SWITCH to FUJIFILM? One Month With The X-Pro2 Review

[@photomorti]

Best looking camera i have ever seen

[@davidmcc6666]

Just sold my X100S, now I need the XPro2. Thanks, mate.

[@zins_9122]

Hi Joe, I have been enjoying your videos on x-pro2 and x100f. I have two questions. In both x100f and x-pro2, how does manual focusing with OVF work? Second, do you recommend x100f or x-pro2, neglecting the fact that x100f has fixed lens? Does it worth going for leaf shutter?

[@tubularsensation]

You can absolutely lock both exposure and focus with either the AF-L or AE-L button. You just need to map that function to either one of the AF-L or AE-L buttons in the menu!

[@joeallam]

But can you do both at the same time? In the menu, I only saw options for swapping their functions around. Admittedly I don't have the camera to hand anymore, so can't have a second look.

[@tubularsensation]

Joe Allam - Yes, both exposure lock and auto focus, at the same time, mapped to either button.

[@MikeKleinsteuber]

You can lock the focus point if you don't like the breathing

[@archies4399]

Which one would you prefer for travelling, X-Pro2 with 27mm pancake, or X100F?

[@NetvoTV]

What do you think if I get X-E3 and 16-55mm F2.8 as first camera for everything like daily camera, street, travel, video and so on? Too heavy to inspire you to bring it out to shoot?

[@DCuerpoJr]

I recently switched from Canon (5Dmk3 & 1DX) to Fuji (X Pro 2 & X-T2) as I primarily do commercial travel and event photography. I also use a Sony RX10mk2, A7Smk2, and FS5 for commercial video and is the reason I still keep my Canon glass. For stills, I completely agree that the X Pro 2 is such a joy to shoot with. It definitely has its quirks like the ISO, diopter, and exposure dials. But it's still an easy camera to operate especially if you've had prior experience with a pro DSLR. One way to negate the ISO dial is to custom set your Auto ISO settings (there are 3 customs options) to set a min/max ISO along with a min shutter speed. As for auto exposure, I noticed the camera tends to underexpose by a full stop in auto, aperture, and shutter priority. I still use 3 exposure bracketing just to make sure I got the right exposure without having to review the images until I've transferred them to a computer. Fuji sells a custom grip that attaches to the tripod mount at the bottom of the camera. It doesn't block the battery compartment, and it has it's own tripod thread extension. The grip definitely helps when using a heavy lens like the 50-140 or the 16-55. It also completely protects the bottom plate of the camera from getting dinged up. As for the X-T2. It's also a great stills camera and is more similar to a DSLR in terms of form factor. Image quality is essentially the same as the X-Pro 2, but has slightly better AF in normal lighting as well as for moving subjects. Though it doesn't perform as well in low light. The EVF is also way bigger and has a faster refresh rate which becomes noticeable when you're shooting high-speed continuously. The built-in grip is also more comfortable while the optional battery grip also improves ergonomics if shooting portraits. For video, you can utilize the same film simulation modes which is pretty cool. I'm attached to the Astia profile. AF is comparable to the A6300 & 6500, but the lack of IBIS means you're gonna need some sort of support to stabilize your footage as most of Fuji's lenses don't have OIS. It's also pretty much a requirement to buy the battery grip for the XT-2 in order to get improved AF performance, a headphone jack, and 30 min continuous recording times. Grading F-Log is still a bit of a learning curve as it was for S-Log 2 & 3. But once you get use to how the camera performs in highlight and shadow detail then it'll be easier to grade in post. Also note that I couldn't find LUTs that worked as an overlay when using an Atomos. I wouldn't rely on the X-T2 as a professional video camera - hence why I have my Sony kit.

[@joeallam]

Thank you for your detailed comment! I agree with you about the auto ISO setup. I use auto ISO a lot and feel like a lot of people underestimate it's power as a usable tool (especially in sports and events photography). I never went as far as using the auto-bracketing though. Your comments about OIS on Fuji lenses is one of my only worries about using an X-T2 for video work. I would say that as I've been using my A7R II for video, I've come to decide that I actually really don't enjoy IBIS. The style of plane-shifting compared to lens-based IS is really distracting for me. I like it for small vibration reduction, but otherwise I've been disappointed by it. Though you're right, there aren't many IS enabled Fuji lenses, so I'm not sure how I'll fare with the X-T2 for video...

[@eoghanhennessy15]

What made you lean more towards the X-Pro2 rather than the X-T2?

[@joeallam]

It's just what they sent me at the time. They've since sent the X-T2 for me to test out and compare. They both have their use cases and I can see pros and cons to both. I do love the discreteness of the X-Pro2 for street photography for example.

[@alexchan2722]

Which camera you will recommend in 2020?

[@jennifermedia6288]

Hi joe, did you keep this in the end? Are you Sony now?

[@pault477]

How does it feel in your hands compared to a Nikon D750 - which I have now.

[@simonfinch6639]

In similar boat, I think the D750 is the better camera, low light is fantastic and battery life is superior. But the X-pro2 is smaller and has silent shutter. It also looks slick. I have an x100f which I enjoy so much, and I'm debating whether to convert completely to Fuji and get an Xpro2. 🤔

[@amstelmax]

Amazing shots at the end. Informative too and I am glad someone reviewing finally has the weird gripe with the AE/AL. I need to play with the menus but hopefully there is a way to lock both for re-composing shots. Cheers!

[@martinjn2920]

Hi, I have the XP1 not the XP2 so things may be different, but if the AFL button is used to lock the focus doesn't a half press on the shutter button l lock the exposure?

[@ProferHarbach]

I have x100v and xpro2 best combi in my life

[@Ronaldyongky]

x100f vs xpro2 w/ 23mm f2? which one is better?

[@stumpycatvm7115]

exposure compensation knob, easy to move, got gaffers tape on my diopter, gonna put some on exposure compensation also, prob solved, good review

[@Mr.ReanuKeeves]

Do you have a review for the new x-t2?

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

Amazing reviews, thank you very much. How would you compare XPro2 and X100F for all around shooting and travel, i think i could live with a fixed lens of X100F, but the non weather sealed body is putting me off a little. Of course i understand that no camera is waterproof but having the convenience of being able to shoot when the conditions aren't perfect is quite important to me. What is your view on that?

[@chriscole5103]

Hey Joe, I don't know if you've already figured it out or someone has told you but I'm pretty sure you can set in the menu to have AEL and AFL set with one button at the same time!

[@joeallam]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that. The only options I found were to swap their functionalities around between themselves.

[@chriscole5103]

Joe Allam No problem, I know I can do it with the X-T10 so I would guess it's possible with the X Pro2 as well but I could be wrong as I don't have one to check.

[@joeallam]

Yeah I don't have one to test anymore either, ha!

[@AnthonyCorreiaNYC]

Good video here. I agree w/ your comment about the diopter location 110%, but not about locking the exposure comp button. Locking it is not a good solution. Mine has changed too by accident, but quite honestly not sure how to best solve that problem.

[@BenyaminLorit]

Sweet! You should do reviews more often. :D

[@joeallam]

Cheers! I try to only make dedicated review videos about big products that are having a major affect on my work/lifestyle. Fujifilm definitely has my attention lately!

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

if you want a camera for variety of creativity on the fly, studio, nature, scenery, street photography, portraiture and fine art go Fuji, if you need ultimate focus speed for sports and all of the above go DSLR! Though new Fuji's are significantly faster focussing and have great tracking modes they still can't match the ultimate DSLR autofocus speeds. I'm only an amateur but use X-Pro1 in full Manual Shutter, Aperture and ISO, but with Autofocus, and miss so few shots I rarely have cause for complaint, shooting Fuji is more a joy than a chore!

[@jonathanjenkins8630]

Good review - the point about fast switch-on is good. I used to get well over 600 frames on a single battery on the X-Pro1, by using the power switch frequently. Also did not use the LCD screen very much.

[@crtgroselj3627]

Looks like a great camera and as always great video

[@kevingnaw]

could you do a tutorial of how you colour grade your videos shooting on your a7r2? that'll be helpful!

[@mrslow96]

^ please

[@tonykeyworth3522]

Great review... Just one thing, use a wrist strap it adds no bulk/weight and adds security. If you use a camera around groups of people sooner or later your going to have someone bump into you , no problem with a strap, expensive problem without.

[@bryantalvarez6152]

I have to say it's awesome to see this channel almost double in subs since I've been subscribed :D Keep this creative train rolling!

[@oaklandtobangkok]

Great and personal review. Much appreciated

[@janiriekkinen401]

Hi Joe! I´m landscape photographer and I have Fujifilm X-T2 camera. I do post processing in Lightroom. I have read and i have notice it my self that Lightroom have problems with Fuji RAW files. Especially in landscape photos with sharpening. Lightroom sharpening does some kind of "wax" effect to photos. Do you have noticed that same thing?

[@altcontrol124]

Jani, I just purchased the Fuji X-T2 as a travel camera to complement my Canon 5Dsr that I use for my work. I also experienced the same weird artifacts when sharpening the Fuji files in Lightroom. However I now think I have figured out the how to sharpen these files in an optimal way. What I do is to leave the sharpening at the default 25 value in Lightroom and then send the file over to Nik's Output Sharpener to do the final sharpening. I have also had some pretty good results when using the Smart Sharpening tool in Photoshop.

[@andyhewitt1]

8:18 funny posture lol. Looks like you are looking for the camera you accidentally dropped into the river.

[@ChanceBarber]

What LowePro bag is that?

[@Scratchen2]

How are you liking that Protactic 450 AW so far?

[@joeallam]

It's great! I made a video about all my thoughts here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5ragnyYrNeWo7c

[@the-creative-block]

I'm not sure how much crossover there is between this and the X-T2 but my brother just rented it for like a week. Good looking out! Thanks for the info.

[@joeallam]

There are huge similarities! However, the biggest difference is with the viewfinder as the X-Pro2 has the hybrid mode, but the sensor and picture quality should be very similar. I believe the X-T2 also has a faster AF and FPS which suits it better for faster subjects. The X-T2 also has better video options with 4K and F-Log via HDMI out.

[@projecthydra507]

Aaaahhhh M-town.....love that city

[@banliyö]

you have already sony a7r2.. why do you prefer fuji :D

[@joeallam]

Usability of the Fujifilm is so much more enjoyable. It genuinely makes me take more photos! I'm currently writing up about it on the blog post for this video. It's already live I'm just still editing it.

[@gking3551]

Joe please do more photography vlogs I froth over them mate! Love to hear what settings and stuff you use :)

[@joeallam]

Ha, will do! You should maybe see someone about the frothing though...

[@gking3551]

Hahaha classic!

[@zvesledahl]

Can you help me decide what Fuji camera best fits my needs? I'm currently deciding between the xpro2 and the xt-2. They are completely different cameras, I know. I am really interested in the xpro2, but it's my understanding the xt-2 gives you more value for your money. Would I use the added features everyday of the xt2, no. I won't use it for 4K everyday; probably sparingly. I also won't use the advanced sports focusing everyday. The flippy screen isn't a wow factor for me. My shooting style isn't really street photography. I like long exposure, causal walk around shooting, and landscapes. I just feel like the xt2 has more features for the money. I feel like in a perfect world, I could buy both. But I don't have that kind of cash. Would love to hear what you think. Thank Zach

[@bartslaman]

zvesledahl the X-Pro2 will make you go slower.slow your photography and boosts your creativity more then x-t2. How ever both eat batteries like hot cakes and x-t2 has a battery grip and a bit more advanced autofocus for sports. I went for x-pro2 and its great

[@zvesledahl]

Bart Slaman ho often are you using the hybrid viewfinder? Or do you just stick to evf on the xpro2?

[@bartslaman]

zvesledahl actualy I prefer the ovf over the evf. it helps me to compose the shots better. however its not suitable for fast action because of the paralax. better switch to evf for that. but I can get my Kids running around with it fine. the grip on x-t2 is better, but I use the blc-xpro2 halfcase which makes the xpro grip very nice as well.

[@zvesledahl]

Bart Slaman your using prime lenses on the xpro2 then? If I pick up a zoom lens for the xpro2. How much space would it take up on the ovf?

[@dropyvisuals4355]

Is the silent mode present in the previoud gen fuji, like the Xt1? Thanks! good content Joe.

[@stevelink21]

Yes, the XT-1 also has the electronic "silent" shutter, via a firmware upate!

[@dropyvisuals4355]

Steve Solomon thanks for the info!

[@TLauriks]

I love your Byron Bay shot! I always wonder how you get those images so sharp everywhere... What aperture do i have to use for that?

[@joeallam]

Thanks! To be honest, aperture doesn't have as much to do with sharpness, but more about focus depth of field. The quality of the glass defines how sharp something is and the aperture defines how much depth within the image will hold that sharpness. For a wide outdoor scene where you'd like a lot of things to be sharp and in focus, I'd look to shoot upwards from f/5.6 to f/11. Lenses do tend to lose a bit of quality at the extreme end of the scale however e.g. f/22, but sometimes the lighting conditions may give you no choice whatsoever.

[@TLauriks]

Joe Allam thanks a lot man!

[@HEREONOUTBAILEY]

Were those sample shots taken with the 35mm?

[@joeallam]

Most of them, yes. On the blog I have some from the 50-140mm and 10-24mm though

[@waddles9thegamer886]

You should do another what's in My bag

[@DanielStrangeFitness]

I just did one of those lol

[@NicholasIskandar]

X-Pro2 or A7ii? need opinion!

[@joeallam]

What is your main intention for it? Video, photo, street, landscape, portraits etc.

[@NicholasIskandar]

I'll mainly use it for wedding, landscape, and portrait. Which one should I get? I Thanks in advance.

[@CJWareLRPS]

Really nice review I'm in the process of switching from Canon Full Frame to Sony A7 Series and its definitely been a good way to go for me considerably lighter. the Fuji line of camera are certainly decent i love my x30 which i take out street shooting when i wanna be discreet .

[@CJWareLRPS]

Not for my workflow and what i do with my cameras the fuji xpro 2 doesn't fit in my work workflow yes they are great cameras i said that in my original comment. its just not the one for me so far touchwood I've had no issues :D thanks for the heads up though

[@stevelink21]

Nicw video intro. Joe! I did make the switch from a DSLR to the Fujifilm X-System, with the X-Pro 2 and some stellar Fujinon XF lenses, including the 23 f/2, 35 f/2, 60 Macro, 55-200 and the amazing 16-55 f/2.8 zoom! Honestly, I've never seen sharper images OOC (without even sharpening in post!). One question though...why didn't you use a lens hood with that 35 f/2? I find that I achieve optimum sharpness and saturation by using a lens hood and either a good tripod, or at least, a monopod.

[@joeallam]

That's awesome, man! I'm so glad you're enjoying the Fujifilm setup! The reason I didn't have a lens hood by the way was because they didn't give me one, haha! I guess the last person they lent it to must have lost it. It's a pretty small hood though, so I don't think I missed out on all that much to be honest.

[@diegorenevelasquez]

Cool review.

[@robbe4711]

The only problem with silent shutter is the jelly effect with fast moving scenes.

[@stevelink21]

That's what's great about this camera...you have both options for electronic and mechanical shutter, along with OVF and EVF!

[@chriscardoso]

With that Fujifilm 35mm lens, does that make the the field of view actually 70mm due to the micro 4/3 sensor?

[@joeallam]

It's actually an APS-C sensor, so in full frame equivalents it's closer to 50mm. I personally don't like shooting super wide, so this fits my style really well!

[@Maxhuertas]

I have this camera and I love it I’ll never sell it.

[@DanielStrangeFitness]

Awesome video! I just posted a video of all my camera gear that im brining to Aussie!

[@stephenlloydco]

Haha I just remembered everyone crushing shadows in 2017

[@zubatia]

get a thumb rest, it will change your grip and experience a lot.

[@chiruk]

sony or fuji ?

[@DanielStrangeFitness]

canon...

[@Loopsrainforest]

Fuji. I just sold my full frame Canon's & all my L lenses and although I like the Sony Camera's the Fuji lenses are insanely good and reasonable compared to Canon.

[@DanielStrangeFitness]

for video or just photo?

[@chiruk]

Daniel Strange Fitness Photo

[@clayscameracollection]

definitely Fuji. I switched from a Sony a7ii to Fuji. best move I've ever made

[@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

You can turn off the photo preview and you probably should. Also please stop perpetuating the idea that this is a rangefinder, I love my X-Pro2 but it's not a rangefinder and it is quite different from using one even with the mini focusing screen.

[@summerwll]

pictures slide in the end.>>>>> killed me. I'm so jealous. But BIG thank you for sharing this.

[@Dynamo12xr4]

was there some post processing image stabilisation, it looks like there is some warping and it is making me feel a bit queezey.

[@joeallam]

Yeah it's just at the beginning. Unfortunately, Premiere isn't always great at stabilising, but it was still necessary compared to the original clips.

[@Dynamo12xr4]

Joe Allam thanks for letting me know I had to stop watching the video because I'm a tad hungover and it wasn't helping, will watch it later now

[@joeallam]

Haha! Back to bed...

[@Dynamo12xr4]

finally got around to seeing it, great reveiw, any chance that i could see what the image at 12:09 looked like before postprosessing and what were the settings

[@oc2phish07]

Thanks for a very nice, informative video. Subscribed now too.

[@hsienfromspace]

Should I go into Olympus system or just buy a Fuji xt20? Since xt20 is out with features of xt2, is xpro2 still recommendable? What about Olympus pen f? Will image quality be a big difference compared to those Fuji cameras?

[@mpsaphoto]

I shot with Olympus for 3 years, using the EM1 and Pen-F. I switched to Fuji with the X-Pro2 and the image quality absolutely destroys the Olympus. 100% go Fuji.

[@hsienfromspace]

Mike Andrews how's the experience with the pen f? I'm leaning towards m43 for size and weight. Image quality of pen f is it good?

[@mpsaphoto]

Shin Chan the experience with the Pen-F is absolutely fine but it's better with the Fuji and the image quality is vastly superior with the Fuji too.

[@hsienfromspace]

c0ldc0ne what about ergonomics? That filter dial at the front of pen f looks uncomfortable does it get in the way of shooting or holding the pen F? So you do prefer the experience of pen f over Fuji cameras? Do you shoot raw and edit or do you just print the JPEG? Quality of photos you would say Olympus is better? If you do have instagram or Flickr or anything let me know so I can see some photos shot with Olympus pen f especially.

[@hsienfromspace]

thanks for the reply man I'll deeply consider probably will try out both systems myself

[@MiladJPanah]

"I love this little stick" that's what she said... thank you for the video. Did you updated to the latest Firmware? Cause you get some extra AF Points

[@MiladJPanah]

and you might want to use the thumb-rest

[@slothsarecool]

I hit the diopter allllll the time, takes me a second to realize my eyes aren't total crap haha.

[@joeallam]

Yeah it's a frustrating design flaw in my err.. eyes.

[@gaelanubis]

I told you ;-) Take an XT-2 you will not regret it. Fuji with XPro 2 and XT-2 all turned upside down; Their sensor is as powerful as a full format and the color rendering and sharpness is just amazing!

[@user-xk7pk7wq1x]

Gaël Boulay your right about the Fuji being a great camera! However, when you compare photos side by side. Full frame is a tad bit sharper and displays more detail.

[@SAGGING_GUT]

Interesting that you didn't point out that the silent shutter incurs rolling shutter. I've got it on my X100T but never use it because of the distortion.

[@joeallam]

To be truly honest, I barely used silent shutter and hadn't even noticed it. I also can't actually think of a scenario where I was shooting fast moving objects that I would also need to incognito with a silent shutter.

[@GunniGrahn]

As far as i can tell/find, the pixels are not random at all, just bigger patterns, and therefore less repetitive and less prune to moire

[@masonrock]

So Joe... you never answered the question buddy... Are you going to switch to Fuji?

[@joeallam]

Haha... There's a full detail on the blog. The short answer is yes. The long answer is complicated, as I honestly don't need to switch and will be prioritising travel over other expenses for the next year.

[@Deep-Travel]

Great review. But please, improve the quality of the video It was dark.

[@hangryherbivore]

There is nothing "random" about the X-Trans sensor pixel layout. It uses a well-defined, repeatable pattern, just like a bayer-style sensor. The pattern is just different.

[@joeallam]

Okay, so perhaps "random" was the wrong word choice. What I meant was that it isn't uniform. In the original clip I actually went on to say that they're not laid out like other sensors as R G B R G B R G B, however I got distracted in my words and had an awkward pause, so I cut it.

[@bingbong5068]

Do you work for NASA?

[@joeallam]

Yep. How'd you know?

[@tomnicolson3470]

1

[@goldierush4242]

Stop bragging about those gorgeous lashes. haha

[@MuppetChops]

"I'm not going to talk about specs.... but here are the specs" lol

[@Realrbm]

so. much. bass.

[@cwl82108]

it not an rangefinder..........

[@TomBiskup]

YOU are the only one who can make you want to take more and better photos. NO CAMERA will ever do that.

[@joeallam]

It's just a figure of speech. Of course a camera can't physically make me do anything. What I'm saying is that I enjoyed using it so much, that I wanted to use it again and again. It sparked so much enjoyment, that I was aware of how much I enjoyed it. In similar terms: You can get drunk from binge drinking, or from enjoying a drink so much, you just want to keep having another one. The drink didn't drink itself or force anyone to drink it. It's just a byproduct of the enjoyment.

[@Deep-Travel]

I think you are taking his comment out of context. He is correct. I think you will agree that, besides doing a professional gig where you have to take the camera, if you are walking out the door the decision of taking or not a camera with you will hang on the camera itself. When my decision was to have to lug around my Nikon D810 or a D4s those cameras stayed home. But when I added mirrorless cameras I always take my camera with me when I go out. I think you will also agree that by shooting more we can improve our craft. So if a camera makes you want to take it with you everytime you go out, then, as he said, your photography will improve.

[@TomBiskup]

I really think that it is the photographer who takes a picture, not the camera. Of course camera manufacturers want you to think otherwise and make you want a new gear to be a better photographer. I believe wanting a new camera is not a good way to improve your skills. Maybe it helps, but please do not state that it's crucial for developing your craft and skill.

[@martinjn2920]

I agree, a new camera shouldn't be the key to you taking more pictures, a good photographer will have their camera with them most of the time, it is a tool for the job they are doing. The motivation and creativity comes from within not from a camera.

[@chizhang001001]

this thing is huge, it is no smaller than a dslr

[@joeallam]

Compare some of the lenses with it and it actually is smaller than a DSLR

[@martinjn2920]

The Fuji is way smaller than an DSLR, I have a Nikon D750 and a Fuji XPro-1, with their standard lens on the D750 is considerably bigger and heavier.

[@belly898]

stupid reviewers, all wear a black t shirts shirt or pant while reviewing black bodied Cameras..!

[@SamueltloganVideos]

To be blunt: I think you took it way to easy in Fuji. I understand they sent you a camera and all but...

[@joeallam]

I know this video is very positive in respect to the camera. But I was being genuinely honest about my thoughts on it, which is a huge testament to how enjoyable this camera was to use. I actually had a series of notes with me of thoughts I'd accumulated over the month, to make sure I covered everything I wanted to say.

[@Cotictimmy]

Kind of interested, but I really hate that backing music - It makes you feel like the poor brain-washed prisoner with the headphones on in Zero Dark Thrity. .........."'ll buy an X-Pro 2 & join a boy band; what month is it? What's my name?"

[@user-xk7pk7wq1x]

My 4 year old son has better vocabulary than this guy.

[@joeallam]

Then I guess you should ask him for help with your grammar.

[@themeditativeexperience2480]

R: Your life must be hard. Nevertheless Great and informative video. Spread love guys not hate.