Today, I’m here to share my Fujifilm X half review, and yes, I like it! Think Instax, but with all the film colors & tones you love from Fujifilm, plus the convenience of digital capture. It’s a simple, elegant camera, with the nostalgia of a compact half-frame 35mm rangefinder, and some (though definitely not all!) …of the conveniences of a modern digital camera.

Who is it for, and who isn’t it for? There are a few key factors you need to know about: This is a JPG-only camera, with a fixed 32mm equivalent lens. The sensor is in a a vertical 3:4 aspect ratio! It has extremely minimal controls, and the viewfinder is a simple optical framing viewfinder.

What it offers is a user experience like no other digital camera. Honestly? Just think of it as a film camera with a digital conversion kit or something. It has a separate LCD “window” on the back of the camera that shows you which film (simulation) you’re using. You can create diptychs and double exposures using the film advance lever. You can even commit to capturing 36-72 images using nothing but the optical viewfinder, without any image playback, until you “finish the roll”.

I know, you might have already made up your mind about whether or not this camera is for you. If I tell you the price, ($849) that might make you very certain. Still, I’m inviting you to read on and check out the photos, because I want you to experience some of the creative joy that I felt while working with the Fujifilm X half. Playing with this camera brought me back to the real world, immersed in the moment If your initial reaction was, “this is silly!” …read on; I might change your mind!

Fujifilm X half Specifications

• SENSOR: 1” type, (11.7 x 8.8 mm) vertical 3:4 aspect, BSI CMOS
• LENS: 10.8mm f/2.8-11 lens, 32mm equivalent, (2.94x crop factor)
• STILL IMAGES: JPG, 18 megapixels (3648 x 4864)
• VIDEO: 1080p (1080×1440) 24p only, 8-bit, H.264, 200% slow-motion option
• ISO: 200-12800
• AUTOFOCUS: contrast-detect AF, Multi-area / Center / Touch, Face detection
• SHOOTING SPEED (FPS): 
• SHUTTER SPEEDS: 900 sec to  1/2000 sec, in-lens leaf shutter
• STABILIZATION: No
• VIEWFINDER: Optical “tunnel” type viewfinder (off-center; not TTL)
• LCD: fixed 2.4” touchscreen, 0.92M dot
• CONNECTIVITY: wireless via Fujifilm X half app, or USB-C direct phone/computer transfer
• STORAGE: SDXC/SDHC, UHS-1
• BATTERY: Fujifilm NP-W126S, 880 shot rating w/ optical viewfinder
• BODY CONSTRUCTION: Mostly plastic, no weather sealing
• SIZE: 4.2 x 2.5 x 1.8″ (105.8 x 64.3 x 45.8 mm)
• WEIGHT: 8.5 oz (240 g) w/ battery & SD card
• PRICE: $849, $964 w/ Instax Mini Printer Kit

For those of you who are true film photography aficionados, here is a list of the main Film Simulation modes available on the Fujifilm X half:

PROVIA/Standard
Velvia/Vivid
ASTIA/Soft
Classic Chrome
REALA ACE
Classic Neg.
Nostalgic Neg.
ETERNA/Cinema
ACROS
ACROS + Ye Filter
ACROS + R Filter
ACROS + G Filter
Sepia

…And here are the additional special effects that are available:

Grain effect
Portrait enhancer
Double exposure
Diptych
Toy camera
Miniature
Pop color
High-key
Low-key
Dynamic tone
Soft focus
Partial color (Red / Orange / Yellow / Green / Blue / Purple)
LIGHT LEAK
HALATION
EXPIRED FILM (Green / Red/ Neutral)
Canvas
Retro
Vignette
Blur
Fisheye
ColorShift
Mirror

Fujifilm X half Review | Who Should Buy It?

I’ll cut right to the chase: just stop thinking of the Fujifilm X half as a digital camera. At least, don’t think of it as existing in the same realm as other retro-looking digital cameras, such as the Fujifilm X-T50, X-T5, or the Nikon Z fc. This is not that type of digital camera.

This is a camera for folks who are more interested in simulating not just film “looks”, but the entire experience of film photography, from start to finish. 

Think of this as a classic half-frame 35mm film camera that offers “unlimited rolls”, PLUS some of the benefits of digital cameras.

Now that we have shifted our mindset, I will begin to talk about who should consider this camera, and why: the Fujifilm X half is a fun everyday camera for anyone looking to just get creative. Everyone who loves the process of photography itself, but also dislikes the overly complex nature of modern digital cameras. 

The X half is a throwback to the film days, indeed moreso than any other digital camera on the market. It allows you to focus on the moments themselves. It puts you back in the experiencing of life that you want to creatively capture.

Obviously, with its lack of raw capture, or an advanced autofocus system, plus other control limitations, this isn’t a professional camera. Any pro photographer who eyes this camera is likely dreaming of using it off the clock, in casual, snapshot type situations. I dare say, this is “the most Henri Cartier-Bresson type of digital camera” that we have seen to date.

There are a few more details that we’ll need to go over next, in the Pros & Cons section. There are some major quirks, drawbacks, and other factors you should know about. All in all, I want to emphasize this one key point: This isn’t your average retro style digital camera. The Fujifilm X half should be viewed as a film camera with a digital twist. 

Fujifilm X half Review | Pros & Cons

The key advantages and disadvantages are very obvious. The main reason you’ll consider the Fujifilm X half is if you’re actually interested in a film camera, but with “digitized” imagery coming out of it. Basically, this is a modern content creator’s film camera. The imagery is perfectly suited for sending directly from your camera to your phone, and sharing on social media.

Oppositely, I am not going to pixel-peep the more technical aspects of image quality, such as the exact noise levels, dynamic range, or even the autofocus consistency. Without raw image files, and without much in the way of AF system control, this isn’t a high-performance digital camera.

With that in mind, I think it is easiest for me to just rattle off all of the Pros & Cons in one big list, and then expand on some of the details afterward:

Fujifilm X half | Pros:

• Unique user experience, feels like an actual film camera
• Retro style, 3 different body & lens colors
• Ultra-compact, lightweight
• All of Fujifilm’s different films in one digital camera(Compared to Instax)
• Unique additional effects (date stamp, flare, expired film)
• Excellent battery life
• Useful app, plus direct-to-phone transfer capability
• Significantly more affordable than Fujifilm X100 series, X-T50, etc

Fujifilm X half | Cons:

• No raw image file format
• JPG files are “cooked” with chosen film simulation and effects applied
• Video limited to 4:3 aspect, 1080p
• Flash is an LED light; doesn’t freeze motion
• FIlm advance lever resets itself when camera is off
• Operations a bit sluggish to respond to input
• No “hunk of metal” sturdy feel, no weather sealing
• Autofocus system over-simplified
• Cold shoe has no flash sync connection
• Price much steeper than Instax film camera

First, about the pros: I really like how the camera just keeps it simple. This is the quasi-film camera that I’ve been casually pondering, “I wonder if such a camera could ever exist?” Well, here it is.

I actually remember getting my first roll of Acros B&W film, my first roll of Fuji Velvia, (50, the original!) and many other films. (Yeah, I first picked up a camera in the late 90s!) For me, being able to (forced to?) just pick a film and stop thinking about editing the images at all, …it makes photography fun again.

I like cranking the film advance lever. I like making the commitment to not seeing my photos until later; it forces me to just live in the moment and enjoy my life.

As a lifelong camera nerd, I’ve learned that being obsessed with photography can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, if I didn’t appreciate the craft of photography itself, I would’ve never picked up another camera once I got a decent camera phone. I like raising a camera to my eye, I like working the controls.

On the other hand, when I’m hyper-focused on maximizing the performance of a complex flagship camera, I’m not going to really be present in the moment itself. Especially for any of us neurodivergent artists, we all know that “in the zone” thing that happens when we’re working with a camera that has thirty buttons, five dials/rings, an advanced AF system, and hundreds of pages of menu items… We can become very disconnected from what’s actually going on around us.

So, if you want to be set free from that mindset, and just get back to the basics of photography, the Fujifilm X half is a camera you should check out.

Now, let’s talk about the cons. I’m not even going to expand on the obvious stuff, like the lack of raw image files. If you’re worried about that, this isn’t the camera for you, period. Save up for a Fujifilm X-T50, or just get the Fujifilm X-M5.

What I do want to talk about is where I think this camera did miss the mark a little bit, even for those of us who love the idea of it. Simply put, it’s a toy camera, and it does feel a little bit too toy-ish. I wish the shutter release had a nice mechanical “CLUNK” to it. In fact, with earbuds in while walking around the loud Los Angeles area, I basically couldn’t hear the shutter at all. (I did try turning the volume up!)

I also wish the film advance lever was a bit more responsive, too. If I “wind the next photo” immediately after clicking a photo in film camera mode, sometimes it won’t even register that first crank, and I have to do a 2nd crank. Also, if I turn the camera off and then back on again in the middle of a film roll, I have to wind the crank again before I can click a photo, even if I wound the crank before turning the camera off.

Oh, and the viewfinder will take some getting used to, if you’re not accustomed to the off-center nature of a rangefinder type viewfinder! I had a couple frames that got ruined because I either didn’t align the lens perfectly enough with a close-up foreground, or I flat-out accidentally blocked the lens with my camera strap!

These are tiny little details, and some of them could be worked out in a firmware update. But the subtle details are what make (or break) the film-like user experience.

All in all, I wish the camera had a bit more of a rock-solid feel. I love how compact it is, but I’d be totally okay with it weighing a bit more if that meant it could have a sturdy metal frame, and even weather sealing.

Last but not least, while I love the elegant, simplified user interface, I do find myself wishing for just a touch more customization & control. Maybe one front dial for easier control of the shutter speed and/or ISO. Oh, and the touchscreen-based menu could add just a bit more functionality & customization.

Here are a few key notes of feedback for the engineers at Fujifilm:

• Allow at least some inter-mingling of Film Simulations and Creative Filters. For example, I would love to be able to create a lens flare or a double exposure while using Fujifilm Acros mode.
• I love creating diptychs, however, my personal nostalgia for the film days was all about double exposures. So, I wish that there was a customization possible to re-assign the film advance lever (when in regular mode, not in film roll mode) …to do double exposures instead of creating a diptych.
• I wish the camera had a “continuous” shooting mode where winding the film advance lever was not required even during film roll shooting. I know this is a feature that only advanced, automatic film cameras had, but it could simply be a menu item that is off by default.

Fujifilm X half | Image Quality

As I mentioned, we’re not going to talk about dynamic range, or high ISO noise. At least, not compared to other cameras. In the spirit of what the Fujifilm X half is all about, we’re going to talk about image quality in terms of the final results: colors, tones, and the ability to capture unique photos that you don’t even need to edit before you share them.

I have appreciated the colors coming out of Fujifilm digital cameras for many years now. In fact, one of my first DSLR experiences was with the Fujifilm Finepix S3 Pro and S5 Pro, cameras from 2004 and 2006! I just now realized that is more or less two decades ago…

Indeed, two decades ago, I was still using film on a regular basis. When I did use digital cameras, memory cards were so expensive (and editing software was so limited) that I shot in JPG most of the time.

In this environment, the Fujifilm digital camera colors & tones were legendary. Whether it was landscapes using the high-saturation mode, (dubbed as Velvia mode unofficially at the time), or it was portraits & weddings using the other modes, Fujifilm’s digital camera legacy is all about in-camera colors.

Fujifilm X half is a film camera For Digital Content Creators

The Fujifilm X half is a natural evolution of this mindset. You have almost all Fujifilm films at your fingertips, plus additional effects. This simplifies the whole process, and normalizes the workflow of just going straight from your camera to your phone, hardly having to worry about editing beyond a tiny bump to exposure, contrast, etc, …and then sharing your content via social media or other mobile platforms.

With all of that in mind, I think the X half accomplishes its mission in terms of image quality. The photos are beautiful, and the whole fun of it lies in choosing which “film stock” suits your personal style, your creative vision for a scene.

Design, Build Quality, & Durability

As I mentioned, the X half does feel a bit TOO lightweight. I love how compact it is, and the retro design is “a love letter to the days of film”, indeed. However, for ~$850, I do wish the camera had been just a little more robust. Whether it’s an all-metal frame or a more solid-feeling high-grade plastic composite with key parts being metal, I’d be happy either way.

I do understand, however, that many will simply appreciate how ultralight the camera is. I will only say that I can’t recommend being casual with this camera if you’re on a family trip to somewhere tropical and it’s constantly raining.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system is not the best, when it comes to actual performance, as well as the interface & customization. I know that the sensor is a key part in the price tag of a camera, but I would have liked to see this camera offer just as good of an AF system as some of the more high-end X-T or X-S series cameras, just with the interface itself being simplified.

Also, the AF system is only part of the equation. Remember that if you’re using this camera in Film Roll Mode, you’re locked into using the optical viewfinder which is just a simple box. You’ll have no way of knowing what the AF is doing, aside from having it beep in AF-S mode. So, choose your AF mode wisely, and frame your shots carefully; if you do this, then the AF system will nail focus in most of your pictures. Still, it’s frustrating to finish a roll and discover that a favorite photo has blurry faces and a tack-sharp background. This is a  film user’s experience, indeed! For this very reason, a lot of photographers resort to traditional tactics of using a small aperture and/or manually focusing with the in-camera distance scale.

Menus & Customizations

The menu of the Fujifilm X half is entirely based on the touchscreen; there isn’t even a menu button to enter the menu! For those who are familiar with Fujifilm’s swipe up/down/left/right touchscreen system, this will feel totally natural.

Having said that, the actual touching itself is a bit low-sensitivity, for lack of a better description. When making a selection, you have to be sure to really press that setting with your finger. Many of us have likely grown accustomed to the extremely delicate sensitivity of modern phone touchscreens, so this is a bit of a habit adjustment. Honestly, though, I appreciate that this means I’m far less likely to accidentally bump settings with my nose, etc.

I definitely wish there was just a bit more customization possible. Although I know it would take away from the “effortless” user experience to expand the menus too much, I do think a few key things could be improved. One thing I already mentioned was the ability to re-program the film advance lever, under normal shooting conditions, to do a double exposure instead of a diptych.

Ergonomics, Comfort, & Portability

Ergonomically, the Fujifilm X half feels like a true pocket camera. You can use it one-handed, you can cram it into a decent sized pocket, or a good sized purse/bag. As I’ve mentioned, it’s incredibly lightweight, almost too lightweight for my taste. The compact size does make it a very different user experience, compared to the Fujifilm X100 series or the Fujifilm GFX100RF.

Personally, this is more my style. I know quite a few serious photographers who love the craft of photography, and drool over the GFX100RF. I’d rather have the X half, because I have a more on-the-go, incognito, dare I say “demure” attitude towards everyday candid photography.

Fujifilm X half | Value

At about $850, this camera is significantly more affordable than most other retro styled digital cameras. By comparison, the Fujifilm X-T50 is ~$1400, the Nikon Z fc is $750, and the Fujifilm X-T5 is ~$1700. Oh, and none of those cameras include lenses; add a couple/few hundred dollars to take care of that. 

 On the one hand, if you’re really looking or a digital camera that just looks retro, the X half might not be the best value in terms of performance. Get yourself the Fujifilm X-M5 if you’re a content creator, vlogger, influencer, etc. Or, get yourself the Nikon Z fc if you’re “just a photographer” who simply loves the craft of photography, but wants the full digital camera experience.

The value of the Fujifilm X half is in its film camera experience. If you’re not fully committed, then it’s easy enough to just take another camera and just flip the LCD in so that you can’t see it, turn off image playback, and mimic the experience of a film camera that way. All cameras have different in-camera JPG modes that are tailored towards portraits, landscapes, etc.

What all those other cameras don’t offer is the truest emulations of a whole host of different, specific films. Classic, iconic film color responses, from negative to slide/transparency, color & B&W… Also, the numerous special effects, such as diptych, double exposures, flare, halation, even the date stamp on your images… That’s where the value comes from. And, to be honest, this is a niche value. Not everybody is going to see true value in this camera, and that’s okay. There are so many great values out there!

Fujifilm X half Review | Compared To The Competition

Honestly? I’m inclined to start by comparing this camera against a Fujifilm Instax camera. Such cameras start at $80 for the plastic toy ones, and range up to $200 for the Instax Mini Evo, or $350 for the Instax Wide Evo. With Fujifilm Instax packs costing about $45 for 60 exposures, “casual” film photography is a hobby that can get very expensive very quickly.

If you’re this type of photographer, then the Fujifilm X half offers a tempting alternative: take all the photos you want, and only print the ones you really like! This is a harmonious combination of the Instax/Polaroid approach to photography, and the traditional workflow of shooting a roll of film, getting the negatives/film back, and then looking at a contact sheet and only printing out the ones you really like.

Alternatively, with most other retro style digital cameras, it’s a very different experience. You’ve got a whole slew of camera settings to control, and a raw image that requires a mastery of an additional workflow that we may not want to deal with.

Most folks reading this have already made up their minds about this camera, so I won’t talk more about alternatives. If you’re just looking for a stylish camera that has a hint of film era nostalgia, this isn’t the right camera for you. If you’re looking for as much of a film camera experience as possible, while still having more perks of digital than an Instax Evo, then this is literally your only choice.

Fujifilm X half Review | Conclusion

I had a fun time playing with the Fujifilm X half, as someone who actually got their start on film. I want to own this camera, even though it is definitely “just for fun”, basically a “toy” camera. I wouldn’t take this to paid work. I wouldn’t use the X half to do serious, traditional landscape photography.

There isn’t a clear alternative, if this is the type of experience you’re looking for. The X half has just as much (or more) in common with film cameras as it does with other digital cameras.

Personally, I recommend trying out the Fujifilm X half if you’re leaning entirely towards that film camera experience. This isn’t the right choice for everyone. But if you’ve ever felt like photography has been getting too complicated, and it’s taking your attention away from being present in the moments of your everyday life, here’s your chance to completely change your relationship with photography.

Check Pricing & Availability

The Fujifilm X half is available for $849 as a camera. It is offered in silver, charcoal silver, and black. Or, for $964 you can get a kit with an Instax Mini printer, a 20-pack of print paper, and a 32 GB SD card.

As an adventurous landscape & nightscape photographer who does a lot of hiking, backpacking, and travel in general, the X-T50 is almost perfect for me. It’s certainly preferable to most other options by a long shot!

Also, as a content creator in general, the X-T50 has a few unique tricks up its sleeve that foster creativity and an easier workflow. That is, the dedicated film simulation dial is a unique “spin” on this retro style camera.

With one of the best IBIS systems on the market and a respectable EVF, it is versatile enough to suit a video content creators’ modern needs, while also a photographer’s more traditional style of shooting. With some caveats, of course. 

On the downside, I experienced an above-average level of ergonomic and interface-related frustrations, especially when trying to switch back and forth between photo and video shooting. The LCD doesn’t fully articulate, for example, and there is no physical mode dial to switch between photo exposure modes, nor between photo & video work.

Also, the customization potential is expansive, but the X-T50 still has a few quirks that leave me scratching my head. Either way, it’s a steep learning curve to get the camera functioning exactly how you want it.

Once you do get accustomed to its quirks, though, it’s a lovely, compact, stylish camera that’s perfect for content creators of various kinds.

The Fujifilm X-T50 is priced like a Sony A6700 or a Canon EOS R7, which is more than a Nikon Zfc for those of you who are looking for a retro style camera on a tight budget. Honestly? Considering the flagship sensor and the overall package, the X-T50 is one of my new favorite adventure landscape photography cameras. With that said, let’s dive into this review…

Fujifilm X-T50 Specifications

• SENSOR: 40.2 megapixel APSC X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
• LENS MOUNT: Fujifilm X-Mount (APSC, 1.5x crop)
• STILL IMAGES: 7728×5152 px
• VIDEO:
  6.2K (6240 x 3510) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
  DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
  UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
  2048 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
  1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
  Raw 12-Bit via HDMI:
  6240 x 3512 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps
• ISO: 125-12800 (Native; extended ISO 64-51200)
• AUTOFOCUS: 117-point hybrid AF, AI-assisted subject detection
• SHOOTING SPEED (FPS): 13 FPS full-sensor, 20 FPS 1.29x crop (RAW)
• SHUTTER SPEEDS:
  Mechanical: 1/4000 sec to 15 min
  Electronic: 1/18000 sec to 30 sec
• Electronic 1st Curtain: 1/4000 sec to 15 min
• STABILIZATION: up to 7 EVS sensor-based stabilization
• VIEWFINDER: OLED 2.36M dot EVF, 0.39”, 0.62X magnification
• LCD: 3” 1.84M dot tilting LCD touchscreen
• FLASH: Yes, pop-up & shoe mount; sync speed 1/180 sec, GN 12.8’ (3.9m) @ ISO 100
• CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, Wifi, micro HD, 3.5mm mic jack, USB-C
• STORAGE: Single slot, SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II)
• BATTERY: NP-W126S, USB-C power input
• BODY CONSTRUCTION: Metal & plastic, weather-sealed
• SIZE: 4.87 x 3.3 x 1.92″ (12.38 x 8.4 x 4.88 cm)
• WEIGHT: 1.0 lb, 438 g (w/ battery & memory card)
• PRICE: $1,399 (body-only) $1,799 (w/ 16-50mm kit lens)
  (B&H | Adorama | Amazon)

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Who Should Buy It?

First and foremost, I hope you’re considering this camera for at least one or two of the following reasons: It looks awesome, it has an amazing sensor, and it’s relatively affordable considering the performance & results.

With that in mind, what types of photographers, videographers, and/or content creators ought to be checking out the X-T50? Let’s try and keep it as simple as possible, because there’s a lot more details to get to in this X-T50 review.

Who The Fujifilm X-T50 Is For

With its amazing sensor in such a small package, I am by far the most excited about using this camera for adventurous travel & landscape photography. The image quality, plus the hand-holdability of the IBIS, makes this a formidable camera for long hikes or all-day travel & vacations. Basically, anything where you want a compact, lightweight camera that delivers incredibly high resolution.

Of course, the retro look of the camera is unique, too. Not only does this cutting-edge digital camera look somewhat like an old film SLR, it also delivers film-like images in JPG (and raw) form. With the camera’s dedicated film simulation dial that contains 12 different options, you can easily achieve almost any look, in-camera, and then go straight from your camera to your mobile device, and directly to social media or other publications.

All in all, the Fujifilm X-T50 is an excellent choice for many types of all-around serious photographers & videographers…

Who The Fujifilm X-T50 Is NOT For

It’s hard to make a blanket “do not buy!” statement for any particular genre of photography, because I could honestly use this camera to do almost any job if I needed to. However, there are a few key things to note if you are a very serious or professional content creator.

For example, the rear LCD doesn’t fully articulate, and there’s no headphone jack. So, it’s not the best solo vlogging camera, (I’d rather have a Fujifilm X-S20, for sure!) …nor is it a cinematic movie-making camera. (Well, it would make a perfect B-roll & time-lapse camera!)

Also, the slower overall speed of the sensor (including the autofocus) means that this won’t be a “flagship grade” camera for action subjects like sports or wildlife.

Lastly, a lack of dual card slots, plus rather underwhelming battery life, means that I’d definitely consider a different option for paid portrait or wedding photography.

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Pros & Cons

I don’t normally do this, but this Fujifilm X-T50 review is a complicated one. There is a lot to love about it, and I highly recommend it. However, I also found numerous little things to complain about, and it added up to more frustration than most camera reviews that I’ve done in the past, to be honest.

So, to start, I’m going to rattle off a list of the pros and cons about this camera, because there are so many of them that I actually had to take notes on my phone while I was out in the field with this camera…

PROS:

• Very compact & lightweight
• Incredible image quality (Highest resolution of any portable, lightweight camera)
• Out-of-camera JPGs are the best in the business, whether you want traditional looks from classic films like Velvia or Astia, or popular new stylized looks, unique retro looks, etc.
• Physical dial for Film Modes
• Physical AF/MF switch, including AF-S / AF-C
• Video quality excellent, especially in 6.2K video and 6.2K down-sampled; F-Log video delivers incredible dynamic range 
• Best IBIS of any portable travel-sized camera
• Good number of control dials & buttons, customizations, and spacious “Q” menu, plus touchscreen-based display custom functions
• Huge variety of lenses available
• Viewfinder is a good balance of being compact, yet not annoyingly tiny like the “corner style” viewfinders
• Viewfinder has the highly desirable “EVF shooting, LCD playback” interface that acts like DSLR cameras!

CONS:

• No physical photo / video switch (Video Mode is in the “Drive” menu)
• No PSAM exposure mode dial (The “emergency eject” Auto exposure lever gives you Program, or “full auto” mode, without much control)
• Tiny, slippery joystick hard to operate with large fingers
• Quick (Q) menu often accidentally gets hit, yet hard to reach when you need it
• Default controls leave off some important functions
• Autofocus Tracking system not as powerful or consistent as flagship action sports cameras; additional loss of reliability for videos VS photos
• Battery life is worse than most competing cameras
• Battery door latch is not self-locking
• Shutter speed & Aperture control can be a learning curve; aperture or shutter priority modes can be a few steps away
• Can’t magnify reviewed images in continuous mode, only single shot drive mode
• Dial press function doesn’t always do what it’s programmed to do
• Delete interface prone to accidentally deleting additional photos
• Time-lapse total frames must scroll all four digits one at a time
• Mobile app connectivity is not seamless & simple.

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Image Quality (Stills)

Ever since Fujifilm first introduced their 40-megapixel sensor, I’ve been hoping to see it appear in a more compact, affordable body. Now, Fujifilm has delivered! The X-T50 images capture an incredible amount of detail, indeed, but there are some drawbacks. Namely, these densely packed pixels will begin to show diffraction far sooner than any other camera you’ve ever used before.

What does this mean? You’ll see absolutely breathtaking detail in your images at faster apertures, but once you go too far past f/5.6 you may notice a faint loss of image detail.

Mind you, it’ll still be a higher-resolution image than a 24-26 megapixel sensor. You’re not really “throwing away” resolution until you go all the way to f/16-22, which I generally don’t recommend.

All in all, Fujifilm images are gorgeous in general. Their film simulation modes are legendary for delivering JPG images that are totally ready for sharing/delivery.

If you like to just shoot JPGs and go straight to social media or a mobile editing app for either photo or video, then the X-T50 is a dream camera. Additionally, you can still shoot RAW+JPG, so that you have the safety of raw image latitude. (It is important to note that Adobe Lightroom does have profiles that match those JPG film simulation modes.)

Even at high ISOs, the Fujifilm X-Trans sensor is very impressive. It delivers usable images with ISO noise levels previously only possible on full-frame cameras. It’s still no match for a ~40 megapixel FF sensor, of course, but I’d still gladly reach for this camera on a long trip for its weight savings.

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Video Quality

Again, this 40-megapixel sensor from Fujifilm is impressive. It delivers ample resolution as well as the same beautiful colors & tones as you get in JPG stills, of course.

There is some rolling shutter effect, and I wouldn’t recommend this camera for video shooters who do a lot of fast-panning action sequences. Having said that, for general content creation, and certainly for nature videos of more static, calm scenes, it’s hard to beat this camera’s value. If you do both video and stills, you’re in for a real treat…

By the way, with its 40 megapixels the X-T50 is a perfect time-lapse camera, capable of 8K frames! This makes it a perfect complementary B-roll camera to another high-res, 4K/8K video camera.

Design & Build Quality

Visually, the Fujifilm X-T50 is a gorgeous camera indeed. It looks great from every angle, and pairs beautifully with both black and silver Fuji XF lenses.

In terms of build quality, the X-T50 (and XF lenses) are professionally rugged, and feel like they’re solid pieces of gear that will stand the test of time.

With that being said, the actual design does create a few quirks that I found puzzling. For example, I always find it a bit annoying when a camera’s battery door (and memory card access) doesn’t latch automatically.

Also, some of the buttons are quite small, and virtually impossible to feel when wearing gloves. The de facto “REC” button and the slippery little joystick in particular gave me some trouble, not just with gloves on but just in general when my fingers are either freezing cold or hot and sweaty.

The “Q” button is in a rather annoying location, to be blunt. I often hit the button by accident, especially when holding the camera vertically. And yet, whenever I need to actually hit the Q button, it always requires that I change my grip on the camera and make sure my left hand is completely holding the camera.

The slippery little plastic joystick is way too small for my large fingers. I really wish Fujifilm would start making their larger, more tactile joystick a universal feature. (See the new Fujifilm GFX100RF, or the high-end Fujifilm X-H2 & X-H2S.)

Autofocus Performance

I’m very satisfied with the AF performance of the Fujifilm X-T50. It can lock focus in static scenes, and tracks moving subjects quite well, both humans and animals. Fujifilm’s AF system is not quite on par with competitors, however, in terms of precision, speed, and ease of use. Overall, though, its reliability is still above and beyond most of the professional DSLRs that I used to pay my bills with for many bygone years, so, it’s a moot point to me.

Of course, if you’re specifically looking for a high-speed action camera to photograph sports or wildlife with; in that case I would recommend something with a bit more prowess and overall speed, such as the Fujifilm X-H2 and X-H2S class. Or, maybe, a Sony, Canon, or Nikon competitor.

Overall Performance

Considering the 40-megapixel resolution, the Fujifilm X-T50 is surprisingly fast. It can burst at up to 13 FPS raw, but only for a total of 18 frames. (Or 163 JPG-only frames.) If you’re okay with dropping some megapixels and adopting an additional 1.29X crop factor, you can get bursts up to 20 FPS.

Compared to some other cameras with lower resolution, this is indeed respectable. However, it’s definitely not a high-speed action camera for sports or wildlife, either.

Interface, Controls, & Menus

This is where many of my above “Cons” are derived from. Simply put, the user interface is often frustrating, and it’s not just a matter of getting familiar with the Fujifilm ecosystem. 

To start, there are some straightforward complaints such as how the “Delete Image” interface works. It leaves you in the “do you want to delete this picture?” state even after you’ve deleted a photo, so if you have any residual button-pressing habits from any other camera brand, you are almost guaranteed to accidentally delete an important photo or two before you memorize how the Fujifilm interface works.

There are also a few more obscure interface issues that I noticed, such as the fact that the dials double as buttons, and yet sometimes they just don’t perform the function you have programmed them to do. I’m sure this might just be caused by a conflict of the camera’s various states, but still, there’s no explanation warning given like some cameras have.

I think one of the biggest mistakes was to not put video mode on the physical mode dial. It feels totally lost in the “Drive Mode” menu button; I wish there had been a video mode on either the top-left film simulation dial, or a switch under that dial. Alternatively, it could have been a third option on the top-right exposure mode switch.

Lastly, my primary complaint is simply that the retro style of operation can hinder your ability to effortlessly dial in a correct exposure, or switch exposure modes altogether. If you’re using the physically marked shutter speeds, it can be a chore to jump between whole EV shutter speeds and then dial in ⅓ EV fine-tuning. Or it can be annoying to have to go from the “T” setting (which allows you to access all the shutter speeds on a main command dial) …all the way around to the “A” (auto) setting, which is at the other end, beyond 1/4000 sec, for some reason.

There’s a similar bit of confusion when controlling the aperture; between the aperture rings on the X-mount lenses and the command dials on the camera body, you’ll probably find yourself digging through the menu at least a little bit to get the camera operating how you want it. (And even then, you run the risk of accidentally finding yourself at f/22 instead of a wide-open aperture, if you bump the lens aperture ring out of its “A” setting.) 

Features & Customizations

The X-T50 has a few restrictions on which features can be put in which customization locations, and that steepens the learning curve a bit. A few very important things can’t be programmed to physical buttons/dials. Other important things can’t be programmed to the on-screen quick menu.

In my opinion, any time an oft-used feature requires diving into the main menus themselves, that’s a fail. The only work-around is to program a small collection of functions to the “My” menu, but even that is greyed out in the camera’s default state for some reason.

Ergonomics, Comfort, & Portability

In terms of portability, the Fujifilm X-T50 is a champion. It’s the smallest camera around that offers 40 megapixels in a traditional body design. (I had to word it that way to exclude the Sigma FP L, of course.)

As far as comfort goes, hand-holding the camera is generally great, especially with any of Fujifilm’s more lightweight lenses. Many of their XF pro-series lenses balance perfectly on the X-T50.

Unfortunately, the ergonomics are a bit frustrating overall, as I mentioned earlier. You can customize the buttons to work almost any way you want them to, but there are still some drawbacks to the overall design. Ergonomically, the “Q” button is a frustration, which I detailed earlier. I absolutely prefer the overall ergonomics of other cameras, but the X-T50 is still manageable. Its portability is its main strength in this regard, that’s for sure.

Value

At $1,399, this is not a cheap camera for beginners. It’s a serious expense for any hobbyist, and it’s even quite an investment for a professional content creator of any kind. Having said that, How many other $1.4K (brand new) cameras are there that offer 40 megapixels? None. How many other ultra-compact, retro style cameras offer this resolution? None. Thus, value is undeniable, if you want these things.

Indeed, the value is in the combination of the visual aesthetic, the physical portability, and the sensor inside. If you don’t want/need at least two of those three things, then you might not see enough value in the X-T50. However, once you do need 2-3 of those things, there is no other choice! It’s that simple. 

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Compared To The Competition

There are a ton of other cameras in the APSC market, and many of them are excellent. However, none of them are exactly like the Fujifilm X-T50. (And that’s a good thing!)

First, let’s talk about the main competitor in the same category of value, retro style, and performance: the Nikon Z fc. At a glance, its similarities include the compactness and the retro design. However, the Nikon Z fc has half the resolution. Its 20-megapixel sensor is truly excellent, with incredible per-pixel performance but is the lowest resolution of any mirrorless ILC on the market as far as I know. If you’re interested in making big prints, or have any other need for high-resolution images, the night-and-day difference automatically disqualifies the Nikon Z fc, as well as its sibling the Nikon Z50 II.

Canon and Sony, on the other hand, offer slightly different types of competitors. For about the same price, the Canon EOS R7 is 33 megapixels, and provides a relatively professional set of features and ergonomics. Most notable are a large grip with a pro-sized battery, and dual card slots. It’s a bit faster in terms of shooting speed, and other specs, and the autofocus is a bit better at tracking moving subjects.

The R7 is a massive beast, however, by comparison to the X-T50, and to be perfectly honest, visually speaking it is downright ugly looking. I know that’s not a valid complaint for some, but if you’re considering the X-T50 then I’m assuming it is partly because of the aesthetic.

Sony’s A6700 is their highest-end APSC offering. It lacks dual card slots, however, and the viewfinder is a bit annoying to me: it’s a tiny one in the corner of the camera. It does have a full-sized battery, though, and its 26-megapixel sensor delivers excellent still images as well as high-quality 4K video sampled from 6K (if you want) or up to 120p 4K video with 1:1 pixel readout. So, much like the Canon R7, the Sony A6700 is a valuable choice, with more versatility than the Fujifilm, but certainly a less attractive aesthetic and a slight compromise in resolution.

By the way, we should discuss another Fujifilm camera if you’re okay with 26 megapixels as well as a modern aesthetic: the Fujifilm X-S20 is an awesome camera that costs just $1,300. It’s got a bigger battery and a very comfortable grip, and overall I do prefer the control layout even though it isn’t retro style like the X-T50. 

I could go on forever with various alternatives, but the bottom line is that if you want what the X-T50 offers, it stands very alone in its class. For example, If you’re on an (approximate) X-T50 budget but you want full-frame, consider a Nikon Z5 or Z5 II. If you’re willing to spend a bit more but you like the Fujifilm ecosystem, the Fujifilm X-T5 is their flagship option with a retro design, and the Fujifilm X-H2 is their flagship option with a modern design. (Both also offer the 40-megapixel sensor.)

Fujifilm X-T50 Review | Conclusion

All in all, I love the Fujifilm X-T50. The best thing about it is the sensor; I have never had so much resolution at my disposal in such a compact package, and I absolutely love how little I find myself bothering to edit any of my photos! The colors and contrast are glorious in-camera, with just a little bit of attention given to the Film Simulation.

However, the love I have for this camera is conflicted, to be sure. I miss the modern controls that are found on cameras like the Fujifilm X-S20, or the flagship controls of an X-H2. I have an above-average number of complaints about the user interface and its customizations. However, I just love how portable the X-T50 is, and I would gladly choose it whenever I need maximum portability without compromising on resolution.

For me, as an adventurous landscape photographer, and also as a professional portrait photographer who does mountaintop elopements, I would absolutely have the X-T50 in my camera bag. It’s one of the most compact, lightweight APSC cameras on the market, and yet it’s also one of the few cameras in its category with IBIS. Lastly, in addition to the resolution, the image quality overall is just beautiful. I love to just throw the camera in “Velvia” mode for landscapes, “Provia” for general outdoor photography, or “Astia” or Classic Chrome or Pro Neg for portraits. The Acros B&W images are also stunning, without a doubt. Hands-down, Fujifilm cameras in general are the best if you’re frequently using in-camera JPGs to go straight to social media.

The competition is very stiff, I’ll admit. If you want a more well-rounded, ergonomically friendly camera, then there are better choices, both from Fujifilm and other brands. Still, no other camera offers exactly what you get with the X-T50, which is why I absolutely recommend it.

[Related: Top Five Must-Have Fujifilm X-Mount Lenses!]

Check Pricing & Availability

The Fujifilm X-T50 is available for $1,399 as a body only, for those who already have a few Fuji X-mount lenses. Or, with the excellent 16-50mm kit lens, you’ll pay $1,799.

(B&H | Adorama | Amazon)

Now, the total number of X-mount lenses may pale in comparison to the volume of Canon, Nikon, or Sony lenses in production. However, Fujifilm makes each release count, and today, when it comes to APS-C mirrorless lenses, Fuji’s lineup is in the lead by a long shot!

Indeed, they’ve been diligently adding lenses to their line-up, with an incredible variety. Fuji’s native lenses cover a range from 8mm to 400mm (14mm – 600m equiv). Their prime lenses can be as fast as f/1.0 or f/1.2, and their zooms thoroughly cover constant f/2.8, constant f/4, and variable apertures, depending on the focal range you’re looking for.  In this article, we’re going to review the Best Fuji X Lenses.

The current lineup includes numerous primes and zoom lenses, and the overall construction (build quality) is typically composed of an almost all-metal barrel and lens mount, with a variety of attractive features like weather resistance (WR), an aperture ring ( R) image stabilization (OIS) and linear motor (LM) autofocus.

If you are considering switching to the Fuji system, or already have and are shopping for lenses to add to your collection, take a look at our list of 5 must-have lenses (plus some alternates) for the Fuji X-mount.

1. Nifty Fifty (50mm equivalent) – Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR

Now, this list is in no particular order, but a good place to start would be with a 50mm (full-frame) equivalent. Some photographers have based their entire careers on the 50mm; it is a versatile focal length that can be used for everything from portraits to landscapes.

The XF 35mm f/2 is one of the original, oldest “nifty fifty” equivalents provided for X-mount cameras, but is still quite respectable. If you’re on a tight budget, the Fujifilm XC 35mm f/2 ($199) has the same optics, but is made of plastic and doesn’t have the fancy glass coatings. Want the absolute best, newest option? You’ll have to check and see if the XF 33mm f/1.4 LM WR is available! ($799)

The lens may not be as fast as its f/1.4 counterparts, however, it is smaller, lighter, and still has weather sealing. Contrast and center sharpness are impressive wide open at f/2 with very little vignetting. It takes an aperture or f/5.6 to have competitive sharpness in the corners.

2. The Portrait Lens – Fujifilm Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R

I have been shooting this lens almost exclusively on my X-T1 for close to a year now, and it is no slouch. It’s Fuji’s second-fastest portrait lens, (the fastest being the monstrous XF 50mm f/1.0 R WR) and has an 85mm equivalent focal length. As with almost all Fujifilm primes, it lacks lacks image stabilization, plus there is no WR weather resistance.

Some would argue that the newer XF 90mm f/2 is better optically, well-suited for portraits, (especially solo/headshots) and has weather sealing to boot, but, the XF 56mm has reached legendary status among Fuji shooters, simply because the images look gorgeous.

The lens manages high image quality across the frame, edge-to-edge sharpness, with the image corners only being slightly softer than the dead-center. If you are buying an f/1.2 lens, you would want to shoot it wide open, and this lens practically begs you to shoot it wide open all the time.

Next to the XF 56mm f/1.2 APD, which is specifically made to create an even more unique, softer look, the bokeh of this ultra-fast f/1.2 mirrorless prime is arguably the best in the entire Fuji lineup. Just note that because of all the glass this lens’ AF motors must literally push back and forth, you would be sacrificing “snappy” autofocus speed compared to a more modest f/1.4 or f/2 prime.

3. Walk Around Zoom – Fujifilm Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 LM WR

The answer to the popular full-frame 24-70mm f/2.8, Fuji created a very capable 24-82mm equivalent. An excellent optic overall with impressive image quality, there is just some slight color fringing at the 16mm end of the zoom range, but, it’s nothing that can’t be controlled in post-production.

The lens is great for portraits of both individuals and groups, has excellent sharpness across the frame, and is weather sealed; could you ask for more? Well, I guess I could ask: this zoom lens lacks OIS stabilization, which can be a deal-breaker for some. Still, it’s hard to argue with the versatility of an f/2.8 zoom, especially if your Fuji mirrorless body has in-body stabilization! (IBIS)

[RELATED: Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR For Wedding Photography | Just Take My Money Already]

4. Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom – Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 LM WR

With the variety of wide-angle lenses that Fuji provides, professionals and hobbyists alike will discover which wide-angle focal lengths and apertures suit their needs and creative styles. If you want a fixed f/2.8 aperture that is truly as wide as possible, the XF 8-16mm is what you need.

At 8mm it matches the truly exotic full-frame equivalent of 12mm, while at 16mm it matches full-frame’s popular 24mm, of course. Indeed, it is a “modest” exotic flagship lens, if ever there was one.

One great alternative in the wide-angle category that you might want to consider, of course, is the the (updated) XF 10-24mm f/4 WR. The zoom range, equivalent to 15-35mm, is a very popular focal range, plus this lens is downright “tiny”! Color rendering and image sharpness are excellent, and things like distortion and color aberrations are well-corrected with this modern lens’ raw profile!

[RELATED: Fuji X-S10 Review | Performance and Portability, Perfected? ]

5. The Telephoto Zoom – Fujifilm Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR

Besides offering a full serving of alphabet in its name, the XF 50-140mm is Fuji’s offering for the 70-200mm crowd. Combined with the XF 16-55mm, you have the dynamic duo that most wedding photographers rock in their kit. (Or, add the 8-16mm f/2.8 for the “holy trinity” of f/2.8 zooms.)

Thanks to the linear motor, autofocus is quick and snappy, and highly precise on any of the latest Fuji mirrorless bodies with technology like face/eye detection and tracking. The focus and zoom mechanisms both take place internally; some folks dislike zooms that extend. Image quality is almost as crisp on the edges as it is at the center of the frame; merely stopping down to f/4 will make image quality virtually perfect.

Distortion is on par with an equivalent lens from other top brands; that is to say, it is negligible. Also, like name-brand flagship full-frame lenses, it is a weather-sealed, metal-clad monster that will appease the telephoto junkies out there.

[RELATED: Fujinon 50-140mm F/2.8 | Initial Impressions on This Sexy Piece of Kit]

The Alternates

Picking the top five lenses out of Fuji’s lineup can be difficult, as the lens quality of Fujinon/Fujifilm lenses can rival those offered by exotic, luxury names such as Zeiss. However, there is an incredible diversity of options available, almost all of which are excellent. So, here are three runners-up that did not make the list.

[RELATED: Fujifilm X-T10 | The X-T1 Alternative For You]

Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR

This body cap of a lens can be labeled as the normal lens of the lineup, even though it technically equates to forty-something millimeters. It comes as is no surprise how much I love 28mm lenses on crop sensors as it creates a very cinematic, dare I say “reminiscent of the film days” …look.

Why wasn’t it on the list? The only reason is that it seems a mediocre lens compared to thothers in the lineup; it ffers beautiful images with no distortion, however, there is nothing special about this lens aperture or focal length, so it gets overshadowed.

Fujifilm 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

This kit lens is shockingly good and can satisfy street and portrait photographers alike, and can be a viable option instead of the XF 16-55mm f/2.8, especially if you plan to stay at the wider end of the focal range when you require the f/2.8 aperture.

It is robust and sharp, epically for a kit lens that might have come with your camera! Speaking of which, if you come across a Fuji 15-45mm or 16-50mm “kit” lens as a package with a particular Fuji camera body, I recommend skipping them and going with this 18-55mm instead, even if you’re on a budget. Alternately, Fuji does make a professional-grade 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR, for those who want the also popular 24-120mm equivalent range in a high-quality package.

Why wasn’t the 18-55mm on the main list? – The cost is a bit steep for a kit lens; at around $600; a better investment can be argued in favor of the XF 35mm f/2. I believe a zoom lens is only as good as its fastest aperture, as consistent results are important, therefore the XF 35mm is, in fact, $200 less and yet 1-2 whole stops faster.

Fujifilm Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 R Macro

Here’s a unique lens that deserves an “honorable mention” if only for the simple reason that many people have an interest in macro photography, and such lenses aren’t as abundant on the X-mount.

Why wasn’t it on the list? – You might think the focal length and decently fast aperture would make it a perfect low-light and portrait lens, however, with its truly “old” autofocus motor and technology, it is one of the slowest focusing lenses of the lineup.

Conclusion | Top 5 Must-Have Fujifilm X Lenses

Fuji is making multiple new lenses every year, however, their current and even “older” lenses are already quite excellent. In other words, you can definitely fill your bag now with all the best lenses for whatever type of photography you like to do!

Video Review of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR Lens

This is my first time powering up this camera, which is a practice I wouldn’t recommend for those of you going into professional shoots, but for this video and to challenge myself, I enjoy unboxing and putting the camera to work immediately on a portrait shoot with our model Sarron. This allows me to test how it will perform under pressure and how easy it is to navigate.  Unfortunately, at the time of releasing this video, we’re probably not going to get a chance to look at the actual RAW files because Lightroom and other editing apps don’t support them yet.

Ergonomics & Menu Design

One of the first things I wanted to check out was the image quality settings. I shoot large RAW on my Canon DSLR so I quickly realized if I don’t change these settings I would be dealing with large image files that would will up my memory card. I decided to shoot Superfine JPEG+ RAW. The other thing I love about Fujifilm cameras is their film simulation options. No other camera company has this option, and even ones that have come close don’t really have the accuracy to emulate real film styles. I love how simple their menu systems are, even coming from a completely different camera system, I find it easy to navigate and learn in a small amount of time.

Focus & Sharpness

I thought it would be perfect to test the AF system in a complex scene where the camera might struggle to find the subject. I chose to use multi-purpose AF and turned on the face and eye detection, these two paired together worked perfectly for this single subject shoot, even with all of the distracting elements in my frame. I don’t expect the focus system on this camera to be able to keep up with the latest, greatest mirrorless camera, but if you’re strictly comparing it to medium format options, it easily takes the cake.

Do you Need a Medium Format Camera?

I’m not a huge fan of medium format cameras because they do offer a ton of resolution, but they also have a lot of drawbacks in terms of the shooting and image creation process. Medium format is all about intention, the anticipation of moments, and perfecting the capture, while DSLRs give you a lot more flexibility and allowance for missing moments. Coming from shooting fast-paced weddings where things can happen in the blink of an eye, it can be hard to justify spending almost $6,000 on a medium format camera only to wait for huge image files to process and as a result maybe miss a moment. I will say, of the medium format cameras I’ve tested in the past, this does a great job balancing mirrorless and the detail, resolution, and depth of medium format. This camera is meant for true artisans and lovers of the art form of photography.

I’m actually going to take it out with my family to do a few more test shots, and then when I can get the images into Lightroom and process the RAW files I’ll do a follow-up video and tell you what I think about the dynamic range of the image files.

Fujifilm GFX 100S Review: Final Thoughts

This is a camera from an artist’s perspective that I would actually consider buying. It offers such a unique value proposition compared to other mirrorless cameras. In the past, I’ve shot quite a bit of medium format cameras and the digital backs are very inconvenient – lugging them around, using them the way that the cameras work really slows down the process and it felt like I was giving up too much just simply for the depth and dynamic range in detail. Now, for some photographers, that makes complete sense, because that’s all that they need. In this camera, we’re getting the convenience of mirrorless, better focus systems, better speed, and we’re getting five frames/second – this to me is the best of both worlds.

Fujifilm GFX 100S Sample Images

You can pre-order the Fujifilm GFX 100s for $6,000 USD.

Dear customers,

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued patronage of FUJIFILM products.

The mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM GFX100S” scheduled to be released in late February has received more reservations than expected, and the number of preparations has exceeded.

Therefore, it may take some time before the ordered product is delivered.

We will do our best to meet the quantity of reservations as much as possible, but we appreciate your understanding.

[Related Reading: Unorthodox Review of the Fuji GFX 50R | The Medium Format Camera I Might Actually Buy]

Given how rollouts of new gear have gone over the last year (look up the PS5 & Xbox craziness for some examples), it’s not surprising when something this interesting/impressive is launched the supply lines get delayed.  Here’s hoping that whatever the problem is, they manage to get it sorted so they can deliver and ship as many orders as possible. According to Fuji Rumors, that’s the desire from Fuji so they can close out the fiscal year with a little more success.

Here’s hoping that those of you who have ordered this incredible beast aren’t left waiting too long. Let us know if you’ve ordered this camera for yourself and experience any delays in the comments below.

The lightweight, compact X-E4 features the same 26.1-megapixel, X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, 0.02 sec autofocus, and fantastic color science that can be found in all the professional X Series cameras.

“Outstanding image quality, wide dynamic range, and superb low-light performance combine with simple controls, advanced Face and Eye Detection, and a forward-180° tilting LCD touchscreen to make this camera a joy to use for video or photo,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management at FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Electronic Imaging Division.

Read the Full Press Releases Below;

Main Product Features:

X Series’ Lightest and Smallest Camera Body

• At .80 lb. (364g) and measuring 4.77in x 2.87in x 1.28in (121.3mm x 72.9mm x 32.7mm), X-E4 is the most compact interchangeable-lens camera in the X Series of digital cameras. The product uses Fujifilm’s 4th generation sensor and processor. To maintain its slim and sleek design, a rear tilting LCD screen has also been carefully designed to ensure the body remains as thin and portable as possible.
• The camera’s compact design is influenced by the design of classic film cameras. Both the front and rear grips are flat to give it a classic aesthetic, while the top plate of the camera body is carefully molded from magnesium to provide a polished, elevated finish. Diverse functions and easy operation
• The rear tilting monitor can be flipped upward and forward-facing up to 180 degrees, which can accommodate a wide variety of compositions, from high to low angle, as well as selfies and vlog-style videos.
• The top panel includes a shutter speed dial that can be set manually or switched to Program Mode (P) if fully automatic functionality is required.
• Controls have also been concentrated to front-side dials to give extra thumb space for maximum in-hand comfort.

Professional Performance

• Using Fujifilm’s state-of-the-art 26.1MP X-TransTM CMOS 4 sensor and the high-speed image processing engine X-Processor 4 to provide incredibly fast autofocus, X-E4 uses phase-detection autofocus points across almost 100% of the sensor to acquire focus in as fast as 0.02 seconds. It is also able to track moving subjects with an advanced AF-tracking algorithm, ensuring that images can be captured when the focus is optimal.
• X-E4 also includes Fujifilm’s latest Face and Eye detection technology to track subjects accurately, even in luminance levels as low as -7.0EV where used with an attached FUJINON XF 50mm F1.0 R WR lens. Extensive video-recording functions
• X-E4 oversamples 6K footage to record 4K/30P 4:2:0 8-bit video to internal media, or 4K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit video via its HDMI port.
• The camera can also deliver high-speed, full-HD video at 240fps, which can be used to replay fast-moving subjects up to 10x slower compared to footage recorded at 24fps.Variety of film simulations
• A total of 18 film simulations are available with the X-E4, including Velvia, which is characterized by highly saturated colors and crisp gradation, and ETERNA Bleach Bypass, which reproduces

Pricing and Availability

X-E4 is currently expected to be available in March 2021 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $849.95 USD and $1,050 CDN. The camera will also be available as a kit that includes the FUJINON XF27mmF4 R WR lens at a manufacturer’s retail price of $1049.95 and $1,300 CDN.

Adorama | B&H | Amazon

Several Accessories will be available for X-E4 as well, including:

• BLC- XE4 (Black Leather Case): $79.99 MSRP USD/$105 CDN
• MHG-X-E4(MetalHandGrip,Blackonly):$89.99MSRPUSD/$120CDN
• TR-X-E4 (Thumb Rest, Black): $69.99 MSRP USD/$95 CDN
• TR-X-E4 (Thumb Rest, Silver): $69.99 MSRP USD/$95 CDNFor more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/cameras/x-e4/.

XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens

FUJIFILM today also announced the FUJINON XF70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens (XF70-300mm F4-5.6), an interchangeable zoom lens for X Series digital cameras that combines high performance with portability.

“This new lens is a lightweight and compact telephoto zoom that provides image-makers with a broad range of focal lengths between 70mm and 300mm (35mm equivalent of 107mm – 457mm),” says Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management for FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Electronic Imaging Division. “Its fast autofocus (AF), up to 5.5- stops of optical image stabilization, and weather-resistance make it a natural choice for image- makers that need a versatile lens option that isn’t heavy.”

Product features include:

Broad range of focal lengths in a compact and lightweight design

• Weighing just 1.27 lb. (580g) with a length of 5.21 in. (132.5mm), XF70-300mm F4-5.6 combines 17 elements in 12 groups, including one aspherical element and two, extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, into a compact and lightweight body that only has a diameter of 2.95 in. (75mm).
• Paired with Fujifilm’s FUJINON XF16-80mm F4 R OIS WRl ens, image-makers can use the XF70-300mm F4-5.6 to maximize portability and maintain versatility with just two lenses, effectively covering the 35mm equivalent focal lengths between 24mm and 457mm at a fraction of the size and weight.

Compatibility with FUJINON 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters

• XF70-300mm F4-5.6 is compatible with the FUJINON XF1.4X TC WR and FUJINON XF2X TC WR teleconverters. When XF70-300mm F4-5.6 is paired with XF2X TC WR, it is possible to achieve a maximum 35mm equivalent focal length of up to 914mm with only 2 stops of stop-loss. When using it with XF1.4X TC WR, XF70-300mm F4-5.6 will provide a maximum 35mm equivalent focal length of 630mm with just 1 stop of stop-loss.
• With either of the FUJINON teleconverters attached, photographers can continue to enjoy phase-detection AF without a reduction in performance.

Powerful 5.5-stop Image Stabilization

• XF70-300mm F4-5.6 offers up to 5.5-stops of optical image stabilization (OIS) to help minimize the effects of camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths. Additionally, the lens’s OIS capabilities can also be combined with the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) systems found in FUJIFILM X-T4 and FUJIFILM X-S10 to add five-axis stabilization, which can further help to minimize shake caused by linear shift.

Fast and Near-Silent AF Drive

• The use of the linear-motor drive system in XF70-300m F4-5.6 enables fast and near-silent autofocusing, which allows it to fully leverage and make use of the advanced AF system found in X Series cameras.

Maximum Magnification of 0.33x or Equivalent of 0.5x in the 35mm Film Format for 1:2 Close-Ups

• With a minimum focus distance of 32.6 in. (83cm) and magnification of 0.33x (a 35mm equivalent of 0.5x), XF70-300mm F4-5.6 can be used to create dynamic close-up photography, making small objects, like flowers, fill the entire frame. Attached to the FUJINON XF2X TC WR teleconverter, maximum magnification is extended to 0.66x (the 35mm equivalent of 1:1 magnification), and a necessary requirement to achieve optimal results in macro photography.

Dust- and Weather-Resistant Structure and Low-Temperature Operability

• Weather-resistant seals have been applied at 10 locations along the lens barrel to protect it against dust and moisture, while also giving XF70-300mm F4-5.6 the ability to operate at temperatures of down to 14°F (-10°C).

Using the compatible FUJINON XF1.4x TC WR and FUJINON XF2.0x TC WR teleconverters, XF70-300mm F4-5.6’s maximum focal length can be extended to a maximum of 600mm (a 35mm equivalent of 914mm), which will allow photographers to capture faraway subjects in frame.

Pricing and Availability

The FUJINON XF 70-300mm F4-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is expected to be available in March 2021 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799.99 USD and $1,050 CDN. For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xf70-300mmf4-56-r-lm-ois-wr.

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FUJINON XF27mmF2.8 R WR lens

FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the FUJINON XF 27mm F2.8 R WR lens (XF27mmF2.8), a new interchangeable lens for FUJIFILM X Series digital cameras, with availability anticipated in March 2021.

A thin, “pancake-style” prime lens, with a focal length of 27mm, XF27mm F2.8 provides a natural field of view close to that of the human eye, which makes it extremely suitable for a diverse range of photographic styles – from everyday general use to portraiture, street, and landscape photography.

“With its compact design, image-makers may find themselves using the lens frequently as a walkaround lens because of its exceptional portability, outstanding image quality, and weather-resistant features,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management for FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Electronic Imaging Division.

Product Features Include:

Aperture Ring with F-stop Scale and A-Position Lock

XF27mm F2.8 features an aperture ring with an F-stop scale, so that users can visually check and adjust their aperture setting without needing to look at the camera’s screen or through its viewfinder. The aperture ring also features the A (Auto) Position Lock, which locks the lens into the A-Position to prevent unintentional adjustments to the lens’ aperture while it is being used.

Weather-Resistant Construction

Weather-resistance has been applied at seven locations on the lens to protect against water and dust and allow it to fully operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C).

Lens Hood Included

In addition to the standard lens cap, XF27mm F2.8 comes packaged with a dome-shaped lens hood (LH-XF27) and a hood cap (LHCP-27) to provide options to protect the lens, and to accommodate users that prefer using a low-profile hood over the lens caps because of its convenience.

Thin and lightweight design combined with advanced image quality

• Since the diameter of the image circle needed to cover an APS-C sensor (28.4mm) is so close in dimension to XF27mm F2.8’s focal length, the lens produces uniquely high-quality images while boasting an incredibly compact design.
• Despite its compact size, the lens consists of seven lens elements in five groups, including one aspherical element, which mitigates spherical aberration, field curvature, and distortion. This allows XF27mm F2.8 to deliver astounding image resolution, even when it is used at its widest apertures.
• XF27mm F2.8 features a high-torque DC motor to enable fast and accurate AF, while the front lens group of five lens elements effectively maintains image quality by minimizing aberrations that may occur, whether the lens is being used for close-ups or for subjects that are further away.
• One of the thinnest and lightest*1 XF lenses in the XF lens collection, XF27mm F2.8 measures just 62mm in diameter and is only .91 in. (23mm) long. The lens is very lightweight at approximately 3 ounces (84g), which makes it an ideal choice for assignments where compactness and overall size are of concern.

Accessories

As referenced above, a lens hood and hood cap come packaged together with the XF27mm F2.8 lens. Replacements of these accessories are available for separate purchase as well.

Pricing and Availability

XF 27mm F2.8 is currently expected to be available in March 2021 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.95 USD and $520 CDN. For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/xf27mmf28-r-wr/.

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This lens was part of a launch of 5 new camera and lens products as part of Fujifilm’s Global X- Summit. For more information on the other products launched, please check out our other post here.

“This simple capture-to-edit workflow is a great solution for fine art or still life photographers, because the additional resolution creates images with incredibly accurate color reproduction that are high in detail and rich in tonality,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management, FUJFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division.

Use the new, Pixel Shift, Multi-Shot function to faithfully reproduce nearly every detail and to achieve optimal image quality with 400 megapixels of resolution.

• Using state-of-the-art technology to create an image: Utilizing the GFX100’s 102MP large-format sensor*1, high-precision, in-body image stabilization mechanism (IBIS) and its powerful X Processor 4 image processor, the Pixel Shift, Multi-Shot function slightly moves the image sensor by 0.5 pixels to incrementally record high-resolution RGB pixel information over the course of creating 16 RAW images. Those images can then be imported into Pixel Shift Combiner, to create a single 400MP image, and outputted as a DNG RAW file for further processing in Capture One or any other compatible photo editing software.
• Preserving detail, one pixel at a time: The Pixel Shift, Multi-Shot function reproduces fine detail and color accuracy by shifting the image sensor so that each pixel records image data in red, green and blue. This allows for unparalleled color reproduction, with next to no false colors occurring, even in the finest of details. This benefit makes it the perfect choice for digital archiving and preserving works of art, cultural assets, and any other applications that require immense color fidelity and the reproduction of fine details.
• A simple workflow for tethered or untethered applications: In addition to combining and outputting DNG RAW files from images created through the Pixel Shift, Multi-Shot function, Pixel Shift Combiner also provides photographers with tethered capture functionality to allow for a seamless transition from making images to combining, and, subsequently editing, them in Capture One or any other compatible photo editing software.

“For those working in the archival or cultural preservation fields, these new functions are especially valuable to photographers documenting historical artifacts or large works of art, because they can be preserved digitally at 400MP, with color reproduction that only Fujifilm can provide,” said Ha. “With the Pixel Shift, Multi-Shot function, GFX100 can now be used to precisely record these artifacts so that they may be shared with future generations before they are lost forever.”

Click here for more information about using this function.

Check Pricing & Availability of Fujifilm GFX100 Systems

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In Addition to this news, Fuji has also announced the release of a custom GFX100 camera designed for Infrared Photography! Read the full press release below;

Fujifilm Introduces FUJIFILM GFX100 IR (Infrared) Large Format Mirrorless Digital Camera

“Over the past several months, we have made a significant effort to broaden the scope of the prestigious X-Photographer program in the U.S. to be more representative of our community,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product management at FUJFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division. “We’re doubling the size of the program to give as many photographer content creators as possible the chance to showcase their work. The addition of these new X-Photographers to our already impressive roster of pros has us excited about the content to come.”

Fujifilm X-Photographers are leading photographers in the U.S. Fujifilm community that are passionate about creating images, mentoring new image-makers, and giving back to the community. The newest photographers added to this respected program were selected by a group comprised of Fujifilm staff, some of Fujifilm’s current US-based X-Photographers, and third-party reviewers.

[Related Reading: Fujifilm X100V Real-World Camera Review | Head to Head Series]

The newly named X-Photographers for the 2020-2024 term are:

• Aaron Anderson – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/aaron-anderson/
• Elizabeth Austin-Davis – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/elizabeth-davis/
• Reggie Ballesteros – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/reggie-ballesteros/
• Justin Black – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/justin-black/
• Dinesh Boaz – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/dinesh-boaz/
• Kirth Bobb – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/kirth-bobb/
• Miles Witt Boyer – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/miles-witt-boyer/
• John Branch IV – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/john-branch/
• Rebecca Gaal – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/rebecca-gaal/
• Michael A. McCoy – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/michael-a-mccoy/
• Joshua Rashaad McFadden – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/joshua-mcfadden/
• Ibarionex Perello – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/ibarionex-perello/
• Nina Robinson – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/nina-robinson/
• Chinelle Rojas – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/chinelle-rojas/
• Brandon Ruffin – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/brandon-ruffin/
• Caroline Tran – https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creators/caroline-tran/

“I am so grateful to be a part of the Fujifilm family,” said Caroline Tran, one of the newly-named U.S. X-Photographers. “Running your own business can feel like being on an island at times, but having Fujifilm by my side has given me great company and support to make this journey fun! I am so honored to be part of a group that’s so committed to giving back to the photography community.”

[Related Reading: Fujifilm Announces New Mirrorless Digital Camera | FUJIFILM X-T30]

As part of the revised U.S. X-Photographer program, every four years a new X-Photographer class will be named, in an effort to encourage photographer and content diversity and variety.

“Adding term limits to our X-Photographer program allows more photographers to have the X- Photographer experience than before, and the opportunity to showcase the work of more photographers is critical to us,” Ha said.

As part of the program’s enhancements, several additional layers were also introduced. To be eligible to become an X-Photographer, the photographer first must be part of the Fujifilm Creator program, and then apply for the four-year X-Photographer position. An evaluation/vetting process occurs, and selected Creators are chosen to advance to X-Photographer status. Outgoing X-Photographers maintain alumni status and may re-apply to become an X- Photographer again once the next four-year term has passed.

To learn more about these newest additions, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/creator_category/x-photographer/. For more information on the X-Photographer program and other related programs, visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/news/2020/0701_23707/.