Fujifilm X-Pro2 Review

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the XF 35mm f/1.4 R at the Peak in Hong Kong — The Fujifilm X-Pro2 shown with an XF 35mm f/1.4 R in Hong Kong

Fuji X-Pro2 Review From a Long-Term User

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 has been my number-one go-to camera since the spring of 2016 when I purchased my first copy in Paris. I was traveling at the time and was excited to trade in my X-T1. So why write about the X-Pro2 in 2020? There is already a new X-Pro3 option for us.

This article is written during the Coronavirus lockdown in early May of 2020 and lately, I have seen the following question pop up on the Fujifilm X Series Facebook forum a few times: Should I get a new X-Pro3 or save a significant amount of money, usually around $1,000.00 - $1,500.00, and get a pre-owned X-Pro2 instead?

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with an XF 35mm f/2 R WR — Fujifilm X-Pro2 with XF 35mm f/2 R WR

I hope to be able to test the X-Pro3 in the near future and will be able to share my take on this camera. In the meantime, let us take a look at the X-Pro2 and determine if this may be a reasonable/sensible choice during this lockdown period.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 History

The X-Pro2 was released in January 2016 and was ready in stores a couple of months later, approximately four years after the X-Pro1 was introduced.

The camera was highly anticipated and the patience of Fuji shooters had been thoroughly tested waiting a long time for this update.

The X-Pro1 had been plagued by problems in the early days, most of which were resolved via firmware updates but it was time for a significant update. And we got just that.

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/11

The most notable updates for the X-Pro2 were the 24-megapixel X-Trans sensor, a better EVF, a joystick for navigation and manual selection of AF points, and better video specs.

Further to this we got better and faster operation, autofocus performance, dual SD card slots, and new film simulations, namely Classic Chrome, and the excellent black and white Acros film simulation which I use all the time.

The body style and button layout were also updated. The upgrade was really a no-brainer if you were a fan of the body style with the hybrid viewfinder and optical/electronic viewfinder.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with an XF 14mm f/2.8 R lens at Cannon Beach in Oregon with 5050 Travelog — Fujifilm X-Pro2 with an XF 14mm f/2.8 R

Handling

Being used to the handling and layout of the X-Pro1 it was easy to adjust to the X-Pro2.

You may ask, why use a camera like the X-Pro2 when the EVF on an X-T3 or X-T4, is bigger with better resolution and refresh rate? It is hard to answer, but I prefer the X-Pro styling/handling and realize it is a personal choice.

The X-Pro series camera is more reminiscent of old range finder style cameras and this I find quite appealing.

The view of Mandalay and the Irrawaddy River at sunset from Mandalay Hill. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Mandalay, Myanmar, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

The ISO dial on the X-Pro2 is a bit fiddly. It is not a deal-breaker for me but there is room for improvement. The biggest beef I have had with the X-Pro2 is the eyecup and diopter.

My eyecup has come off during travel and a failed attempt at gluing it back on has left the rubber ring permanently off. The camera is still fully functional but it is an eyesore.

The diopter dial will move during normal use and when carrying the camera unless you cover it with gaffer tape to keep it in place.

I am a big fan of the shutter sound on the X-Pro2. Some may think this is a silly thing but the sound of the shutter gives a resounding thunk without being too loud.

In Action

You could argue that a camera is just a tool. A cold piece of metal, aluminum, plastic, titanium, or whatever the camera is made of, a piece of kit. I do not recall, in 35+ years of doing photography, having a stronger connection or bond with a camera, than with the X-Pro2.

There is a good reason for this. The X-Pro2 has been my companion in almost all of the 50 countries we have visited as part of our 5050 travel project, where we set a goal to visit 50 countries in a span of 50 months. We reached our goal just before the lockdown when we spent a month in New Zealand.

A Fujifilm X-Pro2 with a Zeiss 12mm f/2.8 — Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8

During our travels, the X-Pro2 camera worked without a hitch. I should say, two cameras. My first X-Pro2 was stolen in Rome in December of 2017, so I ordered a new one.

The X-Pro2 has also been my main camera for pro gigs, commercial photography, weddings, portrait sessions, sports, and landscape photography.

Once you get to know the X-Pro2, there is not much you cannot do with it. Realistically there are better options out there if you need a high megapixel output, ie. for landscape photography.

Heavy car and scooter traffic on Silom Road in Bangkok. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Bangkok, Thailand, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/1.4

For most scenarios, I have found 24 megapixels sufficient and when faced with spectacular landscape scenes, I sometimes take multiple shots and merged files in Lightroom for a bigger file.

For sports or wildlife photography the X-Pro2 shoots a decent 8 frames per second and I find tracking to be okay. If these are your main photography interests you may, however, consider some of the newer options, ie. X-T3, X-T4, or the X-Pro3. The MHG-XPRO2 grip is great if you want to use the X-Pro2 with some of the bigger XF lenses.

X-Pro2 with an MHG-XPRO2 grip and XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

The X-Pro2 is an excellent option for street photography. The camera has an inconspicuous old-school film camera look to it.

That is not to say you could not take the exact same photos with an X-T2, which you can. But an X-Pro series camera may blend in more and give you that Henri Cartier-Bresson vibe.

The Hungarian Parliament Building on the shores of the Danube River in Budapest. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Budapest, Hungary, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/4.5

Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs. X-Pro3

I will not be able to draw conclusions until I have had a chance to fully test the X-Pro3. I should have an X-Pro3 for testing soon. I will, however, touch on some of the most significant differences, some promising and some which are somewhat controversial.

Before the X-Pro3 launch, I took a look at my X-Pro2 and could really only come up with five things I was hoping to see. I had no knowledge of what was coming. The new 26.1-megapixel X-Trans IV sensor was already expected as we had seen this on the X-T3.

Better eyepiece/diopter solution
Better overall build quality and visual improvements
Improved video specs
A surprise new film simulation
Better battery life, perhaps even a new battery

The rear LCD and button layout of the Fujifilm X-Pro2

At this point, I have only had a brief hands-on with the X-Pro3 in Copenhagen. At first glance, I found the overall feel on par with the X-Pro2.

I tried the standard black and the new titanium finish looked okay but it did not feel or look leaps and bounds better. I would love to try the Dura Black or Dura Silver.

The eyepiece problem has been fixed, looks way better, and the diopter can now be locked properly so you won’t move it inadvertently. Awesome. The video specs were improved and the X-Pro3 is now a more viable option in that department.

The Classic Neg. film simulation looks very promising. The battery is unchanged.

A woman dressed in black walks down the street in Paphos, Cyprus. Black and white sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Paphos, Cyprus, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 14mm f/2.8 R @ f/8

The controversial part of the X-Pro3 revolves around the rear LCD, which is now hidden. You have to flip the screen down in order to see your images or make menu changes using the LCD.

On the back of the camera, you will have a small LED showing film simulations. Just like old film slips put in the rear panel of film cameras. Cool or gimmicky? I am not sure yet.

You also have the ability to show shooting information like on the X-H1. This sounds promising. However, it won’t work in the dark when you really need it. I want to try the camera before passing further judgment on the flip-down rear LCD and back panel display.

Update:

I have since purchased an X-Pro3 and have a review here:

Fujifilm X-Pro3 - Review

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with and XF 23mm f/1.4 R Lens — Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R and a vented hood

Fujifilm X-Pro2 Image Quality

I will post sample images below from our travels and from other shooting scenarios using a range of lenses with the X-Pro2.

The 24-megapixel X-Trans sensor delivers wonderful colors with excellent dynamic range and images are easily processed in post. And who doesn't like speedy post-processing?

I have slowly moved my workflow over to Capture One Express from Lightroom. I may take a closer look at Capture One Pro. Feel free to comment below on this topic.

Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the XF 35mm f/2 R WR

Conclusion

Is the X-Pro2 still relevant? Absolutely. The X-Pro3 comes with improvements, new bells, and whistles but it also arrived with a price increase. I got my second X-Pro2, new, for $1,399.00 including the MHG-XPRO2 grip. The standard black X-Pro3 is currently listed at $1,799.00 and the premium Dura Black or Silver at $1,999.00.

These are significant increases and the Dura models are in a new premium category. Check the market for pre-owned copies of the X-Pro2. I have seen them as low as $700.00 and a few hundred more for a mint copy.

Late afternoon street scene from Tirana, Albania. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Tirana, Albania, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/1.4

As a current X-Pro2 owner, you may be contemplating an X-Pro3 upgrade. Over the years I have found that any worry about upgrading usually goes away after upgrading to the new camera. In most cases, manufacturers improve a host of features and improve overall usability, ie. faster processors.

Some of these changes may be subtle, but in the end, the improvements add up to an elevated user experience, especially when used over a longer period of time. This could very well be the case with the X-Pro3.

A mother follows her child along a street in Valletta, Malta. Sample image from a Fujifilm X-Pro2 — Valetta, Malta, Fujifilm X-Pro2, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/2.5

You will not see dramatically better image quality with the new X-Pro3 and this is why the X-Pro2 is still relevant and will remain relevant for some time to come. Especially if you can find a good used copy.

I may change my tune after trying the X-Pro3 and almost hope I will. There is room for both cameras and depending on where you are in your photography journey both the X-Pro2 and X-Pro3 can be appealing choices.

Pros

An all-around great performer
Wonderful vibrant colors and great image quality
Has two SD card slots
EVF and OVF hybrid viewfinder

Cons

Poor eyepiece construction

Update:

I have since purchased and reviewed the X-Pro3 here if you are interested in reading about the transition. Please note that I have kept my X-Pro2 also:

Fujifilm X-Pro3 - Review

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support our site you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below.

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Fujifilm X-Pro3 - B&H Photo

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Fujifilm X-Pro2 - Sample Images

Below are sample images from our travels. Images are processed in either Lightroom or Capture One Express. Some images are slightly cropped and for some of the images, I have used Fujifilm film simulations, such as Classic Chrome, Velvia, Pro Neg. Hi, and Acros.

Please click to view larger images.