Why I sold my Fuji X-Pro2
Many, many, many people followed my journey into making the Anti-Chimper to bring our X-Pro2 into the next dimension (aka Fuji X-Pro4).
I might have been one of the few that actually care about the Pro in the X-Pro part of the equation. But who wants that nowadays?
I bought a Fuji X-H1 a few months ago and I’ve been so impressed with it. The X-trans sensor was actually better than the X-Pro2, despite being the same on paper. The video mode was light years away.
Fact is, I am about to spend the next decade travelling the world. I cannot bring with me too many cameras! I already have a drone, a Canon 1D Mark IV, a Canon QL19, a Nikon F5, a Fuji XE1 (best sensor ever) and a X-H1. My sister has a 7D Mark II and a gopro. We are at the limit of what is “normal” to bring in a country.
I already had problem crossing borders with too many camera gear (South America), so i don’t want this to be a problem.
The Fuji X-Pro2 is the ultimate travel photographer camera, if you are not 1) looking to attach long lens 2) looking to do video 3) care about poor battery life. I care about the last three points. I already have a “burner” (camera that I don’t care if I get stolen while walking in some poorer hoods) Fuji: The XE1 only cost me $150USD last year in Singapore.
The X-H1 is simply better than the X-Pro2 in terms of autofocus and noise control. The video quality is also insanely better. Not even in the same league. First episode shot on X-H1.
I will miss the X-Pro2. I’ll get it again one day if I loose one of my camera.
XE1: I bring it for the sensor;
1D Mark: to attach my 300mm f/2.8 to it
X-H1: main filming camera
7D Mark II: back-up filming camera
GoPro: extra camera
Nikon F5: film camera
Canon Ql19: cute film camera/burner street camera.
I could not find a”unique” purpose for the X-Pro2! Side note: Those who get the X-Pro3 will find their cameras to be even more niche. I could have used my Ronin SC gimbal with a X-Pro2 and get great 4k video: the X-Pro3? Nope. Impossible.
I used to not care about video capabilities: now I do. The X-Pro2 isn’t good enough. I used to not have the X-H1: now I do, and it blows away the X-Pro2 in terms of control and functionality. I will miss the OVF, but I got the QL19 and Nikon F5 for that.
The IBIS on the X-H1, combined with great weather-sealing, better HIGH ISO than the X-Pro2 and better autofocus, made the X-Pro2 obsolete for my need. I cannot have too many cameras. One had to go, and sadly it was one of my all time favourite camera. But just like life, it comes and goes.