Recently, a lot of people have asked me which Fujifilm cameras do I recommend. Should they buy an X100VI? X-T5? X-H2? X-S20? You get the idea. This is an impossible question for me to answer because it is personal; what I might like in a camera you might dislike, as each person’s needs, experiences, and priorities are different. Still, I’ll try to give some thoughtful answers.
To make this even more challenging, some Fujifilm cameras are difficult to get. As the saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Should you patiently wait for the Fujifilm X100VI? Or should you get an X-T30 II or X-T5 instead? I cannot tell you what you should or shouldn’t do, I can only offer my opinions, which should be taken with a grain of salt.
I learned photography during the film era, and used full-manual cameras for many years. Because of this, PASM mode-dial cameras never made sense to me and were always an awkward experience. Fujifilm’s retro designs and tactile controls are like home to me. For this reason, I’m not personally a big fan of the Fujifilm’s models that trade those for mode dials, such as the X-S10, X-S20, X-H2, and X-H2s. This is not to say that those are bad cameras (because they’re not), only that they’re not for me—you might, in fact, love them very much.
This article is specifically about new cameras, and not models that have been discontinued and are now only available used. I might make a part two that covers used models; there are so many to choose from, that’s a different beast altogether. For the sake of simplicity, I’m just talking about what is currently available brand-new.
Now, let’s get to it!
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Best Overall: Fujifilm X-T5
Whether you are a photographer, videographer, or both, the Fujifilm X-T5 is the top allrounder. It’s Fujifilm’s most premium model with retro tactile controls. It has a 40mp X-Trans V sensor, IBIS, weather-sealing, dual-card slots—just excellent specs. There’s so much to love about this camera, but no camera is perfect; however, this is in my opinion the closest to perfect among the current interchangeable-lens options. I’ve been using mine for about a year-and-a-half now, and still really enjoying it.
Fujifilm X-T5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Best Budget: Fujifilm X-T30 II
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is currently Fujifilm’s most entry-level model, but don’t be fooled: this camera is highly capable. It has a 26mp X-Trans IV sensor, which is my personal favorite Fujifilm sensor generation. It’s not as feature rich as other models—it doesn’t have IBIS, weather-sealing, or dual-card slots—but it is more than good enough for most people, especially if you plan to use it more for still photography than video. The X-T30 II can sometimes be difficult to find—it was purportedly discontinued at one point, but new copies seem to appear now and then. If you have less than $1,000 to spend, the X-T30 II is definitely your best bet.
Fujifilm X-T30 II in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T30 II in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Most Fun: Fujifilm X100VI
The Fujifilm X100VI is the camera that everyone wants but few can actually get. It’s the wildly successful successor to the X100V, which was also hard to find after it became a social-media sensation two-and-a-half years after it was initially released. The X100VI has a 40mp X-Trans V sensor, IBIS, and is (for the most part) weather-sealed. It has great stats; most importantly, it’s a lot of fun to use. The fixed lens, leaf shutter, built-in ND filter, and relatively compact size make it a joy to use. My wife gifted me an X100V for my birthday four years ago; just three weeks ago my X100VI arrived in the mail—these are my desert island cameras, and if I could only have one for the rest of my life, I’d be quite happy with either one of them. If you can get one, in my opinion it’s worth doing so; however, they’re definitely not for everyone, so only you can determine if you’ll appreciate it or not. Aside from that, the X100VI is not easy to get, and you might have to wait awhile for one to become available.
Fujifilm X100VI in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X100VI in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
I like this alot . I recently just got an XS20 . I’m primarily a Sony shooter but wanted to try out the fujifilm recipes. I ideally wanted the x100vi but we know how that goes . At the time the XT5 was out of stock on b&h . So I settled with the xs20 . Still keeping the ibis and more update features . The video aspect is great too .
Yeah, the X-S20 has a lot of great features, for sure! I hope the next iteration has seven custom presets instead of only four, though.
They removed the rotated screen in the X-T5 for nothing.
I don’t think it was very well received on the X-T4 overall. I personally prefer the X-T5 screen, but on the X-T4 it’s nice that it can be mounted backwards, kind of like an X-Pro3. I think there was a pretty loud outcry to not have the X-T4 screen on the X-T5, and that’s why Fujifilm changed it. Some really liked it, but most did not. I could go either way myself, but I think it was the right call for them to change it.
That’s the thing: back screens are a religion. I like the flippy screen, largely because it can turn around and go away 99% of the time. When I need it, it’s more flexible than a tilt screen.
But for those who like a low level viewfinder and use it regularly, the tilt screen is their win. This has long been Fujifilm’s standard, and folks who wanted that on the X-T4 were out off. It’s arguable for a street photography oriented camera. A problem for video folks.
My wife has an X-T4 and she likes the screen. She personally wishes that the X-T5 had the X-T4 screen. But she primarily does video, so maybe that explains it. I appreciate your comment!
I have both the X-T5 and the X100VI. I use the X-T5 when I know that multiple lenses will be required for the best results for a given photo project. I use the X100VI as my always carry camera because it is more fun to use, does not threaten by it’s size and its output matches my X-T5. Neither camera is PASM which would have been a dealbreaker for me.
Some people refer to the X100VI as the poor man’s Leica. I understand why, it is that good and better in some ways and I say that having owned Leica gear. Just my opinion.
A funny thing… I went to an air show recently… another photographer went with his X-T5 plus 70-300mm, I took my X100VI… afterwards he couldn’t believe that I came away with “better” photos on my X100VI 😮 🤣 😀
I do think the X100VI and X-T5 combo is an excellent one-two punch.
X-T50 of course…oh wait. 😁
😮
I suppose at some point that camera is bound to happen, although I’m not sure when. Hopefully sooner than later.
First half of 2024 if the fujirumors site is correct. Although with only a couple of months of the first half left, it appears an announcement that soon is doubtful! Unless it gets to be the same time date as the GFX100SII.
Fujirumors have a “confirmed” rumour of it having IBIS and 40mpix X-Trans 5. Still first half of the year, so maybe the May summit?
Sounds like my next buy, I feel the GAS.
Ah, I see that. Surprising. Fujifilm doesn’t “usually” announce two cameras at one X Summit, but I believe they have once or twice before, so that could go either way.
In Aus, the XT-5 is currently on sale at a price cheaper than the x100vi – makes it super difficult for someone who doesn’t own a mirrorless yet really tricky!!
The X-T5 is obviously the more versatile camera because you can change the lenses. Between the two, I like the X100VI just a bit more; however, I always feel like the X100VI should be paired with an interchangeable-lens model (for most people).