In the last few weeks we have received numerous questions about the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the X-series line in general. Here are the top 10:
Should I get the X-Pro2 or wait for an X-T2?
The X-Pro line and the X-T line are cameras tailored to different kinds of photographer. The X-Pro1/2 is a rangefinder-style camera perfectly suited to documentary/street photography; the X-T1 has a lot of similarities to an SLR. Assuming that you are dealing with the same generation – X-Pro1/X-T1 or X-Pro2/X-T2 – the image quality will most likely be the same because Fuji uses the same sensors in their higher-end models. It’s all about the style of shooting and your personal preferences.
Kasia and I prefer the X-Pro1/2 rangefinder style. It fits our way of shooting better. We enjoy having a viewfinder on the left side of the camera (the X-T1’s viewfinder is located in the middle). However, some of you may like the larger viewfinder in the X-T1/2 and the SLR feel, and that’s fine.
About “waiting for the next model.” Don’t! If you don’t have a camera, buy one and start shooting today. There will be always a better camera just around the corner. What really matters is what you create today!
So…with the X-Pro1 now going for $400 or so, would you say the improvements are worth the extra $1000? That could buy some sweet lenses…
True – you can buy a beautiful glass for $1000. To be honest, I don’t like answering this type of question. Here is my take: for those of us who take photos daily, print our work large, blog, write and pay our bills with photography – YES, the extra $1000 is well worth it.
However, your situation may be different. If your only reason to purchase the X-Pro2 is to have the latest gear, don’t do it. If your X-Pro1 works for you and you don’t do huge prints and you maybe need a new glass – buy a new lens instead.
Ultimately, it is your decision. Be honest with yourself and don’t try to justify your decision with the biggest fallacy in photography: “When I get this camera or lens I will be a better photographer.”
Is the resolution that much better compared to the X-T1?
Yes. We are impressed with the number of details. Not only can you crop much more generously compared to the X-T1 but you can also print your images large – really large. We will publish some 100% crops in our upcoming posts.
Are you sponsored by Fuji?
Other than the fact that Fujifilm Canada is kind enough to send us some gear for review from time to time (for which we are grateful!), we don’t have any other business relationship.
Did you notice that there are no ads on our blog? Part of the reason is that we want to remain 100% independent. We want to keep our blog clean and focus on quality material only.
We just really like shooting with the Fuji X-series cameras. We like the fact that Fuji looks for, respects and most importantly acts on the feedback received from truly creative photographers. It doesn’t mean we don’t try other cameras from time to time. Just recently we tried Sony, Pentax and even Sigma cameras – this gives us some perspective and ultimately proves that indeed, the Fuji X-Pro2 is still the best camera for us.
What are your favourite features of the X-Pro2?
Joystick! Joystick! Joystick! We also appreciate dual memory card slots and higher resolution/improvements in the ISO.
What is the best lens to start with?
Go with the XF 35mm F1.4 or the latest XF 35mm F2. These are great lenses to start with and they have a similar field of view to the human eye. Only when you master one focal length, go for another. Don’t buy everything at once.
The ACROS looks digital to me?!
I’m not sure whether creating an exact replica of film was the objective of creating the ACROS simulation. Digital and film are different and they have their own advantages/disadvantages.
Another thing – you have the option to add more/less grain. When using the ACROS we usually use the “weak” grain option, but there is also a “strong” mode. Keep in mind that Fuji has considerable expertise in film and if there is one company that “gets it” regarding a film-like look in their digital cameras, it’s Fuji.
When comparing the X-Pro2 with many other cameras, it appears to me that it lacks in video capabilities. Why would you want to buy such a camera?
I really don’t like “do it all” cameras. A camera is an essential, very intimate tool and the simpler it is the better it is for the user. Unfortunately, many inspiring photographers choose their cameras based on the number of features it has, rather than on its character and “fit” into their own way of seeing. What a pity!
If you want a new camera, grab it and shoot with it. Avoid chatrooms at all costs!
Don’t you think the X-Pro2 is overpriced for what it is?
Overpriced compared with what? I often hear this argument from people who are technically obsessed and compare each feature in the camera to the competitor’s without actually shooting. A camera that fits my way of shooting and becomes “one” with me is much more valuable than a camera that has more features but I just cannot get in tune with it.
Where are you heading next?
Cuba…among many other amazing locations. Stay tuned!
All images taken with the Fuji X-Pro2, the XF 35mm F1.4, XF 14mm F2.8, XF 50-140mm F2.8
2016 © Kasia & Olaf Sztaba Photography. All rights reserved.
I do weddings and portraits at the weekend and have always been a canon shooter. Picked up a Fuji X100 for my honeymoon in California three years ago, as I didn’t want to carry an SLR around, and I fell in love with it.
My trusty canon 5D has been an absolute workhorse, but it’s got to be 10 years old now, and I can’t rely on it forever… so I’ve just been and picked up the X-T1 this week after reading countless reviews and comparisons, and have to say that I’m fairly impressed so far!
Thanks for this great review, by the way.
We appreciate your kind comment. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
All the best,
Olaf
Bonjour
Félicitations pour les questions et vos réponses. J’attend avec impatience la venue du Xpro2 sur Paris.
J’ai déjà commandé l’objectif 90mm F.2.
Amitiés
Serge (France)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/119524765@N06/
I have a question. How to achieve the same result (very nice tonality and contrast) in NIK Silver Pro ? What should I do ? Jarek
Jaroslaw,
Try playing with the tonality tool. We use copper, 20-30% but you may like different numbers. Also, try adding more contrast.
Please let us know how it goes.
Olaf
Hi, I am curious about the low light focusing of the Pro2. I know other cameras have an EV rating for low light focus lock. The Sony A7S for example is rated at -4 EV.
Do you know what the Pro2 is rated at? If not how does it perform in lower light? I’m not too concerned with the speed, just does it have problems locking focus?
Thanks
Steve,
I have no problem focusing with the X-Pro2. As far as I know the X-Pro2 is rated at -3EV.
Thanks for visiting.
Olaf
Was the church pic taken in Antelope Or. Worked on the ranches around there in the mid 80’s Goose
Micheal,
Even it wasn’t taken in Antelope, it was pretty close. The church is located north of Shaniko (about 10min).
Probably we are taking about the same church.
All the best,
Olaf
Just got back from Cuba, loved it! Have you been before? For a street/ portrait type photographer, it’s heaven.
http://www.andyhullphotography.com/cuba-2016/
And wonderful work 🙂
Andy,
I viewed your images from Cuba. Well done!
No, I haven’t been to Cuba but I know communism very well as I grew up in communist Poland. Any advice before heading to Cuba?
Olaf
Olaf:
I’ll try to keep this organized, but there’s so much to share! First of all, as far as places to stay, there are “casas particulares” all over the place. These are room to rent from locals. I have heard great things about staying there and the experiences that have happened resulting from that. The first time I stayed in a church dormitory and the second a hotel, so I cannot recommend one in particular. You could always book a hotel for a night or two and look for a casa to stay at. I think there may be places on the web that share good ones, maybe a Google lookup for high rated Casas Particulares would work.
As far as a guide, we had a few few Cuban photographers with us, but to be honest, the best thing, as far as Havana, is simply to strike out on your own. That being said, there are many good photographers that are part of the national photographic institute called “Fototeca Cuba” (http://www.fototecadecuba.com). I would imagine that if you stopped by their offices you could hire a guide that is also a photographer to show you around. I’m not sure how tough that would be. You can also just hire a cab to take you somewhere and wait for you or come back for you after some time. Cubans are warm and inviting. Be prepared to be offered a beer or coffee and a visit in someones home. It is very safe. Obviously be smart and don’t enter some place with only young men at a strange hour with all of your photo equipment 😉 But I’ve never felt threatened. You will encounter men trying to earn a fee for bringing you to a place to drink or eat. But you can just firmly say “no gracias”.
I would highly recommend bringing some small gifts to share with locals that you encounter and photograph. I brought a large bag of lollipops, ballpoint pens, notebooks and tooth brushes and toothpaste. The ballpoint pens are very popular because they aren’t easy to get, and those that they get are poor quality. These all helped me engage with locals and have something to share when I was invited in for coffee and to speak (I have a serviceable ability in Spanish, which goes a long way). I always made sure that any adult around approved of the gift first. So in my bag every day I had a mix of little gifts. I often visited the same people in order to develop more of a rapport. It also led to better photos.
As far as equipment, I brought a dSLR with a 35mm and a dSLR with an 85. I also had a wide angle. Of course every one has a different goal, but 90% of my frames were with the 35mm. The wide angle proved valuable for some interiors. The 85mm wasn’t a length I use much and I didn’t use it much. I would say that the way the city is laid out, having a 35 or wider proves valuable.
Sorry this was so rambling. Feel free to send me a message at andrewmhullATgmail.com if you have any direct questions. I hope that you have a wonderful experience, it’s an amazing place.
Andrew
Andrew,
We really appreciate it. Look for an email from us.
Olaf
just bought my second XPRO1 BoDy
Hello,
Your images have very nice tonality and contrast. I like them very much. Are they SOOC or do you tweek them with LR? If they are straight from the camera do you mind to tell what are your set up? Thanks in advance.
Christopher
Christopher,
Thank you for your kind comment. The images in this particular post were processed using the NIK Silver Pro. However, please note that you can achieve a similar look (slightly different tonality) with a new ACROS film simulation from Fuji. Try this:
Acros + R
Sharpening +1
Highlights +2
Shadows +3/4
All the best,
Olaf
Thank you !!!
When are you heading to Cuba? Heading there in May too. Be very interesting to see how it has changed in the 5 years that I was there last
Still working on details.
Do you have any contacts there? I am looking for a local guide. Would love to stay with a local family.
Olaf