FujiFilm APS-C mirrorless cameras

In this article, I will discuss Fujifilm mirrorless cameras. Founded in 1934, Fujifilm is a historical brand of photography which has built a solid reputation during the film era, especially thanks to its films with appreciated and recognizable effects. When digital photography came into play, the brand became more discreet, until the release of the X100 in 2011, an expert compact with an APS-C sensor.

It was not long before, the same year, Fujifilm released its mirrorless cameras introducing the X mount. Designed for APS-C sensors, Fujifilm chose to focus on this format only and to offer high-end gear, when other brands such as Sony, Nikon and Canon considered (and continue to do so) this format as amateur gear, a jumping-off point to full frame. If you’re interested in this brand, we’ve just started writing our first comprehensive guide about the best Fujifilm wide angle lenses.

Thus, Fujifilm was able to enter a previously unoccupied market segment, with relatively affordable cameras that were also light and compact, especially compared to DSLRs in this format, and offering high-end lenses with serious construction and large apertures. This type of offer being limited in other brands or requiring to switch to compatible lenses but designed for full frame, which adds to the weight, size and price.

Since then, these cameras have found a large audience, and Fujifilm has not only attracted a nostalgic clientele but also newcomers who have quickly appreciated the expertise of the brand, both on ergonomics and JPEG treatment. On this point, Fujifilm had to be particularly attentive because at that time, few software were able to process their RAW, which does not take anything away from their merit – in particular the possibility to simulate film renderings directly in the camera, which few brands offer. Fujifilm has also expanded its camera line-up, which we’ll look at in more detail now. If you are interested in buying a Fujifilm camera, I invite you to have a look at all X-mount lenses available.

If you are still hesitating about buying an APS-C camera, Canon has just released their first two Canon RF APS-C cameras.

Are you interested in Fujifilm? Are you considering buying a camera? Be sure to check out what macro lenses the brand offers!

Before explaining in detail the most important functions of each camera, I invite you (especially if you are looking for a camera) to read our comprehensive article explaining all the things to keep in mind when choosing your digital camera.

The X-A range of Fujifilm is considered to be an entry-level camera for the X-mount. These cameras differ by the absence of electronic viewfinder. Because of this, Fujfilm has included a large touch-sensitive, steerable rear screen on this X-A7, released in 2019. The camera offers an APS-C sensor, like all Fujifilm’s X-mount cameras, but does not use the 26MP X-Trans of higher-end cameras. We find here a classic 24MP sensor, probably the same as the one used in Sony and Nikon APS-C cameras, with a native sensitivity range from 200 to 12800ISO extendable from 100 to 51200, 425 AF points, a 6 frames per second burst, 4k 30p video (60p in Full HD and 100p in HD) and a 270 shots autonomy.

From reviews, although the AF does have as AF points as higher-end cameras, it seems to be less effective. The lack of an electronic viewfinder is also a big concession. It is therefore a camera for beginners who can’t afford or do not have the requirements of higher-end cameras. Even if it has been well thought to offer simple and intuitive settings and shortcuts, it does not offer the ergonomics so appreciated by Fujifilm users.

This camera could be quite interesting if it was not so difficult to find in stores and on traditional websites, and usually supplied with an entry-level kit zoom. Its price is therefore quite variable and rather high for a camera that is supposed to be entry-level, the more easily available cameras like the X-E4 or the X-T200 (which also have an electronic viewfinder) being not much more expensive.

Released in 2020, the X-T200 is the entry level of the X-T cameras, even if the segmentation is not very clear. We find here an entry-level camera with a rather plastic design, slightly bigger and heavier than the X-A7 but with a 2.36MP electronic viewfinder. We still find the classic 24MP sensor of the X-A7 and its predecessor the X-T100, still no X-Trans sensor, as well as the same sensitivity range 200-12800 ISO extendable from 100 to 51200 and a 425 AF points. The burst rate goes up to 8 frames per second, but the video and autonomy are the same as for the X-A7. The screen is also touch-sensitive and adjustable.

Again, it seems that the AF is less efficient than higher-end models. And once again, it’s hard to find this camera other than with a kit lens, which adds to the bill and puts it close to the price of some higher-end and overall more interesting cameras. For example, the one below…

Released in 2021, the X-E4 has a design more similar to the compact expert X100 with its graduated exposure time dial and its lack of grip. We finally get the 26MP X-Trans sensor found in the higher-end cameras which offers a slightly higher quality than the 24MP of the lower-end ones, with a native sensitivity range of 160 to 12800 ISO extendable from 80 to 51200. The electronic viewfinder is the same (2.36MP) and the AF still offers 425 AF focus points. The burst rate increases to 20 frames per second and the autonomy to 380 shots. The 4K video is still limited to 30 frames per second, but the quality of videos is clearly improved compared to the X-T200 – and there is no cropping. The rear screen is also touch-sensitive and adjustable.

The X-E4 has a more vintage design and can be found alone. It is also more compact and of the same weight as the X-T200, which makes it an easily transportable camera. Its performance is very honorable, it is more responsive with a faster electronic shutter burst than the X-A7 and X-T200 for a price barely higher. It can be bought without kit lenses, although we can ask ourselves, here again, if it is not more interesting to go for a camera with a better grip for the same price, such as…

Released shortly after the X-E4, the X-T30 II is the second version of the X-T30 (it is the first Fujifilm camera with the “mark II” designation). Many expected an X-T40 inspired by the X-T4 with stabilized sensor, but Fujifilm preferred to take most of the X-T30 and update the firmware to improve the AF, the scene recognition in automatic mode, and add some movie simulations and options in the video mode.

We thus find the X-T30 body with a slot for SD card, a thin grip but more pleasant than the X-A and X-E for the handling, as well as the 26MP X-Trans sensor with a native sensitivity range of 160 to 12800 ISO extensible from 80 to 51200, the AF with 425 AF points and the electronic viewfinder of 2.36MP. The autonomy is, as for the X-E4, of 380 images, and the burst rate of 30 images per second, as on the 1st version. On the other hand, if the rear screen remains touch-sensitive and tiltable but not orientable, it gains a better definition. The video mode still offers 4K at 30 frames per second, but it benefits from a larger video stream with a recording time limit of 30 minutes. Full HD also gains in slow motion with a rate of 240 frames per second, instead of 120 with the 1st version. Again, like all recent Fuji cameras, we still have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The price, weight and performance of this camera can make it more interesting than the X-E4. The design and the grip will make the difference between them.

In 2020, in order to “convert” users used to DSLRs or to the ergonomics of most other brands, Fujifilm decided to release the X-S10, a camera that gives up the graduated exposure time dials to make room for mode dials and a more “solid” grip. This camera is therefore a little heavier than the X-T30 and is more practical for large hands.

We find again many elements of the above-mentioned cameras, like the 26MP X-Trans sensor with the same sensitivity range of 160 to 12800 ISO extendable from 80 to 51200, an SD slot, an electronic viewfinder of 2.36MP, an AF with 425 AF points, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The burst rate is 20 frames per second, which is slightly lower than the X-T30 II, but this time, the sensor gains the stabilization. The autonomy loses slightly, going to 325 shots. The video mode is quite similar to the X-T30 II, still no 4K at 60 frames per second but again a slow motion at 240 frames in Full HD.

The price difference with the X-T30 II is mainly the addition of stabilization. Your choice will have to be made on this argument as well as on the general design of the body, including its rear screen still touchable but orientable and not just tiltable. The X-T30 II remains more “faithful” to the Fujifilm ergonomics while the X-S10 is more easily compared to the expert DSLR’s.

We now come to what can be called the Fujifilm pro range with the X-T4. Here we find the essence of Fujifilm ergonomics and all the expertise of the brand for the construction of the body since it is a range of bodies with an all-weather construction.

We find, once again, the 26MP X-Trans sensor which, as for the X-S10, benefits from stabilization with a native sensitivity range of 160 to 12800 ISO extendable from 80 to 51200. An AF of 425 AF points, a burst of 20 images per second, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the orientable touch screen are all included. But what comes next becomes more interesting: 2 SD slots, an electronic viewfinder of 3.7MP, a 4K video mode at 60 frames per second (but with a crop of 1.18x), a battery life of 500 shots, and an overall more responsive body, including its AF.

The X-T4 offers the best of Fujifilm’s performance in a robust body with an excellent grip, which increases its weight and size. There is now only one camera really more high-end than this X-T4.

In 2019, Fujifilm decides to renew its most atypical body by releasing the X-Pro3. Why atypical? First, because usually, the higher-end bodies are bigger and heavier, while here we have a fairly compact body, almost as light as an X-S10. Second, because it offers a unique hybrid viewfinder since you can choose to display in its viewfinder either an electronic or an optical viewfinder. Be careful, it is not the optical viewfinder of an DSLR but a rangefinder offering only a single field of view, and which is therefore more delicate to use with long focal lengths.

Inside the body, we once again find the 26MP X-Trans sensor with a sensitivity range of ISO 160 to 12800 expandable from 80 to 51200, this time without stabilization, and the 425 focus points. The electronic viewfinder is the same 3.7MP of the X-T4. Not being a body particularly intended for sports photography or video, the burst is only 8 frames per second, the autonomy of 370 shots (more important in rangefinder), and the video mode limited to 30 frames per second in 4K and 60 in Full HD. It does not even have a shortcut button to start recording. The screen is touch-sensitive but not adjustable, only tiltable, with a certain originality since it displays a small secondary screen on the back, on which we find a “film” illustration of the selected rendering, and by default the sensitivity and white balance information that can be customized.

This camera is proposed at a rather high price and is particularly intended for nostalgic photographers who are fond of rangefinder photography. Indeed, the secondary screen is an invitation to not display images on the back and to enjoy without distraction the ocular viewfinder.

For the 10th anniversary of the Fujifilm X-mount, the company presented in 2022 not one but two new cameras. First, released in May, the XH2-S (S stands for speed): a 26 MP mirrorless APS-C camera built around a stacked BSI 5 CMOS sensor. Then, a few months later, Fujifilm announced the release of its latest APS-C mirrorless camera, the XH2: a 40.2 MP definition around the 5th generation CMOS BSI sensor.

As far as appearance goes, the X-H2 body is identical to the X-H2S, except for the camera name and the “S” badge on the front of the high speed version. They have both robust and weather sealed bodies, a bit bigger than an XT-4 or X-S10. Their dimensions are identical: 136.3 x 92.9 x 84.6 mm, with a weight of 660g including battery and memory card. There is also a large ergonomic grip. The viewfinder and screens are the same, the rear touchscreen is fully articulated and the large OLED viewfinder has a 0.8x zoom factor.

The sensor is one of the biggest differences between the Fujifilm X-H2 and the Fujifilm X-H2S. Both cameras benefit from a 5th generation X-Trans CMOS sensor, but the introduction of a stacked CMOS sensor on the X-H2S comes with a significant increase in the camera’s readout speed. This combination allows for faster shooting burst speeds up to 40 fps, faster and more sophisticated autofocus, and higher frame rate video with minimal rolling shutter. For sports use, the advantage goes to the Fujifilm X-H2S. On the other hand, the non-stacked BSI sensor of the X-H2 is simpler but still keeps a 15 fps burst, which is often enough.

For high-definition photography, the X-H2 is the one to look to. With its 40 MPX sensor, it is currently, at the time of writing this article, the most high definition APS-C mirrorless camera on the market. Its 5th generation sensor offers better low light performance, better dynamic range and higher level of details.

Regarding autofocus, the AF system of the X-H2S was significantly improved for a more persistent subject tracking. The subject recognition modes work very well. The X-H2 uses the same processor and the same algorithms, but the performances are not identical with a significant disadvantage of the X-H2 in action scenes, the stacking of the sensor of the X-H2S is clearly seen. Thus, we note an advantage to the “S” body where the faster sensor performs better with high speed subjects and where trajectories are more random.

We still have to compare videos on these two cameras, and on this point the X-H2 has a small advantage on the definition, obviously. With its 40 MP sensor, the X-H2 can produce 8K 30p video. If 8K is too much for you, you have the option of shooting 6.2K 30p and 4K UHD and DCI at 60p. All in 4:2:2 10 bits. Obviously the X-H2S is not limited to 6.2K 30p and 4K 60p without a crop. On the other hand, the 4K 120p mode applies a 1.29x crop, but at least it offers 4K 120p unlike the X-H2. Of course, the X-H2’s slower sensor means it can’t match the X-H2S’s impressive readout rates. In short, whether it’s stills or video, the X-H2 is designed more for static or slow subjects. The conclusion is that there is not really one better than the other… Each one has its own area of expertise, speed for the X-H2S and high definition for the X-H2, as Fujifilm probably intended them. Both are ultra powerful and will be able to meet the needs of a large number of wealthy photographers and videographers.

You will find below a table summarizing the main features of Fujifilm APS-C cameras mentioned above. The table is sortable, and you just have to click on the desired column to classify.

Although I have already given my opinion on each of these cameras, I will try to summarize what I think is the best choice according to your requirements and what the cameras offer.

The entry level cameras, the X-A7 and X-T200, share some features with the higher-end cameras, but they can be hard to find, especially without kit lenses, and at prices quite close to higher-end bodies. For example, the X-T200 with the 15-45mm kit lens is priced around €850, while you can find the X-E4 and X-T30 II for €50 more, which feature Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor, better burst, better AF and a better finish.

If a kit lens suits you, I would tend to direct you towards expert compacts. But if you decide to get an interchangeable lens camera, it seems to me that it would be better to spend the price difference in a higher-end body and then take advantage of the very interesting offer of lenses that the Fujinon range proposes.

This is where we come to the cameras I find the most interesting: the X-E4, X-T30 II and X-S10. Positioned at very similar prices, with a little more for the X-S10 given its stabilization, you will have with these 3 bodies a high level of performance and image quality. The differences between them are find in their design and ergonomics, with a more streamlined X-E4, an X-T30 II more in line with Fujifilm ergonomics, and an X-S10 more like modern DSLRs. Their size and weight also distinguish them with a more advanced grip on the X-S10 and a more compact one on the X-E4, the X-T30 II offering for me a good compromise between the two.

In the pro range, the X-T4 and X-Pro3 are very different. Indeed, the X-T4 incorporates the latest technologies and is the ideal marriage between all that Fujifilm can do in photography and video, while the X-Pro3, unique with its retro look and its rangefinder, offers a new photographic experience Pro range. They are also the only ones offering a double SD slot.

While still in the pro range, you now have the choice between two other high-performance, high-end cameras. The X-H2S is a sport and wildlife camera, designed for both stills and video. It’s very responsive, with instant release, ultra-fast bursts and very good autofocus. And on the other side, you have an X-H2 with a high definition sensor designed for portrait, landscape and commercial photographers. It has great dynamic range and high detail, not to mention its 8K video prowess.

Fujfilm also offers an X-H1 designed for video, but it is getting old, difficult to find, and uses older technologies, which is why I did not detail it. If you want to take old technologies, you might as well look at the X-T100, X-T30 or X-T3.

I hope this page will be useful and help you make your choice. Fujifilm offers in my opinion the best APS-C mirrorless cameras offer at the moment, competing with the entry and mid-range FF of other brands, and which I consider having a better quality/price ratio than the micro 4/3 offer overall. If you are interested in more high-end cameras from the brand, I invite you to have a look at our complete guide on Fujifilm medium format cameras.

See you soon,

Sylvain