The Fuji X-T2 is almost here (just a little bit longer) but Fuji Rumours have leaked some pics (which I’ll share here) and a press release type deal here: http://www.fujirumors.com/online-now-full-fujifilm-x-t2-presentation-specsimagesproduct-description/

(Note: see bottom of post for confirmed specs)

BREAKING NEWS: ANNOUNCED

Ticked boxes

Previously I put up this blog post: http://www.aevansphoto.com/what-fuji-needs-to-do-to-get-me-to-switch-completely-from-canon/

In it I pointed out some things I’d like Fuji to do to get me to switch from Canon.  Since posting that I’ve actually mostly switched to Fuji  with the X-Pro 2 and a bunch of lenses.  The X-Pro 2 impressed me enough that I was willing to take a bet that the X-T2 would come and be good for me.

Now the X-T2 is pretty much here and we know a lot of details.  I can reveal some things that the X-T2 has changed that I like for me.

1. 4K video
2. Headphone jack (in the grip at least – This is a CONFIRMED feature)
3. Performance Boost mode (with the grip)
4. Continuous power (with the grip at least)
5. 3.5mm microphone input (confirmed)
6. Peaking (for focus assist) DURING video recording.
7. Zebra (useful for video) is also included.

4K Video

According to FR: “For the first time in the X Series, the X-T2 supports 4K video recording. The Film Simulation modes, used for still images, can be applied to video to easily produce premium-quality footage.”

This is something I’ve wanted from ANY camera maker.  I got a bit sick of waiting for Canon to introduce it into something affordable, so X-T2 it is.

Also, the X-T2 supports Clean 8 bit 4:2:2 HDMI output for 4K.  Which is great!

NEW:  Fuji will be giving us F-LOG for video.  This indicates Fuji are SERIOUS about video now.

VPB-XT2: Vertical Power Booster 

This is a great improvement to the previous  Vertical grip on the X-T2 (in terms of functions at least).  It can do a few things.

1. it holds 2 batteries (the X-T1 version only held 1) bringing the total in the camera to 3
2. It boost the FPS (rumoured to be boosted from 8 to 11) when the boost switch is switched on
3. You can now charge the batteries using a supplied AC adapter (AC-9VS).  The way this works is it provides power to the camera and when you turn off the camera it starts charging the batteries.  This is perfect for video work.  It would stop batteries from heating up during long video recording as the batteries aren’t the source of the power.
4. Headphone Jack!!!! Build into the grip is a headphone jack, GREAT for video!

The Grip features the shutter release button, focus lever, AE-L button, AF-L button, command dials, Q button and Fn button too.

Currently the price is unknown.  Cameraworld in the UK have listed it at £1399 body only and £1649 with the 18-55.  Quite expensive, but currently the pound is taking a pounding because of Brexit, so the USD amount may be different.

Previously leaked image of the grip/rear LCD

Also to be announced is a new flash from Fuji….

EF-X500 Flash

The EF-X500: maximum guide number of approx. 50.

It has support for FP mode (high-speed flash sync).

EF-X500 also supports multi-flash lighting. TTL lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multi-flash setup.

NEW: Apparently the CAMERA can control 3 flash groups and program them.  However it seems according to the specs, the communication method is “optical transmission”.  Which likely means it sends out a quick flash to trigger the others.  This means it won’t work around corners etc… hopefully it’s not like this but rather proper wifi or something similar.

BUT then it goes on to say “Communication Channels: Ch 1-4” so I’m quite confused about HOW it’s communicating.

Official information here: http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n160707_02.html

A pleasant surprise or two

AF-C Custom Settings

• AF-C algorithm has been significantly improved for even higher accuracy when focus-tracking moving subjects in the AF-C mode. According to the type of movement, you can choose individual settings for “Tracking Sensitivity,” “Speed Tracking Sensitivity” and “Zone Area Switching,” or select one of five presets that combine specific settings for these three elements.

Additionally, F-Log

Summary

Fuji sure have an interesting camera in the X-T2.  What I didn’t mention is it will also have dual UHS-II SD card slots and a two way articulating rear LCD.

To me the added functionality that comes with the grip is the coolest thing.  Being able to boost your FPS to 11fps (rumoured) and possibly get better AF etc. is great. Additionally a headphone jack and direct/continuous power using the grip makes it well worth buying, not to mention it holds 2 batteries now!

It seems fuji have made a really well rounded camera that will be a great professional tool to many.  Well done Fuji.

The EF-X500 flash MAY be good, depending on how Fuji implements some of the features.  I’m in wait and see mode on that one.

NEW:  X-T2 Promo Video

New button to lock the dials looks great (if the button is pressed the shutter speed dial will lock… if its pressed again it will unlock.)

Tilty Screen shown.

NEW AF modes 😀 Looks seriously good.

100fps viewfinder.

Less blackout when shooting burst.

11 fps with boost/grip mode confirmed.

F-LOG (seems like we get LOG shooting for video… YAY YAY YAY).

Hopefully some of these improvements come to the X-Pro 2 in the rumoured update.

Fuji are really getting serious for VIDEO. I love this!

More videos:

The last video confirmed peaking during recording and zebra (something I asked for many times).

Thanks for reading,

FUJIFILM X-T2’s main specifications

• *7 A list of cards confirmed to be compatible will be uploaded to Fujifilm website
  (http://fujifilm.jp/support/digitalcamera/compatibility/index.html).
• *8 Measured according to the CIPA standards, using the included battery and an SD card. The number of frames that can be taken per charge varies depending on a battery’s charge capacity. This figure is not a guarantee of battery’s working capacity. At low temperatures, the number of frames per charge decreases.