The new Fujifilm X-Pro3 will be released on November 29, and there’s a lot of buzz around it, but what about the X-Pro2? Is it still relevant? Is it a camera that you should consider? Is it a good option even though it has the old sensor and processor? I hope to answer those questions in this review.
The X-Pro2 was released way back in March of 2016. It replaced the X-Pro1, which was the very first X-Trans sensor camera by Fujifilm. The X-Pro2 was the first camera to have the 24-megapixel X-Trans III sensor. The X-H1, X-T2, X-T20, X-E3 and X100F would later share this same sensor and processor. The 26-megapixel X-Trans IV sensor, which is the same sensor found in the upcoming X-Pro3, was introduced with the X-T3 in September of 2018. The X-Trans III sensor inside the X-Pro2 is almost four-years-old, and perhaps a year out-of-date, but is it still good?
The main advantage of the fourth generation sensor over the third generation is heat. The new sensor runs cooler, which means it can be pushed further. It’s quicker, and the processor can be asked to do more. There’s very little image-quality difference between the two sensors. Pictures captured with the X-Pro3 won’t look much different than those captured with the X-Pro2. But the older camera won’t be as quick, especially regarding auto-focus, and it has fewer features. The X-Pro3 is loaded with new tools, which may or may not be useful to you. Even though the X-Pro2 isn’t as quick or feature-rich, it’s still sufficiently quick and feature-rich for most photographers.
The X-Pro line isn’t about quickness anyway. It’s about having a solid quality camera that’s a joy to use. It feels good to have in your hand and to hold to your eye. It’s something to take to the city and wait for just the right light and moment. It’s a photographer’s tool. And what a great tool it is!
Something that I appreciate about the X-Pro2 is that it’s weather-sealed. Pair it with a weather-sealed lens, and you can use it in situations that you wouldn’t dare take another camera. For me that was the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, where the winds were whipping the sand, which pelted my skin. The X-Pro2 handled it like a champ, and I was able to “get the shot” that I was after.
Another thing that I really appreciate about the camera is the viewfinder. The X-Pro2 has a unique hybrid viewfinder that can be used electronically or optically. It’s a part of the experience of the camera. The X-Pro line isn’t about test charts or stat sheets, it’s about the user experience. Fujifilm calls it “pursuing pure photography” with “a body design that maximizes practicality.” While the X-Pro2 offers identical image quality and similar features to the X-T2 (and, really, the X-T20), what sets it apart is the experience of it, and the great viewfinder is a big part of that.
Even though the X-Trans III sensor is almost four-years-old now, it doesn’t come across as “old” in practical use. It offers more than enough resolution, dynamic range and high-ISO capabilities for most people and situations. The X-Pro2 is plenty quick and feature-rich to warrant consideration. It wasn’t designed to be your typical “throw-away” digital camera, which you own for perhaps two years, and then unload on eBay at a bargain basement price when the latest model is released. The X-Pro2 was intended as a camera that you keep for years. It’s a camera that you’ll still want to have around when it’s ten years old, and if it still has some clicks left in the shutter, perhaps longer.
The X-Pro2 is a beautiful camera! I think the only camera that’s better-looking in the Fujifilm lineup is the X100F, and only by a little. Fujifilm got the design right, and it’s cameras like this that have given Fujifilm a great reputation. Strangers will ask you about the camera around your neck, and fellow photographers will comment to you about the beautiful design. There’s a certain pride in owning one.
I don’t want to dive deeply into the technical aspects of this camera. I’m not going to share stat sheets or show massive crops comparing the image quality to other cameras. You can readily find that information on the web. What I want to offer is my opinion of the X-Pro2. Is it a good camera to buy?
If you are in the market for a camera and are considering the X-Pro2, but you are unsure because it’s not the latest-and-greatest, I want to help you. You will love it! But with the caveat that the X-Pro series isn’t for everyone. If you are the type of person who has to have the newest, fastest and greatest, this might not be the best camera for you. If you find yourself constantly searching the internet for side-by-side crops to compare the tiny differences between cameras, this one might not be for you. If you are the person who buys a new camera every year, you might want to consider something else. If you’re the kind of person who likes to capture pictures at your own pace and in your own way, and you appreciate the way Fujifilm cameras render images, then the X-Pro2 might very well be a good choice. If you are after an experience that’s different from your typical digital camera, something with an analogue soul perhaps, the X-Pro2 is something you should strongly consider. It’s a great camera, even in 2019, and I’m sure still in 2026, and while it’s not for everyone, I do believe that most people would appreciate it.
You can buy the Fujifilm X-Pro2 here: B&H Amazon
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Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs from my Fujifilm X-Pro2:
Twisted Tree – Keystone, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Jacob’s Ladder – Taos, NM – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Passerby – Great Sand Dunes NP, CO – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Storm Over San Luis Valley – Alamosa, CO – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Old Truck & Mt. Lindsey – Fort Garland, CO – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Clouds Around Timpanogos – Heber City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Bells & Crosses – Taos, NM – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Needle’s Eye Night – Custer SP, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Night Sky Over Needles Highway – Hill City, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Securely In Father’s Arms – Mount Rushmore NM, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2
From Dust To Dust – Great Sand Dunes NP, CO – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Drummond Ranch – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Red Leaves In The Forest – Wasatch Mountain SP, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Green & Blue Mountain – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2
Wasatch Spring – South Weber, UT – X-Pro2
See also: Fujifilm Gear
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$5.00
Should I look for a used x-pro 2 to add to the x100f? Maybe with a longer lens for people shots?
If you can afford it, absolutely! I’m a big fan of the 35mm f/2 and the 90mm f/2, can’t go wrong with either. There are many other quality Fujinon lenses to choose from. Of course, cost is always a prohibiting factor, at least it is often for me.
I hope we see a bunch flood the market when the pro 3 comes out.
That very well might be the case.
I don’t want to go too nuts with the cameras. X100f and two film cameras. Even this many is a lot.
The X100F is such a great camera, there isn’t a “need” for another camera, except if you want a wider angle or more telephoto lens, or weather sealing. But the X100F can handle most things, no problem.
I know. It might be the perfect camera.
I think if nine of the features of the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 offer a significant improvement to your personal photography then the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 is as relevant as it was the day before the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 was released.
That’s very true! I think within the photography community, there’s a big desire to have the very latest model. A lot of people keep their gear for a very short time. I’ve been guilty of this myself. The X-Pro2 is a very fine camera that will still be very fine for many years to come. Same could be said for much of the Fujifilm lineup. Thank you for the input!
I adore the Passerby pic, great shot!
I still resist to the these beauties… frankly speaking it would not add anything more to my photograph.
Thanks! That was one of the pictures on display at the Fujifilm photo expo in New York last month. The X-Pro2 won’t capture pictures any different than the X-T20, but the experience capturing those pictures will be a little different. It won’t make anyone a better photographer for owning one.
I would have to have an X-Pro3 in my hands to make my opinion more certain.
For the street photographer or any other photographer whose needs are similar, the X-Pro2 is perfectly suited and the X-Pro3 probably just as well.
But why do these photographers love the X-Pro series cameras so much? It seems to me that the optical viewfinder is a major reason, if not the main reason, for this attraction.
However, with regard to this viewfinder, there is a point that leaves me a little doubtful about the X-Pro3. This is the removal of the two magnification levels.
The 18mm that fill the entire field of the X-Pro2 optical viewfinder at the lowest magnification level, can they still be used with the X-Pro3 optical viewfinder?
Doesn’t the field covered by the 50mm become too small in the X-Pro3’s viewfinder?
Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
The removal of the magnification levels was a bit curious to me. I’m wondering if it’s a big deal to those who now own the new camera. I can see it being anything from a major problem to a complete nonissue, and it might depend on the photographer. It’s an excellent question that you raise. Thanks for commenting!
Great bunch of images. Your color processing renders a very kodak portra like result.
Thank you! A couple of the pictures are my Kodachrome II recipe, a few of them are my Velvia recipe, and a couple are my Dramatic Classic Chrome recipe.
After reading this article, I bought a pro2 Graphite Kit. I have a T2, but I can have another fun. Never overlap. a clear reason for each other!
Lens:
1855, 23/2, 35/2, 90/2 have also been obtained by reference to your advice. Thank you very much.
Sounds like you have an amazing kit! I’m officially jealous. You will indeed have lots of fun!
Hi Ritchie, Michel from Zürich Switzerland again 🙂 still owe you some shots with the Porto200 recipe from the lake of Zürich. we are in Lockdown again so that Needs to wait unfortunately
As I read that you also had or have the XT1 and reading the article here, I would really appreciate your oppinion.
I adore taking pictires,. it is more the process and the experience rather then just the final Picture. I have a X100T that I got 5 yrs ago when it came out and brought me back the joy of photgraphy. I got a Nikon FE Film camera a few weeks ago and love that experience. Also it really also brought me back the admiration of an SLR style camera. Now, I d like a Fuji I can use Manual lenses on, especially to use with my Nikon Film Camera as well. So I am Looking at interchangable Lens Cameras.
I DO LOVE the rangfinder style, I love the look, I feel emotionally attached to it. the Thing is, I rarely really use the OVF on my X100T, I shoot exclusively JPEGs and rely on the EVF. I like to take my time with taking Pictures and I don’t care About MP, if AF is very fast, actually the contrary I like to slow down. It is the experience that Counts for. me.
I am even thinking of getting an X Pro 1, just cause I love older, good designed and trusted Gear. BUT the EVF is the only draw back for me. I only have experience with my X100T, that EVF is OK.
Now that I like the SLR style of my Nikon FE, I tought of the X-T1 as en alternative to the X pro. The design is nice enough. I Love all the controls on top. really like the top plate look. read that the grip is very nice and it isn’t bigger or bulkier than the Xpro. THE BIGGEST plus for me would be that great EVF everybody is Talking About. also that it is in the center, as I noticed my left eye being a that sharper (only noticed witht Manual focussing on the Film Camera.)
Now that you own or owned one, how big is the difference to the Xpro2 EVF?
Long Story short, my Heart loves the Xpro my Head says I would prefer the XT from a practical Point of view………
I really struggle. and the second Hand models are not around the Corner to try out unfortunately. Covid there as well. PITA.
there is an Xpr1 in very good condition for 250 (if the EVF would have been like the one in the XT1 it would be mine already),
an Xpro2 for 600 (if the EVF is that much better in this model, I would consider it even though it is a bit over my Budget – I would sell the X100T),
and XT1 and XT2 (what speaks for the XT is the better grip, the dials on top, Maybe the better design to manually focuss with old glass? ergonomicaly and due to better EVF? Maybe a better alround camera then the Xpro?) for a 400 resp 500.
just to give you an idea. don’t wan’t any adivce which to get as you don’t know me, but I would like to know what your take is on the shotting experience and especially the EVF on the Xrpo vs the XT.
also, I like Things simple, so my Goal would be Pairing the camera with 2 max 3 prime lenses going forward. and I would use my camera to document everyday life basically.
sorry for that Long comment, I got carried away 🙂
thanks Ritchie, your Feedback is very much appreciated.
Michel
Hi! Sorry for the delay in replying.
You are right: X-T series is head, X-Pro series is heart. I love the X-Pro series. The X-Pro1 is X-Trans I and doesn’t have Classic Chrome. X-Pro2 and X-T2 are X-Trans III, so it’s going to be different than your X100T. If you really love the images from your X100T, you will appreciate the X-T1. I personally feel there’s something special when pairing the X-T1 with vintage lenses. I’m not sure why, but there’s some magic or something that’s hard to explain. That being said, the additional JPEG options found on X-Trans III (and newer) really open up the possibilities for different looks.
If there’s an option where you keep the X100T and buy an interchangeable-lens body (such as the X-T1 or X-Pro1), that’s probably the option that I’d most advise.
I hope this helps!
Hi, you don‘t have to be sorry, none of your fans will expect you to answer every comment!
But man thanks for taking the time to come back.
Yeah you right, the newer sensors are great for jpeg shooters. I like to keep things simple, less gear etc. so lets see.
I think if I go for an XT1 I‘ll keep my x100t. There are some XT2 quite cheap on the used market now..for swiss standards..450.- for one and 350.- for an XT1. You get two vintage lenses for that 100.- dfference.
Lets see, haven‘t made my mind up. No rush. Keep shooting with my x100t, and keep you updated.
Might even load my Film camera these days…feel like it.
Thanks a lot for the advise and the time and effort you put into this page. Lots of people enjoy snd appreciate it!
Cheers
Michel
Keep me updated!
Ritschie, sorry for bothering you again 🙂
may I ask how the manually focussing with 3rd Party lenses (vintage) feels on either the XT1 and Xpro 2 as you own both cameras and might use the same lenses on both bodies? just curious. Are you using the OVF a lot with the Xpro2? with my X100T i did exclusively shoot with the EVF (as I shoot only jpeg) and recently (after Buying a Film Camera) I did try to use the OVF more. It’s challenging. OK I do have the Image come up on the EVF after Pressing the shutter, just to check how it Looks like. the reason I am asking is, that I’d like an Xpro, I even consider the Xpro1 as I don’t Need the latest and best. If I can get used to shoot with the OVF mostly, the Xpro1 would be a valid choice. But the EVF is terrible I read and if manually fucussing is very hard on the Xpro1 (focuss peaking on a bad EVF plus just the white Color as an Option on the peaking) I would skip the Xpro1 and only consider an Xpro2.
thanks again and stay safe
Mitch
I love vintage lenses on Fujifilm cameras! The focus peeking and focus confirmation tools are great. But, you’ll need to use the EVF or the rear screen.
Dear Ritchie,
I am new to photography. What do you mean when you say vintage lenses on a modern Fuji ?
Kind regards,
Sebastian
You can buy an adapter for not much money that allows you to use old lenses on new cameras. I have a few adapters for different mounts. It’s fun to do, and you can increase your glass collection without breaking the bank this way.
Hi Ritchie! I’m planning to get an x-pro 2 but I don’t know what lens to get. I’m new to photography and I just wanna use it for travel, street photography and maybe portrait. I’m so into film photography as well. What lens can you recommend? Thank you!
A lot depends on your budget and needs. I used a 33mm f/1.4 on an X-Pro3 (both loaned to me from Fujifilm), and it was a dream. The 35mm f/2 is good, and not too expensive. The 27mm f/2.8 is my favorite lens. But maybe those aren’t wide enough for your style?
For me, the X-Pro2 is even still relevant in 2024! It has the dual magnification OVF (which I doubt we will ever see again on any X-Pro camera), it does not have the ridiculous touch screen (it’s a camera, not a smartphone), it has more customizable buttons than the X-Pro3, and I like the output from the X-Trans III sensor (despite the very seldom happening purple fringing).
Excellent camera, no doubt about it!