A New Hope: The retro-styled X-Pro2 kicks off Fujifilm’s next generation of enthusiast X-series cameras, based on a state-of-the-art 24.3 MP X-Trans sensor and a much more powerful processor. At first, everything seems strikingly familiar, but a closer look reveals that quite a lot has changed.
A Fujifilm X-Pro2 after a few days of light use
Four years after the introduction of the X-Pro1, Fujifilm is finally ready to open a new chapter in their book of mirrorless cameras. At first glance, the X-Pro2 looks just like its predecessor. However, it’s a different story on the inside (click here for full camera specs and here for more than 150 straight-out-of-camera and Lightroom CC RAW conversion sample images).
I don’t know you, but after looking at the first samples and reading the first reviews, I have the feeling that the X-Pro2 delivers so much more than some would have expected.
X-Trans III Rocks :)
RESOLUTION: Fuji said that the new 24 MP X-Trans III MP has the same resoution of 36MP Bayer sensor. And this might be true, since already dpreview tests show how the 16MP X-Trans sensorII has a “Bayer-equivalent” resolution of 24MP.
So that’s the first good news. But there is so much more
High ISO + AF: One of the big surprises was the high-ISO performance, which is just absolutely amazing. It has been pointed out in several reviews, and now also the very Popular German site Chip.de says it in this Video here: “High ISO is excellent, even at 12,800!” Moreover theypraise the AutoFocusand say that the X-Pro2 can convince all along the line and will satisfy the needs of every Pro photographer. And if we can trust jonasrask in his review here, the waxy skin tones are gone!
I remember launching a poll time ago, where I asked you if Fuji should go Bayer or keep the X-TransIII sensor. I voted for X-Trans… and after the X-Pro2, I’m even more sure of my choice.
More X-Pro2 links
First of: Rico Pfirstinger is working on the most amazing and comprehenisve X-Pert Corner First Look ever about the X-Pro2! So stay tuned, and in the meantime enjoy his Flickr images and images ISO range from 100 to 25600. For the official Fuji Samples click here.
Exclusive X-pert Corner Special on January 14 @ 11:30 PM New York Time
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Let me say it like this: “We don’t know anything about the Fujifilm X-Pro2… despite all the leaks of our amazing sources!”
Why?
Because on paper the wide phase detection pixel coverage sounds amazing… but in real life, how good does it perform? And how is the dynamic range of the new 24MP sensor? The ISO noise and more?
We want samples. We want first looks. We need tests… and for some reason nobody has (still) published (leaked) a first look ahead of the X-Pro2 launch.
And while specs are more or less exciting, what X-shooters really need now is not the on-paper-camera, but the real-life-camera. Feeling, handling & on field performance is not something you’ll find in spec-sheets (or in rather bad Promo Videos ;) )
But until then, all we have are rumors… and our rumor buddy digicame-infojust leaked the price in Yen:
– X-Pro2: 215000 yen (tax included) – ($1,681)
– XF100-400mm: 242000 yen (tax included) – ($1,892)
– X70: 96000 yen (including tax) – ($750)
– External for X70 optical view finder VF-X21: 23000 yen (including tax) – ($179)
– FinePix XP90: 30000 yen (including tax) – ($234)
Sit down, lean back, and let me do the job on the 14th of January :)
I will collect everything worth to be shared in the for sure most challanging live blogging session I ever had here on FujiRumors, on January 14th at 23:30 PM New York Time. Just stay tuned on FR, refresh the page, and enjoy the latest updates about the X-Pro2, X70, X-E2s, XF100-400, the EF-X500 Flash and X-E2 FW 4.00.
In the last 2 months FujiRumors has shared over 60 rumor articles and even more specs & details about all the upcoming X-gear. It was truely a strenuous rumor-marathon… but an exctiting one, thanks to the amazing FR-sources and the FR-community! :-)
Now, I don’t pretend all these specs/rumors to be 100% correct (I’m FujiRUMORS not FujiFACTS). Two or three rumors might not be 100% correct. So it’s time for some last second clarifications/correction.
A source asked me to clarify that on the 15th of January Fujifilm will announce the X-E2 FW 4.00, and not release it (maybe it will come along with the X-T1 FW scheduled for late January?). I’m sorry if in the rumor marathon of these days, also written after a surgery and with high fever, I’ve maybe mistaken “announced” with “coming”.
I’ve got a hint (thanks!) that the X70 price could be different to the one rumored here on FujiRumors (I said “around €800” here). Let’s hope it will be cheaper.
I’ve told you that the X-Pro2 shippingcould start on the 4th (see here). I believe the embargo is on the 4th, but now a new source told me it could eventually be the 5th of February. Anyway, everything is pointing towards a very early February shipping
That’s it… about all the other 60+ rumors/specs I’ve shared in the last 2 months I don’t change a single thing ;)
And here are some last second rumors:
X-Pro2 could cost $/€1799, which would fit with what rumored earlier here.
The X-E2s will have an “Auto” button instead an “Fn2” button like on the X-E2 – source: X-E2s video promo
P.S: I’m sorry if I couldn’t answer to all of you in the comments directed to me. I was extremely busy behind the scenes with FR (and privately), and with several hundreds of comments a day on FujiRumors, I might have missed some of you asking me specific questions.
According to a trusted source, on January 14/15 (according to your time zone), Fujifilm will also announce a new Flash, the EF-X500.
As our amazing sources told us already in November 2014 (!!!) here, the guide number will be 50. The EF-X500 will be capable of HSS 1/8000 (only with X-Pro2). The flash will also be weather sealed.
According to the source, we will still have to wait until spring to finally be able to use it. The exact month of release is unknown (at least to this source). As soon as I hear more, I’ll let you know.
So if all the rumors shared on FR over the last months are right, here is the Full List of Announcements on January 14 at 11:30PM NY-Time
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm X70
Fujifilm X-E2s
Fujinon XF100-400
Firmware 4.00 for Fujifilm X-E2
EF-X500 Flash
FinePix XP90
I somehow have the feeling that it will be the most challanging Live Blogging session ever for me… I’m working on my limits, I’ll put my best into this until the last day, and I hope you won’t let me alone here on FR ;)
I have an update regarding the Fujifilm X-Pro2 shipping.
A source told me that the shipping embargo is February 4, so just 3 weeks after the announcement :)
But remember: it could be different from country to country. And if there are last second FW bugs or problem of any kind, everything will be delayed… just as it is happening with the mysterious Fuji X-T1 IR, where Fuji officially said it will ship October 2015, but still unavailable.
Moreover, digicame-info just said that Fuji will also launch the Finepix XP90, the successor or the Finepix XP80. Here is the full list of digicame-info – X-Pro2 – X-E2S (Black Silver) – XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR – X70 (Black Silver)
– FinePix XP90
I normally do not cover FinePix cameras, but I’m glad to share with you the first image of it :)
Already 2 years ago our sources told us that Fuji is considering to make a camera called Fuji X70, EVF-less and with fixed lens.
In the last weeks our sources told us that it will have a 18.5mmF2.8 lens, a touch & flip screen, 16MP X-Trans sensor and EXRII processor + optional viewfinder. All this is now confirmed by our rumor friend over at digicame-info.
He also leaked the First Images of the Fujifilm X70, which will be unveiled on January 15 (January 14 – 11:30PM NY-Time), along with the X-Pro2, X-E2s, XF100-400 and the X-E2 Firmware.
LIVE BLOGGING on FUJIRUMORS on January 14 at 11:30PM NY-time / January 15 at 05:30AM Berlin Time
– 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor – Image processing engine EXR Processor II – AF 0.1 seconds. The image plane phase difference AF – Shutter lag is 0.01 seconds. Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. Start-up time of 0.5 seconds – Customizable control ring – LCD monitor three inches 1.04 million dots. 180 Opening tilting – For the first time adopted a touch panel in the X series. Focus area selection, touch shot function – The lens of the newly developed 18.5mm F2.8 (equivalent 28mm) – Digital tele-converter (35mm and 50mm) – Auto mode switch – Digital split image. Focus peaking – Wi-Fi built-in. Remote control shooting – Continuous shooting 8 frames / sec in the AF tracking – Silent electronic shutter. Top speed is 1/32000 seconds – Film simulation mode (including classic chrome) – Multi-exposure function – Eight of the advanced filter – Interval Timer – Video Full HD 60fps – Body color is black and silver
According to our sources, the Fujfilm X-E2s will feature the same 16MP X-TransII sensor of its predecessor, the X-E2.
Always according to FujiRumors sources, the most relevant changes/improvements compared to the X-E2 will be firmware based.
It will be announced along with the X-Pro2 and the XF100-400, on the 15th of January.
I hear you are scared now about your long rumored X-E2 Firmware update. Don’t worry. I have multiple confirmation from sources and even Fujifilm itself said that it will come in… mid-January. Just read this post.
