The Sony a6300 and Fujifilm X-Pro2 are two mirrorless cameras that debuted very recently as updated versions of their popular and beloved predecessors. Both cameras are comparable in technical specs and appeal, but how does each fare when compared side-by-side? Find out below!
Technical Specs: Main Similarities
Camera Sensors and Format
Both the a6300 and X-Pro2 are APC-C crop sensor bodies with a 1.5x crop factor. Each has a CMOS sensor with 24-megapixel resolution and is capable of shooting in both JPG and RAW on SD memory cards.
Solid, Weather-Resistant Body
Perhaps the biggest cosmetic upgrade that Sony made to the a63000 was including a tougher, more weather-resistant body. Like the X-Pro2, the a6300 is composed of magnesium alloy promises to be dust and moisture resistant.
In-Camera Wi-Fi
Like most modern digital cameras, both the X-Pro2 and a6300 have built-in Wi-Fi, making it a snap to transfer photos from your camera to your mobile phone, or shoot remotely via a mobile app.
Technical Specs: Main Differences
Price
The a6300 can be purchased body-only for $998.00, while the X-Pro2 is quite a bit more expensive at $1,699.00. Accompanying Fujifilm lenses also tend to be pricier than Sony equivalents.
Size and Weight
The X-Pro2 is quite a bit bulkier and heavier, weighing in at 15.70 ounces (445 g) body-only compared to the a6300’s 14.25 ounces (404 g). In terms of dimensions, the X-Pro2 is also slightly bigger with dimensions of 5.5 x 3.3 x 1.8″ (141 x 83 x 56 mm), compared to the a6300’s dimensions of 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.9″ (120 x 67 x 49 mm). Accompanying Fujifilm lenses are also heavier and larger than Sony equivalents.
Sony a6300
Fuji X-Pro2
Both shot with the same settings. Images are straight from the camera, unedited.
Video
The a6300 can record 4K video, while the X-Pro2 can only record video at 1080p. Interestingly, the Fujifilm offers two SD-card slots compared to the Sony’s single SD-card slot. You’d think Sony would squeeze in another slot to accommodate their higher-quality video formats.
Viewfinders
Among the unique features of Fujifilm’s digital cameras is their signature hybrid viewfinder which really shines on the X-Pro2. For those unfamiliar, the hybrid viewfinder offers the ability to switch between optical (rangefinder style) and electronic viewfinders , which can be a huge advantage for photographers who dislike shooting with electronic viewfinders only, which is what you get with the a6300.
Focus Tracking
Besides the inclusion of 4K video, the main selling point of the a6300 was its brand new sensor, and what Sony claims is the world’s fastest autofocus (dubbed “4D focus”) with 425 phase detection autofocus points. Combined with the Sony’s ability to shoot at up to 11 frames per second and accurate lock-on AF, the a6300 is a beast for shooting sports and action photography.
Comparatively, the X-Pro2 sports a total of 273 AF points including 169 embedded phase-detect AF points, plus a maximum burst rate of 8 frames per second.
Sony a6300
Fuji X-Pro2
Display Screen
While both cameras have a 3-inch rear LCD screen, the a6300 has a pop-out tilting screen, while the Fujifilm’s screen is melded to the camera body.
Built-in Flash
The a6300 offers a small pop-up flash that can be angled to bounce off the ceiling, in addition to a hot-shoe mount, while the X-Pro2 does not have a built-in flash (only a hot-shoe mount).
In Practice
Given the technical similarities and differences above, how did it actually feel to handle both cameras? The Fujfilm’s weight and size were definite factors, especially while switching between the smaller, lighter-weight Sony. With that being said, one could definitely argue that Fujifilm’s heavier, more solid camera and lenses felt like a higher-quality investment compared to some of Sony’s lightweight, plastic-based lenses.
Sony’s newly engineered 4D focus tracking was incredibly spot-on and accurate, especially compared to the Fuji. However, unless you’re shooting a ton of action scenes, Sony’s ultra-fast autofocus is a luxury that isn’t a make or break feature. One feature on the Sony that did come in handy was the flexible pop-up flash that would have been nice to have on the Fuji.
Sony a6300 photo on the left; Fujifilm X-Pro2 photo on the right. Both shot with the same settings. Images are straight from the camera, unedited.
The X-Pro2 has a clear vintage, rangefinder look and feel to it, which some photographers may prefer. Personally, I preferred the feel and overall button placement of the Sony, and was ultimately able to customize buttons and settings to operate it similarly to my Canon 5D Mark III.
On both cameras, the built-in Wi-Fi was a little tricky to set up, but from then on was incredibly intuitive and easy to wirelessly transfer images straight from the cameras to cell phones.
Sony a6300
Fuji X-Pro2
One last consideration – lens availability
Since both the a6300 and X-Pro2 are interchangeable lens cameras, compatible lens selection is another crucial difference between the two brands. Fujifilm lenses, while more solid and often more expensive, are contained to primes with a rather limited selection of zoom lenses, most of which have variable maximum apertures. In comparison, Sony offers a slightly more varied selection of lenses from primes and wides to mid-range and telephoto zooms.
Which is better for you?
Both the X-Pro2 and a6300 are feature-packed, brand new cameras that will appeal to different types of photographers.
Go Sony: If you value wicked fast autofocus, enhanced video recording capabilities, and/or are on a bit of a budget, the Sony a6300 is probably best for you.
Go Fuji: If you love the look and feel of a rangefinder camera, value Fuji’s unique hybrid viewfinder, and/or have a larger budget, the X-Pro2 will be your new favorite camera.
Sony a6300
Fuji X-Pro2
Have you tried either or both of these cameras? What are your thoughts?
