I have been receiving a lot of of requests for a review on my Fujifilm X-T2. As some of you may know, I’ve had progressively nicer Canon SLR cameras since I was switched over from film (augh! yes- I used to shoot film exclusively as a necessity and not a novelty). I went through three or four (can’t remember for sure) models in over the past decade and I absolutely love those cameras! So, you’re probably thinking, why did you switch to a smaller, less powerful camera?
Well, a few months back I got confronted in a store for taking photos for the blog. I won’t go into too much detail, but just know that I had asked permission and that the confrontation was SUPER EMBARRASSING. I left the store in tears. It was just so weird.
As I was recapping to Jeremy what had happened, I said that I felt like maybe our big cameras made us seem more suspicious or something. I mean, in this day and age, everyone takes 95% of photos with their phone. It’s less and less common to see people out and about with a lot of camera gear. Or maybe the shop owner was just having a stressful day. But either way, I felt that moving forward I wanted to have an OPTION to get photos better than an iPhone, but without a large DSLR.
I had been looking at Fuji and Leica cameras, but was hesitant to purchase one because I felt like I only wanted it because it was cute. I was afraid I wouldn’t really use it, so I held off. These cameras are very cute, and look like vintage film cameras. I love it because my hero in photography is my late grandfather, who carried a very similar looking camera. And depending on the lens you have on, they can be super small … purse size.
A couple hours after that crazy embarrassing experience in the local store, we met up with Jeremy’s label owner for dinner and drinks. He had a tiny Fujifilm camera with him, the Fujifilm X100F. I asked him a bunch of questions, he gave me a little sales pitch (he is SUPER into his camera) and I was totally sold. DESTINY!
I did a bit of research and decided to opt for a model with the option to change lenses. I wasn’t ready to have a camera with no lens changing, as I wanted something more in between my big Canon and my phone. So I chose the Fujifilm X-T2.
I purchased lenses with family vacations and photos at home in mind. I wanted a wide angle lens (for wide room photos and scenery)
OK, so first a little photos show and tell and then I’ll share my review of the camera and the three lenses I have been using.
I am still getting the hang of it, but totally impressed with the quality so far.
Lenses I use:
Pancake Lens (FujinonXF27mmF2.8)
This is the smallest and lightest option. I keep this on a lot of the time, especially for travel or if I’m taking my camera out in my purse. Some of the other lenses I chose are a little on the large size, which is fine at home or if I bring a full camera bag. But this is the basic lens I would recommend if you only want to buy one!
Wide Lens (Fujinon XF14mmF2.8 R)
This lens is my most used lens at home because it’s perfect for interior photos, and I like to take a lot of snapshots that show a wider view of our home. I also used it (exclusively) on a trip to New York for Jeremy’s CD release. I’ll show a photo of that below. I thought it handled a diverse lineup of photos really well. The only downside to this lens is that it’s not tiny, but it’s definitely more powerful and gets a wider view than the pancake lens.
Portrait Lens (Fujinon XF56mmF1.2 R)
I added this lens because it can create beautiful portraits, and with a kiddo on the way, it seemed like an obvious choice. I just used it recently to snap a few photos of Laura’s little Lola and it felt pretty magical. My first lens (ever) when I bought my first DSLR was a portrait lens, so this gave me some nostalgia.
*Amazon shopping tip! Click below on each product where it says “Used and New”. Sometimes you can get HUGE discounts (of these I got at half price that way and it was still brand new).
In summary, here are my pros and cons of this camera …
Pros: It’s tiny, it’s adorable, and it has a novelty element to it that make it really *fun* to shoot. It has built in film simulation filters (I used the black and white in the concert and rain photo above, but for color I leave it turned off). It has options for adding grain, which I like because it feels more like film.
Cons: This is a mirrorless camera, so when you look through the viewfinder you are seeing a video screen, not real life. I have found that the photos look at lot better once I get them on my computer than they do on the playback screen. Overall, it feels more like a toy than the bigger SLRs I am used to shooting.
I am having so much fun with this camera. I will definitely take it with me on our next vacation! It’s filling a need I had in my life for a less serious, less bulky and more fun camera. It’s brought me a lot of inspiration to just shoot random photos again.
If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer in the comments! xx. Elsie
40 Comments
Thanks Elsie! This post helps so much! I’ve been eyeing this camera for awhile now so I think it’s time to get one. It’s SO pretty too!! 🙂
It’s pretty great! I am having so much fun with it.
xx
I’m considering a new camera is this is great. The model of the camera looks super nice as well. Thank you for the review, I’m going to put it on the list!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
?? YES. I just went to an XT-2 for everyday life too! It’s PERFECT for quick snaps and anytime you’re looking for something easy and compact. I’m loving it, and totally have some newfound inspiration! I was hesitant in the beginning as well, because I totally thought I just wanted it because it was cute, but it’s so much more! This is the perfect review. ??
Oooh I’m so glad you did an in-depth review!
Do you think you would use photos from this camera for blog posts (maybe while traveling), or do you see it as just a recreational camera?
Oh I’ve been using it for some of my blog posts. The quality is great. I’m just not ready to part with my other camera yet, so I’m taking my time with both and just seeing what I reach for.
xx
Aw, that makes me so sad that someone called you out and made you cry. BUT I’m glad something good came out of it!
Thanks for the review 🙂
I have the Fuji x100t and LOVE it for travel photos and being on the go. I have a Canon 80d that I use but just like the Fuji for more “throw in the purse and out” type of camera.
Also, the quality of the Fuji pics, GOSH, superb.
I’m a diehard Canon fan but Fuji won me over with the portrait quality and travel photography with the x100t.
The photo of the room with black and white photos, cabinets with rainbow glass, and beautiful table…was this featured in a room makeover post? I would love to see more of this room!
http://abeautifulmess.com/2016/03/home-tour-elsies-breakfast-nook.html Here’s the last time it was fully photographed.
xx!
Totally love my Fuji X-T10!!! A year and half ago I made the switch from Canon (after 30 years) and I’ll never go back. Love that it fits in my purse and love using the app as a remote as well as using the wi-fi to send photos to my phone. It’s the dreamiest camera…and like you say…it’s so cute! 🙂 The other thing I love is setting the buttons how I want to use them. It’s awesome to have it work how I want it. Have fun with your new toy! –Kerri
Great post!!! i love
New post: http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/see-you-soon-summer.html
Blog:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
Such a great post and review! The images look beautiful! I might have to look into this camera.
http://www.themoptop.com
I have a Fujifilm XT100 and I absolutely love it! It even fits in my tiny handbag and isn’t very heavy at all so I find that I’m much more likely to take it along with me on days when I probably wouldn’t if it was a bigger bulkier DSLR. Also Fujifilm takes beautiful colours in photos I think, they’re so vibrant. I only have one lens at the moment but I’m hoping to add to it soon, especially a macro lens for taking closer photos.
This review is really helpful, Elsie! I’ve never owned a DSLR but love taking photos and have been eyeing different cameras for years. Mirrorless options really appeal to me as I like to be more discreet, being called out like you were would be my worst nightmare, haha!
Would you say this camera is a good starter for a hobbyist wanting a quality upgrade from iphones/point-and-shoot? I definitely have experience with manual settings and the technical details of photography, I’ve just always had simpler equipment, and don’t think I’d want to carry a giant DSLR around just to shoot for fun.
Great review and beautiful pictures! I thought about picking up a Fujifilm as well but got overwhelmed by the dials and all! It must be great to have such a small camera to bring along rather than a bulky DSLR.
Great review, I also went to purse size mirrorless, and for the more budget conscious, I can recommend the sony nex range. Still beautiful pics. The only cons I find were that the ‘E series’ lenses dont have a fixed infinity for focus, so the focus ring keeps spinning, and using only the screen to focus isnt the best. But autofocus is pretty good. I use it sooo much more than my full size Canon SLR now.
I feel so bad for you for being called out like that! I would have cried, too. One time at the Brooklyn Flea, a woman stopped me from taking photos of her fabric because she said some larger brands had stolen her designs, by coming by and finding “inspiration” and I felt really taken aback, but once I apologized and she explained, it was all okay. I don’t blog, I just lug around a big DSLR for documenting our memories, and I’m always afraid of what happened to you happening to me!
I have the Fujifilm X-10 and I absolutely love mine. It is such a joy to use and the outputs are simply amazing. Major love!!
The photos turned out great 🙂
The portability of the Fuji and Leica models is so tempting! I’d love to invest in one someday to take with me in my purse for those times when random inspiration strikes.
Personally I’m a Nikon Coolpix kind of girl, but you’ve almost sold me there… I find it bothersome to carry around a big camera while working and relying on my cellphone cam doesn’t always cut it, so this sounds interesting enough to look into. Thanks!
So glad you reviewed this gem. I use it as my personal camera, which makes it feel sacred and special. She’s a little beast! Sturdily built, and the controls are so satisfying. Beautiful tones straight of of camera too! It might be worth noting that it has a cropped sensor, so the lens sizes will be to be converted if comparing to a full size DSLR. I believe your lenses are about 21mm, 41mm, and 85mm equivalents! Happy shooting!
I actually use Fujifilm cameras professionally now and for my fine art work. Coming from DSLRs an different film formats before that I found this camera system exceeded my expectations for anything a threw at it as well as being more portable… Oh and the stunning 4K video it does is a plus. I have not touched my DSLRs in a linnnng time.
Fantastic review!
I’m so sorry that happened to you! I feel like people are really weird in stores about taking pictures anyway, but how strange to have already gotten approval and experience that! Strange!
So, my husband and I did a ridiculous amount of research before we bought our first camera and we settled on Fuji’s X-T2 and X100F (previously had the X100T) for a few reasons:
1. Mirrorless seems to be the future of cameras, so we wanted to embrace the new technology. Especially for beginners, I think seeing the photograph on the screen is exciting and gives you a better sense of what you’re doing.
2. They have a great variety of lenses!
3. Weight! We wanted to travel with our cameras, so picking something lighter was better for us.
4. I prefer physical dials to digital settings. I feel like when I’m changing settings on the Fuji it’s much more cerebral and I’m very aware of how I’m changing the camera. I really struggle with all the buttons and dials on DSLRs, and a lot of them are dublicitious.
5. They are cute as hell! I love vintage objects so this was a big plus.
It’s been almost a year and we’re super happy with our Fuji cameras! You can check out my site to see some of our pictures!
http://www.shessobright.com
Great review! Thanks so much for sharing Eva!
xx
Do you find it easy to switch back and forth between the X100F and XT-2?
I own the X100F and love it, and was looking at adding the XT-2 for when I want or need more versatility.
I have been eyeing this camera! It’s so stinking cute. Thank you for the review!
I bought this in July as my very first DSLR! I got it with the simple 35mm lens (for budget reasons) but I’m so in love even with that.
Happy to see your lens tips! I’ll totally be looking into those in the future. & they’ll fit perfectly in the gold Kelly Moore bag I clearly had to get as soon as I ordered the camera. Ha!
Another tip: B&H offers great deals on used gear. That’s actually where I was able to find the chrome model in stock and I even ended up saving a couple hundred dollars. 🙂
I have a Nikon d610, and while I love it, I’ve also been considering getting a smaller/lighter Sony or Fujifilm that’s easier to carry around for traveling etc., so this review is really helpful, thanks!
Glad it was helpful Penny!
xx
I have a Canon 5D Mark III, but there’s no way I’m taking it to vacation trip! The camera and lenses are way too big and heavy for traveling and carrying it around for hours! Very interesting and useful review, beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing!
how come this picture looks so clear
agen togel terpercaya
Awesome lil’write up Elsie, love the tones in the images – I think it is a massive plus for Fuji, their gorgeous tones!
I just bought this camera as an alternative to my Canon 5D which I use professionally. I wanted something like this for size reasons – something I could have in my bag all day with me when travelling, which wouldn’t give me back ache.
So far loving it for ease of carrying it around and its also cute! I can now take a good camera out with me in places I wouldn’t necessarily be able to take my 5D and kit. Only con for me is the EVF but I guess its just something to get used to. I’m trying out for it’s first big trip this week on my holiday in Tokyo! Fingers crossed 🙂
I came from the world of Nikon. Amazing cameras if you like carrying around cinder blocks.
I tried Sony (A7riii). It’s a technological marvel – but the images look overly digital like a 4K HD-TV and the menu systems make me feel like I’m back in college trying to memorize a 400-page physics book. Raw files are 80+ MB each…like seriously? My 2011 MacBook is choking.
I traded that in for the XT-2 and couldn’t be happier. The colors are sublime and the images have an organic quality that I adore – very film like. I also shoot with a Contax G2 35mm film camera with Zeiss lenses, and the XT-2 is like the digital equivalent in so many ways.
Combined with the holistic mode-dial ergonomics that bring the photographer closer to the experience (not further away like Sony), and the XT-2 is a winner in my book. Sony has better eye-tracking and in-camera stabilization, but I don’t really miss those. Yes Fuji gets it. It’s all about the art of storytelling, not about who has got the biggest engine under the hood. And who the heck really needs 42+ MP? I was getting stunning shots with 12 MP Nikons back in the day. If you need more megapixels, get closer to your subject lol.
Calling it toy like is a bit stingy. I’ve seen some awesome awesome work done with this
I used to have a Fuji x100t but wasn’t crazy about the AF on that camera. Other than that I LOVED it – the smaller size, silent shutter, image quality.. BUT, I’m mostly photographing my little ones and a quick and accurate AF is a MUST for me! Last year I went back to my Canon 6D, which I process in Lightroom with the Color Story presets. I’ve been contemplating upgrading my mirrorless, and am REALLY interested in a Fuji XT-2 but wanted to ask… Elsie, do you use ACS presets for your Fuji images, as well? Or do you just stick with the film simulation presets on the camera? Thanks so much! 🙂
This is a fantastic camera. I too have been eyeing this camera for some time and just decided that this was the time to make the move. It’s very easy to use, image quality are just great! The fact that some Instagrammers I’ve been following are also fujifilm users just help solidify this camera was the one to jump in with.
I’m arriving at this post late, but just after purchasing my first Fuji camera: an X-T3!
I love it and have been taking SO many more pictures since getting it. I agree: the dials and vibe of it feel remind me of shooting with an old school 35mm film camera.
Since I’m having so much fun, I want to bring it everywhere with me. Do you have any recommendations for a small(ish) crossbody purse that will fit it? I’m ok with a camera-specific purse or one that I’d need to add padding / an insert to, as long as it’s low profile and looks like a purse instead of a camera bag. Ideally it would also be somewhat water resistant since I live in Seattle.
I would love any recommendations you (and your readers) have! ????