The new Fujifilm X-T2 has better AF and can do UHD 4K video… for 10 minutes. But add a Vertical Power Booster Grip to it and your UHD 4K recording time extends to approximately 30 minutes.
The information on the new camera is available to read on multiple websites, some of which will go deeply into every detail. Here I rather focus on video and the, no pun intended, new focusing system.
When it comes to focus, the Fujifilm X-T2 receives what Fujifilm claims to be “a dramatically improved auto focus system (AF) that increases the overall single AF points to 325, and the number of Zone focusing points to 91 (expanded from 49 in previous models). Approximately 40% of the imaging area (center area containing 49 focusing points) is covered with phase detection auto focus pixels to form a fast and precise phase detection auto focus area that can be used in a variety of scenes.”
The video options available are the already mentioned UHD 4K, meaning you have the option to shoot 3840×2160 30P/25P/24P internally, using a card with the UHS Speed Class 3 or higher. Fujifilm indicate that the camera can film approximately 10 minutes in UHD 4K. The limitations in recording time also extend to Full HD, where you can do 1920×1080 60P/50P/30P/25P/24P with a time limit of 15 minutes. At the resolutions of 1280×720 60P/50P/30P/25P/24P, the Fujifilm X-T2 only limitation is the European legislation regarding camcorders. This means that the 29 minutes 59 seconds recording time is present in HD.
These limitations will, no doubt, result in multiple comments online. There is, though, one interesting aspect. The Fujifilm X-T2 can achieve approximately 30 minutes of UHD 4K recording, with the use of an accessory, the Vertical Power Booster Grip (optional VPB-XT2), a is a dust-resistant grip, rugged and capable of operating at temperatures as low as 14°F that maximizes the performance of the X-T2 beyond expectations. It fits two batteries, bringing the total number of batteries the X-T2 can use to three, including the one in-camera, to increase the maximum number of frames that can be taken per charge to approximately 1,000 (Normal mode). In the Boost mode, multiple batteries can operate at the same time to give a boost to camera performance in continuous shooting, shooting interval, shutter release time lag and blackout time, while also extending the duration of 4K video recording to approximately 30 minutes.
This is an interesting aspect, because usually the limitations in recording time at 4K are associated with heat on the sensor, but here the problem is, it seems, related to the energy supplied to the camera. Fujifilm does not explain, in the information distributed, why the system works this way, but it is an interesting subject to explore further.
The X-T2 houses the latest generation 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III with an APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter, boasting the highest performance in the history of X Series. The new X-T2 produces crisp image resolution comparable to that of cameras equipped with larger sensors and higher pixel counts, all in a more compact and classically-designed body. And it offers the unique Film Simulation Mode.
The new Fujifilm X-T2 (body only) will be available in September 2016 in the U.S. for USD $1,599.95. The X-T2 and XF18-55mm (27-84mm) kit will be available in September 2016 in the U.S. for USD $1,899.95.