If you are looking for your first Fujifilm camera, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. Perhaps this will be your first “serious” camera. Or maybe you’ve had a different brand of camera for awhile, but you don’t use it all of the time, and you’re not all that experienced with it. It could be that you’re interested in a Fujifilm camera because you want to try my film simulation recipes. This article is intended to help you with your buying decision.
I’m making a few assumptions with this post: you’re in the market for a new camera, you want a camera that’s easy-to-use yet you can grow with, and you’re on a limited budget. Maybe those assumptions are incorrect for you, but I bet they’re true for many of the people who this article was intended for. My hope is that this post will give you some clarity.
So let’s look at a few Fujifilm cameras!
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Fujifilm X-S10
The X-S10 is a mid-range mirrorless offering from Fujifilm that’s great for both still photography and video. It doesn’t have all the typical retro stylings and controls that most Fujifilm cameras are known for, but if you have some experience (even if just a little) shooting DSLRs or mirrorless cameras from other brands, this camera will likely feel more natural to you, and the learning curve will be just a little easier. It’s an extraordinarily capable model, and will keep up with you as you become a better photographer. If you are looking for the best budget Fujifilm camera for video, look no further, as the video-centric X-S10 is well-regarded for it’s cinematic capabilities. The camera retails body-only for $1,000, or $1,500 bundled with the Fujinon 16-80mm lens.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-S10 camera if:
– You have some experience with a different brand and want the easiest transition to Fujifilm.
– You will be doing a lot of videography.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-S10 camera if:
– You want the full Fujifilm retro experience.
– You are on a tight budget.
Buy the Fujifilm X-S10 here:
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Fujifilm X-T30
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a great retro-styled mid-range mirrorless camera, but it is a couple years old now. Despite having the same X-Trans IV sensor and processor as all of the other models in this list, it is more like a previous generation camera. Don’t get me wrong: the X-T30 is an excellent option. I have this camera and use it frequently (you can read my review of the X-T30 here). Of all the cameras in this list, the X-T30 is the one I recommend the least, but I do still recommend it. It’s a solid option for both stills and video, but it is beginning to feel slightly dated. The camera retails body-only for $900, or $1,300 bundled with the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens or Fujinon 18-55mm lens; however, it might be possible to find it discounted.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-T30 camera if:
– You like the retro-styling.
– You can find it on sale.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-T30 camera if:
– Having the latest and greatest is important to you.
– You’ll be primarily using it for video.
Buy the Fujifilm X-T30 here:
B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-T30 II
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is a minor update to the X-T30, but if you plan to use film simulation recipes and/or use the camera for video, the new model has some important features that make it worth choosing. The X-T30 and X-T30 II share the same sensor and processor, but are basically two different camera generations. Not surprising, the new version is better. The camera retails body-only for $900, or $1,000 bundled with the Fujinon 15-45mm lens, and $1,300 bundled with the Fujinon 18-55mm lens; however, the X-T30 II isn’t out just yet, but it is available for preorder.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-T30 II camera if:
– You want the best mid-range retro-styled Fujifilm model.
– You will be doing both still photography and videography.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-T30 II camera if:
– You need a camera right away.
– You can find the original X-T30 on sale for significantly cheaper.
Buy the Fujifilm X-T30 II here:
B&H Amazon
Fujifilm X-E4
Fujifilm doesn’t currently have any low-budget entry-level models—the Bayer-sensor cameras, which serve this purpose, have all been discontinued, at least for now—so the X-E4 currently sits at the bottom of the roster, but, make no mistake, this is a mid-tier camera, similar to the ones above, and not low-end. While the X-E4 sits at the bottom, it is actually my top recommendation, with one exceptions: If you will be doing a lot of video, the X-E4 has some limitations that the X-T30 II and (especially) the X-S10 do not. Otherwise, my best suggestion for those in the market for their first Fujifilm camera is the X-E4. The camera isn’t perfect (you can read my review of the X-E4 here), and perhaps Fujifilm went slightly too minimalistic with it, but it is a pretty darn good option, and an excellent choice for someone wanting an uncomplicated camera that will grow with them as they become better and more experienced. The X-E4 retails body-only for $850, or $1,050 when bundled with the Fujinon 27mm lens.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X-E4 camera if:
– You want the cheapest mid-range retro-styled Fujifilm model.
– You want an uncomplicated option.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X-E4 camera if:
– You will be primarily using it for video.
– You think you’ll want a lot of programable buttons and dials.
Buy the Fujifilm X-E4 here:
B&H Amazon
Additional Thoughts
Obviously, if this will be your first Fujifilm camera and you are on a tight budget, you are going to need a lens—a body-only option won’t likely be your best bet, as you will want a lens bundle. Unfortunately, the X-T30 II bundled with the 15-45mm is the only option if you don’t want to spend more than $1,000. The 15-45mm lens is decent enough for a cheap zoom, but there’s a reason it only costs $100 (when bundled). Also, the X-T30 II isn’t out yet, although you can preorder it if you don’t mind waiting. Your next best bet is the X-E4 bundled with the (excellent) 27mm f/2.8, which is $1,050. The rest of the bundles are $1,300-$1,500, which very well might be above your budget.
If these prices are outside of what you can afford, you might consider a used camera, perhaps an X-Trans II or X-Trans III model. Something like the X-T1, X100F, X-E3, X-T20, or a number of other older cameras are good options. The used route is a good way to get into the system without breaking the bank.
If, by chance, you can afford a $1,400 camera, I have one more recommendation for you.
Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is my “desert island” model—if I could only have one camera, it would be this! I love mine (you can read my review of the X100V here), as it’s such an excellent camera. The X100V has a fixed lens, so you don’t need to go out and buy one, although the lack of interchangeable capability is a limitation you’ll have to consider carefully. Of all of the cameras in this list, the X100V would be considered the most “premium” of the group. The camera retails for $1,400.
I recommendation the Fujifilm X100V camera if:
– You want the most enjoyable Fujifilm experience.
– You want a compact option.
I don’t recommend the Fujifilm X100V camera if:
– You have a limited budget.
– You don’t think you’d like the limitation of a fixed lens.
I’m really loving the X-E4 for several months now and recently returning from the streets of Paris France putting the X-E4 through the paces, there was nothing about this camera that got in the way other than myself.
Yes! The X-E4 is such a wonderful little camera. Thanks for the report!
I got the X-T30 earlier this year and chose it because the sensor was the same as the X-T4 and X-E4 (that had just come out) Wish I would have known about the software limitations of the X-T30, I was thinking I was getting the least and greatest. Guess I should have done more research. That all being I love the classic look and feel of this camera and continue to learn more and more about what it can do. The last DSLR I have was 12+ years ago and I had no idea that cameras had made so much progress. I love these cameras!
They’re all great cameras, including the X-T30. I’m still holding out hope that Fujifilm will show it a little love and give it a firmware update with at least some of the new features. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for your insightful recommendations. It helps with my decision making. Im a 60 yr old beginner and want a not overly complicated quality product. You’ve given me nice advice. Thanks again.
Awesome! Glad to help!
Discovered your site whilst looking for info about mirror-less cameras. I certainly came to the right place. I’m a true beginner but have enough money to invest in a camera of choice. I am drawn to the X-T4 but think maybe it is an extravagance given how novice I am. I want to do video and still photography in equal amounts. Do you think that you might update your article in the near future and if not would the X-T4 be a good choice for a beginner who wants the retro style? Or should I start with an X-T30 II? Thanks once again for your article.
If you’ll be doing equal amounts of stills and video, the X-T4 (or X-T5) is an excellent option. I know someone who does some amazing video work on an X-T30 II, but he has a ton of experience and knows how to deal with the limitations of the camera (specifically, lack of IBIS). I would say, if money is no issue, then the X-T4 (or X-T5) is the “better” option, but if your budget is stretched, the X-T30 II will give you a similar experience for less money. I hope this helps!
Thanks for your rapid reply! Now I’ll start exploring lenses and see if the budget still stretches. It’s the IBIS that pushes me to go X-T4 but let’s price a lens first.
Hi Thank You for an interesting Review . I have a Question can the T -30 shoot in the old film format likesuch as Velvia or Provia
The X-T30 doesn’t have Classic Negative, Eterna Bleach Bypass or Nostalgic Neg., but it has all of the others. The X-T30 II has Classic Negative and Eterna Bleach Bypass, but not Nostalgic Neg.