Fuji Cranks AF Performance in New X-T2

July 7, 2016

By Laura Brauer

Fujifilm’s new X-T2 mirrorless camera may look similar to its rugged predecessor, but it’s had a major internal overhaul to improve AF speed, video recording and overall performance.

The X-T2 uses a 24-megapixel APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS III image sensor with no low-pass filter. It’s the first Fuji camera to support 4K video recording (3840 x 2160 at 30P/25P/24P) for up to 10 minutes per clip. Its AF system has been redesigned with more AF points (325, including 91-zone focusing points). Roughly 40 percent of the imaging area is now covered with phase detect AF pixels, the company said.

X-T2_BK_18-55mm_FrontLeft_White

Fuji said the AF algorithms had been tweaked to improve predictive AF, refocusing frequency, low light focusing (down to -3 EV) and focusing on low-contrast objects. About 65 percent of the imaging area has contrast detect AF enabled with double the data read speed of the X-T1. The AF-C algorithm has also been improved with individual settings for Subject Retention Characteristic, Acceleration / Deceleration Tracking Characteristic and Focus Zone Characteristic. There are also five preset zone settings and custom zone settings.

The X-T2 is capable of continuous shooting at 8 fps with AF-C engaged. It boasts a startup time of 0.3 seconds, AF speeds of 0.06 seconds, a shutter lag of 0.045 seconds and 0.17 second shooting interval.

X-T2_BK_Back_White

Additional features include:

  • Full HD video recording at up to 60p at 15 minutes per clip
  • Focus peaking
  •  1.04 million dot 3-inch tilting display
  • Wi-Fi
  • Native ISO range of 200 – 6400, extendedable to ISO 100, 12800, 25600, and 51200
  • In-camera RAW converter
  • Six custom function buttons
  • Interval timer shooting with intervals of 1 second to 24 hours and an unlimited number of frames
  • Film simulations include the new ACROS film simulation, which Fuji describes as delivering monochrome images with “smooth gradation” and “deep blacks”
  • a Grain Effect with strong and weak options for each of the camera’s film simulation modes
  • OLED EVF with a 100 fps refresh rate and a magnification of 0.77x—Fuji says the viewfinder blackout time (the brief instant the EVF goes dark while the camera reads image data) has been cut in half from previous models
  • 63 points of weather sealing

The X-T2 ships in September for $1,600. A kit with the XF18-55mm lens will sell for $1,900.

X-T2_BK_VPB_Front_White

Joining the X-T2 is a new Vertical Power Booster Grip battery accessory. Like the X-T2, the Power Booster Grip is weather sealed and fits two extra batteries, giving the X-t2 the capacity to shoot 1,000 images. With the Grip in place, users can tap a Boost mode which leverages multiple batteries simultaneously to speed up continuous shooting to 11 fps, improve 4K recording times to up to 30 minutes a clip and reduces shutter lag.

The Power Booster Grip  features a shutter release button, focus thumb stick, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button and headphone jack. The supplied AC adapter can charge both batteries at the same time.

X-T2_BK_EFX500_FrontLeft_White

Also joining the X-T2 is the new EX-X500  hot shoe flash. It has  a maximum guide number of approximately 50, supports high-speed sync, TTL metering and multiple flash control. It has a built-in LED for AF assist or additional illumination. You can save up to 10 custom settings on the flash for quick retrieval.

You can zoom the illumination angle for focal lengths between 24mm – 105mm (or from 20mm using the included wide panel). The flash head can be tilted up by 90 degrees, down by 10 degrees, to the left by 135 degrees and to the right by 180 degrees.

 The flash will ship in September for $450.

Lens Road Map_en

Fuji also published an updated XF lens roadmap, adding three new lenses: the XF23mmF2 R WR, the XF50mmF2 R WR and a 1:1 macro lens, the  XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. The XF120mmF2.8 R Macro lens, listed in the previous roadmap that was published in February of this year, has been replaced with the XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR but will be compatible with the existing teleconverters to extend its reach into the telephoto range.

X-T2_BK_18-55mm_Top_White X-T2_BK_18-55mm_frontTop_white