Fuji's Stylish New XPro2 Is Coming Next Month

There’s been plenty of online buzz building around this camera and now it’s finally here.

Meet the X-Pro2 . The rangefinder-style camera sports a hybrid viewfinder that can switch between an optical and electronic view, a 24.3-megapixel APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS III image sensor and new processor that’s four times faster than conventional imaging processing engines.

The hybrid viewfinder is similar to the one that debuted in the X100, only it’s more functional. It has a Multi-Magnification function that automatically switches viewfinder magnification according to the lens in use and an Electronic Rangefinder that simultaneously displays the electronic viewfinder on top of the optical viewfinder. It has a resolution of 2.36-million dots with a refresh rate of 85 frames per second.

Thanks to its speedy new processor, the X-Pro2 starts up in 0.4 seconds, has a shooting interval of 0.25 seconds, a shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds, and autofocus speeds as fast as 0.06 seconds.

The  X-Pro2 uses a new autofocus (AF) system with 273 AF points, 77 of which are phase detection covering roughly 40 percent of the imaging area. The end result is an AF speed that’s two times faster than the prior model, Fujifilm says. Continuous shooting clocks in at brisk 8 fps.

Additional features include:

• ISO 12,800 extendable to 100 and 51,200
• Full HD video recording at up to 60p
• A Bright Frame Simulation function in the optical viewfinder mode so the angle of view of each focal length can be confirmed without having to replace the lens
• Dual SD card slots with the first slot compatible with the UHS-II speed specification
• Weather resistant build with 61 points of weather sealing
• Six programmable function buttons
• New focus lever to select focus points
• New graphical user interface which Fujifilm says will have up to 32 user-selectable shortcuts
• Mechanical shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 sec.
• New Grain Effect mode
• New monochrome ACROS film simulation that delivers, in Fuji’s words, smooth tones, deep blacks and rich textures
• Wi-Fi

You’ll pay $1,700 for the X-Pro2 (body) and it’s expected to ship in February.

If you like the XPro2 but don’t necessarily want to part with $1,700, Fuji also launched the less expensive X-E2S.

The X-E2S uses a 16-megapixel APS-C-sized X-Trans II CMOS sensor and features real-time viewfinder with a magnification of 0.62X and an electronic viewfinder with, Fuji says, the world’s short display lag time of 0.005 seconds.

The camera boasts a scratch-resistant 3-inch display, Full HD video recording up to 60p and an electronic shutter for shooting at up to 1/32,000. It features a new  AF system with a 49-point Single Point mode and  Zone and Wide/Tracking modes with a 77-point area to better freeze moving subjects. (Owners of the original X-E2S won’t be left out in the cold, a firmware update available here will deliver a similar AF system plus a new menu and several other improvements.)

Additional features include:

• Wi-Fi
• A maximum ISO of 51,200
• Seven customizable function buttons
• Fast AF of up to 0.06 seconds
• Start-up time of 0.5 seconds
• Shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds
• Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds

The X-E2S ships in February with a body-only price of $700.

Finally, Fuji announced a fixed-lens member of the X family in the X70.

It sports a fixed 18.5mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) Fujinon lens and is the first in the X-series to sport a 3-inch touchscreen. The display rotates up to 180 degrees and supports touch focusing. The camera features a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and will have the same autofocusing features as the X-E2S.

The X70 features:

• ISO performance up to a maximum 51200
• Eight function buttons, one of which is customizable
• Electronic shutter capable of exposures up to 1/32,000 second
• Digital teleconverter mode for focal ranges of 35mm and 50mm
• Full HD video at 60p
• Wi-Fi

The X70 will sell for $700.

The X-series will also have a new wide-angle lens in the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, delivering a 35mm equivalent focal length of 152-609mm.

Like other models in the family, it’s weather-sealed and uses ED and Super ED lens elements to help reduce chromatic aberration. Its stabilization system is CIPA rated for up to 5 stops of correction and there’s a flourine coating on the front lens element to make the lens easier to clean. The included lens hood has a sliding window for filters.

It will retail for $1,900.