Let’s be clear… this is not really a rumor, but the conclusions of the Spanish site dslrmagazine (google translation) after having had a talk with the Fuji Manager at the CP+ in Japan. They tried to read “between the lines” of his statements, and came to the following conclusions:
1) HYBRID VIEWFINDER: The XF 35mmF2 looks a lot like the Leica Summicron-M 50mmF2 [admin: let’s just hope it won’t be that expensive!!!… even with the [shoplink 32741 ebay]terrfic price drop at cameraland right now on the 50mm Summicron APO[/shoplink], this lens is worth about 1/3 of my yearly teachers salary!!… though this version costs “just” $2,100 (discounted)]. But back to the XF 35mmF2: the compact size makes it perfect for cameras with Hybrid Viewfinder – ERGO: the X-PRO2 will feature a Hybrid Viewfinder. In the interview, the manager also said that customers demand to keep the X-PRO1 concept. DSLRmagazine thinks that this statement is another hint for an X-PRO2 with Hybrid Viewfinder.
2) MORE COMPACT: After the talk with the manager, DSLRmagazine concludes that the X-PRO2 will have the elegance and great operability of the Leica CL… it won’t be as small as the Leica CL, but smaller than the actual X-PRO1.
3) X-TRANS: It will have an evolution (not revolution) of the X-TRANS sensor.
4) Not X-PRO2 related, but the manager says that the 56 APD version isn’t really selling well. You can find a [shoplink 32731 ebay]BIG $300 price drop on the 56mmAPD at cameraland[/shoplink].
5) The X-M line is dead. Long live the X-A line!
At the end they make clear again, that these are just their suppositions after the talk with the manager. Of course, there is much more to read at dslrmagazine (google translation).
FujiRumors says: HVF is a must, X-Trans evoltutions sounds interesting… but smaller? What do you think? Should the X-PRO2 keep the X-PRO1 size or become smaller?
[poll id=”74″]
stay tuned on FujiRumors for more X-PRO2 rumors,
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P.S.: Thanks Trenton 😉
FYI, here is the rumored X-PRO2 spec list
Fujifilm X-PRO2 rumored specs list
(TS= trusted source / NeS =New Source / AS = Anonymous Source / ASwN = anonymous source with nick-name / SRP = source who was right in the past / ORS = other rumor sites)
– APS-C sensor (TS + ASwN + AS)
– 24MP sensor (ASwN) – More than 16MP (ASwN)
– dual SD card slot
– coming late 2015 (TS + ASwN)
– tilt screen (AS)
– WiFi (AS)
– Non organic ASP-C X-Trans sensor (ORS)
– Price about 20% to 30% more expensive than the X-T1 (AS)
180 Responses
In the longer term, Fujifilm must consider a full frame sensor if it is to become any more than a minor player in the mirrorless market.
It must consider a merger with Sony, too. Who needs minor players!
The day they announce a merger with Sony … I’ll resale my set of Fuji gear, before the brand disappears into oblivion
I hear ya. Been there, done that. Ebayed my whole Minolta 7D kit next morning after the news hit the fan. Actually made some money on that sale, as a cost of used G glass nearly doubled overnight.
I would just keep using my Fuji gear until it died.
Anyway, Fuji and Panasonic have their little partnership, while Sony and Olympus are extra cosy.
It is much more likely that Fujifilm stops making cmeras than merges with anyone.
“It is much more likely that Fujifilm stops making cmeras than merges with anyone.”
Both are unlikely.
Love these Internet comments. Three words:
Not. Gonna. Happen.
I agree; that was my way to say “if this was to happens, that would be the end of Fuj”
Never!
Sony would destroy the ergonomics.
The biggest reason why choose Fuji over Sony.
Who cares about full frame – Its all about the photographer behind the camera.
MINOR? What planet are you from?
Fujifilim is 8th in market share. You consider this major? You have to look far and wide to find another camera company who sells less cameras than Fujifilm.
Earth, actually.
Japan is the only country in the world that publishes sales data for cameras. It is also the world’s largest market for mirrorless.
In Japan, Fujifilm has only a 5% share of the mirrorless market despite offering more camera bodies than almost any other brand. Fujifilm is outsold by Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon and Canon.
The figures show that Sony sells approximately six mirrorless cameras for each one sold by Fujifilm.
Given the lukewarm (at best) reception given to Nikon’s 1 Series and Canon’s EOS M, and the hype accorded to Fujifilm, does it not surprise you that Fujifilm is so comprehensively outsold by these two ranges?
Fujifilm has an enthusiastic following in Japan and elsewhere, but that does not appear to be translating into sales.
Rubbish remark.
Will it be the 8th or 9th camera with the same 16mp sensor?
take a look at the specs list… it could have 24MP
as long as its no smaller than the xe1 / xe2 then thats fine.
that fact they said the sensor will be an evolution rather than revolution makes me hopeful that it WILL actually be released this year!
Great news, but smaller? I don’t understand… 61% of the FR followers voted for “smaller”. Why? X-Pro1 has such fantastic ergonomics. Its look is simply stunning and its size and shape gives you the feeling of serious, pro camera. Why not buying an X-E2 if small is really the essential thing? I really don’t find my X-Pro1 a big camera and for sure I am no “Gulliver-type” of person. :))
I agree. If you want smaller buy X-E.
However, if it were to be squarer like the Leica CL (no idea where that connection came from) then I can see a benefit and a useful USP.
Square camera….. Square sensor!
Agreed. The X-Pro 1 is Leica M-sized … which is perfect, and where it should remain. Any smaller and the ergonomics will go to crap with the larger lenses. Smaller body = stupid idea.
Honestly if they can take the AF from the xt1 and improve the iso I’d buy it no questions asked. Raw base sensitivity of 100 or 50 and half a stop less noise is all that’s needed.
AF from sony A6000 requested. X-T1 AF is still crap
Define ‘crap’. I use this camera professionally and it’s perfectly fine, especially since the latest firmware update. The A6000 is certainly much better, although there aren’t many lenses available for the e mount with truly heavy glass like the 56mm 1.2 so hard to do a fair comparison.
I’m sure a lot of Sony crop users are requesting the EVF from the X-T1 as well.
That’s why I’m not saying anything about EVF. That’s just autofocus.
I shoot weddings professionally. I use nikon equipment. I’ve tried to shoot one wedding using x-t1 and 56/1.2. It performed very poorly on the dance floor. In fact it was almost impossible to catch moments in that situation. Of course that’s extremely bad conditions but nikon has no problems there. A6000 could have failed there too. But even in moderately lit room x-t1 and 56/1.2 need too much time to lock focus on moderately moving object such as crawling child. In this conditions A6000 has no problems with cheap 50/1.8 and is as fast as a SLR.
Nevertheless I plan to use Fujis for professional work as soon as 90/2 arrives. I’m gonna take it when I only need to shoot stills.
I can see where you coming from and how that combination could struggle in those conditions, but maybe try it again with the new firmware (end of Dec 2014). In my experience the fuji 56mm 1.2 is certainly not snappy but definitely faster to focus than than any canon and nikon f1.2 lenses I have tried.
Comparing the AF speed between the Fuji 56 1.2 and the Sony 50mm 1.8 is definitely apples and oranges. The weight of glass and amount of elements to move is monumentally different between those Two lenses.
I’ve never tried to shoot a wedding with new firmware update but I’ve seen no difference after the upgrade in December in test shootout. Probably the reason is there were too many new features that had stolen by attention.
Nikon have never had a 85/1.2 lens. Current 85/1.4 G lens is no super fast in terms of initial focus but it tracks well. That’s what I usually need. My new Nikons D750 have super sensitive central point so they can focus in extremely low light opposed to what I’ve seen with X-T1. But in case you’re so confident about firmware updated AF-C on Fuji, I can give it one more chance. I am going to try Nikon 85/1.8 G on the next wedding in two weeks anyway so this would be three 85mm eq. lens comparison. Sounds great.
In fact I won’t be using Fujis for any action shooting yet anyway regardless of the results. There are lot’s of other things they lack over Nikons. For example Fuji has no over the frame tracking. XF 50-140/2.8 has slow AF and has poor bokeh (in fact it’s neutral) compared to 70-200/2.8 VR II. Controls are slow, ergonomics is slow too. X-T1 has no exposure compensation biasing auto ISO in manual mode (the feature I was expecting with December firmware update) and some others. So this is just a test of the AF system. I really doubt that Fuji will bring AF, ergonomics, control and sensor performance to such a high level that I will come over 50-140 and switch to Fujis. That would be not possible at all if I was using wireless TTL but I use only manual via Cactus V6.
Talking about Sony 50mm you’re right. But I’ve just compared the lenses of same focal lengths. In case I was using A6000 at home, it would be coupled with this lens. So the comparison is between X-T1+56 and A6000+50. Optical performance vs AF.
Firstly, it’s incredibly refreshing to have a rational discussion where no one get’s emotional or heated, I appreciate it greatly.
Apologies, I must have tried the Nikon 85mm 1.4, it was a couple years ago. But yep the point I was making is that people tend to compare the AF on fuji with it’s wide-aperture primes to AF on other cameras using zoom lenses with high speed motors. The 18-55 and 18-135 on the fuji are very, very snappy. And since the firmware update I’ve had no problem focussing with any lens whilst shooting concerts that have notoriously bad light.
I have to disagree with the ergonomics and controls as I find them far more logical than a ‘PASM’ layout, but that’s purely subjective. I spend a lot of time with my eye away from the camera and like to be able to look down and instantly see all the settings. Or be able to change all the settings on the fly before even turning the camera on.
You are dead right about lack of exposure compensation during auto-iso. Major oversight. And the 50-140 is quite poor value compared to the much better performing full-frame equivalents.
The only way I’d sink that much cash on a fuji lens is if they put out a body with a 1.2x crop (apparently 90% of their lenses support it), although then all the focal lengths would be whack.
I appreciate rational discussion too because in Russian forums it’s quite a rare thing compared to FR for example.
I agree that 18-55 AF is fast when using with X-T1. I remember I was really impressed when I tried it for the first time. Unfortunately that makes no sense to me as I’m not using standard zooms. So fast primes are my AF speed indicators of the system. Nevertheless I’m looking forward to get 18-135 as a travel lens. I don’t expect it to have fast AF but of course it’s a welcome feature. In fact it’s quite typical that medium aperture zooms have fast AF. I’ve been using Nikon 17-35/2.8 instead of 24/1.4 due to it’s instant AF even though it’s two stops slower and optical performance at 17/2.8 is quite poor. Nevertheless I’m experimenting with fast wide primes now. Talking about concerts even though I’m not a concert photographer it seems to me that in such situation subjects rarely move towards or backwards from the camera. In this case Fuji does quite well.
Controls are quite subjective thing. I prefer D750 ergonomics because it has U1 and U2 modes that give you the ability to switch lot’s of setting with one turn of the dial at once. Sometimes this is the only chance to catch a moment. The second reason is the functionality of vertical grip. You can’t change the shutter speed more than +-2/3 stop using battery vertical grip dials. Moreover they are quite poorly pronounced so I don’t like them at all. It also takes to much time to switch from M/S to P/A and vice versa due to the shutter dial. At least X-T1 has a lock at automatic position. Lenses without markings on aperture ring make take it even longer to grope an automatic aperture switch. There are more nuances I don’t like about Fuji control. Nevertheless I love Fuji ergonomics when I’m not in a hurry. That’s totally true that it’s more logical.
1.2 crop seems to be quite strange to me. First of all yes, you’ll loose classical focal lengths. Secondly you can probably face with vignetting problems with some lenses. In the end it gives you almost nothing in reward. 2/3 stop DOF, marginal sharpness addition, probable ISO performance. It doesn’t worth different sensor sizes mess to me. I’d like to get higher ISO performance with new sensor type rather than the larger one.
I’m sorry, but it seems there is a bug in Discus. I’ve replied you yesterday but I don’t see my reply in Discus. Thus I guess you could have not gotten a notification. Even though I can see the post in the original thread I repeat it here in order you get a notification.
I appreciate rational discussion too because in Russian forums it’s quite a rare thing compared to FR for example.
I agree that 18-55 AF is fast when using with X-T1. I remember I was really impressed when I tried it for the first time. Unfortunately that makes no sense to me as I’m not using standard zooms. So fast primes are my AF speed indicators of the system. Nevertheless I’m looking forward to get 18-135 as a travel lens. I don’t expect it to have fast AF but of course it’s a welcome feature. In fact it’s quite typical that medium aperture zooms have fast AF. I’ve been using Nikon 17-35/2.8 instead of 24/1.4 due to it’s instant AF even though it’s two stops slower and optical performance at 17/2.8 is quite poor. Nevertheless I’m experimenting with fast wide primes now. Talking about concerts even though I’m not a concert photographer it seems to me that in such situation subjects rarely move towards or backwards from the camera. In this case Fuji does quite well.
Controls are quite subjective thing. I prefer D750 ergonomics because it has U1 and U2 modes that give you the ability to switch lot’s of setting with one turn of the dial at once. Sometimes this is the only chance to catch a moment. The second reason is the functionality of vertical grip. You can’t change the shutter speed more than +-2/3 stop using battery vertical grip dials. Moreover they are quite poorly pronounced so I don’t like them at all. It also takes to much time to switch from M/S to P/A and vice versa due to the shutter dial. At least X-T1 has a lock at automatic position. Lenses without markings on aperture ring make take it even longer to grope an automatic aperture switch. There are more nuances I don’t like about Fuji control. Nevertheless I love Fuji ergonomics when I’m not in a hurry. That’s totally true that it’s more logical.
1.2 crop seems to be quite strange to me. First of all yes, you’ll loose classical focal lengths. Secondly you can probably face with vignetting problems with some lenses. In the end it gives you almost nothing in reward. 2/3 stop DOF, marginal sharpness addition, probable ISO performance. It doesn’t worth different sensor sizes mess to me. I’d like to get higher ISO performance with new sensor type rather than the larger one.
Smaller??? Please no! One of the reasons I switched from X100 to X-Pro 1 was the size (i have big hands)… Hope at least they release an optional battery grip.
http://www.dirkbeckers.be
Yes a battery grip
Good news it will be smaller. I hope it will be much smaller.
Fujifilm currently provide plenty of existing options for you if you would like a smaller camera.
I want the specs of the future X-Pro2 in a size similar as the Panasonic GM1.
No chance.
That would also be horrible. The GM1 is designed to be held out in front of you (no viewfinder). Imagine holding it up to your face. I can’t imagine where the OVF would go without constantly being obscured by fingers.
There are small point and shoot cams with an EVF/OVF so it is possible..
None of those small point&shoot camera’s have actual rangefinder or hybrid viewfinders though. A mere small viewfinder such as in the X-20 might be possible, but it would hardly be worth calling it an X-Pro then 🙂
On a side note, the X-M1 is basically what you describe but for the X-Pro1 (minus viewfinder) and despite owning one as a back up body, it is rather silly with anything larger than the XF35 on it. It handles fine with the xf18. But the xf56… Ridiculous.
But if people want bigger cams they can already buy the X-T1.
I for one wouldn’t buy it for the form factor. It seems much like some micro 4/3 cameras in their dinky slr design. I actually find it more cramped than the X-Pro because of the viewfinder bump. Not for me.
I have the X-T1 and the bump doesn’t bother me at all. It works pretty well. My X-M1 is a great backup camera but lacks a viewfinder. An X-Pro2 in the size of the X-M1 would be very welcome.
I’m sat here holding the X-M1 up to my face and wondering where on earth the OVF can go. How can its view not be obscured by anything that isn’t a pancake? Seriously, look at it. What do they do? Move the lens mount over to the grip?
EVF 😉
That’ll be an X-E then.
http://j.mp/1qnkWNy#sthash.E6wVTnCr.dpuf
Well yes. But I still insist that the resulting camera would be horrible to use.
Also
No OVF = Not an X-Pro
I guess we have to wait and see what Fuji has in mind for us 🙂
Put and X-T1 beside a Nikon D4 and tell me again how “big” the Fuji is.
What a bunch of whiners. Just use your iPhone if you want something pocketable.
I have my Ricoh GR for that. Why do you become so rude and frustrated when someone likes the idea of a smaller X-Pro2? Are you in a divorce or did you miss your flight to the caliphate? You do realize your attitude makes me laugh? You sound like a small sad person. Have a nice day after all..
Question:
Is there anything to stop Fujifilm putting an actual rangefinder mechanism into a camera?
They don’t have the lenses for it and the mechanics and optics need more space.
Why would they? You can achieve the same thing digitally like in the X100T and get far better results.
“far better results” is subjective, and I would disagree with you. The lag for one, the accuracy for another. A well aligned optical rangefinder is faster to focus with, more accurate to focus with and with no lag or noise.
So far only Leica believe in rangefinders. Epson tried years ago but that’s been long since forgotten.
If Fuji added a real rangefinder and a FF sensor I’d buy one, but one has to go with Leica for that combination. For higher performance digital with ff there’s the Sony A7s, but only the Leica digital Ms have a rangefinder. I doubt Fuji will ever go there. Their customers are hipsters that want to have the *appearance* of a retro rangefinder camera, but in reality that just want a fast AF and full automation. Just look at all the whining about how many focus points. You need only one! Basically Fuji’s customer base are people that want a basic DSLR but packaged into a box that looks like a Leica or Nikon from 1982. Nothing wrong with that, people like how things look – it’s why not everyone buys a Honda Accord, but it’s also why Fuji will never make a digital rangefinder, but rather a Canon Rebel in a retro shell. They definitely know how, they made absolutely wonderful film rangefinders.
So you need both a full frame sensor and a range finder for your blurry cat photos? My you guys sure are fussy trolls.
This is exactly what I (and I think many here) want. A reasonably sized, well made, well operating manual camera with a split image (or similar Leica) central patch in a hybrid viewfinder. Couple that with compact, reasonably fast primes and, for me an aps-c, sensor. And I’ll queue up to buy it
it.
Do it fujifilm.
Dare to dream. I would love for Fuji to do this, even if they only made 3 real manual lenses. I’d be right behind you in line.
I’m starting to give strong consideration to the new Leica M-E bundle or a combo of Leica used gear. I’m just waiting to see what the X-Pro2 offers.
I wonder whether you guys actually have been shooting a digital leica?
A fixed-lens film rangefinder is a joy to use from time to time. But rely only and totally on a rangefinder for everyday shooting in digital? I am quite sure it will be a nightmare.
Even putting the focusing accuracy to the side, the lenses are very limited – nothing too wide and nothing tele. 24 to 85 mm at best. And then also the parallax…
You guys are dreaming.
I’ve often wondered this myself. I enjoy by little X100, but the fly-by-wire manual focus always feels weak – a solid, mechanical focus fixed 23mm lens and a real rangefinder with a nice APS-C sensor that sells in the same price range as the X100 currently does would be wonderful. The problem is with no AF, it’s likely an extremely niche product that Leica demands its exorbitant prices to make worthwhile…
Would prefer it remained the same size. I actually keep thinking about replacing my X-T1 with a used X-Pro1 as I never really liked the results from either the X-E2 or X-T1 and they seemed a bit small. I may yet sell the X-T1 and hold onto a couple of lenses for this camera.
As an X-Pro1 owner I can say you will be frustrated with it. I love her dearly but she is cranky and s l o w.
C’mon, you wouldn’t yell at your girlfriend every day just because she talks slowlier than her friends. She is beautiful. Forgiveness is a forgotten value. Love her for what she excels at: picture quality.
Try MHG-XT first (I prefer large version), it improves the grip a lot.
+1
X-T1 has the same sensor as X-Pro1, but with better speed and autofocus etc. I think you’ll be disappointed if you’re expecting better results from X-Pro1.
The X-Pro1 has an X-Trans sensor, the X-T1 has an X-Trans II sensor, there are differences in the output. I have both cameras and find the X-Pro1 to have a more filmic (less digital?) look to the files.
That’s the EXR-II processor, JPG only. They labeled the sensor with a II simply because it has phase-detect pixels. Two different II’s for two different reasons.
Precisely. Sensor is otherwise identical.
I just sold my XT-1 for another X-Pro1. The XT-1 is a wonderful camera but the size and specifically, size of the buttons were too small for me. The larger X-Pro1 buttons and body style works better for me, especially in the winter when I’m wearing gloves. I’m much more fond of the rangefinder style as well and it was the reason (besides the hybrid viewfinder) that I moved to Fuji in the first place.
It of course depends on how much smaller we’re talking about, but wouldn’t a smaller body feel awkward with the new and heavier lenses? Personally I quite like the size of the X-Pro1. Also the layout of buttons works quite well for me (except for a too easily pressed Q-button if I leave the camera on while walking).
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/57/0c/ca/570ccadc6f792041a972d425703bffb8.jpg
Yeah … cause there’s not enough of THAT online .
I am sure they will get all the esteathics right, but what I really hope for is for their logo to stay on the top plate. And please, please, please, make the house in brass and paint it black, just like the pentax MX-1 and the NIkon FM-2…. oh boy the wear and patina is just lovely!!
Funny, this is just what I was speculating about here yesterday: X-T10 will be the X-E2 successor, E-line will be replaced by the new, smaller X-Pro2, which might look like a X-E2 with HVF (or in other words: a X100 with interchangeable lenses!).
just read the rest of the interview. The Fuji guy says: “for now, for total demand of users, cameras lines will remain the same under the two main lines: X-Pro and XT / XE”. Interesting that XT and XE are a single line of cameras for him.
“PRO2 smaller and not revolutionary, PRO2 much overhyped ” :
At the time the PRO2 will come out, many will say: “This is what the X-E3 should be”. PRO2 is still overhyped IMO.
Because of the long waiting, the PRO2 can’t be revolutionary anymore begin 2016 (competition) but will just be an iteration with -for years- well known proven technologies as OVF and IBIS and will be released with a slightly updated sensor.
Don’t expect any revolution. Expect a solid product. All known errors and mistakes eliminated. Without, hopefully, introducing new mistakes.
In fact, Fuji is still catching up on sensor technology. As long as the organic sensor isn’t ready for mass production, Fuji is doomed to lag behind Sony’s sensor technology.
How is that exactly, since Fuji is using Sony sensor chips?
The X-Pro 2 will likely use an X-Trans’d/tweaked version of the Sony sensor currently in the A6000.
The internet tells us that Fuji has a contract with Sony, requesting Fuji that their newest models use sensors that are at least 6 months older than the newest Sony sensor (at the time they introduce the new Fuji model).
This arrangement keeps Sony’s camera’s at least 6 months ahead, but effectively keeping a larger time and technology gap. So Fuji focuses on interface, usability and lenses, because there isn’t much to win in the sensor ballgame.
xpro 2 just needs to evolve, smart people equal smart evolution, obviously xpro1 is flawed so some simple engineering paths to solve, but so many extremely competent competitors evolving at light speed, in near future “entry level” will suffice for 99% of all shooters, with Fujifilm it seems to evolve slower than other brands with sony(Minolta) looking to own imaging , I was relegated to using a galaxy s4 for months and learned its not the camera its the artist, but please keep/improve OVF
Sorry to see the size options listed in the vote above. I have big hands. I will not buy a smaller X-Pro2. I appreciate the smaller package of the mirrorless cameras compared to DSLR’s, but my X-E2 is too small for good ergonomics. I actually like the size of the new Sony A7ii. Smaller than a DSLR, but not too small. Unfortunately, it is a Sony and not a Fuji, so the controls are not as sweet. I have been hoping the X-Pro2 would be a bit more towards the size of the A7ii, but I may be disappointed.
Makes no sense to make the camera bigger than it needs to be, when add on grips can transform your camera to any type of shooting or preference. Mirrorless is the new truly modular system. It only has to be compact if (or when) you want it to be. Just look at some of the lens choices. The trick is to look beyooond the camera. ^.^
That’s fine. I’m sure some people look at it that way – just not me. Fuji will eliminate me as a customer if they go more compact on the X-Pro2.
I’ve had three mirrorless cameras (Oly EP-2, Fuji X-E1, Fuji X-E2). The Oly was way too small and fiddle-ly. The files were not that great, and at that stage, the Oly autofocus was not that good.
The X-E1 was an unfinished product rushed to market before it was ready.
The X-E2 is a nice little camera, but still too small for me. Not just the physical size and amount of real estate, but also the buttons and controls. They’re too small for my fingers. A grip does not solve that problem. I do love the EVF on the X-E2 and controls outside the menu system.
I predict the market will eventually shift the “pro” series mirrorless products more in the direction Sony is going. I am no lover of Sony, but I think they got the size issue right. The A7ii is still half the size of a full frame DSLR. Plus, once you mount many of the larger lenses, having a larger body helps balance the camera in the hands.
I am with you and totally agree.
Smaller body = less surface on camera = crowded tiny buttons and dials = less user friendly
Yet, the camera is designed by Japanese engineers. Which are not known world wide. For their big hands.
Again: an X-Pro with a very very poor interface means small is hard to use for large hands. An X-Pro 1 with a logical interface and fewer ridiculous buttons means that it can be used with small or large hands.
Interface is key, not size.
A good, simple interface allows the camera to be physically structured for friction, for rigidity, and for simple button presses. The X-T1, for instance, is the opposite of all that is good in interface design.
Simplify and iterate. That’s how good interfaces are born.
What i now know for sure: Teacher are underpaid in your country !! 😉
I just wish it will still be called X-Pro1 and add a mark 2 or something.
Is pointless keeping incrementing numbers.
They already have a 1 on it. Think of it as X-Pro(version)1. thus Xpro(version)2. X-Pro1 Mk2 wouldn’t make sense unless they drop the 1 altogether. Or it’ll end up being X-Pro1.2.
Or this:
X-Pro 1 (for real!)
Drop the ‘Pro’ moniker. That was a horrible move.
haha, true… teacher salary here is amongst the lowest in EU… but there are many other jobs that are paid even worst, so I consider myself pretty lucky
Dear Patrick, is there any chance for IBIS in X-Pro2? This is probably
the only feature I seriously miss in my X-T1. I would also like the
capability for USB charging, just like my X100T (with external charger
included in the standard package).
I haven’t heard anything about IBIS for now… of course this doesn’t mean that it won’t have IBIS. But, as it is now, no new/anonymous/trusted sources told me about IBIS
Thank you for your answer Patrick.
Teacher salaries here in Japan start at less than 1600$ USD per month and teachers are forced into buildings that are barely structurally sound. There are virtually no benefits and you still pay if you break a leg. Germany sounds tough, but still a bit better.
I don’t know who much a teacher earns in Germany, but in my country you get €1,300 per month. You get a bit more if you have University degree (which I luckily have). Overall it’s a good salary I think, considering that, unlike Japan, it includes also health care & free education.
My ignorance showed. I mistakenly thought that you were located in Germany. Apologies.
I actually teach German, but not in Germany 😉
Here’s what my conjecture/wish would be: 3 camera lines: X-Pro (X-E folded into it), X-T, and X-A. The X-Pro and X-T would be differentiated by shape and hybrid viewfinder. The X-A without an EVF or attachable EVF. Simple and aims at the enthusiast/prosumer/pro market that is actually buying cameras right now.
Why is it taking so long if the sensor is evolutionary?
No idea but if I were to guess: They need to make an order of sufficient size to get economies of scale, so they’re probably waiting until they’ve drained their inventory of sensors down enough. Also there may be more tinkering at work. Just because it’s x-trans doesn’t mean it will have the same color filter array. Maybe they’ll do something more/better/different?
It’s not just the sensor, the entire processing chain needs to be upgraded to handle more pixels. “EXR III” processor? Faster card writes? May we have compressed RAF as a (lossless) option?
Yes, PRO2 for sports ! 🙂
Fast, fast, fast, so hurry, hurry up FUJI !
Everything benefits if the processor and card speed is improved.
evolutionary is not a very inspiring choice of words for folks who are chomping at the bit for the x-pro2. granted, fuji can do little now to level expectations for the x-pro2, but i fear it’s doomed to disappoint based on the current rumors/info.
Not sure but it seems there will be only one RF styled came in Fuji offer: X-Pro2, and we will not see X-E3 at all. I wonder what Fuji should put in X-Pro2 to compate at the end of 2015 year with othrer mirrorless makers APS-C and FF ( probably Canon and Nikon will already have FF mirrorless too)… here there are what X-Pro2 should have (and named “Pro” camera):
* 24MP sensor
* Weather sealed and dustproof budy
* Bigger VF
* -3EV focusing for low light (at least -2EV)
* Fast, all PDAF points + improved AF-C + 8 fps
* Big dedicated Back-AF button placed near thumb
* Bigger AE lock button
* Improved DR (it’s not impresive now)
* Improved high iso (and not cheated as 1 stop now) with very clean 6400iso
* All buttons customable by the user
* 1/8000s
* 1/250s X-Sync
* +/- 1/3s braketing
* Tilt LCD (for low/high level shooting)
* NR setting to OFF
* ND filters
* TIFF file saving from RAW file in camera RAW converter (it’s silly that you can convert RAW file to only 8-bit JPEG)
* Allow to turn OFF stupid “Blur Warning”
* 2 slots for cards
Fuji should also fix:
* Ugly magneta/pink cast at high iso in artificial lighting
* Red colour clipping
* Bug: each time the playback buton is pressed, lens is activating (“parking”)
* Smearing
And exposure compensation biasing auto ISO in manual mode
I like your suggestions George!
I think Fuji need to make the skin smoothing feature (that many blame NR for) user selectable.
But, I suspect Fuji will take the view that users can always work with raw if they don’t like the standard jpeg rendering.
I can only assume that we’ll get the MS/ES combo of the XT/X100T rather than a 1/8000 MS… But you never know….
I’d also like a little built in flash!
I honestly think that the Pro2 should be here now, and it should basically be a X100T with an X mount.
The XT1 has stolen the Pro’s thunder, the XT is the one with the batt pack, the one that suits those new big lenses!
Fuji, save the break through tech for the XT range and give us a more modern RF type camera suited for reportage, documentay and travel using wide primes and a OVF!
100% agree. RF type X-Pro2 – in smaller body, I like it – with small primes (new small 35/2 WR looks great! – hope next will be WR 23/2, 55/2, 16/2 and 85/2.8) is best concept for reportage, dynamic street, documentary and discreet photography. Many will stop dreaming about Leica 🙂
I agree with most of this. However: there is too much focus on customisation. Why? It means the manufacturer can skip the whole ‘design for use’ category which encourages torpidity in the study and implementation of good interface.
_Certain_ functions should be customisable, but the bulk of a camera should be intuitive enough to use by ANYONE at any time. If you hand me your X camera to take your photo and then have to explain where you’ve put each and every function so that I can take the photo, the maker has failed.
Some things should be universal. If you cannot design a universally good interface, you are not a designer, and you are a failure as a manufacturer.
Good design obviates the need for customisation. Bad design begs it.
Brass also weighs a ton, so highly doubt it. But would be awesome to have as an option. They care enough to make a special Graphite version, why not a Brass one too.
Smaller is better. But ergonomics need improvement. It’s just an unrully brick which always felt too big for it’s shape. Now bug isn’t always bad, but first time I actually handled it it felt akward. The xe1(2) felt so much more handy. Perhaps this will be closer to the x100 design.
Smaller is a plus. For people with big hands, they can have a grip, or people can get a nice leather case, etc. You can’t make a big camera to fit smaller hands, but you can make a small camera to fit bigger hands with accessories.
Seriously if your hands are too small for the current X-Pro1 then either you’re a midget (no offence meant to midgets) or a small child.
Unless you’re asian, where the avg height is 5’7 in korea/japan/china
My wife finds the X-Pro 1 to be hard to hold. She prefers the X-T1. Smaller cameras with small grips are impossible for large or medium-sized hands.
The X-Pro 1 does away with the grip, keeps the traditionally-sized camera, and it feels good for medium-large hands. You can add a grip of you feel you need one. But for small hands, it will be hard.
It should imo be about the size of the X100 range. The XT1 is actually smaller than the XP (if you discount the ‘DSLR prism’) and is ergonomically superior (imo, ymmv)
I also think that whatever Fuji do with the Pro2, we won’t be happy! We’ve waited to long, and I suspect we’ll end up with a camera that technically could of arrived with the XT1 (or even the X100s)
Considering that 90+% of criticism for the Pro1 amounts to “the AF is slow, the OS is slow and the EVF is lousy” Fuji could of fixed all that with tech they’ve had on the shelf for quite a while….
….as it stands they’ve built up a lot of weight of expectation around the successor and I hope they can deliver…
Lets see!
I like the size of the X-Pro… same size but improved layout, 20 megapixels, XT’s autofocus and EVF along with a three or four step magnification OVF would be perfect for an incremental evolution.
X-T1 autofocus is only 0EV, so poor for low light, and its AF-C is behind many top mirrorless made by Olympus, Sony, Panasonic. Fuji “Pro” should offer more than this.
Seriously, I don’t understand what’s up with all you people wanting the X-Pro2 to be smaller. I. Just. Don’t. Get it.
The X-Pro1 with the optional grip is perfect, any smaller and the (already) largish lenses will not balance well on the body. The X-Pro1 is already the perfect size.
The USP of the Pro is the OVF, you won’t be using that with a 150-400 will you 😉 so no need for a huge camera body!
Who said anything about a 150-400? I’m talking about the 23mm 1.4, the 10-24, the upcoming 90mm f2….I could go on…
If you guys want tiny cameras with huge lenses go whole hog and buy a Sony A7.
The 90 won’t really be a OVF lens imo…
If you want a big body and big lenses, why not go the whole hog and buy a A7 (which is hardly a small camera, is it?)
Agreed !
The X-T2 will take that place (using bigger lenses, no OVF), and should be real fast !
Big and large lenses are not good choices for RF styled cams with OVF like X-Pro1, actually X-T1 with centered EVF is better suited for large lenses that also got big grip. RF styled are better for small lenses – that’s also why Fuji will bring new small 35/2 WR lens (probably together with X-Pro2). It’s good direction in my view, RF always were the best for primes, not for large loense and zooms, so a bit smaller X-Pro2 body is a good move, if you want it bigger than you have small grip to mount, perfect.
Since I don’t find the X-Pro 1 to be that big to begin with,then i agree with you.
This just goes to show that you can’t please everybody. For me, the X100 is the perfect size, not the X-Pro. I like my X-Pro, but I love my X100. I wanted, and still want, and interchangeable lens X100, with small lenses. I would gladly ditch the 23mm for a smaller f/2 23mm, and I will ditch my 32mm for the f/2 35 when it comes out. I do hope the X-Pro is smaller.
Agreed. I love my baby!
I found the XPRO1 size was perfect. If smaller is needed, the X100# suits that roll perfectly. It is my hope that all my current xpro accessories will be compatable, from the thumbs-up to the base-grip. The form and fit of the xpro has been excellent. The improvements in speed, rez, and such need not trim the size.
why non-organic? and something they told,what is true?
join develop fuji & panny ,fuji had patent and panny had laboratory,
then may panny release org-sensor before fuji,organic on APS-C size still drain much power,and high temperature,but m4/3 and 1.5 APS not much differ like Full Frame that unbelievable reason,i guess the main problem about sensor manufacture,who is fujifilm’s sensor manufacture? Are they ready to produce Organic Sensor? that is result.
Keep the body the same size, but throw in a flash trigger into the body to work with multiple flash manufactures (Fuji, Nissin, Youngnuo).
Also build in support for windows 10 tethering (desktop, tablet and mobile phone) with USB3 or thunderbolt port on the body.
Oh and let it do the ironing to please!
Never use Fuji and Windows in the same context!
Oh wait, let me guess you’re a windows basher with no real understanding as to why but jumped onto the mac bandwagon because you still think it’s better for photographers…
Get with the modern times please.
On the box it said “Requires Windows 7 or better” so I installed Linux 🙂 🙂
oh no, windows defender has been installed here
XPRO2 smaller then XPRO1 means for me that will have the size and form of X100, maybe a bit more in Bauhaus style…. In fact a high-tech X100 with interchangeable lenses, available also in silver and presumably a full metal jacket… Fuji, plese dont make a 40 minutes video on polishing the carcase…
First time that I wrote something about a rumors… Just I hope that a future version of the X-pro will not have a smaller body. Really, not this. I don’t wait for a x-e size body.
Fuji, if you are reading this, it seems a lot of people want the larger size of the X-Pro. Not me, despite being an early adopter, I find the X-Pro too large and prefer the size of the X-E series, but not the cheaper build quality. Is it possible to build an X-E to the same level of quality as the X-T1 or X-Pro1? If so, then I don’t care what size the X-Pro is.
Please, make it a X100X/T with interchangeable lenses. And a silver version as well.
Slightly smaller is fine (still larger than x-e2) and please skip the tilt screen. Black only!
Hopefully “X Trans Evolution” means Fuji has actually been working closely with the most popular raw editing software companies to produce good results from day one. The last thing anyone needs is to produce yet another piece of hardware that is not compatible with them for 2 or 3 years to the consumers’ detriment, and then proclaim that it’s the software vendors fault.
IBIS would be really great. No mention of it from Fuji. 🙁
Smaller body = less surface on camera = crowded tiny buttons and dials = less user friendly
If you want a tiny Fuji camera, get an X-M1 or X-A1.
A big camera doesn’t need to be heavy!!
When we talk about size, we actually often mean weight. Heavy isn’t good. But size is important to get a secure grip and a good hold!
No. A small body can be designed for simple/direct usage. There is no need for so many buttons. There is no need for grips that force your hands to contort into pincers.
Grips only work for large hands when they are large. Grip-less cameras with friction pads work very very well with large hands and can be held in any orientation. Add a large grip and you MUST hold the camera in a single manner.
Size means nothing.
Look at the Leica M. It is thicker than the X-Pro 1, but about the same size. But it lacks friction of any kind. It is HARD to hold. The X-T1, conversely, is all rubber and has a small grip. HARD to hold for large hands. The X-Pro 1, is pretty normally sized, but lacks grip and has friction pads. Easy to hold for large hands.
Where it comes to problems is its plethora of buttons.
Japanese manufacturers have a hard time. Here, even a toilet has 10 buttons. So they have no conception of simple-to-use interfaces. None at all. The X-T1 bristles with more dials and buttons (all of which are impossible to use if your hands are large, or if you wear gloves) than any camera I’ve used, ever. And it was meant to be simple to use.
Reducing complexity without reducing usability is something only the Germans and Danes have been able to accomplish in the camera world. The Japanese have made reliable electronics. The two must meld.
I can agree with you saying that “simplification shouldn’t reduce usability”.
I was only once holding a Leica M in my hand, and I was shocked what I didn’t see. It’s an art of simplification. Nice to have, but is it a pleasure to use, too? I never did, I don’t know.
At the end, direct access to the most important variables of photography is the reason why we love Fuji, I guess.
I wish the X-Pro2 gets the same dials as the X-T1, but keeping the size the same so that the buttons would be easier accessible.
Looking back, the Japanese adopted quite a bit from Germany. But they also always go for “localization” and “cute-ification”. You can’t really merge a Leica with a Hello Kitty design. :))
And you are right. I have an M240. It is a bit too fat. The M9 feels much better in the hands. It is also just a bit heavier than the X-Pro 1 even with battery.
The X-Pro 1’s friction grip feels better, but after that, the Leica is easier and faster to use in all important functions: half stop exposure available on the exposure wheel, drive modes on the on/off slider, few buttons that are amply spaced. A good selector. Both cameras write slowly, but the X-Pro 1 is far slower.
I hope Fujifilm redesign their dials. The current ones bear labels too large yet crammed with disparate functionality. T should be in a different spot as it has been for decades. Leica moved it to the C/S/ ON/OFF switch, making it so much simpler to work from a tripod. Exposure wheel should be exposure only. Too many garbled cues.
I get why some people think the X-T1 is fun to shoot with. It’s smaller than a dSLR despite basically being one. No real learning curve necessary. But it is poorly designed and laid out.
The X-Pro 1 should simplify further: only the necessary details. Menu or simple button shortcuts that allow for all other items to be changed in a wink. The M is like that. WB and other image parameters? SET menu. All other accessed from the MENU button. There is no need for millions of buttons unless your menu system is a garbled mess.
And, for most Japanese cameras, it is.
I don’t agree with that last part at all. The X-T1 is very simplistic (it’s why i like it), and it doesn’t have *that* many buttons at all. At least in the sense that they all feature a very logical and fixed purpose where it matters.
The ones that define the photograph of course right up top in the open, while the second level of operation, drive and exposure metering, have their own type of switch. All very clearly identifiable and always just there, visibly and by touch, whatever mode you’re in or even without turning it on. Where on most camera you’ll have to use a two-way button/dial combination for these things. That’s where the x-t1 is unique, the simplicity is not in the amount of buttons but giving them one fixed purpose.
The buttons on the back sure, are a little tiny. But they also feature their purpose, and certainly none of them are redundant or make it too much. It is a digital camera after all and that causes for many things that need to be set. No point in ignoring that for the sake of ‘simplicty’, you can’t avoid these things. I’m sure there could be improvements, but that is always the case.
And now that the 4-way buttons can be set to move the AF point directly and nothing else. Things just got even simpler no?
The made for smaller hands thing is probably true, but unless you really have sausage fingers adding a grip adds plenty of clean surface area and reach for the bigger hands, or should i say longer fingers. And if not, even if the X-Pro2 size will be a little more ‘refined’ i highly doubt it will be small like the XE or XT, so would probably offer just very slightly more space between the buttons. That could come in handy if you really use gloves that much, i certainly don’t, or if necessary just avoid using the back very often .. small price to pay. Everything’s a compromise.
The X-T1 isn’t simple at all. It is all TOO easy to accidentally switch certain settings: metering, drive mode, and all too hard to change focus spots, to go from 1/1000 to 1/850, and much, much more. There are TOO many buttons. They all feel the same despite harbouring myriad different functionality.
AF-ON should never feel or look like the buttons around it. It shouldn’t have the same travel. The X-T1 is attempting to put all that a D800 is into a small body. It fails miserably. It is cute, and looks and is sized like an older SLR, but it is harder to use than both the newer D800 or older FE.
Put simply, Fujifilm focused too much on looks first, then usability. Use should determine form, and style. Shoe-horning a million functions that rarely are accessed into fiddly hardware buttons and slides (that even my wife’s tiny fingers accidentally swipe on or off) is poor design.
Like i said i’m sure many things can (and will) be improved, but you’re really overdoing it with how horrible this thing is supposed to be. It’s miles above most or any other Mirrorless camera/system if you ask me, so a poor design is the last thing i would call it. Like any camera you have to deal with its flaws, and i guess ‘tiny buttons’ (on the backside that i rarely use) are just not that high on the list of concerns for me, compared to everything else a camera system needs to do.
I may well be overdoing it, but that probably is because I know that you can pick up a Sony A7 and enjoy the same (albeit flawed) hardware interface from camera to camera and that design was completed from the first generation and has only been honed.
I have no illusions about Sony’s interface being better, but I can say this: there is no reason to have EVERY image parameter connected to a dial. We don’t need panorama and double exposure, or single and high speed tied to a sliding knob, that, as I said, moves inadvertently.
And I could spit vitriol against Nikon for continuing to complicate their designs, but they are more coherent than Fujifilm’s are. In fact, I am only unaware of Olympus. Everyone else appears to have interfaces that are more uniform across hardware members of the same user bracket.
I agree with you: it does everything else a camera system needs to do. But so does every system. Fujifilm marketed their cameras as having the strength of: at a glance, knowing all your settings. Thanks to myriad incompatibilities between lenses, unlabelled exposure stops, not to mention hardware interfaces that make it too easy to press the wrong button, the X series is, in many ways, harder to use than are other cameras that don’t advertise themselves as easy to use, or as sporting glance-compatible interfaces.
I don’t like the A7r much at all. But at least I know: there is only one control to change aperture, and one control to change exposure values. With Fujifilm, it depends very much on which lens you are using, on which camera you are using. If you expose in M mode, you have to use two controls: exposure dial, and the unlabelled back dial. No matter which mode you shoot in, you have to be careful not to nudge the unlocked meter/drive dials. These ARE design faults.
And we are too easy on Fujifilm.
For most of these things, i can’t say that you’re wrong. But in the end it’s still about your personal preferences, and i simply *like* the way Fuji’s handles best, meaning i prefer Fuji’s faults over Sony’s or Olympus’. So i am probably bias, but imho that’s how it works, i wouldn’t say too easy.
Personally the button mess on a Sony appears completely random to me, not well thought out at all. Like a child with stickers and not enough space, but with buttons. Though i’m sure one can get used to it, like anything .. eventually. But then i rather get used to the system that i like best in the first place. Switching things accidentally has never been an issue for me for some reason with any camera, which probably means i’m way too careful.
I hope there is zero truth to this. The X-Pro1 with thumbrest and handgrip is just about right. A pro level camera should have larger buttons for quick and easily access, especially with gloves on. I do not want another X-T1 camera back with small thumbpad and buttons.
Not just the back small thumb pad. Every button on the X-T1 feels exactly like every other button. There is no different between the AFL and the Focus button. What? And the focus button is in the wrong place. There needs to be better/more travel time, better feedback when using gloves, and more thought toward how to use a camera with large/medium sized hands.
The X-Pro 1 doesn’t work well for small hands. My wife prefers the X-T1. She prefers the D5000 to it as it is better suited to small hands. A small camera doesn’t immediately mean hard to use for large hands.
A well-designed camera can be used by large hands, small or large. A grip, like the one on the X-T1 forces you to hold the camera in a single, specific, prescribed manner. And if your hands aren’t lady hands, you’ll have a very hard time.
The X-Pro 1 at least can be wrapped around, or sidewise, or under by any fingers because it LACKS an ‘ergonomic’ grip. The X-T1 is a clever-looking camera, but in practice, is rather hard to use.
No tilt screen please. Tilt screen isn’t a pro. But posipility to connect extra screen or iPad would be nice.
Despite not liking current tilt screens, I use them. I’m a pro. I use a tilt screen at EVERY SINGLE project I do.
Connection to an iPad… is that more pro than a tilt screen? As a PRO, let me tell you this: if it works, and works well and works as well, or better, than the marketing, then we will use it.
The problem with current tilt screens is that they do NOT tilt far enough. Wifi connection isn’t very good. Applications are poor. Connection is fiddly. Settings for app and non-app are segmented. This shouldn’t be the case.
EDIT: clarified the first sentence with a comma and the word: despite.
I think that pro camera must be tough. Tilt screen is a weak point.
Size can be slightly smaller but please bigger than X-E2. Actually, I am okay with the current size. Maybe they will do a refresh with sleeker slight more modern lines ala X30. Best sized body is the X100T. Maybe they will aim for this size with the X Pro 2. But don’t lose that gorgeous rangefinder vibe! Black and silver graphite color option would be so sweet to have along with an all black body version. Much love to you Fuji!
You already have the X-E2 and the X-T1 and probably also the X-T10 that are smaller. Why also make the X-Pro1 smaller? I simply don’t get it…
So if we look at your xpro2 rumor summary it shows the only things Trusted sources (TS) have verified is that it’s coming late 2015 and will have an APS-C sensor. You don’t even have any SRP sources validating any of the other rumors so really it is all up in the air.
The only meaningful change from the x-t1 in my opinion is the hope of a bigger and newer sensor but even that is coming from pretty pour sources.
I agree with others that making it smaller would be a mistake for use with the newer bigger lenses.
For me it would need to have at a minimum:
1. Weather sealed body.
2. Hybrid OVF from X100T.
3. 20+ MP sensor with improved dynamic range such as is found in a6000.
4. Flip screen of xt1.
5. The same level of manual control dials/buttons as xt1.
6. Built in flash.
A nice to have would be a high iso low mp mode for better low light handling. Perhaps 10 or 12 mp.
Not unreasonble, though I’m not sure about the built in flash. I did appreciate it on the d7000/d800, but only for a short while. For on-camera flash if you really care about good results, you need something like the new Nissin. For off-camera flash, radio is the way to go. I wish Fuji came up with an original, refreshing flash system (not Metz please) with a nifty radio based trigger system.
They must be holding out for the organic sensor. It can still be an evolution of the X-Trans filter, as that is just the colour filter. Otherwise waiting this long is a little crazy, and not too smart.
I want to believe – just bring it out already, it’s getting too long. I’m a Fuji user but 24M is nothing to talk about really, Nikon, Pentax and Sony have had this sensor for a while. Even the lazy Canon upgraded the Rebel line with 24MP. The X-T1 price is too expensive for what it is in 2015.
Fujifilm should drop the idiotic ‘Pro’ moniker. That was a mistake from day one.
Why? It’s short for “problematic” 🙂
And that was my mistake. I should have seen that.
The X-Pro 1 is the perfect size, in my opinion. If they go too small, it will be fidgety like the X-E1. My wife has the X-E1, and I definitely prefer the X-Pro 1 over it.
If Fuji makes the Xpro2 smaller it will save me some cash, I will buy a second Pro1 body and call it good. I think it is a good thing that there are different size bodies. If the Pro2 is made smaller then there wont be an option at all for those who want/need a bigger camera. Even with the full grip on my XE1 it is a bit too bit small, it’s ok with the 18-55, but the 23mm and 56mm are perfect on the Pro1. I use the Gariz case on the pro1 that adds a little too. And PLEASE no little fiddly buttons like on the XT1.
In what ways are Fujifilm _ahead_ of Sony as it comes to ergonomics? I can think of three examples, but I can think of more on the side of Sony.
Illumination is what I’m waiting for.
I’m not always understanding Fuji’s strategies. Develop bigger & heavier (almost FF-alike) lenses, but lighter, smaller bodies now. Maybe there was a lot to criticize in the original X-Pro1 concept – when it was originally released with the poorest AF & FW I’ve ever seen in a camera – but the HBV and overall layout/form factor were excellent. The X-T1 is a(n almost) perfect concept now but – not only to my opinion – it’s a bit too small to handle well the telezooms. Only with the grip or eventually the halfcase, it gets a bit better but wasn’t Fuji trying to let us forget the bulky DSLRs. I never had this same impression with the X-Pro1, perfect grip, even with larger lenses. Btw… I don’t find the Leica/Minolta CL such a good reference to aim for. Yes, it was a great rangefinder, but Fuji’s setpoint should be in 2015 nothing less than competing with the M.240. Period.
The X-pro1 body is too large to make it worthwhile for me, so the X-pro2 really should be smaller. I’m not asking for pocket-sized, but the X-pro1 is barely, barely any smaller and lighter than most crop-sensor DSLRs, which, for me, defeats the point of switching systems. All things considered, there’s not much reason why the X-pro2 can’t fit within the shell of the X100T.
Hybrid viewfinder is the whole purpose of the X-pro line existing, otherwise you might as well pick up the X-T1; I thought the X-pro2 having a hybrid view was a given, a complete no-brainer.
56 APD doesn’t surprise me in the least, either, since the difference between the regular 56 and the APD is just price in the majority of cases. Subjectively smoother backgrounds at the cost of light transmission and literal cost was never going to be a worthwhile trade. The APD is one of those products that really makes you wonder why on earth they bothered.
The X-Pro1 is the perfect size which is why I bought it…sounds to me like you should be looking at an Olympus rather than wishing the X-Pro is something it isn’t.
I think you have missed the point. I’m not wishing the X-pro is something it isn’t; that would imply I have some bizarre, locked-in notion that I am obligated to own an X-pro specifically. Given the choice, I’ll happily take the X-T1 body, instead. (Or hell, if the X-E2 had a hybrid viewfinder, that’d be even better.) But one can have a preference for camera style without being utterly tied to the system. Nor does a preference for one body style indicate better value in another brand; I use Fujis specifically because of the rendering of their images and their lenses, so even if another brand offered a body I prefer—I am actually most comfortable with Canon’s 1-series bodies, bizarrely—I’d still be virtually beholden to using a Fuji body of some form because god knows Canon’s not got a hope in hell of matching sensors any time soon and it’s the images which ultimately dictate my purchases.
Don’t worry, your own purchase is not being diminished or insulted because somebody else would prefer something 2% different.
The Sony CyberShot DSC U30 is the perfect camera for you. Really.
Har har.
An X100/S/T with changable lenses is the perfect camera, for me. That’s a damn good size for mirrorless purposes. The X-T1 is an okay compromise for the additional dial space and larger EVF, though I’d rather it were a hybrid. The X-Pro1 is just that little too large to justify itself; you can get crop sensor DSLRs that are the same size or even smaller, with better AF, better dynamic range and, of course, better battery life. Having used Canon 1-series cameras for many years, as well as still shooting medium format, I’m quite prepared to swap size for speed/quality/whatever else if it’s a good trade, but in the case of the X-pro1 body (and potentially, the X-pro2), it’s just not a balanced trade-off. Compared to the other Fuji X cameras you’re getting a larger body but no better speed, image quality, battery life or anything else. Compared to most crop DSLRs you’re getting—very subjectively—better noise performance but you’re losing out on speed, AF, battery and often resolution. So where does the current-size X-pro body fit in? Bigger than the other Fujis with no particular advantages, as big as some DSLRs with one highly subjective advantage and several key disadvantages. It’s not too big, but it’s too big for what it offers.
Now, the X-pro2 has every chance of improving things to the point where the features do balance the size, but that then just makes me think… well, what will the X-T2 be? How about an X-E3? If whatever is put into the pro2 is then put into these other models, giving the same results and a smaller and lighter body, why not just wait for that? Fuji’s got a nice idea with the X-pro2 but they’ve rendered it redundant with their update strategy. Having every camera crank out the same images means the biggest and most expensive ones just don’t add up.
Honestly, if you want a bigger body and you’re adding grips and it’s still not large enough for you, and you want clearer, larger buttons, you sound like you’d be much better off with a DSLR. The main point of mirrorless is the ability to scale everything down into a tighter package. If you’re trying to make a mirrorless system into a larger, DLSR-size unit then all you’re doing is spending more money to get a slower system than if you just bought a DSLR that’s already that size. Mirrorless is a product for people who want to shed weight, not pile it on.
The point of mirrorless, or one of the points is small size, but that doesn´t mean smallest size possible. An X Pro is not a large camera. It´s a lot smaller than my DSLR and it´s also lighter than my film rangefinder was (X-Pan 2). I bought it precisely because of its size – small enough to carry while hiking, big enough not to interfere with the ergonomics. It´s not either you have the smallest mirrorless possible, or you buy a DSLR. It should be a continuum with a whole range of sizes along the way. A smaller body would be a minus for me, not a plus. Your mileage may of course vary…
Agreed. Rumors and the huge delay have set expectations for the XPro 2 very, very high. It will be hard to satisfy frustrated fans who have been waiting, and waiting.
If I’m not able to use the OVF with the fastest wide-angle primes this camera is pointless to me.
Not surprised the APD isn’t selling well. I hope they keep making but drop the retail price to $1k. The technical difference from the regular 56 seem like an even trade (a little more light or a little smoother bokeh). If the two were a similar price, the APD would be more worthy of consideration.
Will they resolve the waxy skin issue we experience on the X-T1 and X-E2 cameras?
A month ago I bought the X-T1 (chose it over the Oly E-M1 for allegedly better ISO capabilities) and like it very much for many things except …the high ISO non-capability.
Yea, for anything but people it does serve well but once you start making pictures of people’s faces using ISO > 2500 they look like a plastic dolly. Sure RAW does not suffer from the issue but I do not want always use RAW conversion and for those case I will not I want my casual jpeg files to look at least pretty good to be shown to my family or friends.
I hoped they would solve the issue by firmware update decreasing the level of noise reduction/increasing local contrast but apparently they do not care.
And it is not a minor thing: we bought our Fuji for great colors, high quality glass and high ISO performance and the latter is just a myth!
So now I am re-considering switching to the Oly because it is simply better in this department and equally good or close (or better) in the others.
If it is smaller, I will be disappointed as have just spent a week in Iceland and the xp1 was the camera I favoured due to its size and buttons. The XT1 and X100s are very bad with Gloves on but XP1 is fantastic!! Please keep the XP1 as it is – just with the standardised button layout! Having all 3 can be confusing as the buttons are all over the place and can be a pain in a hurry!!