Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm recently confirmed that the X-Pro3 is forthcoming and will include some new features. The X-Pro3 will have an unusual backwards-mounted rear screen, a small second rear screen that displays exposure and film simulation information, no four-way D-Pad, plus a brand new film simulation and some new JPEG options like clarity and curve adjustments. The screen setup has created a lot of buzz, and it seems that people either love or hate the redesign. The X-Pro3 might be the most controversial update by Fujifilm ever, and it hasn’t even been officially announced yet.
The X-Pro line is Fujifilm’s second most beautifully designed camera, only marginally behind the X100 series. Fuji knows how to produce appealing cameras, and X-Pro cameras look great! They resemble 1960’s-era 35mm rangefinders, and can even operate like one. It has a really cool hybrid viewfinder, that can work optically, digitally or both. The X-Pro design produces an experience that’s different from other digital cameras.
The X-Pro2 was released in March of 2016. Despite being three-and-a-half years old now, the X-Pro2 doesn’t often get discounted. It’s a popular camera that’s almost in the collectible or cult-like realm of Leica. It’s one of those cameras that I think most people would love to own just for the joy of it. Is the X-T3 a better camera? Absolutely. Is the X-T3 more fun or better looking? Absolutely not. Enjoyable and superior-styling are how I would describe the X-Pro line. People will often ask you about the camera in your hand when you shoot with an X-Pro. There’s pride in owning one. I know this from first-hand experience. And the joy of the shooting experience is what this camera is about.
Twisted Tree – Keystone, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2
While the X-Pro3 is around the corner, and will be available to buy before the end of the year, there are reasons to get yourself an X-Pro2 instead. First, the X-Pro2 is available for purchase today, and you don’t have to wait. Plus, it’s currently discounted, since the new camera was conformed by Fujifilm. The upcoming version has the unusual rear screen, which you might not like and maybe think is odd, and it also doesn’t have a D-Pad, which the X-Pro2 does have. You might find the backside of the X-Pro2 a better fit for you than the X-Pro3. Aside from all of that, the X-Trans IV sensor and processor inside the new version isn’t a huge upgrade over the X-Trans III sensor and processor inside the X-Pro2. The biggest benefit to X-Trans IV is heat (the new sensor runs cooler), which allows the camera to operate faster. Your style of photography might not require blazing fast auto-focus. There’s not much of a difference in image quality between X-Trans III and IV. The X-Pro3, aside from some design changes and a few JPEG features, isn’t much different than the X-Pro2, and they’re probably about 90-95% the same exact camera.
Below are the current prices (as of this writing) on the Fujifilm X-Pro2, whether for just the camera body or bundled with a lens. The graphite version with the 23mm lens looks especially appealing, and has the largest discount. You will find affiliate links to buy the camera at both B&H and Amazon. If you do, I will get a small kickback for referring you. Nobody pays me to write the articles you find on this blog, so using my affiliate links to buy an item is an opportunity for you to support what I do on Fuji X Weekly, and it’s greatly appreciated.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 (Body Only): $1,499 ($200 off)
Buy: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-Pro2 w/23mm f/2 lens: $1,948 ($200 off)
Buy: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-Pro2 w/35mm f/2 lens: $1,898 ($200 off)
Buy: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-Pro2 w/50mm f/2 lens: $1,948 ($200 off)
Buy: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Graphite w/23mm f/2 lens: $1,949 ($350 off)
Buy: B&H Amazon
general query re fuji cameras… I see “experts” on line saying
never delete shots using camera… if so that means one more tech task
involving computer, disk reader… etc… ugh…
very cool twisted tree.. shades of Ansel Adams…
Thank you so much, I really appreciated it! Regarding “never delete shots using the camera”, I do that frequently, and I have never experienced anything negative from doing so (aside from one time deleting a frame I didn’t want to by accident). I don’t know what the big deal would be.
I probably mentioned it here before, but I bought a used X-Pro2 a couple of months ago, knowing that the 3 was right around the corner. It’s a camera I’ve been enjoying tremendously. Since I bought it, I have systematically left my A7 at home.
I’m quite intrigued by the new screen. While I very seldom chimp when I’m out shooting, I do occasionally shoot using the live view, and it’s the kind of things I wouldn’t be able to tell whether I miss it until I try the camera for a good chunk of time.
That being said, brand new Fuji cameras are too expensive for me, and I like to wait for used bargain few years down the road. So, I’ll probably get an X-Pro3 in 2023 or so…
That’s a great strategy! The X-Pro2 is an excellent camera, no one should feel they’re getting something obsolete just because the new model is around the corner. Thank you for the input!