T2 TIME AT FUJIFILM
PERHAPS NOT SO much of a surprise, but still a very welcome arrival, Fujifilm’s new X-T2 upgrades its SLR-style X-mount mirrorless camera to a similar spec level to the flagship X-Pro2. Retaining very similar styling to its predecessor, the X-T2 has the same higherresolution 24.3 megapixels ‘X-Trans CMOS III’ sensor as the X-Pro2 – mated with the ‘X-Processor Pro’ high-speed engine – but it’s the first X Series model to have 4K video recording at 3840x2160 pixels (i.e. Ultra HD). At 25 fps, this gives a bit rate of 100 Mbps, and the X-T2 also has a ‘clean’ video output (for both 2K and 4K) via its HDMI terminal for recording to an external device. The stereo audio input for connection an external microphone has been upgraded to the standard 3.5 mm connector.
As before, the bodyshell is a magnesium alloy casing with weather sealing and insulation, again with the provision for fitting an optional battery grip (called the ‘Vertical Power Booster Grip’) which now accommodates two battery packs and provides a number of performance enhancements, including continuous shooting at 11 fps and an extended 4K recording. It also allows for in-camera battery charging and has a stereo audio output for connection headphones (also a standard 3.5 mm fitting). There have been a few revisions to the control layout including redesigns to the main dials and the addition of the joystick control from the X-Pro2 for quicker switching of the focusing point. The OLEDtype EVF is much the same as before (0.77x magnification and 2.36 megadots resolution), but the X-T2’s LCD monitor screen now has both horizontal and vertical tilt adjustments, the latter allowing for low-angle shooting when using the portrait orientation. The EVF now offers a refresh rate of 100 fps in the camera’s ‘Boost’ mode, and can operate at a shooting speed of 5.0 fps without any black-out.
The X-T2 has a new autofocusing which still employs a hybrid contrast/phase detection system but now has a total of 325 measuring points, with 169 of them using phase-difference detection. The number of ‘Zone Focusing’ points increases from 49 to 91 with 49 of these using phase-difference detection. Fujifilm says the autofocusing speed is just 0.06 seconds while the shutter release lag time is reduced to 0.045 seconds. Similar to Canon’s and Nikon’s higher-end D-SLRs, the subject tracking function with continuous AF operation can be finetuned for the type of subject movement and, among other parameters, the response to an interruption caused by a blocked shot. Various pre-set focusing scenarios can be selected and also fine-tuned. Low light sensitivity extends down to -3.0 EV.
The X-T2’s focal plane shutter now has a top speed of 1/8000 second with flash sync now up to 1/250 second, but a sensor-based shutter is also provided which has a top speed of 1/32,000 second. This also allows for continuous shooting at 14 fps, but otherwise the standard camera (i.e. without the optional power grip) is capable of 8.0 fps. The buffer memory has been increased to enable a burst of 83 best-quality JPEGs or 33 RAW files (with lossless compression, 27 uncompressed). Dual SD memory card slots are provided, both with UHS-II support.
Other notable new features include the addition of the ACROS and Classic Chrome ‘Film Simulation’ presets, an ‘F-Log’ flat colour profile for video recording, an intervalometer (for time-lapse sequences) and wireless TTL flash control when fitted with the new EF-X500 accessory flash unit.
Fujifilm has also revealed plans to launch three more X-mount lenses over the coming year or so, starting with a 23mm f2.0 weather-proofed wideangle (equivalent to 34.5mm). Coming later are a 50mm f2.0 and 80mm f2.8 macro (both also weatherised). The latter replaces the previously planned 120mm f2.8 macro, deemed too big and heavy. There are currently 20 Fujifilm X-mount lenses (plus two teleconverters) and three models from Zeiss.
The X-T2 will be available in Australia from September and is priced at $2499 (body only). For more information visit www.fujifilm.com.au