Fujifilm X-Pro 2 Review
- 24MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor
- 2.36m-dot OLED viewfinder
- 8fps burst mode
- 3” LCD screen with 1.62m-dots
- Full HD video footage
- ISO range of 200-12,800
- 273-point AF system
- .98 lbs
The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 dropped 4 years ago in 2016 and was billed as a high-end mirrorless camera that would appeal to photographers who regularly worked with rangefinders.
The camera had an incredibly classic, matte-black look, but some new features that were really interesting, like a hybrid viewfinder that operated both as an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder (more on this later).
If you’ve worked with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 camera before, many of the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 features are reminiscent of ones found in its predecessor. Some small changes were made between the models, like the fact that the ISO range was extended and photographers can use the X-Pro 2 to shoot Raw images at every ISO setting.
Importantly, the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 handling is not reminiscent of its 1960s rangefinder counterpart. It’s actually quite comfortable to hold, so long as you don’t pair it with really heavy lenses.
Let’s get into our Fujifilm X-Pro 2 review.
FujiFilm X-Pro 2 Specs
Let’s talk about the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 specs. The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 is a 24MP mirrorless camera that is a bit outdated, especially when it comes to its video specs. For instance, it cannot shoot 4K, instead relying on classic HD.
This camera definitely relies on the look of older rangefinder cameras. My favorite spec with this camera is its viewfinder, which operates both as an electronic viewfinder and as an optical viewfinder so that you can track your subjects in real time, even as they are outside of your frame, in order to capture your shot at just the right moment.
The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 comes with 273 autofocus points, which is a pretty impressive AF system considering the fact that this camera is 4 years old.
Other Fujifilm X-Pro 2 Specs Include:
FujiFilm X-Pro 2 Body & Design
The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 body, as you can see in the images above, is directly mimicking a classic 1960s rangefinder camera. It is retro in a way a lot of other, admittedly less expensive cameras, have never been able to touch. I’ve personally always believed that Fujifilm understands exactly what they’re doing when it comes to the aesthetics of their cameras and this camera is no different.
This camera measures 5.55” x 3.26” x 1.81” and weighs just under 1 lb. The extremely light weight of the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 build is one of the reasons I don’t recommend it with heavier lenses.
The camera is made with a magnesium-alloy body.
This camera features 6 customizable buttons, which isn’t overwhelming for a photographer who is looking to grow into the camera and is just enough for seasoned photographers.
It comes with 2 card slots, one of which is a UHS-II.
When it comes to the other buttons on this camera, even they have a retro look. One note here, though, is that in order to select your ISO you have to pull your ring and turn it simultaneously. This is kind of hard to explain, but it just means that you can end up accidentally changing your shutter speed without meaning to.
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FujiFilm X-Pro 2 Build & Handling
The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 design may look like a vintage camera, but it definitely doesn’t operate like one. For starters, this camera has a battery life of 350 shots if you’re strictly using the OVF and 250 if you’re also using the EVF. It also showcases the battery percentage as you’re shooting, which is extra helpful.
When it comes to the menu, this camera is a breeze. But, don’t expect the same menu if you have a Fujifilm X-Pro 1 because it has completely changed.
This camera has a larger grip than its predecessor, which also means that it doesn’t handle like a vintage camera. It’s comfortable to hold because of the larger grip, which is paired with a deep thumb grip.
This camera also has a joystick so that you can change your focus point really easily. If you have ever used a Fujifilm X-T2, the joystick is the same type.
Finally, I love the way the viewfinder operates. You can either take or leave the electronic viewfinder. I personally believe that a lot more entry-level mirrorless cameras should have this option, just because EVFs can be so hard to get used to.
FujiFilm X-Pro 2 Video Performance
Thanks to August Project for the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 video performance test above.
As the August Project creative director, Aldo Parise, pointed out the videography specs on the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 left a lot of videographers feeling left out when the camera was first released. As he mentioned, this camera doesn’t shoot 4K video and it had less than stellar low light capabilities. Still, he said that he purchased the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 not for its specs, but for its sensor.
When Parise took it out in the field, he found out that this isn’t a camera you can shoot video with out of the box. He said that it is ultra important to set the white balance before you go out in the field.
He also thought that the lens he was shooting with was much too heavy for the Fujifilm X-Pro 2. As someone who loves to experiment with different lenses, I think it is worth noting that this camera isn’t really built to work alongside heavy lenses.
But, Parise also had some really positive things to say about the Fujifilm X-Pro 2. For starters, he thought that the camera created beautifully contrasting colors, especially during golden hour and despite the fact that he was fighting with some overcast weather on the day he was out.
FujiFilm X-Pro 2 Price
The FujiFilm X-Pro 2 price is no longer available, at least not for a new one since the camera is now 4 years old. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 available online, though. You just need to search for used ones.
As anyone who reads PhotographyTalk regularly knows, we always refer our readers to MPB for their used camera gear, and you can find a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 on MPB starting at just $799. Conversely, you can find a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 in “like new” condition for $954. Compare that to about $1,700 for a new one.
We recommend using MPB for your used camera gear because every piece of gear is professionally graded so that you know exactly what you’re purchasing. If you purchase a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 in “like new” condition, you can expect it to show up at your front door with very little wear and tear.
Plus, if you are upgrading to a Fujifilm X-Pro 2 from an older camera, you can trade in your old camera and use that money towards your new purchase. If you’re like me, this will prevent you from stuffing old camera gear in a closet somewhere until it is, inevitably, not worth anything anymore. It may also prevent your wife or husband from getting upset at you for taking up all of the storage space.
If you want to learn more about MPB, you can read our MPB review in the learn more links below.
If you’re looking for a gift for a photographer in your life, then you can also go check out MPB’s gift guide, which walks you through a bunch of different options for presents in all different categories, liek student photographers, nature photographers, and beginner photographers.
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