On the eve of the X-Pro 2 launch I have been receiving a lot of questions about the X-T2 that are worth addressing. To begin with, I do not think Fuji will announce the release date of this camera until X-Pro 2 sales start to slow. It seems pretty clear that Fuji is doing additional differentiation this generation that they did not do last generation. This might make some Fuji fans upset, but last generation we saw a mass exodus of users from the X-Pro 1 to the X-E1 when it was announced due to its increased performance. Fuji might be trying to avoid this with their second generation sensor technology. The X-Processor Pro engine will likely be reserved for the X-Pro 2 and X-T2 if this is the case.
I’m inclined to believe Fuji’s only valid excuse for excluding 4k from the X-Pro 2 will be if the X-T2 has slightly reduced image quality due to the sensor having increased phase detection points and being balanced for photos/video. It’s the only reason to exclude the feature from their flagship camera for photography. The X-T line is definitely more of a dual-purpose camera that is known for having an amazing EVF that I hope is upgraded along side the sensor so that it feels more like the massive Leica SL EVF. Fuji is known for having world class viewfinder technology, and the X-T2 should represent the state of the art in viewfinder technology.
I know many people have a preference, myself included, but in my opinion Fuji should have launched the X-Pro 2 and X-T2 side by side. It would have satisfied the masses and prevented disappointment, if my predictions are correct.If they end up being basically the same cameras with different bodies/viewfinders, as an X-Pro 2 owner, I will be very upset if the cameras are identical and 4k is not added to the X-Pro 2 at a later date.
Further, if Fuji waits too long to launch the X-T2, and their camera technology improves so much that the X-Pro 2 now feels like a less capable camera (like what happened last generation), people will end up purchasing a camera that isn’t quite right for them just to gain access to the new and improved functionality. I like my X-T1, but I loved my X-Pro 1.
