Takashi Ueno, Fujifilm’s Optical Device & Electronic Imaging product planning manager, who was in charge of the X-Pro2’s product planning, described the X-Pro2 as an ‘evolution’ of the highly acclaimed X-Pro1, rather than a ‘revolution’

EXCLUSIVE X-PRO2 INTERVIEW WITH FUJIFILM TOKYO

Built to deliver the best image quality of any X-series camera, the ‘weather-resistant’ X-Pro2 boasts faster and more accurate AF.

The X-Pro2 is due in shops next month priced £1,349, body only.

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The X-Pro2 is due on sale next month, priced £1,349, body only.

Aimed at professionals and advanced amateurs, Fuji was keen not to change the design of the camera, but improve its core features.

The new X-Trans CMOS III imaging sensor features a random colour filter array that aims to cut false colours and moiré.

The new X Processor Pro is designed to help speed up AF, lower noise, and improve tonal and colour reproduction compared to the EXR Processor II engine.

Users can take advantage of the new Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder that offers both optical and electronic viewfinders, with optical for a direct view of the subject and electronic for previewing settings.

This is an advanced version of the hybrid viewfinder that was first deployed in the X100, launched in 2011.

The 0.48in EVF carries a resolution of 2.36 million dots.

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Also on board is a 3in, 1.62-million-dot LCD display.

The magnesium-alloy body contains seals in around 61 places.

Fuji claims that, with key functions situated on the right side of the body, ‘all main controls can be accessed without taking your eye from the viewfinder’.

Features include a Multi-Magnification mode that automatically switches viewfinder magnification, according to the lens in use, and a faster mechanical shutter boasts a top speed of 1/8000sec.

Trumpeted highlights also include a Grain Effect mode, to replicate the look of old film photos, plus improved noise reduction.

Fuji has boosted the number of selectable phase-detection focus points from 49 to 77 and doubled the contrast AF-readout speed.

• Fuji has also announced the development of a new hotshoe-mountable flashgun, the EF-X500, which is scheduled to go on sale in May. Built to be weather and dust resistant, the EF-X500 boasts a 1.5sec recycle time. The flash is designed to cover a focal length of 24-105mm, tilting up to 90°, down to 10°, as well as rotate horizontally 135° to the left and 180° to the right. High-speed synchronisation is designed to support the 1/8000sec shutter speed of the new X-Pro2. A price is yet to be announced.