I bought the Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera, nearly 3-years-ago, along with the Fujinon 23mm f 1.4 lens. It was my introduction to mirrorless cameras and the reduced weight that comes with such systems.

Shedding the weight of my full-frame DSLR gear was the main attraction, but, as illustrated in my initial review of the X-Pro2, I was impressed by picture quality from the (smaller) APS-C 16M “X-Trans CMOS” sensor.

Just before my last trip to the UK, I added the Fujinon FX 10-24 f4.0 OIS and XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lenses to the kit.

I didn’t much consider the video capabilities of the camera (which are not celebrated). However, thanks to Fujifilm’s regular firmware updates (which are celebrated), the camera gained Ultra HD 4K video in late 2017, which I tested soon after.

As illustrated in that test, Fuji’s famous palette of film simulations are available to video recording, which is both a blessing and a curse. In practical terms, most of the simulations aren’t ideal for video, at least if your workflow includes colour grading.

With the release of the X-H1 camera, Fujifilm added the “ETERNA/CINEMA” film simulation, a flat profile designed with the videographer in mind. The X-H1 also includes internal F-Log recording, which preserves a wider dynamic range in video. Fuji extended that feature, again with a firmware update, to the XT-2, providing the ETERNA LUT (lookup table) for colour-grading.

However (perhaps for technical reasons?), we X-Pro owners did not get the new colour-grading options. That leaves “PRO Neg. STD” (based on “NS160,” colour negative film used for studio portraiture). It is the simulation of choice for videographers using the X-Pro2. I’ve been using it exclusively for recent video clips made with the camera, including the “snowpocalypse” footage included in the video below, to which I added a wintry LUT in post-production.

OK, this is all well and good, but how about the premise of this post; is the Fujifilm X-Pro2 a viable vlogging camera?

The 10-24 lens, which is not weatherproofed, is probably not the best choice for use in a snowstorm, despite the useful zoom range. The camera itself has proven its resilience before in inclement weather. As I conclude in the video — spoiler alert! — I’m quite pleased with my experimental winter vlog despite the shortcomings of the rig.