To wait, or not to wait? For the XT-2.

<p>The conventional wisdom seems that the XT-2 will probably see release in September for Photokina and that makes sense to me, yet as always that could be defeated by Fuji sooner than later.<br>

My question, or dilemma is that after a long hard look at the Fujifilm X system camera's, I've decided to go with either the X-Pro2, or XT-1 or 2, but the real issue is what platform is best for me and the questions revolve around viewfinder choices, whether to settle for 16MP now, or just step up to the 24MP XPRO-2 now. The XT-1 camera is my favored choice. It would be only sensical if the XT-2 adopted the new sensor, processor and enhanced weather sealing, but the not knowing if the wait would be worth the wait, or go with the XPRO-2 now. This post is about confusion and I'm getting more confused by line! There must be others out there pondering the same issue, what's the best wisdom on a situation like this?<br>

I'm very impressed with what Fuji is doing with their camera line. I do like the built in redundancy throughout, but its like looking at a food menu in a restaurant where everything looks good! </p>

Hi Don.

I agree with your comments, and empathize with your dilemma, but as I am a happy Fuji X-System convert, and an XT-1

user (with vertical grip and some superb Fujinon glass), I can definitely say that the current XT-1 (with current firmware) is

a phenomenal camera, and IMHO, would serve you well. I would consider getting the XT-1 at a good price, with some

excellent Fuji lenses, and then, once the XT-2 is released, tested, and potential issues resolved, as Fuji is so good at

doing), only then consider the XT-2, and use the XT-1 as a second body. I can also vouch for the sharpness, detail

rendition and handling of the Fujinon 35 f/2 WR, 60 f/2.4 Macro, and the awesome 16-55 f/2.8 WR zoom! Please check

out sample images on my site, and feel free to contact me for more specific info. Good luck sir!

<p>You could get the cheaper X-T10 now and keep it as a second body after Fuji shows their hand with the X-T2 later in 2016.</p>

<blockquote>

<p> the real issue is what platform is best for me and the questions revolve around viewfinder choices, whether to settle for 16MP now, or just step up to the 24MP XPRO-2 now.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>i think its more than just viewfinder choices. the XP2 is going to work better with smaller lenses and not so well with longer lenses, as the VF functionality is compromised. The XT1 and upcoming XT2 will be better with zooms and the longer Fuji primes. That reflects specific design choices. I'm not sure i would get an XT1 now unless the price plummets further (which it wont until the new version comes out), since the next-gen promises to be far better in terms of AF and UI. if that doesn't matter for your shooting, you might be happy (for now) with an XP1, which is a crazy deal at its current price of $500. you could buy one now and start accumulating lenses, and then make a decision at the time of the XT2's release whether to upgrade the body. You may just want to keep the XP1 as a second body, but if you dump it, you could get back most of what you paid for it, since the depreciation hit has already been taken (its MSRP was $1400 at introduction). The XP2 is pretty pricey right now, so i wouldn't buy one of those unless you were absolutely sure you wouldn't ultimately prefer an XT2, which you can't know until the camera actually sees the light of day. It's always a good strategy with Fuji to buy older bodies near the end of their product cycles at huge discounts and save your cash for glass, since buying a new body close to introduction means shouldering the brunt of the depreciation hit yourself. <br>

<br>

If this helps any, I've personally held off on the XT1 and am still enjoying my XE1 bodies. I'm sorely tempted by the XP2, but i'm also waiting to see what the XT2 brings (as well as considering the Nikon D500). I do know that many people consider the XP1 a cult classic, and though the newer body is better in almost every way, a lot of folks on the Fuji X-forum are holding on to theirs. The temptation to just go all in and pull the trigger must be great, but i also think having a rational plan around system building is a good long-term strategy. Cameras will always depreciate, and there will always be a newer body. The true investment is in lenses. So, a modest investment in an older body--you could also consider the XE2--gets you into the system while you wait, and hopefully leaves enough change in your pocket to buy some lenses you'll use down the line if you go for an upgrade body. It also relieves some of the anxiety around waiting. </p>

These are all excellent cameras. I expect the difference between the X-Pro2 and X-T2 will be ergonomic - different finder,

articulated screen, different dials. The biggest improvements the X-Pro2 has over the X-T1 are resolution, speed, the AF

joystick and film simulation improvements. (The faster processor is used for the Acros sim and for more computationally

intensive versions of the color sims that will not be in firmware updates for the older cameras.) Whether it's worth the wait

to get those improvements in the X-T form factor is a matter of personal preference.

<p>Would a new XT-1 be equipped with the new firmware? Or is it up to the buyer to load it online? Also, Thanks to all for the comprehensive help.</p>

<p>XP2 is wonderful, I wouldn't use the term "compromised" to describe its VF, but essentially Eric is correct. X-Pros are designed to emulate Rangefinder cameras, such as Leica and others. These cameras are designed to be at their best with wider lenses and the XP2 with its hybrid Optical VF/EV emulates that. Though the full EVF is very good and always available for longer lenses. It is probably a bit smaller than the XT1. It refreshes even faster than the XT1. The X-T1 came out years after the X-Pro1 and so many updated features, these are well discussed. The X-T2 will come out much faster in the cycle, so I'm pretty sure, it will have all the latest improvements plus a larger, and probably even better EVF. So it gets down to what you like the shoot. If you decide to go with the X-T1 as your main cam for a while, I friend showed me her graphite version, and though its a cosmetic feature, it really was beautiful for touch and feel:) I think Eric and Andy pretty much nailed it above.</p>

Fuji updates firmware pretty often - the X-T1 is on 4.3, so it's had more than one full version number per year and a lot of

intermediate revisions. It's pretty likely that any X-T1, T10 or E2 you buy left the factory before the latest update. So I'd

check the firmware on any new or used Fuji you buy and update if there's a newer one, and also check lens firmware. To

check camera and lens firmware, mount a lens and turn the camera on while holding down the Display button.

<p>I've had an X-T1 for about two years. <br /> Not a great camera and not a bad camera. I do like the size and weight, though. Not particularly sold on X-Trans sensors. <br /> Would I get one again, or the XT-2? Don't know. After some more thought I could very well go back to FF.</p>

<p>FF means a bigger camera. Fuji's commitment to APS seems to have struck a cord, and who does APS better? I've been looking at hundreds of images online from the XT-1, they're stunning! The appearance in tonality, color, resolution, depth. Pretty amazing stuff, From a very Photographer freindly camera. 24MP will just be better, that's my dilemma! </p>

<blockquote>

<p> X-Pros are designed to emulate Rangefinder cameras, such as Leica and others. These cameras are designed to be at their best with wider lenses and the XP2 with its hybrid Optical VF/EV emulates that.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>conversely, the XT series is specifically designed for use with bigger/longer lenses, such as the 16-55 and 50-140. Additionally, the XT also has a vertical grip option, while (at present), the XP2 is limited to a hand grip option. The vertical grip will aid in balancing the long glass as well as offer a shutter button for portrait orientation. So, the choice between XP and XT series could really depend on what lenses you plan to use. i'm not saying you can't use longer lenses on an XP, but if you use the OVF to compose, the lens will be visible in the finder. You can always switch to the EVF, essentially offering the best of both worlds (or at least a workaround option), but it's a different experience since the framelines don't appear in the EVF. Another thing to consider is that the XP2's eyepiece is placed at one side, while the XT has a centered eyepiece. That may or may not impact the shooting experience, depending on preference.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>I've been looking at hundreds of images online from the XT-1, they're stunning! The appearance in tonality, color, resolution, depth. Pretty amazing stuff,</p>

</blockquote>

<p>To be fair, the 16mp sensor in the XT is the exact same as the one in the XE2 and XT10. So either of those bodies would also be capable of producing the same tonality and color rendition. The XT1 offers more dials/external controls, a bigger VF, and a larger physical footprint. The XT2 will probably have the same updated AF system as the XP2 as well as the 24mp sensor. It's possible by the time of release there will be additional tweaks to performance, but knowing Fuji, it's likely they'll offer those to XP2 users as a firmware upgrade. So, again, the choice between XP2 and XT2 may come down to lens selection and personal affinity for rangefinder-like experience with the OVF.</p>

<p>I've had Fuji's since the X E-1 first arrived and now use an X T-1 with lots of fine Fuji glass, primes and zooms. The difference between 16 and 24 MP is real but not earth shattering. It shows only in pretty large prints. A significant part of what you pay for with the XP2 is the complex optical finder. If you're a street shooter and think that you'll really use the optical finder, the XP2 makes sense, if not, either get an X T-1, a proven fine camera, or an X T10. You'll not regret having such a lovely machine for the next 6 months or so while awaiting the X T-2. You might even make some really great images during that time :-). I have an X 100S and love it but rarely use the optical finder so I'll keep photographing and see what the X T-2 has to offer.<br>

Sony has shown what happens with full frame. The A7RII is certainly a fine camera, I rented one and enjoyed using it, but I like the Fuji system better and I'm coming to it from a Nikon D800E. Full frame means full frame sized lenses and Sony has shown that they'll not be small, despite the diminutive A7RII body. Look at the specs of the new GM 24-70 and the new GM 70-200. Both look like they're as just about as large and heavy as their Nikon/Canon equivalents.<br>

Go out and make photos, worry less about megapixels. I say that glibly but also struggle with wanting more but ultimately realize that my photos with the X T-1 are as good or better than those I made with the D800E.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The difference between 16 and 24 MP is real but not earth shattering. It shows only in pretty large prints.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>it also gives you 50% more latitude for cropping.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>A significant part of what you pay for with the XP2 is the complex optical finder. If you're a street shooter and think that you'll really use the optical finder, the XP2 makes sense, if not, either get an X T-1, a proven fine camera, or an X T10</p>

</blockquote>

<p>if you just want the hybrid finder, you can get an XP1 for $500 new. with the XP2 the guts are all new: new AF, metering system, focus joystick thingy, improved LCD and other nex-gen goodies. whether those things are worth $1800 is another story. </p>

<p>I own the XT-1, and it's an amazing camera, as is the whole Fuji-X system...What attributes do you think the as yet un-announced, un-released XT-2 will have that will make it a "better" camera for you? The assumption is that it will mimic the gains of the X-Pro2...<br>

The XT-1 has been dropping in price, and as others have mentioned, bodies come and go, lenses are forever...Not sure of your financial situation...you might consider a cost-benefit analysis...and remember that anything in the plus column for the XT-2 is a guess....<br>

IF we assume the announcement in September, you'd have the camera before Xmas, 8 months or so from now...<br>

As a platform, I have the XT-1 as well as the X-Pro2...each one has their place, depending upon what I'm shooting, what I feel like carrying and my mood that day...<br>

I traded in my Nikon system to switch to the Fuji-X...and I've never looked back...My camera bag is lighter, the lenses are amazing and Fuji's commitment to firmware updates impresses me...I have the EX-2, a few years old and Fuji just upgraded the firmware to match, as much as possible, the newly released XE-2s...so they have not forgotten the users who purchased a body a few years back...<br>

Suggestion: Go to a camera shop and handle the XT-1. If it feels good buy it...the XT-3 is just around the corner...</p>

<p>>>> What attributes do you think the as yet un-announced, un-released XT-2 will have that will make it a "better" camera for you?</p>

<p>For me, and from using an X-T1 extensively over two years, and if I were interested in an X-T2 (I'm not), I would hope an AF system I could rely on, to the level I have with my Canon cameras. And yes, I have kept up with the firmware updates. I would also like a much better 23mm f/1.4 lens (I've owned one, and sold it) up to the level of my Canon 35/1.4, though it would still not be where I'd want it as it's a crop lens and would need an even larger aperture for the thin DOF I like for some projects. An excellent and reliable FF equiv 35/1.4 is essential for what I shoot.</p>

<p>Yup! Seeing is believing, I need to get to a shop and experience the differences particularly between Viewfinders of the, XT-1 and XPRO-2. I've always been in love with the HP viewfinder on my F3. From what I'm hearing, the viewfinder on the XT-1 fits the same bill. If I find that digging to get into the Viewfinder with the XPRO-2, or having to get fidgety close to asses information, that's a concern.<br /> I will admit that throughout my Photographic experience, that I've taken quite seriously, along the way like others, I've admired the Masters, Kertesz, Bresson. I have never been able to even get near the matching of the sensibility required to get in good street work in their company, and even today, would love to practice the art. So I need to be realistic about the realities of a tool like the rangefinder that does aid in allowing the Photographer to see outside the frame to anticipate the goings on. I'm an old bird I guess, I don't know if at this point habits will change, as I love the landscape and feel at home with the camera within the landscape. So, so far its looking like the XT-1.</p>

<p>Seeing is believing, a good way to look at it. The XPro-2 is just an easy lever that fits right under your fingers and is a flick to shuttle between OVF, OVF/EV and EV really fast, but you have to check itself. <br>

Brad, I did get the 23 after all that and I think it does really well. I totally get what you are saying bout DOF, and yes if you want more blur I agree you will need full frame. The quality of the blur on the 23 is nice sometimes and hit or miss on others depending on the background. It seems to like a "controlled" background better, meaning not a big difference in brightness of light sources. But, at 1.4 it will provide enough blur (for me) to separate subject from background. Anyways, I'm enjoying the rig at the moment. It focusses pretty fast. With the Leica 35mm the focus peaking works very well, but when I try to go a little longer with the 50 Summicron I'm having trouble seeing the blue peaking in the finder, because when I go to full EVF, it can be really dark, whereas the EVF on the little GX7 was great in pretty much all situations. So I have to really go through the manual. So far in my typical fashion I just picked it up and started taking pics. </p>

<p>Continued research on Fuji X-System camera's; It's my understanding that with film simulation modes, there's no RAW mode, only JPEGS. Is that the standard in Photography? Or is that a Fuji exclusive? I've been kind of disappointed in that. Am I nit picking?</p>

<p>Partly correct. Film simulation modes in camera are for jags. However in Lightroom's latest version, Fuji's Raw files either have a side cart, but however it works, the film simulation modes are available in the camera calibration section of the Develop module. It works well with the Raws.</p>

<p>Barry, Thank you and Lightroom I use.</p>

I often shoot my Fujis in raw+jpg. I have a set of Fuji film mode color profiles for Capture One. As with any camera, the

jpg settings don't carry through in the raw files and have to be reapplied in software.

<p>To wait, or not to wait? Well, I couldn't wait! I went with the bundle deal XT-1. At $1399.00 Back and forth all week I realized I've wanted this camera for a about a year now. What stalled me out this week was the 18-55 lens as to whether or not it is a worthy lens. I have seen some soft results, I have seen some not so soft results, but it is what it is and at that price it seems appropriate. I mean its not a bad lens right? I'm not to keen on the OVF in the XPRO-2. I don't see the point. The EVF is so efficient and evolved, I can see not using the OVF most of the time.<br>

Going with the XT-1 is a commitment move to Fuji. I have been bitten and at the risk of sounding overly fanboy over this, I see Fuji's committing to its customer base and I like that they have their ear to the tracks for their Photographers.<br>

When the XT-2 shows up, we'll see but I'm confident Fuji will stuff it with the new gadgets and at some time I'll decide whether to keep the XT-1 as a second camera, or sell it for more lenses. Lenses will come anyway and soon the 23mm 1.4 is a must have lens. I'm anxious to do the firmware update upon unboxing the camera, arrival date this Friday, its probably ridiculously easy. Anyway, thanks to all for your input, I appreciate it.</p>

<p>Received the XT-1- 2 days ago!<br>

Going through menus, there are a lot but getting my head around it.<br>

Very impressed with the build quality of this camera. One of the best things we can do as humans is to utilize our memory to the best of our ability. I recall when subscribing to these social media forums these 5 years ago, a huge topic was build quality within D-Cams and the yearning for the older generation film camera's that top notch engineering was its hallmark. Also within those topics was and still is weight. Well, looks like Fuji was listening because, size, weight, build quality, ergonomics, flexibility are all in what is quite apparent in the XT-1.<br>

If anyone can help with one menu issue? Highlight tone - Shadow tone - adjustments; There are 5 choices:<br>

0<br>

+1 Medium hard<br>

+2 Hard<br>

- 1 Medium soft<br>

-2 soft.<br>

Example, shadow, what adj opens up the shadow? Is it the -0 or +?<br>

Highlights, what closes the highlight, - or +?<br>

Awesome camera! Glad I did it.</p>

A - adjustment makes the highlights less bright and the shadows less dark. The plus adjustments, vice versa.