X Pro 2 vs XT 1 or 2

[Harpo]

I'm a humanitarian photographer using the big, heavy DSLRs and wanting to cut the bulk and weight. I've been looking at the XT1 as that's what is being used by some top photogs in that genere. A lot of it is needing weather sealing.

 

As the X Pro came out, those having a chance to test out the new model are saying that those who have been looking at the XT 1 should take a good look at the X Pro 2 before pulling the trigger. I haven't had a chance to go to B&H to check out the differences. Those who seem knowledgeable with Fuji say if things go the way they have, the new XT 2 will most likely have similar upgrades, making it closer on paper to what I'm used to with my DSLRs.

 

Is there something I'm not aware of yet of the differences between these two models that make one better for humanitarian kind of photography over the other if they are both weather sealed and do well with low light?

 

I'm not in a rush and can wait until the XT2 comes out, but if I don't have to, I'm good with making a purchase sooner to start the transition

[Yellerz]

Hi,

Neither is weather sealed, they are both weather resistant.

[darknj]

I will not thrust the weather resistance from Fuji in extreme conditions.

 

So far, none of the mirrorless system are that good, the only exception being the Nikon 1 AW1, but there are only 2 existing lenses that are water/shock proof/

 

Fuji will do ok in tropical weather and cold conditions but water is still an issue, dust can be annoying too depending on the lens used.

[CRAusmus]

The XT-1's and the Pro1 have withstood many tests, as have many of the mirrorless cameras.

 

Posting because this guy exposes the XT-1's and the Pro1 to some of the harshest conditions out there, and hasn't had one complaint. In fact, he says he's only cleaned his sensor a couple of times in a year, and never done a wet cleaning.

https://andybushphotography.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/the-age-old-dilemma-of-what-to-take/

[Harpo]

Thanks... yeah.  Weather RESISTANT, not sealed.  Thanks for the link too Clinton.   I haven't had to work in extreme conditions yet, so Im ok with it being resistant.     Outside of that, is there any reason more people doing this kind of photography are using the XT1's vs the XPro bodies?   Ergonomically, the XT looks smaller.    Until I get a chance to head to B&H to see for myself, anything else I might be missing?

 

Thanks again  

[darknj]

If the conditions aren't too hard, both the X-Pro2 or X-T1 will do fine with WR lenses.

 

The X-Pro vs X-T is mostly a divergence in handling. Some prefer the older Range Finder style while others feel more at home with the old DSLR look.

 

Also the Hybrid viewfinder vs the EvF on the X-T1, I really disliked it on the X-Pro1, the whole thing was kind of clunky made. Fuji seems to have addressed that point and made things a lot better, specially on the EvF side.

 

From a Fuji shooter view, the X-Pro2 ticks a lot of boxes, I specially love the RAW output over the whole ISO range, I really hate that above ISO 6400 I am forced to use jpeg files, they are good looking files but damn, if my ISO climb that high I have a need to correctly process the file and not just hope that the camera internal will do a good enough job.

[CRAusmus]

Like darknj said, it's all in the handling.  I love the Pro1.  I love relying on the histogram to get a good idea of my exposure and still being able to see what's entering the frame.  I don't think I've ever used the EVF on my Pro1, but it's a very early version so it's falls far flat of what the EVF in the XT-1 is capable of.  From what the specs seem to indicate the new Hybrid Viewfinder on the Pro2 will work a lot like it does on the 100T.  The way that one works is really awesome, so if you can't get your hands on a Pro2 yet, play with the 100T and see if you like the way the Hybrid works...

 

I use both bodies though when I'm out shooting.  The XT-1 with a 14 and the Pro1 with the 35.  The only thing about the Pro1 that I hate is that you have to go into the menu to change your ISO, something that Fuji fixed on the Pro2, and just one of the reasons I'm dying to get my hands on one.

 

Personally, if you don't like using the OVF, I don't know why anyone would want the Pro series.  Sure you have the ability to switch back and forth, but you see a lot of folks have the Pro and never switch off the EVF.  I don't get that.

[Yellerz]

The X-Pro1 is about much more than the OVF, Wayyy more.

[gordonrussell76]

XT-2 would get my vote, this is based on some massive assumptions.

 

 

1) SOrry about point 1, misread thought it said nature not humanity. Either camera will be good, but I still think the 4k features will be good to you.

 

2) That its coming out 6 months after the X-Pro2 which in Fuji world means it will actually be released in September and they will have built in tons of improvements over the X-Pro 2 becuase they jsut can't seem to help themselves, same as with first X-T1 , the X-Pro 1 was supposed to be flagship then along comes X-T1 and blows it out the water

 

I think this time they will not quite blow X-Pro 2 out the water as I think they are basing both cameras on same platoform as opposed to X-Pro one bing on the X-Trans 1 and X-T1 being X-Trans II but still I think the X-T2 will be killer.

 

I also think that Canon and Nikon should be getting really nervous right about now

G

[jlmphotos]

Hey guys, 

I'm posting a link here to a blog post I wrote about my two years with the X-T1.  I also had one year withe the X-E1 and I have used BOTH in extreme conditions.  The X-E1 was subjected to snow and freezing rain on multiple occasions while shooting stock up in northern Maine including dog sled racing on the Canadian border.  Among many other shoots.

 

The X-T1 has also been subjected to the SAME use (abuse) that I would have subjected my (now sold) D700, D3, or D800 cameras.  Without any qualms.  One item I didn't list on my blog was the X-T1, and the unsealed 18-55 were hit directly head-on with water hose, and with one of those huge Nerf water rifles, whatever they are called--  Direct shot by my 4 year old grandson right into the lens.  

Once I went inside the house I noticed my lens was a bit foggy.  Of course I had to dry the 18-55 off, but I still saw fog.  I removed the lens and to my horror, and amazement, there was water that had gotten in between the lens, and the X-T1 body flange!  I dried the rear element of the lens, the flange I wiped plenty of water off it, and here we are almost a year and a half later and both are working perfectly. 

 

I have no qualms about taking my camera and lenses out in rain, sleet or snow.  I do however feel that some common sense precautions would come in handy as these are only water resistant.  A few micro-fiber towels, some zip lock bags, etc.

 

Anyway, you guys may wish to read my post on my blog here.  Maybe it'll help clarify issues, and help you arrive at a decision.

 

Thank you

 

[Harpo]

Great post Jorge!  I also came across another blog post about what they are guessing the XT2 might be like.     Since I have 2 5D3's, and most likely will continue that pattern as I transition over to the Fujis, does it make any sense for me to purchase either the new XPro2 or a XT1 now that would become the backup if and when the XT2 comes out and I purchase it?

[darknj]

[...] does it make any sense for me to purchase either the new XPro2 or a XT1 now that would become the backup if and when the XT2 comes out and I purchase it?

 

Good question, the best answer I can give you is:

 

How deep is your wallet ? If you have enough resources to afford both a new camera now and the X-T2 at the release, then yeah go for it. The X-T1 is still a very good camera. There are some slight issues with it but nothing really earth shaking just some slight annoyance.

[Harpo]

Good question, the best answer I can give you is:

 

How deep is your wallet ? If you have enough resources to afford both a new camera now and the X-T2 at the release, then yeah go for it. The X-T1 is still a very good camera. There are some slight issues with it but nothing really earth shaking just some slight annoyance.

I will basically be selling mt 2 DSLRS and lenses to transition over and pay for it. One at a time.

[darknj]

I will basically be selling mt 2 DSLRS and lenses to transition over and pay for it. One at a time.

 

If you have some nice lenses, you might want to keep them and consider adapters, or manual focus if you don't mind that.

[frod]

The OVF (which is of course optional to use, but something the XT-range can't do) can be very useful under certain circumstances; also having a free eye or less of the camera obscuring your face can help to change the relationship with your subjects. I guess only you can decide if those things sound more important than the overall form factor. Personally I prefer the rangefinder style anyway so it would be a no-brainer to me.

[jw48335]

I didn't see anyone mention what I consider the biggest difference between the X-Pro2 and forthcoming X-T2:  the availability of an optional battery grip.  It's not an option for the Pro2.  Comparing classic DSLRs with Fuji, you're looking at 950-1000 shots per battery vs. ~350, ~700 when you add the grip.  That may make a difference to you, it may not.  For me it's huge, not just for the extra capacity, but also for vertical shooting.

 

I have Canon right now, with half a dozen lenses.  I was ready to jump ship a long time ago, but I have requirements I'm not willing to compromise on.  One is the battery grip, the other is a 2nd card slot.  The X-T2 is where I expect to land. 

[Aswald]

X-T2 will be lighter than the X-Pro2. Better weather sealing, faster AF, battery grip, expected to have 4k video and generally more robust. If I was always out in the field, I'd consider the X-T2 first.

[LeonD]

Owning the X-Pro1 for a few years and recently getting an X-T1 a couple of months ago, one of the biggest differences for me is the articulating screen on the X-T1.  When taking low landscapes with the X-Pro1, I'd be all over the ground framing the pic.  Now with the X-T1, flip the screen out; much easier.

[deva]

Thanks... yeah.  Weather RESISTANT, not sealed.  Thanks for the link too Clinton.   I haven't had to work in extreme conditions yet, so Im ok with it being resistant.     Outside of that, is there any reason more people doing this kind of photography are using the XT1's vs the XPro bodies?   Ergonomically, the XT looks smaller.    Until I get a chance to head to B&H to see for myself, anything else I might be missing?

 

Thanks again  

 

 

I suggest you go try them.

 

I have an X-T1 and recently purchased the X-Pro2. The EVF in the X-Pro2 has a distinct bluish cast and is different in color to the X-Pro2 LCD. It bugs me.

 

The color representation in the X-T1 EVF is better (besides being bigger) and also matches its LCD.

 

I'm unhappy with the X-Pro2 EVF and still deciding whether to return the camera or live with it. Besides that, I'm impressed with the X-Pro2... enough so that I am leaning towards keeping it even though disappointed with the EVF. The joystick is a big improvement, the build feels a bit better (like the doors for the 2 cards and connectors) and the AF is a bit faster. 

 

So yeah, you should try the cameras out. The bluish cast in the EVF does not bother everyone and it may or may not bother you.

 

Assuming similar improvements as seen in the X-Pro2 are put into the X-T2, I plan on getting 1 or 2 of them when they arrive. I like the bigger EVF and want the tilt screen.