Get More Latitude with Internal F-Log, Now Available on the X-T2

The Fujifilm X-T2 is a fascinating camera. With a sensor that's between the GH5 and the Sony A7SII in size, it offers a very familiar field of view for filmmakers, with internal film simulation modes appreciated by people working with a tight turnaround. It uses its own X-mount—the GH5 uses MFT, the Sony E.

While many third-party manufacturers support the camera (and appreciate its native glass), it doesn't have the commonality of the E, which is also sported by cameras like the FS7.  But its rugged body and pleasing images have made it popular with both photographers and filmmakers, and walking the halls of Cine-Gear and NAB, you'll see just as many of these units dangling from straps as the other main competitors in the race.

Credit: Fujifilm

The X-T2 is about to become more interesting for filmmakers, with the marquee features of its big brother, the X-H1 (the more video focused platform), coming to the X-T2. With its new Firmware release, internal F-log is now supported. As log capture is one method that camera manufacturers use to squeeze a wider latitude of scenery into a smaller bit depth file size, F-log is Fujifilm's own proprietary log format.

When the X-T2 was originally released, F-log was only available going to an external recorder like an Atomos, and while external recorders are popular, there are instances where you don't want to use one. Maybe you're shooting all of your interviews with an external recorder but have a few shots where you'd like to shoot handheld for an action situation but the recorder adds too much bulk. The ability to capture log internally therefore makes the X-T2 a much more appealing choice of camera. To find this pace of innovation in an already-released camera would typically require an active developer community like Magic Lantern, but here is Fujifilm rolling it out.

Credit: Fujfilm

This is a particularly bold move on the part of Fujifilm, rolling out a key feature of the X-H1 "downstream" into a less expensive camera. Many manufacturers will have hardware that is technically capable of delivering a given feature, choosing to intentionally hold it back to make the higher-end platform more appealing. It's appreciated that Fujfilm isn't doing that here.

If it can be figured out how to put F-log into SD cards sustainably with the X-H1, why not add it to the X-T2 as well? For those who already own the X-T2, this is defnitely appreciated. Of course, the X-H1 still has amazing in-camera image stabilization and a top screen, which, depending on your workflow, will be worth the upgrade.  Be on the lookout for our upcoming X-H1 review in the next few weeks.

Credit: Fujifilm

Pricing begins with the body-only at $1399.

Tech Specs:

• 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
• X-Processor Pro Engine
• 0.77x 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
• 3.0" 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilting LCD Screen
• Internal UHD 4K Video & F-Log Gamma
• Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
• 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
• Up to 8 fps Shooting and ISO 51200
• Weather-Sealed Body; Two UHS-II SD Slots
• Film Simulation and Grain Effect Modes