Fujifilm X-T2 review

Verdict

The original X-T1 has been a firm favourite amongst photographers and us here at TechRadar, and it's easy to see why when you take into account its small form-factor, tactile controls, solid build and lovely results.

It wasn't perfect though, with the AF performance, particularly in continuous mode, a big stumbling block for the camera. It's an area that's undenialably deterred a lot of potential users looking to switch from their DSLR and who've grown accustomed to an advanced AF system that doesn't stumble when trained on a fast moving subject.

Now though, the X-T2 looks to change all that. While maintaining and tweaking the lovely handling characteristics of the X-T1, as well as some welcome additions like the double-hinged rear display, the biggest leap has to be the AF performance.

Not only is it a huge step up from the system in the X-T1, it's a very polished and sophisticated system in its own right, delivering a fast and reliable performance that when matched with the fast burst shooting mode, make this a very capable camera for action.

There's still a bit of room for improvement, but factor in the new sensor that delivers pin-sharp results and the X-T2 has to be one of the most desirable cameras available right now.

Competition

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Fujifilm X-T30

The X-T30 is the most recent X-series model, so it's no surprise that its specs are considerably more advanced than the X-T2's. These include a latest-generation 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, together with an improved autofocus system with 425 phase-detect AF points and 3in touchscreen. Its single card slot, however, and 0.62x viewfinder magnification shows the older X-T2 to still have the upper hand in a few areas.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T30 review

Panasonic Lumix G9

The G9 has been the photo-oriented flagship in the Lumix line for some time, and its serious specs sheet includes a number of advantages over the X-T2. This includes a 3.69million-dot viewfinder, five-axis sensor-based image stabilisation, an 80MP high-resolution mode and a top-plate LCD screen, although the smaller sensor only holds 20MP and the camera is a fair bit chunkier than the X-T2.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G9 review

Nikon D500

Released at the same times as the flagship D5 model, the D500 is lucky enough to have inherited a couple of things from its big brother, such as its cracking 153-point AF system. It has the advantage of a better battery life than the X-T2 and a top-plate LCD and touchscreen incorporated into the design of the body, although it's bigger and heavier, and has a lower-resolution sensor.

Read our in-depth Nikon D500 review