I still have my old good X-Pro2 since early 2017, and I like to take it out of my bag from time to time. To this day, I haven't found a compelling reason to replace it with an X-Pro3. As for the hybrid viewfinder, I shoot with the OVF most of the time (with the activated ERF display in the lower right corner).
My favorite photos are taken with the X-Pro mainly. They aren't perfect, they aren't precise, with image quality lag behind GFX outputs, but I still like them best.
If Fujifilm really does come out with a new X-Pro this year, I'll probably be one of the first to pre-order it.
I primarily shoot with X-T bodies, but I picked up a used X-Pro2 several years ago out of curiosity, mostly, and it remains my favorite body for casual travel photography. Paired with a 23f2, 35f1.4 and 50f2 (also bought used) it packs into a tiny 3L Peak Design Sling bag and is a joy to tote around. I also really like the feel in the hand (particularly with a thumb grip). So I'm an advocate for trying an X-Pro body for anyone who's also intrigued.
Also for reasons I can't quite quantify I seem to compose and shoot differently when using the X-Pro, perhaps because of the different ergonomics and exclusive use of short primes. I switch between the OVF and EVF based on what I'm shooting, and it's nice to have a choice. I would prefer the higher res OLED EVF of the X-Pro3, but there are enough relative downgrades (no d-pad, fixed OVF mag, quirky LCD, etc) and quality complaints that I haven't been tempted to try one. But I'll see what the X-Pro4 brings....
I had both for a number of years and I like things about the XPro2 more than the 3 and vice versa. I personally think you can't go wrong with either version.
Background: I shot with an XPro 2 for a while. Also an XT4, XT5, X100V (and VI), XE5, and XT30. I miss my XPro 2, but it was time to let it go, and I still have an urge to buy an XPro 3.
If you like the OVF, get an XPro 2. It has the best OVF, good for anything 16mm to 60mm. The XPro 3 is more limited due to its single “focal length” OVF.
If you don’t like the OVF, don’t get an XPro2. Its AF is “old Fuji”… eye detect is usable but far behind current Fuji bodies, and its AF tracking is marginal. Its EVF is fine, but so are other bodies that are much cheaper. The images from it are great, but so are the other multitude of 24 and 26mpixel bodies.
Better than the XPro2 for an OVF-hater is the XT4. Better EVF, IBIS, similar manual controls. The look of the camera isn’t quite as cool? But you get a LOT beyond the XPro2.
As for the XPro3… I’m tempted by one, too. I’m big into introducing limits to kickstart creativity, and the LCD thing not only does that, but also gives you a cool little display that makes it look like you stuck part of your Velvia box into the back of your camera. Nerdy, cool.
Deciding with head instead of heart? I’ll stick with my XE5. It does everything well, it has “the look”, and it fits my favored compact Fuji primes nicely.
When I really want to go artsy, or “drive stick”, I have some manual primes on my 50R. It’s like my XPro2, but much moreso.
JadedWriter wrote:
I kind of do not like Fuji's implementation of the OVF since I never know what I'm focusing on since the AF points do not move around on them like they do on a DSLR.
I basically wanted something from my "usual" type of camera so just went with something mostly off kilter. I need to find time to get at least at strap and wooden grip for it and I'll start using it...and an extra battery. CKrueger wrote:
Background: I shot with an XPro 2 for a while. Also an XT4, XT5, X100V (and VI), XE5, and XT30. I miss my XPro 2, but it was time to let it go, and I still have an urge to buy an XPro 3.
If you like the OVF, get an XPro 2. It has the best OVF, good for anything 16mm to 60mm. The XPro 3 is more limited due to its single “focal length” OVF.
If you don’t like the OVF, don’t get an XPro2. Its AF is “old Fuji”… eye detect is usable but far behind current Fuji bodies, and its AF tracking is marginal. Its EVF is fine, but so are other bodies that are much cheaper. The images from it are great, but so are the other multitude of 24 and 26mpixel bodies.
Better than the XPro2 for an OVF-hater is the XT4. Better EVF, IBIS, similar manual controls. The look of the camera isn’t quite as cool? But you get a LOT beyond the XPro2.
As for the XPro3… I’m tempted by one, too. I’m big into introducing limits to kickstart creativity, and the LCD thing not only does that, but also gives you a cool little display that makes it look like you stuck part of your Velvia box into the back of your camera. Nerdy, cool.
Deciding with head instead of heart? I’ll stick with my XE5. It does everything well, it has “the look”, and it fits my favored compact Fuji primes nicely.
When I really want to go artsy, or “drive stick”, I have some manual primes on my 50R. It’s like my XPro2, but much moreso.
I don’t think you can get much more off-kilter than an XPro3, if you are a frequent LCD framer, unless you are willing to go to manual lenses and suffer (enjoy?) their downsides.
JadedWriter wrote:
I basically wanted something from my "usual" type of camera so just went with something mostly off kilter. I need to find time to get at least at strap and wooden grip for it and I'll start using it...and an extra battery.
JadedWriter wrote:
I was contemplating this, but didn't want something with a 1/4000 max shutter speed.
Agree with this. There are 3 missing specs with the X-E5 that I refuse to compromise on and will wait for hopefully an X-Pro 4 to go along with my X-T5 as a 2nd body:
SpecFoto wrote:
Agree with this. There are 3 missing specs with the X-E5 that I refuse to compromise on and will wait for hopefully an X-Pro 4 to go along with my X-T5 as a 2nd body:
Of the three of those, I feel like the battery issue is the biggest one… especially for people who might own more than one Fujifilm camera and would rather not have to deal with two battery formats, much less the diminished capacity of the older bateries.
That being said, I think that the XE5 is an attractive little camera. Too bad about the much higher price point than the XE4 and previous models, though! Price aside, I think can be a great solution for a lot of folks.
I think it does matter if the aesthetics of the camera make it something you would be inclined to take with you more often. I would not be taking something like a Nikon Z8 out with me. I can stylize my X100V or Nikon Zf in a way that fits in with going out at night. If you feel similar about the Xpro2/3 in particular, then it can be worth it for you.
If I’m outdoors and might need to go faster than 1/4000, I can use electronic shutter. I don’t shoot much action of the sort where readout speed will be a factor. (And if I do, I’m using my Z9, which—ironically—is electronic shutter-only.)
If I’m indoors where artificial lights can be a pain for electronic shutter, there’s not enough light to need 1/4000.
For me at least, a 1/4000 mechanical shutter isn’t a problem.
I would be happy to see more battery life from Fuji’s compact cameras. They ask a lot of the little 235 battery. It’s the only camera I travel with two batteries for day trips, since the early DSLR days.
Given that every 235-using camera I’ve had from the XT20 to XE5 has had marginal battery life, I suspect we’re going to have to wait until Fuji replaces the 235 with something more energy-dense. I suspect this will be a long wait.
CKrueger wrote:
If I’m outdoors and might need to go faster than 1/4000, I can use electronic shutter. I don’t shoot much action of the sort where readout speed will be a factor. (And if I do, I’m using my Z9, which—ironically—is electronic shutter-only.)
If I’m indoors where artificial lights can be a pain for electronic shutter, there’s not enough light to need 1/4000.
For me at least, a 1/4000 mechanical shutter isn’t a problem.
I would be happy to see more battery life from Fuji’s compact cameras. They ask a lot of the little 235 battery. It’s the only camera I travel with two batteries for day trips, since the early DSLR days.
Given that every 235-using camera I’ve had from the XT20 to XE5 has had marginal battery life, I suspect we’re going to have to wait until Fuji replaces the 235 with something more energy-dense. I suspect this will be a long wait....Show more →
I realize my camera requirements may not apply to others, but I have my reasons.
The 1/8,000 MS issue rears its head for me as I live in a desert area where it is very sunny and bright about 90% of most days and I do a lot of outdoor portraits. I have various systems, Sony, Olympus/OM and now Fuji, with fast primes and apertures of f1.2-f2, I need 1/8,000 SS to shoot wide open (without adding a ND filter). ES with fast lenses and any movement at >1,000 ss is a no go.
Re the batteries, seems you have got your Fuji batteries mixed up, the XT20 and XE5 use the smaller W126S battery with a shot capacity of about 300 shots. The W235, used in my XT5, has a shot capacity of double that at about 600 shots. I don't want to carry 2 sizes of camera batteries/chargers, been there done that, if I get a 2nd Fujifilm body it will use the same larger battery size.
And though I live in a desert area, I spend a lot of time in Thailand, my wife of 23 years was born there. This year we will be there again for 2 months, we usually go in the summer time, when it is over 100F at home every day. Summers in SE Asia means the Monsoon Season and lots of rain, usually the showers come quickly and leave just as fast. I am out shooting in the rain and love it, so a weather sealed camera and lens is a must.
Oh, of course! My mistake. I never had a battery life issue with my XT4/5, but the little battery in the other cameras has always led me to pack multiple batteries when going out.
SpecFoto wrote:
I realize my camera requirements may not apply to others, but I have my reasons.
The 1/8,000 MS issue rears its head for me as I live in a desert area where it is very sunny and bright about 90% of most days and I do a lot of outdoor portraits. I have various systems, Sony, Olympus/OM and now Fuji, with fast primes and apertures of f1.2-f2, I need 1/8,000 SS to shoot wide open (without adding a ND filter). ES with fast lenses and any movement at >1,000 ss is a no go.
Re the batteries, seems you have got your Fuji batteries mixed up, the XT20 and XE5 use the smaller W126S battery with a shot capacity of about 300 shots. The W235, used in my XT5, has a shot capacity of double that at about 600 shots. I don't want to carry 2 sizes of camera batteries/chargers, been there done that, if I get a 2nd Fujifilm body it will use the same larger battery size.
And though I live in a desert area, I spend a lot of time in Thailand, my wife of 23 years was born there. This year we will be there again for 2 months, we usually go in the summer time, when it is over 100F at home every day. Summers in SE Asia means the Monsoon Season and lots of rain, usually the showers come quickly and leave just as fast. I am out shooting in the rain and love it, so a weather sealed camera and lens is a must. ...Show more →
This is me. The battery thing is literally why I did not want a GFX100 for example. I basically got the XPro 3 on a whim and honestly do not see myself using this for things when I want "good" battery life. I'll probably buy 2 spares and call it a day. gdanmitchell wrote:
Of the three of those, I feel like the battery issue is the biggest one… especially for people who might own more than one Fujifilm camera and would rather not have to deal with two battery formats, much less the diminished capacity of the older bateries.
That being said, I think that the XE5 is an attractive little camera. Too bad about the much higher price point than the XE4 and previous models, though! Price aside, I think can be a great solution for a lot of folks.
