Home » Hardware » Hardware Review » Cameras / Camcorders » Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100T Review – The Fujifilm X series has been one of the big success stories of the digital imaging age. The manufacturer has successfully combined two things that appeal strongly in the marketplace: camera bodies that look beautifully classic, and image quality that’s up there with the very best available. Indeed, it’s a testament to the success of the X series that there are many professionals who are happy to use Fujifilm’s cameras in place of carrying a big DSLR kit around.

The X100T follows in the footsteps of the original X100 and its successor, the X100S. The original X100 offered 12.3-megapixels, while the X100S upgraded the sensor to 16.3-megapixels – a resolution that is retained for the new X100T. All these cameras provide a relatively compact body with a fixed, non-interchangeable lens, which offers the equivalent of a 35mm focal length in 35mm terms. This makes the camera an ideal reportage and street-photography option.

The APS-C sensor size is perfect for this sort of camera, as it affords truly superb image quality while ensuring that a miniscule body cannot be employed. This means that the X100T feels really good in the hand and not even slightly fiddly to use. Unlike an increasingly large number of cameras on the market, the LCD screen included here is fixed rather than articulated; this may be a disappointment for some, but it enhances the traditional, classic camera feel of the X100T.

Most of the differences between the X100S and X100T are refinements rather than revolutions, but the refinements are certainly worthy ones that make the X100T more pleasant and intuitive to use. First, there’s Wi-Fi capability, something that was not available on either of the previous models. There’s also a slightly bigger rear LCD screen (it’s now 3 inches rather than 2.8 inches) for an improved compositional and image-review experience, while the exposure compensation dial has been expanded to +/- 3 stops. The aperture stops on the lens are also now in thirds, and the four-way controller on the rear of the camera is completely customisable. A focus point selection issue was encountered, which may be worth mentioning. After setting a specific focus point, the camera defaulted back to the centre AF point repeatedly. This was a little frustrating and was only corrected after a complete reset of the camera settings.

In general, the dials also have improved grip compared to previous models, something that always enhances the usability of any camera, enabling more accurate, decisive adjustments. The only button or dial on the camera that feels rather disappointing is the on/off switch, which sits around the shutter button. During testing, this was easy to accidentally knock, so it’s a pity that Fujifilm hasn’t included a locking button to prevent this from happening.

The camera produces generally excellent image quality. Colours are accurate and noise is controlled. The fixed lens results in sharpness and clarity, so great photos are very much on offer with the X100T. As always with Fujifilm cameras, there are plenty of Film Simulation modes on offer, which recreate the characteristics of classic films.

The only significant drawback to this camera is the price; some people may feel that an interchangeable lens camera is a better bet at this price point.

The X100T is an appealing camera. The results are high quality andthe camera looks and feels classic and classy. Recommended, but with a caveat regarding the price.