Fujifilm XQ2 Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm XQ2 is a new premium compact camera that updates the XQ1, with a new "Classic chrome" film simulation mode, as well as improved image processing. The camera features a 12 megapixel 2/3 inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, fast f/1.8 4x optical zoom lens and full 1080p HD video recording. It is available in black, two-tone silver or white.

Fujifilm XQ2 Features

The Fujifilm XQ2 has a 12 megapixel 2/3 inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, which is a similar type of sensor that is found in the Fujifilm X-Pro1, although much smaller. The Fujifilm XQ2 has a bright f/1.8, 4x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 25-100mm in 35mm terms, with built in optical image stabilisation. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 3cm for macro photography. You can shoot full resolution images at up to 12fps in continuous shooting mode.

There are a number of shooting modes available, including P/A/S/M giving full manual controls. There is also Advanced SR (Scene Recognition) Auto mode, which automatically adjusts the camera settings, detecting from 64 scene types. Advanced mode includes four options, which are Motion Panorama 120/180/360, Multiple Exposure, Pro Low-Light and Pro Focus. For added creativity, the advanced filter mode includes toy camera, miniature, pop colour, high-key, low-key, dynamic rone, soft focus, and partial colour options. The XQ2 also has a number of film simulations, these are Provia / Standard, Velvia / Vivid, Astia / Soft, Classic Chrome, Sepia and Monochrome (+Ye / R / G filter).

Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to transfer your images to a smartphone or tablet using the free Fujifilm Camera Application app, with a button on the rear of the camera designed to make connecting easy. The app will also let you geotag your images. A built-in RAW data converter lets you view and edit your images without the need for your PC, with options to adjust the exposure compensation, film simulation mode, white balance and other in-camera image quality settings. The XQ2 is also compatible with the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-1 instant printer.

Videos are recorded in full HD, 1080p at 60fps and you can also use the Film Simulation modes. There are high speed video modes available, upto 250fps, although these are at a reduced resolution.

Key Features

• 12 megapixel 2/3 inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor
• 4x optical zoom f/1.8-4.9 lens (35mm equiv: 28-100mm)
• Optical image stabilisation
• 3.0 inch 920k LCD screen
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Full 1080p HD video recording
• ISO 100-12800
• 3cm minimum focusing distance
• 360º motion panorama mode
• 12 fps continuous shooting
• Available in two-tone silver, black, or white

Fujifilm XQ2 Handling

The Fujifilm XQ2 has a compact metal body which should easily fit into your pocket or handbag, despite the protruding lens. The front has a slightly textured effect to help grip it, and there is a rubber grip on the rear for your right hand thumb. Around the lens is a control ring, this allows you to adjust certain settings which you can customise to your preferred setting. Options available include zoom, ISO, exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed, film simulation and more.

On the top of the camera is a mode dial, on / off button, zoom rocker and shutter release as well as a button which pops up the small flash. Buttons on the rear of the camera include playback, movie record, display / back and E-Fn. There is also a d-pad with a scroll wheel for cycling through menu options. The d-pad also gives access to macro mode, flash, exposure compensation and self-timer. When you press the E-Fn button, a menu appears on the screen, which gives a second use for the buttons on the rear. Options here include film simulation, focus mode, ISO, white-balance, continuous shooting and focus area. You can also customise what these options are.

Pressing the menu button brings up a screen which has 7 tabs, four of them are for shooting settings and three of them are titled setup. Any options which aren't available for the mode you are in are greyed out. The 3.0 inch screen is bright and colourful and has an excellent 920k dot resolution, with good viewing angles. If you are shooting in bright sunlight, there is a Monitor Sunlight Mode which increases the brightness to make it easier to view.

To access Wi-Fi, you need to enter playback and press the E-Fn / Wi-Fi button. You need to download the Fujiflm Camera Application app from iTunes or the Google Play store before trying to connect to the XQ2's Wi-Fi. Once connected you then need to open the app. You can view and transfer the pictures on the camera, or go into receive mode, which lets you pick images from the camera to send to your smartphone or tablet. You can also use the app to geotag your images.

Battery life is rated at 240 shots according to CIPA test results, which may mean you may struggle to shoot for a whole day, particularly when using the W-Fi frequently. We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

Focusing speeds are quick, but we did find that the camera struggled to focus correctly on occasion, although it was just a case of trying again. All continuous shooting modes record in full resolution.

Fujifilm XQ2 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm XQ2 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Images have very pleasing colour reproduction and are well exposed. Portraits have good skin tones with very little red-eye, and you can use the portrait enhanced mode to take portraits with even softer skin, although it may be a little too much for some subjects. 

Fujifilm XQ2 Lens test images

Lens Performance - Detail is good at both ends of the lens and purple fringing is kept under control in contrasting areas. Detail is good even into the corners of the frame, although focus occassionally struggled. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 3cm at the wide-angle end of the lens, which allows for excellent macro shots.

Fujifilm XQ2 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - Noise is low at ISO100 and remains so at ISO200, and ISO400. At ISO800 a little detail is lost. At ISO1600, images become a little soft and are even softer at ISO3200. At ISO6400, noise impacts significantly on image quality, with significant detail lost. We would recommend avoiding the use of ISO12800, with lots of detail lost, and high levels of noise. ISO6400 and ISO12800 can only be selected when shooting JPEG only, with these options disabled when shooting RAW. 

Fujifilm XQ2 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - The Auto White Balance (AWB) produces an image with a warm orange cast under the incandescent lights, with the incandescent preset performing much better. Under the fluorescent lights, the AWB performs excellently, with the fluorescent preset giving a slight colour cast.

Panoramic | 1/125 sec | f/2.5 | 7.4 mm | ISO 160

Panorama mode - The XQ2 records 120/180 or 360º panoramas, they have good detail and are reasonably well stitched, although there are some issues if you look closely enough, and the resolution is quite low.

Fujifilm XQ2 Digital filters

Digital Filters - Above you'll find a number of examples of the various film simulations and advanced filters available.

Video - Below is a video recorded in full 1080p HD. Quality is good, but the noise of the zoom is picked up and the focus can be slow to adjust when zooming in.

Value For Money

The Fujifilm XQ2 is available for around £300 making it quite good value for money, although we would expect the price to drop over time to match some of the other compact cameras available on the market. Other serious compact cameras include the:

Olympux Stylus XZ-10, 5x optical zoom, £210
Nikon Coolpix P340, 5x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £210
Panasonic Lumix LF1, 7.1x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, EVF, £245
Canon PowerShot S120, 5x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £229
Sony Cybershot RX100 II, 3.6x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £399 
Panasonic Lumix LX7, 3.8x optical zoom, at £295

For more, read our Top 10 serious compacts article. You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm XQ2 Verdict

The Fujifilm XQ2 is a stylish compact camera that will easily fit into your pocket, and deliver better than average image quality compared to other compact cameras. The camera has a bright f/1.8, 5x optical zoom lens, with built in Wi-Fi to allow the transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet. Full manual controls are available, and the camera records raw files, with built in raw editing helping making the camera easier to use. There are a small number of updates compared to the XQ1, and if you can find the XQ1 still available, then it offers excellent value for money. The focus occasionally struggled but image quality is excellent. The 240 shot battery life might be limiting for some, so a spare battery will be worth purchasing. 

	The Fujifilm XQ2 offers excellent image quality, plenty of shooting features and is excellent value for money.

Fujifilm XQ2 Pros

Fast f/1.8 lens
Large sensor for a compact camera
Built-in Wi-Fi
Excellent image quality
Easy access to image settings
High resolution screen
Good value for money

Fujifilm XQ2 Cons

Focusing struggled occasionally
Short battery life
Struggled to shoot 12fps
Zoom noise in videos

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm XQ2 Specifications

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