I get asked frequently for my opinions on Fujifilm cameras. Many people are seeking advice on what to buy. Tomorrow is December 1, and the Christmas shopping season is in full swing. This article is intended for those wishing to gift a camera and are searching for tips on what to choose. My hope is that there’s some helpful advice here as you camera shop for your loved ones.
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.
First Camera
If you are shopping for someone’s first interchange-lens camera, let’s say a teenage kid or spouse, I would recommend the Fujifilm X-T100. This is a low-budget entry-level model that is still very capable and will deliver high-quality pictures. You get a surprisingly large bang for a surprisingly few bucks. As of this writing, the Fujifilm X-T100 with a 15-45mm lens is only $400, which is an incredible bargain.
Fujifilm X-T100 w/15-45mm lens: B&H Amazon
Vlog Camera
Suppose that you are shopping for an aspiring vlogger. Maybe this person has been using their phone to do so, but is ready to upgrade to a more serious camera. My top recommendation is the Fujifilm X-A7. This camera is similar in a lot of ways to the X-T100 mentioned above, but with better video capabilities and an articulating rear-screen that makes it a better choice for vlogging. The Fujifilm X-A7 with a 15-45mm lens has an MSRP of $700.
Fujifilm X-A7 w/15-45mm lens: B&H Amazon
Good Camera
My wife wanted a camera. She had a Canon point-and-shoot, a GoPro, and her iPhone, but she wanted something better, something more capable, something good. She wanted a camera that could capture high-quality stills and video. So I bought her a Fujifilm X-T20, which has been my top recommended Fujifilm camera for over a year. This camera is a step up from the X-T100. It could be used as a vlogging camera, although the X-A7 might be a better choice for that. Because it’s not the latest model, it’s priced very well, and as of this writing the Fujifilm X-T20 with a 16-50mm lens is only $600, which is an amazing deal!
Fujifilm X-T20 w/16-50mm lens: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-T20 w/18-55mm lens: B&H Amazon
Second Camera
If you are shopping for someone who already has a Fujifilm camera and they’ve been hinting that they want a second camera body, you have several good options. The Fujifilm X-T3, which is at the high end, is currently $1,300, and the Fujifilm X-T30, which is mid-tier, is currently $800. The Fujifilm X-E3, which is also mid-tier, but doesn’t have the latest sensor and processor (yet is still great), is currently only $500. No matter if you have a large or small budget, you’ve got some good camera bodies to choose from.
Fujifilm X-T3 (Body Only): B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-T30 (Body Only): B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-E3 (Body Only): B&H Amazon
Fun Camera
Those wanting to gift a camera that’ll be super fun for the receiving photographer have two great choices: the Fujifilm X100F or the Fujifilm XF10. Both of these are fixed-lens cameras that are an absolute joy to use, especially the X100F, which might be my personal all-time favorite camera. These are great for travel or street photography or even snapshots of the kids. The Fujifilm X100F is currently $1,100 while the Fujifilm XF10 is currently $450.
Fujifilm X100F: B&H Amazon
Fujifilm XF10: B&H Amazon
Has-It-All Camera
If you are camera shopping for the photographer who already has it all, the one camera that they might not have is the brand-new Fujifilm X-Pro3. This is a unique camera that delivers a unique experience. It’s the most expensive camera on this list with an MSRP of $1,800. Another option is the Fujifilm X-Pro2 Graphite Edition, which comes with a lens and is currently discounted at only $1,600.
Fujifilm X-Pro3 (Body Only): B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-Pro2 Graphite w/23mm f/2 lens: B&H Amazon
Kid Camera
For those with kids who have been begging for a camera, the one that I highly recommend is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. This is the camera that I got my daughter when she wanted one for Christmas, and she’s absolutely loved it! She’s had so much fun with it, and the “magic” of instant film is the same today as it was back when Polaroids were all the rage when I was young. Best of all, it’s super cheap.
I find someone who will give me an fun camera 📷
I need to find someone to gift me one!
I think the Fujifilm X-T3 would fit into my “have it all” and “second camera” categories. The Fujifilm XT100 does seem like a fun little camera which I might recommend to family members.
I don’t “have it all” but I know that I would love it if someone gifted the X-T3 to me. The X-T100 is so cheap it could actually be a practical gift to give.
Just curious, is the XT2 body being phased out? or is it just old enough it isn’t worth recommending for the sake of this post as it is always the same sale price now? Just curious as I am sure for the price it could be a better deal to an aspiring photog vs recommending a current xt30 or older xt20 in terms of features.
actually I think XT2 is best deal now:)
I bought XT2 1month ago. and that is perfect to me. I compared the T2 with the T30. The T30 is up to date, but the T2 was stronger, more solid, and more advanced flagship. (T3 was so expensive that it wasn’t in my plan.) I’m envious of the newly updated features for the 4th models. But Mr. Roesch’s simulation solves many of them !! blessing!
The X-T2 is indeed a great camera. I had my hands on one a few weeks ago for a moment, made me real envious.
It is being phased out, although it is still in stock in many places. Same for the X-H1. Both are great cameras and can be had for a good price, but the remaining stock is certainly limited.