February will be a fine month for any fan of Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras, as the company recently announced it will release several outstanding cameras and lenses next month. Most notable among the cameras to be released is the X-Pro2, Fujifilm’s update to the X-Pro1 released in 2012. Also to come are the X-E2S, the X70 and the XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 telephoto “smart” lens.
X-Pro2
The X-Pro2 is already expected to set the new high bar for Fujifilm cameras. The “rangefinder-style” mirrorless camera includes a 24.3MP sensor, a hybrid viewfinder (able to alternate between optical and electronic view), and Fujifilm’s impressive new autofocus system, which includes 273 AF points.
To no surprise to those familiar with Fujifilm, it’s also incredibly fast. The X-Pro2 starts up in 0.4 seconds, autofocuses in as little as 0.06 seconds, and has a shooting interval of just 0.25 seconds.
The new model is a considerable upgrade form the X-Pro1, not only because of its much larger sensor, but because of its excellent video quality (Full HD up to 60p) and the ability to extend its 12,800 IS up to 51,200.
The X-Pro2 will be released Feb. 28 for $1,700.
X70
The X70 will mark the first addition of a fixed-lens camera to Fujifilm’s X line. It’s also the first of the series with a 3-inch touchscreen, which can be manipulated and rotated in a number of ways. Its fixed lens is a 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens, though it also features a digital teleconverter mode that allows for focal ranges of 35mm and 50mm. It’s also equipped with wifi, eight function buttons and, like the X-Pro2, the ability to shoot full HD video at 60p and extend its ISO performance to 51,200.
The X70 will be released Feb. 15 for $700.
X-E2S
Similar in design to the interchangeable lens, “rangefinder-style” X-Pro2, the X-E2S has technical specifications and a price tag comparable to the X70. The kicker here is the X-E2S’s real-time viewfinder, which features 0.62X magnification and an electronic viewfinder that Fujifilm calls the shortest display lag time in the world (0.005 seconds).
The X-E2S will be released Feb. 15 for $700.
Fujinon XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Finally, we come to the priciest and most novel piece of technology Fujifilm will release next month. The XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR telephoto lens is an incredibly robust device replete with some interesting features. It shoots with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 152-609mm and its stabilization system is rated for up to 5 stops of correction. The lens is also weather-proof, built to resist water and dust, and shoot in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Its noticeably large tripod mount is also removable, though with a weight of 4.2 lbs, you might need that tripod.
The XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR will be released on Feb. 15 for $1,900.
Fujifilm’s Weighty Argument for Mirrorless Cameras
Fujifilm continues to show the technical prowess its pint-sized mirrorless cameras each year, eximplified by the products highlighted above. For those that need a reminder of the convenience these cameras provide in the field, however, Fujifilm Vice President Toru Takahashi made an unconventional argument for the compact size of their mirrorless cameras at a recent presentation to the press:
