One Year With The Fujifilm X-T2

All images in this post were made with the Fujifilm X-T2 and a variety of Fujifilm XF lenses (click to enlarge any image)

One year ago yesterday I took delivery of my Fujifilm X-T2 and VPB-XT2 Power Grip.  I pre-ordered it as soon as it was introduced and hoped it would arrive before my wife and I left for our then planned four week road trip through New England, which included seven days in and around Acadia National Park in Maine.  (New England during the fall!  Are you kidding me?  It doesn't get much better than that for Autumn photography!)  The camera did arrive in time for me to test it to ensure it was working properly as well as get familiar with any changes from the X-T1.  I am pleased to have used it on that trip as well as to the Great Smoky Mountain Photo Summit in Townsend Tennessee in October.  I made some wonderful images on those two excursions with the X-T2, some of which are posted here.  Also, if you would like to see many more images I've made with this X-T2, you can view them in this Fujifilm Gallery on my website.  Being a generalist photographer, I included a wide variety of subjects to enjoy.

Now, having it for a full year, I thought I would write a few words about my thoughts and experiences with the X-T2 as I think back over the year on how I've used it, its good points, shortcomings, failures (absolutely none) and what I would like to see in its successor.

Previously, I've written three other posts with my opinions of the X-T2's attributes as well as my perceived shortcomings, some of which Fujifilm corrected in subsequent firmware upgrades.  You may want to read those posts here, here and here.  Just about everything I mentioned in those three posts still applies so I won't repeat them here. Some of the things I mentioned Fujifilm has corrected and/or added through firmware updates.  

Generally, my thoughts haven't much changed but I think I'm a bit less picky about niggling stuff now as I just thoroughly enjoy using this camera.  Here is the short version of my thoughts for those of you who don't have much time.  Permit me to gush a bit in the rest of this post.

First, thank you Fujifilm for creating this camera.  I am really appreciative to have a tool such as this that allows me to exploit my creativity and produce some of the best work I've ever produced in the past 47+ years of passionate photography.  The camera has been flawless in its performance, has never once let me down and I have absolutely no complaints about the image quality.  This truly is a remarkable and wonderful camera.  I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Now onto the longer version...

The X-T2 and lenses quickly became my "go to" camera system.  I find I picked it up and took it out before any other camera I owned or now own.  I was basically a Nikon user  since 1975 (although I did own and use other camera systems in 35mm as well as in other formats throughout that time).  I always had a Nikon nearby even if I was using Leicas, Canons, Pentaxes, etc. Shortly after I bought the X-T2, I sold my Nikon D810 and all of my Nikon AF lenses. For the first time I felt I no longer had a need to "keep a Nikon close" just for insurance—my comfort camera system, so to speak.  I have no regrets selling my Nikon gear.  None.  The X-T2 may not be 36mp, but I found I don't need 36mp for any photography work I do. Not for stock, not for large display prints.  The X-T2's 24mp is my sweet spot.  As the fairy tale with The Three Bears goes, not too small, not too big, just right.  No regrets, no going back to Nikon even with the introduction of the new Nikon D850.  Nope.  Loving my X-T2.

In the past year, I've made approximately 13,650 images with the X-T2.  In the past, with all of my other digital cameras, I normally shot RAW only.  I have the X-T2 set up to shoot both RAW and JPEG (RAW to the first memory card/JPEG to the second) for a couple of good reasons. One is to have files that are processed with one of the several in-camera Fujifilm film simulations which, in my opinion, are outstanding.  Second, to be able to see my images on the camera's LCD at 100% magnification.  You can't get 100% magnification if only shooting RAW.  I think Fujifilm only embeds a Normal JPEG and not a Fine JPEG into the RAW file.  Why?  I don't have a clue as no other manufacturer of which I'm aware does that. 

For the first few months that I owned and used this camera, I didn't fully appreciate the film simulations and felt I could reproduce them in Lightroom.  In most cases I could.  But many times I just couldn't replicate them.  I found the JPEG out of the camera looked better than what I could produce in Lightroom.  And, I've been a Lightroom user since the beginning.  It is not like I don't know my way around that editing software.  But, I just couldn't replicate what the X-T2 produced in-camera.  

I then started shooting RAW + JPEG because I wanted to always have the option of using the JPEGs with my chosen film simulations as opposed to utilizing Adobe's interpretation of them when applied to a RAW file in Lightroom CC.  I find the film simulations rich in color in a way no other camera I've owned has been able to reproduce.  I can't describe it in words, but there is just something about Fujifilm color...

I know, I know.  JPEGS are crappy and a real photographer only shoots RAW because JPEGs are only 8-bit and have limited ability when dramatically editing files.  That's true except when its not.  Also, remember I still have the RAW files available if I need them but I find I use the JPEGs if the image needs little editing.  They are that good with this camera, in my opinion.

Not only are the film simulations outstanding with their default settings, but the camera allows me to modify each in a significant number of ways to more personalize the image files according to my taste.  I can increase or decrease highlight detail, shadow detail, saturation, sharpness and noise if I happen to be using high ISOs.  Additionally, I can convert RAW files into JPEGs in-camera using all of those same image processing parameters plus change overall exposure as well.  In other words, I can custom process my RAW files into JPEGs in much the same manner as I can in editing software later in my computer.  That allows me to produce a wide variety of "editions" of the same exposure, whether more saturated, black and white, more or less shadow or highlight detail, etc. all from one RAW file.  I don't use it often, but when I'm feeling especially creative, I will play around and see what I can come up with. (Additionally, if you have an X-Trans RAW file in your computer, you can put it back onto your memory card, insert it back into the camera, then process it as various JPEGs at a later time if you wish.)

The images I made over the past year were made under all kinds of conditions, both outdoors and indoors, up to 98 F and well below freezing, in bright sunshine and heavy rain.  I never hesitated to use the camera in adverse weather conditions and it never failed.  The weather sealing seems solid.

As I said in a previous paragraph, I believe the X-T2 unleashed some creativity deep within me and allowed me to make some of my satisfying images to date.  The image quality is excellent although there are always limitations on high ISO digital noise, which I don't find objectionable at all as well as always wishing for more dynamic range.  But at 24mp on an APS-C sized sensor, the image quality exceeds my expectations.  No complaints.

The vast majority of my imaging with this camera has been with the excellent Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR lens.  The lens is not image stabilized but I find its excellent imaging qualities and versatility overcome the lack of that feature. (Fujifilm, when designing this lens, came out and said they didn't include IS on purpose as it slightly degraded the image quality as well as made the lens larger and heavier.  In the end, I'm glad they put image quality first!)  The other lenses I've used extensively with the X-T2 most are the 50-140mm f/2.8, the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6, the 10-24mm f/4 and the 23mm f/1.4.  I have several other lenses but didn't have an opportunity to use them extensively with this particular camera body.  But, I have found every one of Fujifilm's lenses that I have purchased (9 in all) have been excellent, even my copy of the kit 18-55mm lens.

I bought the VPB-XT2 Power Grip to use with my long lenses, the 50-140mm f/2.8 and the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6.  Well, it didn't work out that way.  The grip is married to the camera almost all of the time.  I find it a perfect compliment for balance, weight and utility.  I'm glad I bought the grip.  I normally don't use grips on cameras so I was a bit surprised by how much I like this one.  Additionally, the improved features in speed and battery life it provides to the user cannot be underestimated.  Buy the grip if you are even thinking about it.

This camera just "fits" me.  You know when something you use just works exactly the way you want it to, operates the way you think it should and compliments the way you work? Could be any tool. This particular tool seems to disappear in my hands.  No fumbling to change settings.  No trying to think how to do something.  With the X-T2, it just comes naturally.  I can't say that about more than a few cameras that I have owned over the past 4 1/2 decades.  This one is right at the top of the list for me.  Features in a camera are one thing, but how it fits you, its feel of quality and how it works for you are just as important, in my opinion.

Recently, I made some prints from X-T2 files.  It has been a while and I had forgotten how good it feels to hold a photographic print in my hands.  There is such a difference in looking at an enlargement in your hands and looking at an image on the screen.  Very satisfying.  Again, like with the camera itself, the act of holding an object that is satisfying can't be overstated.  I had forgotten how good printed images from the X-T2 look.  The colors, the detail—almost three dimensional—wow! As I said, it has been a while since I've printed photographic files but I think I can say these are as good as any I've ever made with any camera.  The printed images have qualities that I can't easily put into words.

One of the reasons I bought into Fujifilm cameras, first the X-T1 and now the X-T2, was for the knobs and dials.  They are intuitive for me to use.  After all, I used manual film cameras for over 30 years and changing the aperture with my left on on the lens' aperture ring or changing the shutter speed dial with my right hand is done without having to think about it.  Younger photographers who "grew up photographically" in the digital or electronic age, may like menus and buttons more.  Not me.  I hope Fujifilm never changes this design philosophy.

The Q-menu puts just about all the changes I need to make in the field in a place that is very accessible.  The rest in the "My Menu" option.  Again, straightforward and easy to find.  

I am a believer in programming my custom function buttons and do so to taste.  I have practiced back-button focusing for years and this camera allows me to do that.  The custom functions are also easy to change if necessary.

The focusing is fast and very accurate—both for stationary and moving subjects.  The ability to customize continuous focus tracking settings I find are a great benefit.  I utilize that feature and I think it works very well.  I use both single point AF as well as what I call group AF (Zone).  I like to photograph moving steam locomotives and the AF tracking system works very well even with the very bright locomotive headlight glaring right into the camera lens.  Still works.

Speaking of photographing moving objects, I love the options available for the number of sequential (FPS) shots I can make according to my needs.  Throw in the capabilities of the electronic shutter and there are even more options.

I don't extensively utilize the metering capabilities other than normally setting my camera in Aperture Priority, which gets me close.  I use the in-EVF histogram in conjunction with the Exposure Compensation dial to fine tune my exposures.  I love being able to see what my image will look life before pressing the shutter button.  Speaking of the electronic viewfinder, I find it fast and easy to work with.  I don't miss an optical viewfinder/pentaprism.  Not at all.  I can't foresee ever going back to one.  I like the information options Fujifilm gives me so I can see, in the viewfinder, what I think is important to me.

With the Power Grip, several times I have made well over 1000 exposures on one set of batteries.  I've never completely depleted all three in any one day of photography.  I have no problem with battery life considering what the batteries have to do and display to give me all of the information I want available.  I think if it is a good trade off.

I am really grateful to Fujifilm for their program of continuous improvement.  That is one heck of a commitment to their customers and I just want them to know how appreciative I am.  I was a Nikon user for over 40 years and I can't remember Nikon ever giving us any improvements except release a new camera and make us buy it to get those improvements.  I'm pretty brand agnostic but I've come to develop a quite a bit of loyalty to Fujifilm because of their loyalty to me and their other customers.  You just can't buy loyalty.

First, Fujifilm actually regularly listens to their customers (both professional and amateurs) and then gives us what we want based upon that feedback.  Changes to existing cameras.  Not changes in future cameras you have to buy.  Second, with each firmware upgrade I feel as though I've gained a new, better camera with more features.  Not only are the improvements for small things, but they add new features and improve important aspects of the camera, such as the upcoming firmware that will vastly improve tracking subjects with continuous focus.  That is important to an awful lot of photographers using the X-T2, X-Pro2, etc.

(I'm also grateful to Adobe for improving Lightroom's rendition of Fujifilm RAW files to the point where they are now pretty good.  By no means the best, but I am pretty satisfied most of the time on how the files convert.  If only they could increase speed....  If only.)

Improvements in the X-T2's successor?  I think I would like to see a few.  Most are minor but many times it is the minor stuff that is the most aggravating.

In-Body-Image-Stabilization (IBIS)

This is my number one request.  Fujifilm's philosophy has been to add image stabilization to certain lenses instead of IBIS.  This makes sense up to a point.  It makes sense for lens based image stabilization on telephoto lenses as the amount of correction required can be much greater than can easily be accomplished by moving a camera's sensor a minute degree.  For normal and wide angle lenses, IBIS seems as though it is the perfect solution, especially for wide zooms and prime lenses.  Lenses can be smaller and less expensive. Fujifilm's implementation of IS is state of the art.  I'm very happy with it.  However, most primes don't have it and my "go to" lens, the 16-55mm f/2.8 doesn't have it as well. By including IBIS instead of a lens-based solution, Fujifilm would not have to go back over time and redesign all of their lenses to include IS as demand from customers will dictate.

Rumor is that the successor to the X-T2 will have IBIS.  I hope it does and I hope its implementation is cutting edge.  I have IBIS on my Olympus E-M1 Mark II and I find it immensely useful.  One doesn't need IBIS often, but when you need it, you need it. Holding your camera up to your eye in a straightforward fashion can be pretty stable. However, holding it over your head or down low while utilizing the tilting LCD can cause some instability at slower shutter speeds.  I can handhold my E-M1 Mark II at 1 full second and get consistently sharp images!  That is absolutely mind blowing!  And...that is with a 100mm lens equivalent!  I would love to have the same ability with my Fujifilm gear.

Touchscreen LCD 

This is my second most desired feature.  I love the idea of "touch to move a focus point", "touch to focus" and "touch to focus and expose".  Other than that, I want to keep the knobs and dials as is.  I don't want Fujifilm to do away with them as they did with the X-E3.  But that is just me.  You may want more functionality.  I find a touch to focus and expose, with a 2-second shutter delay, my ideal way of working on a tripod.

Viewing RAW files at 100% on the LCD 

I don't think we should have to set our file settings for RAW + Fine JPEG in order to just view a RAW file at 100% on the LCD.  If Fujifilm would only embed a Fine JPEG into the RAW file instead of a Normal JPEG, we could do that.  Everyone else that I know of does just that.

Locking down the diopter adjustment knob 

This is just aggravating.  For some reason, normal use tends to move my diopter adjustment knob.  I find it aggravating when trying to focus to find that I can't see a sharp image through the EVF.  Why?  The knob has been moved.  Pull, rotate knob, then push click back in to lock it.  Very simple.  Very effective.

Self-Timer settings 


I would like to be able to set the self-timer to 2 seconds and have it remain "on" even if I turn my camera off, then back on.  Now I have to reengage it each time.  To be honest, I forget in between if there has been a time lag.  If I'm working on a tripod and using the 2 second self-timer instead of a cable release, it makes sense to allow the user to either a) have it the way it is now or b) have a setting where it will remain where you set it until you change it.

Front to back leveling indicator 

We can level left to right but not front to back.  Easy to implement.  Please do it.  It can be important.

My wants are few.  The camera is so good as it is but as with most things, it can be improved. 

Summary

To me, the Fujifilm X-T2 is a straightforward camera with intuitive controls which allows me to make images without having to stop and think about how to make setting changes. 
The camera is easy to figure out even if you have never laid hands on an owner's manual. Aperture ring, shutter speed dial, ISO dial, Q-menu, etc.  Some, but not a great deal of extra functionality included in the way of lots of bells and whistles, whiz bang features, etc., just a great camera that gives me the opportunity to get the job of making photographs easily.  It unleashes creativity for me.  If the job doesn't get done, it is my fault, not the X-T2's.  There is nothing about the camera which holds you back or slows you down.  Add a lens line that is second to none, and you have a winning combination. 

The X-T2 is a wonderful execution of design and engineering of a digital camera for those who love to make images.  I can hardly wait what Fujifilm has in the works for us in the future!

(I receive no compensation, favoritism nor anything else from Fujifilm or any other manufacturer.  I pay the same as you for all my gear and my opinions are my own based upon my experience.  Yours may be different.)

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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