Fujifilm X-Pro2 in 2025: Still Got the Magic?
There's a certain allure to classic design, a timeless quality that transcends the relentless march of technology. In the photography world, the Fujifilm X-Pro series embodies this perfectly. And recently, I found myself drawn back to a camera that holds a special kind of magic: the Fuji X-Pro2.
X-Pro2 April 2025
It's 2025, and the rumor mills are swirling with anticipation for the X-Pro 5. So, the question on my mind, and perhaps yours too, is: does the X-Pro2, a camera released way back in 2016, still have what it takes? Can it hold its own until its highly anticipated successor finally arrives? I recently picked one up to find out, and after putting it through its paces, here are my initial thoughts.
X-Pro2 April 2025
A Look Under the Hood
While nearly a decade old, the X-Pro2 boasts some impressive specifications that continue to be relevant:
Sensor: 24-megapixel X-Trans III CMOS sensor – a sensor with a unique character, as I've come to discover.
Dual SD Card Slots: Offering ample storage and redundancy for peace of mind.
Weather Sealing: Ready to tackle less-than-ideal shooting conditions.
Hybrid OVF/EVF: The crown jewel of this camera, offering both a traditional optical viewfinder and a modern electronic viewfinder. The EVF sports a 2.3 million dot resolution, while the fixed back screen comes in at 1.6 million dots.
Battery: Uses the same NP-W126S battery as many newer Fuji cameras, including the X100VI and X-M5. While officially rated for around 350 shots, my initial testing with a third-party battery and primarily using the optical viewfinder yielded closer to 150 shots. Your mileage may vary!
Lens Pairing: For this initial exploration, I've been using the incredibly versatile 27mm f/2.8 lens, providing a roughly 40mm full-frame equivalent – a fantastic setup for everyday shooting.
X-Pro2 April 2025
The "Pros": What Makes the X-Pro2 Shine in 2025
What truly captivated me about the X-Pro2, and what continues to make it special, boils down to a few key aspects:
The Optical Viewfinder (OVF): A Truly Special Experience. This is the main reason I was drawn to this camera. The ability to see outside the frame lines is transformative. It allows you to anticipate moments, see what's coming into your shot, and feel more connected to the scene. It's a fundamentally different and more engaging shooting experience compared to solely relying on an EVF.
OVF Focus Check Window: A Hidden Gem. When shooting in AFS and Single Point AF mode, the small magnified focus check window that pops up in the OVF is a game-changer. I've found it to be significantly more reliable for confirming focus than just the green focus confirmation box, which can sometimes be difficult to discern within the optical viewfinder.
A Deeper Connection to the Act of Photography. Honestly, using the OVF makes me feel more present and connected with the world around me as I'm shooting. It's less about looking at a digital representation and more about looking through a window onto the world.
Subtle OVF Overlay: Keeping Focus on the Scene. While you can have an overlay displaying your settings in the OVF, its subtle nature keeps the emphasis on what you're actually photographing.
Increased Engagement, More Shots Taken. Interestingly, I found myself taking significantly more photos with the X-Pro2 compared to recent outings with my Sony A7Cii. I attribute this directly to the immersive experience of the optical viewfinder. I was more engaged with what I was seeing, leading to more creative exploration.
X-Pro2 April 2025
The "Cons": Areas Where Age Shows
Of course, no camera is perfect, and the X-Pro2, being a seasoned veteran, does have a few drawbacks compared to more modern offerings:
ISO Control: Unlike some newer Fujifilm bodies like the X-T5, there's no way to map the command dial for ISO. While the dedicated ISO dial on top is fantastic, adjusting ISO via the top dial can feel sluggish at times when you need to act quickly.
EVF Technology: While perfectly usable, the electronic viewfinder isn't the most cutting-edge you'll find in 2025. Technology has progressed, and newer cameras boast higher resolution and refresh rates, offering a more immersive EVF experience.
Lack of IBIS: The X-Pro2 doesn't feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means you'll need to rely on lens stabilization (if your lens has it) or a steady hand, particularly in challenging low-light conditions.
OVF Focus Confirmation Visibility: As mentioned earlier, relying solely on the green focus confirmation box in the OVF can sometimes be difficult to see clearly. The focus check window is essential for accurate focusing in this mode.
The Age Factor: Let's face it, this camera was released in 2016. While my unit is in fantastic condition, there's always a slight concern about potential hardware issues given its age.
X-Pro2 April 2025
The Sensor: A Unique Kind of Magic
Now, let's talk about the images. Wow. There's a certain character, a subtle vintage rendering, to the files produced by the 24-megapixel X-Trans III sensor that I haven't always been able to replicate as seamlessly with other sensors. While I'm sure it's possible to achieve a similar aesthetic with newer sensors and post-processing, it feels more natural and inherent with the X-Trans III.
Comparing images I took with the X-Pro2 to those from my old X-Pro3, using the exact same preset and editing workflow, there's a subtle but definitely noticeable difference. There's just something about this sensor that I find incredibly appealing. But that doesn’t take away from the X-Pro3 as I love that sensor almost as much.
(below: left two X-Pro2 and right two photos X-Pro3)
So, Am I Keeping It?
You probably already know the answer. Absolutely! I love it, and it's definitely staying with me. I might be kicking myself for ever selling my X-Pro3, and honestly, there are quite a few cameras I regret letting go of over the years. But I'm genuinely thrilled to have found this X-Pro2 in such excellent condition.
Until the mythical new X-Pro camera finally makes its grand entrance, I think I've found my spirit camera right here.
