $2000 I really hope it can have a bigger viewfinder than it's sister X100T.
PRO:
Good-looking
Nice jpg
Awesome image quality
Hybrid viewfinder (compare to other mirrorlesses or dslrs)
classic controlling: aperture ring and shutter speed dial
CON:
average handling in this price point
Dispointed Hybrid viewfinder (compare to X100T)
Hard-to-turn ISO dial
Diopter is easy to turn by accident
Some lenses' aperture rings are easy to turn accidentally
Do I like the camera? Yes, I really really enjoy shooting this camera even it has something I don't like.
Does it worth $2000? Depends, if you are a photo journalist who shoot a lot documentary and street, this camera probably worth every penny you paid. But if you shoot a lots of portrait, landscape and need to shoot videos, maybe consider the new XT-2.