I admit that we took our time finishing our review of the Fujifilm X-T2. We bought the camera last September but then multiple other things kept pushing the completion of this full review to a later date. In a way, this is positive though, as it has allowed me to have a more comprehensive experience with the camera.
As with all our most recent reviews, this full review is available in video format. However, we’ve also included a summary of our findings for your convenience.
Ethics statement: We bought the Fujifilm X-T2 for review purposes. We were not asked to write anything about the camera, nor were we provided with any other compensation of any kind. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. Don’t worry – prices remain the same for you. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!
Main Specs
- Sensor: 24 MP APS-C X-Trans III CMOS
- Lens system: X-mount
- Weatherproof: Complete (Splash dust and freeze proof)
- Internal Stabilisation: None
- Autofocus: Hybrid with up to 325 points (7×13 and 13×25 grids selectable)
- Continuous shooting: 8 fps and 5 fps, up to 11fps with optional battery grip, 14fps with electronic shutter (AF-S and AF-C)
- ISO Sensitivity: 200 – 12800 ISO (pull 100, push 25600 to 51200)
- Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 to 30 seconds, 1/32000s with electronic shutter
- Viewfinder: 0.5in OLED with 2,360k dots, approx. 100% FOV coverage, 23mm eyepoint, 0.77x magnification and 100fps refresh rate
- Rear monitor: 3-ways articulated 3″ LCD (1.62M dots)
- Movie recording: 4K up to 30fps, Full HD up to 60fps
- Built-in Flash: No but EF-X8 unit is included
- Extra Features: WiFi, Panorama, Timelapse, Bracketing, Multiple exposure, Advanced filters, silent mode
- Dimensions: 132.5 x 91.8 x 49.2mm
- Weight: 507g (including battery and memory card)
- Latest firmware version used when publishing this review: 1.10
Video Review
Table of Contents:
- 1:34 – What I like the most: autofocus system (stills and video)
- 8:49 – What I like: design and ease of use
- 11:27 – What I like: image quality
- 15:11 – What I like: 4K video
- 17:36 – Good but not great: battery life
- 18: 25 – Nitpickings
- 19:33 – Conclusion
Summary of our findings
- Design and ease of use: the X-T1 was already a good camera (see our articles here) but with several aspects that required enhancing. Mission accomplished with the X-T2: there is very little to complaint about. It’s one of the most straightforward cameras I’ve ever used, most dials and buttons are comfortable, and the menu system is one of the most uncomplicated of all mirrorless cameras. The EVF is still one of the best on the market and the 3-way LCD mechanism is clever. Yes, I could highlight the lack of a sturdier grip when using bigger lenses but otherwise, it’s close to perfection.
- Autofocus: as I’ve said many times, to me the X-T2 is the best mirrorless camera when it comes to autofocus performance and only the a6300/a6500 from Sony are at the same level as of now. It’s fast and reliable in S-AF and does really well in C-AF for stills and video. The AF-C Custom Settings won’t always make a relevant difference but when they do, your keeper rate can significantly increase. Face and Eye detection aren’t yet perfect but a good improvement over the X-T1. The options concerning the AF areas are excellent and the AF joystick is very helpful.
- Image quality: the sensor is exactly the same as the one found on the X-Pro2 (detailed review here). You get good resolution, excellent dynamic range and high ISO performance from the RAW files, as well as the beautiful monochrome results and colour profiles we know and love. You’ll also encounter a few drawbacks from the latest X-Trans technology like the need for a more specialized software to pull out better details, a greenish tint in manual white balance and the purple flare issue that other blogs have now started to talk about (see our original article). Still overall I consider the IQ from this camera to be excellent and there is a solution for every one of these little negative aspects.
- 4K video: if I consider in-depth settings and features, there are definitely more appealing cameras out there for video work. Some drawbacks concerning image quality are valid for video as well but then the camera can surprise you with its colour rendition, which is among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. If you want great colours straight out-of-camera, the film simulation modes will do the job. High ISO are excellent up to 6400. It’s a shame that the F-Log profile only works via HDMI though, and that recording is limited to 10 minutes (15min for Full HD) without the battery grip.
- Battery life: it’s not bad but with continuous shooting or especially 4K recording, it drains quickly. The new NP-W126S battery gives you a little more juice but the difference is not huge. One the bright side, you can charge it via USB and the percentage indicator is very accurate.
- Nitpicking: there are only a few small issues here and there. Perhaps the most annoying aspect is that all those appealing little extras can only be accessed via the optional battery grip. These include an extended video recording time and continuous shooting speeds (from 8fps to 11fps with the mechanical shutter).
Our Verdict
If we dig deep, we can certainly find a few flaws (after all, no camera is perfect) but it is hard not to praise the many qualities of the Fujifilm X-T2. It combines extreme attention to detail with excellent IQ, 4K video and autofocus. Even more importantly, it really is a nice camera to work with and I think that its simplicity and the overall user experience are what make this camera stand out from the crowd.
It is easy to appreciate the resolution, dynamic range and high ISO performance of the new sensor, and the colour profiles (Film Simulation modes) are beautiful, which could only be expected from a Fuji camera. As for the autofocus, it is the best I’ve used so far. It’s fast, reactive, and reliable and there are advanced options to help you fine-tune the performance in specific situations.
Very little if nothing would stop me from recommending this camera. The various negative points I found don’t impact my overall judgment as they never bothered me to the point that I stopped enjoying shooting with the camera. The X-T2 is excellent and currently one of the best mirrorless cameras you can find today. And if it follows the same path as its predecessor, it is likely that the X-T2 will receive interesting firmware updates in the future.
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Special thanks to photographer Dan Wyre, rally driver Osian Pryce and the Phil Price Rally School.
Sample Images
- Note: a full res ISO comparison with the X-T1 is available here.
How about for wedding purpose? I have same struggle about purchasing a7ii or XT2 (cant afford a7rii too), tempting to go on fuji system but can’t resist the DOF differences apsc & FF.. thought anyone?
Some difference. I never found the Sony IBIS to be that effective (compared to Olympus for example).
Video with primes is where I notice it the most. Most of my prime shots are of people, were image stabilisation didn’t help (subject movement is a bigger problem than camera movement).
Some Fuji lenses, like the 50-140 & 100-400 have excellent IS, and in this case IBIS isn’t missed at all.
There is especially when using the X-T2 with prime lenses . You have to be more careful with your shutter speed and in some situations a monopod or tripod will help. That being said, I used the camera a lot in low light conditions and I “survived” pretty well. It’s a matter of adaptation but I don’t deny it’s the big thing that Fuji is missing in comparison to its mirrorless competitors. However the OIS of many Fuji zoom lenses is excellent and that partially solves the problem.
You can definitely miss that when working with prime lenses or zooms that lack OIS like the 16-55 f/2.8: you have to be careful about the minimum shutter speed to use or in some cases use at least a monopod. I don’t deny it would be a great addition for the X series as I always praise the IBIS on other systems but if you can live without that, the X-T2 has other qualities.
Thanks!
About the lack of stabilisation. Big difference ?
Attraction to A7Ii is IBIS which really helps on video and the larger sensor, otherwise I LOVE working and playing with Fuji.
And about the lack of stabilisation ? Great difference in the use ?
I really appreciate that you take the time to get to know and use the camera before publishing the review. It’s better to be thorough than the first one with the story.
Thanks Bob. Yes the GFX 50S is very tempting, I hope to try it soon or later 🙂
Yes in my experience, not a huge difference but it’s there.
Has it better autofocus than the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II?
I am intrigued with the XT2. Have followed Fuji all along and just could never jump in…
Until this camera…mechanically it just was not there (nor was my mirrorless system)….but I just could never get past the colors and the special-software-processing issues of the X-Trans sensor.
I am committed to a complete FF DSLR system (many lenses) and a complete MFT system (many, many lenses! LOL!) and although Mathieu clearly likes the XT2 over my EM1 II, (I agree that the AF must be better there if he says so), I still cannot abandon my commitment to my smaller and more color-true and easy-to-process RAW (for me) system. I am glad to see that this new Fuji is so spectacular, though.
Now….the new Medium Format Fuji, without the X-Trans….hmmmmmm…..my MFT system & sensor has gotten so good and is my system of choice 80% of the time…maybe…just maybe…it is time to unload my whole FF DSLR system and buy into the new Fuji GFX 50S. That camera looks quite interesting. I am following THAT closely.
Thanks for a great review.
I sold my A7ii for the XT2. They both provide very similar IQ (The sensor in the A7ii is a generation older).
In the end, the autofocus, usability and speed of operation were determining factors in the switch to Fuji.
Really struggling to choose this or a Sony A7ii. (can’t afford A7rii)..I know the XT2 is going to be a more enjoyable experience but I do stills and video for work sooooo…Thoughts?