Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Fujifilm X100V: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing your next camera is never just about specs on paper. Having spent years testing hundreds of mirrorless and compact cameras across varied real-world conditions, I always tell my fellow photographers to look deeper at how those specs translate into actual shooting experience. Today, we’re pitting two iconic Fujifilm models against one another: the advanced mirrorless X-Pro2 versus the signature large sensor compact X100V.

Both hail from Fujifilm’s X-series lineup but serve rather different roles despite sharing a similar APS-C sensor heritage. I’ve spent weeks shooting both extensively, covering portraits, landscapes, street snaps, wildlife, and video. Below, I unpack what you gain - and give up - with each, helping you find the right fit whether you’re a seasoned pro, a weekend warrior, or a dedicated enthusiast on a budget.

Sizing and Handling: X-Pro2’s Bulk vs X100V’s Sleek Simplicity

Taking the Cameras in Hand: Size and Ergonomics

Let’s start with something tactile - how these cameras feel perched in your hands. The X-Pro2 is the muscle car of the pair: a rangefinder-style mirrorless with a robust magnesium alloy body, measuring 141mm x 83mm x 56mm and tipping the scales at about 495 grams without a lens. Its grip profile is purposefully designed for extended handheld shooting, with plenty of clubs for thumbs and fingers alike. It also boasts weather sealing, a feature tough to sneeze at for outdoor shooters prone to muddy or damp excursions.

The X100V, by contrast, is a large sensor compact - small, streamlined, weighing just 478 grams, and smaller all around at 128mm x 75mm x 53mm. It fits easily into a jacket pocket or small bag, screaming portability. It still has Fujifilm’s trademark solid build and environmental sealing (finally including protection for the lens), but with form factor prioritizing discretion and ease. It’s perfect for photographers tired of lugging around heavier kit.

If you prize ergonomic control and don’t mind a bit of bulk, the X-Pro2 wins hands down. But if you want a compact daily driver that hides in plain sight without sacrificing image quality, the X100V is the nimble ninja.

Control Layout: Classic Dials vs Streamlined Buttons

Controls and User Interface: The Feel of Command and FM Radio Clubs

Both cameras boast classic Fujifilm tactile dials, but each with a unique flavor. The X-Pro2 confesses heritage with dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation - all flanked by a shutter button that feels like a club for your index finger. Its rangefinder-style hybrid viewfinder toggles mechanically between an optical view and an electronic overlay, a unique blend that appeals if you cherish frame composition with the possibility of live exposure previews.

The X100V sports a simpler control scheme, with some dials retained but less intimidating overall. Its screen is a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen (welcome!), whereas the X-Pro2’s is a fixed 3-inch panel without touch. The X100V’s viewfinder boasts a higher resolution (3690 dots vs X-Pro2’s 2360) and greater coverage (95% vs 92%), ensuring a slightly crisper preview.

Though the X100V trades some physical dials for digital convenience, it doesn’t feel watered down - just more modern and clean. The X-Pro2 targets enthusiasts who like the reassurance of discrete, high-tactility dials and hybrid viewfinder options.

Whether you prefer fingertip dials or touch responsiveness depends on your workflow, but ergonomics favor the X-Pro2 for heavy-duty shooting and the X100V for casual portability.

Imaging Core: APS-C Sensors, X-Trans vs BSI CMOS

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras pack APS-C sensors with no anti-aliasing filters, boosting sharpness:

• X-Pro2: 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor (size 23.6x15.6 mm)
• X100V: 26.1MP BSI-CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6 mm)

The X-Pro2’s unique X-Trans sensor arranges pixels in a randomized pattern, reducing moiré without a low-pass filter. The X100V switches to a more conventional but backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, giving it better noise performance and dynamic range, as well as faster readout speeds.

In my real-world tests, the X100V edges ahead in image sharpness and noise handling, especially at ISO 1600 and above. Colors render beautifully on both cameras thanks to Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations, but the X100V’s sensor/processor combo provides slightly cleaner JPGs straight out of the camera under challenging light.

However, the X-Pro2’s color rendition can feel more organic, with a distinctive “filmic” warmth especially when shooting RAW and processing later. If you like to push your files in post, the X-Pro2 offers a canvas worth working with - plus compatibility with Fujifilm’s rich lens ecosystem.

Displays and Viewfinders: Touch vs Fixed, OLED Sharpness

LCD and Electronic Viewfinder: Visibility Matters

The X-Pro2’s fixed LCD is uninspiring by today’s standards - non-touch, 1.62 million dots, and reflective. Its hybrid OVF/EVF is a rare joy for rangefinder lovers, letting you opt for real optical framing with electronic data overlays or full EVF mode.

The X100V’s modern tilting touchscreen (also 1.62 million dots) lets you select focus points effortlessly and review images with finger swipes. Its EVF, at 3.69 million dots, dazzles with clarity and smooth refresh rates, crucial for fast-moving subjects and vloggers alike.

For video and fast autofocus adjustment, the X100V’s tilting touchscreen is a godsend. But if you’re dedicated to manual zones and rangefinder nostalgia, the X-Pro2’s viewfinder charms with its analog-meets-digital interface.

Real-World Photography: How They Perform in the Field

Portraits: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Both cameras are adept for portraiture if paired with the right lenses:

• X-Pro2 couples with Fujifilm’s premium X-mount lenses (54 available) including the stellar XF56mm f/1.2, which produces creamy, three-dimensional bokeh and exquisite eye-focus precision.
• X100V, with its fixed 35mm f/2 lens, offers a classic portrait focal length when you crop slightly. Its relatively fast aperture and latest focusing tech deliver surprisingly sharp eye detection and face tracking, but bokeh is more restrained compared to a 56mm f/1.2 prime.

Neither camera has real-time animal eye AF, so portraits of pets demand patience. For skin tones, both excel at natural radiance, thanks to Fujifilm’s film simulations like Provia or Astia.

Winner: X-Pro2 if you want versatility and portrait telephoto options; X100V for casual portraits and street-style environmental shots.

Landscapes: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Durability

When setting out for sweeping vistas and long hikes, durability and sensor specs matter:

• The X-Pro2’s larger, weather-sealed body holds an edge against grit and moisture, essential for rough outdoor shoots.
• Both cameras capture fine detail (X100V slightly higher resolution), but I found the X100V’s BSI sensor pulls slightly more shadow detail in RAW files, a bonus in tricky lighting.
• The X-Pro2’s range of lenses also lets you pick ultra-wide options perfect for epic landscapes.

If you’re a die-hard landscape shooter who needs full lens versatility and ruggedness, the X-Pro2’s setup will reward you.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rates

Here’s where the two diverge most sharply:

• The X-Pro2’s 8 fps continuous shooting, coupled with 273 focus points (phase-detect + contrast), is decent but not the fastest in the game.
• The X100V boosts burst to 11 fps, and its 425 focus points with improved phase detection sensors yield snappier autofocus tracking.
• Neither camera is designed primarily as wild animal or sports shooters - they lack exotic telephoto lenses or in-body stabilization - but the X100V’s compactness and faster AF may win for street sports or casual wildlife snaps.

Neither replaces a pro sports camera, but if you want to try action shots casually, the X100V’s higher frame rate helps capture fleeting moments.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Convenience

In the streets or on the go, size, noise, and speed count:

• The X100V, especially with silent electronic shutter (up to 1/32000s), is discreet and near-silent - ideal for street candid shots.
• Its fixed lens reduces fuss while still giving a versatile 35mm frame.
• X-Pro2 is louder, bigger, and more obvious, which could be a downside for street photographers who prize subtlety.

For travel enthusiasts craving light yet high-performance gear, the X100V combines portability (see the size comparison image) with excellent battery life (approx. 420 shots vs X-Pro2’s 350).

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, lacking dedicated macro lenses or significant sensor-shift stabilization.

For night and astrophotography, the X100V’s newer BSI sensor excels in low noise at high ISO, and it offers longer electronic shutter options. Both have interval timers for timelapse. The X-Pro2 jumps in shutter speed up to 1/32000s electronically but with more noise at base.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Handling

Both cameras support up to 4K UHD video:

• X-Pro2 records 3840x2160 at 30p, while the X100V extends this to 4096x2160 DCI 4K at 30p with higher bitrate - slightly better quality.
• Neither camera has in-body stabilization, so lens choice and good gimbals become crucial.
• Both have microphone inputs but lack headphone jacks.

For video content creators, the X100V’s touchscreen and updated processor add convenience and better autofocus during recording.

Fujifilm X Pro2 front Fujifilm X Pro2 screen back Fujifilm X100V front Fujifilm X100V screen back

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Both share environmental sealing - a definite plus for outdoor shooting - but the X-Pro2’s bulkier build is arguably tougher for sustained rugged use. Neither is waterproof or shockproof.

Battery life favors the X100V slightly due to its more efficient processor and single card slot, while the X-Pro2’s dual UHS-II SD slots cater to professionals who want backup or extended storage - critical for day-long jobs.

Connectivity and Storage Options

• X-Pro2 uses USB 2.0 - a downside for those who value speedy tethering or quick file offload.
• X100V upgrades to USB 3.1 Gen1, making transfers snappier.
• Both have built-in WiFi; the X100V adds Bluetooth, handy for quick pairing with phones and Fujifilm’s app.
• Storage differs: X-Pro2 has dual SD slots with UHS-II in slot 1; X100V has a single UHS-I compatible slot.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

Street price at launch:

• X-Pro2: Roughly $1700 (body only)
• X100V: Approximately $1400 (fixed lens)

The X-Pro2’s lens ecosystem demands additional investment but opens up creative freedom. The X100V’s fixed lens includes the lens in the price - not trivial value for beginners or minimalists.

If you’re a cheapskate (like me sometimes), the X100V offers excellent image quality and features in a neat, affordable package. But if you want a workhorse body with broad lens compatibility and greater manual controls, the X-Pro2 justifies its higher price.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If you want a high-performance system camera with broad lens options, enjoy shooting manual controls, and value a rugged body capable of serious photojournalism or pro assignments, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 remains a solid, timeless classic. It's especially enticing if you already own or plan to grow into the tremendous Fujifilm XF lens family.

If you crave ultimate portability, exceptional image quality in a truly pocketable form, modern autofocus, video upgrades, and prefer a minimal kit without fussing over lenses, the Fujifilm X100V is a powerhouse large sensor compact that punches far above its weight. It’s stellar for street photography, travel, casual portraits, and content creators needing a versatile, stylish daily carry.

A Final Thought

Having tested both extensively, I’d say they’re complementary rather than rivals. The choice boils down to your shooting style, flexibility needs, and budget. If you can own both, they cover almost every photography genre excellently. But if you must commit to one - think about your priorities: extensive manual controls and lens selection (X-Pro2), or pocketable power with modern conveniences (X100V).

For many enthusiasts and pros, the X100V’s modern updates and streamlined design make it the smarter, more joyful daily shooter. But for aficionados who savor every dial twist and lens swap, the X-Pro2 still holds court.

Happy shooting! And if you want me to test other models or lenses, just shout.