Fujifilm X-Trans is 10-years-old, and I thought it would be fun to list the 10 most important X-Trans models of all-time. The first X-series camera was the X100, but it had an EXR sensor, and not X-Trans. The first with the X-Trans sensor was the X-Pro1, which came out in 2012. I already wrote an article explaining the history of that camera, which you can read here. For this post, I’ll simply give my opinion on which X-Trans models were the most important.
Here we go!
10. Fujifilm X-E1
The Sexy One—I mean, X-E1—was the second X-Trans camera introduced by Fujifilm, and offered retro rangefinder styling in an affordable package. It had its problems (many that were fixed or improved by firmware updates), which hindered its commercial success, yet it is still a beloved camera 10 years later. Without the X-E1, there would be no X-E2, X-E2s, X-E3, or X-E4. While the X-E lineup isn’t usually a top-seller for Fujifilm, it is much loved by those who do own them. The Fujifilm X-E1 was my introduction into the X-series, so without it there would be no Fuji X Weekly.
9. Fujifilm X-Pro2
The X-Pro2 was not only the first X-Trans III camera, it was the first with a dual memory-card slot. For some, this was the first X-Trans camera that could be taken seriously—clearly aimed at professional photographers. It not only looked good, but had the specs and features to convince serious photographers to take a close look, and maybe even sell their full-frame gear in favor of Fujifilm.
8. Fujifilm X-T4
The X-T4 is the full-frame killer. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the it is an amazing tool for both professional photographers and videographers. To date, the X-T4 is the most “premium” X-series model made by Fujifilm, and is the camera that’s convinced countless people to choose Fujifilm over other brands.
7. Fujifilm X100V
The X100V is a solid update to the X100F, and is my “desert island” camera—if I could only have one, it would be this. For a lot of people who are unsure if they want to jump into the deep end of the Fujifilm pool, the X100-series allows them to get their feet wet without having to invest in the whole system. Once people do dip their toes, they discover that the water is fine. Although all of the five X100-series cameras are great, including the original X100, the X100V is definitely the best.
6. Fujifilm X-Pro3
The X-Pro3 is a controversial camera due to its unusual backwards-mounted rear screen. People seem to love or hate it. While it might be Fujifilm’s most polarizing camera, it has been a solid success, and a sought-after body since its introduction. Also, this was the first camera with Classic Negative, Clarity, and Color Chrome FX Blue, among other things.
5. Fujifilm X-H1
While it was initially considered a flop, the X-H1 now has a cult-like following. The X-H1 was even more top-of-the-line than the X-T2. It was the first X-Trans camera with the Eterna film simulation and IBIS, and had the best video specs when it was released. In a lot of ways, it was the X-T4 of the X-Trans III generation models (although in a body more reminiscent of the GFX50S), and was supposed to convince full-frame shooters to consider Fujifilm instead. Due to its high MSRP, sales were super sluggish, and Fujifilm had to steeply slash the price tag to get people to buy it. Those who did buy it were rewarded with an amazing camera! It’s a workhorse for many professional photographers, even if they own newer models, they often choose the X-H1 to do the heavy lifting.
4. Fujifilm X100F
The Fujifilm X100F is the camera that I first started making Film Simulation Recipes with. Fuji X Weekly was originally a long-term review (or journal, really) of this camera. The impact the X100F has had on the Fujifilm community and even the photography continuum cannot be quantified, but know that’s it’s massive. For me, the X100F changed my life, and that’s not hyperbole—it took a lot of self-control to not put it at the number one spot on this list.
3. Fujifilm X-T3
Have you ever wondered why Fujifilm hasn’t discontinued the X-T3 even though the X-T4 has been out for almost two years? It’s because the X-T3 is the top-selling X-series camera of all time, and continues to sell really well even today. Yes, it’s about three-and-a-half years old, but as long as people continue to buy it in droves, it will continue to be manufactured by Fujifilm. I wouldn’t be surprised if the X-T4 is discontinued before the X-T3. This is the only camera on this list that I haven’t personally used, but I know for certain that it’s a great model.
2. Fujifilm X-T1
A lot of people might be surprised that the X-T1 made it so high on this list, not because the camera isn’t great (because it is great), but because the reason might not seem obvious. What was so special about this model to make it all the way to number two? The X-T1 was Fujifilm’s first real commercially successful camera. Yes, the X-Trans models that came before this—X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2, X-M1, X20, XQ1, and X100S—did well enough (more or less, depending on the camera), but the X-T1 sold significantly better than them all. It really brought Fujifilm into the forefront, and made a lot of people take notice. For a large number of photographers, the X-T1 was the first model that made them seriously consider buying X-Trans.
1. Fujifilm X-Pro1
The Fujifilm X-Pro1 was where X-Trans began. All of the current Fujifilm cameras are here today because the X-Pro1 made a big splash with its retro rangefinder design and hybrid viewfinder 10 years ago. If it had not sold well, the X-series might have ended there, or not long after. But it did sell well, and is even in-demand to this day. That’s why the X-Pro1 is the number one most important Fujifilm X-Trans camera of all time.
Conclusion
What about the other cameras that deserve to be on this list? The original X100 is not here because it is not X-Trans (a requirement for this list), but I could have included the X100S, which the first X100-series model with an X-Trans sensor. The X100T was the first camera with Classic Chrome—except that a lot of people forget that one month earlier the X30 was released with Classic Chrome, and the X100T was actually a close second. The X-T10 was Fujifilm’s first real successful mid-range model—the X-T20 and X-T30 were pretty darn successful, too, and the X-T30 II is off to a solid start. The X-S10 has also done well, and is the cheapest model with IBIS. I think there are a number of cameras that could have made this list. What do you think? Do you agree with my Top 10? Would you replace any? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
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-T4 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X100V Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-Pro3 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T3 Amazon B&H
No X-T2????? The X-T1 by comparison was just a production prototype.
The X-T1 made the list over the X-T2 because 1) the X-T2 wouldn’t exist without the X-T1, and 2) X-T1 was the first really commercially successful X camera. Up to that point, camera sales had been ok, but Fujifilm X was still mostly limping along. The X-T1 brought the whole X-series into the mainstream. The X-T2 was a great camera for certain, and it did pretty well sales wise (better than X-T1, not as well as X-T3), so an argument could be made that it should make the list, but I’m not sure which one it would replace. Thanks for the input!
Why would the x100f be higher on the list when the x100v is superior? Nostalgia?
Because without the X100F, this website and all the film simulation recipes and the FXW app and such wouldn’t exist. To me, that makes it much “more important” even if it isn’t quite as good (still very excellent, though).
It’s not an X-Trans, and I know that’s the subject of this post, but the camera that first convinced me to go with Fujifilm was the lowly X-10. It’s a great little camera, I still use it, and I’d love to see an X-100 with a similar zoom lens. I traded in a Canon 5D III and a bunch of big lenses for an X-T1 and a bunch of small lenses. Currently using the X-T4 and the same lenses.
That’s great! The X-T4 is a special camera, for sure! I’ve never used an X10 myself, but it has the classic rangefinder design that looks great.
The “Sexy One” (X-E1) was the one that made me look closer at the Fuji systems. I rented the X-E1 and then the X-T1 and I fell in love.
The X-E1 is such a great-looking camera. The X-T1 is simply a great camera. Thanks for the input!
The camera that introduced me to Fuji was the X70 and for me, it would have been high on this list. The rendering of the little 18,5mm lens was fantastic and I still regret that I sold it. Also the Fuji XT2 would have been high on the list; I have been shooting with that camera with so much pleasure and I never felt that I had to replace it with an XT3 or XT4. Agree with the XH1, though; probably my all-time favorite digital camera.
I feel like the X70 should be on this list, but Fujifilm didn’t sell many copies and never made a follow-up. They absolutely should.
You‘re absolutely right! I bought my X-Pro1 in December 2013 and I still use it nearly daily! ❤️
Awesome!
Great choices, I’d agree with all of them as top 10 contenders! What is that lens you have on the X-E1, it looks incredibly small
https://fujixweekly.com/2018/05/27/lens-review-meike-35mm-f-1-7-for-fujifilm/
Pour ma part, après beaucoup d’hésitations j’ai opté pour un XT-3 et je retrouve le plaisir de la photo (amateur) que j’avais perdu depuis des années en passant par des bridge (Panasonic) et reflex (Canon) sur lesquels il est pénible de passer en mode débrayé et qui m’a beaucoup manqué.
Merci pour cet article
Je vous en prie! Merci pour le commentaire!
Surprised none of the X10, X20 or X30 made the list. Three variations of that line must of sold well enough to give us 3 of them.
The X10 wasn’t X-Trans, so it is not eligible for this list. The X20 introduced the 2/3″ X-Trans II sensor, which was used in four cameras. The first two (X20 and XQ1) did ok commercially, but the next two (X30 and XQ2) were disappointing–not because of the cameras themselves, but because the market fell on pocket-zooms, and those that did well were “premium” models with 1″ sensors (not 2/3″). So they were victims of a changing market. Perhaps an argument could be made for the X20 to be on this list, but I don’t know which model it would be worthy-enough to replace. I appreciate the input!
Lots of work went into this article and I think it’s a great one. I love my Fuji camera, the XT4 and I wish I had them all. I went from being a solid Nikon user to an in-love with Fujifilm girl.
Awesome! Thank you for your input!
My two Fuji favorites are x-e3 and x70…I hope Fuji manufactures more x70 bodies…don’t change anything.
Awesome! Fujifilm won’t make anymore X70 cameras (Sony doesn’t make that sensor any longer), but they should definitely make an X80!
I’ve become a small camera/ fixed lens kinda guy. I lust after an X100F or V or X70, but I prefer the luxury of a small fast zoom. I just read a passionate review of the X20 (over the X30) because of the nailed-it 28-112 zoom, fixed screen, slim form factor and rangefinder looks, all advantages to me. And so that little jewel will be my first-ever Fujifilm. Just “won” a nicely kept X20 on eBay. It’s in the mail.
Awesome! I hope you really enjoy it!
How the X-Pro 3 and 1 made this list, but the X-Pro 2 didn’t, is absolutely mystifying. Absolutely bulletproof, fixed all the issues from the X-Pro 1, and has none of the headache of that back screen on the X-Pro 3. And after this list is fixed by subbing in the 2 and out the 1 & 3, you’ll actually be able to add the X70 in there.
Total correction! I see the X-Pro 2 now. lol. My apologies!!
The X-Pro line is so important to the Fujifilm continuum, it’s the only line where every model made my list. 😀