Valhalla, NY—Fujifilm’s mirrorless X-T2 is a splash-resistant, premium interchangeable-lens camera with a 0.48-inch, 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The X-series model houses the next-generation, 24.3 megapixel, APS-C-format X-Trans CMOS III sensor. It has no low-pass filter, to boast the highest performance in the series’ history.
Also for the first time in the series, the classically designed X-T2 supports 4K video recording using film simulation modes. These include ACROS mode.
In addition, the camera employs an improved autofocus (AF) system. The system increases single AF points to 325 as well as the number of zone focusing points to 91 (previously 49). Now, approximately 40% of the imaging area is covered with phase-detection AF pixels to form a faster and more precise phase-detection autofocus area.
The X-T2’s performance of contrast-detection AF, enabled for approximately 65% of the imaging area, was also improved. The data read speed was doubled compared to previous models. This will enable photographers to achieve accurate focus even in low light with a -3 EV.
Fujifilm additionally notes that with the high-speed X-Processor Pro and improved algorithms, the X-T2 refocuses more frequently, enabling predictive AF of advanced accuracy.
The camera is also said to offer an enhanced ability to autofocus on small points of light, low-contrast objects and subjects with delicate textures, such as bird feathers.
The accuracy of focus tracking was also upgraded. According to the type of movement, users can choose individual settings for subject retention characteristic, acceleration/deceleration tracking characteristic and focus zone characteristic. And they can select one of five presets or customize specific settings for these three elements.
Specs state the camera’s EVF, used to continuously track a moving subject, is capable of displaying up to 100 frames per second. It maintains a 0.77x magnification ratio and a 0.005-second display time lag. Plus, the duration of the viewfinder blackout, when the EVF blacks out temporarily while the camera reads picture data, was reduced by more than half.
Creative options include a grain effect function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras.
The function is available in strong and weak options, and it can be combined with any of the camera’s film simulation modes. This will enable photographers to achieve the effects of film-based photos, particularly when the image is printed out.
Other features include: improving the start-up (0.3 sec), shooting interval (0.17) and shutter release lag (0.045 sec) times; a tempered glass, 3-inch, 1.04M-dot tilting LCD; 5-fps continuous shooting in live view; ISO 100–25,600; in-camera RAW conversion; interval timer shooting; and Wi-Fi for transfer and remote operation.
The camera records 4K video (3,840×2,160) at 30p/25p/24p and Full HD (1,920×1,080) at 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, as well as HD video.
Sporting a die-cast magnesium body with 63 points of weather sealing, the X-T2 is dust and moisture resistant, as well as freeze resistant to 14°F.
Vertical Power Booster Grip
The optional VPB-XT2 vertical power booster grip is also dust resistant and engineered to operate at temperatures as low as 14°F. It fits two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries the X-T2 can use to three, including the one in-camera.
In boost mode, multiple batteries can operate at the same time to give a boost to camera performance in continuous shooting, shooting interval, shutter release time lag and blackout time. This will also extendi the duration of 4K video recording to approximately 30 minutes.
The grip features a shutter release button, focus thumb stick, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials and Q and Fn buttons. Also a headphone jack enables audio monitoring during video recording. The grip itself has battery-charging functionality. Via the supplied AC adapter, users can charge two batteries simultaneously in about two hours.
EF-X500 Flash
Fujifilm’s multifunction EF-X500 external flash is a hot-shoe mount flash with a maximum guide number of 164 (ISO 100, ft.). It provides support for the FP mode (high-speed flash sync) so that it can be fired at any shutter speed.
It also supports multiflash lighting. Users can set up multiple flashes to creatively control light on a subject and background. Through-the-lens (TTL) lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multiflash setup.
The X500’s flash head can be tilted up by 90°, down by 10°, to the left by 135° and to the right by 180° for bouncing light.
Additional features are: an LED video light that can be used as an AF-assist light and catchlight; and the capability to register in advance 10 combinations of various settings to suit specific shooting conditions. The EF-X500 flash will be released in September with an SRP of $449.99.
The Fujifilm X-T2 also will be available in September for $1,599.95, body only. In a kit with the XF18–55mm (27–84mm) lens, it will retail for $1,899.95. fujifilmusa.com
