Fujifilm XQ2 Comparison Review
The Fujifilm XQ2 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in January 2015 and is equipped with a 2/3 sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.
Is the Fujifilm XQ2 a good camera? The XQ2 has a Camera Elo of 1721. This rating puts the XQ2 below average of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the XQ2 ranks among the top 50 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 3-star performance rating.
Fujifilm XQ2 |
---|
Fixed lens compact camera |
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 |
12 MP, Two Thirds Sensor |
1080/60p Video |
ISO 100 - 12 800 |
no viewfinder, LCD framing |
3.0 LCD, 920k dots |
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
12 shutter flaps per second |
240 shots per battery charge |
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Fujifilm XQ2 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Fujifilm XQ2 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ2 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 33 mm | 206 g | 240 | n | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon S120 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 29 mm | 217 g | 230 | n | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X70 | 113 mm | 64 mm | 44 mm | 340 g | 330 | n | Jan 2016 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 339 g | 410 | n | Aug 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 40 mm | 331 g | 410 | n | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 119 mm | 72 mm | 60 mm | 423 g | 470 | n | Aug 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X20 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 353 g | 270 | n | Jan 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 100 mm | 59 mm | 33 mm | 206 g | 240 | n | Oct 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X10 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 350 g | 270 | n | Sep 2011 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony HX80 | 102 mm | 58 mm | 36 mm | 245 g | 390 | n | Mar 2016 | 349 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony HX90V | 102 mm | 58 mm | 36 mm | 245 g | 360 | n | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Fujifilm XQ2 was launched in the US market at a price of $399. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Fujifilm XQ2 features a 2/3 sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 3.9. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Fujifilm XQ2 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ2 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.5 | 11.2 | -275 | 49 | |
2. | Canon S120 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.9 | 246 | 56 | |
3. | Fujifilm X70 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/60p | 23.7 | 13.0 | 1608 | 80 | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.8 | 13.1 | 1664 | 81 | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.9 | 13.2 | 1691 | 81 | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.4 | 11.2 | -312 | 49 | |
7. | Fujifilm X20 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 10.9 | -462 | 46 | |
8. | Fujifilm XQ1 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.3 | 11.0 | -390 | 47 | |
9. | Fujifilm X10 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/30p | 20.5 | 11.3 | 245 | 50 | |
10. | Sony HX80 | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 1080/60p | 20.4 | 11.8 | 822 | 48 | |
11. | Sony HX90V | 1/2.3 | 18.0 | 4896 | 3672 | 1080/60p | 20.2 | 11.6 | 738 | 47 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The XQ2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the XQ2 can use is 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm XQ2 and comparable cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ2 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
2. | Canon S120 | none | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 12.1/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Fujifilm X70 | optional | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Fujifilm X20 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
8. | Fujifilm XQ1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Fujifilm X10 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
10. | Sony HX80 | 638 | n | 3.0 / 922 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
11. | Sony HX90V | 638 | n | 3.0 / 921 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One convenient feature of the XQ2 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm XQ2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ2 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
2. | Canon S120 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Fujifilm X70 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Fujifilm X20 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Fujifilm XQ1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Fujifilm X10 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Sony HX80 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
11. | Sony HX90V | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - |
It is notable that the XQ2 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
The XQ2 has a zoom lens built in (6.4-25.6mm f/1.8-4.9), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 100mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.
Further information on the features and operation of the XQ2 can be found in the free online Fujifilm XQ2 Manual or on the Fujifilm support site.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the XQ2 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Fujifilm XQ2 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Jan 2015 | 399 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon S120 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 449 | ebay.com | |
3. | Fujifilm X70 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2016 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-A3 | .. | .. | .. | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
5. | Fujifilm X-A10 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Dec 2016 | 399 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X30 | 4/5 | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2014 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Fujifilm X20 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
8. | Fujifilm XQ1 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Fujifilm X10 | .. | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2011 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Sony HX80 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Mar 2016 | 349 | ebay.com | |
11. | Sony HX90V | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2015 | 429 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Fujifilm XQ2 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the XQ2.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the Fujifilm XQ2 based on?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Fujifilm XQ2?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.
Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Fujifilm XQ2?
The XQ2 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.
Does the Fujifilm XQ2 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
Does the Fujifilm XQ2 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the Fujifilm XQ2 use?
The camera gets its power from the NP-48, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon G15 vs Fujifilm XQ2
- Fujifilm X-E4 vs Fujifilm XQ2
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Leica D-LUX Typ 109
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Leica S Typ 006
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Nikon B600
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Nikon D1H
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Olympus E-M10 III
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Panasonic FZ82
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Pentax Q
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Ricoh GR IIIx
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Samsung NX1
- Fujifilm XQ2 vs Sony RX100 VII
Camera Model | Fujifilm XQ2 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | |
Camera Lens | 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 | |
Launch Date | January 2015 | |
Launch Price | USD 399 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | Two Thirds Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 8.8 x 6.6 mm | |
Sensor Area | 58 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 11 mm | |
Crop Factor | 3.9x | |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 000 x 3 000 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 2.20 μm | |
Pixel Density | 20.66 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | no AA filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12 800 ISO | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | No viewfinder | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 920k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 12 shutter flaps/s | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | UHS-I | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | no Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | NP-48 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 240 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
100 x 59 x 33 mm (3.9 x 2.3 x 1.3 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 206 g (7.3 oz) |
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