Fujifilm XQ2 premium compact camera officially unveiled

Fujifilm has put an end to all rumors by introducing the XQ2 “premium X-series camera” as a replacement for the compact and lightweight XQ1.

The tiniest camera of the X-series line-up has just been announced by Fujifilm. It is called XQ2 and has been a part of the rumor mill during the past few weeks. The compact shooter is now official, albeit photographers will struggle to find any differences between the new version and the old one, except for the addition of the Classic Chrome film simulation mode.

Fujifilm XQ2 features a 12-megapixel X-Trans CMOS II image sensor, just like the XQ1.

Fujifilm XQ2 announced as a new camera that is not so different from its predecessor

Fujifilm may have replaced the XQ1 with the XQ2, but some would say that adding a Classic Chrome film simulation mode is not that big of a change to warrant a successor.

Inside the Fujifilm XQ2, users will find the same 12-megapixel 2/3-inch-type X-Trans CMOS II image sensor as the one found in the XQ1.

Moreover, the compact camera is powered by the same EXR II image processor and employs the same autofocus system, offering an AF speed of just 0.06 seconds.

The similarities continue with the 3-inch 920K-dot LCD screen with Focus Peak Highlight mode and the lack of a viewfinder. The shutter lag is still 0.015 seconds, the shooting interval stands at the same 0.3 seconds, while the boot time stands at one second.

Fujifilm XQ2 employs a 25-100mm lens and a 3-inch LCD screen, just like the XQ1.

Fuji’s smallest X-series camera still offers WiFi and a 25-100mm zoom lens

The remainder of the specs list includes a similar 4x optical zoom lens with a 35mm focal length equivalent of 25-100mm with a maximum aperture that stands at f/1.8-4.9.

Fujifilm XQ2 offers Lens Modulation Optimizer technology, which amends diffraction and other optical flaws.

This compact camera still comes with built-in WiFi, which means that users will be able to control the XQ2 remotely and to transfer files to a mobile device with ease.

The device offers a built-in flash, an ISO range between 100 and 12800, full HD video recording at 60fps, RAW shooting with in-camera RAW converting, multiple filters and effects for creative photographers.

Fujifilm XQ2’s only change from the XQ1 is the addition of the Classic Chrome film simulation mode.

Classic Chrome film simulation mode is possibly the only addition to the Fujifilm XQ2

“What is new?” you may ask. Well, the answer to that is the aforementioned Classic Chrome mode. The launch price could also be different, as Fuji says that the XQ2 will be released in February 2015 for $399.95, while the XQ1 has been launched at a price of $499.99.

However, the compact camera is available for pre-order at Amazon for $499.95, so it is very likely that some mistakes have slipped in the company’s slew of press releases.

We invite you to stay tuned until Fuji sorts things out and we will find out the real price of the “new” XQ2!