Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
James Chandran photo
Luxembourg
1 Level
724 Review
75 Karma

Review on πŸ“· Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body - Graphite Silver: Unveiling Exceptional Photography Power by James Chandran

Revainrating 5 out of 5

I want to love and hate her more than now

Let me start by saying that this is not the camera I wanted. I switched to Fuji when the X-E2 was released in 2013. Before that I photographed most of Canon's crop sensor bodies. Like many others, I fell in love with the Fuji and the X-E2 in particular. I've gained a tremendous affinity for a smaller, rangefinder-sized body. IQ and colors were great. Fuji lenses and their commitment to firmware improvements are almost legendary. Last year I watched the release of the X-Pro 2. I was excited because I thought the X-E3 would be next. Instead we have the X-T2 and a host of other body styles. I tried the X-Pro 2 and found it to be the best. My biggest complaint was that I didn't need a hybrid OVF (and its cost) and just wanted a pure EVF. After much arguing (and a few orders which I canceled due to unavailability) I pulled the trigger and got the graphite silver version of the X-T2. Miraculously, I was able to get my hands on it a few days after ordering it. I've only had the camera for a few days at this point, so this is more of a first impression than a full review. However, this camera is probably the most complete mirrorless camera out there right now. I was immediately impressed with the autofocus speed. Compared to my X-E2, the X-T2 locks in and fires like a machine gun. It still hunts a bit in low light, but personally I wouldn't complain too much about that. If you shoot out of hand, the thing is definitely a dream. Watch faces are numerous and easily accessible. Some might not like the dual design of the ISO and shutter speed discs, but that wasn't a problem for me. My only complaint is that I would have liked to have had an exposure compensation dial lock like the dials above. Also, the underside of the auto exposure is a bit clunky if you use it regularly. The electronic viewfinder is huge, bright and doesn't lag too much. When using the battery grip and Boost mode, there is no lag at all. The rear LCD is also big and bright. The multi-hinged screen is nice, but it's the only part of the camera that doesn't feel indestructible. Personally, I'd prefer a non-hinged touchscreen, but your personal preferences may vary. So why do I like him? The build quality is first class. The design and layout are superb. It shoots and in many ways is very similar to a digital SLR camera. IQ and colors are excellent. I like the flexibility the higher resolution sensor offers for image adjustment. I feel like if I was hired to take pictures and shots are important then this would be a good reliable camera. Why don't I love her? It is very similar to a mini SLR camera. For some this is not a problem and can be seen as an advantage. However, after shooting with the X-E2 for the last 3 years I got used to this compact rangefinder body where I could open my left eye to take a shot without getting in the way. In addition, it was a camera that easily fit in almost any pocket and was a joy to carry around. Put a 27mm pancake on top and you can put it in your jacket pocket. The X-T2's EVF hump makes it difficult to store in small spaces, and the extra battery holder means it won't fit in any of the bags I bought for my X-E2. Speaking of the battery holder, I love the functionality it adds. However, I don't like the feeling that I have to have it. Boost mode is great, especially the increase in EVF refresh rate. All I know is that sometimes I'd like to take it off to make it easier and easier to carry, but I'll have a hard time giving up the performance benefits. Maybe I'll get over it, time will tell. In any case, the camera doesn't seem complete without a camera. So why 5 stars? This is a great mirrorless camera. If you're a DSLR shooter and want to go a little smaller and have access to a wide range of lenses on bodies with stunning colors and great IQ, look no further. If you are a Fuji photographer looking for the best camera in the X family then this is the one for you. Much of the hype surrounding this camera is real and valid. However, if size and cost are really important, or you're going for a rangefinder body, I'd wait. Yes, you can open your left eye on this camera and still have a relatively unobstructed view, and yes, the body (excluding the battery grip) is still smaller and lighter than its DSLR counterparts. To me, however, this is just a little untrue. If Fuji releases (or even hints at) an X-E3 with a new sensor, I doubt I'd look at the X-T2 again. This is just my preference and shouldn't detract from what a great camera the X-T2 has.

Pros
  • Nice construction
Cons
  • No