Fujifilm XQ2 First Impressions Review

Unfortunately, the company's strong suit hasn't always been in the point-and-shoot segment. While the X30 was a pretty solid camera, other cameras in the lineup are rather stale. Fuji's hoping to change that with the faster XQ2 (MSRP $399.95). It's easier to use than past Fujifilm point-and-shoot cameras, and it looks like an affordably priced option for those who like to keep it simple.

Design & Usability

Small, sleek, pocketable

With a camera of this class, there are really two things we're looking for. First, we want it to be approachable, with as few controls as possible. Second, we really love to see a camera that is as compact as can be, making it trivial to slip into a pocket or bag.

The model citizen in this class is the great Canon PowerShot S120, which gives users enough control, while collapsing in on itself to fit anywhere. Fujifilm has done a great job making the XQ2 about as compact: It features a tight rear control cluster, a mode dial up top, and a zoom switch surrounding the shutter button.

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Thankfully, Fujifilm learned an important lesson with its first attempt at an X-type point-and-shoot. The XF1 had a convoluted opening mechanism that involved pulling and turning the lens in a special sequence, and it was very confusing. The XQ2 turns on quickly with a simple button press, no secret handshake required.

The XQ2 is surprisingly light for a camera with its specifications, and we were generally pleased by its construction. Perhaps our favorite feature is the control ring around the lens, which turns smoothly without much wobble. The overall construction feels sufficiently durable, and the camera's mostly metal build feels great in our hands.

Features

Between 1-inch and 1/1.7

Fujifilm did something really interesting with the XQ2: It pretty much built the camera around the sensor at the heart of the X30 advanced compact. At 2/3-inches, this sensor is bigger than some of the competition. That means it's smaller than Sony's formidable 1-inch sensors, but way bigger than the Canon 1/1.7-inch unit. Moreover, this sensor is an X-Trans sensor, which interprets colors differently than your garden variety CMOS sensor.

The 4x optical zoom lens is also surprisingly bright, with an f/1.4 max aperture at full wide. In our experience with the X20 and X30, that should be fast enough to get you halfway decent subject separation.

Our impressions of the XQ2 were generally positive, although our time using it was brief. Autofocus speed was impressive, and the camera spent little time hunting for subjects, as long as they were far enough away. If your subject is closer, there's a macro mode that will limit the primary focusing range so the XQ2 can lock onto objects as close as 1.1 inches away.

Finally, you'd expect the XQ2 to include WiFi, and you'd be right. Using the aptly-named Fujifilm Camera Application, you can quickly share photos straight from your camera. You can also print wirelessly from the XQ2 onto Instax instant film using the Instax Share SP-1 printer, which is pretty awesome if you ask us.

Conclusion

Nicely priced to fend off the PowerShot S

The advanced point-and-shoot market is shrinking, thanks to the explosive growth and competing performance of smartphones, and we were surprised to see Fujifilm push another option out there. But someone's gotta stick it to the man, and the XQ2 may be the right camera to teach Canon not to rest on its laurels.

We came away impressed with the XQ2 after checking it out, and we hope to get it into our labs soon. From its high-quality build, to its clean design, to its impressive imaging specs, we think this is a point-and-shoot worth considering if you're in the market.

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