Best budget camera | FUJI X WEEKLY

Your Gift Guide for Affordable Fujifilm Gear

Posted on November 29, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

It’s the holiday season, and Christmas is right around the corner. Maybe you want to give a gift to your photographer friend or family member something that they will absolutely love. Perhaps your spouse, child, grandchild, or niece/nephew is interested in following in your footsteps, and are hoping to find their first “real” camera under the tree. If you are shopping for a fellow photographer or budding photographer, I’ve got some gift ideas for you!

For my 40th birthday, my wife got me a Fujifilm X100V, which was such an incredible gift! For her 40th birthday, I gave her a Fujifilm X-T4. While those were certainly wonderful presents, they were very unusual for us, as we don’t typically spend anywhere near that much for birthdays and Christmas, and probably a lot of you reading this don’t either. There are tons of great more affordable options and it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so for this article I’m going to narrow the premise, which hopefully will provide some of you with a little better clarity.

First off, I’m assuming that you don’t have a small fortune to spend, and so you don’t mind buying used gear, which is more affordable, and perhaps a bit more practical as a gift. MPB, the sponsor of this article (where all my suggested gift ideas can be purchased from), is the largest global platform where you can buy, sell, or trade used photo and video gear—each piece checked by hand before being MPB Approved. If you’re thinking about upgrading or gifting gear this holiday season, embracing used is a great way to keep costs down without compromising on quality. Secondly, this website is Fujifilm-centric, so all of my suggestions will be related to that brand of gear.

Let’s jump right in!

Fujifilm X-T1 — Best learning camera

For someone who wants their first “real” camera to learn photography on, the Fujifilm X-T1 is my top recommendation. First, it has manual tactile controls to learn the principles of photography with (such as the exposure triangle). Second, while it is “old” for digital technology (released in 2014, a full decade ago), it is still very capable. This was Fujifilm’s flagship model when it was introduced, and 10 years later it holds up pretty well. Interestingly, in 2021, Antonio Faccilongo won the World Press Photo Story of the Year with a photograph captured with this model. Third, the X-T1 is quite affordable, and can be purchased for less than $500. You will need a lens to go with it, and my top recommendation is the Fujinon 35mm f/2, which can be had for less than $300 used. Depending on the exact copies you pick, you can get a camera and lens combo for under $800, and even under $700 if you don’t mind a few scuffs.

Fujifilm X-S10 — Affordable hybrid for videography

While many cameras are great for photography, some don’t excel at both stills and video. My top recommendation for an affordable hybrid—a camera that’s good for both stills and video—is the Fujifilm X-S10, which has in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS), an important feature for videography. If you are buying for someone who has shown an interest in creating TikTok or YouTube videos, you’ll want to strongly consider the X-S10. It can be had for under $900, which makes it the most expensive camera in this list; however, I think it pairs well with the Fujinon 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6, which is one of the more affordable lenses at about $150.

Fujifilm X-A2 – Most affordable camera

I get asked somewhat frequently what is the cheapest way to get into Fujifilm, usually from those wanting to buy a camera for their child or grandchild. Is it possible to do so under $500? Well, it is possible, but just barely. The Fujifilm X-A2 can be had for under $350, and the Fujinon 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 is about $150, which brings you in right around $500. The X-A line was Fujifilm’s most budget-friendly series. The X-A2 was released in 2015 and is approaching 10 years old; however, it is still surprisingly capable, with similar technical stats as the Fujifilm X-T1.

Fujifilm X30 — Fun for the one who has everything

For the photographer who has it all, the Fujifilm X30 is a fun little camera! There’s a pretty good chance that the photographer you are shopping for doesn’t have this model. It’s older, and doesn’t have particularly impressive stats, but what it lacks technically it more than makes up for in pure joy. Nobody is going to make a career out of this camera, but for fun snapshots that have a ton of character, the X30 is one to take a close look at. It’s not necessarily cheap at around $700, but at least you don’t have to buy a lens for it, since it is a fixed-lens camera.

Fujinon WCL-X100 II & TCL-X100 II — Conversion lenses for X100-series cameras

If the photographer you are buying for already owns a Fujifilm X100-series camera, like the X100VI, X100V, and X100F, a great addition are the two conversion lenses: WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II. These two lenses add versatility to any X100-series camera, and are especially great for travel photography. They’re not terribly expensive, either: the WCL-X100 II is about $200, while the TCL-X100 II is about $230. Choose one, or choose both. If it’s just one, I would give first consideration to the WCL-X100 II.

If you are searching for a holiday gift for the photographer or budding photographer in your life, I hope that this list provided you with some clarity. I always enjoy receiving camera-related clothes and coffee mugs and things like that as gifts, but if you really want to give a camera or lens, those do cost a lot of money, and I think that this list has some excellent suggestions; however, feel free to browse MPB’s current inventory, as you just never know what you might find.

How to Get Into Fujifilm on a Small Budget

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

Since Fujifilm has discontinued what was their entry-level models (such as the X-T200 pictured above), it’s a little more expensive nowadays to get into the X system. If you are on a tight budget, your options are limited, but you still have some good cameras to choose from. Note: this article is based on current pricing as of the time of publication. Let’s dig into this!

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

If your budget is $1,000 and you want something brand-new:

Fujifilm X-T30 II + 15-45mm — Amazon — B&H — Moment

That is your only option, but it is a good one; however, if you think outside the box, there’s another way to approach this:

Choose one of the cameras below:
Fujifilm X-T30 II — Amazon — B&H — Moment
Fujifilm X-S10 — Amazon — B&H — Moment
Add one of these lenses:
7Artisans 25mm f/1.8 — Amazon
Meike 25mm f/1.8 — Amazon
Meike 35mm f/1.7 — Amazon
Meike 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon
7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon
TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon
TTArtisan 50mm f/2 — Amazon
Meike 50mm f/1.7 — Amazon

If your budget is under $1,000:

You’ll have to go the second-hand route. Some places to look are B&H’s used department, KEH, MPB, and eBay. I’m sure there are other websites, too. Some used camera models to consider are:

Fujifilm X-T30
Fujifilm X-T20
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-T2
Fujifilm X-T1
Fujifilm X-H1
Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm X-E2/X-E2s
Fujifilm X-E1

Aside from the camera body, you’ll need a lens. A few to consider are:

TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 — Amazon — B&H
TTArtisan 35mm f/1.8 — Amazon — B&H
Fujinon 35mm f/2 — Amazon — B&H — Moment

If you shop around, it’s possible to find a good deal, and even get a Fujifilm camera and lens for less than $400. Almost no matter your budget, there are options, but the less you have to spend, the more difficult it will be and the fewer choices you’ll have; however, don’t fret! Just keep an eye out for good deals, and with some patience you are bound to find something that you can afford. My introduction to Fujifilm, which was on a tight budget, was via a used X-E1. I know first-hand that it is possible.

Creative Collective 052: FXW Zine — Issue 21 — August 2023

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Ritchie Roesch

The August issue of FXW Zine is out now! Creative Collective subscribers can download it today. Not a Creative Collective subscriber? Join to gain access to this issue plus all pervious issues of FXW Zine and the many bonus articles.

Issue 21 takes a look at five budget-friendly Fujifilm cameras that are fairly inexpensive on the used market. If you are considering adding another camera but don’t have a lot to spend, or if you are looking for a good-yet-cheap first Fujifilm model—maybe for your kid or a friend—then the August issue is for you!

Best Fujifilm X Cameras Under $1,000

Posted on January 28, 2022 by Ritchie Roesch

People ask me all of the time for my recommendation on which Fujifilm camera to buy. Recently, I’ve received a number of requests for cameras under $1,000. Which one is the best? Which should you buy?

There aren’t currently very many low-budget offerings by Fujifilm. The Bayer models, like the X-A7 and X-T200, have been discontinued, and those are the most budget-friendly Fuji cameras, if you can find them—if being the key word. There are a few X-Trans options that aren’t too expensive, so let’s take a look at what’s available to purchase right now.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Best Value: Fujifilm X-E3

The Fujifilm X-E3 is a discontinued body, but you can still find it brand-new here and there for a good price. It’s X-Trans III (the current models are X-Trans IV, and X-Trans V is just around the corner), so perhaps it’s a little dated, but no doubt about it, the X-E3 is an excellent camera. There are even some who prefer it over the newer X-E4, because it has more buttons and such. While it doesn’t have quite as many JPEG options as the latest models (no Classic Negative, for example), there are still plenty of Film Simulation Recipes that are compatible with it, so you’re sure to still experience that Fuji-Fun. If you are trying to get into the Fujifilm system, or are upgrading from an older model, the X-E3 is your best value option.

Fujifilm X-E3 (Body Only) $699.95 Amazon
Fujifilm X-E3 + 18-55mm $999.95 Amazon

Best For Video: Fujifilm X-S10

The Fujifilm X-S10 serves two purposes: Fujifilm’s “budget” option for video, and Fujifilm’s entry-level camera for those migrating from other brands. It is the cheapest Fuji offering with In-Body-Image-Stabilization (yet the most expensive in this list), and is slightly more video-centric in specs and design than some other Fujifilm cameras. Instead of the classic Fujifilm knobs, the X-S10 has a typical “PASM” dial that most other brands use, so the learning curve might be a little less than with other Fuji models, although you’ll miss out on the true Fujifilm experience. If you do a lot of videography, or if you’re coming from another brand and want the shortest learning curve, the X-S10 is the camera that I recommend for you.

Fujifilm X-S10 (Body Only) $999.00 Amazon B&H

Best Recommendation: Fujifilm X-T30 II

If you want the camera that offers the most for the least and gives you a true Fujifilm experience, look no further than the Fujifilm X-T30 II. This is the ultimate Fujifilm X camera that doesn’t break the bank. While it’s the very last X-Trans IV camera, it is certainly not the least, and the many JPEG options (including Classic Negative and Eterna Bleach Bypass) will allow you to use all of the Film Simulation Recipes that require those. Seriously, if you are upgrading to a new model or buying your first Fujifilm camera, the X-T30 II is one to strongly consider. The only downside is that you might have to wait to get your model, depending on availability, because it is brand-new. Also, be sure that you’re buying the X-T30 II and not the original X-T30 (which has been discontinued), unless you happen to find the original X-T30 for a good discount.

Fujifilm X-T30 II (Body Only) $899.95 Amazon B&H
Fujifilm X-T30 II + 15-45mm $999.95 B&H

Best Minimalist Camera: Fujifilm X-E4

The Fujifilm X-E4 is much like the X-T30 II, except in a different (and smaller) shape and with a minimalistic design approach. This camera is for those who believe that less is more. If that’s you, you’ll love the X-E4, but if that’s not you, perhaps consider a different model instead. I personally own and love an X-E4, but I can say with certainty that it’s not for everyone. This is another model that can be hard to find right now, so if you want it, be sure to snag it if you see it.

Fujifilm X-E4 (Body Only) $849.00 B&H

Cameras Not Included

There are, of course, a number of other offerings by Fujifilm that are currently available for purchase. The X-Pro3 (Amazon, B&H) is Fujifilm’s Leica, but well above the $1,000 top price point of this piece. The X-T4 (Amazon, B&H) is Fujifilm’s flagship camera, and it’s absolutely wonderful—my wife has one—but, again, it’s much too expensive to make this list. The Fujifilm X100V (Amazon, B&H) is my “desert island” camera, but it, too, sits above the $1,000 threshold.

Best Value Just Above $1,000: Fujifilm X-T3 WW

Then there’s the X-T3 WW, which is an X-T3 without a battery charger (USB charging only). The X-T3 used to be Fujifilm’s flagship model until the X-T4 was released. It’s a little above the budget for this article, but it’s worth considering nonetheless, especially if you need weather-sealing. It’s an excellent value, but if you don’t need weather-sealing, the X-T30 II is a wonderful alternative for a couple hundred dollars less.

Fujifilm X-T3 WW (Body Only) $1,099.95 Amazon B&H