We take a look at exactly what’s changed between the hugely popular Fuji X-T1 and the updated model, the Fuji X-T2.
The Fuji X-T2 updates the hugely popular X-T1 model that was announced back at the start of 2014, and sits at the top of the Fuji X-series alongside the recent X-Pro2. As we may expect, the new model inherits many features from the X-Pro2, but it adheres very much to the X-T1 template.
See our first look review of the Fujifilm X-T2.
Let’s take a closer look at exactly what’s changed between the two models.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – 16 Key Differences
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Sensor
While the X-T1 employed a 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, the new model takes the 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor from the X-Pro2. As before, it conforms to APS-C dimensions, and as with other X-Trans sensors it lacks an optical low-pass filter thanks to its unique colour filter array design.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Processor
The same X-Processor Pro that featured inside the X-Pro2 makes an appearance here. This promises autofocus in as little as 0.06sec, a startup time of 0.3 and shutter lag of 0.045sec among other things.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Video
Video has never been a huge focus for the X-series, although the X-Pro2 showed Fujifilm’s willingness to better cater for those that may imagine themselves calling upon the functionality with some frequency. And now, the X-T2 goes one further, becoming the first Fuji X-series model to sport 4K video recording. Here, it records in the 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160p. This can record footage at up to 30fps, at a high bit rate of 100Mbps, with Full HD footage recorded up to a maximum 60fps. Footage can also be output uncompressed through the HDMI out and a flat F-Log profile is also provided to make footage more suitable for grading.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Sensitivity
The X-T1 had a native ISO range of ISO 200-6400, and extension settings to an equivalent of ISO 51,200. The X-T2, meanwhile, broadens the native range to 200-12,800 as standard, with an ISO 51,200-extension setting also available.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – AF system
In place of the X-T1’s 49-point AF system, the X-T2 gains a new 91-point system (when set to the Zone option), although up to 325 points can be selected in the single-point mode. Around 65% of the imaging area is covered by contrast-detect AF points and the central 40% of the frame is covered by phase-detect AF points, with these helping the camera when continuously tracking a subject.
Fujifilm is also said to have improved the AF-C tracking algorithm to further boost accuracy against moving subjects, and has provided a greater range of custom options here to better suit the subject being captured.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Viewfinder
The camera’s large electronic viewfinder uses a 2.36-million-dot OLED display with 0.77x magnification, similar to the X-T1. But it has a series of improvements under the hood, with a display lag time of just 0.005sec and a refresh rate of 60fps, or 100fps in the Boost mode. It also has a larger eyecup than before.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – LCD screen
Physically, the most significant difference between the X-T2 and the older X-T1 is the way in which its LCD screen can be adjusted. Whereas the X-T1’s screen was fitted with a fairly standard up-and-down tilting mechanism, the X-T2’s has an additional hinge on the side so can be adjusted to a greater range of angles. This is particularly helpful for capturing portrait-orientation images from high or low viewpoints.
The screen measures 3 inches in size as before and has a 3:2 aspect ratio, and its resolution is unchanged from the X-T1 at 1.04-million dots. Unlike Fujifilm’s X70 compact, there’s no touchscreen functionality.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Exposure compensation
One of the smaller changes we saw upon the introduction of the X-Pro2 was the extension of the exposure compensation range from -/+3EV to -/+5EV, and this features here too. Although the exposure compensation dial only features markings up to -/+3EV, a separate ‘C’ setting allows for this to be extended using the front command dial.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Shutter speed
The X-T1 offered a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000sec using the mechanical shutter, and this has now been bettered by a 1/8000sec option on the X-T2. As before, an electronic shutter has also been included, and this extends the shutter speed range to a maximum 1/32,000sec.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Flash sync speed
While the X-T1 had a flash sync speed of 1/180sec, the X-T2 offers a faster 1/250sec. speed. To remind the user, Fuji has placed a small ‘x’ next to this shutter speed on the shutter speed dial.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Addition of joystick and button/dial changes
A number of controls have changed around the body. The movie record control that graced the X-T1’s top plate is no more, and this is now accessed via an option on the drive mode collar on the other side of the top plate. The Fn button close to this control on the X-T1 has been retained, although it has lost its WiFi engraving beneath it.
On the rear, the Q button has moved upwards and the Focus Assist button has been lost to make space for a new joystick. This can be used to navigate menus and select the AF point, much like on the X-Pro2. The three dials on the top plate are also now slightly taller than those on the X-T1.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Grain effect and Film Simulation modes
The X-T2 gains the same Grain effects that we’ve seen on the X-Pro 2, and also welcomes the Acros Film Simulation mode to its colour options to make a total of 16.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Burst rate
Although the X-T2 maintains the same 8fps burst shooting option as the X-T1, you can boost this to 11fps by using the new Vertical Boost Grip, or 14fps using the electronic shutter. You can also capture images at 5fps with live view enabled between frames.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Ports
Not only does the X-T2 gain a standard 3.5mm socket for external microphones – rather than the 2.5mm port on the X-T1 – there is also a headphone port for monitoring audio incorporated into the vertical booster grip. The camera has also been fitted with a USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer, in place of the USB 2.0 port found on the X-T1.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Card slots
The X-T1 only offered a single card slot for SD-type media, but the X-T2 now has two. Support is once again provided for cards up to the UHS-II specification.
Fuji X-T2 vs X-T1 – Size and weight
The new camera is a little beefier than the X-T1. It measures 133 x 92 x 49mm and weighs 507g with its battery and card in place, next to the 129 x 89.8 x 46.7mm dimensions and 440g weight of the X-T1.