The Fuji X-T2 Is 'Essence de Caméra'

The Fuji X-T2 departed here yesterday for a new owner. Which is strange in a way, because it's close to the best camera in the history of ever.

By my lights—that is, for someone who uses a camera the way I do (without too much fuss), wants to shoot the kinds of things I shoot (anything that catches my fancy, but nothing too specific), and prefers the kind of knobs 'n' dials-oriented controls I prefer (so you can look at the camera and see visually how it's set)—maybe even someone who is within shouting distance of my age, meaning someone who used, or remembers, relatively simple mechanical film cameras—the X-T2 is a firing-on-all-cylinders, smack-the-bullseye wonderment.

I didn't really realize this until I compared it directly with a Sony A7III...and with the older X-T1.

I was curious about the real-world differences between a 24-MP FF sensor and a 24-MP APS-C sensor, so I took both the Sony and the new Fuji around the yard and took the same picture with both cameras about 45 times. (More about that in a future post.) Both were set on ƒ/5.6 and ISO 400, both had a ~50mm ƒ/2 lens mounted (the close-to-perfect Zeiss 55mm ƒ/1.8 ZA for the Sony, the Fujinon 35mm [52.5mm-e] ƒ/2 "Fujicron" for the Fuji. Note that the Fuji has a little advantage in depth-of-field with both lenses set at ƒ/5.6). I already felt like I had a good handle on ergonomics and basic controls with both cameras, so I was just going to look at image quality.

But (as has often happened over the years with real trials as opposed to on-paper or in-my-head consideration) I discovered something I didn't expect to. Mind you, I have no problems with the Sony—I rather like it. It's a little heavy even with the smallish prime lens, and it's not the most comfortable camera to hold (though not bad), and the shutter is a little on the loud side—well, maybe more than a little. But it's pleasant to use and doesn't seem to get in my way much. It doesn't have any weak spots. I like it, is what I'm saying.

But switching off and using one after the other again and again, the X-T2 just seemed so much more fluid, easeful, pleasant, responsive, clear, and smooth. The Sony's finder "felt" bigger...but it's not, much, when you compare them directly. It seemed "clearer"—but that's just because I had the Fuji finder set to the parameters I like (colors more muted, less contrasty) and the Sony was still at its defaults. The Sony seemed faster and more responsive...but nope again: that was a trick of the louder, crisper shutter sound. You can even make the X-T2 into a sports beast, by adding the Vertical Power Booster Grip.

In fact, I was pretty amazed at just how great the X-T2 felt in nearly every intangible parameter. Size and weight are not just tolerable, they're well-nigh ideal. The shutter sound is a thing of beauty, soft and smooth and silken. The responsiveness is like an eagle-eyed French waiter, who just takes care of everything immédiatement with a complete absence of fuss. The camera with the perfectly-proportioned Fujicron just feels flat wonderful in the hand and to the eye.

Everything about it seems better.

Now, you might say that this is so because I'm already so used to my old X-T1 (I bought the review sample not long after it appeared and it's been my main camera for several years now) and that's a valid point. So then I brought out the X-T1 and compared that to the X-T2. And you know what? The X-T2 also won that comparison. The X-T1 is a singularly successful first-generation camera—very well thought out from a user's perspective, ergonomic, beautifully designed. You might not care for the design choices, but I doubt anyone would argue that the design isn't sensible and well-implemented of its type.

Yet...the X-T2 is better in many small but significant ways. It's easily faster; performance virtually all around is improved. The small changes in operability are improvements. It's even a subtly different shape—like a car that looks quite similar to its predecessor but on which every single part and body panel is new—and I was surprised to discover that it's noticeably more comfortable in my hand. It fits better. If you use them one after the other, switching back and forth, they feel different. The whole thing overall just feels better—more coherent, more comfortable, smoother, more "together."

That surprised me too.

I will add that if you shoot Fuji and you don't have a so-called "Fujicron"—one of the smaller ƒ/2 lenses (the 23mm [35mm-e] ƒ/2, the 35mm [~50mm-e] ƒ/2, or the 50mm [75mm-e] ƒ/2—or buy all three), you need to get yourself one. Just as a treat for yourself. They handle superbly on the camera, and match its perfection stride for stride. Body and lens in combination are synergistic, and deeply satisfying. Just try it. You will see.

I'm keeping the older X-T1, plus I'm buying a new system camera which should arrive in a few days. But the X-T2 for me hits all of a camera's design parameters in the sweet spot. It has everything most people need. It does everything most people want to do. But it's more than the sum of its parts, more than the feature list, more than the spec sheet. It's just a camera that's fun to use and gratifying to use. It's what a camera should be. It's got balance. It's graceful. Capable in every way. Just superb.

Most cameras will meet their owner's approval. Assuming their want-list (and "like-list") is similar to mine, though, I'll bet an X-T2 with a "Fujicron" will make its owner happy.

Mike

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Anthony Shaughnessy: "The obvious question being—why did you sell it?"

Mike replies: Because it doesn't have IBIS, which I want. I've written about "why" often enough that I sound like a broken record (to myself at least), but here's the executive summary:

I handhold much better with a camera that has image stabilization (IS)—but I'm reasonably convinced...that this is partly because knowing it's there helps me to relax.

In other words, with some sort of IS present and functioning, I don't get the yips. Knowing it's all up to me to hold the camera steady makes me anxious, and I do worse than I would do otherwise.

I can't be positive of any of this, of course, but I've been convinced for some time that IS makes more of a difference for me than it does for other people, and that part of its advantage for me is not technical—well, not actual—but psychological.

Here's the post about it, called "The Yips."

I wanted to keep one of the two Fujis, because (for some reason I can't quantify) I really like the Fuji X-Trans files when converted to B&W using Silver Efex Pro 2. I made the decision to keep the X-T1 because I could get a lot more selling the X-T2. All of this is just personal, naturally, and shouldn't be seen as having any significance for anyone else.

Rob L.: "All of this is true.  :-)  I traded a D750 for an X-T2 and have yet to regret it—despite the D750 being capable of creating technically better files, with its larger sensor and generally better autofocus. The Fuji feels better. The numerous small improvements made to the X-T2 over its predecessor add up to be rather large—the only lack, and what I surmise is your reason for selling, is in IBIS. I miss that—I'd very much like to get the performance I'm getting with the 50–140mm with a 23mm or 35mm in the dark, but I'll accept that lack for now as every other thing just works.

"There's a directness to the Fujis that's matched in my M6, and, swapping between both on the rare day when I'm taking pictures for me and not as part of something else, the sheer joy of using devices that fit perfectly to hand is a big part of my fun. In a world of power tools, it's closer to the perfection of a Japanese hand plane than most anything else."

Steve Jacob: "So you are getting an X-H1 then?

"Kidding aside, I concur with the general appreciation of Fuji's approach. My X-Pro2 is a deeply-refined second-generation camera in which most of the fundamentals are just right.

"I like it not because it is perfect—it isn't in any qualitative way—but because its imperfections, such as they are, are more quirks than annoyances. If anything, they are endearing, like a favourite aunt who sings out of tune when she's busy in the kitchen baking amazing cakes.

"Previously, the nearest thing I came to a camera I really liked using was my Pentax K-7. It had a near perfect grip and controls, but its character flaws including wayward IBIS, poor focusing and a shutter button that kept sticking in the down position. Not being able to get any image without motion blur at certain shutter speeds is like having an aunt who can sing like an opera star but occasionally gives you food poisoning.

"Which is to say, the X-Pro2 really is the first camera I ever owned for which there is real pleasure to be derived simply from picking it up and using it. I can't really think of anything to criticise, because I just don't care enough to rack my brains over it."

Barry Braunstein: "I have two personalities—my go-to camera/system is Nikon (D850) with their zoom lineup. For travel and a backup system (or when I'm shooting video on the Nikon but also need some stills during a live performance) I reach for my X-T2. For travel, the X-T2 is lightweight, very capable, and I've been very pleased with the images even under terrible lighting conditions. Have shot live performances and made prints up to 17x22 and they look amazing. I moved up from an X-E2 which I never really liked ergonomically—the X-T2 feels so much better. But—I still love my Nikon as it's a workhorse, it still 'feels better,' and I can always rely on the results. Maybe I'm a curmudgeon, but despite its size and increased weight (especially with zooms attached) I'd still take the Nikon over the Fuji (except for travel where weight is key)."

Comments

[Kenneth Tanaka]

Cameras, cameras, cameras, cameras.

[Also, cameras. --Mike]

[John Seidel]

Mike,
"I was curious about the real-world differences between a 24-MP FF sensor and a 24-MP APS-C sensor...", and then? Where is the comparison? I read that to be about image goodness/betterness. Is there a second part to your post?
Grump, grump.
John

[As we say in the photography field, I'll get a round Touit. --Mike]

[Gijs Langelaan]

Dagnabbit! Now I really have to get one!!!

[Speed]

If this was a car you would say that it's not flashy but it starts every morning and takes you where you want to go. And the seats are really comfortable. And the radio sounds great.

[Mats]

I did have an X-T2 for a while and have to agree with most of your opinions.
The thing is that thinking about it makes me even more inclined to try an X-E3, especially with the smaller f 2.o lenses....

[Steve Higgins]

Er, I'm obviously missing something here, Mike. If it's so d@mn perfect, why are you getting rid of it?

[Hendrik]

Err ... you lost me there. I'm missing the bit where you say why sold this wonder of a perfect camera.

[Stan B.]

Wouldn't challenge anything you said concerning the X-T2, but the X-T1 (the very ethos of either camera) is such an image making value right now- new or used!

[Anthony Shaughnessy]

The obvious question being - why did you sell it?
Anthony

[Dogman]

Makes one wonder why you decided to get rid of the X-T2 and keep the X-T1.

'Course I recently bought a used X-Pro2 and it has a lot going for it over my X-Pro1 cameras. Yet I have no intention of getting rid of any of the X-Pro1's.

[JG]

And yet you sold it egardless? (scratches head)

[Chris]

I don't understand...
You sing its praises as the perfect digital camera and then you depart with it. The XT-1 has to have some advantage over the XT-2, otherwise, why would it be your choice?
Or was it a purely financial decision? If that was the case, an even better financial decision could have been keeping the XT-2, selling the XT-1 and not buying into M4/3 :)

[Dave Van de Mark]

Wow! In the XT-2 it seems we had the nearly perfect camera - EXCEPT no IBIS - which you didn't mention but I am assuming that is the overriding factor in its going bye bye.

The new system camera on its way has got to have IBIS, right? And since there are IBIS cameras present in all major mirrorless systems - m4/3, APS-C, and FF....we have a mystery on our hands. I'm guessing m4/3.

[Bernard]

But then, pray tell, why did you let this nice camera go…?

[MikeK]

I'm sure I won't be the only one to ask, but... All that said, why is it leaving you (and why are you keeping an inferior version in its stead – especially given the post about Mk.2 cameras earlier in the week)?

[Bill Wheeler]

Well, Mike, you've sold me on the X-T2 (What a great salesman!). Maybe when I retire, or the camera goes on sale in the future. Bill

[Ned Bunnell]

Your tombstone is going to read “In search of IBIS he missed taking some wonderful photos.”

[Stephen Scharf]

MIke, very accurate observations and comments on the X-T2. I've been using one since the first week they shipped in September 2016, and it's been just an outstanding camera. Actually, the X-T2 was truly a game-changer for me, as it allowed me to sell all my pro Canon gear I used for motorsports photography (which was excellent functionally, but back-breaking in use).

Also agree on your observations about the all the "little things" that Fujifilm improved over the X-T1, refinements to the camera frame, buttons, switches, viewfinder, and control knobs were subtle but significant enhancements to the overall user experience. And the AF joystick is a major enhancement. And then, there's....Acros. Yum, yum.

I kind of think of the X-T2 as "Tony Stark", brilliant, stylish and very, very capable at pretty much anything and everything.

And, when you put the Vertical Power Booster Grip on the X-T2, Tony Stark turns into Iron Man.

[Joe Boris]

Having purchased Fuji's highly-regarded X100s in 2014 which (loved) I sold to buy their X100t, which (loved) I sold to buy their XPro2 which I will NEVER sell, I then purchased their X-T2 last summer when discount-bundled with its grip and their superb, small 18-55 lens, which arrived almost 'free' in that deal. In April, I sold that X-T2 w/ grip to buy the new X-H1, for its IBIS and enhanced video capabilities. Now after 2 months of use, it seems to be a fine camera. However like my XPro2, that X-T2 was a beautifully-crafted jewel, and this latest X-incarnation is not that, imho. Your own mileage may differ. Looking forward to their mid-June firmware update, in hopes of rekindling the missing 'awe'.

[Andrew]

My spider sense suggests to me that the sale of the of the Panasonic 12-35 and the foreshadowing of the G9 review means that a G9 with the Pana-Leica 12-60/f2.8-4 is in Mike's future. Especially with all the praise the PL12-60 earned in the "two lens kit" posts.

When it comes to storing useless information about other peoples' gear preferences, it's all up here... *taps noggin*

[Gaspar Heurtley]

All this X-T1/X-T2 thing reminded me of the Pulp Fiction scene where John Travolta and Samuel Jackson talk about the “little differences” between Europe and the United States.

Basically, Travolta says “they got the same sh*t over there that they got here, but it's just a little different”.

[Alan_A]

So, a follow-up question - if you need IBIS, what about the X-H1?

[vinck]

A real nice review, tells most of the important things - I guess we will have the IQ speech later. I just have to mention it though : a "caméra" definitely is a dedicated video cam, always has been. A camera translates as "appareil photo". (Yes it's ungainly, yes it irks me, and yes we should have come up with something better.)

So, it's a guessing game ? Let's see... Given your need for IBIS, and all the praise for the X-T2 and the fuji lenses, I'd say either one of the G9/E-M1.2 siblings or the X-H1. Though I can't see why you'd have kept the X-T1 in the latter case.

[McD]

You've chosen to let the suspense build, rather than reveal your "new camera system" now.

[MikeR]

You're describing what I like about my Lumix LX100. Most of what I care about is out in the open. And it's m4/3. And, I don't have to make decisions about lenses.

[Jeff]

I’ve been told by a reliable source that the XT-1 has built in stabilization, but is just not marketed as such. Hope that relaxes you a bit.

[Carlos Quijano]

I don’t know if what you say is truth or not, but you say it in such a convincing way, almost poetically! By the way, I have the Fuji XE-2 and the 35 mm f2 lens.

[hugh crawford]

All this about the loud shutter. I was under the impression that the a7 had a silent electronic shutter option, which is one of the reasons I'm thinking of upgrading

" like having an aunt who can sing like an opera star but occasionally gives you food poisoning"
Are we cousins?

[MHMG]

HI Mike,

OK, not to quibble, but you photographed and enjoyed photography with numerous cameras during your entire youth and early to mid adulthood when there were absolutely no cameras equipped with IBIS, yet now you can't seem to venture forward without it. Me thinks too much emphasis is being placed on the virtues of IBIS. I'm a little older than you, and I can still hold a camera reasonably steady (even focus it manually with worse eyesight than 95% of the population) to get an acceptably sharp image. As you would say...just sayin...

[Timo Virojärvi]

To marcin wuu: Yes, advantage! http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2012/06/in-defense-of-depth.html

[Arg]

Good decision about IBIS, Mike. Even though I don't feel it, and I don't have any yips-like condition, I *know* that, as we get into our 50s and beyond, our ability to hand-hold unassisted falls, and falls, and falls.

We need *every* lens to be assisted-steadiness.

[Kev Ford]

Pictures of digital cameras without a lens or body cap always make me slightly uneasy.

[Rick Denney]

You make me want a camera I know I don't want. Ain't words grand?

[D. Hufford]

Ain't that pretty much the truth.

I must say, although I will deny it if anyone asks, that I like Fujis. Now I totally reject any sorta "magic" nonsense and know for darned sure that there are many other cameras as good or better in overall convenience and flexibility than Fuji including those that aren't handicapped with a lack of IBIS.

I don't particularly like the X-Trans sensor (OK, I don(t like it at all) nor do I have the practiced eye for black and white tonality to see the advantage. Although I find the Fuji 35mm f2 optically everything I need, I ain't all impressed with the durability (or lack there of) of the lens and its fly-by-wire aperture. Plus I completely miss any "synergy" between x-trans sensor magic and Fujicron lenses of any type. (I don't believe in the tooth fairy either.)

But I do like my X-E1. A bare bones simple camera that is a pleasure to use. Even the old buggy--I apologize, quirky---beta version x100 has some odd attraction to me. I can't depart with it although I basically hate the slow, buggy thing.

I have been looking for a new X-T1 and also waiting for the X-T2 price to drop although I don't really need another 16 MP camera (X-T1), and I don't like the faux dSLR hump on top. Totally illogical. But there is something about the ease of use of the Fujis, the familiarity of the controls to us old geezer's who remember film cameras that make them hard to ignore. I hardly ever need to dive into a menu.*

I think that is the "magic" of Fujis. Shame about the IBIS though, as that does significantly hamper most of them.

*To clarify for those who take that statement to extremes: Yes, I access it to make some irregular changes needed for unusual circumstances or for non-shooting functions like sensor cleaning, formatting a card, or setting the EXIF data for an adapted film era lens.

[Dave in NM]

Re: Ken Tanaka’s comment
Ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto.

[hugh crawford]

'Essence de Caméra'
B&W - smells like sodium thiosulfate
B&W Sprint -smells like vanilla
Color - smells like blix

[Bill Wheeler]

After reading Hugh Crawford's "Essence de Camera" comment, I am ready to make a darkroom print. I am like a weather vane spinning in the wind: digital, film, digital, film.... As always I have enjoyed reading the back-and-forth of it all. Bill

[Joseph Brunjes]

I have read many a review of the XT-2 and I have almost purchased one several times. Flaw #3 in your review of the Zeiss Ikon 35mm rangefinder (is that the camera takes film.) works for me in reverse with the XT-2. The only flaw in the XT-2 is that it does not shoot film.

[SteveW]

Funny how we bond with our cameras, I feel this way about the Nikon D750, and it's a 2014 model. Still happy with it though.

It's amazing how many awesome cameras there are these days, probably gotta add my ditto to Ken Tanaka's comment, lol.

[Roger Engle]

Mike,
If you haven't already sent the Sony back, go to Camera menu 2, 4th page. The top item is Silent Shooting, and when you turn it on the Sony goes into stealth mode. That take care of the loud shutter.

[Ari]

The X-T2 has one glaring flaw, albeit common to most mirrorless system cameras: it has an electronic viewfinder.
While digital image capture can fairly be said to have surpassed film in virtually every respect, the same cannot be said for EVFs, at this point, which do not come close to a good optical viewfinder in nearly *any* respect. To my mind, a mediocre view of the subject is a much more serious impediment to photography than lack of IBIS.

[Hi Ari, the EVF is certainly a downside for you, but between individuals it's different. I marginally prefer them over OVFs now, so for me it's a plus. --Mike]

[Peter Williams]

So, obviously you're buying an X-H1.
It's your dream come true (almost, no doubt there's some fly in that ointment somewhere).