Fujifilm X-T2 review: The definition of a great camera

Fujifilm X-T2 review: Image quality

Fujifilm already had still image quality pretty much nailed in the X-T1 and its siblings. The new 24-megapixel sensor is better yet, and bites at the heels of full-frame sensors for noise levels and dynamic range. Colour rendition is subjectively very pleasing and automatic exposures are expertly judged.

I noticed some noise in JPEGs at ISO 400 to 800. It was subtle but I expected slightly cleaner results. Processing RAW files in Lightroom sidestepped the issue. Paradoxically, noise levels were kept under control all the way up to ISO 3200, and overall I’d say that the X-T2’s JPEGs are more dependable than most cameras’ JPEG output. Impressively, it held its own against the full-frame Sony a7r II for noise levels. The Sony has a bigger sensor but also a higher 42-megapixel resolution; pixel for pixel, the X-T2 turned in cleaner results at ISO 1600 and above.

The Auto ISO mode could be more sophisticated, though. It can be customised with upper and lower ISO speed limits, plus a shutter speed that acts as a threshold for automatic ISO adjustments. It’s a decent system, but other cameras can take the focal length or moving subjects into account when picking the best shutter speed. Without these options, the X-T2 puts more pressure on the user to find the right shutter speed to balance noise levels against motion blur.

Fujifilm X-T2 review: Image samples

^ Automatic exposure settings have captured this high-contrast scene well. The sky is just short of clipping and there’s plenty of shadow detail. (1/200s, f/5, ISO 400, 54mm equivalent)

^ This shot (taken from the same position but away from the sun) is less challenging and the X-T2 takes it in its stride. (1/210s, f/4.5, ISO 400, 54mm equivalent)

^ Comparing JPEG and RAW output demonstrates that RAW (via Lightroom) produces crisper fine details.

^ Switching to a 35mm prime lens, focus on the candlestick is spot on. There’s a bit of noise at ISO 400, though. (1/105s, f/1.4, ISO 400, 53mm equivalent)

^ Noise is understated in this ISO 1000 shot taken at dusk with a 100-400mm telephoto lens, and there’s plenty of definition to fine details. (1/80s, f/4.5, ISO 1000, 150mm equivalent)

^ ISO 2500 at the long end of the zoom, and the X-T2 is still turning in print-quality images. (1/80s, f/5.6, ISO 2500, 600mm equivalent)

^ Picture quality is falling apart at ISO 5000, with a grubby texture in the water and smeared details on the birds’ feathers. (1/80s, f/5, ISO 5000, 352mm equivalent)

^ I’ve used shutter-priority to freeze motion in the water, but the resulting ISO 10,000 speed hasn’t damaged picture quality too much. (1/500s, f/3.2, ISO 10000, 42mm equivalent)

^ Skin tones look detailed and natural at ISO 400, and the autofocus has nailed focus on the eyes. (1/100s, f/4.5, ISO 400, 150mm equivalent)

^ There’s a bit of noise on these gloomier skin tones at ISO 640, though. (1/80s, f/1.4, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, 53mm equivalent)

^ As usual RAW gives better results, but I wouldn’t have expected the JPEG engine to struggle at ISO 640.

^ Skin and hair textures are holding together well at ISO 3200. (1/27s, f/4, ISO 3200, 67mm equivalent)

^ Fine details are being lost to noise reduction at ISO 6400, but this is still a respectable result. (1/40s, f/4, ISO 6400, +0.3 EV, 83mm equivalent)

Fujifilm X-T2 review: Verdict

The X-T1 had all the things I look for in a stills camera: a robust, weather-sealed body with plenty of single-function buttons and dials, a superb viewfinder and tilting screen, topped off with exceptional image quality. Performance was okay rather than great, but the package was good enough to warrant a five-star review.

The X-T2 raises the bar considerably for video, and while it’s not quite my first choice for video work, it’s the camera I’d recommend for people who care equally about videos and photos. Meanwhile, the improved performance means it’s also a contender for action photography, particularly with the help of the Power Booster Grip.

It isn’t perfect, and I’d like more reliable autofocus for burst stills and video shooting, plus a faster turn of speed in single drive mode. However, the bottom line is that this camera delivers the goods across a broad range of challenging shooting conditions. During my tests, I found that I largely forgot about the X-T2 and gave my attention to the things I was shooting. That, for me, is the definition of a great camera.