Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Sony A6700: An In-Depth Comparison for Advanced Mirrorless Users

Selecting the right advanced mirrorless camera demands careful consideration of technical capabilities, operational ergonomics, and usage context. The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Sony A6700 represent two distinct philosophies in camera development, released seven years apart yet targeting enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize image quality, responsiveness, and versatility. Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing and performance evaluation, this detailed comparison illuminates differences and trade-offs for photographers across multiple genres.

Design and Ergonomics: Classic Rangefinder Feel Meets Contemporary Control

Both the X-Pro2 and A6700 adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless design, but they exhibit substantial divergence in physical dimensions, control layout, and interface philosophy.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2: Measuring 141×83×56 mm and weighing 495 g, the X-Pro2 exudes a robust, retro aesthetic reminiscent of film cameras, with dedicated mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation - ideal for photographers who favor tactile feedback and direct manual adjustments. Despite its fixed 3-inch, non-touch LCD, the hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder provides a unique shooting experience combining classic optical framing with modern EVF capabilities (2360 px resolution, 0.6x magnification) covering 92% of the frame.

• Sony A6700: More compact at 122×69×75 mm and slightly lighter at 493 g, it embraces contemporary ergonomics with a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen (1040 px resolution). The control layout leans toward menu-driven interaction, supplemented by the high-coverage electronic viewfinder (2359 px, 0.71x magnification) that covers 100% of the frame, beneficial for precise framing and post-crop composition. The articulating screen enhances versatility especially for video and unconventional angles.

Neither camera incorporates weather sealing to the professional ruggedness level but both offer environmental sealing to resist dust and moisture infiltration, making them dependable in varied shooting conditions.

Sensor & Image Quality: APS-C Sensors with Contrasting Architectures

Both cameras deploy APS-C sized sensors with a near-identical active sensor area (Fujifilm: 23.6×15.6 mm; Sony: 23.5×15.6 mm), but underlying sensor technologies and processing pipelines produce distinct imaging signatures.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 features a 24.3 MP X-Trans III CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter. The proprietary X-Trans sensor arrangement employs a randomized color filter array, reducing moiré without the softening effect of optical low-pass filters, resulting in notably sharp images with excellent micro-contrast. Its EXR Processor III manages image rendering and noise reduction efficiently up to a native ISO ceiling of 12,800 (boosted to 51,200). However, the base ISO sits at 200, slightly limiting shadow recovery compared to Sony.

• Sony A6700 incorporates a 26 MP BSI CMOS sensor, featuring a traditional Bayer pattern with an anti-aliasing filter. Sony's backside illumination design enhances light-gathering efficiency, granting superior high ISO performance and dynamic range, especially in shadow detail recovery. The sensor supports a broad native ISO range starting from 100 up to 32,000 (expandable to 102,400). The advance in sensor technology and processing delivers consistent image quality improvements in noise control and color fidelity, particularly in challenging lighting.

Importantly, Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor produces distinct color rendition favored by many portrait and street photographers for its organic tonal quality, whereas Sony’s sensor excels in clean, clinically precise output with excellent exposure latitude.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Precision and Tracking Capabilities

Accurate and responsive autofocus (AF) performance remains critical for dynamic photography disciplines. Here, Sony’s modern AF system gains a significant advantage despite the X-Pro2's respectable capabilities for its era.

• Sony A6700 sports a sophisticated hybrid AF system with 759 focus points that cover the majority of the frame. Its real-time eye and animal eye AF tracking are highly effective, offering rapid detection and continuous tracking ideal for wildlife, sports, and fast-moving subjects. Eye AF performance at video frame rates further establishes it as a go-to camera for hybrid shooters.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 utilizes a hybrid AF system with 273 focus points combining contrast and phase detection, sufficient for static subjects and moderate motion. Face detection is present, yet eye AF technology is less refined, lacking dedicated animal eye AF, which introduces challenges in unpredictable subject movement. Reporting from extensive testing confirms the system's slower acquisition speed and less reliable continuous tracking when compared to Sony.

Both cameras perform well under well-lit conditions; the Sony’s superior low-light autofocus capability enables faster and more accurate focusing in dim environments, where the X-Pro2 sometimes falters.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Depth: Burst Rates for Action Photography

For photographers focusing on wildlife, sports, or fast-action sequences, burst shooting speed and buffer sustainability are paramount.

• Sony A6700 offers an 11 fps continuous shooting rate with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking, supported by a fairly deep buffer. The maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s and electronic shutter extend the capability to 1/8000s (silent shutter). In practical terms, this supports capturing rapid sequences with minimal artifacts and no blackout during action.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 provides 8 fps with continuous AF, a respectable figure at launch but now trailing modern competitors. The mechanical shutter maxes out at 1/8000s, but the electronic shutter maxes out at an impressive 1/32000s for ultra fast shuttering - useful in bright conditions or to freeze extremely rapid motion silently, though with potential rolling shutter effects on fast moving subjects.

The A6700’s increased fps and advanced AF tracking better serve photographers requiring steady capture of complex scenes with minimal missed frames.

Handling and User Interface: Balancing Mechanical Controls and Touchscreen Usability

User interaction influences shooting experience over long sessions and under varying field conditions.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 appeals to traditionalists valuing physical dials for quick ISO, shutter, and exposure compensation settings without menu diving. This reduces distraction and elevates manual control confidence. The lack of a touchscreen restricts in-camera focusing flexibility, obliging reliance on focus ring and button navigation. The hybrid OVF/EVF viewing system is a signature feature for hybrid analog-digital framing preference.

• Sony A6700 incorporates a touchscreen LCD with full articulation, enhancing focus point selection, menu navigation, and live-view framing flexibility, especially crucial for vloggers and macro shooters. The menus are complex but customizable, with assignable buttons, although pure mechanical dials are minimal compared to Fujifilm.

Firmware implementations in both cameras are critical for day-to-day efficiency - Sony’s touchscreen and customizable control schemes offer superior adaptability, accommodating diverse shooting styles.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Access to Optics

The choice of lenses profoundly influences creative possibilities.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2, utilizing the Fujifilm X mount, enjoys a well-curated selection of 54 native lenses designed with an emphasis on optical quality, expansive apertures, and classic focal lengths appealing to street, portrait, and landscape photographers. Prime lenses are celebrated for their sharpness and character, with the APS-C multiplier of 1.5x influencing focal length equivalence.

• Sony A6700, with the Sony E mount, benefits from a far larger lens ecosystem amounting to over 190 lenses from Sony and numerous third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. This vast range includes affordable primes, high-end G Master optics, super-telephoto zooms, and macro lenses, offering versatility for every photographic discipline and budget.

While Fujifilm lenses are often praised for build quality and unique color science synergy, Sony’s breadth significantly outstrips in terms of variety and innovation.

Video Functionality: Hybrid Shooters Take Note

Video recording specifications differ markedly, reflecting respective release periods and target users.

• Sony A6700 supports 4K UHD at 120p with 10-bit internal recording (XAVC HS codec, H.265), facilitating slow-motion capture with excellent dynamic range and color depth for professional video applications. Inclusion of 5-axis in-body stabilization, microphone and headphone jacks, and a fully articulating touchscreen greatly improve shooting ergonomics and audio monitoring, crucial for serious videographers.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 provides 4K UHD at 30p with 8-bit 4:2:0 from an H.264 codebase, adequate for casual video but lacking advanced codec support and frame rate options. No in-body stabilization necessitates stabilized lenses or gimbal use for smooth footage. Audio support extends to microphone input but no headphone monitoring port exists.

Given the A6700’s advanced video toolkit, video-centric content creators are better served by Sony’s contemporary hybrid approach.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Endurance and Flexibility

Long shooting sessions benefit from extended battery life and versatile storage.

• Sony A6700 enjoys a substantial edge with a battery rated for approximately 570 shots per charge, slightly surpassing previous A6600 models. It employs the NP-FZ1000 battery, which is widely praised for longevity. Storage includes a single slot accommodating SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 uses an NP-W126 battery, delivering about 350 shots per charge - adequate but limiting for extended outings without spares. It compensates with dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots for overflow or backup shooting, an advantage for professional workflows requiring redundancy.

For travel or event shooting, Sony’s longer battery life reduces downtime, though Fujifilm’s dual slots provide peace of mind with potential data loss mitigation.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Our evaluations span critical use cases to guide readers in matching camera capabilities to their preferred disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm X-Pro2: Exceptional for skin tone reproduction due to film emulation profiles and X-Trans sensor color science. Medium telephoto primes deliver creamy bokeh; however, eye detection AF is absent, introducing manual focusing challenges in fast-paced portraiture.

• Sony A6700: Advanced eye and animal eye AF, combined with superior autofocus precision, enhance portrait accuracy and speed. Slightly cleaner image output suited for post-processing versatility.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm’s absence of anti-aliasing filter and robust dynamic range yield extremely sharp images with immersive tonal gradations. Weather sealing supports outdoor use, though sensor resolution is slightly lower.

• Sony’s higher resolution sensor and increased ISO latitude grant improved flexibility in varying light intensities, though less character than Fujifilm film simulations.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Sony’s higher burst rate and advanced AF tracking outperform Fujifilm’s aging focusing system for fast subjects. Electronic shutter speed caps and blackout-free tracking allow more decisive frame capture.

• Fujifilm can perform adequately in less demanding action scenarios but generally falls short for professional sports and unpredictable wildlife engagement.

Street and Travel Photography

• X-Pro2’s compact but substantial build with an optical viewfinder appeals to traditionalists seeking discretion and quick, silent shooting with leaf shutter lenses.

• Sony’s smaller footprint and articulating touchscreen better suit travel vloggers and photographers requiring low-light performance and flexibility.

Macro Photography

• Sony’s touchscreen and sensor stabilization implementation (5-axis IBIS) provide an advantage in precise focusing and handheld macro shooting.

• X-Pro2 lacks sensor stabilization, necessitating tripod support and stopping relying on lens stabilization where available.

Night / Astro Photography

• Sony’s superior noise performance at extremely high ISO, coupled with articulating screen aiding in awkward angles, suits astrophotography.

• Fujifilm’s base ISO of 200 limits pure shadow detail recovery but offers excellent long exposure control.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Fujifilm’s dual card slots and refined manual controls cater to workflow stability.

• Sony offers faster USB connectivity (USB 3.2 Gen 2) for rapid tethering and file transfer, with wider third-party software support linked to prolific E-mount adoption.

Fujifilm X Pro2 front Fujifilm X Pro2 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

Pricing and Value Proposition

Retail prices at launch set the Fujifilm X-Pro2 around $1700 and Sony A6700 near $1400.

• Fujifilm X-Pro2 commands a premium for its build quality, hybrid viewfinder unique to the X-series, and signature image rendering but may seem dated in autofocus and video capabilities.

• Sony A6700 offers a more balanced specification sheet for the price, including modern autofocus, improved battery life, video prowess, and a broader lens lineup.

Value assessment should consider photographic priorities rather than raw feature lists: Fujifilm’s tactile appeal versus Sony’s technical versatility.

Summary Ratings and Genre-Specific Performance

Final Recommendations: Choosing Based on Priorities

• For Photographic Enthusiasts Embracing Manual Control & Classic Aesthetic:
  The Fujifilm X-Pro2 rewards those who prioritize image “look,” tactile dials, and hybrid OVF experience. It excels in landscapes, portraits, and street photography where deliberate shooting with manual control is preferred over tracking speed. Its durable build and dual cards support semi-professional needs but lack modern video capabilities.

• For Hybrid Shooters and Action-Oriented Photographers:
  The Sony A6700 is the more versatile, future-proof choice. It delivers faster autofocus, superior tracking, extended battery life, and cutting-edge video features. Its broad lens ecosystem promotes creativity across wildlife, sports, video, and macro genres. This camera suits professionals requiring reliable autofocus under pressure and creators needing robust video output.

• Budget and Upgrade Considerations:
  Despite its age, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 remains a compelling option where stylistic image quality and manual handling exceed autofocus sophistication. Conversely, the Sony A6700 reflects the advantage of current sensor and processing technologies available at a competitive price point.

Testing Methodology Note

The evaluations referenced derive from comprehensive side-by-side field testing under controlled indoor and outdoor scenarios, including sRGB color space reproduction tests, dynamic range charts using stepwedge exposures, autofocus latency measured in milliseconds via high-speed frame capture, and burst buffer clearing times under constant JPEG+RAW shooting modes. Subjective assessments of handling factored in extended handheld shooting trials simulating varying weather and lighting conditions common to street, travel, and landscape photographers.

This head-to-head comparison provides actionable insight for serious photographers evaluating these advanced APS-C mirrorless cameras rooted in different eras and philosophies. Choice hinges fundamentally on individual workflow preferences and primary photographic subjects, reinforced by technical strengths spanning image capture, ergonomics, autofocus, and video production capabilities.