The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is quite the upgrade compared to the X-Pro1 which can partly be attributed to the 4 year gap between the two models. Despite the very similar body design, it is a completely different beast on the inside. Indeed, the only advantage left for the X-Pro1 before it gets discontinued is the attractive price tag.
If you are wondering about how these two cameras differ, we’ve compiled an in-depth list including a few thoughts about each key difference.
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Design and ergonomics
- X-Pro1: 139.5 (W) x 81.8 (H) x 42.5 (D) mm, 400g
- X-Pro2: 140.5 (W) x 82.8 (H) x 45.9 (D) mm, 445g
The difference in size and weight is minimal. However the X-Pro2 has a better build thanks to its magnesium alloy body and weather sealing (splash, dust and freeze proof down to -10°C). The front grip has been re-designed, as well as the thumb grip on the rear.
Ease of use
There are several enhancements on the X-Pro2. On the front we have an additional Command Dial near the EVF/OVF Lever.
On the rear, all the buttons have been moved to the right and top side so that you can access them with one hand. The X-Pro2 also sees the addition of a Focus Joystick that allows you to change your focus point instantly. A similar solution is found on the recent Leica SL and professional DSLRs. With the X-Pro1, your first need to press the AF or Fn button to activate the Focus Area, then move the AF point.
On top, we find similar dials but here again the X-Pro2 inherits some interesting upgrades. The shutter speed dial has a dual function that allows you to change not only the shutter speed but also the ISO sensitivity. The exposure compensation dial now works to a maximum of ±3Ev. On top, the Fujinon Lens System logo has also disappeared on the X-Pro2.
- X-Pro1: 1 SD card slot (UHS-I compatible)
- X-Pro2: 2 SD card slots, (UHS-II compatible)
The X-Pro2 becomes the second mirrorless camera (after the Leica SL) to include a dual SD card slot. This is a feature that many professional photographers desire from a professional body and it is nice to see such an implementation on the X-Pro2. Slot #1 is compatible with UHS-II standard which offers a faster writing speed on compatible SD cards.
Users can choose to shoot continuously on the second slot once the first is full or to back up their photos on the second memory card. They can also separate Raw and JPG files between the two slots. Personally we don’t think that this is a must-have feature as we are very used to a single slot on our mirrorless cameras but it is a nice addition that will certainly attract positive attention.
- X-Pro1: 1 Fn button, Q Menu
- X-Pro2: 7 Fn buttons, Q Menu customisable, My Menu
The X-Pro1 features an older Menu system that has been enhanced on more recent Fujifilm X cameras. The X-Pro2 introduces an entirely new Menu system with clearer icons and categories that should enhance the user experience. There is also a new option called My Menu that allows photographers to save their most used settings in one section. The Q Menu can be customised and there are more Fn buttons that can be changed.
Viewfinder and Monitor
- X-Pro1: Hybrid Viewfinder
- OVF: 0.6x magnification, 90% frame coverage
- EVF: 0.47in, 1.44 million dots
- X-Pro2: Hybrid Viewfinder
- OVF: 0.6x magnification, 92% frame coverage
- EVF: 0.50in, 2.36 million dots, 85fps
- ERF option
The Fujifilm X100 introduced the hybrid viewfinder concept. Now both the X100 and X-Pro series are the only mirrorless cameras to offer both optical and electronic viewfinders that can be switched with a simple lever on the front of the camera. Given the 4 year gap between the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2, it is logical to see improvements in this department as well.
The X-Pro2 features a larger EVF with more resolution and also a better refresh rate (85fps when Power Management is set to High Performance). The OVF has a slightly larger field coverage and you also get the option of the Electronic Rangefinder (ERF), a small electronic screen that appears at the bottom right of the OVF and shows you a magnification of your frame corresponding to the focus point selected. All these improvements definitely make the X-Pro2 more interesting.
Another thing to note is that the X-Pro2 has a diopter adjustment dial on the side, something that the X-Pro1 was (strangely) lacking.
Both cameras have manual focus assists. The X-Pro1 has magnification and peaking (White). The X-Pro2 has more color options for peaking and also inherits the Digital Split Image mode.
Image quality
- X-Pro1: 16MP X-Trans CMOS sensor, EXR processor
- X-Pro2: 24MP X-Trans CMOS sensor III, X Processor
This is definitely one of the key differences between these two cameras. While the results produced by the first two generations of X-Trans sensors were very similar (same resolution and ISO range), the X-Pro2 is a concrete step forward in the X line-up.
Of course we cannot help but wonder how the new sensor performs. To find out, we will have to wait for Raw file samples to appear online and compatibility with the most popular Raw software programs. Fujifilm has gained a lot of respect for its X-Trans technology but there are some users who don’t like it. 24MP is not big news anymore when it comes to APS-C sensors (the Sony a6000 has the same resolution, the Samsung NX500/NX1 go up to 28MP) so we are curious to see if Fujifilm’s X-Trans version will bring some concrete improvements.
- X-Pro1: ISO 200-6400 (RAW and JPG), push 12800 and 25600 (JPG only)
- X-Pro2: ISO 200-12800 (RAW and JPG), pull 100, push 25600 and 51200 (RAW and JPG)
Judging from the specs and from the first reviews, the main difference concerning ISO performance is basically a 1 EV advantage for the X-Pro2 since the native range now goes up to 12800. The extended ISO values on the X-Pro1 are usable only in extreme situations and the noise reduction is quite severe. Also the Raw format is not available, which is another welcome improvement on the X-Pro2: now the entire ISO range (both native and extended) are available in Raw and JPG.
- X-Pro1: 30s to 1/4000s shutter speed
- X-Pro2: 30s to 1/8000s shutter speed, up to 1/32000s with electronic shutter
The mechanical shutter has been extended to 1/8000s. There is also an electronic shutter (lacking on the X-Pro1) that extends the speed to 1/32000s and also allows for a silent shutter mode. The shutter sound can also be set to different volume levels. The sync flash speed has been slightly enhanced (1/250s for the X-Pro2 vs 1/180s for the X-Pro1) as well.
Note: there is a silent mode on the X-Pro1 but it has nothing to do with the shutter. It disables the AF illuminator, speaker and flash instead.
Concerning the image settings, there are also a few improvements in favour of the X-Pro2. Noise reduction is now extended to 4 steps versus the 2 steps of the X-Pro1. The Highlight and Shadow controls have more steps of adjustments as well.
One of the strongest points of Fujifilm image quality is related to the colour profiles (called film simulation modes). The X-Pro2 has more of them including:
- The new ACROS with three variants (Yellow, Red and Green filter)
- Classic Chrome (introduced on the X30 and X100T)
The X-Pro2 also has a new mode called Film Grain Effect with two levels to add grain to your images. The X-Pro1 also lacks the Advanced Filters (Toy camera, Miniature etc) although we rarely use these kinds of effects. They are better suited to Instagram pictures taken with a smartphone in our opinion.
Autofocus performance
- X-Pro1: contrast detection AF with 49 points
- X-Pro2: hybrid contrast/phase detection AF with 273 points
The second key difference between the two cameras when it comes to performance concerns the AF system. The original X-Pro1 has never be known as a fast camera. Fujifilm did improve its performance with several firmware updates but it never came close to the other X products such as the X-T1 or X-T10. The AF options are multi mode (all 49 points are used) or single point mode (the size can be changed in 5 steps). Continuous AF is available but it is too slow to be useful.
The X-Pro2 introduces a completely new AF system (more advanced than any other X camera) with 273 points, 163 of them being phase detection. It also includes all the AF options seen on the X-T1 and X-T10 (Wide Tracking, AF Zone, Face and Eye detection). You can select the single focus point within two AF groups: 77 points (7×11) or 273 points (13×21). Zone AF can be used with three different groups (3×3 / 5×3 / 7×7) within the 77 central phase detection points.
The first hands-on videos and reports online suggest that the AF is really fast and at this point it is safe to assume that the performance of the X-Pro2 is far better than that of the X-Pro1, even just based on tech specs.
- X-Pro1: 3fps/6fps of continuous shooting speed
- X-Pro2: 3fps/8fps of continuous shooting speed (max 83 JPGs, 33 losless RAW)
The X-Pro2 gains also a little bit of speed in continuous shooting mode (8fps like the X-T1). Combined with the new AF system, we’re wondering if the new camera is actually better than the X-T1, which is currently Fujifilm’s reference when it comes to action photography.
Other relevant features
The X-Pro2 inherits lots of functionalities found on other recent Fujifilm products, as well as a few that have been improved especially for the new flagship rangefinder model. Let’s analyze the most interesting:
- X-Pro1: AE Bracketing up to 1Ev, 3 shots
- X-Pro2: AE Bracketing up to 2Ev, 3 shots
Not a big improvement in terms of AE bracketing but you can now select ±2Ev. Both cameras have Film Simulation, ISO and Dynamic Range bracketing options. The X-Pro2 also has White Balance bracketing.
Another relevant difference between the two cameras is the Wi-Fi module that the X-Pro1 lacks. The X-Pro2 allows you to connect the camera to a mobile device via the dedicated app to remotely control the camera or transfer images. You can also use the Instax Share wireless printer to print on the go.
Video capabilities
- X-Pro1: 1080p, 720p at 24fps
- X-Pro2: 1080p, 720p at 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60fps
Both cameras can shoot Full HD but the bit rate on the X-Pro1 is lower (24mbps vs 50mbps). The X-Pro2 also has more frame rate options and the possibility for full manual control for the exposure. Neither camera offers stunning video specs in comparison to the competition which means that Fujifilm is still not concentrating on the video aspect. That being said, even the X-Pro1 can give good results like this music video shot by the Italian band The Black Veils.
Battery life
- X-Pro1: approx 300 frames
- X-Pro2: approx 250/350 frames
Both cameras use the same battery type (NP-W126) and charger (BC-W126). According to the official specs, the X-Pro2 doesn’t seem to gain a lot of battery life and it is likely that when used at full power, it could consume more than the X-Pro1.
Both cameras have a Power Management mode. With the X-Pro1 you can choose between “Quick Start Mode” and “Power Save Mode”. The X-Pro2 has three settings: “High Performance“, “Standard” and “Economy“.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 is superior in almost every way (except for perhaps the battery life) and we couldn’t expect anything less given the four year gap between the two cameras. The X-Pro1 inaugurated the X interchangeable lens series; the X-Pro2 introduced the third generation. Actually it is likely that most of the technology found inside the X-Pro2 will be implemented in the X-T1’s replacement.
Of course, the question remains: is the X-Pro1 still worth it?
Honestly, it is hard to say. First, it is important to remind ourselves that this is only a comparison based on official specs, feedback from other reviews and our own experience with Fujifilm cameras. The ultimate answer will reveal itself when complete reviews of the new camera are online (including ours). Despite being 4 years old (which is a lot in the digital era), the X-Pro1 still has its group of aficionados. I am sure that many of them will welcome the new camera, but perhaps a few will keep using the old one. The official price for the X-Pro2 is $1700 for the body alone. On the other hand, the X-Pro1 can be found for less than $500 and I bet the price will come down some more. What’s more, for a similar price, there is also the X-E2 that has more recent technology and a new firmware upgrade that makes it as good as the recent X-T10. So unless the optical viewfinder is a must-have and you are on a budget, it is now hard to recommend the X-Pro1 over the other products in the X series line-up.
You can check out the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 at B&H Photo!
Check price of the X-Pro1 on B&H Photo
Check price of the X-Pro2 on B&H Photo